Abstract: A method for manufacturing a propeller shaft comprising: a shaft portion of a circular tube shape; and a joint assembly to be joined to a transfer gear box side or a differential gear box side of the shaft portion, the joint assembly comprising a shaft-side joint to be joined to the shaft portion and an other-member-side joint to be coupled to a transfer gear box or to a differential gear box, the method having: a press fitting step of pressing the shaft-side joint of the joint assembly into the shaft portion, in a state in which the shaft-side joint and the other-member-side joint have been assembled into the joint assembly; and a welding step of welding the shaft portion and the joint assembly, after the press fitting step.

Abstract: A press forming apparatus (1a) consecutively carries out: a first step of pushing a flat plate-shaped workpiece into a die (14) by a forming punch (11), to form the workpiece into a cup-shaped workpiece (B); a second step of making the cup-shaped workpiece (B) move relatively to a position where a space (S2) is formed between a cup bottom part (B2) and the forming punch (11) by a holding down member (12) abutting on an end part of a cup vertical wall part (B1); and a third step of making a counter punch (13) approach the forming punch (11), to push a cup bottom part (B2) to a forming punch (11) side so that the cup bottom part (B2) is compressed by the forming punch (11) and the counter punch (13), making a material of the cup vertical wall part (B1) flow to a cup shoulder part (B3), thereby to thicken the cup shoulder part (B3).

Abstract: A copper metal alloy, for use in making elements for promoting and/or stimulating vital energy comprises between 60% and 70% in weight of copper (Cu), between 16% and 24% in weight of silver (Ag), between 3% and 6% in weight of zinc (Zn), between 3% and 6% in weight of manganese (Mn) and between 0.5%> and 6%> in weight of germanium (Ge). Tin (Sn) in percentage comprised between 3% and 6% can also be provided for. Platinum (Pt) can also be provided for between 0.1% and 5% in weight. The alloy is used for making for example sheets in form of plates or strips which are associated to articles of various types.

Abstract: A conductive composite wire includes at least one external jacket made of copper, a first tube including a first metallic material (M1) contacting and located inside the copper jacket; a second tube including a second metallic material (M2) contacting and located inside the first tube; and a fiber including a third metallic material (M3) contacting and located inside the second tube. The copper and the first metallic material are immiscible with each other, the first and second metallic materials are immiscible with each other, and the second and third metallic materials are immiscible with each other. A copper-based coaxial microstructure includes a copper sheath containing an array of nanotubes and nanofibers according to a process for manufacturing the microstructure.

Abstract: A substrate pad for soldering at least one self-aligning component thereon, wherein at least one edge of a body of the substrate pad is shaped to conform to a corresponding edge of a component pad, and the at least one edge of the body of the substrate pad further include a plurality of pad fingers leading away from the substrate pad. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A spacer for a sealed unit is formed of a stretched elongate strip of material, such as metal. The elongate strip is longitudinally stretched, causing a reduction in the thickness of the material. Stretching is performed by applying a tension across a segment of an elongate strip. The tension can be applied to the elongate strip by passing the elongate strip through at least two spaced sets of rollers. A first set of rollers operating at a first speed engages with the elongate strip and a second set of rollers operating at a second speed applies a tension to the elongate strip to cause stretching of the material. Corrugated rollers can also be used to form the material into an undulating shape.

Abstract: A laser welding structure includes a lead, a conductive member, and a welding part. The lead has a nickel plating layer and is made of copper or copper alloy. The conductive member is joined with the lead and is made of copper or copper alloy. The welding part is formed by a laser welding so as to join the lead and the conductive member. An end portion of the welding part has a rounded convex shape.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming aluminum ingot having shaped ends to avoid alligatoring during rolling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nanoprinted device comprising point shaped metallic patterns, in which each metallic pattern has a bilayer structure controlled in hardness and in chemical properties comprising a lower layer (30) constituting the base of the point and an upper layer (31) constituting the point itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to an annular disc of bent sheet material (21) with at least one junction at which the annulus is closed. Furthermore, a method for producing an annular disc is disclosed, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sheet material; (b) bending the sheet material into an annular disc; (c) severing the sheet material, so that an annular disc with a junction at which the annulus is open is provided; (d) closing the junction, so that an annular disc with a junction at which the annulus is closed is provided.

