Abstract: A stent is made flexible along its length. The stent initially starts as a metal sheet. It is rolled in its central region to a specified wall thickness. Thereafter, the stent is photochemically etched to produce the desired cell pattern of the design of the stent. Then, the stent is folded and the metal is joined to give rise to a stent with multiple wall thickness. For instance, larger wall thicknesses at the end of the stent versus smaller wall thicknesses at its center. Various other possible manufacturing methods are useful with respect to this stent.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending and transporting an aluminum metal sheet. The bending apparatus includes a central retaining portion that has gripping elements mounted on the central retaining portion for retaining an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a bending mechanism that is mounted to the central retaining portion. The bending mechanism is capable of axial movement in relation to a central axis of the central retaining portion for imparting a curvature to an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet including the steps of heating an aluminum metal sheet in an oven, transferring the heat of an aluminum sheet to a hot forming tool, bending the heated aluminum sheet during the transfer step to conform the sheet to a shape of the hot forming tool, and then placing the bent metal sheet in the hot forming tool and forming an A-shaped part.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods and apparatus for provision of controlled shapes during the stamping process of sheet metal, for example, used as a computer system enclosure. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an irregular shape on a computer panel is disclosed. The method includes: creating a plurality of openings in the computer panel, the plurality of openings tracing a pattern that forms the irregular shape, each of the plurality of openings having a substantially straight edge adjacent to the pattern; and applying force onto the computer panel along the plurality of openings to provide the irregular shape without warping or twisting the computer panel.

Abstract: A hex nut formed from cutting and deforming a rigid planar material and having an integral attachment surface continuous with the deformable planar material allows attachment of the hex nut to any suitable surface. A rigid planar material such as a piece of flat metal is cut according to a particular pattern. The particular pattern includes each of the sides of the hex nut and one or more attachment surfaces as a continuous shape. The flat metal is then deformed, or bent, along certain lines to form a hex nut, or other polygonal shaped object. The attachment surface or surfaces, which extend from the sides of the hex nut, are then secured to a surface of a rotatable object, such as by adhesion or spot welding, or other suitable methods. In this manner, the hex nut can be engaged by a receptacle such as a wrench for rotating the hex nut and consequently, the object which is attached through the attachment surface.

Abstract: A method of producing workpiece having irregular cross section by stamping thin plate into thick plate is provided. In the method, a thin plate having a uniform thickness corresponding to that of a thinner area to be formed on the workpiece is used. Multiple stamping heads having different and gradually increased bevel angles are used one by one to stamp one or two sides of the thin plate at a predetermined scrap area, so that a part of the scrap area is gradually compressed and pushed toward a specific area that is to have larger thickness on said workpiece. When the specific area bumps to a predetermined height, a stamping mold is used to downward stamp the bumped area into a predetermined shape. Thereafter, the remained scrap area on the thin plate is removed to obtain the desired workpiece. The method enables largely reduced scrap and manufacturing time and cost in forming a workpiece having irregular cross section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for bending a metal plate comprising: a first forming step (A) for obtaining a first formed member having a bent portion; and a second forming step (B) for bending the first formed member in a direction of a bending direction of the bent portion so as to allow the bent portion of the first formed member to receive bending-back force. In bending a metal plate by a forming punch relatively moving to a forming die side, the metal plate is bent in an arch shape round the bent forming portion of the forming die. The angle &thgr;p formed between an inclined flat forming portion and a horizontal flat forming portion of the forming die is set to &thgr;p>0, so that the bent arch portion abuts with the inclined flat forming portion of the forming punch and the inclined flat portion of the forming die simultaneously for a certain period of time.

Abstract: There are provided a step of forming a structure in which a first concave portion is formed in a predetermined portion on one surface of a metal plate and also a convex portion that protrudes from other surface of the metal plate is formed by formation of the first concave portion and a second concave portion is formed in a predetermined portion on an outside of a peripheral portion of the convex portion, by shaping the metal plate by means of stamping using a die, and a step of cutting the convex portion formed on the other surface of the metal plate.

