Abstract: An exemplary frame includes sidewalls and rims extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewalls, respectively. The rims are arranged end to end in turn, thereby defining an opening therebetween. The sidewalls are portions of a single bent metallic strip with two ends thereof connected together. A liquid crystal display employing the frame and a method for manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an articulated shaft structure for the transfer of torque from a transmission to a differential drive, including a connecting flange having a tube section, a shaft plate disposed between the connecting flange and a transmission output flange and forming a torsion element for accommodating some articulation of the connecting flange relative to the output flange, and a centering part extending from the connecting flange for aligning the articulated shaft relative to a transmission shaft, the connecting flange is formed integrally with the tube section by deep-drawing in follow-on tool the tube section and, in the same manufacturing step, punching openings into the flange, and deep-drawing the centering part and pressing it into the tube section.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a sheet article having opposed first and second surfaces, and having a core layer, a cladding layer at the first surface of the sheet article, and optionally a cladding layer at the second surface of the sheet article. The cladding layer at the first surface is made of an aluminum alloy selected from alloys AA3104, AA3004 and modified versions of alloys AA3104 and AA3004 additionally containing 1.0 to 2.0 wt % Fe and optionally up to 1 wt % Si. The core layer is an aluminum alloy having a yield strength and/or ductility greater than the yield strength and/or ductility of the alloy of the cladding layer at the first surface. The sheet article may be used as can body stock, can end stock and tab stock.

Abstract: The invention relates to can body stock having opposed surfaces. The can body stock has a core layer, a cladding layer at a first surface (intended to form an exterior surface of an eventual container body), and optionally a cladding layer at a second surface (intended to form an interior surface of an eventual container body). The cladding layer at the first surface is made of alloy AA3104 or AA3004 (or a modified version of AA3004 or AA3104 containing more iron and optionally more silicon), and the core layer is an aluminum alloy having yield strength less than that of the aluminum alloy of the cladding layer at the first surface. The can body stock may be used to produce a container body by a method involving drawing and ironing, as well as die necking to reduce the diameter of the open end of the container body.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a cutting die having a wire through hole which penetrates through the die along a direction in which a wire is fed out, a blade portion adapted to move along an open plane of an opening at one end of the wire through hole to cut a terminating end portion of the wire which has passed through the wire through hole and an engagement portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the wire which lies in the vicinity of the terminating end portion thereof when the blade portion is rotated so as to bend to hold the portion lying in the vicinity of the terminating end portion.

Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.

Abstract: A method for producing bone plates includes the following steps: using a sheet (1) of titanium or of titanium alloy having a thickness of 1.7 to 2 mm; determining the direction of the fibres of this sheet (1) and cutting out portions (3) of sheet (1) parallel to the direction of the fibres of this sheet (1); cutting out, from each portion (3) of sheet, bone plates or bone plate blanks (4), in such a way that a longitudinal direction of these plates or blanks (4) is parallel to the direction of the fibres of the sheet (1); curving the sheets, plates or blanks in a suitable manner and then finishing the plates or blanks (4).

Abstract: A flow board suited for fuel cell applications. The flow board includes a body substrate formed by injection molding methods, which is resistive to methanol or chemical corrosion and has superior mechanical properties. The flow board further includes a wave-shaped reaction zone having thereon a plurality of independent fuel channels. The body substrate and the wave-shaped reaction zone may be monolithic. Alternatively, a punched electrode plate affixed on the reaction zone may define the plurality of independent fuel channels.

Abstract: A flange for holding a wiring or hose arranged on a chassis panel, may include a pair of connecting portions integrally formed on a bottom surface of the chassis panel, wherein the pair of the connecting portions are spaced with a predetermined distance each other, bent portions formed upwards from the connecting portions and bent in receding direction from each other and then in approaching direction to each other to hold the wiring or hose therein, and/or support portions formed on upper end portions of the bent portions to guide the wiring or hose into the bent portions and prevent release of the wiring or hose therefrom.