Abstract: A sheet metal component that is bent from a sheet metal blank includes at least one three-sided corner. Two edges of the three-sided corner are formed by a first bending member of the sheet metal blank bent about a first inner bending radius Ri,1 and a second bending member of the sheet metal blank bent about a second inner bending radius Ri,2, and the third edge of the three-sided corner is formed by a first blank edge of the first bending member and a second blank edge of the second bending member. The sheet metal blank has an internal corner that forms the first blank edge, the second blank edge, and a wedge-like recess that opens in the internal corner.

Abstract: The invention offers a pressed product (F) produced by press-forming a metal plate (1). The pressed product (F) has a peripheral surface that has a corner portion (12) connecting two surfaces in the peripheral surface. The corner portion (12) has an outside corner radius R that is equal to or smaller than the thickness “t” of the metal plate (1). That is, the pressed product (F) has the sharp corner portion (12).

Abstract: A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed.

Abstract: A metallic resin cover constitutes a portion of an outer wall of a human detection device in which a detection electrode of a capacitance sensor is provided, and which detects whether a human touches or approaches the human detection device. The metallic resin cover includes a covered body; and a metal layer that has a metal-object discretely arranged structure in which a plurality of metal objects are discretely arranged. The metal layer covers an outer surface of the covered body.

Abstract: A metal sheet comprises a main body forming with at least two opposite mounted portions and two opposite strengthened portions on peripheries thereof; wherein each mounted portion includes an initiating terminal end connected to the main body, a finishing terminal end contiguously extending from the initiating terminal end and a space surrounded by the mounted portion between the initiating and finishing terminal ends; wherein a center line X is defined by connecting center points of cross-sections of various transverse positions of each mounted portion and provided inside of the space; wherein the finishing terminal ends of the two opposite mounted portions define a first distance, and the center lines X of the two opposite mounted portions define a second distance, with the first distance being smaller than the second distance.

Abstract: A device cover includes a bottom base and at least one sidewall extending from the bottom base. The at least one sidewall is formed by an upsetting process. The device cover is made of metal. Only one fold is formed by flow tracks of metallic grain of the at least one sidewall. A method for fabricating the device cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: Concrete and mortar composites can be made with two or more sizes of fibers therein. The different sized fibers can be used to adjust the toughness and reliability of the composite material. The different sized fibers can also be used to increase the deflection of concrete or mortar compositions. The variable length of fibers provide for smaller fibers to exist in corners for more strength in smaller spaces. Different mixes of sizes of fibers can also adjust the stiffness of a concrete or mortar composite material. The fibers can be made from a variety of materials, lengths, shapes, aspect ratios or diameters. The fibers can make up variable portions of the composition. Mixing different aspect ratios of fibers together can be used to prevent clumping or balling of the fibers. Mixing of different modulus of elasticity fibers in different ratios can add to the toughness and strength of the composite.

Abstract: A current collector for an electrode of an electrochemical cell is described. The current collector has a peripheral edge between first and second major faces, the edge comprising at least a first edge contiguous with a second edge angled with respect to each other. A protrusion extends outwardly from the junction of the first and second edges. This protrusion helps to precisely position the current collector in a pressing fixture. That way, active material is contacted to each of the major faces of the current collector and is of a uniform thickness about its edges. Later, when the resulting electrode plate is assembled into an electrochemical cell, such as of a multi-plate construction, the protrusion also serves to maintain strict alignment of the plate inside the casing.

