Abstract: A crimping device used with a medical device can include at least one force-applying surface configured to compress the medical device by applying a force to a surface of the medical device. The crimping device also includes at least one protruding element extending from the force-applying surface and arranged to least partially extend into one of the openings defined by frame struts while the medical device is being crimped. The extension of the at least one protruding element at least partially into one of the openings prevents at least a portion of the soft layer of the medical device from protruding between struts of the outer frame of the medical device while the device is being crimped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for connecting a metal workpiece and a plastic workpiece by means of a joining tool, including positioning the metal workpiece and the plastic workpiece, bringing the front end of the pin, the sleeve and the clamping ring in contact with an outer surface of the metal workpiece, rotating the sleeve and the pin so as to generate friction between the front ends of the sleeve and the pin and the outer surface of the metal workpiece, and moving the pin and the sleeve in the axial direction while both are rotated, one of the sleeve and the pin penetrating into the metal workpiece and the other of the sleeve and the pin being retracted from the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to tools (1), such as crimping tools, comprising an acting part (31), for moving a movable tool (7) relative to a stationary tool (6) for example, wherein furthermore the acting part (31) can be moved in a motorized manner. In order to specify such tools in an advantageous embodiment, a longitudinal axis (L) of an electric motor (9) provided in order to drive the acting part (31) extends below the acting part (31) when the motor is horizontally oriented.

Abstract: A make-up method for a threaded joint with a pin and a box to increase the fatigue life of the joint is provided. The method includes the step of applying a torque for making up the pin in the box until first and second abutment shoulders of the pin and the box abut. The method can also include the step of applying an additional torque to the threaded joint until a magnitude of between 50% and 90% of the yield strength of the joint material in the most stressed part of the joint is reached.

Abstract: At least one embodiment generally relates to an installation assembly for an opening in a workpiece that includes a swaged collar, an inner member, and an outer member. The swaged collar has a first end, a second end, and a main body extending between the first end and the second end. The main body includes an inner surface defining a passageway through the collar. The inner member has a mandrel section for expanding the outer member. The inner member is used to expand the outer member and to keep the outer member in an expanded state.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method.

Abstract: A method of joining multiple components includes stacking the components vertically. Each component includes two opposite substantially planar surfaces that are arranged in a column when the components are stacked. The method also includes placing the stacked components in a clinch-crimping apparatus having a first punch, a second punch, and a crimping element. The method also includes displacing a section of the substantially planar surfaces of the stacked components by driving the first punch in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces. The method additionally includes retracting the first punch from the displaced section and crimping the displaced section by the crimping element to form a crush initiator. The method additionally includes disengaging the crimping element from the crimped, displaced section. Furthermore, the method includes clinching the crimped, displaced section by driving the second punch in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A system for fluidic coupling and uncoupling of fluidic conduits and a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic conduits are connected mechanically to a first structural part and the microfluidic chip is carried by a second structural part. The structural parts are moved perpendicularly toward and away from each other by means of a mechanism provided for this purpose. Outer ends of the fluidic conduits can thus be moved over a determined distance substantially perpendicularly to the outer surface of the microfluidic chip and connecting openings in the outer surface of the microfluidic chip. This enables accurate realization of fluidic coupling and uncoupling without the occurrence of undesirable moments of force and with minimal risk of damage to the fluidic conduits or the connecting openings. With such system requirements which can be set in respect of convenience, speed, temperature resistance, sealing, chemical resistance, reproducibility and so forth, can be fulfilled.

Abstract: A system and a method for plugging a heat exchanger tube or the like. The system includes a plug member having a central shaft having a compressible member mounted on the central shaft such that axial compression of the compressible member radially expands the compressible member into sealing engagement with an inner wall of a tube in which the plug member is inserted. The system further includes a drive means removably engaged with the plug member for inserting the plug member into the tube and for providing axial force on the compressible member to cause radial expansion of the compressible member into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tube.

Abstract: A dismounting device is provided for efficiently and effectively dismounting an environment-friendly oil filter from an engine. The device includes an oil storage container that forms an oil discharge mouth and includes an oil guide tube extending into an internal oil storage space thereof. The oil guide tube has an exposed upper end carrying a pusher in which a central bore is defined and communicating the internal oil storage space of the container. The pusher has an upper portion forming a threaded section that is engageable with an internal thread of an oil discharge opening of the oil filter and a push tube extendable into the oil filter to open an internal valve of the oil filter so that oil remaining in the filter is allowed to flow into the central bore of the pusher and is conducted by the oil guide tube into the oil storage space of the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in producing by radial expansion of the walls of two tubular parts (1, 2) engaged into each other substantially without play, in at least two zones of the parts spaced from each other in the axial direction of the parts (1, 2) two small protuberances (4) projecting radially outwards of the parts (1, 2) separated from each other, along the circumference of the parts (1, 2), by portions of the intermediate walls (5) of the parts. The small protuberances (4) are simultaneously produced in two zones spaced in the axial direction of the tubular parts (1, 2), using a tool comprising an expander with flexible blades on each of which are arranged two bosses spaced from each other in the expander axial direction. The invention is particularly useful for fixing an end sleeve (1) on a guide tube (2) of a fuel assembly.

