Abstract: There is provided a fixing method for fixing components together in which two components in the form of a first component and a second component are positioned such that they are mutually superimposed in predetermined relative positions, and are then fixed together, wherein the first component has at least two portions for engagement that are recessed in a contact surface thereof which is placed against the second component towards a surface thereof which is located on an opposite side from the contact surface, and the second component is formed from thermoplastic resin and has at least two protruding portions that protrude from positions that correspond to the portions for engagement of the first component on a surface of the second component which is located on the opposite side from a contact surface thereof which is placed against the first component, and wherein the fixing method for fixing components together includes: a first step in which the contact surfaces of both the first component and the second

Abstract: A system for crimping a prosthesis is disclosed, comprising a plurality of wheels. Each wheel has an outer circumferential surface configured to be placed in contact with the prosthesis. When in contact with the prosthesis, each wheel is configured to be rotated, thereby to apply a radially inward force on the prosthesis so as to reduce the diameter of the prosthesis. More than one set of wheels may be provided, so that the prosthesis is crimped first by one set of wheels, then by a subsequent set of wheels.

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: In a cold rolling method for producing annular composite workpieces, at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces made of different materials are inserted into one another. The at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces are roll formed by pressing the at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces against each other between two diametrically opposed external roll forming tools and an internal rolling arbor or between two diametrically opposed external roll forming tools and an internal roll forming tool to form a composite workpiece. The composite workpiece is a bearing ring or a gear ring. One of the hollow cylindrical workpieces can be a nonferrous material such as aluminum.

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: In a method of producing a connection between the neck area of a light metal cartridge, particularly an aluminium cartridge, and a plastic container inserted therein, by a drawing process that forms a connection area and applies areas of the wall of the light metal cartridge against the plastic container using a rotating main body (15) of a drawing tool (2), said main body supporting at least one profiled drawing roller (3) which can rotate about a rotation axis (5) in order to delimit a tool working opening (1), wherein the drawing roller (3) lies against the outer surface of the light metal cartridge, the rotation axis (5) of the drawing roller (3) is arranged at a tool-internal end area of a lever (9) arranged transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (16) of the drawing tool (2), said lever being supported at its opposite tool-external end area on the drawing tool (2) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (11) in a force-controlled manner and so as to apply the drawing roller (3) against the outer

Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10), particularly for a motor vehicle, is proposed. This windshield wiper device comprises a wiper bearing (14) supporting a wiper shaft (16), which has an undercut (48) in which a securing device (40) for axially fixing the wiper shaft (16) in the wiper bearing (14) is arranged. The securing device (40) can be displaced by the effects of a defined axial force component (F) on the wiper shaft (16), whereby the wiper shaft (16) can be displaced in relationship to the wiper bearing (14). According to the invention, the securing device (40) comprises a bushing section (42) with an indentation (50), which engages in the undercut (48) of the wiper shaft (16).

Abstract: A method for producing a composite part is provided. The method includes a first and at least one second part, wherein the first part at least in part is made of a first metal and the second part at least in part is made of another metal that has a lower melting temperature than that of the first metal. Composite parts produced by the method are also provided. The method for producing composite parts which have an improved load-bearing capacity and yet low weight, is achieved by the fact that at least one breakthrough encompassing a breakthrough collar is introduced into the first part and the second part is non-positively and/or positively moulded onto the first part at least in the area of the breakthrough and the breakthrough collar by heating the second part and applying pressure to said second part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint includes the following steps: a) a bearing shell having a plastic extension is produced; b) a spring element is arranged in a region of the plastic extension; and c) the spring element is fastened to the bearing shell by deformation of the plastic extension. The invention further relates to a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint, including a bearing shell and a spring element, the spring element being non-detachably connected with the bearing shell.

