Abstract: A siding system that includes a plank of siding made from a first material and a seam plate having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a front face and a back face and is made from the first material. The second layer has a front face connected to the back face of the first layer and is made of a second material.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing stator bar shape tooling. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for shaping an element. The method can include providing at least one constraining surface, wherein the at least one constraining surface is fabricated at least in part by selective laser sintering, and deforming an element with the at least one constraining surface to define at least an external shape of a formed element.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A vehicle body repair device repairs buckled or dented sheet metal to a desired condition. The device includes a housing and a first head coupled to the housing. The first head has an outer surface facing away from the housing. A second head is coupled to a handle. The second head has an outer surface facing away from the handle. A reciprocating unit is coupled to and positioned in the housing wherein the reciprocating unit urges the first head into repetitive contact with a sheet of material adjacent to the first head when the reciprocating unit is activated. Thus, the sheet of material is urged to conform to a shape defined by the outer surface of the first head and the outer surface of the second head when the sheet of material is positioned between the first head and the second head while the reciprocating unit is activated.

Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, removing a dent from a dented surface. The technology includes an automated hammering device positioned on a first side of the dent, and a dolly positioned on a second side of the dent. The automated hammering device repeatedly strikes the dent, thereby restoring proper curvature to the dented surface.

Abstract: A sheet forming tool (1) for the manufacture of a corrugated sheet has a lower tool element (40) and an upper tool element (50), each of the upper tool element and the lower tool element having a front side (23, 33, 41) and a rear side (25, 35, 42). The lower tool element (40) comprises a first base element (2, 4, 6, 8) and a first finger element (3, 5, 7, 9) projecting from said first base element (2, 4, 6, 8). The first finger element (3, 5, 7, 9) forms a first ridge (22, 24, 26, 28) for forming a corrugation peak in the sheet. The upper tool element (50) comprises a second base element (12, 14) and a second finger element (13, 15) projecting from said second base element (12, 14), the second finger element (13, 15) forming a second ridge (32, 34) for forming a corrugation trough in said sheet.

Abstract: To provide a method for shaping an electric wire end and a mold for shaping electric wire end, capable of shaping a distal end with a rectangular shape in sectional view by smoothly pressing conductors of plural electric wires without causing a reduction in strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet metal stamping device and methods for reducing the size of a blank required for producing a stamped part therefrom than is conventionally possible. The device utilizes an intermediate clamp section with projections having clamping formations located thereon which complement clamping formations located on a first die section. The intermediate clamp section projections allow for the use of a smaller blank size as less addendum material is required to secure the blank during the stamping process. The blank is secured using the intermediate clamp section and the first die section prior to the second die section engaging the blank to stamp the part. In some embodiments, retention beads resultant from the clamping process may remain in the stamped part, that being inside a trim line. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a blank shifter may be provided to locate the blank between the die sections prior to clamping.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a truss structure using multi-point pins, a method of manufacturing a truss structure using the apparatus, a truss core sandwich panel having the truss structure, and a method of manufacturing the truss core sandwich panel. The apparatus includes a metal plate, clamps, an upper die and a lower die. The clamps hold the metal plate. The upper die has upper multi-point pins which press the metal plate downwards. The lower die has lower multi-point pins which press the metal plate upwards. The metal plate has first and second points that respectively correspond to the upper and lower multi-point pins. The first points are extended downwards by the upper multi-point pins, and the second points are extended upwards by the lower multi-point pins. Thereby, many symmetrical sides are formed in the truss structure, thus increasing the stability of the truss structure.

Abstract: A coil forming method, a coil forming die assembly and a coil manufactured by the coil forming method are disclosed. The coil forming method comprises conducting preliminary forming work on a coil under a linear state before conducting bending work on the coil. The preliminary forming work including conducting compression work on the coil under the linear state to compress the coil in a region covering a rounded corner portion formed when bending work is conducted to decrease a dimension of the coil in a widthwise direction. The dimension of the coil is decreased in the widthwise direction by the nearly same dimension as that of the coil bulged in the widthwise direction when bending work is conducted in the absence of the preliminary forming work. This prevents the occurrence of bulging of the coil during bending work with an increase in lamination factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.

