Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a workpiece of a super-plastic metal has a shaping die assembly for holding the workpiece therein to shape the workpiece with a pressurized gas while the workpiece is being heated, and a furnace assembly surrounding outer surfaces of the dies. The shaping die assembly includes a plurality of dies separable from and joinable to each other, the dies having flanges extending from mating surfaces thereof. The furnace assembly includes a plurality of furnaces separable from and joinable to each other, the furnaces being detachably mounted on the dies, respectively. The shaping die assembly is housed in the furnace assembly with the flanges projecting out of the furnace assembly when the dies are joined to each other. Heaters for heating the shaping die assembly are mounted on inner wall surfaces of the furnaces in a space defined between the furnace assembly and the shaping die assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for releasing a thin foil workpiece from adherence with a resilient surface to which it adheres due to compression occurring in a forming operation. The method includes the steps of applying pneumatic pressure greater than ambient pressure between the first forming element and the workpiece while the workpiece remains held by compression. Thereafter, a second surface of a second forming element is separated from contact with the thin foil workpiece, removing compression, and rapid or shock release of the thin foil workpiece from its adherence to the resilient surface ensues. An alternative method is further provided.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for forming metal sheet is adapted for operation within a standard double action press having a base and outer and inner vertically reciprocating slides. A basic die is mountable to the press and specific tooling is replaceably mountable to the basic die. The basic die includes a riser, a manifold and hydraulic cylinder assemblies. A sheet metal blank is positioned on the lower die and is clamped between the upper and lower dies whereby the periphery of the blank is gripped between a male and female bead mounted all around a part print cavity. The cylinder assemblies cause hydraulic fluid to be forced into a region between the clamped blank and the lower die and form the blank in the part print cavity. The male bead exerts varying control on the sheet to allow it to stretch across portions of the cavity while flowing into other portions of the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid filling and pressurizing a tube having a high pressure-low flow fluid circuit in the form of a shaft having a longitudinal bore communicating with a high pressure fluid source, a tube seal device adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube, and a device for reciprocating the shaft to advance and retract the shaft toward and away from the tube. A high flow low pressure circuit has a shroud for housing the forward end of the shaft when retracted and a rearward opening slidably and sealably engaging the shaft rearward of the tube seal device. The interior of the shroud communicates with a high flow-low pressure fluid source for sealing an external surface adjacent an end of the tube.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for removing or eliminating anisotropic material properties typically found in conventionally rolled or otherwise processed aluminum-lithium alloy products obtained from conventional aluminum fabrication mills. The method comprises imparting a predetermined amount of strain to the conventionally rolled alloy sheet whereby the alloy experiences dynamic recrystallization. Through this process, the mill-imposed crystallographic texturing, which initially sets up the undesired anisotropic characteristics, is eliminated. A preferred technique for imparting strain to the sheet stock is superplastic forming.

Abstract: A free standing, self-supporting ceramic superplastic forming die assembly having a configuration that provides sufficient strength to resist a compressive load exerted by a press to hold a die lid on a die body against an oppositely directed force generated by gas at superplastic forming pressures within the die, and provides sufficient tensile strength, when under pressure of compressive loads exerted by the press to resist internal bursting force exerted by gas at superplastic forming pressures within the die, thereby making possible the use of a ceramic die for superplastic forming applications without the need of a surrounding containment pressure vessel.

Abstract: This is a method for heat assisted forming, annealing, and hardening 360.degree. sheet metal shapes in a clean environment in a single facility that results in dimensionally correct, cost-effective, contaminant free parts.

Abstract: A gas management system for delivering forming gas under a controlled pressure through a first portion of a piping network to a region of a forming die between a die lid and a blank to be formed in a superplastic forming machine includes a gas pressure regulator in the piping network and two control loops. The first control loop has a first pressure transducer communicating with the piping network downstream of the gas pressure regulator and operatively with the gas pressure regulator. The second control loop includes a pulse controller downstream of the first pressure transducer and a second pressure transducer communicating with the piping network downstream of the pulse controller and operatively with the pulse controller. The gas pressure regulator receives signals from a controller to adjust the pressure at which the gas pressure regulator opens to release gas through the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A method for augmenting an apparatus with pumps and a high pressure multiplier in such a manner that the apparatus can be altered to perform as a draw die press, hydroform press, tube bender, and as a hydraulic bulge form press by utilizing appropriate quick change platens.