Abstract: A press-fit device includes a base plate, a jig base and a robot mounted on the base plate, a press-fit unit mounted at a portion of the robot, a supporting plate mounted on the jig base, and a supporting block mounted to a side portion of the connecting frame. The supporting plate and block can support repulsive force that can be generated when the press-fit component is press-fitted to the press-fit object.

Abstract: The crimping system for a device having a spherical element to be crimped comprising a stem mounted in a sleeve and ended at one end with the spherical element, comprises: an anvil intended to bear on a bearing flange of the sleeve, means of traction comprising a system of jaws configured to enclose the spherical element.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided. A plurality of blades are initially positioned between first and second end caps, and a first engagement member mates with the first end cap, while a second engagement member mates with the second end cap. First and second end motors are configured to independently rotate the first and second engagement members. A crimping roller coupled to a crimping motor contacts and compresses a circumference of the first and second end caps to a plurality of blades. A controller is configured to rotate the first engagement member a predetermined amount with respect to the second engagement member, a then circumferential speed of the first and second end caps and the crimping roller is synchronized, therein fixing a desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades between the first and second end caps.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a blind fastener joining at least two parts. The blind fastener includes, but is not limited to a body situated in the holes provided in the joined parts, with a head at each end thereof, and portions of which protrude above the level of the holes. The method also includes, but is not limited to withdrawing the accessible head of the fastener, and creating a hole that passes through the fastener. An insertion device is configured to restrain the remainder of the fastener in the hole, which has an elongated body having a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the hole and an expandable head at one end thereof The insertion device for restraining the remainder of the fastener being immobilised or capable of only limited movement relative to the joined parts, and expelling the remainder of the fastener from the holes.

Abstract: A crimping device is provided for crimping an outer work piece onto an inner work piece. The crimping device includes at least two jaws forming a throat surface about the outer work piece and movable between a partially closed position wherein the outer work piece is not crimped and a closed position wherein the jaws crimp the outer work piece onto the inner work piece. The jaws are configured as a shutter mechanism so that the throat surface remains substantially continuous about the first work piece as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position. At least one of the jaws moves in straight line motion as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position. At least two of the jaws radially and slide against each other as the jaws move from the partially closed position to the closed position.

Abstract: Device for simultaneous attachment and folding into a low flange of plate or sheet coverage of at least a part of an end portion of a connecting tongue of a bracket for roofing sheet to an underlay, said device comprises a hollow longitudinal housing (1), at a first end (2) of which is arranged a driving apparatus and at a second end (4) of which is arranged an elongated hollow means (5). A projecting end of the hollow means is provided with a folding device (10). When the folding device (10) is pressed against the underlay a first end (11a) of a folding arm (11) is given a radial motion, so that said first end (11a) of the folding arm (11) folds into the low flange at least a part of an end portion of the connecting tongue of the bracket mounted in the folding device while the bracket being attached to the underlay.

Abstract: A chain-like pressing device and a method of using same for press-joining a tubular or hose-shaped workpiece with a fitting and/or a ferrule is provided. The device at least two pressing members interacting over the circumference in the radial direction. The pressing members can move relative to each other in the circumferential direction at their interacting surfaces that transmit the pressing force. The interacting surfaces enclose an angle of less than 180° therebetween. The pressing device includes a plurality of pressing members forming a first linkage for enclosing the workpiece, at least one of the pressing members transmits pressing force only by pressure or tension application through a further first pressing member.

Abstract: A tool kit, primarily intended for clinching, consisting of a punch (3.1), surrounded by an elastic stripper (3.2), a die cavity (3.5) the bottom of which constitutes an anvil (3.6) and the sides of which consist of two or more moving die elements (3.7) and (3.8). The moving die elements can slide laterally on a flat supporting face (3.9). One or more guiding elements (3.11) running parallel to the supporting face have dimensions, cross-sections and axial positions that closely match through holes (3.12) in the die elements and thus make the die elements slide laterally on the supporting face, steered by the guiding elements. The guiding elements consequently prevent the die elements from pivoting or rotating and generate a pure sliding. The length of each guiding element is roughly equal to or exceeds the distance between the outer faces of the die elements, even when the die elements are the furthest from an axis (3.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for forming materials that may comprise a body having a channel and an insert. The channel may extend to a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. The embodiments may also provide a mandrel disposed in the channel of the body and the insert of the body. The mandrel may have a shaft, a head on the shaft, and a compressible material disposed between the head and the insert of the body. The embodiments may also provide a collar. The collar may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body. The embodiments may also provide a biasing system configured to guide the collar in a first direction to a first position and then to a second position and configured to apply force to the body in a second direction.

