Abstract: A method of manufacturing a collapsible driveshaft assembly includes the steps of disposing an end of a first tube within a forming die having a non-circular cross sectional shape, expanding the end of the first tube into conformance with the die cavity, inserting an end of a second tube is inserted within the deformed end of the first tube, and expanding the end of the second tube into conformance with the end of the first tube. As a result of this expansion, outwardly extending regions and inwardly extending regions of the second tube extend into cooperation with outwardly extending regions and inwardly extending regions of the first tube so as to cause the first and second tubes to function as cooperating male and female splined members. As a result, a rotational driving connection therebetween to form the driveshaft. When a relatively large axial force is applied to the ends of the telescoping driveshaft, the second tube will move axially within the first tube, thereby collapsing and absorbing energy.

Abstract: A method of connecting two malleable pipes comprising locating the pipes, one inside a portion of the other with O-rings between the pipes, and applying a crimping tool to inwardly deform the pipes and thereby cause the O-rings to deform and establish a fluid tight seal between the pipes.

Abstract: Method for producing a decorated adjuster for a necklace or choker in which a tube of elastic is inserted into a metal pipe to thereby form a raw material. The raw material is moved along a longitudinal axis while being rotated and pressed between a pair of molds having adjoining concavities formed between ends of the mold and in opposed relation to concavities in the other mold. The concavities have a shape gradually approaching a hemispherical form in a direction from an entry end to an exit end whereby the last concavity has a hemispherical form such that the raw material is progressively formed into a shell element. The shell elements have an inner surface coated with the elastic material and are formed upon the continual movement of the raw material through the molds. The shell elements are separated from one another and a pair of opposed through apertures are formed to thereby form the decorated adjuster.

Abstract: A shock absorbing type steering shaft comprising a tubular outer shaft having a female serration and a solid inner shaft having a male serration. After the outer diameter surface of the outer shaft is pressed inwardly in the radial direction to plastically deform an inner portion thereof, the inner shaft is inserted into the outer shaft so that the inner shaft is pressure-contacted and fixed to the plastically deformed portion of the outer shaft.

Abstract: An airbag inflator for generating gas for deploying an airbag includes a cylindrical body, at least one partition disposed in the cylindrical body to divide the cylindrical body into a plurality of combustion chambers, a crimping portion formed at the cylindrical body near an outer periphery of the partition for holding the same, and a coining portion formed in at least one of side surfaces of the partition near the outer periphery thereof. The diameter of the partition is enlarged by the coining portion, so that the outer periphery of the partition securely contacts an inside of the cylindrical body to seal therebetween.

Abstract: A process for forming an elongate structural element of desired shape being of large and small cross-sectional dimensions at spaced locations along its length, the process including the steps of: (i) selecting a first tube for forming a first selected length of the element having cross-sectional dimensions within a first range of relatively small cross-sectional dimensions within the hydro-forming-elongation ratio capabilities of the material from which the first tube is formed, said first tube being of a first constant cross-sectional dimension along its length, (ii) selecting a second tube for forming a second selected length of the element adjacent to the first length, the second length of the element having cross-sectional dimensions within a second range of relatively large cross-sectional dimensions within the hydro-forming elongation ratio capabilities of the material from which the second tube is formed, said second tube being of a second constant cross-sectional dimension along its length which is

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent by segmental radial compression, comprising a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a crimping head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The crimping head includes at least ten segments. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length, each segment having a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, the distal point being disposed on the centerline and the proximal point being disposed off the centerline, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member.