Abstract: Flanges used in a photosensitive drum to be regenerated are assembled in a regenerated electrophotography photosensitive drum employing a regenerated cylinder having a diameter enlarged by regeneration processes.The regenerated electrophotography photosensitive drum is obtained by enlarging the diameter of the photosensitive drum to be regenerated whose photosensitive film has not functioned normally because of being used up or damaged during preparation or the like, cutting off the surface, including the photosensitive film, of the cylinder with predetermined precision with respect to the outer diameter and the surface, and forming a photosensitive film on the resultant regenerated cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet metal blank positioned upon a lower die is wrapped around an upper die as the upper die is moved down to a closed position by an outer slide, the blank being clamped between the upper and lower dies whereby the periphery of the blank is gripped between a male and female bead mounted all around a part print cavity in the upper and lower dies, respectively. The outer slide then dwells while an inner slide moves down, engaging and actuating cylinder assemblies, causing hydraulic fluid to be forced into a region between the clamped blank and the lower die, the blank being formed into a part print cavity defined in the upper die. The male bead exerts varying control on the sheet to allow it to stretch across portions of the cavity while flowing into other portions of the cavity. A locking mechanism prevents the bending of the dies and holds the dies in a closed position thereby assisting the engagement of the male bead with the female bead.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for forming metal sheet is adapted for operation within a standard double action press having a base and outer and inner vertically reciprocating slides and includes a basic die mountable to the press and specific tooling replaceably mountable to the basic die. The basic die includes an upper shoe mountable to the outer slide, a reservoir pan mounted atop the base, and hydraulic cylinder assemblies mounted with the pan and mechanically actuatable by the inner slide for providing pressurized fluid to the specific tooling. The specific tooling includes mating upper and lower dies connected to the upper shoe and base, respectively, and movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A seal device for a hydroforming press includes a housing having a bore and a seal carrier slidable within the housing bore. The seal carrier has a bore which fits closely outside of the end of tube to be hydroformed. A V-shaped locator rigidly mounted relative to the housing aligns the end of the tube placed thereon with the carrier bore. A carrier actuator is operable to move the seal carrier between a retracted position away from the end of the tube to an extended position over the end of the tube. A resilient elastomeric annular seal carried by the seal carrier encircles the outer surface of the tube. A seal actuator carried on the seal carrier compresses the seal upon relative movement between the seal actuator and the seal carrier. A stop is engaged by the seal actuator as the seal carrier approaches the extended position so that subsequent further movement of the seal carrier compresses the seal against the tube.

Abstract: A forming die which includes a die cavity contains a forming blank composed of a metallic alloy having superplastic properties. The forming pressure in a pressurized space adjacent the forming blank is regulated by a pressure regulator. The volume of the die cavity is determined, as is the mass of gas initially contained in the die cavity at the beginning of the forming cycle. The total forming time is empirically determined. The average gas mass flow rate that will be exhausted from the die cavity is calculated by dividing the total mass of gas initially contained in the die cavity by the total forming time. A gas mass flow meter fluidly communicates with the die cavity and measures the mass flow rate of the gas displaced by the forming blank and exhausted from the die cavity. The gas mass flow meter is continuously monitored during the forming cycle or a gas mass flow rate signal is fed back to the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting superplastic forming of metal workpieces at temperatures greater than 1000.degree. C., wherein both oxidation and creep deformation of the tooling are minimized. The process is achieved by heating forming surfaces of ceramic forming dies to temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. C., and using metal housings to impart high loading conditions to seal the workpiece within a chamber for superplastic forming. More specifically, the metal housings are used not only for load bearing purposes, but also for creating an evacuated chamber within which superplastic forming can take place. The ceramic dies, on the other hand, are positioned on opposing sides of the workpiece region to be superplastically formed, and are insulated from, while being contained within, the metallic dies.

Abstract: In a system for superplastic forming and diffusion bonding of metal layers, an inlet fitting is employed which includes a threaded barrel and a headed threaded male connector. The latter is threadingly received within the threaded barrel and creates a positive sealing relationship between the inlet fitting and a sandwich sheet undergoing processing. The inlet fitting has an axial bore formed therethrough to allow evacuation and pressurization of a manifold groove formed between the two sandwich sheets undergoing processing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling a tube with fluid and for pressurizing the tube, in order to expand and form it within a die for example. The apparatus provides a high flow-low pressure fluid circuit for quickly filling and draining the tube, together with a separate high pressure-low flow fluid circuit for pressurizing and depressurizing the tube. The high pressure circuit of the apparatus includes a shaft having a longitudinal bore, communicating with a high pressure fluid source and controls; tube sealing device adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube; and a shaft reciprocating mechanism for advancing and retracting the shaft.

