Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a rail system, a multi-axis carriage, a tool module, and a controller. The rail system may be capable of being attached to a surface on a structure. The multi-axis carriage may be coupled to the rail system. The multi-axis carriage may be capable of moving along the rail system and moving a riveting tool in axes relative to the surface. The tool module may be capable of being removably coupled to the multi-axis carriage. The tool module may comprise a frame and may be capable of receiving the riveting tool. The controller may be capable of controlling movement of the riveting tool to a number of locations on the surface of the structure and may be capable of causing the riveting tool to install a number of rivets in the number of preselected locations in response to a signal.

Abstract: A changeover device (8) is provided for tenter frames (5,6,7) in a treatment station (1) for vehicle bodies. The changeover device comprises at least one frame store (9,10) that can be rotated about a rotational axis (11) and is arranged at a distance from a working point (39), and a transport device (17) provided with a guide (18) and a controllable towing device (28) for the tenter frames (5,6,7). The transport device (17) has a guide (18) on the bottom side, for transporting the tenter frames in a vertical position, and also comprises a bottom-side or lateral stabilizing device (64). A towing device (28) for the tenter frames (5,6,7) is arranged in the bottom region of the transport device (17) with at least one driven carriage (29,30).

Abstract: A device for handling a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The device includes a frame which defines an inner space for at least partially accommodating the rotor blade. The device further includes a blade support which is arranged in the inner space and mounted to the frame, and a first lever arm. The first lever arm is pivotably mounted to the frame and includes a retaining end arranged in the inner space and an actuator end which is movable to rotate the first lever arm so that the rotor blade is retained between the blade support and the retaining end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an engine includes providing an inventory of cylinder heads each having a first set of features and a first set of datums. The first set of features is spatially arranged relative to the first set of datums. A fixture that is apart from all of the cylinder heads is provided. The fixture has a second set of features spatially arranged relative to one another substantially identically as the first set of features are spatially arranged relative to one another. A cam carrier is secured to the fixture at the second set of features. A cam bore is machined in the cam carrier at a position determined relative to the second set of features and relative to a surface of the cam carrier that abuts the fixture.

Abstract: The invention includes a method, and a component made according to the method having at least one thread pattern formed thereon from a stamping method. The invention includes a tubular member comprising a body having a wall formed from a wrapped sheet of stock to define an interior wall and an exterior wall, a seam in the wall defining a first and second end of the wrapped sheet of stock, and a thread pattern stamped on the exterior wall. The method comprises the steps of forming a blank from sheet of stock having a first surface. A thread pattern is formed onto the first surface while in a substantially sheet-like form. A bending operation then forms the sheet stock into a tubular member such that the thread pattern, located on the tube's external surface, is substantially aligned about its circumference.

Abstract: A masking fixture for use in a coating process includes a first fixture plate for supporting a first work piece, a second fixture plate spaced from the first fixture plate for supporting a second work piece, and at least one spacer secured between the first fixture plate and the second fixture plate.

Abstract: An insertion arrangement (20) is provided to make it easier for an operator to insert several needles (41, 44) clamped in a multiple clamping chuck (40), even in the case of certain positional deviations, simultaneously in the associate bores (11) of a needle board (10). The insertion arrangement (20) comprises a guide section (32) with many parallel grooves (51) that are arranged at the distance of the bores (11), and that, respectively, can accommodate the tip (45) of a needle (41, 44) and can guide said tip to the associate bore (11). In so doing, the grooves (51) help align the individual needles (41, 44) with respect to the bores (11) in that the grooves correct potential positional deviations by slightly bending the needles (41, 44). The insertion arrangement (20) is mounted to an automatic loading machine (1) and can be adjusted and locked relative to a needle board (10) accommodated in the automatic loading machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for attaching a device to a substrate for operation of the device under variable conditions includes attaching a device to a substrate, disposing a removable material over a first portion of the device, positioning a second portion of the device adjacent to the substrate, operably attaching a retainer to the substrate adjacent to the device with a part of the retainer disposed over the removable material, and removing the removable material to form a gap between the device and the retainer so that the device is retained on the substrate, and wherein the gap allows the device to move freely relative to the retainer and the substrate in response to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A body hanger bracket aligns and attaches an accent panel to a vehicle body panel. The hanger bracket includes selectively detachable first and second alignment tabs. The first alignment tab engages a horizontal indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket horizontally and the second alignment tab engages a vertical indexing feature on the vehicle body panel for aligning the hanger bracket vertically. After the hanger bracket is aligned and attached to the body panel, the first and second alignment tabs are detached. The accent panel is then attached to the hanger bracket.