Abstract: According to this process for manufacturing a ceramic element intended to be fitted onto a watch case, the visible surface of which has features, a soluble layer (2) is selectively deposited on said visible surface, the thickness of said soluble layer being at least equal to the height of said features, a first tie layer (3) of the Ti, Ta, Cr or Th type is vacuum-deposited by magnetron sputtering with a thickness of at least 100 nm by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on said surface thus selectively coated, followed, without venting atmosphere, by PVD deposition of said second layer (4) made of Au, Pt, Ag, Ni, Pd, TiN, CrN, ZrN or alloys thereof with a thickness of at least 100 nm, and then said soluble layer (2) is dissolved.

Abstract: A wear element for component subject to abrasive influences, for example in a region of a receiving element for bulk material, includes an element formed by a one-piece, approximately plate-shape molded body made of a wear resistant alloy. The molded body is configured not to be planar in any plane. The molded body has an approximately rectangular cross-section and includes longitudinal sides and lateral sides that are rounded sections flowing into each other.

Abstract: Self-organized niobium oxide nanocones with nano-sized tips are prepared by anodization of niobium in the presence of an electrolyte such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) (aq.). Dimensions and integrity of the bulk nanostructures formed are strongly dependent on potential, temperature, electrolyte composition, and anodization times. Accordingly, the morphology, topology, uniformity and bioactivity of the niobium oxide nanostructures formed can be readily adjusted by adjusting these anodization parameters. A bioactive form of crystalline niobium oxide is formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of an electrolyte that includes HF and at least one salt such as Na2SO4 or NaF. One property of bioactive niobium oxide formed by anodizing niobium metal in the presence of HF (aq.) is its ability to interact with hydroxylapatite.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A method for producing metal fibers includes a machining production method using at least one rotating tool. A device for producing metal fibers, a filter material having such fibers, a method for producing the material, a particle filter using such material, a motor vehicle equipped with the filter, and a fiber, are also provided.

Abstract: A welded joint between two metal members in which the weld must support a structural load. The abutting faces of the welded members have step portions formed therein, in which the step portions extend beyond the surface of the adjoining welded members. The outer step portion of one member extends beyond an inner step portion of the adjacent member, and a weld is applied on abutting faces of the members and the step portions. The welded joint of this invention is intended to be used for two adjacent rotor discs in a gas turbine engine. But, the weld arrangement of this invention can be used for welding two pipes together, or two adjacent plate members. The weld arrangement of this invention provides for reduced stress distribution along the weld line that acts to increase part life.

Abstract: A tubular product comprises a side section having outer surfaces disposed along a parallelogram and a bottom section formed on one end of the side section. The outer surfaces of the side section are pressure formed by a roller. The tubular product preferably is manufactured from a tubular material by a process comprising the use of a device having a roller that is configured to engage with a side section of the tubular material. The device also comprises a mandrel configured to position the tubular material so that the roller can apply pressure against at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the side section and can extend the side section of the tubular material to form the product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a high-quality metal substrate. During operation, the method involves cleaning a polished single-crystal substrate. A metal structure of a predetermined thickness is then formed on a polished surface of the single-crystal substrate. The method further involves removing the single-crystal substrate from the metal structure without damaging the metal structure to obtain the high-quality metal substrate, wherein one surface of the metal substrate is a high-quality metal surface which preserves the smoothness and flatness of the polished surface of the single-crystal substrate.

Abstract: At least one plane blank (20) is cut out from a sheet of metal material, the blank comprising a main part having the developed shape of the wall of the structural element and at least one additional overlap and fixing tab (26, 27, 28), the cutout blank (20) is folded along a plurality of lines (23) so as to form the wall of the structural element comprising a plurality of annular segments that are not in axial alignment out of folded portions (22, 24, 24?, 25) of the main part of the cutout blank (20), and welding is used to fix at least one additional overlap and fixing tab (26, 27, 28) on at least one of a folded portion (22, 24, 24?, 25) and a second overlap tab.