Abstract: Polymeric anti-extrusion rings are provided for internal cooling of a drawbolt swaging apparatus. One such ring is located on either side of an elastomeric expansion sheath on a drawbolt. There rings are formed of polymeric material which has low creep, high tensile strength and is substantially unaffected at swaging temperatures. The rings are sized to fit snugly on the drawbolt shank and to provide minimum practical clearance with the interior dimensions of the tube to be swaged. The outer perimeter of the rings adjacent to the drawbolt head and bushing are chamfered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accomplishing controlled bending of elongate strip stock, such as window frame strip stock, for example. An elongate flexible die is utilized having a plurality of elongate die strips including an inner laminant having considerable beam strength. The die strips and the inner laminant are composed of a flexible polymer material or any other suitable flexible material which are retained in assembly about the strip stock to be bent by a plurality of closely spaced clamps. The elongate strip stock is confined by the flexible die along substantially its entire length during all phases of its bending and forming about a substrate having a bending surface of desired configuration.

Abstract: A vertically reciprocable lower chamber has a ceramic forming chamber surrounded by a steel reinforcing jacket. A fixed upper chamber includes a metal cover surrounded by ceramic insulator blocks and and an outer steel jacket. A horizontal foam ceramic platen inside the steel cover has a serpentine radiant heating coil attached to the flat underside thereof via inserted fasteners for more efficient heating of a metal sheet positioned horizontally between the upper and lower chambers. A plurality of foam ceramic insulator blocks have secondary heating coils attached to their inwardly facing surfaces for heating the peripheral edges of the metal sheet. This ensures a gas tight seal between the metal cover and the sheet.

Abstract: An SPF press is capable of forming large generally cylindrical structures from a sheet made of a first metal such as Titanium. The sheet is first rolled into a cylindrical or conical part blank. The press has a generally cylindrical ceramic die with a surface defining the contour of a part to be formed. The part is formed by pressing a first side of the part blank against the die utilizing high pressure gas. Generally cylindrical gas impervious seals overlie the opposite ends of the cylindrical part blank on a second side thereof opposite the first side. Each of these gas impervious seals includes a support member and a seal member which are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. A generally cylindrical seal ring is seated in each gap and contacts the second side of the cylindrical part blank. The seal rings are made of a second metal that is softened at a temperature at which the first metal becomes superplastic.

Abstract: There is provided a punch for use in cold forming hollow metal articles in a die without wrinkling. The punch is provided with a head portion composed of resiliently deformable material, such as an elastomer, with cavities located in the head portion to permit controlled collapse of the head portion under transverse forces exerted during a forming operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for superplastic and diffusion bonding of hollow metal parts which are generally surfaces of rotation. A hollow frangible ceramic die having an interior shaping surface is provided. A metal part to be shaped is placed against the shaping surface (together with any other metal components to be diffusion bonded to the part during forming) and the remainder of the die is covered with sheet metal pieces, all of which are sealed together and to the part to form a gas-tight enclosure for the die. The enclosure is flushed with an inert gas and/or evacuated through an opening in the enclosure. The assembly is placed in an autoclave and exposed to an appropriate pressure and temperature to superplastic form the part outwardly against the shaping surface. The assembly is cooled and removed from the autoclave, then the enclosure is removed. The die is broken away, freeing the formed part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thimble of contact fingers from a blank constituted by a tube of material having good conductive properties and good elasticity, the tube including a thin-walled portion provided with longitudinal parallel slots and terminated by a ring of material having good electrical conductivity and that is good at withstanding the effects of electrical arcing, wherein the method comprises the following operations: the said blank is placed around a cylindrical core of diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the blank and of length equal to the length of the blank, the end of the core coming into abutment against the ring; an annular section block is disposed around the blank over the slots, the inside diameter of the block being close to and slightly greater than the outside diameter of the blank and the axial length of the block being substantially equal to the axial length of the slots, the block being made of an elastomer material; and pressure is exerted on the end surfaces of said