Abstract: A method for machining components of a gas turbine, in particular for machining turbine blades, is described. The method includes the following steps: a) providing at least one component carrier having at least one component receptacle for detachable accommodation and fastening component to be machined, the component receptacle being designed with a contour similar to at least one contour of subarea of component to be accommodated; b) introducing at least one subarea of the component into component receptacle and form-fitting and/or substance-to-substance bonding of the subarea of the component to component receptacle; c) machining the component, which is attached to the component carrier; and d) releasing the machined component from the component carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal processing system and methods for uniformly heating and/or cooling a semiconductor wafer. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to provide a more uniform temperature profile when processing 300 mm and larger wafers having different curvature profiles that occur at the same and/or different points in a manufacturing cycle. Wafer curvature can be dependent on the number and thickness of the metal layers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a yoke vise that can be secured to the inflow/outflow plumbing to a water meter, facilitating the removal or replacement of the meter and shutoff valve without damage to the plumbing.

Abstract: Provided is a riveting press, which includes a base, a body frame fixed on the base, a riveting and pressing cylinder mounted on the body frame, and a pressing mechanism disposed between the base and the body frame. The pressing mechanism includes a first supporting unit having at least one first receiving hole, a second supporting unit having at least one second receiving hole, an elastic member accommodated into the first receiving hole, and a riveting and pressing punch passing through the second receiving hole. The first supporting unit is connected to the riveting and pressing cylinder. The second supporting unit is removable mounted on the first supporting unit. One end of the riveting and pressing punch is blocked on the first supporting unit and is contact with one end of the elastic member, and the other end of the riveting and pressing punch points to the base.

Abstract: A device for holding a bit for a tool, the bit to be disassembled and/or re-assembled when held, includes a housing to be secured to a stationary base and a clamping mechanism for releasably clamping the bit to the housing so that it may be disassembled and/or re-assembled, the clamping mechanism including a recess provided in the housing, a movable gripping element arranged inside the recess and having a first gripping area for engaging the bit part, and a stationary gripping element, the gripping element having a second gripping area for engaging a bit part, wherein the movable gripping element is configured to be moved between an open position wherein the stationary gripping element and the movable gripping element are spaced to allow to receive or to remove the bit part and a clamping position wherein the bit part is clamped between first and second gripping areas of the gripping elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a shaft of a tool from a retainer. The apparatus comprises a first plate having a bore therethrough oriented to be parallel with an axis of the tool, a second annular u-shaped plate sized to bear against a first surface of the retainer and at least one connector extending between the first and second plates. The apparatus further comprises a clamping member received within the bore, adapted to be forced therethough so as to apply an axial compressive force to an end of the shaft from the bracket bearing against the first surface of the retainer. The method comprises securing a bracket to the retainer, applying an axial compressive force to an end of the shaft from the bracket bearing against a first surface of the retainer, applying heat to the retainer and applying an impact to the retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a plurality of arrow shafts in alignment for applying a heat-shrinkable sleeve thereto. The apparatus includes a support and an arrow holding assembly for holding more than one arrow shaft relative to the support. An adjuster ring is moveable along the support to hold the sleeves in the desired positions on the shafts. The apparatus and method of this invention allows for consistent positioning of shrinkable sleeves around multiple arrow shafts and simultaneous shrinking of sleeves onto the multiple arrow shafts.

Abstract: A weather strip installation device for mechanically installing weather strip along the opening of a vehicle door is disclosed. The device includes a frame outlining said opening, and a plurality of contact pads enclosing the frame. A selectively movable unit is disposed between the frame and the contact pads, wherein the selectively movable unit is operable to push each of the contact pads outwardly from the frame. In the first preferred embodiment the movable unit is a plurality of expandable bladders disposed between the contact pads and the peripheral edge of the frame. In the second preferred embodiment, the movable unit is an extensible arm rotatably attached to the frame. The extensible arm includes a roller disposed between the frame and contact pads that presses against the contact pads thereby installing the weather strip along the opening of the door as the extensible arm rotates about the frame.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for setting a core, a molding machine, and a method for setting a core where the configuration of the apparatus and the machine is simplified and the accuracy of the core-setting is high.

