A method for forming a press connection between a first component and a second component such that force is transmissible between the first component and the second component. A portion of the first component is oversized relative to a portion of the second component, and the portion of second component is configured to receive the portion of the first component. The method includes applying an adhesive to the portion of the first component and/or to the portion of the second component, the adhesive in an uncured state being configured to reduce a coefficient of friction between the portion of the first component and/or the portion of the second component, pressing the portion of the first component into the portion of the second component to form a press connection, and curing the adhesive or allowing the adhesive to cure.

The present disclosure concerns apparatus and methods for reinforcing composite materials by insertion of reinforcement pins. Example embodiments include an apparatus for reinforcing a composite preform, comprising: a carriage for introducing reinforcement pins into the composite preform, the carriage comprising a drill module, a pin feeder module and a tamper module, the assembly being translatable relative to the composite preform, wherein the drill module and pin feeder module are exchangeable between a common actuation position on the carriage.

A mechanical system that assembles or deploys pre-stressed structures. The assembly or deployment process outputs and elastically deforms material to form flexural members having a sinusoidal shape and stored potential energy. The sinusoidal shaped members are oriented and deployed with support members as they take shape. Sinusoidal shaped members are formed from a series of contiguous flexures; each flexure's properties may be engineered using a simulation technique. Each flexure is formed from a region of a sinusoidal member's length that begins and ends at antinodes. During assembly or deployment support members are positioned at antinodes maintaining the flexures' shapes and the assembly's pre-stressed state. By controlling the forces applied to and position of each flexure formed during assembly, the distribution of potential energy within the assembly and its secondary shape can be engineered. Elastic potential energy may be harvested from the material forming the flexural members.

A method of forming a tube assembly includes forming arms on a tube end portion by forming a plurality of slots or slits on such tube end and mating such arms with a tapered outer surface of a fitting. The fitting may include at least one annular step mated with an annular step formed on the tube inner surface.

A method of forming a tube assembly includes forming arms on a tube end portion by forming a plurality of slots or slits on such tube end and mating such arms with a tapered outer surface of a fitting. The fitting may include at least one annular step mated with an annular step formed on the tube inner surface.

The disclosure may enable the mounting of a trim member and an end cap on a holder member to provide a flush fit and attractive door trim. Embodiments may enable the trim member and the end cap to be snapped onto the holder member without the need for any excessive force. The disclosed device and method may comprise mounting trim on refrigerator doors. Embodiments may include a support member that may be mounted on a side of the door, a holder member that may be mounted within the support member, a trim member that may be mounted on the holder member to cover at least a portion of the support member, and an end cap that may be mounted on the holder member to cover an end of the support member. The end cap may be disposed in engagement with the trim member to form co-planar surfaces for flush mounting.

The disclosure may enable the mounting of a trim member and an end cap on a holder member to provide a flush fit and attractive door trim. Embodiments may enable the trim member and the end cap to be snapped onto the holder member without the need for any excessive force. The disclosed device and method may comprise mounting trim on refrigerator doors. Embodiments may include a support member that may be mounted on a side of the door, a holder member that may be mounted within the support member, a trim member that may be mounted on the holder member to cover at least a portion of the support member, and an end cap that may be mounted on the holder member to cover an end of the support member. The end cap may be disposed in engagement with the trim member to form co-planar surfaces for flush mounting.

An improved impression wheel for use within respiratory face mask manufacturing machines that includes a first, second, and third series of spaced helicoidal teeth shaped and adapted to more efficiently and securely interconnect respective layers of respiratory face masks.

A method of borehole pipe installation begins with unfinished stick pipes brought to the installation site and then machined or cut to form male and female ends. The pipe ends are then locked together to form a flush joint. The lock can be provided via a groove cut into one of the ends for receipt of a lock gasket, which secures and seals the joint when the pipes are pushed together, and prevents the pipes from being pulled apart. Alternatively, to the groove and lock gasket, the ends can be glued and screwed together, with the screws allowing the joined pipes to be pulled through the borehole before the glue is dry. The pipe joint has flush exterior and interior surfaces to minimize borehole clearance and maximize fluid flow through the pipe assembly.

An apparatus is configured to manufacture a metal-resin composite by press-molding a metal plate and a resin material. The apparatus includes an upper mold and a lower mold for sandwiching the metal plate and the resin material, and an elastic member attached to a molding surface of the lower mold. A cavity for disposing the resin material is provided by the upper mold and the lower mold. The elastic member is disposed to seal the resin material into the cavity by pressing the metal plate against the upper mold.