Abstract: An elastic tube alignment system for the mating of components utilizing the principle of elastic averaging. A plurality of geometrically separated elastic tube (male) alignment features are disposed on a first component, while a plurality of one-to-one corresponding aperture (female) alignment features are provided on a second component. During the mating of the components, each elastic tube and its respective aperture provide elastic deformation, which, on average, precisely aligns the components.

Abstract: A tool for assembling a cylindrical magnet assembly to a bore tube and a resulting assembly. The cylindrical magnet assembly includes at least one coil mounted on a former. A cavity is provided in the former at selected locations. At each of the selected locations, the material of the bore tube is deformed to form a radially-directed protrusion. Each protrusion is brought to bear against a periphery of each corresponding cavity.

Abstract: A method of joining multiple components includes stacking the components vertically. Each component includes two opposite substantially planar surfaces that are arranged in a column when the components are stacked. The method also includes placing the stacked components in a clinch-crimping apparatus having a first punch, a second punch, and a crimping element. The method also includes displacing a section of the substantially planar surfaces of the stacked components by driving the first punch in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces. The method additionally includes retracting the first punch from the displaced section and crimping the displaced section by the crimping element to form a crush initiator. The method additionally includes disengaging the crimping element from the crimped, displaced section. Furthermore, the method includes clinching the crimped, displaced section by driving the second punch in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

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.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving thermally isolated retention are provided. In this regard, a representative method for attaching a gas turbine engine component includes using a fastener, varying in diameter along a length thereof, to prevent a portion of a component from being crimped between surfaces to which the component is attached such that the component moves relative to the surfaces responsive to thermal cycling of a gas turbine engine of which the surfaces and the component are constituent parts.

Abstract: A tool for replacing rake tines, having inner and outer ends, of a rake wheel which includes a central disc-shaped support plate means and a peripheral rim spaced outwardly of the support plate means with the peripheral rim having a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein which receive the rake tines extending therethrough so that the outer ends of the rake tines are positioned outwardly of the peripheral rim, and means removably securing the inner ends of the rake tines to the support plate means. The tool comprises a plurality of spaced-apart body members adapted to be secured to tines not needing replacement and to replacement tines to maintain the replacement tines to be secured to the rake wheel.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a stent includes a flexible sheet having a first portion curved over toward a second portion of the sheet, such that the sheet includes a generally cylindrical opening. A compression wedge and a curved surface of a platen sandwich at least the second portion of the sheet, and the compression wedge is adjacent to the generally cylindrical opening. A size of the generally cylindrical opening is changed by relative curvilinear motion of the compression wedge and the platen.

Abstract: A pressure crimper for crimping a centralizer to a metal tubular. The crimper includes a generally cylindrical body having a central opening sufficiently large to allow insertion therethrough of a centralizer end having an external diameter; a sidewall of substantially uniform thickness including an inner-facing surface directed to the central opening and an outer-facing surface onto which are formed a plurality of passages. A piston is retained within each passage for hydraulic actuation inward. A face of each piston faces radially inward and has an elliptical shape. When the pistons are actuated, they apply pressure to the outer surface of the centralizer end to secure it to the tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a catalytic converter is described where the catalytic converter is comprised of an outer tube member having a monolith substrate internally compressed therein with a wrapped mat material surrounding the monolith substrate and intermediate the outer tube. One or more monolith members can be applied within the outer tube and heat shields may also be applied internal to the outer tube and adjacent to the monolith substrate. The assembly of the catalytic converter includes measuring the sequence of compression of the mat material to the monolith substrate in order to understand the possible force characteristics that can be applied during the assembly thereof. The mat material is therefore compressed within the outer tube by way of compression jaws, by compression rollers, by spinning and/or by a shrinker including compression members. The compression of the mat material can be in single or multiple steps.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of dies each having an elongated arcuate body with an outer end pivotally attached to a hinge plate and an inner working tip. The dies are mounted on the hinge plate in an inwardly spiraling orientation with the outer ends positioned in a circle and the working tips cooperating to define a central product-receiving cylindrically-shaped cavity. The product-receiving cavity is transitional between an open and a closed orientation. The working tip of each die has a sliding surface and a working surface with the sliding surface positioned in parallel juxtaposition to the working surface of an adjacent die and a constant width gap therebetween. Driving mechanism is coupled to rotatably drive all of the dies in unison to transition between open and closed orientations. The width of the gap remains constant during transition and between the open and closed orientations.