Abstract: A sheathed and flanged temperature probe is formed using a cylindrical sheath and a flange of the same metallic material. The cylindrical sheath is closed on one end and open on the other, and has a length at least an order of magnitude greater than its outer diameter. The temperature sensing element is inserted into the sheath, leaving wires protruding from the open end of the sheath. The sheath may contain an epoxy in the closed end to insulate and stabilize the sensing element. The central portion of the sheath remains empty except for wires connecting the sensing element to the electrical leads. The open end of the sheath is sealed around two electrical leads, enclosing the temperature sensing element from ambient conditions. The flange member is formed from a single piece of metal, cold drawn using an awl to form a continuous sleeve having an axis perpendicular to the planar surface of the flange. The sheath is inserted into the sleeve.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a metal tube to a hose fitting in which the end of the metal tube is flared to form a generally conical tube end, and the conical tube end is inserted into a fitting to seat against an opposing conical shoulder. The portion of the fitting surrounding the tube is then plastically deformed around the tube firmly and sealingly to grasp the tube, but without scarring a corrosion resistant coating on the tube. A plurality of barbs preferably are formed on the radially outer surface of the flared end of the tube for engaging the fitting when the fitting is crimped over the flared end of the tube and thereby preventing rotation of the tube with respect to the body of the fitting. The other end of the fitting may be crimped or otherwise secured to a constituent part such as a fluid hose.

Abstract: Method of forming a compression coupling between a fitting and a tube inserted into the retaining section of the fitting. The method involves use of a shaped part formed so that, during insertion of the tube into the fitting, the sealing ring set into an annular retaining groove of the fitting is not damaged by the sharp, outer edges at the front end surface of the tube. Before or during the insertion of the tube into the fitting, the sealing ring is elastically outwardly deformed from the inner contours by means of at least one installed shaped part. The tube end is then inserted up to a contact surface, which forms the interior boundary of the retaining section of the fitting. There upon, the parts are pressed together by cold deformation of the parts. The method and the shaped parts are installed preferably in sanitary engineering and are used wherever liquids or gaseous media are carried through tubes.

Abstract: A method of making a wire braid shrouded annularly corrugated metal tube. An annularly corrugated metal tube is formed. A braided wire shroud is placed around the annularly corrugated metal tube. The braided wire shroud is deformed into a corrugation valley of the annularly corrugated metal tube so that the shroud conforms to the adjacent peaks and the intervening valley. The annularly corrugated metal tube and the braided wire shroud are severed at a desired location between the corrugation peaks. The shroud is then bonded to the tube adjacent the end of the shrouded tube.

Abstract: A reinforced hose coupling including an end fitting having first and second, axially extending sections with the first section comprising a connector and a second section providing a nipple with external grooves. A metal ferrule is mounted on the nipple and is connected to the end fitting. The ferrule has an external depression formed in a side thereof. Two holes are formed in this depression and extend through the wall of the ferrule. A reinforced hose end having flexible tubular rubber or plastic layers is crimped between the ferrule and the nipple. The hose end has an outer wire extending about the exterior of the tubular layers. An end piece of this wire extends through the holes and across the depression helping to secure the hose end to the coupling and providing an indication to the user that the coupling is in usable condition. Preferably the ferrule is formed with a circumferentially extending internal rim at one end, which rim is forced into a circumferential groove formed in the end-fitting.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal socket for attachment to a flexible pressure hose that comprises a cylindrical metal sleeve defining an axis, with a plurality of non-annular V-shaped grooves formed in an outer surface thereof and corresponding non-annular V-shaped projections formed opposite said grooves on an inner surface thereof. The socket is both economical to produce and exhibits improved strength in gripping the end of a hydraulic hose.

Abstract: A housing for a brake booster (100) having a first shell (10) joined to a second shell (30) by deforming a first peripheral surface on a flange (24) of the first shell (10) with respect to a second peripheral surface, (204) on the second shell (30) toward an axial center of the second shell (30). The deformation axially compresses a bead (26) on a diaphragm (28) located between the first (10) and second (30) shells to seal an interior of the housing from the surrounding environment. The housing is characterized by the first peripheral surface having a flange (24) that extends from a shoulder (18) to an opened end (16) thereof that receives the second shell (30). The flange (24) has a plurality of slits (36,36′, . . . 36n) that axially extend from the opened end (16) toward the shoulder (18) and a plurality of slots (38,38′, . . . 38n) located in a radial plane perpendicular to the opened end (16). The plurality of slots (38,38′, . . .