Abstract: An antenna assembly fixture used to assemble a securing frame to an antenna includes a base body, a first mounting structure, a sliding structure, and a second mounting structure. The first mounting structure located on the base body defines a first mounting slot for holding the antenna. The sliding structure includes two positioning plates located on the base body, guiding post at the positioning plates, and a sliding portion located between the positioning plates. The second mounting structure located on the sliding portion defines a second mounting slot. The second mounting slot is aligned with the first mounting slot and holds the securing frame, the sliding portion moves along the guiding post and enables the securing frame to move towards the antenna, and the securing frame and the antenna are assembled together.

Abstract: An installation and removal system for a toilet unit is provided. The system includes a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto. At least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor. An actuator is disposed on the base. A pair of spaced apart support elements are coupled to the actuator and adapted to engage an underside of the toilet unit. An angle of the support elements relative the base is adjustable. The system includes a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements and adapted to couple with the toilet unit. The retaining system militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. A kit and method for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for placing an insert into communication with an analytical chemical instrument having a first portion of tubing and a second portion of tubing includes a clamp arm assembly having first and second opposable clamp arms and a first fitting subassembly in communication with the first portion of tubing and configured to engage a first portion of an insert, wherein the first fitting subassembly is received within the first clamp arm. The assembly further includes a second fitting subassembly in communication with the second portion of tubing and configured to engage a second portion of the insert, wherein the second fitting subassembly is moveably received within the second clamp arm and biased in a direction toward the first fitting subassembly. Further included is an actuator assembly configured to move the second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm to secure the insert between the first and second fitting subassemblies.

Abstract: A method for assembling a synchronizer by using a jig, the synchronizer including a synchronizer hub, at least one of recesses formed radially at an external circumference of the synchronizer hub, a synchronizer key disposed in the recess, a synchronizer sleeve enclosing the exterior circumference of the synchronizer hub and axially movably engaged to the synchronizer hub, and a spring disposed between the synchronizer hub and the synchronizer key, may include locating the synchronizer key and the spring in the recess of the synchronizer hub, engaging the jig to the synchronizer hub by inserting a rear portion of the jig in the recess axially, engaging the synchronizer sleeve to the synchronizer hub, and removing the jig from the synchronizer hub.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly that is a movable mount for a work holding device for holding an item, such as a rifle or pistol, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing. Turning of the lever arm that is fitted through a housing lateral slot extends the plunger top into the ball, lifting the ball to lock it against a housing top concave surface, and which ball includes a stem extending through the housing top to tilt between the slots and pivot when the ball in unlocked, and the ball stem end includes a tool mounting for connection to the work holding devices.

Abstract: A wedge installation and seating tool and associated method of operation that permits a worker to single handedly and expeditiously install and seat wedges in an anchor assembly of a post tensioned concrete member, thereby improving worker safety and productivity. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is an elongated member comprised of two body portions hingedly attached to one another for substantially surrounding the circumference of a reinforcing cable used in an anchor assembly of a post tensioned concrete member, and a wedge retention means for temporarily attaching the wedges to the tool. The tool and method of the present invention effectively eliminates the need for a separate seating tool, and the tool is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and is easy to use.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making barrettes covered with ribbon. One embodiment of a device for making decorated barrettes comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a securing member connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the first end and configured to secure a barrette and at least one elongated holder connected to the substantially planar surface proximate the second end. The at least one elongated holder comprises a plurality of raised portions extending outward from the substantially planar surface in close proximity to one another to define slits there between configured to retain an individual ribbon.

Abstract: An arrow fletching device with plate clamp, as well as features and aspects thereof, provides an arrow builder the means to accurately and repeatedly position fletching against the shaft of an arrow, without a spring loaded butterfly clamp component, and securely hold the fletching thereto until a bond is attained between the fletching and arrow shaft via an adhesive. Exemplary embodiments of an arrow fletching device with a plate clamp are, generally, jig apparatuses operable to precisely position an arrow shaft relative to an arrow fletching. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of an arrow fletching device comprise a plate component, in lieu of a spring-loaded butterfly clamp, useful for receiving, positioning and retaining fletching against the shaft of an arrow.

Abstract: An adjustable carriage assembly is provided that includes a shaft assembly, a carriage section and a vertical movement section. The carriage section has a centerline and first and second lift pad assemblies operably connected to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is configured to translate rotational movement to synchronous movement of the lift pad assemblies. The vertical movement section is connected to the carriage section and is configured to attach to a lift system for raising and lowering the carriage section.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process.