Abstract: Technology which enables a first member and a second member to be fastened together strongly is provided. A bar-shaped section is formed on the first member, a hole is formed in the second member, and the bar-shaped section of the first member is pressure fitted into the hole of the second member. Here, the diameter of the circumscribed circle which circumscribes the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the bar-shaped section is made greater than the diameter of the inscribed circle which inscribes the cross-section perpendicular to the axle of the hole. The diameter of the inscribed circle which inscribes the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the bar-shaped section is made smaller than the diameter of the circumscribed circle which circumscribes the cross-section perpendicular to the axle of the hole.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle axle/suspension system includes an axle having at least one depression formed therein. A sleeve is formed with at least one depression and disposed about the axle so that the axle depression and the sleeve depression matingly engage one another to form a mated pair of depressions. A method of forming the axle-to-beam connection includes providing an axle and disposing a sleeve about the axle. At least one mated pair of depressions is simultaneously formed in the axle and the sleeve. The sleeve is immovably mounted to a vehicle axle/suspension system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displacing an object in a solid system involving the following steps: placing the object in a matrix which is solid at a first temperature and capable of softening due to the effect of a temperature increase; if necessary, increasing the temperature until the matrix softens; applying an external action to the object so as to move it inside the matrix; lowering the temperature until the matrix solidifies.

Abstract: A food package for sliced food products to be maintained with a fluffed appearance, the package including a rigid base member forming a compartment for receiving the food product and a rigid lid sealed to the compartment. Advantageously, the base member includes a bottom wall and side wall portions that are configured to engage the food product to hold the slices in a fluffed arrangement thereof. Preferably, one or more tapered side wall portions hold the food product upwardly toward the lid and inwardly toward a center of the package. In preferred embodiments, the base member and lid provide a rigid-rigid construction of the food package. In preferred embodiments, the food package is also configured to stand-up in a vertical display orientation and does not require the food product be contained within a sealed pouch within the compartment.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a multi-layer mat (24) in an exhaust gas aftertreatment or acoustic device. The method includes the steps of wrapping the mat (24) around an inner surface of the device along the same plane for at least a complete wrap around the inner surface; subsequently wrapping the mat (24) around the already completed wrap such that each of the successive wraps of the mat (24) are offset a constant distance from the plane of the previous wrap; a final wrap of the mat (24) wherein the mat is wrapped along a final plane for at least a complete wrap around the catalyst; and installing the mat (24) in the device (18) after the wrapping steps.

Abstract: A coin storage device and a method for using the coin storage device includes a coin tube with a diameter, a cylindrical body, a cap, and a casing with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the coin tube. The casing is shaped so as to conform to the coin tube, which is positioned within the casing. The coin tube may include an embossed label and can be configured to accommodate at least 20 coins. The casing may consist of a shrink wrap film, and can be manufactured from a variety of substances, including polyolefin and polyvinyl.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a bushing comprising a longitudinally extending cylindrical body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the longitudinally extending cylindrical body further having a longitudinally extending slit. In one embodiment the bushing can comprise a longitudinally extending formation formed on the longitudinally extending cylindrical body. The longitudinally extending formation can be located at a radially position of the cylindrical body spaced apart from a radial position of the longitudinally extending slit. The longitudinally extending cylindrical body can be configured so that the longitudinally extending cylindrical body preferentially deforms along the longitudinally extending formation.

Abstract: A ball screw shaft supporting structure of a ball screw rotationally supported by a housing via supporting bearings has a screw shaft formed, on its outer circumference, with a fitting portion and a positioning shoulder. An inner ring of the supporting bearing is press fit onto the fitting portion via a predetermined interference. A steel spacer ring is fit onto the fitting portion from the outer side of the supporting bearing with the inner side of the inner ring abutted against the shoulder. A caulking portion is formed on the end of the fitting portion by plastically deforming the end of the fitting portion radially outward. The inner ring is axially immovably secured on the screw shaft by the caulking portion via, the spacer ring.

Abstract: A coupling element has a first interface, which is adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to an actuator, a second interface, which is adapted to mechanically connect the coupling element to a valve, and a deformable portion, which is shaped in such a manner, that, as a result of a compression along an axial direction of the coupling element, the deformable portion irreversibly bends such that a projection is formed. Thereby, the projection is adapted to permanently engage with an annular groove formed at the actuator, such that the coupling element and the actuator are connected with each other in a non-detachable but rotatable manner.

Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.

Abstract: A lateral pipe lining material having a flange on one end thereof is installed on a head collar which is hermetically mounted on a pressure bag that stores the lateral pipe lining material. The head collar comprises a curved section and a cylindrical section projecting from the curved section. An expandable member is mounted to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section of the head collar, and expanded so that the outer circumferential surface of the expanding member comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface near the flange, and the inner circumferential surface thereof comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section of the head collar. This allows a hermetical connection between the lateral pipe lining material and the head collar and ensures a reliable eversion and insertion of the lining material into a lateral pipe.