Abstract: A method of producing a catalytic converter comprises the steps of (1) providing a shock absorbent member around an outer periphery of a catalyst substrate, (2) inserting the catalyst substrate and the shock absorbent member into a cylindrical workpiece, fixing the cylindrical workpiece to prevent the cylindrical workpiece from being rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof, and (3) spinning at least a portion of the cylindrical workpiece covering at least a portion of the shock absorbent member, by means of a plurality of spinning rollers, which are evenly positioned around the outer periphery of the cylindrical workpiece, and which are revolved about the axis of the cylindrical workpiece along a common circular locus, and moved in a radial direction of the cylindrical workpiece, whereby the cylindrical workpiece and the shock absorbent member are reduced in diameter, so that the catalyst substrate is securely held in the cylindrical workpiece.

Abstract: In a method for joining workpieces, in particular press fittings (24) to a pipe (23), the pressing device (1) is placed with its at least two pressing jaws (21, 22) in the open position against the joining point of the workpieces 23, 24), and the pressing jaws (21, 22) are then moved with respect to one another by means of a jaw drive (7, 50), while the workpieces (23, 24) deform plastically, into a terminal pressed position in which, at the latest, the application of power to the press jaws (21, 22) ends. According to the invention, the power of the jaw drive (7, 50) is controlled in such a way that, at least toward the completion of pressing, the pressing jaws (21, 22) have less kinetic energy than without a power controller. The invention further concerns a pressing unit (1) for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a stent to a balloon catheter. A first clamping portion and a second clamping portion are arranged for movement toward and away from each other and are provided with recesses defining a channel to receive a stent crimping sleeve having a longitudinal bore. The stent is slid into the longitudinal bore of the stent crimping sleeve and the balloon catheter is then slid into the longitudinal bore of the stent. The first and second clamping portions are moved towards each other and apply pressure to the external surface of the stent crimping sleeve causing the internal diameter of the longitudinal bore to get smaller and apply pressure to the external surface of the stent and crimp the stent to the balloon.

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: 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: The invention relates to a shaped part with a spigot for connecting to a tube, whereby the spigot contains a number of cavities arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof. The invention can be used in joining techniques especially in the area of automobile manufacturing, particularly windshield wiper assemblies. In preart windshield wiper assemblies, the connection between the spigot and the tube can detach during transmission of power or momentum. The invention prevents detaching of the connection between the spigot and the tube. To this end, the invention comprises two adjacent cavities each separated from one another by two catches. The catches extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spigot resulting in a solid crimping in the area of the cavity. The invention also relates to a method for connecting the inventive shaped part to a tube.

Abstract: A coupling comprises a tubular insert (20), having an external shoulder (22) and external circumferential projections (26) separated by circumferential grooves (28, 30), and a tubular sleeve (14) having a largest internal diameter less than the external diameter of a pipe (10). The sleeve is advanced over the end (12) of the pipe and along the pipe away from the end. The pipe is constricted as the sleeve passes over it and then subsequently recovers to establish an end portion (18) which is unconstricted. The outside diameter of the insert is preferably not greater than the inner diameter of the pipe and the insert is inserted into the end portion of the pipe, the end of the pipe engaging the shoulder. The sleeve is then subjected to relative movement between said sleeve and said end until the end portion is gripped between the projections and the sleeve. The end of the sleeve preferably engages the shoulder (22). The coupling enables the pipe to be connected to other pipework.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a press-fitted pipe connection comprising a press fitting with a stop and a smooth-ended pipe section pressable therewith, in which, after the pipe section is cut, its cut end is trimmed inside and outside and, if necessary, the protective cover of the pipe is removed, the processed pipe end is inserted into the press fitting to the stop and the press fitting is then pressed, by means of a pressing tool with individual pressing jaws that encompass the press fitting, after application of the pressing tool in a force-locking and positive-locking fashion, with the inserted pipe section to form a non-detachable tight pipe connection, whereby toward the end of the pressing the individual pressing jaws complete each other to form a closed pressing chamber. During pressing, in the contact area of at least one pressing jaw with the outer surface of the press fitting, a characteristic stamping is formed, the appearance of which depends on the quality of the pressing.