Abstract: An accessory making device (1) of the present invention is a device for making an accessory including a core (83) formed into a substantially ring shape by connecting both ends of a stretchable cord-like body (46) having rubber-like elasticity and a decoration main body (83) disposed around the core in such a manner so as to abut both ends thereof against each other in a contracted state so as to be reduced in axial length. The accessory making device (1) includes a long rigid holder (5). The holder (5) can retain connecting portions (47M, 47F) on both end sides of the cord-like body (46) with the connecting portions (47M, 47F) of the cord-like body (46) separated from each other, and can be inserted through the decoration main body (83).

Abstract: An electrode transporter is provided comprising a transporter frame, a plurality of transitional support elements, and a plurality of flipside support elements. The flipside support elements are configured to immobilize an electrode along a gravitational force vector normal to a major face of an electrode positioned in an electrode accommodating space defined by the transitional support elements and the flipside support elements. The transitional support elements are configured to transition back and forth from a secured state, where the electrode is further immobilized along an opposing force vector opposite the gravitational force vector, to an unsecured state where the electrode is relatively mobile along the opposing force vector. Additional embodiments relate to the use of a transporter tripod and an electrode removal puck and lifting fork to remove an electrode from the transporter frame.

Abstract: A twisted resin panel of typically several feet in length can be twisted after being subject to heat, pressure, and a rotation assembly. In one implementation, a manufacturer can clamp opposing ends of a heated resin panel, such as a panel comprising a one or more layers (e.g., tie/EVA layer, image layer(s), etc.) thermoformed within opposing resin sheet layers. The manufacturer can then elevate the resin panel, and then twist at least one end of the resin panel to a specified degree to achieve a desired aesthetic. Upper securing means (e.g., vertical clamps, rig hardware) at the upper end of the resin panel can be configured to move up or down during the twist of the resin panel in order to accommodate length variations thereof. Upon twisting, the resin panel will then cool into the desired position, and thus be used for any number of decorative architectural purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for masking a portion (36) of a component (30), the apparatus (2) comprising: a sacrificial masking element (4) for masking the portion (36); and a locating jig (6) detachably connectable to the sacrificial masking element (4) and configured to position the sacrificial masking element (4) over the portion (36) of the component (30).

Abstract: An exemplary manipulator includes a main body, a plurality of holding devices, and a supporting arm. The main body includes four connecting surfaces. The holding devices are connected to the connecting surfaces of the main body. The holding devices are configured to seize and release grasping members. Each of the grasping members defines four latching holes. The holding devices are capable of abutting inner surfaces of the latching holes. The supporting arm is fixed to the main body, and configured to rotate with the main body.

Abstract: Tool having a body and at least one jamb-securing finger can be used to install a pre-hung door. The body can be removably attached to a building component about a door opening such as a 2×4, with the finger(s) for holding a jamb component of the pre-hung door. The tool may be intrinsically adjustable. A kit may include the tool, a fastener and/or a spacer.

Abstract: The processing system (10) serves for processing a moving workpiece (12) by means of an industrial robot (16) that can be rigidly coupled, intermittently, to the workpiece (12) and/or to a movable workpiece carrier unit (14), the industrial robot (16), when in a decoupled operating position (42), being carried by a carrier device (18) that is movable, independently of a workpiece, by means of a drive unit (20) acting with active drive, and, when in a coupled operating position (44), being floatingly mounted relative to the carrier device (18) by means of a floating bearing system (22).

Abstract: A painting tool for painting a vehicle wheel is disclosed. The tool includes a base and a plurality of idler wheels rotatably coupled to the base. The wheels are disposed about the base to rotatably support a workpiece. A motor is coupled to the base and includes a motor output disposed to engage the workpiece and to rotate the workpiece on the plurality of idler wheels about a workpiece axis. A mask is operatively coupled to the base. The mask is movable between an engaged position wherein the mask obscures a portion of the workpiece and a disengaged position wherein the mask is disposed away from the workpiece. A method of painting a vehicle wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel in a substantially planar pre-assembly tool, wherein the pre-assembly tool has two solar panel support channels guides for receiving and aligning the two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; aligning a plurality of solar panels on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of each solar panel; and attaching the plurality of solar panels to the two solar panel support channels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: A non-conductive stabilizer bar device for aligning and stabilizing fine pitch electronic components, specifically a nanominiature connector, while these components are being mounted to a printed circuit board. The stabilizer bar device provides for alignment and stability in the all directions. The stabilizer bar device provides a series of grooves having detents that come into contact with fine pitch electronic leads and hold fast the fine pitch electronic leads providing stability by maintaining the true positioning of the terminal ends of the contacts.