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S).

Abstract: The invention relates to a double wall duct system (1) suitable for carrying fluids to at least other system comprising an internal duct (3) for conveying the fluid and an external duct (2) for conveying a potential leakage in the system (1), the double wall duct system (1) also comprising a clearance (8) between the ducts (2, 3) and at least one bend, the system (1) also comprising at least one bushing (4, 5) that connects the system (1) to at least other system, the bushing (4, 5) being slidable in the system (1) before being connected to the system (1) and to other systems, the inner duct (3) being connectable at its ends to other systems and the outer duct (2) being connectable to one end of the bushing (4, 5), the bushing (4, 5) providing a closed structural integrity of the system (1) therefore allowing a potential leakage in the double wall system (1) to be detected and evacuated in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a double wall duct system (1).

Abstract: A decking member can have a plurality of panels each with first and second side supports. The plurality of panels can each have a plurality of slots and optional hooks. A shelving system has a frame and at least one decking member.

Abstract: A method of designing fold lines in sheet material includes the steps defining the desired fold line in a parent plane on a drawing system, and populating the fold line with a fold geometry including a series of cut zones that define a series of connected zones configured and positioned relative to the fold line whereby upon folding the material along the fold line produces edge-to-face engagement of the material on opposite sides of the cut zones.

Abstract: A sheet of material formed for folding into a three-dimensional structure. The sheet has edges formed with joinder structures, such as dovetails, and a plurality of folding structures, such as slits, grooves or displacements, that control folding of the sheet in a manner causing the joinder structures to be folded into interlocking interengagement. The folding structures are configured for very precise folding of the sheet so that the folding structures will be in precise registered juxtaposition. Additionally, the sheet of material includes a retention structure, such as a retention fold or a retention deformation, which will prevent unfolding of the sheet. A method for fastener-free joining of sheet edges together also is disclosed, as are the resulting three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: A workpiece deforming press, including a safety device, comprises a press housing for housing therein a plurality of dies and punches arranged in a horizontal plane, wherein a press housing delimiting wall comprises a top horizontal guide bearing a sliding slide, wherein said sliding slide bears, through a linear actuator, a first overturning plane, supported by a fulcrum and adapted to be actuated by a linear actuator, and wherein said sliding slide further bears a second overturning plane supported by a fulcrum and adapted to be actuated by a cylinder-piston unit.

Abstract: A method for marking tin coated sheet metal blanks is provided in which the marking is indicative whether the blank comprises an edge region that includes a tin coating thicker than the rest of the blank. This marking is preferably brought on the blanks when a plurality of blanks is cut from a sheet metal plate. In the alternative the marking may have been applied to the sheet metal plate already. The sheet metal blanks thus marked are provided in form of a stack comprising marked and unmarked blanks, depending on whether there is a thicker edge region coating present on the individual blank or not. When making container bodies of these blanks by de-stacking and rounding the sheet metal blanks and welding the longitudinal seam of the rounded container body blanks, the marking is read in the container making apparatus and at least one welding parameter is changed for welding container body blanks with a marking in comparison with container body blanks without marking.

Abstract: A core metal insert is provided having a series, or multiple series, of laterally extending score marks in a non-reduced thickness portion, or portions, of the insert. Such score marks are provided in at least one face surface of the insert. The score marks provide stress relief so that when the corresponding precursor sheet metal blank is lengthened to produce the insert, the resulting insert will have a lesser tendency to contract from its lengthened state. A method of providing such a core metal insert also is provided.

