A split end tube connector connects fiber reinforced composite tubes, and in particular carbon fiber tubes. The tube connector end inserted into the carbon fiber tube is split lengthwise to alleviate peel stresses caused by thermal contraction of the connector as a result of temperature changes. In a preferred embodiment, the split end tube connector is made from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or titanium.

Compression cold welding methods, joint structures, and hermetically sealed containment devices are provided. The method includes providing a first substrate having at least one first joint structure which comprises a first joining surface, which surface comprises a first metal; providing a second substrate having at least one second joint structure which comprises a second joining surface, which surface comprises a second metal; and compressing together the at least one first joint structure and the at least one second joint structure to locally deform and shear the joining surfaces at one or more interfaces in an amount effective to form a metal-to-metal bond between the first metal and second metal of the joining surfaces. Overlaps at the joining surfaces are effective to displace surface contaminants and facilitate intimate contact between the joining surfaces without heat input. Hermetically sealed devices can contain drug formulations, biosensors, or MEMS devices.

A vacuum operated brake booster, comprises a casing including a base defining at least one hole, and at least one tube extending through the casing and configured to receive a screw for fastening the brake booster to a wall of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The tube defines a rear end with a peripheral fold forming a rear groove, and an extension extending beyond the rear groove, the extension defining a first outer edge and being configured to be folded toward an outer side of the tube to form a crimping lip. The at least one hole is bordered by a recessed ring having a form complementary to that of the rear groove of the rear end of the at least one tube. The extension is configured to be folded above a second outer edge of the recessed ring and blocked in the groove.

A vacuum operated brake booster, comprises a casing including a base defining at least one hole, and at least one tube extending through the casing and configured to receive a screw for fastening the brake booster to a wall of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The tube defines a rear end with a peripheral fold forming a rear groove, and an extension extending beyond the rear groove, the extension defining a first outer edge and being configured to be folded toward an outer side of the tube to form a crimping lip. The at least one hole is bordered by a recessed ring having a form complementary to that of the rear groove of the rear end of the at least one tube. The extension is configured to be folded above a second outer edge of the recessed ring and blocked in the groove.

Manufacturing cell based vehicle manufacturing systems and methods for a wide variety of vehicles are disclosed. In one aspect, a manufacturing cell configured for assembling a frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The manufacturing cell includes a positioner, a robot carrier and a robot. The positioner is configured to receive a fixture table configured to hold the frame. The robot carrier includes a vertical lift. The robot is configured to assemble the frame. The positioner is configured to support the frame in a vertical position during an assembling process. In another aspect of the disclosure, a system for manufacturing a vehicle based on a manufacturing cell is disclosed. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for manufacturing a vehicle based on a manufacturing cell is disclosed.

A fastener (1) with a main body (2) whose external surfaces, with the exception of a fastening side (3) that serves to effect fastening to an object, are sealed up in a diffusion-proof way. The main body (2) has a discrete arrangement of reservoirs (6) opening out to the fastening side (3) that have a filler (7, 7a, 7b) with a hydrophilic material and/or moisture. An aerobic adhesive can be applied to the fastening side (3); hardening of the aerobic adhesive is brought about by the filler (7, 7a, 7b).

An arrangement of two rail segments, consisting of at least one mounting element disposed at each rail segment, and of at least one connector in contact with the mounting elements, by means of which the rail segments can be connected to each other at the end faces thereof, wherein each mounting element is attached to the corresponding rail segment by means of a welding seam. At least one end of the welding seam ends in a region on the rail segment outside of the mounting element.

A structural assembly includes a first member defining a matrix material, and a second member defining a skin. The skin has a roughed surface of hooks or barbs. The second member is engaged to the first member to define a mechanically interlocked assembly. The assembly may include an open-cell matrix material in a glue-less connection. The assembly may include a chemical bond in addition to a mechanical bond. The assembly may include internal layers of pre-impregnated composite fiber and resin. The skin member may act as a jig for a green composite member. The skin member may be deformed in a press to present a non-planar surface for such other members as may be attached to it. Assemblies may be formed with mechanical interconnection in place of glue or adhesive connections. Assemblies may be formed to may light, thin-walled pipe, flasks, pressure vessels and so forth.

In a method for connecting an attachment part to a structural part of a bodywork, a wall of the structural part is formed to at least partly encircle a region of the structural part. A form element is arranged to a main body of the attachment part. The attachment part is placed in the region of the structural part such that the form element touches the wall of the structural part, and the attachment part is pushed into the region, thereby causing the form element to move in relation to the main body of the attachment part until reaching an aperture in the wall of the structural part so that the form element moves into the aperture and is arranged therein to thereby position the attachment part in the region of the structural part.

Laundry shelves and laundry shelving systems are disclosed. The laundry system comprises a laundry machine having front and back portions and a wall adjacent the laundry machine's back portion, with a space between the back portion and wall. A laundry machine shelf is mounted to the back portion and spans the space between said back portion and said wall. The shelf comprises a planar body having a bottom surface, a top surface and a perimeter wall. One or more legs are included on the bottom surface of the body. A first adhesive is included on the front bottom surface of the body for adhering the body to a horizontal surface of the back portion. A magnet or second adhesive is included to hold each of the legs to a vertical surface of said back portion. Rubber pads or spacers can be included on a back surface of the body with the back surface being against the adjacent wall.