Abstract: The present invention provides tungsten carbide-containing surfaces, and particularly tungsten carbide-containing cutting tools, that are at least partially coated with a thin nanocrystalline diamond film. Also provided are methods for producing the nanocrystalline diamond-coated surfaces. The films are desirably continuous and uniform with a thickness of no greater than about 1 micron. The films may be coated onto the cutting edge(s) of a micro-cutting tool to strengthen the tool, thereby extending its lifetime without significantly increasing the diameter or radius of curvature of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A device for supporting equipment on a wall panel having protruding ribs. Channels are mounted perpendicular to the ribs. The channel has a base wall, and a pair of side walls extending outward from the base wall. The channel also has an outward wall portion communicating with the side walls at a distance from the base wall. Several apertures are defined in each channel. The apertures have a pair of side wall portions and a base wall portion. When the channel is positioned on the wall panel, the apertures receive the protruding ribs. A fastening structure is located on the base wall of the channel for mounting the channel to the wall panel. A fastening plate is also located on the outward wall portion of the channel for mounting the equipment to the channel.

Abstract: Various structures or components can include plated surfaces or other parts. For example, an article can include a base and a plated part with a limit artifact that results from plating adjacent a non-plateable surface; the limit artifact can be disposed away from the base. Exemplary limit artifacts include lack of protrusions, smooth upper surfaces, and curved surfaces, where a curved surface can transition between a smooth upper surface and an irregular side surface. Exemplary plated structures can be tube-shaped or cup-shaped, with an opening at a top end and, around the opening, a lip with a limit artifact. Wall-like structures can similarly have limit artifacts at their top end. If plating on a mold's side surface, the non-plateable surface can be the lower surface of an overhanging polymer disk or structure positioned on the mold. Plated tubes and wall-like structures can be employed in microfluidic structures.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A hollow profile (1) formed of a flat material (31) having a width (d) has at least one groove (6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2) provided on an outer side of at least one of the plurality of walls (2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 5.2) of the profile (1) and having a bottom (8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2) spaced form the outer side by depth (t) and two opposite, substantially flat side walls (13.1, 13.2, 40.1, 40.2) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom (8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2), with the groove depth (t) of the at least one groove (6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 32) amounting to from 0.5 to 2 times of the material thickness (d) of the flat material (31).

Abstract: A cold forging process and apparatus for reinforcing an end of a rectangular tube, including a close fitting, rectangular upper mandrel that inserts into the tubing. The upper mandrel has flared corners at the end attached to the upper die. As the upper die is moved under pressure towards the lower die, the flared corners of the mandrel makes contact with the inner surface of the tube. This ensures that the tube begins to deform outward before the rest of the upper die contacts it. As the upper die is pressed towards contact with the lower die, the end of the tube is cold formed into a collar. The dies are then moved apart and the cold-formed tube removed. A lower mandrel positions and retains the die during forming. After forming the lower mandrel is used to eject the formed part, which may for instance be a trailer hitch housing.

Abstract: In a Y bar for forming coupling elements, an opening angle of a pair of right and left leg parts is narrower than that of the ordinary ones. Plural bent portions, which are bent inward, are formed successively in an extending direction of the leg parts in a range from a crotch part toward pawl parts at front ends of the leg parts. The gap between the pawl parts are narrowed gradually from proximal ends to front ends thereof. Bulging portions are provided on outer side surfaces of the crotch part. Thus, the stabilization of the posture of a metallic coupling element, which is obtained by cutting the Y bar, at the time of mounting, strength of the coupling element and stabilization of the mounting posture of the coupling element to the fastener tape can be improved.