Abstract: Metal closure components and methods for making the same are provided. The closures may be formed from a metal sheet having a pre-formed polymer film adhered on at least one face. A circular blank may be cut from the sheet, such that the blank may have a circular “raw” cut edge unprotected by the polymer film. The metal blank may then be formed such that the cut edged may be embedded into the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing process and a multifunctional tubular post for fences obtained thereby, the posts (1) being used as support for a fence with wire netting, each of the posts having a plurality of joining elements (2-2?), the process comprising the steps of cutting from a laminated sheet reel a sheet portion (3), folding said sheet portion until achieving a tubular body, the free ends thereof being opposite, and joining said free ends. The process additionally comprises a cold-forming step between the cutting step and the folding step in order to define a plurality of grooves (4-5), the position and shape of which coincide with the position and shape of the joining elements (2-2?), the length of the mentioned grooves (4-5) being equivalent to the length of the outer contour of the joining elements (2-2?).

Abstract: Precision-folded, high strength, fatigue-resistant structures and a sheet therefore are disclosed. To form the structures, methods for precision bending of a sheet of material along a bend line and a sheet of material formed with bending strap-defining structures, such as slits or grooves, are disclosed. Methods include steps of designing and then separately forming longitudinally extending slits or grooves through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet when bent along the bend line. The bending straps have a configuration and orientation which increases their strength and fatigue resistance, and most preferably slits or arcs are used which causes edges to be engaged and supported on faces of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits or arcs. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line.

Abstract: A solder preform for use to attach an electronic component to a substrate. The preform is for placement by a pick-and-place machine using a vacuum nozzle which picks the preform from a preform holder. Each of the sides of the preform configured to function as a vacuum side pick up surface has an enlarged planar surface area. Methods for forming such solder preforms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a stamped composite part, the method comprising spot welding two or more metal component parts to each other to hold the component parts in a selected position as a composite part, heating the composite part, and stamping the composite part into a desired shape. The invention also contemplates the further step of welding the two or more metal component parts to each other in the composite part.

Abstract: A ring portion of a torque converter shell having a first segment at a distal end of the ring portion, a second segment at a second end of the ring portion adjacent an annular portion of the shell, and a ribbed portion located axially between the first segment and the second segment, and extending in a radial direction beyond the first and second segments.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a demountable pin or bushing element having a generally cylindrical shape and a main section having a main diameter and a circumferential groove. Assembled within the groove is a plurality of retainer pieces. The inner diameter section of each retainer piece is matable to the groove diameter such that the retainer piece protrudes from the groove. Each retainer piece has at least one axially oriented mounting hole. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing to order demountable pin or bushing elements employing the article of manufacture.

Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.

Abstract: A process for designing and manufacturing precision-folded, high strength, fatigue-resistant structures and a sheet therefore. The techniques include methods for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441, 541) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445, 543) and a sheet of material formed with bending strap-defining structures, such as slits or grooves (43, 243, 343, 443, 542), are disclosed. Methods include steps of designing and then separately forming longitudinally extending slits or grooves (43, 243, 343, 443, 542) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441, 541) when bent along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445, 543). The bending straps have a configuration and orientation which increases their strength and fatigue resistance, and most preferably slits or arcs are used which causes edges (257, 457) to be engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits or arcs.

Abstract: A method and a tool for fabricating a toothing at a three-dimensional body produced by forming and fine blanking, especially an attachment for car seat components or the like produced out of a flat strip, wherein the flat strip by forming and fine blanking in a tool is formed into a pot-shaped body with inner forms and a substantially evenly curved edge. Afterwards, a toothing is fabricated into the edge radially extending to the inner side of the body. The toothing in the edge of the pot-shaped body is exclusively produced by cutting and/or shaving with a fine blanking die and/or a shaving device, and a burr and/or shaving chips developing during cutting and/or shaving are pressed into a recess in the base of the pot-shaped body allocated to the toothing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of steel wool and steel shot pellets. To this end, steel wire with a substantially circular diameter is made available as initial material. A quadratic or polygonal wire profile is produced by paring off steel shavings from the steel wire with paring knives that remove steel shavings along the axial direction. The pared-off steel shavings are available as steel wool. Small steel wire sections are subsequently divided off from the produced wire profile, which sections are subsequently rounded off in order to impart a polygonal form to them and to make them available as polygonal steel shot pellets.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sheet of material for bending along a bend line comprising the step of forming of at least one displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material with a portion of the periphery of the displacement closest to the bend line providing an edge and opposed face configured in position to produce edge-to-face engagement of the sheet on opposite sides of the periphery during bending. The forming step is preferably accomplished using one of a stamping process, a punching process, a roll-forming process and an embossing process. A sheet of material suitable for bending using the process also is disclosed, as are the use of coatings, shin guards and displacing the area of the sheet between bending inducing slits.

