Overedge Assembling Means Patents (Class 29/243.5)
  • Patent number: 11548048
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a portable sheet metal folding apparatus that folds a sheet metal panel profile into a different predetermined shape, the profile having straight elements joined together by arcs. The apparatus has consecutive roller die sets configured to perform a series of folds on a first element of the profile toward a second element of the profile. Each roller die set has opposing roller dies operably contacting only the first and second elements, not contacting any arc. The opposing roller dies are arranged to define a minimal gap between them equal to or more than the radius of the arc joining the first and second elements together. The gap provides a material relief space that is sized to clearingly permit the arc to positionally shift during folding to relieve stress and strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Richard G. Starks, Jr., Ralph L. Herren, Robert Lytle
  • Patent number: 11464626
    Abstract: To achieve the object of making available an insertion aid for a voice prosthesis, which insertion aid can be used universally and permits a secure hold on the voice prosthesis, such an insertion aid is proposed comprising a rod-shaped device with a head region arranged at a first end of a rod, said head region comprising a limit stop element for a voice prosthesis and, adjoining this limit stop element, a locking element for a voice prosthesis, wherein a first ring surface is formed between the limit stop element and the locking element, which ring surface is configured extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik—Vertrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Fahl
  • Patent number: 11097328
    Abstract: A panel hemming device includes: a fixing die on which a panel is placed and having a supporting surface stepped upward to be parallel with an end of the panel; a hemming shaft having a first side coupled to a tool and having a second side to which a hemming roller, which contacts a top of the supporting surface when fixed to the fixing die, is coupled; a rotary shaft having a first side coupled to the first side of the hemming shaft to receive torque and having a second side, which contacts a bottom of the fixing die when fixed to the fixing die; and a case supporting an outer surface of the hemming shaft disposed through the case and coupled to a first end of the rotary shaft such that the rotary shaft can rotate upward or downward with respect to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Woo Jin Chung, Myeon Gi Hur
  • Patent number: 11006959
    Abstract: A surgical anvil assembly for use with a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil center rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head pivotally coupled to the anvil center rod and movable between a first operative condition and a second tilted condition. The anvil assembly further includes a locking assembly configured to selectively lock the anvil head in each of the first and second conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Charles R. Kollar, Brian Parzuchowski
  • Patent number: 10758958
    Abstract: A roller hemming processing device that has first to fifth processing surfaces and that rolls the respective processing surfaces while pressing the respective processing surfaces against a hemming flange in such a posture that an axis of a roller is parallel to an outer panel is used. A pre-processed portion obtained by bending the hemming flange to form a right angle with an inner flange is molded by using the third, fifth and fourth processing surfaces in a stepwise manner such that the angle of inclination with respect to the axis decreases. The pre-processed portion is inclined toward an inner panel side by using the second processing surface. An inclined wall portion that is inclined to contact the inner panel, and a hem portion that is in close contact with the inner panel are molded by simultaneously using the first and second processing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Takatsu MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Tsukamoto, Tamito Matsui, Yuichi Yamashita, Tsukasa Kume, Kazumoto Suzuki, Atsushi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 10682749
    Abstract: A combination sheet metal hammer and duct stretcher device. The device is directed to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning and particularly to a duct assembly tool for drawing and pinching two pieces of duct work together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Mike Rittenhouse
  • Patent number: 10654347
