Abstract: An observation instrument comprises an instrument shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and an optical arrangement extending at least sectionally through the instrument shaft. The optical arrangement comprises at least one optical component that is accommodated in a support shaft. The support shaft is arranged in the instrument shaft in an at least sectionally axially displaceable manner and is preloaded distally.

Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of an end effector generally comprises a tip, a housing, and a main insert. The housing may include a housing neck, one or more housing sections, and an end section. A main insert may be positioned within the housing. One or more intermediate inserts may also be positioned in the housing, as may an end insert. During use, it is contemplated that the end effector will provide a user a more ergonomic and comfortable experience, requiring less effort from the user resulting in a less fatigue during use. Additionally, the illustrative embodiments of the end effector may be adjusted for optimal use in an infinite number of applications. Additionally, the locator ensures that the user properly locates the distal end of a rivet to create a uniform nugget as the distal end of the rivet is spread.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a tubular anchor body made of suture material, the tubular anchor body having a partially open distal tip and a bore extending through the tubular anchor body to a proximal end of the tubular anchor body and a suture woven from the distal tip and extending through the bore and exiting through the proximal end, the suture forming a suture loop outside of the distal tip. The tubular anchor body is configured such pulling an end of the suture at the proximal end causes the tubular anchor body to collapse.

Abstract: A pressing tool for producing a non-detachable pipe connection, including holding means for holding the periphery of at least one first tubular or sleeve-shaped connection element and including sliding means for peripherally holding and axially displacing at least one second tubular or sleeve-shaped connection element. The sliding means is movable along a first axial operating direction towards the holding means to press two interengaging tubular or sleeve-shaped connection elements. The pressing tool easily allows pipe connections to be produced in a more flexible and efficient way in that the sliding means are movable towards the holding means along a second axial operating direction opposite the first axial operating direction to press two interengaging tubular or sleeve-shaped connection elements.

Abstract: A suture anchor including an outer anchor part and an inner anchor part. The outer anchor part includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface defining a center bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The center bore includes a tapered proximal portion. The inner anchor part includes a tapered outer surface defining a first pair of opposing apertures. Insertion of the inner anchor part into the tapered proximal portion of the outer anchor part enables a suture extending through the first pair of opposing apertures to be coupled to the suture anchor. A taper fit between the tapered proximal portion of the center bore of the outer anchor part and the tapered outer surface of the inner anchor part retains the inner anchor part within the outer anchor part.

Abstract: An illustrative example inserter assembly for securing soft tissue in a position adjacent bone includes an inserter having a proximal end and distal end. The inserter includes a handle near the proximal end and a shaft between the handle and the distal end. An anchor body is situated near the distal end of the inserter. A suture includes a portion establishing a suture loop near the distal end where the suture loop is distal of the anchor body. The suture includes a portion within the shaft. The suture has two ends that protrude from the inserter near the proximal end.

Abstract: A fixing fixture adapted to fix an assembling component is provided. The fixing fixture includes a base and at least one positioning component. The positioning component is pivoted with the base and has a supporting portion and a positioning portion. When the positioning component is located at a first position, the assembling component is adapted to push the supporting portion to drive the positioning component to rotate to a second position, such that the positioning portion is closely pressed against the assembling component. When the positioning component is located at the second position and the positioning portion is closely pressed against the assembling component, a fastening component is adapted to rotate along an axis to be fastened onto the assembling component, and the positioning portion stops the assembling component from rotating along the axis with the fastening component.

Abstract: A device to remove a metal servo horn in an efficient way by utilizing the lifting force to separate servo horn from a servo output shaft when screw is rotated counter-clockwise and hits against the concave of lower surface of upper front plate of the device. Clamping force provided by two fastening members combines the device and servo horn into one integrated unit to avoid the distortion of open end of the device when lifting force is greater than rigidity of the device. When a lifting force for removing the integrated unit is applied in direction opposite to installing direction of servo horn, it overcomes the friction between the inner splines of servo horn and the outer splines of servo output shaft then separates both splines. The removal of the servo horn from the servo output shaft is achieved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressing tool includes shaping a blank, which is able to be hardened, at least in part, to a final size of a pressing jaw. Then, a laser beam is applied to at least one selected region of a surface of the pressing jaw so as to form at least one hardened surface layer.

Abstract: A high pressure tool assembly includes a tool and a hand control valve connected to the tool. A hydraulic manifold is fluidly connected to the hand control valve. An intensifier is fluidly connected to the hydraulic manifold and to the tool. The intensifier increases the pressure of a first operating fluid supplied to the tool. A first fluid circuit is formed between the hand control valve, the hydraulic manifold and the intensifier. The first fluid circuit operates at a first pressure. A second fluid circuit is formed between the intensifier and the tool and operates at a second pressure. The second pressure is larger than the first pressure. The second fluid circuit is isolated from the first fluid circuit.

