Process for the manufacture of a fuel manifold for an internal combustion engine fuel supply system

Claim 1

A process for the manufacture of a fuel manifold for an internal combustion engine fuel supply system which supplies fuel to a number of injectors, said process comprising the steps of: forming an elongated semifinished metal part by extrusion, said semifinished metal part having a constant cross-sectional area, at least one axial hole, and a continuous tab projecting from one side of said semifinished metal part; forming a plurality of seats in said semifinished metal part, each of said seats in communication with said axial hole in said semifinished metal part; forming first fittings in said semifinished metal part, each of said first fittings defining a housing adapted to engage the top end of a respective one of the injectors, and having a short rod with a hole communicating with said housing, each said first fitting for enabling communication between said axial hole and the respective injector; inserting said short rod of each said first fitting inside a respective one of said seats on said semifinished metal part; integrally and permanently radially deforming each said short rod against a respective one of said seats for securing said fittings to said semifinished metal part, said deforming being performed by inserting through each said rod hole in each said short rod a deforming tool larger than said rod hole; and inserting second fittings inside two ends of said axial hole on said semifinished metal part, each said second fitting enabling communication between a respective end of said axial hole and piping on the fuel supply system.