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.

Abstract: A protective guard for a clamping device includes structure for physically separating an end of a band portion of the clamping device from an object or body part that may come in contact with the end. The protective guard can include one or more moveable or statically positioned tabs for inhibiting contact of an object or body part with the end.

Abstract: A fiber optic system for detecting a stroke of a pump, the fiber optic system including a first fiber optic line configured for directing light onto a portion of the pump that moves during the stroke of the pump. The system further includes a second fiber optic line configured for receiving light that has been transmitted from the first fiber optic line and reflected by the portion of the pump, wherein receipt of the light by the second fiber optic line occurs at a specified point during the stroke of the pump. The moving portion of the pump may be the diaphragm, the reciprocating portion, or any other part of the pump that cycles at regular intervals as the pump operates.

Abstract: A banding material gripping mechanism and band tightening tool using the same are disclosed, wherein there is a reduced likelihood of the banding material buckling in the tool. The gripping mechanism includes gripping body and a banding material gripper component (“gripper”) that reciprocates within the gripping body for iteratively: (i) gripping the banding material so that a band being formed from the banding material can be tightened, and (ii) releasing the banding material so that the gripper can slide along the banding material as the gripping body moves forwardly over a further length of excess banding material in preparation for performing (i) again.

Abstract: A pump for ultra-pure fluids comprises a flexible diaphragm separating a fluid chamber from an air chamber. The diaphragm creates an airtight seal between the fluid chamber and the air chamber. Any leak from the fluid chamber into the air chamber is detected by a fiber optic system comprising an element and two optical fibers that are disposed such that light is detected by the second optical fiber only when the element is not in contact with liquid. A second fiber optic system can also be used to determine the stroke of an oscillating member by disposing the fiber optic lines at an angle calculated to reflect light off of the oscillating member when the member arrives at a predetermined location. The fiber optics are adapted to be resistant to corrosion, non-igniting, and non-contaminating.