Abstract: A process for forming an initial section or like component featuring a hollow interior to a final shape by high internal pressure in the sealed hollow interior using a medium that can flow. In order to shape-form the initial section featuring at least one corner region—preferably at least two corner regions—the wall sections adjacent to the corner region are preshaped in a curved manner—as viewed in cross-section—counter to the direction of applied pressure, and subsequently re-shaped by applying the high internal pressure of the medium that can flow, displacing the corner region in the direction in which the pressure is applied. To that end a section with hollow space delimited by section walls is employed in which two section walls define each corner region of the section cross-section, whereby at least one of the section walls at the corner region features a region that is curved in cross-section.

Abstract: A sheet metal profile support (10) for automotive construction, such as a cross member, rocker panel, or frame support is disclosed, with a U-shaped, parabolic, or horseshoe-shaped profile cross section (12), in which, in at least one section (14) of the two legs (16, 18) of the profile, a first and second sheet metal layer (20, 22) rest flush against each other as a sheet doubling and in the region of the free ends of the legs (16, 18), the sheet metal layers (20, 22) are connected to each other in one piece by means of a beaded edge (32) that has a hollow chamber (34).

Abstract: The present invention is a polarized gas separator useful in the bipolar construction of a fuel cell stack. It comprises a porous conductive substrate and a barrier layer, the barrier layer having a first side and a second side, and laterally extending through the porous conductive substrate so that a first portion of the porous conductive substrate extends from the first side of the barrier layer and a second portion of the porous conductive substrate extends from the second side of the barrier layer. Effectively, the polarized gas separator is a single component system that not only enhances power performance of fuel cell stacks but also defeats several problems previously unsolvable by conventional bipolar plate assemblies.

Abstract: A joining process and friction welded structure is disclosed, including a first member with a conoid recess, and a second member with a second conoid tip that is friction welded to the recess in the first member. One, or both, of the conoids may be a non-spheroid, such as a paraboloid. In addition, the conoid recess may have a vertex angle that is greater than a vertex angle of the conoid tip.

Abstract: A reflector is disclosed which enables bright image display with a wide angle of view and can be efficiently fabricated by a a simplified process. The reflector includes a resin layer having at its surface microscopic projections and depressions and formed by application of a coating composition containing a binder resin and crosslinked resin particles.

Abstract: A metallic carrier for automobile exhaust gas purification made of thin metal foil includes a honeycomb unit composed of 8-25 &mgr;m thick corrugated metal foil and flat metal foil joined by solder joints not fewer than 70% of which have a thickness of at least 1.5 times and not greater than 4 times the foil thickness. A method of producing the metal carrier includes a step of forming a honeycomb unit in which 8-25 &mgr;m thick corrugated metal foil and flat metal foil are joined by solder joints using a solder powder, the solder powder having a particle diameter not greater than 4.5 times the thickness of the metal foil constituting the honeycomb unit.

Abstract: A conical honeycomb body and method for producing the honeycomb body that avoids the deformations occurring when fixing a conical lamellar body in a conical casing tube is described. Clamping aids are disposed in the casing tube at a distance from its openings and are configured such that at least in sections they have a ring shape. The clamping aids allow for the economical production of conical honeycomb bodies having greater mechanical strength. Their variants make it possible to influence the function of the edge area of the conical honeycomb body in a targeted manner. Especially beading, necking and/or rings achieve, for example, a barrier effect so that no fluids are able to circulate in the channels situated in the edge area of the casing tube. The openings of the casing tube are free of inserted elements and can therefore be easily welded to other components of the exhaust-gas system.