Abstract: System (1) of conformation of a metallic or non metallic element (2) that permits the extending of an extendible region; said system (1) resolved the technical problem of managing to combine high precision in the conformation, competitive costs and high speeds of production of metallic and non metallic elements that include an extendible region; said extendible region includes a plurality of cuts defined conveniently; said system of conformation includes pulling means (3); said system is characterized because it includes a conformation station (4) that includes: first conforming means (4.1) that essentially restrict the movement of a first region (2.a) of said metallic or non metallic element (2); second conforming means (4.2) that essentially restrict the movement of a second region (2.b) of said metallic or non metallic element (2); third conforming means (4.3) that essentially restrict the movement of a third region (2.

Abstract: A sheet of material formed for bending along a bend line including a sheet of material (30) includes a plurality of dividing slits (37) and a plurality of strap slits (39) formed therethrough. The dividing slits extending substantially along a desired bend line (35) and divide the sheet of material into first and second planar regions (32, 33). The strap slits intersect the desired bend line and adjacent pairs of strap slits form a bending strap therebetween. The bending strap has a longitudinal strap axis intersecting the desired bend line. The sheet of material may be formed of composite materials. A method of forming and using the sheet of material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes defining a desired fold line in sheet material and populating the fold line with a fold geometry including cut zones that define connected zones, whereby upon folding the material produces edge-to-face engagement of the material on opposite sides of the cut zones. Alternatively, the method includes storing cut zone configurations and connected zone configurations, defining a desired fold line, selecting a cut zone and/or a connected zone, locating a preferred fold geometry, including the cut zone and the connected zone, along the fold line, and relocating, rescaling and/or reshaping the preferred fold geometry to displace, add and/or subtract at least one of the connected zones, whereby upon folding the material produces edge-to-face engagement of the material on opposite sides of the cut zones. Also, a computer program product and a system configured for implementing the method.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument with high resection efficiency due to advanced cutting edge tooth geometry. The cutting instrument comprises a tubular member with at least two cutting windows, preferably two cutting windows, provided at the distal end of the tubular member. The two cutting windows have one most distal common region, preferably provided about perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. At least one of the two cutting windows may be provided with teeth. The two cutting windows may be symmetrically or asymmetrically disposed relative to the tube axis when viewed in a plan view, independent of the teeth orientation.

Abstract: In a method of cutting high-tensile workpieces, in particular sheet metals of martensite steel, the workpiece is subjected to a bending stress prior and during a shearing process. The bending stress causes a substantial component of a tensile force transverse to a desired cutting contour. Tensile stresses are superimposed to the shearing stresses, which favor the beginning of the workpiece separation. The bending stress is preferably selected so that the resulting tensile stress exists at a side facing the cutting tool.

Abstract: A method for developing a product is provided, wherein the method includes developing a three-dimensional product design, translating the three-dimensional product design into a two-dimensional product design, wherein the two-dimensional product design includes at least one product structure having at least two structure sections, obtaining a rigidly malleable material to create the at least one product structure, wherein the rigidly malleable material is obtained based on the two-dimensional product design, generating the at least one product structure by shaping the rigidly malleable material based on the two-dimensional product design such that the at least one product structure includes the at least two structure sections separated by at least one forming groove and at least one forming tab, the at least one forming tab having a forming tab height and a forming tab width and hand forming the product structure based on the at least one forming groove.

