Abstract: A fastening arrangement (14) comprises a shank (16) with a head (18) retained in a first component (10). The other end (25) of the shank is tapered or of other non-constant cross section and terminates in a domed portion (26). A second part of the fastening arrangement includes a collar (34) of shape memory metal material, which may be swaged to engage and retain the domed portion (26) by a magnetized pressure ring (36), which is applied by applying a strong magnetic field. To release the fastening, the pressure ring is released by the application of a magnetic field and the collar (34) is then heated so that it reverts to an open position.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled blow-molded article with a hinged handle is performed on an article comprising a receiving member and a pinned member. The receiving member is a double-walled blow-molded thermoplastic component having an outer wall, an inner wall, and an open-ended receptacle. The open ended receptacle is defined by an arcuate pocket positioned opposite the open end, a stationary wall extending from the pocket and facing generally in a first direction, and a deflecting wall positioned opposite the stationary wall and facing generally in a second direction opposite the first direction. The pinned member includes a cylindrical pin. The method comprises as a first step passing the cylindrical pin through the open end of the receptacle and into contact with the pocket.

Abstract: The invention concerns an expanding device (1) comprising two parts (heating elements 3,4) which can be moved relative to one another against the action of a spring element (11), wherein the spring element (11) is disposed between the two parts (heating elements 3,4) and abuts both parts (heating elements 3,4) with one external leg (12,13) each, a tensioning element (21) which can be displaced at a right angle to the direction of movement (14,15) of the two parts (heating elements 3,4) and is surrounded by a central connecting leg (18) of the spring element (11), and a counter bearing (20) on which the connecting leg (18) is supported in a tensioning direction (21′) of the tensioning element (21), wherein at least in the tension-free state, a section (16,17) of the connecting leg (18) cooperating with the tensioning element (21) in the tensioning direction (21′) is oriented at an inclined angle to the tensioning direction (21′) thereby forcing the parts to an abutment or wall and holding the

Abstract: The invention concerns an expanding device (1) comprising two parts (heating elements 3,4) which can be moved relative to one another against the action of a spring element (11), wherein the spring element (11) is disposed between the two parts (heating elements 3,4) and abuts both parts (heating elements 3,4) with one external leg (12,13) each, a tensioning element (21) which can be displaced at a right angle to the direction of movement (14,15) of the two parts (heating elements 3,4) and is surrounded by a central connecting leg (18) of the spring element (11), and a counter bearing (20) on which the connecting leg (18) is supported in a tensioning direction (21′) of the tensioning element (21), wherein at least in the tension-free state, a section (16,17) of the connecting leg (18) cooperating with the tensioning element (21) in the tensioning direction (21′) is oriented at an inclined angle to the tensioning direction (21′) thereby forcing the parts to an abutment or wall and holding the

Abstract: The blocking system comprises a first interface element adapted to cooperate with a first of two bodies; a second interface element adapted to cooperate with the second of the two bodies; blocking element adapted to cooperate with the interface elements to ensure temporary blocking and comprising a frangible zone; a rupture device consisting of a shape memory alloy adapted to be deformed by elongation through heating to break the frangible zone, by which the second body becomes free to move relative to the first body; and heating element adapted to heat the rupture device beyond the critical temperature to cause the shape memory alloy to be deformed. A redundancy of heating element may be provided, as well as a retraction of at least part of the blocking element in a housing defined by one of the interface elements. The invention is useful for blocking the displacement of a tilting platform with respect to a fixed platform in the field of space applications.

Abstract: In a friction- and form-grip connection of rotating components (1, 2) which have different expansion behavior in the region of the connection during rotation, the form grip is effected via a stepped centering seat (3). The friction grip between the two components is effected by means of axially prestressed elements. At least one of the components has a cavity (6) in the interior, in which cavity (6) an insert ring (7), which exerts a radial force on the centering seat (3) during operation, is arranged. The prestressed insert ring (7) bears with only part of its axial extent against the component (1) interacting with it.