Abstract: A metallic carrier for automobile exhaust gas purification made of thin metal foil includes a honeycomb unit composed of 8-25 &mgr;m thick corrugated metal foil and flat metal foil joined by solder joints not fewer than 70% of which have a thickness of at least 1.5 times and not greater than 4 times the foil thickness. A method of producing the metal carrier includes a step of forming a honeycomb unit in which 8-25 &mgr;m thick corrugated metal foil and flat metal foil are joined by solder joints using a solder powder, the solder powder having a particle diameter not greater than 4.5 times the thickness of the metal foil constituting the honeycomb unit.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow extruded frame member 20 are connected with a rib 24 and these end portions are welded to end portions of face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow extruded frame member 10 using friction stir welding. A visible outline of a connection portion of the end portion of the face plate 21 and the rib 24 is constituted by circular arcs 31 and 32 which are recessed in the hollow extruded frame member 20. A visible outline of a connection portion of the end portion of the face plate 22 and the rib 24 is constituted by circular arcs 33 and 34 which are recessed in the hollow extruded frame member 20. The diameter of the circular arc 31 (33) is smaller than the diameter of the circular arc 32 (34). Accordingly, a structural body having a light weight structure can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a joint figuration inhibiting decrease in strength resulting from welding at the joint region, in a case where hollow-shaped material is friction stir welded. A face plate 101 (111) between a rib 105 (115) at the end portion of a hollow-shaped material 100 (110) and a rib 103 (113) has a thickness t2 (t5) at the rib 105 (115) side and ti at the rib 103 (113) side. The thickness t2 (t5) is thicker than ti. The thickness between the two is changed smoothly. The thickness of the plate thickness t2 (t5) is provided by projecting towards the other face plate side.

Abstract: A sheet metal profile support (10) for automotive construction, such as a cross member, rocker panel, or frame support is disclosed, with a U-shaped, parabolic, or horseshoe-shaped profile cross section (12), in which, in at least one section (14) of the two legs (16, 18) of the profile, a first and second sheet metal layer (20, 22) rest flush against each other as a sheet doubling and in the region of the free ends of the legs (16, 18), the sheet metal layers (20, 22) are connected to each other in one piece by means of a beaded edge (32) that has a hollow chamber (34).

Abstract: A section fixable in a mounted position to an anchoring base by means of fastening screws has at least one fastening segment extending in the mounted position substantially parallel to the anchoring base. The fastening segment is, for example, a fastening flange, which is provided with at least one screw hole for receiving a fastening screw provided with a slot or cross slot as the surface engaged by a screwdriver. A safety (or securing) tab protrudes from the fastening segment at least within the area of the screw hole. When the section is in its mounted position and after the fastening screw has been driven in, the safety tab can be deformed by bending or folding it into its safety or securing position. In this position, the tab grips over the edge of the screw head of the fastening screw and leaves free the surface engaged by the screwdriver. In an alternative embodiment of the section, a spring-elastic safety arrest is used instead of a bendable safety tab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip and first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.

Abstract: A stiffening member, as well as a diaphragm of a building in which the stiffening member is used, is disclosed. The diaphragm includes a horizontal wide-flange beam, a corrugated deck, and a corrugated stiffening member. The stiffening member is an elongate, corrugated strip. The stiffening member's corrugations are formed by a series of U-shaped portions that alternate with, and are integrally connected to, a series of horizontal upper portions. Each U-shaped portion consists of three planar portions: two substantially vertical side portions and one horizontal floor portion. Each U-shaped portion is reinforced with two parallel raised ribs. In a second embodiment of the stiffening member, the U-shaped portion is reinforced with two parallel tab portions attached at the sides of the stiffening member. The stiffening member nestingly overlies the corrugated deck, and is attached to the deck and to the underlying horizontal beam with either welds or pins.

Abstract: Solder paste is deposited using a solder stencil with an aperture having a concave edge in order to reduce the formation of solder balls. The solder deposit may be formed on a pad such that the paste has a concave edge. Solder paste deposits may be made on adjacent pads with the concave surfaces facing one another.

Abstract: A V-shaped metal strip has a U-shaped bottom having U-shaped inside and outside surfaces. Only the U-shaped inside surface is formed with a plurality of fold lines extending in a longitudinal direction of the strip and reducing the influence of springback. The fold lines may be arranged in a manner of bilateral symmetry with respect to an imaginary median plane bisecting the V-shaped cross section of the metal strip.