Abstract: A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming longitudinally extending slits (43, 243, 343, 443) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441) along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) with edges (257, 457) engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445). Several slit embodiments (43, 243, 343, 443) suitable for producing edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed, as is the use of the slit sheets to enhance various fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system. The rack comprises gear teeth and a shank that has a constant outside diameter and constant wall thickness over the majority of its length. The method comprises performing a forging operation on a tubular member with an elongate member positioned in the bore of a thickened region of the tubular member. The forging operation forms the gear teeth on the thickened region, and the elongate member is retained within the tubular member. The tubular member is made by performing a forming operation on a length of tube stock such that the outside diameter of the thickened region is smaller than the outside diameter of the shank, and the wall thickness of the thickened region is larger than the wall thickness of the shank.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the panel installation portion 12a allows the portions of the upper block and the lower block for forming the panel installation portion to be exchanged as the nesting blocks upon press working so as to change the protruding amount of the panel installation portion from the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: In a method of producing a honeycomb structure molding die composed of feed holes through which molding material is fed and slit grooves communicated with the feed holes for the use of molding a honeycomb structure body, the slit grooves are formed on one surface of a metal material in a lattice arrangement by repeatedly moving a thin circular grindstone blade which is rotating in a straight-line direction or a line direction approximating a straight line in order to cut the surface of the metal material. In particular, the method removes fine metal powder, generated by cutting the surface of the metal material, using polishing grooves formed in a dressing grindstone disposed in front of the metal material every cutting of the metal material during the slit groove formation.

Abstract: A method for forming a container half (10) from a coated steel sheet (21) is provided. Because a first planar part (27) at an outer peripheral part of a first formed body (26) provided through a first drawing step is held by a blank holder (33) during its bending to provide an L-shaped cross-section part (36) in a second drawing step, no wrinkles will develop at a vertical part (38). Because an unnecessary outer part (44) of a flange part (46) is cut off in a trimming step, the width of the flange part is narrowed. By virtue of the narrowed width, no wrinkles will develop during bending of the flange part.

Abstract: A grating (1) and a method of manufacturing the same using a pressing process are disclosed. The grating manufacturing method of the present invention includes the step of bending opposite ends of a metal plate to form a main surface (5) and supports (4), each having a predetermined height, the step of drawing a plurality of water drain slot formation portions of the main surface (5) to form slot frame parts (3), each having a predetermined depth, and the step of perforating bottoms of the slot frame parts (3) to form water drain slots (2). Therefore, the present invention provides a grating (1) that can sustain a relatively heavy load despite being manufactured through a simple pressing process, and a method of manufacturing the same through the pressing process.

Abstract: A two-dimensional sheet material is provided that is suitable for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional object. The sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one side of the bend line. A portion of the displacements shear adjacent the bend line and define an edge and an opposed face. The edge and opposed face configured to produce edge-to-face engagement of the sheet material during bending. Alternatively, sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one or both sides of the bend line, and with a plurality of corresponding and cooperating protrusions to improve structural integrity and/or to improve electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding. The sheet material may also be provided with a self-latching structure. A method of preparing and using these sheet materials is also described.

Abstract: A flow board suited for fuel cell applications. The flow board includes a body substrate formed by injection molding methods, which is resistive to methanol or chemical corrosion and has superior mechanical properties. The flow board further includes a wave-shaped reaction zone having thereon a plurality of independent fuel channels. The body substrate and the wave-shaped reaction zone may be monolithic. Alternatively, a punched electrode plate affixed on the reaction zone may define the plurality of independent fuel channels.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar separator plate of variable length is formed from a sheet having a fixed width. The sheet is passed through a tool a predetermined distance and a pattern of ribs is formed on a central portion of the sheet with the tool to define a segment along the length of the sheet. The ribs define a fuel flow path on a first side of the sheet and an oxidant flow path on an opposed second side of the sheet. The sheet is passed through a tool a predetermined distance and the steps of forming the pattern on the sheet and passing the sheet through the tool are repeated until the sheet possesses a desired length, at which point the sheet is cut to a desired length.