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for a hybrid-type door, which is capable of preventing deformation caused by difference in thermal expansion coefficient between an outer panel of aluminum alloy and an inner panel of iron steel. The structure for a hybrid-type door may include an inner panel and an outer panel made of different material from the inner panel. In particular, an end portion of the inner panel may be hemmed by an end portion of the outer panel with the end portions of the inner panel and the outer panel being brought into contact with each other. A sealer may be applied to a contact area at which the inner panel and the outer panel are brought into contact with each other, and the sealer may include a first sealer that may be curable at a room temperature, and a second sealer that may be curable at a temperature greater than a curing temperature of the first sealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ki Hyun Choi, Jai Hak Kim
  • Patent number: 10544691
    Abstract: A staking tool assembly for staking a pin coupling a turbine blade with a turbine disk is disclosed. The staking tool assembly includes a guide block configured to be positioned between a space defined between two consecutive turbine blades mounted on the turbine disk. The guide block includes a bottom surface configured to abut a blade root of the turbine blade. The guide block further includes a groove extending from the bottom surface through the guide block. The groove is configured to receive a portion of the pin extending outwardly from the blade root to facilitate a staking of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: James Neal Houck, Jewell Winifred Willmon
  • Patent number: 10482299
    Abstract: A universal, parent-to-dependent manufacturing recycling product code is provided for use on various types of manufactured goods. The recycling product code represents a tool that can be used to process a significant volume of disposed finished products, to capture and communicate essential information about finished products and their components and materials, and to make consistent repair or recycle determinations for the products. Multiple components of the finished product may be associated with dependent recycling product codes (e.g., children and grandchildren codes) which are related to the parent recycling product code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Sammy Kayara
  • Patent number: 10474126
    Abstract: A method for fastening material webs, such as roofing sheets made of plastic on a surface with fastening points (head disks including a hot-melt adhesive layer) arranged thereon using a self-propelled fastening unit (20) comprising the following steps: (A) detecting a route marking by means of a first detector (22) on the fastening unit (20) and moving the fastening unit along the route marking; (B) detecting and calculating the position of a head disk (14) by means of a second detector (24); (C) approaching and remaining at an operating position during the subsequent fastening process; (D) positioning an induction heater (30) and heating up the head disk (14) for a period of time Th; (E) removing the induction heater (30) and pressing the material web against the head disk by a cooling device (32); (F) taking off the cooling device after a predetermined time Tk has passed; (G) continuing with (A), until an end of the route marking is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Kurt Blum, Daniel Gasser, Thomas Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 10307872
    Abstract: A crimping system of a fastening component onto a support, including a crimping tool comprising a housing and a traction rod configured to cooperate with the fastening component so as to deform the fastening component when a translation of the traction rod takes place, a fluid source connected to the housing to supply a fluid under pressure to move the traction rod, a sensor to measure the movements of the traction rod, a detector to provide a pressurisation information of the fluid in the housing, and a control unit configured to record a curve of the measured movements and the pressurisation information of the fluid in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BOLLHOFF OTALU S.A.
    Inventor: Frédéric Simonet
  • Patent number: 10189073
    Abstract: A matrix for making clinch-type joints between at least two members of sheet-formed material of the same or different types. Said matrix (1) has the form of a thin plate, and comprises two generally flat sheet-formed matrix elements (2, 3, 2?, 3?, 102, 103) arranged movable relative to each other so that they could slide on an essentially flat support surface (31, 34, 134) in a substantially translational or pivotal movement between a first initial position in which said matrix elements (2, 3, 2?, 3?, 102, 103) form between them at least one essentially closed matrix cavity (23, 23?, 123) and a second position corresponding to an open position for said at least one matrix cavity, said matrix elements (2, 3, 2?, 3?, 102, 103) being arranged actuated in the direction of said first position by at least one actuation means (4, 10, 104). An apparatus including such a matrix is also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BOLLHOFF ATTEXOR S.A.