Abstract: A two-stage method of compressing a stent entails providing an expandable stent (100,105) in a radially expanded state. An outward pressure is applied to an inner surface of the tubular framework to support the stent, and a diameter of the stent is reduced to a first compressed diameter (D1) while applying the outward pressure. The outward pressure is halted after reaching the first compressed diameter. According to an embodiment in which the stent is balloon-expandable, a delivery balloon catheter (130) comprising an uninflated balloon in a delivery configuration is inserted into the lumen after halting the outward pressure. The diameter of the stent is reduced to a second compressed diameter (D2) smaller than the first compressed diameter to crimp the stent onto the delivery balloon catheter.

Abstract: A flange for holding a wiring or hose arranged on a chassis panel, may include a pair of connecting portions integrally formed on a bottom surface of the chassis panel, wherein the pair of the connecting portions are spaced with a predetermined distance each other, bent portions formed upwards from the connecting portions and bent in receding direction from each other and then in approaching direction to each other to hold the wiring or hose therein, and/or support portions formed on upper end portions of the bent portions to guide the wiring or hose into the bent portions and prevent release of the wiring or hose therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making a bearing assembly and a bearing assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of extruding a support rail, providing a mounting surface on the support rail, mounting a bearing rail on the mounting surface and machining a bearing surface on the bearing rail. The bearing assembly includes an extruded support rail and a bearing rail. The bearing rail is of a harder material than the material of the support rail to which the bearing rail is mounted. The bearing rail further provides a machine polished linear contact.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum cup mount including the steps of providing a housing having a mount base and a generally upstanding wall extending from the mount base, providing a retainer having an aperture that extends from an upper side of the retainer to a lower side of the retainer and a plurality of recesses formed on the lower side of the retainer in communication with the aperture, placing the retainer on the mount base so that the lower side of the retainer faces the mount base, and bending at least a portion of the generally upstanding wall so that the bent portion of the generally upstanding wall engages the upper surface of the retainer to secure the retainer with respect to the mount base.

Abstract: An oil pan nut configured to be secured to an oil pan includes a hub having an upper surface configured to support a mating surface of the oil pan, and a column integrally connected to the hub. A passage is formed through the hub and the column. The column is configured to be crimped over the upper surface of the hub in order to compressively sandwich at least a portion of the mating surface of the oil pan between the crimped column and the upper surface of the hub.

Abstract: In the method of fastening aircraft parts together, the following steps are performed: crimping an element onto at least two parts so as to fasten them together; and screwing a screw into the element through at least one other part so as to fasten all the parts together and so as to place a head of the screw in a flush position relative to the other part.

Abstract: A parts assembly includes a housing including a first part assembly hole on which a first apparatus component is assembled, the first apparatus component being fixed to the housing by a caulking for forming a caulking portion by a deformation of a bearing surface of the housing on which the first apparatus component is seated. The housing includes a second part assembly hole provided in the vicinity of the caulking portion and on which a second apparatus component is assembled. The housing includes a sacrificial deformation portion deformed by a force applied to the housing when the bearing surface is deformed by the caulking, the sacrificial deformation portion attenuating a force propagated to a portion including the second part assembly hole where the second apparatus component is assembled.

Abstract: A method of making a screen for downhole use uses mesh screen layers that are diffusion bonded to each other. The ends that will overlap to make a seam when the sheets that are attached together are rolled into a tube are compressed before the tube shape is created or thereafter when the tube shape and an inner base pipe are drawn through a die to join the seam made by the overlapping edges. Because of the compression of the edges, when they overlap to form a tube the wall thickness at the overlap is about the same as the remaining thickness of the screen portion. Optionally, a resilient material can be compressed into the open areas of the screen portions that will be overlapped to make the generally longitudinally oriented seam. The seam can be parallel to the screen axis or spiral around it.