Abstract: A stainless steel aquatic component for use in an aquatic environment such as pools, spas, hot tubs, and shower rooms has a slip-resistant texture formed therein. The slip-resistant texture includes a plurality of protrusions which are punched into an outer surface of the aquatic component. A method of forming an aquatic component is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for forming a corner bounded on three sides from a flat plate part, in particular sheet metal, whereby the side edges adjacent to the corner are folded back across a major part of their longitudinal extension parallel with the flat plate part and shaped on a curved path in the region in which the corner is to be formed from the folded-back side edge to the plane of the flat plate part. The pre-formed blank is then pressed at the curved transition region by means of at least one roller system (42), spanning the corner region (10) between the side edges, against a tool (16) and the corner shaped by forming the material and optionally trimmed in a cutting device.

Abstract: A metal material is rolled to form a strip plate material having a middle part and thinner thickness-deviation portions on both sides of the middle part. After that, this strip plate material is bent and deformed in its width direction by roll forming, thus forming a bent and deformed portion in the middle part. The processing method includes a rolling step and a roll forming step, which enables the metal material to be processed economically using relatively simple steps. No annealing step is included and therefore an excellent final product is obtained. Particularly, the rolling step and the roll forming step are carried out successively, so that the roll forming can be carried out with high efficiency using processing heat generated in the rolling step. The bent and deformed portion is thick and the thickness-deviation portions are thinner, which contributes to the reduction in weight of a final product while the same strength as that of a conventional product is maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus for proposing bending sequences and bending tools for a metal plate part includes system for storing a development plan of the metal plate part; system for detecting a plurality of bending sequence proposals which make it possible to manufacture the metal plate part based on the development plan, and bending tool proposals used in each bending process of each bending sequence proposal; and system for displaying the plurality of bending sequence proposals. Such display includes information showing the stage numbers in each bending sequence proposal.

Abstract: A method for folding a metal strip is proposed, the method comprising the steps of providing a metal strip having a first surface and a second surface; providing the metal strip with a groove in the first surface; folding the metal strip into a corner wherein the first surface forms a concave side of the corner and the second surface forms a convex side of the corner and the groove extends along the concave side of the corner; the metal strip being folded by means of at least one set of rollers. According to an important aspect of the invention, one of the rollers comprises a bead pressing the groove into said metal strip, the bead having a substantially rounded profile. The invention further concerns a folded tube having a groove with substantially rounded profile and a forming tool having a bead with substantially rounded profile.

Abstract: A press forming process involves a stretching press to form a product with a curved portion from a workpiece by imparting a pad portion to the workpiece prior to starting the press forming process. The curved portion is prepared by spreading the pad portion mainly into the longitudinal direction of the workpiece, so that the curved portion is prepared so as to have a spring back of the product minimized.

Abstract: A method of producing high-frequency modules at a higher efficiency is provided comprising: an electronic components mounting step 62 of fabricating on a master substrate 21 rows of sub substrates 22, each the sub substrate 22 having an identical pattern of circuit developed thereon, and mounting electronic components on the sub substrate 22; a step 64 of, after the step 62, providing slits for electrically isolating signal terminals formed integrally; a laser trimming step 66 of, after the step 64, engaging pins 39 of an inspection tooling in direct contact with the signal terminals to conduct an inspection; and a separating step 72 of, after the step 66, separating the sub substrates 22 from the master substrate 21. Accordingly, the productivity for the high-frequency modules will be improved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method includes forming a sheet of material having a predetermined shape. A physical marker is then formed on the sheet of material. The physical marker is formed to indicate a position on the sheet of material, where the sheet of material is to be bent.

Abstract: A method of producing metal rod of a blind consists of a number of processing steps wherein a metal board is first roller pressed with a pattern-surfaced roller to produce decoration patterns thereon, the metal board with decoration patterns disposed thereon is then further pressed and bent to have a multiple of equidistant folding lines defined thereon, and, finally, the metal board is bent via the folding lines and soldered up at both lateral edges thereof to obtain a polygonal metal rod with decoration patterns disposed thereon. The folding lines and decoration patterns thereof are arranged alternately without intersection thereof so that the decoration patterns will not be disfigured when said metal board is rolled up by the folding lines thereof, and the folding lines, distributing evenly the pressing force applied onto the metal board, will keep the polygonal metal rod of a blind into a straight line.