Abstract: After a number of optical fibers are inserted into a tubular member of a shape memory alloy, the tubular member is returned to its memorized shape by heating to reduce a cross-sectional area of a reception space of the tubular member, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the tubular member. In a modified form of the invention, a number of optical fibers are inserted into a reception space between two tubular members at least one of which is made of a shape memory alloy, and then the one tubular member is heated to be returned to its memorized shape to reduce a cross-sectional area of the reception space between the two tubular members, thereby uniting the optical fibers.

Abstract: For the production of a laminated tube of metal with an outside diameter ranging from 2 to 10 mm, in a first step a metal strip coated on one side (preferably with gold) is placed in a drawing die of a drawing apparatus with fixed internal mandrel, clamped at one end in a movable drawing carriage, and by movement of the drawing carriage is rolled to a tubular insert with a virtually closed gap along the tube axis, the width of the strip corresponding at least approximately to the average circumference of the tubular insert. In a second step the semifinished product shaped as a tubular insert is inserted into an external seamless tube. In a third step the tubes inserted one into the other are clamped each by one end in the drawing carriage of the drawing apparatus and pulled by means of a drawing die with fixed internal mandrel to final dimension (with reduced diameter, the outer tube and the tubular insert being bonded together in a press fit by radial compression.

Abstract: Umbilical hose joint for connecting the ends of two hoses (1, 2) to each other in order to establish a continuous hose having a substantially uniform diameter, said joint comprising an inner sleeve extending into the ends of the two hoses (1, 2), each hose being crimped to the sleeve by a hose fitting (6, 7), said inner sleeve (3) being made of a single piece.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of an optical cable consisting of a metal pipe in which at least one optical fiber is arranged, a metal strip drawn from a supply coil is gradually shaped into a slot pipe. The optical fiber drawn from an additional supply coil is fed to the still open slot pipe, the longitudinal slot of the slot pipe is welded and the diameter of the welded pipe is reduced. The metal pipe is elastically elongated at least after the reduction. The diameter of the pipe is thereby reduced in at least two stages, the value of the reduction being greatest in the last stage.

Abstract: A body implantable stent is formed of a plurality of strands arranged in two sets of coaxial helices, wound in opposite directions to form multiple crossings. At selected crossings, the adjacent strands are welded to one another, while at the remaining crossings the strands are free for limited movement relative to one another. The welds are formed in patterns that preferably enhance radial strength and rigidity, while having a minimal impact on axial bending flexibility. Preferred weld patterns in this regard include rings or circumferential rows, and helices, particularly with a steeper pitch than that of the strands. Stent fabrication preferably involves resistance welding at the crossings, and use of a tool to reuniformly compress the stent around and against the distal end region of a balloon catheter used later to deliver the stent to a treatment site.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device for an internal combustion engine includes a generally cylindrical substrate and sealing system which are swaged in place within a one-piece housing. The one-piece housing includes segmented inlet and outlet gas shields and diffusers which are spun from a single piece of tubing which also contains the substrate. The spun inlet and outlet gas shields and diffusers have segmented configurations including multiple concave and convex sections produced by spin-forming of the housing. The exhaust treatment device is assembled without the need for welding or any other high temperature operation.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and stent delivery system for medical treatment of a patient includes a balloon inflatable to an inflated shape having a cylindrical working portion, and a deflated shape that is temporarily reformed to enhance longitudinal retention of the stent while the catheter system is advanced or withdrawn. The balloon catheter provides for uniform expansion of the stent when the balloon is inflated. In addition, the balloon catheter system can be modified to initiate partial inflation of the proximal and distal ends of the stent, to further resist longitudinal motion of the stent during inflation, and to facilitate more effective tacking of the stent. One possible feature of the catheter system is that the balloon is pleated in a particular pattern when deflated, whereby the central balloon portion carrying the stent has a greater number of pleats than the shoulder portions proximal and distal of the stent.