Abstract: The specification and drawing disclose the steps and structure involved in making one of a wide variety of three-dimensional branching structures that can be individually formed into extremely complex spatial representations of natural or abstract shapes suitable for viewing from many perspectives. A branching structure in the form of a wall-mounted tree is comprehensively disclosed along with means for affixing leaves to the tree to further simulate the form of a tree and for the further (optional) purpose of physically memorializing persons or events. A second embodiment is also disclosed to suggest the wide range of variations possible through employment of the basic method steps and to illustrate a form of branching structure that can be viewed from any horizontal or vertical perspective.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a linear actuator includes inserting a portion of a thrust member of the actuator into a casting portion of a molding apparatus. The casting portion includes a model screw member having a threaded portion. A molding material can be added into the cast portion to overmold a nut to the thrust member. Thus, the nut will include a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member. The overmolded nut and thrust tube member may be coupled to a screw shaft of the actuator, such that the threaded portion of the nut mates with a threaded portion of the screw shaft.

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 fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fibers attached to a housing. The housing includes a connector housing for a connector, a furcation housing for a furcation, and a splice housing for a mid-span cable splice. The furcation housing and the splice housing include a crimp body. The crimp body has a compression area and at least one hoop about the compression area defining a crimp zone. A crimp band is arranged for engaging the crimp zone and including an indentation defining a compression surface and a rib defining a rib interior. The crimp band and the crimp body cooperate to grip the strength element and resist cable pull off forces. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fiber ribbons attached to a fiber optic connector. The connector includes a ferrule assembly and a crimp body with a fiber access aperture. The aperture has at least two walls defining a first width and a second width defining a predetermined delta and a predetermined aspect ratio. The delta and aspect ratio provide optical fiber access for alignment of the optical fiber ribbon to the optical fiber ferrule assembly. A method of making the fiber optic connector assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A well screen is constructed by positioning a crimp ring encircling and over an end of a wrapped-on-pipe screen layer on a tubular base pipe. The crimp ring is plastically deformed about an outer surface of the screen layer. A bead of weld is applied to affix the crimp ring to the base pipe.

Abstract: A system for connecting two wire ropes includes first and second wire rope connectors, a swivel, and first and second connecting cables. The first wire rope connector includes a base defining a chamber for receiving an end of a first wire rope, a plug, and a cap that secures to the base to compress the plug and first wire rope end within the chamber. Similarly, the second wire rope connector includes a base defining a chamber for receiving an end of a second wire rope, a plug, and a cap that secures to the base to compress the plug and second wire rope end within the chamber. The swivel includes a first portion rotationally coupled to a second portion. The first connecting cable is coupled between the first wire rope connector and the first portion of the swivel, and the second connecting cable is coupled between the second wire rope connector and the second portion of the swivel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent delivery system and a process for mounting a stent onto a delivery system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of loading a stent onto a balloon and mounting the stent balloon assembly onto a catheter. The premounting of the stent onto the balloon subassembly allows the stent to be crimped in a way that the crimping recoil can be compensated and stent retention is kept at a maximum.

Abstract: A tensionable cable bolt including a length of multi-strand cable and an anchoring portion comprised of a shaft received on the cable and attached to the cable at a crimp portion comprising at least one primary crimp with at least one secondary crimp disposed within the primary crimp. The cable may include a mixing portion and the anchor portion may include an expansion anchor threaded onto the shaft. A method of manufacturing the tensionable cable bolt includes providing a length of multi-strand cable; providing an anchoring portion including a shaft; extending the cable through the shaft; and crimping the shaft to the cable to form at least one primary crimp with at least one secondary crimp disposed within the primary crimp. The method may further include threading an expansion anchor onto the shaft and/or providing a resin mixing portion along the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a stent assembly comprising radially expanding a polymeric tube to an optimal degree of radial expansion; fabricating a stent from the expanded polymeric tube; and crimping the stent onto a catheter assembly, wherein the temperature of the stent during crimping is an optimal crimping temperature, wherein the optimal degree of radial expansion and the optimal crimping temperature correspond to an optimal fracture toughness exhibited by the crimped stent upon its deployment as a function of degree of radial expansion and crimping temperature.

Abstract: An end effector for use on a robotic arm includes a clamping assembly for clamping a workpiece, and a tool such as a drill for performing an operation on the clamped workpiece. The clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the robotic arm and self adjusts its position relative to the workpiece before a clamping operation is performed. Linear actuators independently control the movements of the clamping members. The actuators are operated by a controller, based in part on position information produced by sensors that sense the position of the clamping members.