    Inventor: Olivier Dubugnon
  • Patent number: 10052727
    Abstract: A press-fitting device includes: a workpiece holding portion; a one-side pressing unit configured to press either one of a press-fitting tool and a backup tool against a workpiece in a first direction while performing three dimensional position adjustment thereon; an other-side pressing unit configured to press the other one of the press-fitting tool and the backup tool which is not pressed by the one-side pressing unit, against the workpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction, while performing three dimensional position adjustment thereon; and a press-fitting controlling portion configured to control stroke amounts of the tools in a press-fitting direction at the time of a press-fitting operation. The press-fitting controlling portion includes a stroke manipulating portion; a displacement data storing portion; and a stroke correction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Kitamura, Koichi Sugiura, Kenji Harada, Takahiro Akimoto
  • Patent number: 10005117
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for seaming an end cap to an end of a target object using a fixed, rigid roller carriage that is configured to move along a direction that is orthogonal to a rotation axis of the end cap and the target object. The end cap seaming apparatus and system preferably comprise servo motors that move the roller carriage and rotate the end cap and the target object. The end cap seaming apparatus and system may be configured to learn the shape of the end cap and the target object by learning a shape of an end cap holding member on which the end cap is held. An automated method of seaming the end cap to the target object is executed based on the learned shape of the end cap holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ADMC HOLDING, LLC
    Inventors: Phil Evans, Victor H. Farrace, David Watson
  • Patent number: 9937592
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HVAC Inventors/Systemation, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Daw, Cody B. Umberger
  • Patent number: 9925580
    Abstract: A motorized crimping mechanism to impart substantially 90 degree crimps to adjacent roof and/or wall panel seams of a fabricated edifice is provided. Such a crimping device allows for substantially uniform seaming along the target contact line of two adjacent panels with substantially similar pressures and torque applied thereto at the selected locations of crimp application. The motorized device itself includes a rotary drive shaft to apply sufficient pressures for 90 degree crimps in two adjacent metal panels, as well as an optional guide to ensure proper placement and direction along the entire contact line between such panels. The invention thus encompasses the device as well as the method of using such a motorized crimper for connecting standing seams of adjacent side edges of two building panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Developmental Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Rider
  • Patent number: 9915374
    Abstract: Example valve stem and plug connections and example staking tools are described herein. An example apparatus includes a valve plug having a first side, a second side opposite the first side and a bore extending from the first side to the second side. A first portion of the bore is tapered from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A valve stem is disposed within the bore of the valve plug. The valve stem includes a first section, a second section and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is tapered from a third diameter to a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. The tapers of the first portion of the valve plug and the third section of the valve stem, when engaged, create a frictional force that resists movement of the valve stem out of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Paul Taylor Alman
  • Patent number: 9908161
    Abstract: A tool for repairing defects in a member is provided. The tool includes a first housing, a second housing, and a shaft positioned at least partially within the first housing and the second housing. The shaft is configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the tool with respect to the first housing and the second housing. Furthermore, the tool includes an anvil coupled to the second housing, a biasing device coupled to the shaft and to the anvil, and a tip coupled to the anvil. The anvil is configured to be selectively contacted by the shaft and to transmit a force received from the shaft to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Gamble, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 9782283
    Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for crimping self-expanding devices. The crimping devices may be useful for crimping a variety of different self-expanding devices (whether such devices are biodegradable or bio-durable). The crimping devices may have crimping members to engage the self-expanding device to reduce the device from an expanding configuration to an unexpanded configuration. The crimping member may comprise or include a suture, wire, ribbon, guiding hoop, pusher, prong, holding bar, balloon, jaws, combinations thereof, or the like. The crimping devices may also include or comprise a holding structure to hold the self-expanding device in an unexpanded or expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Intersect ENT, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Abbate, Bin Huang, Gail M. Zaler, David C. Gale, Richard E. Kaufman, Vijaykumar Rajasekhar
  • Patent number: 9764371
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for caulking a caulking member such as a caulking nut or a caulking bolt to a metal plate. The metal plate is arranged on a die having a caulking protrusion formed on an end surface thereof, the caulking member is arranged on the metal plate while a position of a caulking recess portion of the caulking member is aligned with the caulking protrusion, and a punch is brought closer to the die so that the caulking member is pressed against the metal plate. While an upper surface of the metal plate in a position opposite to the caulking recess portion is restricted by a downward protruding portion of the punch or by the caulking member, the metal plate is plastically fluidized into the caulking recess portion, so that the caulking member is caulked without boring a hole in the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Fujimoto, Tsuyoshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 9506357