Abstract: A rigid structural foil and a method for forming a rigid structural foil is provided. The structural foil includes at least two layers of metal sheets, valley areas and spacers. The metal sheet layers include metal foil having a thickness of 0.006 in. The valley areas are disposed between compressed and uncompressed portions of the structural foil formed during compression of portions of the structural foil. In addition to the valley areas, the structural foil includes spacers. The spacers within the metal sheet layers provide spacing between portions of the metal layers such that the structural foil functions as both a heat shield and an acoustic shield.

Abstract: According to the invention, an inward collar is integrally shaped on the inner periphery of a cylindrical boss portion. The inward collar is raisedly shaped in the axial direction on the inner periphery of the cylindrical boss portion by a top pattern tool having an ironing punch, and a bottom pattern tool having an ironing punch. The ironing process of forming the inward collar is repeated several times by using plural dies to finish the final shape.

Abstract: A cylindrical workpiece (20) is mounted onto and connected to a mandrel (14) that is itself mounted for rotation about a vertical axis (12). A first end portion of the workpiece (20) is housed within the mandrel (14). A second end portion projects axially outwardly beyond a radial forming surface (60) on the mandrel (14). A first forming roller (30) is mounted on a swing post (52) that is positioned by an adjustable length strut (56). The strut (56) is elongated to swing the post (52) downwardly and place the roller (30) inside the second end portion of the workpiece (20). Then, a lead screw (28) is used for pulling on a base (50) that supports the post (52). This pulls a convex face portion (32) of the roller (30) against the inside of the second end portion of the workpiece (20). Lead screw operation moves the roller (30), causing it to stretch the second end portion of the workpiece (20) and move it up onto and then move it radially outwardly along the forming surface (60).

Abstract: A method for bending sheet metal includes introducing to the sheet metal thinned regions which are positioned either along or immediately adjacent to a bending line. These thinned regions allow the metal to be easily bent along the bending line using conventional hand tools or non-specialized machines. The thinned regions may be shaped as slots having a specific width, length, end shape, spacing from each adjacent slot, and depth into the metal sheet. According to one embodiment of the invention, each slot is cut through the entire thickness of the metal sheet. Other related embodiments require that the slots be only partially cut or etched thereby having a depth that is less than the thickness of the metal sheet. The thinned regions may be any appropriate shape as controlled by the shape of the bend, the type of metal, the thickness of the metal, the ductility of the metal, the angle of the bend, and the application of the metal (e.g., load bearing, etc).

Abstract: A hub lock releasing structure for a tape recorder has a releasing pin for releasing a hub from a locked state by pressing a hub locking member installed on a tape cassette in one direction as the tape cassette settles on a deck. The releasing pin is integrally formed with the deck. In the hub lock releasing structure, since the releasing pin is integrally formed with the deck, the number of necessary components can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified. A method of fabricating a releasing pin for the hub lock releasing structure comprises providing a deck in the tape recorder for receiving a tape cassette, partially cutting a portion of the deck, and bending the cut portion of the deck upward to form the releasing pin.

Abstract: A steel sheet for magnetic shields is provided containing 0.15% by weight or less of C and having a thickness of 0.05-0.5 mm and an anhysteretic magnetic permeability of 7500 or higher.

Abstract: A slider head of a suspension supports a read/write head for data transfer to and from a data storage disk. Deviation from a pitch static attitude and a roll static attitude of the suspension arises due to manufacturing variations, resulting in inefficient data transfer. The deviation results in pitch and roll errors. Various methods have been provided for correcting the pitch and roll errors. The application of conventional methods using conventional apparatus results in the suspension either being damaged or experiencing bending cross-talk. An embodiment of the invention provides two pairs of probes with each probe having a free end for abutting and thereby cooperating for gripping the suspension. Each pair of probes allows for two degrees-of-freedom for respectively adjusting the roll static attitude and the pitch static attitude of the suspension. The contact configuration of the probes substantially reduces bending cross-talk while substantially alleviating damage to the suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a discrete curved product from a feed stock includes a source of heat that is adapted to impose a focused beam of light on at least one surface of a work piece to cause the surface of the work piece to expand and thereby move in the general direction of the heat source so as to impart a predetermined radius of curvature to the work piece. The apparatus is described in connection with one example where it may be employed to manufacture a curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock. In addition, a method of manufacturing a discrete curved product from feed stock, generally, as well as a discrete curved backbone for a beam blade windshield wiper assembly from feed stock, specifically, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a support (6) for a valve stem in a lever-type cam follower made of sheet metal is proposed. According to the invention, this support (6) with its guide walls (7, 8) is made by cold forging.