Abstract: Forming processes such as hot creep forming or superplastic deformation require a die former. This die former comprises a lower die and an upper die within which an initial roughly shaped component is placed and then shaped by downward pressure between the die parts. Previous arrangements have included a simple stop to engage edges of the component to define position. In use, due to the nature of the forming process, movement of the component can occur, and in such circumstances it may be necessary for the operator to adjust the position of the component during the forming process. By utilising pegs about the periphery at least of leading and trailing edges of a component a better edge definition is created, thereby reducing the requirement for interim positioning of the component in use.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-mode hammering machine that operates in a rigid mode, a flexible power hammer mode and a machine press mode to contour, shape and form sheet metal products. In all three modes, a ram is linearly stroked toward and away from a fixed die by a common ram drive assembly that includes a lever drive assembly and a reciprocating lever. The lever drive assembly moves in a rigid non-flexing manner. The reciprocating lever includes a rigid mode and a flexible mode. A conversion pin is used to engage one and simultaneously disengage the other. The lever drive assembly includes a control link that interfaces with a stroke adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism is located at the fulcrum of the reciprocating lever. Both stroke length and gap are adjusted independently during the operation while the ram is cycling.

Abstract: An electric wire shaping apparatus includes a pair of male and female shaping dies and a pressing mechanism. Each of the male and female shaping dies has a shaping surface that includes a plurality of straight parts and a plurality of bent parts. The pressing mechanism moves one of the male and female shaping dies toward the other, thereby pressing a turn portion of an electric wire between the shaping surfaces of the male and female shaping dies in a width-wise direction of the turn portion. Furthermore, the male and female shaping dies are so configured that when they are located closest to each other, a gap W2 between a corresponding pair of the bent parts of the shaping surfaces of the male and female shaping dies is different in size from a gap W1 between a corresponding pair of the straight parts of the shaping surfaces.

Abstract: The invention involves a forming tool for a machine tool. The forming tool can be used, for example, to create various large forms in sheet metal or other workpieces.

Abstract: A power hammer assembly providing forming capabilities while remaining economical with respect to performance, vibration, footprint size and acquisition costs. The power hammer assembly can provide for a single stroke speed and/or a single set stroke with respect to the striking of die assemblies against a piece of metal. The power hammer assembly can provide for a large throat area and/or a larger die gap for ease of use. The power hammer assembly can include adjustment features allowing for the use of die sets of varying configurations such as, for example, shank size, shank length or alternatively, die sets fabricated for use with other machinery. In addition, the power hammer assembly can include a belt transmission assembly designed to slip in the event of die interference during set-up or operation so as to avoid damaging the power hammer assembly.

Abstract: A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Abstract: A pulley and bearing assembly and a method of inserting and fastening a bearing within a pulley having an axially extending cylindrical hub portion with an axial bore forming an inner periphery of the pulley and a pair of opposite ends, an annular belt groove portion around an outer periphery of the pulley and annular disk shaped body portion extending radially between the hub and belt groove portion, the steps comprising: clamping the pulley in a fixed axial position, providing a bearing of a slightly larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the bore of the hub, axially aligning the bearing with the bore of the hub, applying axial pressure to one side of the bearing to move it into the bore in a force fit therewith, and applying axial pressure simultaneously to both ends of the hub to crimp the ends of the hub around the bearing near its circumference to retain the bearing within the hub.

Abstract: A punch and die tool for cutting a slug from a sheet of material that is retained in the opening of the die and does not adhere to or follow the punch on its upward stroke, and a method for retaining a slug in a die, are disclosed. The die is formed with one or more irregularities or grooves on the edge of the die face so that the slug cut by the operation of the punch and die will have a burr on its edge. The burr causes the slug to lodge in the inside surface of the die and prevents the slug from following the punch on its upward stroke.