Abstract: A high pressure tool assembly includes a hand control valve mechanically connectable to a tool. An intensifier is fluidly connected to the hand control valve and to the tool. The intensifier increases pressure of an operating fluid to be supplied to the tool. A first fluid circuit conveying the first operating fluid is formed between the intensifier and the tool. A second fluid circuit conveying a second operating fluid is formed between the hand control valve and the intensifier. The first fluid circuit operates at a first pressure. The second fluid circuit operates at a second pressure. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure. The first fluid circuit is isolated from the second fluid circuit.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for clamping plate-shaped components, including a clamping device used with a plastically deformable sleeve, and which has a housing, a nut element which is displaceably and rotatably accommodated therein, a feed rod engaged with the nut element, and a pressure sleeve which is displaceable relative to the feed rod in the axial direction thereof. An adapter may be used with the clamping device.

Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has an upper base, a lower base, a movable support having a base end supported at a rear end of the lower base and a front end extending to the front end side of the lower base, a nut receiving recess provided in a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at the front end of the movable support and disposed at the upper end of a lower pattern, a lifter for the movable support, a stopper for the middle position of the movable support, a crimping die as an upper pattern mounted on the upper pattern support and movably disposed vertically on a same axial line as the lower pattern, and a hydraulic cylinder for pressing an upper pattern disposed on the upper base, and pressing the crimping die downward.

Abstract: A tool for installing rivet nuts, the tool comprising a screw, a rotatable drive for rotating the screw and an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of a rivet nut which has been screwed onto the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing an extreme offset nose assembly for installing fasteners are disclosed involving a drawbar, an anvil, and a collet. The drawbar having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion. The third portion transitioning from the second portion by a chamfer or a shoulder. The anvil having a cavity, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The collet having a first bore and a second bore. The drawbar having a section of the first portion disposed within the first aperture, a front section of the second portion threadedly engaged within the second bore of the collet, a rearward section of the second portion passing through the second aperture of the anvil thereby providing a bearing surface between the rearward section of the second portion and the second aperture of the anvil, and the third portion passing through the second aperture of the anvil.

Abstract: In a method for the connection of objects by means of at least one plasticizable hollow cylindrical rivet peg which can be heated by application of a process element which is provided, at its process side to be placed onto the hollow cylindrical rivet peg, with a spigot which can be introduced into the hollow space of the rivet peg and with an annular cut-out surrounding it, a rivet head is formed at the rivet peg by application and follow-up movement of the process element and the process element is subsequently removed from the formed rivet head. In this respect, a spreading effect directed from the inside to the outside is exerted onto the rivet peg generally transversely to the follow-up movement direction during the follow-up movement of the process element by its spigot entering into the hollow space of the rivet peg and the rivet peg is beaded over in the doughy state to form the rivet heat. A corresponding apparatus for the connection of objects is also set forth.

Abstract: A press for attaching nuts to pipes has a lower holder (6) fitting in and holding a pipe (60). A basal portion of this holder supported on the rear part of a lower base (2) moves up and down, and its forward portion extends to the front part of a lower base. Lifters (30) bear against and support the forward portion so as to keep it lifted a slight distance. Stoppers (31) bear against and support an intermediate region of the holder to be lifted a slight distance, and also bear against an end of the pipe (60) and retaining it at a prescribed position. A nut feed passage (10) extends in an outer surface of the lower holder from its basal to forward portion, and a nut pusher (14) is disposed in the forward portion. A cam rod (21) inserted in the lower holder (6) has a frontal oblique cam surface (22) for driving the pusher (14) to a nut releasing position (12), and a cam actuating means (25) is for the rod.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the setting operation for a blind fastener comprising the step of measuring, as a function of time, an electronic signal indicative of the load being applied to the fastener during the setting operation and, from which, determining a mandrel entry load and associated mandrel entry time from this measured signal and an associated setting time, subsequently determining the time difference between the mandrel entry time and the setting time and comparing this time difference against a predetermined reference time difference associated with that particular fastener type to determine whether the set fastener complies with predetermined acceptable setting procedures.