Abstract: A process for forming a support that includes providing a blank with a first edge and a second edge and forming a first wing at the first edge and a second wing at the second edge. The first wing is folded toward the second wing and attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component consisting of a high-strength sheet, in particular a structural component, which is provided with a deformation structure in a locally limited stiffening region, this deformation structure considerably increasing the local stiffness of the component compared with conventional components. The stiffness-increasing deformation structure consists of a periodic grid of concave and convex bulges nested one inside the other. It is embossed in certain, locally limited regions of the sheet by means of a deep-drawing method. The regular periodic grid structure of the stiffening pattern permits a computational simulation of the stiffnesses to be achieved and, as a consequence thereof, a systematic optimization of the stiffening structure for the respective component. The bulge depths may be locally varied inside the stiffening structure, as a result of which local variations in the stiffness of the component are specifically achieved inside the stiffening region.

Abstract: A hub lock releasing structure for a tape recorder has a releasing pin for releasing a hub from a locked state by pressing a hub locking member installed on a tape cassette in one direction as the tape cassette settles on a deck. The releasing pin is integrally formed with the deck. In the hub lock releasing structure, since the releasing pin is integrally formed with the deck, the number of necessary components can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified. A method of fabricating a releasing pin for the hub lock releasing structure comprises providing a deck in the tape recorder for receiving a tape cassette, partially cutting a portion of the deck, and bending the cut portion of the deck upward to form the releasing pin.

Abstract: A wrapped plain bearing bush having a bush width which varies in the peripheral direction. The bush is characterized in that it is wrapped from a strip-shaped band section which is provided with a variable over the length of the section while still in its flat state and which is wrapped in such a way that the wrapped bush does not need to be subjected to any further cutting of the width; but, instead, has its definitive, variable bush width after wrapping on the bush mold.

Abstract: A two piece cable tie is provided having an improved metal locking device anchoring system. The cable tie includes a strap including a first end and a free end and a locking head secured to the first end of the strap that defines a strap accepting channel in the head having a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The locking head further includes a metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward the strap exit end of the locking head and a mounting slot having an inner support wall, an outer support wall and a support slot communicating the mounting slot with the receiving cavity. A metal locking device is mounted through the metal locking device receiving cavity into the mounting slot. The metal locking device has a free end positioned within the strap accepting channel and a fixed end having at least one bent tang protruding outwardly from a surface of the metal locking device. The fixed end having the at least one bent tang is insertable through the support slot.

Abstract: Multilayer metal foil pads or panels for heat or sound insulation or shielding comprising two or more corrugated metal foil or metal sheet layers wherein a flat metal foil or metal sheet layer is positioned between each pair of corrugated layers. The corrugated layers and/or the flat layers may be embossed, patterned or textured to enhance performance of the pad or panel. A preferred pad or panel comprises an embossed, patterned or textured flat exterior layer adapted for contacting the surface to be insulated or shielded to provide air space between the pad or panel and the surface and to separate the first corrugated layer from the surface. Methods are provided for making the pads and panels, which are useful in automotive applications, food cooking devices and other uses.

Abstract: A method of making an eyewear frame comprising the initial step of extruding an elongated billet of substantially rigid material having a top surface having predetermined convex cross-sectional initially as extruded curvature and a bottom surface having a predetermined concave cross-sectional initially as extruded curvature. The next step involves mounting a predetermined length of the elongated billet in a holding fixture of a computer numerical control (CNC) cutting machine. Next the CNC cutting machine is operated to cut out predetermined lens apertures and a finished eyewear frame around each of the previously machined lens apertures thereby producing a substantially stress free eyewear frame that is ready to have a stress free lens installed in its lens aperture.

Abstract: Integral studs, such as T-studs, are cut from metal sheets on which the studs are to be deployed. A process for providing integral studs includes cutting the studs from the sheet metal on which the studs are to be deployed, and elevating the studs above the plane defined by the sheet metal. The process obviates the need for welding or otherwise attaching non-integral studs to the sheet metal.