    Abstract: A staking tool includes an assembly having two substantially parallel punch members. The punch members are located partially in a punch body, and the punch body is located adjacent to a lower shaft. The lower shaft has an angled face configured to contact the punch body so that an angle is formed between the punch body and lower shaft. A main shaft is connected to the lower shaft. A cap is connected to the main shaft. A blow applied to the cap transfers force to the punch body, and the angled face redirects the direction of the force by the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Brian Kenneth Bassett
  • Patent number: 9387531
    Abstract: A riveting device comprises an inner guide sleeve having a push rod thereinside; an outer guide sleeve sleeving the inner guide sleeve; a hold ring disposed inside and tightly pressed against the outer guide sleeve; and a driver. The screw body of a screw is inserted through the outer guide sleeve and hold ring and screwed into a river nut. The screw head is disposed inside the inner guide sleeve and tightly pressed against the hold ring by the push rod. The driver is combined with the inner guide sleeve and drives the inner guide sleeve, push rod, outer guide sleeve, hold ring, screw and rivet nut to move jointly and rivet the rivet nut. The present invention is characterized in using the push rod, hold ring and outer guide sleeve to secure the screw and exemption from the limitation by the size or shape of the screw head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Pao-Fang Liu
  • Patent number: 9095427
    Abstract: A device for insertion in a tracheostoma which includes a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, a flexible flange which is provided on an outer surface of the device body and has unfolded configuration which it extends essentially from the outer surface of the body to the outside and has a folded configuration in which it is folded in the direction towards the longitudinal axis of the device body, as well as a pin-shaped insertion aid having a means for retaining the flange in its folded orientation, wherein the flange is formed by at least two wings each of which have a recess proximate a tip of the wing, in which the retaining means is removably introduced, and the wings have a shape memory that orients the wings, when unrestrained, away from the longitudinal axis of the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: PRIMED HALBERSTADT MEDIZINTECHNIK GmbH
    Inventors: Harry Leibitzki, Steffen SÜβ
  • Publication number: 20150143685
    Abstract: A clinch joint punch includes an elastomeric tip on a distal end of an engagement section. The elastomeric tip may include a partially spherical surface or may be a cylindrical member having a planar circular engagement surface. A method of joining a clinch joint and a plurality of panels by driving a punch having an elastomeric tip into the panels. The elastomeric tip is compressed within a recess formed in the panels to mechanically interlock the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Amanda Kay Freis
  • Patent number: 9027216
    Abstract: A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Hi-Shear Corporation, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward E Beeles, David Hocking, Julie R. Jones, Stuart R. Seley, John E. Inman
  • Publication number: 20150121678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for connecting an end of a first metal strip to the beginning of a second metal strip, in particular in strip treatment installations, wherein the end of the strip and the beginning of the strip are positioned one on top of the other to form an overlap and are connected to one another at a number of connecting points in the region of the overlap, characterized in that the connecting points are produced by means of clinching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Noé, Friedhelm Ambaum
  • Patent number: 8914964
    Abstract: A moving die is held by a robot and made to approach a vehicle, and a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the vehicle. The moving die is brought into a floating state of being displaceable relative to the vehicle by reducing a force of the robot for maintaining an attitude thereof. In a state of holding the moving die by the robot, a surface of the moving die is brought into contact with the vehicle by an adsorbing mechanism including an adsorbing portion of an elastic member provided to the moving die. The moving die and the robot are cut to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisaku Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Kinouchi, Noriko Kurimoto, Takeshi Nakamura, Mitsutaka Igaue, Hiroshi Miwa
  • Patent number: 8875370
    Abstract: A panel loading method for loading an inner panel to an outer panel that has a bent portion provided by bending a periphery thereof, the outer panel and the inner panel being overlapped to integrate the outer panel and the inner panel at the periphery thereof. The method includes: providing at least one of the outer panel and the inner panel by an elastic body; disposing the outer panel onto a panel receiver so that the bent portion is directed upward; placing a guide plate on or above the bent portion; loading the inner panel into the outer panel from above the guide plate; and inserting the inner panel into an inside of the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Kunita, Tetsuji Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8863364
