Abstract: A method for use in mass-producing, from a plane sheet of metal, a three-dimensional structure consisting of plane mirrors and plane structural members, said three-dimensional structure of a type in which each mirror or structural member has at least one edge that is collinear with an edge of another mirror or structural member, whereby said three-dimensional structure can be formed by bending the sheet of metal along various edges, the method including the steps of: producing masks bearing images defining the location of bending grooves, shallow grooves, separation grooves and holes for indexing pins, selecting a mask, applying a coating of photoresist to both sides of the sheet of metal, transferring the images on the selected mask to the coating of photoresist, removing those portions of the coating of photoresist to which the images were transferred, etching the sheet of metal where the portions of the coating of photoresist were removed, removing the remaining photoresist from the sheet of metal, and rep

Abstract: A rail frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a rearward frame module having a pair of generally parallel rearward frame rail members interconnected by a rearward cross-member assembly. A central frame module includes a pair of generally parallel central frame rail members interconnected by a central cross-member assembly, the central frame members each having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration including a vertical base wall portion and a pair of outwardly extending generally parallel horizontal wall portions extending from opposite ends of the base wall portion. The U-shaped central frame members are each bent between two spaced positions thereof, and one of the horizontal wall portions extending from one end of the base wall portion has metallic grains therein substantially stretched at a location between the spaced positions.

Abstract: A pair of truss brackets are secured to the roof of an underground passage adjacent to opposing ribs of the passage. The truss brackets each include a roof engaging surface and a truss supporting arm member extending from the roof engaging surface. A pair of U-bolts are supported by the arm members of the truss brackets. Each arm member extends horizontally from the truss bracket to an enlarged end portion of the arm member. The U-bolt is horizontally movable in a vertically hanging position on the arm member and is restrained by the enlarged end portion from disengagement from the arm member. The U-bolts are pivoted on the truss brackets to a horizontal position for connection to truss members which are connected to each other and tensioned to apply an uplifting force to the roof. As the truss members are connected and tensioned, the U-bolts are retained for a range of horizontal movement on the arm members to facilitate adjustments in the position of the U-bolts on the truss brackets.

Abstract: A spacer frame consisting of a hollow profile strip bent three times and still open at the fourth corner, wherein one leg (2) is longer than the other leg leading to the open corner, is filled with granulated desiccant by way of a probe (20) introduced into the leg (2). The probe (20) extends with its front end (20)into the leg (2') up to the desired filling level. As soon as the desiccant in the leg (2) has reached the probe (20), the feeding flow of desiccant ceases. This is detected by a sensor (27). The sensor (27) actuates the pulling out of the probe (20). During this step, a vacuum is applied to the probe (20) a distance from the front end (201) of the probe via a conduit (40) so that no desiccant can exit from the probe (20).

Abstract: An improved transmission brake band (10) and a method of forming the same s an improved reaction bracket (20) formed as an upraised dome (36) surrounding a reaction opening (32). An insert member (42), having a volcano-type body (44) integrally formed with a peripheral flange (46) is engaged with the dome (36) and opening (32) so that the body (44) is positioned in the opening (32) and the flange (46) is received by the dome (36).

Abstract: A compression molding tool comprises an upper part (3) and a lower part (2) connected by guides (4). A die (5) arranged in the lower part (3) of the tool cooperates with a force plug (6) arranged on the upper part (2) of the tool. The die (5) contains a mold cavity (7) the side walls of which are formed by two regions (12, 13). The outer region (13) of the side walls is inclined outward, i.e., divergent. A frame (14) guided on the columns (4) can be connected to the force plug (6) via a coupling device (15). Mounted on the frame (14) are spring-loaded elements (16) the free ends (17) of which cooperate with the inclined region (13) of the side walls of the mold cavity (7) in the die (5). The spring-loaded elements serve to produce a circular folded seam around the multilayer molded plates.