Abstract: A tuning cable for hydraulic system noise reduction is secured to a secondary fitting where the secondary fitting is mounted in a primary fitting using a pressed-in fit, a threaded connection or a slip fit after a tuning cable is installed in the secondary fitting by crimping the secondary fitting. The primary fitting is secured to a hydraulic connector which is also secured to a hydraulic hose to form a hydraulic hose assembly. In an alternative embodiment the secondary fitting is slipped directly into the hydraulic connector.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose coupling, and method of assembling a coupling to a hydraulic hose are disclosed. The hydraulic hose and coupling assembly is designed to attach a coupling to a hydraulic hose in a no-skive fashion. Moreover, it does so with greatly enhanced sealing and retention capabilities relative to the currently available products. This is accomplished in many ways, some of which include the provision of a plurality of hose retention and sealing zones within the coupling, each of which include various combinations of radially inwardly directed barbs and radially inwardly and outwardly directed surface features on the inner stem of the coupling. With specific regard to the zone primarily directed to sealing, it includes a radially inwardly directed barb which works in conjunction with a straight cylindrical surface flanked by first and second radially inwardly directed recesses.

Abstract: As described herein, a body lumen filter is provided that includes a body configured to move between a pre-deployed state and a deployed state, a filtering structure operatively associated with the body to filter particulates, and a blending structure operatively associated with the body. The blending structure can be configured to break up at least one of the particulates.

Abstract: A hose coupling and method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The hose coupling includes a stem to which is staked a ferrule. The stem includes a radially inwardly directed groove into which a radially inwardly directed wedge of the ferrule is staked. The wedge includes a width that is greater than the width of the groove before staking. Moreover, the groove includes a bottom surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a first angle, while the wedge includes an inner surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a second angle. The first and second angles are not parallel but within five degrees of one another. The stem and ferrule form at least six distinct regions of surface contact to guard against rotation of the ferrule relative to the stem.

Abstract: There is provided an assembling method of a bearing unit which has a bearing having an outer ring and a retainer plate having a retainer hole for holding the outer ring. The assembling method has pressing a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction of a circumferential edge of an inner circumferential portion of the retainer hole of the retainer plate in an axial direction so as to form engagement pawls and moving the engagement pawls of the retainer plate from one axial end of the outer ring to a engagement groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring so as to engage the engagement pawls of the retainer plate with the engagement groove of outer ring.

Abstract: A fitting for thick-walled pipes, having a contact region and a pressing region, the pressing region being arranged on the side of the contact region facing towards the pipe insertion opening, and the wall thickness in the pressing region being at least in sections less than the wall thickness in the contact region. The invention also relates to a method for producing a fitting for thick-walled pipes, in which a thick-walled pipe is radially widened in a fitting region arranged at one pipe end so that the internal diameter of the fitting region corresponds substantially to the external diameter of the pipe and the wall thickness in the fitting region corresponds substantially to the wall thickness of the rest of the pipe.

Abstract: An outer panel and an inner panel are integrated by placing peripheral parts of the outer panel on a top surface of a lower mold such that bending parts formed by bending the peripheral parts of the outer panel are set up upward; placing a central portion of the outer panel on a top surface of a lifting device; lifting the central portion of the outer panel by the lifting device to open leading end sides of the bending parts of the outer panel outward; placing the inner panel on the top surface of the outer panel so as to superimpose those onto each other; lowering the central portion of the outer panel by the lifting device; and pressing the bending parts toward the lower mold by an upper mold to further bend the bending parts, and making the bending parts to closely contact with the peripheral parts of the inner panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use is provided to remove the flare from the end of a hose to be inserted into a connector. The apparatus serves to align the braids, typically woven of stainless steel mesh, which encompass high pressure hosing such as found in a high pressure gas line. The compressed and aligned strands of mesh can then be easily slid into the receiver of the connector.

Abstract: Methods for crimping a stent on an expandable member of a delivery catheter, and devices and methods for treating a bifurcation are disclosed. A method for crimping includes positioning a stent having a first portion and a second portion over the expandable member, and non-uniformly crimping the stent to the expandable member. The method can include routing an elongate shaft under the second portion of the stent and through the side hole so as to be routed external to the first portion. The stent second portion can be crimped so that the elongate shaft can be slidably disposed relative to the stent second portion prior to deployment of the stent.

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.