    Abstract: The pinching device includes two cross-sections, each having a hollow part with a male indentation and a female indentation, and locking elements, whereby the surfaces of the indentations form a positive pinching passage of the tube; the male indentation has a U shape with a core and two wings; the female indentation has a U shape with a core and two wings; and the pinching passage has a U shape with a core and two wings; the two opposite wings will draw together toward their ends that are opposite to the cores of the indentations, and each of the two wings of the pinching passage has an opening whose width will diminish towards its end that is opposite to the core of the pinching passage; the width of the opening of the pinching passage is at most slightly smaller than twice the thickness of the wall of the flexible tube to be pinched, and, designed to constitute a pinching closing device, it is disposable, performing a function of closing the tube on itself in the pinching region, preventing any passage of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim FMT SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Valerie Christine Gay, Michael Bates, Ray Bassett, Chris Biddel
  • Patent number: 8819908
    Abstract: A crimping assembly is provided for securing a cover part to a structural member. The crimping assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a first direction, and a first roller fixedly secured to the drive shaft and rotatable therewith. The crimping assembly also includes a slide shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a second direction. A second roller is fixedly secured to the slide shaft and rotatable therewith. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the drive and slide shafts to roll the first and second rollers over the cover part to secure the cover part to the structural member. A coupling mechanism is operably connected between the drive shaft and the slide shaft to allow movement of the slide shaft towards and away from the drive shaft during operation of the crimping assembly to accommodate variations in flange thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Henry Muxlow, David Christopher Marchand
  • Patent number: 8806729
    Abstract: A visualization, alignment and support tool permitting one person fence rail installation, and greatly speeding the installation when more than two persons are employed. Specifically, the tool affixes temporarily to a fence pipe and offers support for a length of fence rail; especially the ends of adjacent fence rails, so that the rails are supported and level relative to a fence pipe bracket which is affixed to the fence pipe. The rail ends can then be fastened with screws or other fasteners to the fence pipe bracket when desired without further adjustment required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Joe Roddy, Jeffrey Roddy
  • Patent number: 8769789
    Abstract: A rivet machine is provided. The rivet machine employs a die including a die body that has an inner wall with a pair of retaining ribs or projections extending inwardly therefrom. In use, the rivet pushes a slug from a workpiece within which it is mounted and into an opening of the die. The projections engage and retain the slug within the inner wall. According to further aspects, the pair of retaining ribs are diametrically opposed around the inner wall. Each of the retaining ribs has two converging surfaces that form an angle of between 90 and 150 degrees. In yet another aspect, the projections can be discontinuous such that a first retaining rib is longitudinally offset on the inner wall from a second retaining rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 8769790
    Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Kernosky
  • Patent number: 8763222
    Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for crimping self-expanding devices. The crimping devices may be useful for crimping a variety of different self-expanding devices (whether such devices are biodegradable or bio-durable). The crimping devices may have crimping members to engage the self-expanding device to reduce the device from an expanding configuration to an unexpanded configuration. The crimping member may comprise or include a suture, wire, ribbon, guiding hoop, pusher, prong, holding bar, balloon, jaws, combinations thereof, or the like. The crimping devices may also include or comprise a holding structure to hold the self-expanding device in an unexpanded or expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intersect ENT, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Abbate, Bin Huang, Gail M. Zaler, David C. Gale, Richard E. Kaufman, Vijaykumar Rajasekhar
  • Publication number: 20140165353
    Abstract: The tool is provided comprising a first and second arm. The first arm having a first and second die slot on a side and a third die slot on an opposing side. The first arm further having a first gage slot on the side adjacent the second die slot and a second gage slot on the opposing side. The second arm being operably coupled to rotate relative to the first arm. The second arm having a fourth and a fifth die slot on a side arranged opposite the first die slot and the second die slot when the second arm is in a first position, the second arm also having a sixth die slot on an opposing side from the first die, the second arm further having a third gage slot on the side adjacent the fifth die slot and a fourth gage slot on the opposing side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Rostra Tool Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Steiner, Joseph Krzyzanski
  • Patent number: 8752257
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for securing a lining material of a wall inner surface of a load-bearing construction, such as a container, apparatus, duct, housing, or column, which is acted upon by a gaseous or liquid medium. Multiple securing points are provided, and are arranged in a distributed manner and connected to the wall inner surface in order to secure the lining material. In order to reliably secure a lining material to a wall inner surface subject to great tractive forces, the fastening elements have at least one holding element which connects the wall inner surfaces to the lining material, and which can be fixed by a pressure element in a force- and/or form-fit manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Plasticon Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Van Laak