Abstract: A window receiving assembly is carried by a frame of a vehicle door. A metallic channel has a mounting surface for mounting to the frame and a pair of side walls projecting from the mounting surface and defines a window receiving channel with an opening. The inboard side wall of the metallic channel has an edge rolled into the window receiving channel defining a lip and the outboard side wall consists of an upper portion in proximity to the mounting surface and a lower portion where the lower portion is rolled into the window receiving channel. A molding is extruded to the lower portion of the channel forming a sealing surface for engaging an exterior surface of the window. The sealing surface of the molding and the upper portion of the outboard side of the channel define a void where the window receiving channel widens compared to the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rugged and inexpensive filing cabinet constructed from thin, prefinished metal and the method for making the same. All component parts including the case envelope, case back, kickplate, drawers and drawer supports are designed to be cut from a minimum of four discrete coils of metal with waste attributable to trimming or removal of excess metal maintained at a minimum. Ruggedness and strength are maintained, despite the relative thinness of the metal, because the vertical corners and other potentially critical areas subjected to increased stress are reinforced with structural elements adhesively bonded in place. Certain structural elements also function as jigging members during the adhesive bonding of the component parts. In addition, the design of the present invention provides a versatile and adaptable end product due to the interchangeability of cetain component parts.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is described, of the type in which a substantially rigid screen adapted to couple with a respective housing seat for the assembly itself on a member to be protected fixedly supports a sealing member of elastomeric material; the screen is made in a plastically deformable material and an outer peripheral portion of the screen, which with the sealing assembly not in use is inclined obliquely in the direction of introduction of the sealing assembly into the seat, is connected to the remainder of the screen through a stamped embossment shaped in such a way as to be able to act as a plastic hinge adapted to allow a rotation of the outer peripheral portion of the screen in a direction opposite that in which the sealing assembly is introduced into the seat during a mounting phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a telescopic cover by bending a flat sheet material blank, in which a diamond-shaped cut-out is provided in the sheet material blank and is separated from the adjacent outer edge by a continuous material zone which is stretched without cracking during the bending operation to form a corner zone with a rounded contour.

Abstract: A support surface, particularly for the tread of passenger conveyers, as anti-slip, strengthening and wear resistant grooves deformed in the top portion of cleats formed by corrugating metal.

Abstract: Integral, elongated panels have sets of converging corrugations arranged on lines defined by folded, transversely triangular elements. These elements extend laterally across the panel, and are dimensioned such that a pair of adjacent parallel side edges of two corresponding panels can mate. Preferably, each corrugation has a planar element arranged on lines generally perpendicular to the side edges defining congruent elements with triangular faces meeting at the apex.By such arrangement, a panel is obtained which in conjunction with other such panels, can produce a curved surface, which curvature may be reversed in direction in any point along a structure surface, by inverting the next adjacent series of panels.

Abstract: Integral, elongated panels have sets of converging corrugations arranged on lines defined by folded, transversely triangular elements. These elements extend laterally across the panel, and are dimensioned such that a pair of adjacent parallel side edges of two corresponding panels can mate. Preferably, each corrugation has a planar element arranged on lines generally perpendicular to the side edge defining congruent elements with triangular faces meeting at the apex.By such arrangement, a panel is obtained which in conjunction with other such panels, can produce a curved surface, which curvature may be reversed in direction in any point along a structure surface, by inverting the next adjacent series of panels.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for curved windows comprises a rigid frame member having a curved profile, a flexible frame member, and a plurality of individual window frame core blocks. The blocks are secured serially to the flexible frame member. The blocks and flexible frame member form a subassembly which is secured to the rigid frame member such that the subassembly assumes the curved profile of the rigid frame member. The blocks are preferably wood, the rigid frame member preferably an aluminum clad frame cover, and the assembly preferably provides an aluminum clad, wood core window frame assembly.

Abstract: A method of fabricating sheet metal panels and the article produced thereby. According to one form, the method of fabrication includes the steps of providing a panel of sheet metal, perforating the panel to provide a plurality of holes, forming the panel into a preselected curve about a longitudinal centerline, forming the leading edge portion of the panel into a front flange, forming a shoulder in the panel centered on the holes and extending perpendicularly from a surface thereof, bending an outer portion of the shoulder into a lip, and bonding the portions of the panel comprising the shoulder and lip.

Abstract: Safety belt roll-up device having a housing and a one-piece belt carrier. The housing has a base plate with two side walls extending from the base plate. At least one of the two side walls can be set at an angle and bent into a position in which both side walls are parallel. Each side wall has an opening through which a free end of the one-piece belt carrier extends. The one-piece belt carrier is in the form of a single piece including a belt shaft and a belt reel with a reel flange at each end of the belt reel. The belt reel has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the side wall. The belt carrier is inserted between the side walls bent apart in V-shape. The belt carrier is held at the height of the openings and the end walls moved together to a parallel position.