Abstract: A sliding mount for a part made of plastics material and having at least one thin wall that is to be mounted in sliding manner on a support via its thin wall, the thin wall having an elongate opening therein with two longitudinal edges that are substantially parallel at least over a portion of their length, the mount comprising a spacer that is separate from the part, that is thicker than the thin wall, and that is suitable for sliding in the opening between the two longitudinal edges thereof. The spacer comprises an elastically deformable portion bearing slidably against the thin wall of the part when the spacer slides in the opening, the thin wall having a coupling shape organized in such a manner that when the spacer is in a privileged position relative to the opening, the deformable portion of the spacer couples with the thin wall.

Abstract: An expansion joint for connection of intersecting members of a plastic railing system, the expansion joint having a tubular collar having a male structural member positioned therein and secured to one intersecting tubular member, the second intersecting tubular member slidably receivable within the tubular collar and about the male structural member, the tubular collar having one end having a coped surface for cooperable mating with the exterior surface of the first intersecting tubular member so as to provide a structurally secure connection between the intersecting tubular members yet allow for the thermal expansion and contraction of one intersecting tubular member.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy hinge assembly for deploying at least a first object in a controllable, substantially shockless manner is disclosed. Generally, the hinge assembly includes at least a first flexure member capable of moving from a first, folded configuration to a second, straightened configuration, and a controller for controlling the movement of at least the first flexure member as the first flexure member moves or reconfigures from the folded configuration to the straightened configuration.

Abstract: A highly reliable release apparatus which is used to stow or release desired devices such as, for example, solar arrays, antenna positioning mechanisms, reflectors, found on satellites, space stations or spacecraft. Deployment of the desired device is prevented or allowed by respectively restraining or releasing a first member under tension. The apparatus comprises a support member having an opening and a first face arranged about the opening. A second member is located within the opening when the first member is in tension and is adapted to be attached to an end of the first member. At least three locking members such as fuse wires are arranged on the first face of said support member for restraining the second member within the opening in order to maintain tension on the first member. The second member is attached to the first member in a manner such that at least two of the fuse wires must be severed before the restraint on the second member is released.

Abstract: In a friction- and form-grip connection of rotating components (1, 2) which have different expansion behavior in the region of the connection during rotation, the form grip is effected via a stepped centering seat (3). The friction grip between the two components is effected by way of axially prestressed elements. At least one of the components has a cavity (6) in the interior, in which cavity (6) an insert ring (7), which exerts a radial force on the centering seat (3) during operation, is arranged. The prestressed insert ring (7) bears with only part of its axial extent against the component (1) interacting with it.

Abstract: A joint between a first and a second joint partner where each joint partner has at least one flat, cylindrical surface section via which force is applied to the other joint partner. The joint partners being brought into contact with one another in a sliding fashion such that the flat, cylindrical surface sections of the joint partners partially overlap and form a common bearing surface in the contact region. The flat, cylindrical surface sections of the joint partners are each bonded on one side by an undercut and the joint partners are joined such that the common bearing surface of the joint partners is bounded in one direction by the undercut of the first joint partner and in the opposite direction by the undercut of the second joint partner. This arrangement allows zones of maximum stress gradient to be shifted into the region of the undercut structures and for crack-opening, surface-parallel stresses to be substantially avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic part having at least one thin wall, and designed to be slidably mounted on a support by its thin wall and having, in this thin wall: an elongate through-opening, having two lengthwise edges that are substantially parallel at least over part of their length; a spacer whose thickness is greater than that of the thin wall, able to slide in the opening between the two lengthwise edges thereof; and means of holding the spacer to the support while keeping the spacer inside the opening. Spacer can be connected to thin wall by deformable or breakable links.

Abstract: A method for transmitting forces between two joined parts. A connection element is introduced into two corresponding openings in the two joined parts. A first undercut on a connection head of the connection element extends obliquely to the direction of force. The first undercut is applied to a first contact surface, which is operatively connected to the first joined part. A connection shank, starting from a connection head with an enlarged portion having a second undercut facing the first undercut, is introduced into the opening in the second joined part. The connection shank, with a longitudinal slot starting from the end surface at the shank end of the connection element, running in the direction of force and extending to the height of the enlarged portion, is compressed in the region of the enlarged portion. After the introduction, a spreading element is introduced into a receiving portion of the connection element.