  • Publication number: 20140096365
    Abstract: A manufacturing method employing a robotic assembly system includes first and second fastener system components that are positioned by a robotic assembly on opposite sides of at least two structural pieces that are to be fastened together. The first system component includes a particular tool of a plurality of different types of tools, where the particular tool installs a particular fastener of a plurality of different types of fasteners. Each tool includes a block or base of magnetic material with a passageway opening for the fastener associated with the tool passing through the base. The robotic assembly positions the tool against one side of the structural pieces to be fastened, and positions an electromagnet assembly on the opposite side of the structural pieces. Activating the electromagnet assembly clamps the structural pieces together. With the fastener positioned in a hole through the structural pieces, the tool is activated to install the fastener between the structural pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, Harinder S. Oberoi, Rodney S. Wright, Jeffrey L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140096360
    Abstract: A crimping tool is provided for coupling a pipe with a connector or fitting. The crimping tool includes a first jaw having an opening on one side. The opening has a first slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of a pipe connector. A second jaw is operably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw having a semi-cylindrical surface on one side with a second slot disposed therein. The semi-cylindrical surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of the pipe connector. The first jaw and second jaw are moveable between a first position and a second position, the semi-cylindrical surface being arranged at least partially within the opening when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Rostra Tool Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Steiner, Joseph Krzyzanski
  • Patent number: 8667655
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a drive system to a ring in a medical imaging gantry, the ring defining a central longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a ring having an outer race and an inner race rotatively mounted within the outer race, the inner race defining inner race teeth about a portion of its circumference, The apparatus also includes a drive system having a drive gear, defining drive gear teeth that are engaged with the inner race teeth, and defining tooth clearance there between. A mounting assembly is also included having at least one mounting bar rigidly attached to the outer race outer facing surface, the mounting bar including a transverse face being substantially perpendicular to the ring outer race circumference, at least one mounting plate secured to the drive system and transverse face of the at least one mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Campbell, Jeff Scribner
  • Patent number: 8667656
    Abstract: A punching tool for attaching adjacent steel deck panels along a side-lapped seam positions first and second jaws on one side of the seam, and positions third, fourth and fifth jaws on the other side. An actuator compresses the two sets of jaws; blades on the ends of such jaws shear the seam to create two louvers extending in one direction separated by a third louver extending in the other direction. The first jaw blade passes between the third and fourth jaw blades, and the second jaw blade passes between the fourth and fifth jaw blades. The blades are tapered to prevent binding upon release. The blades may include semi-cylindrical punching portions, and can be formed as detachable inserts coupled to the jaws, as by dovetail joints. The jaws may be made of a metal having a hardness rating less than that of the detachable blade inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nucor Corporation
    Inventor: Virgil R. Morton
  • Patent number: 8661639
    Abstract: Manual tool for application of a tile laying device to tiles to coat, including a working head having a support surface that is arranged next to a face of a portion of the device. The working head has a side opening through which the band member, connected to a portion of the device and protruding from the second portion through the tiles, is arranged. The tool includes a tensioning device means that is adapted to engage with the band member and to apply on the band member a tension T1 to arrange the device between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mollificio Apuano S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mauro Bondielli
  • Patent number: 8650730
    Abstract: A clinching tool is provided. A further aspect of the present application locates an anvil and/or movable die members closer to one lateral outside surface of a die body than the opposite lateral outside surface. In another aspect, an offset clinch die and pneumatic tool are employed. Another aspect includes a die body having an anvil and two linearly movable die members which essentially surround a lateral outside surface of the anvil when in inward positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BTM Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin G. Sawdon
  • Patent number: 8640321
    Abstract: A replaceable deformable insert is disposed in a clinching die cavity having an annular recess adjacent the insert. A first layer is established on a second layer and secured between a retractable punch and the clinching die. The punch is pressed into the first layer to form a depression in the first and second layers. The first and second layers are compressed together between the punch and the clinching die, creating hydrostatic pressure in the first and second layers and the insert. A portion of the insert is extruded to fill the annular recess with insert extrudate, while a portion of the second layer is simultaneously radially extruded into an annular space previously occupied by the insert. A portion of the first layer is simultaneously radially extruded into an annular volume previously occupied by the second layer, thereby forming an interlocking assembly of the first and second layers and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jon T. Carter