Abstract: A door hinge mounting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a jig frame; upper and lower door hinge arranging units disposed to a rearward side of the jig frame corresponding to positions of hinge mounting portions of a vehicle body for arranging upper and lower door hinges; upper and lower door hinge clamping units disposed to a forward side of the jig frame corresponding to positions of the upper and lower door hinge arranging units for clamping the door hinges; a support unit disposed near the lower door hinge clamping unit for closely adhering the jig frame to the vehicle body; and a fixing unit disposed to the forward side of the jig frame between the upper door hinge clamping unit and the support unit for fixing the jig frame to the vehicle body.

Abstract: Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hot forming a blank consisting of an aluminium or steel alloy, in which the blank is heated before forming and subsequently formed in a forming tool at a temperature of at least 150° C., and to a device for carrying out the hot forming, having a forming tool which has a punch and a die. The object of proposing an economic method for hot forming is achieved for hot forming an aluminium or steel blank by placing an insulating material onto at least one surface of the blank before forming, wherein the insulating material has a lower thermal conductivity than the blank and the forming takes place with the applied insulating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for clinching a workpiece is provided. The apparatus generally includes a clamp body, an arm, a punch, a die and a first linear actuator. The arm is rotatably fixed to the clamp body around a first pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The punch is mounted to one of the body and the arm.

Abstract: A device for pressing out rivets from a work piece wherein the device comprises a C shaped frame with two oppositely aligned end. One tool end is fabricated to accept a threaded rod. By turning the threaded rod, the rod end extends toward a second tool end. The second tool end contains an orifice which can accept a hollow bushing. The threaded rod can be fitted with a press pin matching the diameter of the rivet. The threaded rod can be turned with a ratchet wrench or impact wrench.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a novel method for forming a loop member of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly. According to one embodiment, the method comprises continuously providing a plurality of yarns in a predetermined pattern; plastically deforming the yarns into a desired loop shape; continuously providing a web of substrate; and directly securing the yarns that have been plastically deformed into a desired loop shape to the substrate with a bonding process, thereby a loop member of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly having both a high fastening strength and a high engagement stability may be manufactured speedily, massively and at a low cost. The embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A manual portable tool and a process are described, for straightening and positioning used metal crown caps onto mouths of bottles, in order to airtightly and watertightly close the bottles again; the tool comprises a handgrip and a tubular element equipped with at least two slits and composed, on an internal surface, of a circular crown, adapted to house therein a used cap before placing it onto a bottle mouth; a circular toothing formed of projections and adapted to house therein the used cap when it is pressed onto the bottle mouth in order to straighten the corresponding teeth of the cap onto the bottle mouth; and a circular opening, smooth and free from teeth, adapted to house therein the used cap after it has been placed onto the bottle mouth and before removing the tool from the bottle mouth and leaving the cap onto the bottle mouth.

Abstract: A tool is used to form a joint between a composite dome and a surrounding composite skirt. The tool includes a tool shell on which composite plies may be laid up to form the skirt and a spacer connected with the shell for filling a gap between the dome and the skirt.

Abstract: A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film.

Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the catheter by a multi-step process for increasing scaffold-catheter yield following a crimping sequence. Damage reduction during a crimping sequence includes modifying blades of a crimper, adopting a multi-step crimping sequence, and inflating a supporting balloon to support the scaffold during crimping.

Abstract: A bead crimping tool for crimping a bead element and method for use, wherein the tool includes a base handle, a crush plate member, a pair of opposed pincer members, an actuator handle, and a crush arm member. The bead element is placed on the crush plate and preferably secured in place by the crush arm. Crimping the bead includes squeezing of the actuator handle. During a first portion of such actuation, a cam portion of the actuator handle cases the pincer members to impart a lateral compressive force to a lateral portion of the bead element sufficient to collapse the bead element in a lateral direction. During a subsequent second portion of the single actuation cycle, the crush arm is caused to impart a longitudinal compressive force about a top portion of the bead element sufficient to compress the collapsed bead element in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A crimping tool for use with a collapsible prosthetic valve having a stent frame with a plurality of cell openings, and a valve structure assembled in the stent frame. The crimping tool includes a plurality of resilient tines defining an array around a longitudinal axis of the crimping tool. The array has a first cross-section in an expanded state and a second cross-section less than the first cross-section in a collapsed state. The plurality of tines are adapted to intersect the plurality of cell openings in an assembled position of the crimping tool on the prosthetic valve to prevent pinching of the valve structure by the stent frame as the prosthetic valve is collapsed.

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.