Abstract: A thermal expansion joint having a plurality of bendable tabs which flex to minimize the stress caused by thermal expansion. The tabs flex at their slot radii by the base of the tabs, allowing the tip of the tabs to move. Apertures in the tabs near the tip connect the tabs to a solid body or to tabs on another body. The tabs' flexing relieves stress in the body undergoing thermal expansion at the point it is connected to a body which has a different thermal expansion rate and/or experiences a different temperature. A plurality of tabs so connecting two bodies provides a stiff joint and reduces the thickness of the material otherwise needed to provide a connection what will not crack or otherwise break due to thermal strains at the connection between two bodies.

Abstract: A linear roller washer bearing in a bolt interface assembly allows relative differential thermal expansion and contraction motion between a component plate and a base plate fastened together by a bolt without inducing large strains and stresses upon the bolt. The roller washer bearing functions as a thin spacer between the component and base plates enabling high preload tightening of the bolted assembly while enabling relative bidirectional motion of the plates. The roller washer bearing is a multiple roller assembly with thin rollers arranged unidirectionally and horizontally in parallel between the top and bottom washer plates. The rollers roll back and forth to enable relative back and forth alternating unidirectional motion of the component and base plates while the full strength of the bolt remains available to the support the component plate without creating high friction shear forces.

Abstract: A linear flexure washer bearing in a bolt interface assembly allows relative differential thermal expansion and contraction motion between a component plate and a base plate fastened together by a bolt without inducing large strains and stresses upon the bolt. The flexure washer bearing functions as a thin spacer between the component and base plates enabling high preload tightening of the bolted assembly while enabling relative bidirectional motion of the plates. The flexure washer is a multiple blade flexure assembly with thin flexure blades arranged unidirectionally between the top and bottom flexure plates. The elastic flexures bend to enable relative alternating unidirectional motion while the full strength of the bolt remains available to the support the component plate without creating high friction shear forces.

Abstract: A cable re-entry assembly and method for feedthroughs and the like is provided. The preferred embodiment includes an expansion mandrel positionally secured on the conduit with a heat shrinkable locking ring, a transition boot with a heat shrinkable sleeve portion and a rigid body portion which couples to a feedthrough nut, and a sealant between the conduit and the sleeve. Upon re-entry and re-use of the assembly, the mandrel mechanically expands the sleeve, when the sleeve is re-heated above its crystalline transition temperature, the expansion mandrel is translated against the sleeve and both the conduit and expansion mandrel are withdrawn from the sleeve. Following repair, the conduit is reinserted into the dimensionally unstable sleeve which is then heated to shrink about and reseal the conduit.

Abstract: A thermally released separation or disconnecting device, particularly for fire protection systems, includes two oppositely arranged joining members which are connected to each other and are subjected to a tensile force. A destructible thermal release element is held between the joining members. The joining members are constructed as stirrups with two legs each, wherein the stirrups equally absorb the tensile force. The destructible thermal release element is held between oppositely arranged legs of the stirrups and extends essentially perpendicularly of the direction of the tensile force in the locked position of the separation device. Each leg of one stirrup holding the thermal release element is connected in the locked position of the separation device to the other leg of the other stirrup in a positively engaging manner against the direction of the tensile force.

Abstract: An improved stud mounting clip has a first bracket component and a second bracket component. The second bracket component is used to support outer wall components or panels and is fixed with respect to the position thereof. The second bracket component is allowed to move relative to a stud of the frame of the building by virtue of a first bracket component which securely engages the second bracket component such that the second bracket component may move with respect to the first bracket component. The first bracket component has an engaging component which engages the second bracket component, and a securing component which secures the second bracket component adjacent to a stud. In a preferred embodiment, the second bracket component is configured with an elongated slot in which a slightly shorter elongated engaging component on the first bracket component is received.

Abstract: An attachment for permanent fastening to a wall surface which is deformed when subjected to a load or thermal influence, comprising at least two plate elements to which at least one attachment member is fastened and at least a deformable connecting member connecting the plate elements.

Abstract: A release mechanism employing an actuating element of a shape memory alloy material. When the actuating element is heated through its phase-change transition temperature it applies a force which moves a latch to a position which activates the higher energy stored in a drive spring for moving a retaining element out of engagement with a structure. A detent when in a captured position releasably holds the retaining element in its locked position, and the detent is moved from a captured position to a retracted position to release the retaining element when the latch is moved by the actuating element.