Abstract: A thin metal sheet is laminated to form in advance a plurality of core units (of a circular cylinder shape) having the thickness of 1/N (N is a natural number of more than 2) of a predetermined thickness in the laminating direction and this plurality of core units is laminated again for securing so that the whole stator does not cause any mode of oscillation in the diametric direction.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a universal joint and a driveshaft tube. The universal joint includes a hollow journal and bearing carrier that is adapted to support a cross having a plurality of outwardly extending trunnions therein. In a first embodiment, the universal joint is assembled by initially disposing a pair of bearing supports loosely about a first pair of opposed trunnions of the cross. Next, the cross and the bearing supports are inserted within the carrier. The bearing supports are preferably sized to fit snugly within the carrier. Then, bearing cups are inserted through openings formed through upper and lower panels of the carrier and through openings formed through the bearing supports onto the opposed trunnions of the cross. The carrier and the cross are then connected to the driveshaft tube by moving them axially such that the carrier is received within opposed channel regions provided in a pair of arms formed in an end portion of the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter is constructed from a crimping section holding the stent and the balloon catheter therein, wherein the crimping is actuated by a shaft having an input end and an output end, engaging the crimping section at the output end. The shaft has a detent formed into the input end. A gripping member has an internal cavity to receive the input end, and includes a hole proximate to the shaft, wherein a ball bearing and a compression spring are located within the hole to bias the ball bearing toward the shaft and to engage the detent. When a torque is applied to the gripping member, it is transmitted through the ball bearing to the shaft; if the torque exceeds a predetermined magnitude, it overcomes the force of the spring on the ball bearing causing the bearing to slide out of the detent thereby disconnecting the applied torque from the shaft. The crimping section can be a rubber tube having a lumen holding the stent and catheter.

Abstract: An improved brake actuator and method of assembling a cup-shaped housing on a housing member of a brake actuator, wherein the housing member has an open end, an annular radially projecting rib adjacent to and surrounding the open end and a plurality of spaced channel-shaped transverse depressions in the radial rib extending toward the open end of the flange case, a cup-shaped metal cover including a tubular open end having an inside diameter initially less than the outside diameter of the annular radial rib of the housing member, wherein the tubular end portion of the cover is pressed telescopically over the radial rib of the housing member, thereby simultaneously deforming the tubular end portion of the cover into the channel-shaped depressions in the rib of the housing member and stretched over the radial rib, thereby preventing rotation of the cover relative to the housing member.

Abstract: The steps include cutting an old ferrule and hose from a bead lock fitting, inserting axially a new ferrule having an oval or irregular opening over the bead lock fitting and wedging an edge of the oval opening between two annular flanges on the bead lock fitting. Thereafter, a new hose is inserted axially between the ferrule and bead lock fitting and the ferrule is crimped to the hose to permanently lock it into position over the bead lock fitting.

Abstract: A metal pipe fitting and a method of fitting pipes together, the metal fitting having at least one mouth opening for receiving a mating length of metal pipe. The pipe fitting comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an exterior surface, interior surface, and a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end forms at least one mouth opening for the fitting. The sleeve has a circumferential groove formed within the interior surface between the proximate and distal ends thereof and a seal ring located within the circumferential groove. There is at least one inspection divet which penetrates the exterior surface of the sleeve to the interior thereof to reveal the exterior of the mating length of metal pipe for verifying the proper insertion of the metal pipe.

Abstract: A pressure vessel suitable for use in an automotive air-conditioning system includes a cylindrical body (10, 40) including an annular wall (14, 44). The cylindrical body preferably includes an opposite closed end, an initially opened end (12, 42), and a closure member (20, 50) inserted into the open end of the cylindrical body. The closure member and the cylindrical body each have extensions or annular flanges (28, 58) which are spin welded together. The cylindrical body is fused to the closure member when the annular flange (28, 58) of the closure member is spin welded to an annular, outermost portion (18, 48) of the cylindrical body. The closure member and the cylindrical body are further locked together by inwardly rolling a portion of the annular wall into an annular groove (30, 60) and an outermost surface of the closure member.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter. The stent crimping tool is constructed by curving and overlapping the ends of a flexible Mylar sheet and inserting the end portions through a thin slot of a rigid panel. The uncrimped stent and catheter assembly are placed within a cylindrical space formed by the curved and overlapping flexible sheet. A force is applied to the overlapping end portions to pull the flexible sheet through the slot thereby collapsing the cylindrical space and crimping the stent, held therein, onto the balloon. In another embodiment, the crimping tool is constructed from a mount having a grooved top with steeply sloped sides. The uncrimped catheter-stent assembly is placed on the mount and rests within the groove. A flexible sheet of Mylar is draped over the catheter-stent assembly and a downward force is applied to the end portions of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A tube connection apparatus for use with larger diameter flexible tubing particularly for hazardous material removal comprising an outer tapered sleeve and an inner tapered sleeve that is sized to snugly fit within the outer tapered sleeve and to engage the flexible tubing therebetween. A retainer ring is provided to secure a second flexible tube to the outer tapered sleeve and a transportable wall section which holds the sleeves may be positioned in a passageway of a building and tubing from spaces on either side of the passageway be connected.