Abstract: If the rotation angle in a rotation direction allowed by a joint portion detected by the angle sensor is no more than a predetermined lower limit or no less than a predetermined upper limit, the controller maintains the released state of the brake mechanism so that the rotation of the workpiece in the direction is not restricted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fixture assembly that is capable of holding work pieces such tiles of various sizes in various positions in a manner which enables freehand cutting. Various embodiments include a main fixture having a working top surface area that includes strategically placed cylindrical openings that are configured to receive easily manipulated tile holding clamps, various dogs that can be removably secured to the fixture in order to place tiles in a desirable position to be held during a cutting operations. The fixture is light weight and is easily transportable to a jobsite and has the capability of storing the clamps, dogs, marking instruments and the like.

Abstract: A joining device for arranging a component on a component carrier is disclosed. The joining device includes an application system for positioning the component in the joining device and a receptacle for clamping the component carrier in the joining device. The component is arranged on the component carrier by an adapter. A method for arranging the component on the component carrier is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a connection member for a tent pole, and a detachable jig of the same. The connection member for a tent pole, which connects unit poles of which opposite end parts are internally formed with insertion holes, the connection member including: a pair of insert members which are respectively fitted in and fixed to insertion holes at end parts of a pair of adjacent unit poles; a connecting pipe body which is formed with a through hole in a middle thereof to be arranged between the insert members and includes opposite end parts respectively inserted the insertion holes of the unit poles; and an elastic cord which includes opposite end parts respectively fixed to the pair of insert members while being inserted in the through hole of the connecting pipe body and provides elasticity so that the end parts of the pair of adjacent unit poles can be in contact with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a mounting rail includes a retaining element comprising a supporting surface for a contact side of the mounting rail, a gripping extension projecting from the supporting surface which engages behind the retaining edge, a first elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have a threaded shaft pass therethrough, and bracing slopes. A clamping element comprises a second elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have the threaded shaft pass therethrough, and mating slopes. Nuts engage the threaded shaft. The retaining element and the clamping element are arranged axially between, and are braced together by, the nuts, so that the clamping element and the mounting rail advance toward each another and the mating slopes slide downward on the bracing slopes. The mounting rail is thereby clamped against the gripping extension by the clamping element and is held down on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a portable electronic device is provided. The clamping device includes a mounting board and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes two adjusting members, two sliding blocks, and a sliding rail. The adjusting members can adjust the positions of the sliding blocks on the sliding rail. The sliding rail is selectively attached to the mounting board, either horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bracket, a pushing member having a pushing surface, a magazine member to fitting about a plurality of clamping rings, a sending member, a fixing member fixed to the bracket and a resisting member fixed to the fixing member. The fixing member defines a positioning hole for fixing the magazine member, with the clamping rings freely sliding through the positioning hole. The sending member includes two guiding rods fixed to the fixing member, two elastic elements fitting about the corresponding guiding rods, and a moving board slidably mounted to the guiding rods. The elasticity of the elastic elements urges the moving board to drive one of the plurality of clamping rings to resist against the resisting member. When the pushing member is moved towards the fixing member, the pushing surface pushes the one clamping ring to clamp a shaft of a connecting piece.

Abstract: A device constructed of a material strong enough to withstand the torque of a typical air wrench or cheater bar used by a lawn mower repair shop or a homeowner. One end of the device must have an opening and be of the size as to allow a lawn mower blade to be inserted inside of it. The portion containing the tip of the blade may include a leveler and/or retainer to raise the device to approximately the horizontal plane of the mower blade and the lower edge of the mower deck. The device includes a restriction leg to provide a prop against any protuberance on the side of a single-blade mower deck or on the side or within the deck on a multi-blade mower deck. To provide economics for manufacturing, one size should fit most blades and the device should require a limited quantity of materials and fabrication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal processing system and methods for uniformly heating and/or cooling a semiconductor wafer. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to provide a more uniform temperature profile when processing 300 mm and larger wafers having different curvature profiles that occur at the same and/or different points in a manufacturing cycle. Wafer curvature can be dependent on the number and thickness of the metal layers.

Abstract: A device for centering a tube inside a hollow shaft is disclosed. The device includes a deformable device interposed between the tube and the hollow shaft and including bearing members for bearing against the inside surface of the shaft and suitable for being spaced away from the inside surface of the shaft in order to enable them to be moved inside the shaft. The deformable device is made of a shape-memory material suitable for deforming to press the bearing members against the inside surface of the shaft or to space them away therefrom on being subjected to a predetermined temperature.