Abstract: Method and articles for holding fluid conduits at a desired lateral distance from each other for connection to spaced-apart connection points, for example vehicle fuel line connections or domestic appliance flexible hoses. Preferred holding articles are described having heat-shrinkable rings connected by an integral connecting portion, or having a sheet with heat-shrinkable end portions (30) which can be wrapped around conduits (70) and a spacer (50) to hold the conduits at the required separation.

Abstract: A structure for centering and connecting two members includes a first member having an engagement opening, and a second member having an engagement projection which has an outer peripheral surface substantially corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. Small protrusions extend radially outwardly and are equidistantly disposed along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement projection. Straight notches are formed in the outer peripheral surface on both axial sides of each small protrusion to provide elasticity. When the engagement projection is fitted into the engagement opening, the small protrusions are elastically urged against the inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. In this way, even when the two members have different thermal expansions, no play or no excessive stress is generated between the two members.

Abstract: A retainer made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) is utilized in a separation device that is particularly useful for space applications. Upon being heated to a restoration temperature, the retainer changes from a constricted state to an expanded state. In its constricted state, the retainer surrounds and captures a plurality of securing segments to secure an object. To release the secured object, the retainer is heated to its restoration temperature with an electrical heater, causing the retainer to return to its expanded state and allow the securing segments to move apart and release the secured object.

Abstract: A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.

Abstract: A system for holding together parts of a construction until the moment of separating the parts from each other, comprises at least two sections having abutting faces and tension element cooperating with supports, this tension element being provided on the sections holding the sections together under pre-tension. A breaker is provided for breaking the tension element so as to separate the sections. The tension element is wound around the supports forming a closed loop bundle that crosses the parting lines of the sections, whereby the strength of the bundle equals at least the pre-tension required to hold the sections together.

Abstract: A novel S-shape web section in a dog bone style expansion joint belt, having a very significant increase in the ability to define a successful seal even in misaligned or otherwise off-specification expansion joint environments. The web section has the potential of significantly increasing belt service life in contrast to a conventional OEM belt, due to lower stress levels at finite element locations proximate to the mid-span, and particularly on the convex inner surface of the belt during high vacuum situations. The web preferably has only 3 layers of polyester or nylon fabric, each with an intermediate skim coat of neoprene rubber, to bond the fabric plies together and also to bond the fabric core with an outer covering of black neoprene rubber or Viton rubber. The fabric plies may extend longitudinally inside of the end knobs or be splayed outwardly inside of each end knob to avoid need for a separate cord or a cord and a key.

Abstract: The implementation of smart materials (shape-memory alloys (SMA) or piezoceramics) as integral actuating devices for single degree-of-freedom (DOF) hinges, thereby providing mobility as well as actuation to a wide range of mechanisms used in industrial, automotive and aircraft systems. A single DOF hinge is used in which smart materials are used both for actuation and for performance enhancement. The hinge consists of a tang and clevis, two conical inserts, one push block, one bolt and nut, and two washers. Assembly takes place by first putting the push block inside the clevis and putting the tang in place, then inserting the cones, inserting a bolt in the cones and finally tightening the bolt in this arrangement together with the nut to a specified torque. The amount of torque applied is related to the amount of preload in the undisturbed configuration of the hinge and the expansion of the conical inserts required to initiate rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: A method of forming a coupling or connecting a composite drive shaft to an annular member comprising the steps of locating the shaft over the member and injecting adhesive through holes in the shaft to bond the shaft to the member.

Abstract: Support connections. Support connection are provided between two rolls, with the roll covering of at least one roll being journalled on a carrier via a plurality of support elements as well as being displaceable relative to the carrier along the pressure plane, with support portions that receive the carrier being connected via elongated connection parts, having thickened portions on both ends thereof, with the thickened portions being connected in a form-locking manner with respective recesses of the support parts in a removable manner, with the connection parts, between the thickened portions, in a direction parallel with the pressure plane, being substantially longer than laterally extending with respect thereto and, between the thickened portions, at least one elongated opening being provided therein, with the opening dividing the connection parts in the direction of the roll axis.

Abstract: An improved heat insulation assembly for a thermal turbo-engine having hollow spaces, is provided with the assembly including a heat-insulating material enclosed within a heat-resistant cover that is formed such that it permits an increase in the inner volume, and the heat-insulating material being a heat-insulating material which increases its volume upon heating to such an extent that the cover is expandable until contact with the inner side of a corresponding hollow space.