Abstract: A sheet of material (21, 61, 81) formed for control bending along a bend line (23, 63) while maintaining a continuous web of material (26) across the bend line (23, 63). The sheet has at least one groove (22, 62, 82) formed therein with a central groove portion (24, 64, 84) extending in the direction of and positioned proximate to a desired bend line (23, 63). The groove is formed with a continuous web of material (26) at a bottom of the groove (22, 62, 82) and has a configuration defining at least one bending strap (27, 67) extending across the bending line (23, 63) at the end of the groove with a centerline (28) of the bending strap (27, 67) oriented obliquely across the bend line (23, 63) so that a balancing of the forces during bending of the web along the central portion (24, 64, 84) of the grooves and bending of the oblique bending strap occur and control the location of bending of the sheet.

Abstract: A process of forming bend-controlling structures, such as slits, grooves or displacements (22), in a sheet of material (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721). The bend-controlling structures (22) have central portions (26) extending substantially parallel to a desired bend line (23) on the sheet and end portions (27) which diverge away from the bend line (23). In one embodiment the process includes the step of forming the bending straps (24) between pairs of slit end portions (27) at a desired spaced apart distances along the bend line (23) with the straps (24) having a desired configuration, and the step of forming central portions (26) which connect the end portions (27) to complete the slits (22) using a separate die set. A plurality of end portion dies (51/54) can be used to produce end portions (27) of various shapes and straps (24) of various widths, and a single set of central portion forming dies (71/74) are used to connect the end portions (27).

Abstract: A stamping and die-cutting tool with quick mould change design comprises: a casing and a pushing member. The pushing member has a pushing portion to be fixed at an extended position and a retracted position alternatively after being pressed repeatedly. The pushing member is fixed in the casing. A mould have an attractive surface and is moveably disposed in the casing in such a manner that the attractive surface is attracted to the pushing portion of the pushing member; by pressing the mould, the pushing member will be moved out of and retracted into the casing, so that the mould can be changed easily.

Abstract: A process for designing and manufacturing precision-folded, high strength, fatigue-resistant structures and a sheet therefore. The techniques include methods for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441, 541) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445,543) and a sheet of material formed with bending strap-defining structures, such as slits or grooves (43, 243, 343, 443, 542), are disclosed. Methods include steps of designing and then separately forming longitudinally extending slits or grooves (43, 243, 343, 443, 542) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441,541) when bent along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445, 543). The bending straps have a configuration and orientation which increases their strength and fatigue resistance, and most preferably slits or arcs are used which causes edges (257, 457) to be engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits or arcs.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sheet of material for bending along a bend line comprising the step of forming of at least one displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material with a portion of the periphery of the displacement closest to the bend line providing an edge and opposed face configured in position to produce edge-to-face engagement of the sheet on opposite sides of the periphery during bending. The forming step is preferably accomplished using one of a stamping process, a punching process, a roll-forming process and an embossing process. A sheet of material suitable for bending using the process also is disclosed, as are the use of coatings, shin guards and displacing the area of the sheet between bending inducing slits.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment further includes a press for cutting a TEM sample holder from a TEM coupon and joining a probe-tip point with an attached sample to the TEM sample holder. The press includes: an outer die; an inner die situated inside the outer die; a former rod opposing the inner and outer dies; and, a shear punch situated coaxially with the former rod. A hold-down spring biases the former rod toward the inner die. A trigger or other mechanism responsive to the contact of the former rod and the inner die, and an actuator responsive to the trigger, drive the shear punch toward the inner and outer dies. This press can be located either inside or outside the vacuum chamber of the FIB or other analytical instrument.