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for forming metal sheet is adapted for operation within a standard double action press having a base and outer and inner vertically reciprocating slides and includes a basic die mountable to the press and specific tooling replaceably mountable to the basic die. The basic die includes an upper shoe mountable to the outer slide, a lower shoe mountable atop the base and hydraulic cylinder assemblies connected to the lower shoe and mechanically actuatable by the inner slide for providing pressurized fluid to the specific tooling. The specific tooling includes mating upper and lower dies connected to the corresponding upper and lower shoes and movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Elevated temperature envelope forming includes enclosing a part blank and form tool within an envelope sealed against the atmosphere, heat treating the combination while forming pressure holds the envelope and part against the form tool, and allowing part cool down to occur in an inert atmosphere with forming pressure removed. The forming pressure is provided by evacuating the envelope and may be aided by differential force applied between the envelope and the form tool.

Abstract: Method for forming a tubular metal member of a shape and length having an opened end and a closed end into an element which is formed of a different shape and length by forcing and thereby flowing the metal of the tubular member from one mold cavity to another. The method utilizes a form mold having an entrance cavity of a shape and length generally corresponding to the tubular member and in which the entire tubular member is initially located and an exit cavity of a different shape and length in which the flowing metal of the tubular metal member is forced to form the element having the shape and length of the exit cavity. The form mold has an entrance opening in a side wall thereof which is connected to the entrance cavity. The tubular metal is initially located entirely within the entrance cavity of the form mold, with the closed end thereof located adjacent the exit cavity and the opened end of the tubular metal member being located at the entrance opening to the entrance cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the superplastic forming process by measuring and controlling the gas mass flow rate of the gas displacing the blank being formed.

Abstract: An elastically deformable die includes two or more die members formed of materials exhibiting different degrees of elastic deformation under the same stress which are combined and arranged such that the elastic deformation thereof under the pressure received from a workpiece during a forming operation causes the surface of the die in contact with the workpiece to be formed to a prescribed configuration. In die forming the composite die is brought in contact with a surface of the workpiece, the die is elastically deformed at the surface of contact by the pressure received from the workpiece during the forming process, and the workpiece is formed to the prescribed configuration by this deformation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a sheet material by drawing it into a die cavity (12) utilizing the flow of a viscous thermoplastic polymer medium extruded against the sheet (22) and/or extruded out of said die cavity (12) through a plurality of passageways, (14a), (14b), and (14c) and programmably varying said extrusion of said medium to cause the sheet material to be controllably stretched into the cavity and shaped.

Abstract: Each of the metallic units has a concave portion bounded by a peripheral edge which has a predetermined shape. The apparatus includes an upper member and a lower member and a tool is adapted to be mounted on the upper or lower member. The tool comprises a wall-like structure having a bottom edge which defines a shape corresponding with the predetermined shape. The upper member and lower member are arranged to be movable relative one to the other, and a workpiece is placed between the two members and the members are brought together until the tool is clamped abuts the workpiece so that the tool and workpiece are clamped together in airtight engagement. Air under pressure is applied under the workpiece to form the workpiece into a concave shape.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a tubular metal member of a shape and length having an opened end and a closed end into an element which is formed of a different shape and length by forcing and thereby flowing the metal of the tubular member from one mold cavity to another. The apparatus comprises a form mold having an entrance cavity of a shape and length generally corresponding to the tubular member and in which the entire tubular member is initially located and an exit cavity of a different shape and length in which the flowing metal of the tubular metal member is forced to form the element having the shape and length of the exit cavity. The form mold has an entrance opening in a side wall thereof which is connected to the entrance cavity. The tubular metal is initially located entirely within the entrance cavity of the form mold, with the closed end thereof located adjacent the exit cavity and the opened end of the tubular metal member being located at the entrance opening to the entrance cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high energy rate forming of metal. A mold (11) of cage-like construction and of the shape to which the sheet metal is to be formed is lined with sheet metal and a liquid medium. A number of explosive charges are then placed at strategic locations within the liquid medium and detonated, causing deformation of the sheet metal and taking up by the metal of the shape defined by the mold. The mold is normally buried in a pit and supported therein during the deformation process. The cage-like structure of the mold enables air trapped between the sheet metal and the mold to escape during the deformation process. A method of forming boat hulls using this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental swager for adapting a dental foil coping to a die of the tooth to be restored, comprising a male punch and a female base support in which the die of the tooth to be restored is mounted with the foil coping placed over the die. An insert is located in the male punch for transferring the force applied to the punch to the coping and die. The insert is composed of a solid material having an elastic memory. A shock absorber having a putty-like consistency separates the insert from the male punch.