Abstract: A friction clutch/flywheel assembly includes a flywheel with a predetermined diametral area designed to hold a preferably cylindrical wall of a basin-shaped clutch housing, so that the clutch housing does not rotate and is also secured against axial movement with respect to the flywheel. The assembly is designed so that there is a clamping device allocated to at least one of the flywheel or the clutch housing, which clamping device is designed to be located in the contact area between the cylindrical wall of the clutch housing and the predetermined diametral area of the flywheel. By means of this clamping device, the flywheel and clutch housing can be held in a non-positive connection with one another.

Abstract: An annular collar includes a first clamping surface to be positioned radially outwardly of a surface of a bearing inner ring. The annular collar is made of a thermoelastic material such that an increase in temperature decreases the circumference of the annular collar and causes the first clamping surface to clamp against the surface of the bearing inner ring. The thermoelastic material may be a shape memory alloy or a polymer.

Abstract: The initiator (32) has a hollow spool housing (34) with sidewall slots (42,44) and within which is received a shaft (54) to be releasably retained. Spool segments (46,48) are placed within slots (42,44) and have parts extending into the housing bore (50) obstructingly engaging the shaft (54) preventing its removal. A spring coil (82) wound over the spool segments (46,48) holds them in place. Cartridge assembly (62) is releasably secured to the housing (34) and includes a link wire (72) for securing one end of the coil (82). The link wire (72) is destructible by passing an electric current therethrough exceeding a certain value.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a rod adjacent to a bone includes a rod holder constructed from shape memory material. A bone hook also constructed from shape memory material connects to the rod holder to affix the rod holder adjacent to the bone. The bone hook consists of a pincer that encircles the bone or, alternatively, two separate members coupled together during surgery to encircle the bone. A blocker constructed from shape memory material fits within the rod holder to secure the rod within the rod holder. The blocker permits slidable motion of the rod within the rod holder or, alternatively, rigidly secures the rod within the rod holder.

Abstract: A method of joining metal parts together and the joints thereby produced having great strength and thermal conductivity by means of an adhesive filled with small, hard, thermally conductive particles. The filled adhesive is applied to the surfaces to be joined and the surfaces are pressed together with a force in the range of 35 to 105 Kg/sq cm while the adhesive is curing. A fixture is disclosed made of a metal with a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the parts being joined. When the parts are held in the fixture and heated, differential thermal expansion causes the fixture to apply the necessary pressure during curing while also providing a measure of the applied pressure. For joining a cooling fin normal to the surface of a part, a tapered plug is formed in the fin edge and it is forced into a tapered slot in the part after adhesive application. A low external perpendicular force applied to the fin yields a high pressure to the mating surfaces through the inclined plane.

Abstract: A thermal load relief ring is disposed between the mating surfaces of adjacent cases of a gas turbine engine and secured thereto by a dowel pin or bolt to assure the concentricity of the cases. The bolt and dowel pin are configured to assure the concentric fit of the components. These configurations allow the cases to be fabricated from different materials to allow a lighter and less expensive case.

Abstract: A rod with a tubular wall made from carbon fibre composite material and having connecting elements arranged at both ends. The tubular wall is divided in the center of the rod and an actively controllable pressure element, which acts in the axial direction of the rod, is built into the rod and lies against the inner faces of thrust washers, whilst the end faces of the divided tubular wall rest against the outer faces of the washers. Over the region of the element on the outer face of the tubular wall there is disposed a sleeve which engages over and is glued to the adjacent ends of the rod.

Abstract: A method and implant for the surgical treatment of scoliosis is disclosed. The method involves the segmental fixation of a rigid rod or rods to the abnormally curved portion of the spine. The rod is constructed of a shape-memory alloy such as nitinol. Prior to implementation, the rod is annealed and contoured into an ideal shape for a given patient. At the time of surgery, the rod is deformed to accommodate the existing curvature of the patient's spine and segmentally fixed thereto using novel bone clamps. The rod is then inductively heated to the transition temperature post-operatively to effect shape recovery and thereby apply corrective forces to the spine.