Abstract: A hand held tool for crimping a stent onto a balloon of a catheter is disclosed. The stent crimping tool is operated in one hand by squeezing two plates together while simultaneously displacing the plates linearly to crimp and roll the stent held between the plates. Specifically, the crimping tool includes a base plate with two bosses through which respective pins pass linking the base plate to a compression plate. The compression plate has elongated diameter openings at opposite sides thereof to receive the pins. With the elongated diameter openings, the compression plate can pivot at the pins and translate linearly relative to those pins thus enabling the rolling action during the crimping process. A compression profile pad and a tapered profile pad are attached to the crimping areas of the plates to grip and together apply pressure to the uncrimped stent held therebetween. The pads may include specific contours in order to impart a desired profile to the crimped stent.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter is constructed from a crimping section holding the stent and the balloon catheter therein, wherein the crimping is actuated by a shaft having an input end and an output end, engaging the crimping section at the output end. The shaft has a detent formed into the input end. A gripping member has an internal cavity to receive the input end, and includes a hole proximate to the shaft, wherein a ball bearing and a compression spring are located within the hole to bias the ball bearing toward the shaft and to engage the detent. When a torque is applied to the gripping member, it is transmitted through the ball bearing to the shaft; if the torque exceeds a predetermined magnitude, it overcomes the force of the spring on the ball bearing causing the bearing to slide out of the detent thereby disconnecting the applied torque from the shaft. The crimping section can be a rubber tube having a lumen holding the stent and catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axially-swaged male end fitting assembly compatible with a standard 24.degree. cone flareless female fitting. The fitting may be fabricated from a sleeve and a tube that are axially swaged within a tool assembly. The sleeve includes a rounded shoulder, a partially conical nose, and a cylindrical inner surface. The inner surface includes a groove at the tip of the nose, and another groove positioned axially close enough to the shoulder to be radially deformed during axial swaging. The tool assembly includes a swaging tool, a female die and a ring die. The female die includes a tapered surface positioned and sized to preset the nose into the tube. The female die also has a surface confronting the sleeve shoulder, for controlling the amount of preset that occurs. The ring die includes a tapered surface positioned and sized to swage the shoulder into the tube.

Abstract: A tubing connector for sealingly engaging an end portion of a tubing to serve as a conduit for pressurized fluids is described. The tubing connector is particularly intended for use with a composite tubing having inner and outer plastic layers with an intermediate aluminium layer. An elastic seal ring is provided in each of two annular spaced apart grooves in an external periphery of a connector portion of the tubing connector. Each of the grooves has a depth that approximates a thickness of the seal ring and a width greater than a width of the seal ring. When the connector portion is inserted in the tubing and a radial pressure is exerted on the tubing by a crimp ring, the plastic inner periphery of the tubing intrudes into each annular groove and further compresses the seal ring inwardly in the groove. The remainder of the tubing overlapped by the crimp ring is compressed tightly around the external periphery of the connector portion. Therefore, a fluid tight seal is achieved.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter is constructed from a stationary plate and a sliding platform connected to the stationary plate and slidable linearly relative thereto. A closing plate is hinged to the sliding platform so that it at least partially overlies the stationary plate in a down position, and swings away from the stationary plate to an up position, whereby the stent already having been hand crimped onto the balloon catheter is placed on the stationary plate from a lateral position, and the closing plate is moved to the down position to hold the stent between the closing plate and the stationary plate so that an external force on the closing plate as well as translational motion of the closing plate together crimp the stent onto the balloon catheter. The surfaces engaging the stent may be covered by elastomeric pads having ridges corresponding in location to respective rings or cylindrical elements of the stent.