Abstract: An apparatus, for assembling a pair of fastener elements of a garment fastener, includes a safe-confirmation member mounted on a lower end of a vertically movable supporting rod supported by a frame in parallel relation to a punch-carrying plunger, and a drive means for moving the supporting rod vertically between an uppermost position in which the safe-confirmation member is disposed around a punch, and a lowermost position in which the safe-confirmation member is disposed around the die in the absence of the operator's finger or a tool near the die. Upon arrival of the safe-confirmation member at the lowermost position, a detecting means produces a command signal to start lowering of the punch toward the die.

Abstract: In the installation, a strip is shaped from a split tube which is welded or seamed to give a closed tube in a welding or seaming station. Associated with the welding or seaming station is a suction mechanism used for the removal of on the one hand the cold air flow produced by the moving open tube and on the other the air flow heated during welding and flowing back from the closed tube, as a result of the reduction of the internal cross-section thereof. This obviates air turbulence in the welding or seaming station, which could whirl up the pulverulent material introduced into the open tube in a dosing station and could be deposited on the longitudinal edges of the split tube. This could unfavorably influence the seaming or welding process.

Abstract: A die-assisted squeeze-forming apparatus, for bending hooks of a plate against a container e.g. a tank, is able to be used with various shapes of the plate and container without replacement of the die structure. To that end, the apparatus is provided with a calking die structure which has a plurality of divided, relatively movable dies, each movable die being subject to being individually actuated by an actuator. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus also includes a controlling means which controls the movement of the actuators and a detecting means which detects a feature of the tank which is symbolic of the size and shape of that tank. The electric signal which indicates the feature of the container is applied to the controlling means. Then the controlling means sends a respective controlling signal for controlling the movement of the actuators in order to cause an adequate rearrangement of the shape of the calking die structure should the tank be different in size or shape then the preceeding one.

Abstract: Partially formed metal straps are fed to a pick up point where a carriage assembly grips a strap and transports it across the path of a previously severed and loaded measured length of C-shape cushion material. The movement is coordinated with that of a clamping bar for the cushion to provide for automatic assembly of the length of cushion over and about the strap. Continued movement of the carriage assembly transports the now cushion covered strap to a forming station where a rotatable arm and toggle finger bends the strap into a circular form about a mandrel. The toggle finger is withdrawn, the mandrel is retracted, and the grip on the strap is released to deposit a completed line support into a waiting receptacle.

Abstract: A method of wiring an electric device, particularly an electric tool, comprises engaging conductor wires adjacent the ends thereof in bores and/or grooves provided in plastic carrier elements, with bared ends of at least some of the conductor wires protruding from these carrier elements. Then inserting the carrier elements, with the conductor wires engaged therein, into at least part of the housing of the electric device. And, electrically connecting the conductor wires by plugging carrier elements together and/or to an electrical component of the electric device, with said protruding bared ends functioning as plug pins. Preferably, the conductor wires each have a single solid conducting core having a cross-sectional area in the range of 1 to 5 mm. Such relatively rigid wires can be pre-shaped before insertion into a housing of the electric device.

Abstract: A riveting press wherein the motor for the movable riveting tool is started in automatic response to closing of two discrete switches. One of the switches can be closed by a rivet which is already applied to a workpiece, such as a piece of textile material, and such one switch is located at a variable distance from the riveting tools. The other switch is also located at a selected distance from the riveting tools and can be closed by a marginal portion of the workpiece whereby the tools automatically apply a rivet to that part of the workpiece which is disposed therebetween while the two switches are closed.

Abstract: In a storage configuration of a clutch cover assembly, its pressure plate (14) is immobilized by at least one limiting member (41) comprising two lugs (43, 43') each having two arms (45, 46 (45', 46')). In the method of manufacturing the clutch cover assembly, the lugs (43, 43') are manufactured with a temporary shape (430, 430') and, during assembly, the pressure plate is positioned at an axial distance from the cover corresponding to the storage position. The lugs (43, 43') are then plastically deformed to their final shape.

Abstract: Method of crimping the locking ring of a ball joint. According to the invention, a prestress is applied to the bearing bush (17) to obtain a certain frictional torque between the latter and the spherical pivot while the locking ring (18) is placed on the bush (17); the punching tools (28) comprising a double die (30) are then actuated simultaneously in the direction of the socket (15) so as to deform the latter along two approximately circumferential and parallel zones located on both sides of the ring (18) to surround it without displacing it.