Abstract: In a state in which a material (blank) cut in a predetermined shape is mounted on a die and the bottom of the material is supported by a seat, the material is pressed by a tool from above and the tool is moved along the die so that the material is incrementally formed. The bottom of the material is fixed, so that the material is not inclined and can be formed in a predetermined shape. A circular arc portion of a flange is processed in a state in which it is clamped by the female die and the tool, so that the circular arc portion of the flange is not spread outside and the perpendicularity between the flange of the circular arc portion and the bottom can be increased.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for temporarily bonding reinforcing sheet metal pieces or other metal pieces to a sheet metal blank for forming at an elevated temperature such as is employed in superplastic forming of suitable aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel or titanium alloys. The pieces are bonded to the blank in locations in which the piece will acquire a desired shape from co-formation with the blank. Suitable water suspendible sodium silicate compositions, such as water glass bond the piece to the blank during high temperature forming and permit removal after forming.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method includes forming a sheet of material having a predetermined shape. A physical marker is then formed on the sheet of material. The physical marker is formed to indicate a position on the sheet of material, where the sheet of material is to be bent.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming sheet material into contoured parts. The invention method includes these steps: A die is fashioned having an outside surface corresponding to the inside surface of the desired part. A plastically deformable sheet of material is clamped to the die so that the material is tangent to the die at a tangent area. A forming path is defined that follows the part's outside surface definition beginning at a point adjacent to the tangent area and tracing around the tangent area in circuits that incrementally offset away from the tangent area until all of the outside surface of the part is traced. A forming tool is then moved along the forming path as the die and the sheet of material remain stationary so that the end of the forming tool presses the sheet material against the die thereby gradually forming the sheet material against the die to produce a finished formed part.

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 for making a metal drawer head wherein the drawer head can be formed as a unitary part in a multiple stage process without the need for human manipulation of the part during any stage of the forming process. A rotary forming process can preferably be used to form the flanges on the drawer head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for molding an assembly panel by manufacturing a blank for a main panel and a blank for a reinforcing panel; temporarily welding the blank for the reinforcing panel to the blank for the main panel along a predetermined welding line; holding the two welded panels in a press and molding the same into a predetermined shape; trimming scraps from the main panel; and spot welding the two panels so that the two panels adhere to each other more firmly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fin for a heat-exchange module which comprises at least two heat exchangers equipped with fluid-circulation tubes and comprising cooling fins common to the exchangers. The fin consists of a metal strip (14) having a width (L1) divided into at least two heat-exchange regions (18, 20) by at least one series of longitudinal oblong holes spaced apart from one another. In accordance with the method of the invention, at least one series of longitudinal slits (22) is formed, spaced apart from one another, in the metal strip (14), and the longitudinal slits are widened so as to form a series of oblong holes spaced apart from one another. According to one embodiment variant, stampings (24) are formed between the longitudinal slits (22), and these stampings are flattened so as to widen the slits (22) and form the oblong holes.

Abstract: An improved rupture disk assembly and methods and apparatuses for forming a rupture disk are disclosed. The rupture disk assembly includes a rupture disk having a flange connected to a dome-shaped rupturable portion by a transition area. The rupturable portion includes a structural apex formation at or near the apex of the dome and is configured to rupture when exposed to a fluid having a predetermined pressure. Preferably, a safety member is disposed adjacent the rupture disk. The safety member includes a hinge about which the disk bends when the disk ruptures. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for consistently, accurately, and repeatably forming a structural apex formation in a rupture disk before the formation of to the rupture disk dome, during the formation of the rupture disk dome, and after the formation of the rupture disk dome.

Abstract: There is provided an anode can capable of preventing leakage of liquid, a method of fabricating the same, and a battery using the anode can and a method of fabricating the same. An anode can is formed of a material formed of a stack of layers including an aluminum alloy layer and a stainless steel layer formed on the aluminum alloy layer and it includes a flat, center portion and a peripheral side wall contiguous to and surrounding the flat center portion. The aluminum alloy layer located at the peripheral side wall is smaller in thickness than the aluminum alloy layer located at the flat center portion. At an edge of the peripheral side wall, the aluminum alloy layer and the stainless steel layer have their respective end surfaces aligned substantially in a single straight line in a plane substantially perpendicular to an outer peripheral surface of the peripheral side wall.