Abstract: Method of forming shallow fiducial dimples upon a thin flexible electrical circuit having a first deflectable substrate overlaying a second substrate have recesses therein to be aligned with the dimples, including providing a first support member having resilient cylindrical rubber pads affixed thereto, providing a second support member, positioning the flexible electrical circuit between the first and second support members so that the resilient pads are aligned with the recesses within the second substrate; and applying a sufficient opposing force to the first and second members to cause the first substrate to be deflected by the pads into the recesses to form the dimples.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for measuring and controlling the strain rate of a blank during forming. A light source directs light against the blank and a video camera is positioned and focused to view the light reflected from the blank while it is being formed. A video monitor and an image processor receive the signal from the camera. This signal is used to determine the strain rate based upon the dimensional change in reference marks on the blank. The image processor provides an output signal which can be used to control the strain rate in accordance with a predetermined strain rate profile for the particular part being formed.

Abstract: An improved method of superplastic forming comprises the steps of selecting a relatively larger driver sheet and a relatively smaller part blank, both being made of Titanium, Titanium alloy or other metal capable of exhibiting superplasticity. A ceramic die is placed on a bottom wall of an upwardly opening ceramic forming chamber having sidewalls with upper edges. The ceramic chamber has an outer supporting steel jacket. The part blank is positioned over the die. The driver sheet is positioned over the part blank so that the peripheral edges of the driver sheet rest on the upper edges of the sidewalls of the forming chamber. A cover is provided for closing the chamber. It has a peripheral seal extending from an underside thereof. The cover and the chamber are clamped together in order to impinge the seal into a periphery of the driver sheet. The driver sheet and part blank are then heated to a predetermined temperature at which they exhibit superplasticity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the superplastic forming of a workpiece are disclosed. The invention comprises securing the workpiece within a die assembly located within an autoclave. The die assembly is of a type suitable for use in the superplastic fabrication of workpieces. The die assembly includes a lid, a die and first and second sealing mechanisms. The first sealing mechanism seals a first volume formed between the lid and the workpiece from a main volume of the autoclave. The second sealing mechanism is for sealing a second volume formed between the workpiece and the die from the main volume of the autoclave. The second volume has a backpressure, P.sub.b. The first volume has a pressure P.sub.f +P.sub.b where P.sub.f is the forming pressure for achieving superplastic forming of the workpiece. The main volume of the autoclave has a pressure, P.sub.m. The back pressure, P.sub.b is established so as to minimize grain boundary cavitation. A minimal pressure differential .DELTA.P=P.sub.m -P.sub.

Abstract: A method of superplastically forming a part from a blank of material. The blank is placed between opposed die structures and heated to a superplastic forming temperature. Positive fluid pressure is supplied at an increasing rate against a front surface of a blank to stretch the same into a cavity of one of the dies to begin formation of the part. A positive fluid pressure is also applied against the back surface of the blank, and acoustical energy emitted by the material of blank resulting from the occurrence of cavitation in the material is sensed. The sensing of acoustical energy is employed to control one or more of the above parameters until the formation of the cavities substantially reduces or ceases altogether.

Abstract: A method for forming projections on the periphery of a pipe in order to provide branch pipes, such as a manifold for automobiles, is characterized in that the branch pipes are formed by a bulging process to have a predetermined thickness without thinning. A first embodiment includes the step of indenting a pipe member by press work or the like, at locations close to the position of a projection which is to be formed, in a preliminary deforming process. The deformed pipe member is then placed in a bulge mold having a recess or space, with the pipe member being positioned so that the indentations in the pipe member lie adjacent the recess in the bulge mold. Pressurized fluid is then introduced into the interior of the pipe member to bulge the wall of the pipe member into the recess in the bulge mold. A second embodiment employs a bulge mold having fixed recesses or spaces and variable recesses or spaces for forming a plurality of projections.

Abstract: The process for forming a metallic sandwich structure having a curved surface, particularly a surface curving about more than one axis, such as a quadric surface partially by direct displacement and partially by a fluid interface. Additionally, means to restrain the work sheets being formed with respect to the shaping fixture which allow a portion of the work sheets to flow into the forming cavity before absolute restraint is applied and the restraining means function independently of the clamping force of the press.

