Abstract:
A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of elongate projections on a bond surface of the component, each projection having a centerline, a tip, and a base. The centerline at the tip of each projection is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal to the bond surface at its base, and the angular orientation of the tip centerlines varies across the array of projections. Next, the first component and a flexible layer are brought together so as to embed the projections in the flexible layer before hardening the flexible layer to form the second component. Also, a joint so formed.
Abstract:
A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of projections extending from a bond surface of the first component, each projection having a base, a tapered tip and a tapered overhang beneath the tip, wherein the overhang has an undercut surface which is inclined and faces towards the local bond surface; bringing the components together so as to embed the projections in the second component; and hardening the second component after the array of projections has been embedded into it. Also, a joint so formed.
Abstract:
A method of forming a hybrid component comprising at least two metallic parts, the method comprising preparing a first metallic part by forming at least one macroscopic interfacing feature on an interfacing surface of the part; positioning the first part in a mould tool; introducing a metallic powder into the mould tool and around the interfacing feature(s); and consolidating the metallic powder by a Hot-Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process to form a second metallic part which encapsulates the interfacing feature(s) to provide a mechanical connection between the first and second parts of the component. Also, a hybrid component so formed. The metallic parts may have substantially different material properties.
Abstract:
A wheel rotation device assists in cleaning, inspection and maintenance of wheels. The device has a ramp, a backstop, and two contoured rollers, fastened to rails. The device operates upon a flat surface such as a garage floor or driveway, and avoids slipping from friction with the flat surface and a non-skid treatment on to the underside of the rails. The ramp allows the motorcycle to be rolled forward onto the rollers that centers the motorcycle wheel upon and between the rollers as it is manually rotated. The backstop limits forward movement of the motorcycle wheel to within the rear of the device. The rear roller, nearest the backstop, has spindles projecting through the rails and have machined ends that accept a tool to rotate the motorcycle wheel.
Abstract:
An additive layer manufacturing method for producing a shaped article, comprising providing a powdered thermoplastic polymer material (7, 8) having a re-solidification temperature at most 10% below its melting temperature on the Celsius scale, depositing successive layers of the powdered polymer material (7, 8) and selectively sintering each layer prior to deposition of the subsequent layer so as to form the article, wherein during its production the article is maintained at a temperature above the glass transition temperature and significantly below the re-solidification temperature of the polymer.
Abstract:
A smoking and drinking apparatus includes a body member defining an air chamber. A drink reservoir is situated in the air chamber defining a liquid impermeable drink chamber. The drink reservoir is inwardly displaced from the body member to form an air chamber therebetween. A bezel is mounted to the upper edge of the body member that defines a bore in communication with the inner reservoir. The bezel includes an inhalation port through which air is selectively inhaled from the air chamber and an exhalation port through which air is selectively exhaled by a user into the air chamber. The inhalation port is configured to receive a cigarette into the air chamber. A lighting element is positioned in the air chamber for lighting the cigarette when energized. A filter and fan assembly are positioned in the air chamber to filter and exhaust air from the air chamber.
Abstract:
An apparatus in one embodiment handles service requests over a network, wherein the network utilizes a protocol. In this aspect, the apparatus includes: a network subsystem for receiving and transmitting network service requests using the network protocol; and a service subsystem, coupled to the network subsystem, for satisfying the network service requests. At least one of the network subsystem and the service subsystem is hardware-implemented; the other of the network subsystem and the service subsystem may optionally be hardware-accelerated. A variety of related embodiments are also provided, including file servers and web servers.
Abstract:
A file system adapter card that may be plugged into a host computer system for providing hardware-based file system accesses outside the purview of a host operating system running on the host computer system. The file system adapter card includes a hardware-implemented or hardware-accelerated file service subsystem and a computer bus that permits a host computer system to communicate directly with the file service subsystem for providing file service requests and receiving file service responses. The file service subsystem includes dedicated hardware that operates outside the immediate control of a host operating system, including specialized circuitry for performing at least one major subsystem function.
Abstract:
An apparatus in one embodiment handles service requests over a network, wherein the network utilizes a protocol. In this aspect, the apparatus includes: a network subsystem for receiving and transmitting network service requests using the network protocol; and a service subsystem, coupled to the network subsystem, for satisfying the network service requests. At least one of the network subsystem and the service subsystem is hardware-implemented; the other of the network subsystem and the service subsystem may optionally be hardware-accelerated. A variety of related embodiments are also provided, including file servers and web servers.