  • Patent number: 8641028
    Abstract: A holding assembly for an edge of a flexible film sheeting where the assembly comprises an elongate flexible channel member for extending along the edge and an elongate locking strip detachably engagable within the channel member for clamping the associated film sheeting therebetween has the locking strip moved into place by a guide body arranged for sliding movement across a support surface such as the ground on which the film sheeting is located. The guide body having a slot therein for receiving the channel member and carries a pivotal lever including a pair of rollers for guiding and forcing the locking strip into place. The guide body is carried on a skid and moves underneath the edge of the film across the width of the opening to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Walter John Curry, Michael Francis Curry
  • Patent number: 8631554
    Abstract: The device includes pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, a switch valve connecting the pneumatic cylinder either to an outlet channel or a pressure supply, and an actuating element to switch the switch valve into a second position connecting a control line, open to the environment until closed by reaching a setting limit, to a pressure supply via a throttle and the switch valve. A pressure control valve having a control chamber connected to the pressure supply is structured so that pressures in the control chamber and the control line act on first and second control surfaces in the first and second switch position directions, respectively. The actuating element relieves pressure on the control chamber to move the pressure control valve into the second switch position to connect a motor line and switch channel of the switch valve to the pressure supply, which switches the switch valve into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Gesipa Blindniettechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Wille
  • Patent number: 8621734
    Abstract: A collet for a fastener installation tool having a pull section with a fastener engagement end and a plurality of teeth. The teeth include a first tooth with a first inner diameter, and each of the remainder of teeth includes a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter. The pull section includes a protrusion extending from the fastener engagement end, thereby extending the length of the pull section. The pull section includes a cross-sectional thickness, wherein the collet is adapted to engage a pin member having a locking portion with a first diameter and a pull portion with a smaller second diameter. An increase in the difference between the first diameter of the locking portion and the second diameter of the pull portion of the pin member allows for a corresponding increase in the cross-sectional thickness of the collet, thereby extending the fatigue life of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Huck International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Mercer, Robert J. Corbett
  • Patent number: 8615859
    Abstract: A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jon T. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130318768
    Abstract: A jig assembly and corresponding method for swage assembling a workpiece having first and second side components and a central component. A first pair of bi-directional traversable platforms are supported in inward and outward reciprocating fashion relative to a central support fixture, and upon which are mounted supporting structures for mounting the workpiece. A pair of engaging jigs are mounted to inner opposing sides of the pair of traversable platforms. Each of the engaging jigs includes a plurality of fingers which are adapted to seat within aperture locations associated with the workpiece side components and to facilitate loading and positioning the workpiece prior to swaging. A pair of opposing and synchronized inward compressing dies simultaneously swage locations associated with opposite edges of the central component which project through apertures defined in the side components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Bruck
  • Patent number: 8572827
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a tool or an apparatus that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall. In one example, the tool includes a frame, a pair of contact surfaces rigidly coupled to the frame, a handle pivotally attached to the frame, a pair of stapler units rigidly coupled to the frame, and a linkage mechanism comprising a pair of transmission arms and mechanically coupling the handle to the stapler units for translating a force displacing the handle from a first position into a controlled motion of the transmission arms, thereby triggering the stapler units to release fastening pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kam Wa Chou
  • Patent number: 8572833
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining an ornament, for example, an ornamental crystal, on a frame or plate is provided. The method includes providing a pin having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end comprising a projection, for example, a head; inserting the first end of the pin through an aperture in the ornament and through a hole in the frame wherein the projection obstructs the aperture in the ornament; deforming, for example, twisting, the second end of the pin to provide a deformation of the second end that obstructs passage of the second end through the hole in the frame; and retaining the ornament on the frame by the projection of the first end of the pin and the deformation of the second end of the pin. Aspects of the invention facilitate the mounting of ornaments to ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Swarovski Lighting, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tho Ly, Andrew Schuyler