Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating a tensioning and locking procedure for a band using a banding tool and for determining at least one characteristic of the banding tool for determining whether a component needs repair or replacement. The systems and methods include receiving data from one or more sensors disposed on a banding tool, validating and releasing one or more components of the tool based on the data meeting one or more thresholds, and/or determining that the one or more components of the tool requires repair or replacement. The systems and methods also provide for predictive maintenance based on the received data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating a tensioning and locking procedure for a band using a banding tool and for determining at least one characteristic of the banding tool for determining whether a component needs repair or replacement. The systems and methods include receiving data from one or more sensors disposed on a banding tool, validating and releasing one or more components of the tool based on the data meeting one or more thresholds, and/or determining that the one or more components of the tool requires repair or replacement. The systems and methods also provide for predictive maintenance based on the received data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a cable tie about an object is described. Further, a relatively compact banding tool that facilitates cable tie tensioning is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a cable tie about an object is described. Further, a relatively compact banding tool that facilitates cable tie tensioning is described.

Abstract: A band tensioning tool is provided that employs a replaceable insert juxtaposed to a tensioning wheel. The insert is made of low-friction material wherein band galling and tension wheel slippage is drastically reduced. The tool employing the contemplated insert can tension bands of various material properties with predictable repeatability.

Abstract: A cable tie having a head for receiving a tail for binding various objects is provided wherein a head of an integral buckle is tilted so that the tail portion is more easily received. By employing a tilted head, of preferably 30 degrees, a 15-20% increase in performance over similar cables ties of the prior art has been achieve. In addition, a cable tie is provided that includes a bulged or coined portion. A leading edge of the band that is associated with the buckle also includes a bulged or coined portion. The bulged portions are preferably created by a coining process and facilitate binding mechanically the band to the buckle. In addition, a cable tie is provided wherein a head of the integral buckle is interconnected to the band via angled side walls. The angled side walls increase an opening in the buckle that receives the band such that during tensioning less energy is needed to tension the cable tie around a bundle of cables, for example.

Abstract: A band tensioning tool is provided that includes an easily replaceable blade and knife. More specifically, a banding apparatus is provided that does not require that a maintenance cover be removed to gain access to a knife, a front gripper, and a blade. This feature reduces tool head height, and the blade is interconnected to the tool head as opposed to being contained within the tool head and supported in a cantilevered manner.

Abstract: An improved band clamp is provided that employs a punch that forms an indication in the deformed band during locking procedure. More specifically, a punch having at least one shoulder or other indication mechanisms is provided that selectively contacts a band to deform it with respect to a buckle to lock the band and buckle of a band clamp together. The shoulder contemplated thus leaves a mark on the deformed band to quickly provide a visual indication of dimple depth.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided that includes a separable punching and cutting mechanism. Provided is an impact head that holds a buckle while the band that resides within the buckle is tensioned. After a predetermined tension is achieved, a mechanism is used to lock the band with respect to the buckle then to cut the band. Various data related to tension and cutting performance may also be outputted by the invention.

Abstract: A cable tie, which generally comprises a band with an interconnected buckle, includes features that allow it to receive a free end of the band more efficiently and/or prevents user contact with a cut end of the band. Some of the contemplated cable ties also facilitate interconnection of the band to the buckle.

Abstract: A pre-cut and preformed free end band and seal of a predetermined length, and method of making and using the same is disclosed. The band is preformed with a substantially closed loop of band material to capture a seal to provide a preassembled band and seal wherein the seal is generally inhibited from being dislodged during packing, shipment, handling and installation. The band and seal are also formed in a manner to facilitate relative positioning of the band and seal as well as placement of a crimping tool relative to the band and seal for optimized crimping of the band and seal.

Abstract: A band clamp having a buckle for receiving a free end for binding various objects is provided wherein the band includes a mechanism for indicating an excess portion of the band needed for engagement with a tensioning tool. The mechanism may also facilitate temporary interconnection between the band and the buckle before tensioning.

Abstract: A tool for tensioning and cutting a band clamp is provided with a body, a stationary handle, and a movable lever that are selectively positionable with respect to the body to provide a plurality of gripping options.

Abstract: A system for protecting tubes in a heat recovery system is provided. Such tubes are often protected by shielding that is attached thereto the tubes by a plurality of band clamps. Each band clamp is associated with a guard that protects the same from the hot gases traveling through the field of tubes. In addition, an automated tool is provided for tensioning the bands about the shields. The automated tool allows the band clamps to be properly interconnected to the shields in a preferred manner.

Abstract: A system for protecting tubes in a heat recovery system is provided. Such tubes are often protected by shielding that is attached thereto the tubes by a plurality of band clamps. Each band clamp is associated with a guard that protects the same from the hot gases traveling through the field of tubes. In addition, an automated tool is provided for tensioning the bands about the shields. The automated tool allows the band clamps to be properly interconnected to the shields in a preferred manner.

Abstract: A system of joining two tubes is provided. More specifically, a node is formed on an end of an inner tube that is received within an outer tube. A portion of the outer tube is then deflected into the indent such that the outer tube matingly engages the inner tube. The force required to deflect the portion of the outer tube into the inner tube is provided by tensioning a band clamp positioned around the outer tube.

Abstract: A cable tie having a head for receiving a tail for binding various objects is provided wherein a head of an integral buckle is tilted so that the tail portion is more easily received. By employing a tilted head, of preferably 30 degrees, a 15-20% increase in performance over similar cables ties of the prior art has been achieve. In addition, a cable tie is provided that includes a bulged or coined portion. A leading edge of the band that is associated with the buckle also includes a bulged or coined portion. The bulged portions are preferably created by a coining process and facilitate binding mechanically the band to the buckle. In addition, a cable tie is provided wherein a head of the integral buckle is interconnected to the band via angled side walls. The angled side walls increase an opening in the buckle that receives the band such that during tensioning less energy is needed to tension the cable tie around a bundle of cables, for example.

Abstract: A seal having wings provided that are adapted to engage a portion of a wrapped band. The wings have an enlarged distal end for engagement with an individual's thumb or finger to facilitate deflection of the same.

Abstract: A band and buckle for wrapping around and/or securing one or more objects is provided. Specifically, the band is adapted to receive external objects and maintain the received external objects within the band. The external objects may include electronic devices, sensors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices or other similar objects. These objects may be used for identifying the objects that are secured by the band, determining information about the band or its surrounding, and other various functions.

Abstract: An improved tool for locking a band clamp, and an improved lock for a band clamp is disclosed. The tool includes a knife body having a knife edge that progressively cuts the free end of the band over a period of time, rather than simultaneously cutting the entire band width. In one embodiment, this is accomplished with a knife edge that is non-linear. The tool further includes a punch with a rounded or hemispherical shaped leading tip that forms an improved locking dimple. The locking dimple forms an improved lock having side walls that are, at least in part, parallel with the walls of the surrounding aperture in the band. By varying the profile of the knife edge, the punch can more fully form an improved locking dimple.