Abstract: A bending process including both preliminary and following steps takes place in one apparatus. A plastic pipe (6) is heated to a temperature in which it can be plastically deformed. The heated pipe is thereafter shoved into a pipe-shaped bending channel (27) of a bending tool, with the bending tool comprising two dies (9,10), each respectively defining a groove (14,13) which together form the bending channel. Finally, a cooling agent is allowed to flow through the bent pipe which is still in the bending tool. The thusly cooled pipe is removed from the bending tool after the dies are separated from one another. The apparatus to bend the plastic pipe comprises heating, bending, and cooling stations (1,2,3). The heating station comprises two heating fixtures, and the cooling station comprises a supply line (21,22) with a coupling joint (20) which can be coupled to an end of the pipe.

Abstract: Improvements relating to tools for cold flow forming of assembly points in sheet metal. The tools comprise first tool (1) with a punch (6) and a blank holder (5) and a second tool (10) with a guiding surface (16) from which extends a finger (14) terminated by an anvil (15), a die (20) formed by at least two shells (18), each of said shells (18) having a shoulder (21) slidingly mounted on the guiding surface (16) and in contact with the lateral surface of the finger (14) through resilient means (26), the guiding means of the sections (18) being provided together with a stop restricting the separation of the shells (18) during cold flow. The improvements are characterized in that the stop consists of two half sections (30) elastically secured to the second tool (10).

Abstract: A method of producing a coupling for pipes includes the steps of subjecting a predetermined length of desired cross-sectional profiled material to a bending process in a mould having a semi-circular portion to form an item of semi-circular shape; forming bent ends of predetermined size on the profiled material; and then coining the bent ends to lie in an identical horizontal plane as a horizontal diameter of the item of semi-circular shape. The coining step is accompanied by a substep of forcing excess material from the predetermined length of profiled material into a zone between the semi-circular portion of the mould and the bent ends of predetermined size on the profiled material.

Abstract: A device for bending a workpiece having a substantially planar leg fixed to a substantially planar cap at an initial angle comprises a block bar having a rounded bending surface for contacting the leg of a workpiece and a punch for urging the leg of the workpiece against the rounded bending surface to vary the angle between the cap and the leg from the initial angle to a desired angle while simultaneously maintaining the substantially planar shape of the cap and the leg. A method for bending a workpiece having a substantially planar leg fixed to a substantially planar cap at an initial angle comprises positioning the workpiece adjacent a block having a rounded bending surface and urging the leg of the workpiece against the bending surface.

Abstract: A flanging fixture, and a method of attaching the fixture and performing flanging operation on a pointed metal surface of a vehicle, surrounding an aperture. The flanging fixture is positioned on the painted metal surface surrounding the aperture. The fixture is secured to the vehicle surface and a source of heat is applied to the vehicle surface. The vehicle surface is heated to an optimum temperature, and the offsetting tool is applied to the metal surface. The offsetting tool is worked around the perimeter of the aperture to perform the flanging operation on the painted metal surface resulting in a formed ledge without damaging the painted surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of hot-forging in a forging press a cylindrical powdered metal preform to substantially full theoretical density to thereby produce a powdered metal part having a small inner bore wherein the core rod defining such bore is constructed so as to allow a continuous flow of a highly vaporizable liquid coolant such as nitrogen to the metal forming portion of the core rod and to thermally insulate the incoming coolant to assure its being maintained substantially unvaporized until being expelled to the core rod cooling chamber.

Abstract: A method of forging a crank shaft at least including: a first step of forming a pair of fitting grooves in an outer periphery of a crank throw portion of a billet at an axially central portion of the billet, said grooves extending perpendicular to an axis of the crank throw portion as well as to a diametral line thereof; a second step of subjecting said billet to rough forging by using a rough forging mold which comprises upper and lower molds having respective recesses which are adapted to determine the position of the billet in cooperation with the fitting grooves of the crank throw portion and a journal portion, in which step, an outflow of burr is restricted by means of an inclined offset surface disposed opposite to the outflow direction of said burr while the crank throw portion is forced to move towards a crank pin position; and a third step of subjecting said billet to finish forging by using a finish forging mold which comprises upper and lower molds having respective recesses formed corresponding to