Abstract: A scheme for accurately and quickly axially positioning a rotatable member such as the axles of a differential or a shaft supported impeller of a centrifugal pump within a housing or similar support for rotation therein with predetermined axial bearing clearance which is independent of the dimensional variations of the member and support is disclosed wherein a deformable spacing element is associated with each thrust carrying bearing with the adjacent bearing and spacing element being held axially captive between the shaft and a corresponding disc which is slidable relative to the housing and with one disc axially aligned and limited in sliding movement on one common direction opposite the direction from which the rotatable member is positioned by engagement with the housing. Typically there are two discs, one limited in movement toward the interior of the housing and the other limited in movement by the means of encapturing the rotating assembly.

Abstract: Bearing components, such as cages, rings, retainers, washers, spacers and the like, are formed from flat stock strips in preference to the employment of known methods of blanking same from stock having a dimension as great or greater than the larger dimension of the end product.

Abstract: Bearing components, such as cages, rings, retainers, washers, spacers and the like, are formed from flat stock strips in preference to the employment of known methods of blanking same from stock having a dimension as great or greater than the larger dimension of the end product.

Abstract: A method for final assembly of a thrust bearing of the type including an annular roller cage retained within an annular thrust race by means of preformed rigid projections on an outer flange of the thrust race which extend over an outer rim of the roller cage, whereby the roller cage is assembled within the rigid projections by controlled elastic deformation of the parts without any deformation of the rigid projections themselves being necessary.

Abstract: A method of making an annular biased frequency interference shielding member having securement tabs for mounting between plug and receptacle shells of an electrical connector, and having folded resilient fingers having base and distal portions respectively engageable with said plug and receptacle shells under resilient pressure engagement. The folded resilient fingers are precisely dimensioned and formed about an axis such that minimal space intervals are provided between adjacent edges of adjacent resilient fingers whereby virtually 360.degree. shielding integrity is afforded.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly comprising a rim having a well disposed between tire bead seats, a well cover band arranged to extend circumferentially around the well so as to prevent a tire bead from entering the well, the cover band being split at one side of its circumference, and a link of deformable material to connect the ends of the band, link having sufficient rigidity to hold the ends of the band against circumferential displacement relative to one another after deformation of the link to secure and tension the band around the well.

Abstract: A roller unit for use as a caster for luggage, for example, has a sturdy -piece roller housing formed of sheet metal, the housing comprising a rectangular base with raised pads at opposite ends thereof and a roller-receiving shell defined by a pair of opposed U-shaped walls bent from opposite longitudinal edge regions of the base between the pads. Roller units are manufactured seriatim by metal forming operations that do not require deep-drawing.

Abstract: A new and improved butterfly valve, and particularly, an inexpensive seal therefor. A valve body having a fluid passage is provided with a flexible valve seat about the periphery of the passage, while a butterfly valve disc is journalled within the passage for movement between an open and closed position and includes an annular, radially outwardly extending, peripheral lip. The lip receives a C-shaped hoop which may be stamped, rolled or extruded from a corrosion resistant material for sealingly engaging the valve seat when the disc is in the closed position. Suitable sealing means may be interposed between the hoop and the valve disc. The use of such a hoop permits the construction of a more economical valve than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A length of extruded heat-conductive metal forms an elongated body which defines a pair of spaced parallel holes extending longitudinally through the body. An elongated heating element extends longitudinally through one of the holes, and the body and heating element are bent about an axis extending transversely of the body into generally U-shape. The other hole in the body provides a passageway for fluid to be heated by the heating element. A method for making the heater involves the extruding of metal to provide a generally straight body having a pair of holes extending longitudinally therethrough, inserting a heating element through one of the holes for snug engagement with the body, and thereafter bending the body with the heating element in generally U-shape to cause tight heat transfer engagement of the heating element with the body.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel manufacturing apparatus to connect a wheel rim and a spider by accurately press fitting the spider into the rim and then cold working portions of the rim into a plurality of depressions within the periphery of the spider. The cold working is accomplished by a separate actuator for each portion with the manifold assembly connecting together all of the actuators so the actuators will all act simultaneously.