Abstract: A securing method of a polymer insulator including the steps of inserting an FRP core into a depression portion of a metal member having an open end portion, and connecting the metal member to the FRP core by compressing the FRP core and the metal member is disclosed. The improvement includes the steps of: determining a first region defining a part of a compression portion of the metal member, to which a compression pressure is applied, from a side of the open end portion; determining a second region defining the other part of the compression portion in succession with the first region; and controlling a deformation of the first region in such a manner that a deformation amount of the first region is increased gradually toward the second region.

Abstract: In a process, a pipe (1) is connected to a press fitting (2) which has a cylindrical section (3) and a radially outward-projecting annular bead (5) at each end which, at the free end of the press fitting (2) has an inwardly directed bead shoulder (8) and internally forms an annular groove (10) in which is fitted a sealing ring (11). In order to make the connection, the press fitting (2) and the pipe (1) are inserted one into the other and the annular bead (5) and the cylindrical section (3) are pressed radially inwards with the plastic deformation of the pipe (1) as well. This is done by pressing the bead shoulder (8) into the pipe (1) to form a first narrowing (44), and a second narrowing (43) is formed in the pipe by pressing the cylindrical section (3) at a distance from the first narrowing (44) such that the shaping of the second narrowing (43) is separated from the first (44) In such a way that the first narrowing (44) has a radially outwardly projecting section (47) towards the second.

Abstract: This method of fastening a metal body to a an outer circumference of a single straight measuring tube, consisting of titanium or zirconium, of a Coriolis-type mass flow sensor does not need any heating, for example soldering, welding or brazing, process. The metal body has a circumferential surface and a bore adapted to the outer circumference. The metal body cooperates with an exciter arrangement or with a sensor arrangement or serves as a cantilever mass or as an end piece of the measuring tube. The metal body is pushed on to the measuring tube and is subsequently pressed on to the latter at ambient temperature. A pressure sufficient for fastening but not reducing substantially the lumen of the measuring tube at the fastening position is exerted on at least part of the circumferential surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a stent onto the balloon of a balloon catheter. In one embodiment, a kit is provided that includes two instruments, a first being a loader tool and a second being a profiler tool. The loader tool can be a handheld device that includes a handle at one end of the tool. A tube extends outwardly from the handle, and a wire extends is axially through the tube and projects outwardly from the tube. A balloon catheter can slide along the central wire until the balloon is delivered into the interior of the tube. A stent that is disposed about the periphery of the tube can be mounted onto the balloon by grasping the handle of the loader tool and pulling the handle and tube away from the catheter and stent whine the catheter and stent are maintained in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: A tool and method for enabling substantially uniform and tight crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The crimping tool is constructed from a rigid cylindrical chassis sealed at both ends, having a hollow interior containing an elastic tube that partially occupies the interior. A piston abuts the elastic tube and forms a hermetically sealed chamber behind the piston and a closed end ofthe chassis. A port connected to an indeflator and positioned on the chassis provides an inlet into and out of the chamber. A stent that is loaded onto the balloon portion of the catheter is inserted through a central opening in another end of the chassis to position the stent catheter assembly within the axial space inside the elastic tube. The indeflator injects a fluid into the chamber thereby increasing its pressure which in turn displaces the piston into the elastic tube compressing the tube longitudinally.

Abstract: A pressure sensor package is claimed. The pressure sensor package includes a pressure sensor base having a cavity, a pressure sensor diaphragm positioned over the cavity, and a pressure sensor cap positioned over and secured to the pressure sensor base. The pressure sensor cap further includes a deformed portion securing the cap to the base, an engaging portion adapted to allow engagement of the cap when the deformed portion is being deformed around the base, an upper portion between the engaging portion and the diaphragm, and a lower portion between the engaging portion and the deformed portion, wherein the upper portion is longer than the lower portion. The engaging portion may extend radially outwardly from the cap, such as in the form of an annular ledge.