Abstract: A forming machine (10) is provided for forming a finished part (12) from a flat blank (14). Draw stations (18-24) are provided to initially form the intermediate part. Each draw station includes a punch (44, 62, 66, 70') and a draw die (48, 64, 68, 72). Each punch defines a shoulder along its length to create a first step (60) in the side walls (26) of the intermediate part. In a subsequent draw stage, a draw punch (70') forms a second shoulder along its length to create a second step (100) in the side walls (26) of the intermediate part. A draw shoulder (61) on the draw punch (71') mates with the step (60) to maintain the concentric shape thereof. In the subsequent necking and final form stages (30, 32, 34) the punch employed also has a shoulder to permit variation of the force applied to the intermediate part between the step and bottom portion.

Abstract: A forming machine (10) is provided for forming a finished part (12) from a flat blank (14). Draw stations (18-24) are provided to initially form the intermediate part. Each draw station includes a punch (44, 62, 66, 70) and a draw die (48, 64, 68, 72). Each punch defines a shoulder along its length to create a step (60) in the side walls (26) of the intermediate part. In the subsequent necking and final form stages (30, 32, 34) the punch employed also has a shoulder to permit variation of the force applied to the intermediate part between the step and bottom portion.

Abstract: Method for forming scroll members comprising an end plate having an involute wrap rigidly affixed thereto. The end plate and involute wrap are precision formed, e.g., by casting, either as an integral element or as two separate elements and then the scroll member is coined to the desired dimensional accuracy and finish. If a separate end plate and an involute wrap are provided for coining, then they are rigidly joined during coining, an embodiment which permits the use of two different materials and/or the attainment of two different surface characteristics for the involute wrap and the end plate.

Abstract: A method of forging an arcuate shaped toothed segment which is adapted to be bolted to an endless track wheel for an endless track vehicle. The method includes the simultaneous finishing without the necessity of machining of various surfaces of the toothed segment, and which surfaces are arranged at right angles to one another. The method includes inserting a rough blank so that the surfaces to be finished are held in a two-piece die and at an inclined angle in respect to the direction of die movement. As a result, all of the surfaces of the segment are simultaneously and completely finished so as to need no further machining.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming scroll members comprising an end plate having an involute wrap rigidly affixed thereto. The end plate and involute wrap are precision formed, e.g., by casting, either as an integral element or as two separate elements and then the scroll member is coined to the desired dimensional accuracy and finish. If a separate end plate and an involute wrap are provided for coining, then they are rigidly joined during coining, an embodiment which permits the use of two different materials and/or the attainment of two different surface characteristics for the involute wrap and the end plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (32) is provided for crushing a portion of a corrugated sheet (10) in an area (20, 22) extending transversely to the corrugations in the sheet without blocking the passages (14) between the crowns (12) of the uncrushed portions of the corrugated sheet (10). In accordance with the method, spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) are inserted into each of the passages (14) on either side of a ridge (12) to be crushed, and the ridge (12) between the spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) is crushed before the spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) are withdrawn. The apparatus for crushing the sheet (10) includes opposed die members (34, 36), each having a plurality of blades (58-66 and 78-88) spaced by slots (68-76 and 90-98). The slots (68-76 and 90-98) in each die member (34, 36) progressively decrease in depth and are positioned to receive the blades (58-66 and 78-88) of the opposed die member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a unit piece for a `V` pulley of the type in which a pair of unit pieces of the same configuration are assembled in back-to-back relation to each other into a single complete pulley, said unit piece having a central flat portion and a circumferential `V` groove forming portion continuous with the flat portion, characterized by the steps of preparing a forging stock of a disk form of which the outer diameter is equal to the outer diameter D.sub.1 of said pulley unit peice and the thickness is equal to the thickness T of the flat portion of said pulley unit piece; and cold-forging said forging stock for deforming an outer circumferential portion thereof so that the thickness of the portion is gradually reduced radially outwardly to define a cylindrical portion of height L as well as an outermost circumference of thickness T.sub.1 and n innermost circumference of thickness T.sub.2 (T.sub.1 <T.sub.