A computer-implemented method of generating a digital representation of a user-defined construction element connectable to pre-manufactured toy construction elements of a toy construction system, each pre-manufactured toy construction element comprising a number of coupling elements for coupling the pre-manufactured toy construction element with one or more other pre-manufactured toy construction elements of said toy construction system, the method comprising determining one or more positions for placement of one or more coupling elements to be included in the user-defined construction element; generating, responsive to input by a user indicative of a user-defined shape, a digital representation of a user-defined construction element, the user-defined construction element comprising said one or more coupling elements at said determined one or more positions; providing the digital representation for automated production of said user-defined construction element.

A fastening portion structure of a resin part including a tubular member integrally embedded therein by insert molding, and an insertion hole formed inside the tubular member, in which a screw member is inserted through the insertion hole, and the tubular member is compressed in an axial direction by the screw member, so that the resin part is fixed to a predetermined member. An inner peripheral surface of the tubular member is exposed in a region from one end to an intermediate position in the axial direction of the tubular member, but is covered by a resin in a region from the intermediate position to the other end, and the insertion hole is formed in a resin covering the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member.

Provided is a method of polymer molding of cables and connections, such as undersea cables and connections using additive manufacturing. Design requirements for cables/connections, including form, fit, and function data is provided. The requirements are used to produce a three-dimensional model of a mold, which is converted into a file format that allows for three-dimensional printing and computer-aided manufacturing. A mold is printed utilizing a UV cured resin on a high resolution three-dimensional printer. The mold is then checked to ensure it meets form, fit, and function data. Finally, an cable/connection is molded by mixing polyurethane, injecting it into the mold, and baking. The disclosed method provides significant time and cost savings when compared to prior art steel and aluminum mold manufacturing.

A computer-implemented method of generating a digital representation of a user-defined construction element connectable to pre-manufactured toy construction elements of a toy construction system, each pre-manufactured toy construction element comprising a number of coupling elements for coupling the pre-manufactured toy construction element with one or more other pre-manufactured toy construction elements of said toy construction system, the method comprising determining one or more positions for placement of one or more coupling elements to be included in the user-defined construction element; generating, responsive to input by a user indicative of a user-defined shape, a digital representation of a user-defined construction element, the user-defined construction element comprising said one or more coupling elements at said determined one or more positions; providing the digital representation for automated production of said user-defined construction element.

A mechanical coupling assembly that includes a primary substrate having at least one aperture formed therein. A secondary substrate includes at least one mechanical interlock monolithically formed with the secondary substrate. The at least one mechanical interlock extends through the aperture. The mechanical interlock includes a main body and a head portion with a transition portion connecting the main body and head portions. The main body includes a bore formed longitudinally therein about a centerline of the aperture. The mechanical interlock joins the primary substrate and secondary substrate mechanically.

A method for joining a fastener to a workpiece. The method comprising the following steps. Providing a fastening element including: a shaft-shaped anchor section which extends between a first end and a second end along an anchor axis; a flange formed on and extending radially to the first end of the anchor section, and the flange at least partially forms an application section, and; a joining material pre-applied to the application section and lying in an at least partially solid state, and wherein the joining material includes a first adhesive material and a second adhesive material. Providing a workpiece including a carrier surface. Arranging the fastening element on the carrier surface. Mixing the first and second adhesive materials by rotating the fastening element. And, joining the fastening element to the workpiece via the cross-linking reaction of the first and second adhesive materials.

A bar pin bushing assembly including a bar pin having at least one end with at least one bore to receive a fastener, the at least one bore extending through the at least one end, the bar pin having a central portion having a diameter that is greater than a width or diameter of the at least one end of the bar pin, a compressible rubber section positioned around the central portion of the bar pin, the compressible rubber section further extending around downwardly tapering surfaces adjacent the central portion of the bar pin, an outer metal shell mold bonded to the compressible rubber section, a first disc insert positioned over a first end of the outer metal shell, a second disc insert positioned over a second end of the outer metal shell, and a tubular outer metal wall positioned over the outer metal shell, the first disc insert, and the second disc insert.

A process of making a wear-resistant actuating lever is disclosed. The wear-resistant actuating lever includes a lever body made of metal and an integrally molded cover layer made of a polytetrafluoroethylene-based material. The lever body includes a head segment having an upper major surface, a cam-forming surface, a through hole, and at least one upper concavity formed in the upper major surface. The integrally molded cover layer covers on the head segment and is molded thereon using plastic injection molding, and includes an upper portion covering an upper major surface, a cam portion covering a cam-forming surface, and an upper protuberance portion in the upper concavity.

A reinforcement and/or lining method is provided, wherein a thermoplastic reinforcement and/or lining element is subject to mechanical energy impact and mechanical pressure by a tool so that reinforcement and/or lining material of the reinforcement and/or lining element is liquefied and pressed into porous material to reinforce the porous material. In at least one axial depth, the reinforcement and/or lining element is segmented as a function of the circumferential angle so that at this axial depth the circumferential wall of the initial opening in first regions is in contact with the reinforcement and/or lining element and in second regions is not in contact with the reinforcement and/or lining element.

A connector and a method of retaining a contact in a housing. The method includes: inserting the contact into a contact receiving cavity of the housing; applying extruded material in layers into the contact receiving cavity with a precision controlled nozzle; filling voids in the contact receiving cavity layer by layer until the contact receiving cavity is filled; and cooling or curing the extruded material, allowing the extruded material to bond with a wall of the contact receiving cavity. The contact is securely maintained in the contact receiving cavity of the housing by the extruded material. The connector having a contact positioned in a contact receiving cavity of a housing. Extruded material is positioned in the contact receiving cavity. The extruded material is bond to walls of the contact receiving cavity, wherein the extruded material securely maintains the contact in the contact receiving cavity of the housing.