Abstract: A low swage load fastening system is provided for installing swage-type fasteners to secure a plurality of workpieces together. The fastener includes a pin member having an elongated pin shank to be located in aligned openings in the workpieces. An enlarged head at one end of the pin engages one side of the workpieces. A grooved pin portion extends past an opposite side of the workpieces. A collar includes a shank portion adapted to be swaged into the pin lock grooves in response to a relative axial swage load applied by an installation tool. As one aspect of the system, the collar is as-headed and does not require thermal processing yet provides an optimum balance of reduced collar shank wall thickness and increased hardness, whereby the swage load is minimized. A low swage load thread form for the lock grooves of the pin is also provided, a reduced diameter, relatively short pull portion pin extension, installation tool improvements, and an associated method of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the setting operation for a blind fastener comprising the step of measuring, as a function of time, an electronic signal indicative of the load being applied to the fastener during the setting operation and, from which, determining a mandrel entry load and associated mandrel entry time from this measured signal and an associated setting time, subsequently determining the time difference between the mandrel entry time and the setting time and comparing this time difference against a predetermined reference time difference associated with that particular fastener type to determine whether the set fastener complies with predetermined acceptable setting procedures.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing an insert within an aperture in a workpiece, the workpiece having a first side and a second side. The insert is the type in which a portion of the insert plastically deforms on the second side of the workpiece upon application of a linear force provided by a tool, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insert from the aperture. The insert comprises a sleeve member and an integral flange, where the flange has a larger diameter than the aperture. The disclosed installation system performs two actions. It causes the expansion of the sleeve and it also causes the flange of the insert to be fused or welded to the first side of the workpiece. The welded connection between the insert and the workpiece prevents any rotation or spinning of the insert within the workpiece, and increases the integrity of the insert-fastener connection.

Abstract: An adapter enables a universal assembly machine to manufacture buttons with either flat backs or formed backs. The machine comprises a rotatably indexable die table to which are mounted pickup and crimp dies. A ram die is advancable and retractable in a pickup stroke and a crimp stroke. Indexing the die table causes a shifter post to rotate a ram outer ring into a pickup mode or a crimp mode to suit the ram pickup and crimp strokes, respectively. The universal assembly machine manufactures buttons with flat backs by using the adapter on the same crimp die pedestal as is used for manufacturing buttons with formed backs. The adapter has a top surface that is in the location relative to the ram die that suits flat back buttons. The adapter enables the same crimp die pedestal to be used for manufacturing both flat back and formed back buttons.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a double-segment overlapping gasket material for the mounting cup of an aerosol container comprising a punch mounted on a reciprocating ram having a central opening for the body of the mounting cup and a nose portion adapted to extend within the channel portion of the mounting cup, said nose portion having a specific shape and the punch having a shoulder in the inside diameter of the punch to urge the gasket material disposed on the body portion of the cup into the channel portion, whereat upon the bottoming of the punch against the gasket, a fold line is formed in the gasket which results in the formation of the overlapping double-segment gasket.

Abstract: A backup mandrel for attaching a grommet to a washer in an aircraft panel opening having a housing and a nose piece attached to the housing, the nose piece having an opening. A stem is attached to the housing and has a first and a second portion, such that the first portion is disposed within the housing and the second portion protrudes from housing through the nose piece opening. A sleeve is also attached to the housing and has a first and a second segment, such that the first segment is disposed within the housing and the second segment protrudes from the housing through the nose piece opening, wherein the sleeve is displaceably mounted around the stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for applying punched rivets, either full rivets or semi-tubular rivets. The tool having a blank holder for pretensioning assembly pieces, especially metal sheets; a rivet punch movable in an axial direction within a cylinder of the blank holder; and a die that is arranged opposite the blank holder and punch and provided with an annular prominence on an end face thereof and facing the rivet punch. A radial outside section of said end face concentrically surrounds said annular prominence, the outside section of said end face being displaceable relative to the annular prominence as a function of one of the penetration depth of the rivet into the assembly pieces and the force that the rivet punch exerts on the rivet.

Abstract: A disc cartridge assembling apparatus in which a protuberance formed on the inner surface of one of cartridge halves of a thermoplastic resin making up a main cartridge body unit is passed through a through-hole formed in the other cartridge half in register with the protuberance, and in which the distal end of the protuberance is thermally deformed to interconnect the cartridge halves. The upper and lower cartridge halves are stacked together, with a protuberance formed on the upper cartridge half being passed through the through-hole formed in the upper cartridge half, and are held by a holding mechanism. In this state, the distal end of the protuberance is thermally deformed by a caulking head, heated by a heater, and which is provided with a recess in its surface adapted to compress against the protuberance. Then, as the caulking head is moved away from the thermally deformed protuberance, the caulking head and the protuberance are cooled by a cooling mechanism.

Abstract: A fastening system including a two piece swage type fastener including a pin and a collar in which the pin has relatively wide lock grooves and in which the lock grooves have a generally smooth root contour with the collar having a shank portion with a wall thickness defining an excess volume of material prior to swage greater than the volume of the confronting lock grooves and with the clearance between the inside diameter of the collar shank portion and the diameter of crests of the lock grooves being a minimum to reduce the compressive force required to swage the collar shank into the lock grooves and with the excess volume of collar shank material providing only a partial fill of the lock grooves upon swage.