Abstract: A thermal load relief ring is disposed between the mating surfaces of adjacent cases of a gas turbine engine and secured thereto by a dowel pin or bolt to assure the concentricity of the cases. The bolt and dowel pin are configured to assure the concentric fit of the components. These configurations allow the cases to be fabricated from different materials to allow a lighter and less expensive case.

Abstract: A high temperature mounting system useful, for example for ceramic composite flameholders in a gas turbine engine reheat system uses dovetail clamping. A flameholder carries a dovetail projection which is clamped against a further ceramic, intermediate member by wedge blocks on opposite sides of the dovetail. The intermediate member has raised edges with angled faces opposite the dovetail projection against which the wedge blocks bear. The assembly is clamped to a metal support or flange by clamp bolts which pass through each of the wedge blocks and the intermediate member. The included angle of the contact faces is determined by principles of DAZE geometry to keep the bolts from loosening due to differential thermal expansion. Each wedge block is clamped by single bolt and relative expansion between the bolts is absorbed by bolt bending or nut sliding.

Abstract: An electrical initiator (10) includes spool halves (12,14) releasably held together by a coiled retaining wire (42). A link wire (42) also holds a spool (46) fixed to spool half (12) against connector body 16 and the other spool half (16). A cavity on the interior of the two spools physically retain a tensilely loaded shaft (18). An electric current passing through the link wire (42) causes it to become brittle and break releasing the spool halves and contained shaft (18).

Abstract: A turbine flowpath assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart airfoils disposed within an annular outer casing. Each of the airfoils includes outer and inner integral bands. A plurality of flowpath outer and inner panels are disposed between adjacent ones of the bands and circumferentially overlap the bands. The panels and bands are joined together at the respective overlaps using tripod plates and fasteners therethrough for allowing circumferential movement therebetween while providing sealing.

Abstract: Device for assembling two elements made of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, which are subject in use to substantial temperature variations, is provided with a combination of a layer of a compressible, heat insulating material, positioned between a support element and an attached element, and an mechanism for maintaining the attached element against the layer, and the layer against the support element. The mechanism is arranged so as to enable relative movement between the two elements in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the layer. Also, surface portions of the attached element in contact with the mechanism are substantially parallel to the plane of the layer, and a material similar to the material of the layer is positioned between the surface portions and the mechanism. The device is especially applicable to the attachment of insulating elements on a metallic structure.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ceramic vanes, each of which has an inner and outer ceramic shroud, and a ceramic post extending from one of the shrouds, and a metallic platform having a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses. The posts are inserted into a metallic sleeve and then brazed. The brazed sleeves are then mounted in the recesses. A method for assembling these components to form the stator assembly is also described.

Abstract: A highly wear-resistant plunger assembly for a fuel injector, particularly an open nozzle fuel injector, is provided. The wear-resistant plunger assembly of the present invention includes components formed from wear-resistant materials specifically including, but not limited to, ceramics and metals capable of withstanding the high temperatures and frictional forces produced by prolonged motoring and other potentially adverse engine operating conditions. Different portions of the plunger assembly may be formed from different kinds of wear-resistant materials.

Abstract: An electrical component has a body (1) and a plurality of leads extending from the body, and is enclosed in an insulating plastics sleeve (4) that extends over the body and leads. The sleeve (4) has a number of heat-recoverable end portions (6, 7) that extend over the leads and enclose a quantity of solder (8, 9), so that the leads can be permanently connected to further terminals by heating the end portions of the sleeves to cause them to recover and the solder to fuse.

Abstract: Internally insulated or packed panels house a thermal structure such as a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). In a first embodiment, each packed panel has a cold pressure casing with an insulating layer covered by a liner plate. Welded collar studs are fixed to the cold pressure casing to secure the liner plate over the insulating layer. Small, movable end covers are provided at the edges of each packed panel to provide an adjustable panel joint. End covers of adjacent panels are in compression contact when an externally applied weld is provided between the cold pressure casings of adjacent packed panels. Each end cover is movable about each packed panel by means of oversized or slotted holes in the liner plate and end covers that receive each collar stud. Benefits are faster field assembly and allowance for thermal growth while preventing gaps and their associated hot spots from forming at the panel joints. A second embodiment employs a larger end cover in place of a smaller end cover and liner plate.