Abstract: In the rolling of a metal strip in a rolling mill which has a rolling mill train of one or more roll stands, before the metal strip enters the rolling mill train the roll stand are each given a presetting in accordance with a predicted necessary roll force F.sub.i during rolling in roll stand i, which rolling force F.sub.i is determined by the formula F.sub.i =K.sub.i *KSB.sub.i, in which K.sub.i is a multiplication factor and KSB.sub.i is the resistance to deformation of the metal strip during rolling through the roll stand i. To improve the average quality of the rolled product and to shorten the "learning" time when changing products, the resistance to deformation KSB.sub.i is chosen equal to an average rolling stress T for a strain E in the metal strip in roll stand i, the relationship between the rolling stress T and strain E during rolling being determined by the formula T=C.f(E,E.sub.c), in which C and E.sub.c have values dependent on the material of the strip, E.sub.c being a critical strain.

Abstract: A superplastic forming apparatus is described in which a blank of superplastic material is formed onto a die located in a pressure cavity. The die, which is preferably made of ceramic material, is removable from the cavity and requires no special connections for gas or vacuums ducts and therefore is cheap to manufacture. The use of a separate die also allows accurate monitoring and control of the pressure on the die side of the superplastic blank.

Abstract: The process for forming a metallic sandwich structure having a curved surface, particularly a surface curving about more than one axis, such as a quadric surface partially by direct displacement and partially by a fluid interface. Additionally, means to restrain the work sheets being formed with respect to the shaping fixture which allow a portion of the work sheets to flow into the forming cavity before absolute restraint is applied and the restraining means function independently of the clamping force of the press.

Abstract: A method of forming an object having a relatively deep cavity from a superplastic metallic blank wherein a preform having a bottom portion and sides sloping upwardly and outwardly therefrom is first superplastically formed in a female mold. The preform is then attached to a male mold with the bottom portion of the preform in a snug fit with a top portion of the male mold which has outside dimensions equal to the cavity in the object and thereafter the preform is superplastically forced against the male mold to form the desired object.

Abstract: A method of superplastically forming a part over period of a forming cycle in which a blank of the material is provided and heated to within a certain range of temperatures. An analytical model is provided that determines locations of the blank that will deform most rapidly when forming pressure is applied. As the forming pressure is applied, the displacements are monitored at such locations while the blank is being deformed. The strain rate is then calculated and feedback control is provided to affect the strain rate at such locations that will reduce the tendency of the blank or part to cavitate.

Abstract: A method is provided for uniformly fitting a foil to a die in the manufacture of a porcelain-metal dental restoration, the method including the application isostatic pressure to a foil covered die. The inventive method is more economical and not as laborious as prior art methods, and provides a superior fit of the foil to the die, resulting in a better quality restoration.

Abstract: A press for shaping a sheet metal blank in a cavity with a forming tool which determines the shape of the finished product. The sheet is pressed against the tool by a diaphragm which is influenced by a pressure medium on the side facing away from the cavity. The forming tool consists of an inexpensive casting material supported in a cup-shaped container. The space between the bottom and sides of the container and the bottom and sides of the cavity is filled with an elastic material.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a motor vehicle having a double tapered tubular body with its largest diameter near its midpoint and its least diameter adjacent its opposite ends. The body is substantially and continuously tapered from the midpoint to each of the ends. The tapered section of the tubular body has its outer surface positioned near a surface defined by a parabola revolved about the longitudinal axis of the body. The parabola has its apex at the midpoint of the driveshaft and intersects two points on the longitudinal axis at approximately the mounting planes where the driveshaft is supported at its ends. In addition, a method of manufacturing the tapered tubular body of the driveshaft includes a mold having a tapered wall section and cylindrical shaped end sections to receive the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube is able to receive varying lengths of elastomeric plugs which can be sequentially compressed to deform the tube outwardly to abut the tapered wall section of the mold.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture for the tubes or shafts of a composite material and having a low weight, whereby a blank of a material that can be pressformed and which has a substantially even thickness of material is subjected to isostatic pressing on or in a formation tool thereby providing a shell or a liner (15) of an intended shape and profile and having a mainly by substantially thickness of material, and on or in said shell or liner (15) another material is applied and is bound, for instance a highstrength material like glassfiber, carbon fiber or aramide fiber, so that the liner (15) and said other material (17) provide a solid integral composite tube or composite shaft.