Abstract: A method for bending sheet metal includes introducing to the sheet metal thinned regions which are positioned either along or immediately adjacent to a bending line. These thinned regions allow the metal to be easily bent along the bending line using conventional hand tools or non-specialized machines. The thinned regions may be shaped as slots having a specific width, length, end shape, spacing from each adjacent slot, and depth into the metal sheet.

Abstract: A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (31,41,61,91,231) along a bend line (35,45,62-66,96,235) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming and longitudinally extending slits (33,43,68,92,233) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to define bending webs (37,47,71,72,106,237), forming stress reducing structures such as enlarged openings (39,49,69,73) or transversely extending slits (239) at each of adjacent ends of pairs of slits in order to reduce crack propagation across the bending webs. In another aspect, the elongated slits (43,68,92,233) are formed with pairs of longitudinally extending slit segments (51,52;74,76;98,99;127) proximate to and on opposite sides of and substantially parallel to the desired bend line. Longitudinally extending slit segments further are connected by at least one intermediate transversely extending slit segment (53,77,101,128). Sheets of slit material suitable for bending also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of the present invention for folding over a plate (90) includes the steps of: providing a first mold assembly to dent a notch (94) at a place of the plate to be bent and simultaneously form a curved portion (98) at an end of the plate which has a rounded comer (96) with a 1.0 millimeter radius; providing a second mold assembly to bend the plate 90 degrees at the notch; and providing a third mold assembly to finally fold over the plate with a rammer (60″) acting on the curved portion and thereupon flattening the curved portion.

Abstract: A polymer battery module (2) provided with tabs (4) is put in a package (5) and an open end part of the package (5) is heat-sealed by a heat-sealing machine (10). The heat-sealing machine (10) is provided with a pair of sealing heads (10a, 10b) respectively having sealing surfaces (12). The sealing surfaces (12) of the sealing heads (10a, 10b) are provided with recesses (11) in parts thereof corresponding to the tabs (4) of the polymer battery module (2) contained in the package (5) as located in place between the sealing heads (10a, 10b) for heat-sealing.

Abstract: A stainless steel separator having gas channels including grooves and projections for fuel cells. The separator has a composition including about 0.03 mass percent or less of carbon; about 0.03 mass percent or less of nitrogen, the total content of carbon and nitrogen being about 0.03 mass percent or less; about 16 mass percent to about 45 mass percent chromium; about 0.5 mass percent to about 3.0 mass percent molybdenum; and the balance being iron and incidental impurities. The separator has a contact resistance of about 100 m&OHgr;·cm2 or less. Preferably, the projections have an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra in the range of about 0.01 to about 1.0 &mgr;m and a maximum height Ry in the range of about 0.01 to about 20 &mgr;m. The stainless steel separator preferably further includes about 0.001 to about 0.1 mass percent silver. A fuel cell including this separator exhibits a stable output voltage for a long period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removably mounting a planar electrical component, such as a computer motherboard, to a chassis. The method comprises positioning a first fastener of a mounting device adjacent a mounting slot in the chassis, inserting the first fastener of the mounting device through the mounting slot in the chassis, releasing the mounting device so that the first fastener clamps onto the chassis through the mounting slot, positioning a second fastener of the mounting device adjacent a mounting hole on the planar electrical component, and inserting the second fastener of the mounting device into the mounting hole until the second fastener clamps onto the planar electrical component through the mounting hole.

Abstract: This invention improves on the process of bending in a conventional progressive stamping press a flat laminated metal sheet around a corner edge of a die block to form a generally straight piece-part corner, and comprises the steps of forming extended concavely rounded depressions in the opposite sheet faces at the sheet locations of the intended corner, then locating and clamping the sheet with the depressed regions aligned along a die block corner, and then mechanically bending the sheet with said depressed sheet regions aligned over the die block corner edge. The sheet depressions can be aligned essentially opposite one another, being rounded concavely and of a high width-to-depth ratio and of a depth to reduce the sheet to between 80-30% of its original thickness.