Abstract: A multi-part compression mold for forming a complex part having a desired fiber alignment, and methods therefor, are disclosed. The multi-part mold comprises at least three sections. Specific arrangements of fiber-bundle-based preforms are introduced to more than one of the mold sections of the multi-part mold, and subjected to compression molding. The arrangements of preforms, in conjunction with the multi-part mold, result in a complex part having fibers that substantially align with anticipated principle stress vectors that arise in the complex part, when in use.

Abstract: A mandrel for a molding process. The mandrel includes a first portion that has a first draft surface and a second draft surface. A second portion and a third portion are included. The second portion has a third draft surface and the third portion has a fourth draft surface wherein the first draft surface engages the third draft surface and the second draft surface engages the fourth draft surface. A channel extends along a length of the mandrel at an interface between the first, second, and third portions such that the second portion does not contact the third portion.

Abstract: An undercut processing mechanism is attached to and used in a molding die for forming a molded product having an undercut portion, and allows demolding of the undercut portion. The undercut processing mechanism includes: a holder attached to or formed integrally with the molding die; a sliding piece configured to be slidable relative to the holder such that a mold core is moved so as to demold the undercut portion; a retaining piece configured to retain the sliding piece such that the sliding piece is slidable; and a support wall configured to support the sliding piece so as to prevent the sliding piece from being tilted when the sliding piece slides. The sliding piece forms a part of the mold core for forming the undercut portion.

Abstract: These fixtures aid in installing, sealing and securing pipe. Specifically, the invention aids in mating bell & spigot joints and securely capping open pipe ends of standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) pipe products as well as non-plastic piping by enabling equalized full circumference pressure on pipe ends to nudge, seal and/or secure pipe ends during installation or decommissioning.

Abstract: An undercut processing mechanism is attached to and used in a molding die for forming a molded product having an undercut portion, and allows demolding of the undercut portion. The undercut processing mechanism includes: a holder attached to or formed integrally with the molding die; a sliding piece configured to be slidable relative to the holder such that a mold core is moved so as to demold the undercut portion; a retaining piece configured to retain the sliding piece such that the sliding piece is slidable; and a support wall configured to support the sliding piece so as to prevent the sliding piece from being tilted when the sliding piece slides. The sliding piece forms a part of the mold core for forming the undercut portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an upper edge of a paperboard container includes a pocket including a shell having a cavity with a mouth configured to receive the container along an axis such that the rim extends beyond the mouth. A workstation includes a forming member having a first forming surface which is actuatable toward the axis from a retracted position spaced from the rim to an extended position lying adjacent an upper end of the rim, and a forming segment having a second forming surface which is actuatable along the axis and the forming member in response to axial movement thereof such that the second forming surface is positioned spaced from a lower end of the rim. The second forming surface is actuatable along the axis towards the first forming surface to form the rim therebetween.

Abstract: An expansion tool includes a housing and an expansion head coupled to the housing. The expansion head includes a casing and a plurality of jaws extending from the casing. The plurality of jaws is movable between a closed position and an expanded position relative to a longitudinal axis. Each jaw of the plurality of jaws includes a first sizing portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second sizing portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first sizing portions of the plurality of jaws collectively define a first diameter when the plurality of jaws is in the closed position, the second sizing portions of the plurality of jaws collectively define a second diameter when the plurality of jaws is in the closed position, and the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for filler tube includes: a workpiece arrangement step of arranging a workpiece onto an outer peripheral mold not only to axially lock a to-be-locked portion with respect to a locking portion but also so as to make the outer peripheral mold, which is set at a predetermined temperature, support a cylinder-shaped body of the workpiece on the outer peripheral face; and a flare-molding step of flare molding a flange by inserting an inner peripheral mold, which is set at a higher temperature than the predetermined temperature of the outer peripheral mold, into a to-be-molded portion on the inner peripheral side, and by relatively moving the outer peripheral mold and the inner peripheral mold in the axial direction to make a counter-welding-face forming portion and a welding-face forming portion clamp the to-be-molded portion between them in the axial direction.

Abstract: A gasket for preventing the separation of a pipe joint formed between plastic pipes such as pipes manufactured from PVC. The invention provides a restrained pipe joint including a first pipe including a bell with a spigot entryway and a substantially V-shaped annular groove. The annular groove includes a front radial wall and a rear radial wall and a gasket seated in the annular groove. The gasket includes an inner radial face, an opening defined by the inner radial face and an outer radial face with a front radial section located adjacent to the front radial wall of the annular groove and a rear radial section located adjacent to the rear radial wall of the annular groove. A plurality of restraining segments is at least partially embedded in the gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming at least one external annular flange (48 or 49) adjacent one end of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic tube (10) in which the tube (10) is mounted on a mandrel (12) and a first end portion of the tube is clamped in a collar (13) having at least one internal annular cavity (18 or 19) for forming a flange, a second end portion of the tube in the region (R1, R2) of the cavity is heated to soften the thermoplastic, and an axial load (L) is applied to the end of the tube by a piston (24) causing the softened tube to flow into the cavity (18, 19) in the collar (13) to form a flange on the tube.

Abstract: A method for producing a sealing ring comprises cutting a sheet-metal strip to a length of a ring circumference using laser cutting; forming the sheet-metal strip into a ring shape having first and second mutually contacting edge surfaces; and joining the first and second mutually contacting edges using laser welding so as to form a substance-to-substance bond.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing substantially seamless, circumferentially closed flexible embossing or printing tapes (2), wherein a free-flow material is fed into an annular mold space (14) defining the profile of the tape (2), said mold (1) comprising an external sidewall (6), delimiting the external radial extent of an annular space (14), and a core (12), delimiting the internal radial extent of the annular space (14). A device for carrying out such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a flange on a component is presented. The apparatus includes a mold disposed for the placement of the component thereon, a forming tool, and a tubular bladder. The forming tool is assembled to hold the component with a first portion extending into a space defined between the mold and the forming tool. The tubular bladder has a non-uniform wall thickness around its cross section along a longitudinal dimension of the bladder. The bladder is disposed in a step defined in the mold, and configured to impart a forming force to the portion extending into the space to form the flange on the component when the bladder is inflated. A method for forming the flange on the component is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a medical tubular object, such as a catheter, for insertion into a body passageway. The method comprises the steps of extruding a tube by pushing tube material though an extrusion nozzle and cutting the extruded tube at a predetermined length. Further, an initial part of the extruded tube is advanced onto a tapered mandrel arranged adjacent the extrusion nozzle such that a flared end is formed, and after a predetermined length of the extruded tube has been advanced onto the tapered mandrel, the tapered mandrel is moved away from the extrusion nozzle to prevent that the rest of the extruded tube is expanded by the tapered mandrel.

Abstract: A tooling system may include an outer mold line (OML) tool and one or more inner mold line (IML) tools. The OML tool may have an OML tool surface. Each one of the IML tools may have an IML tool surface and may be receivable within the OML tool 202. Each IML tool may be formed of expandable material. Each IML tool may apply an internal compaction pressure to a composite assembly positioned between the OML tool surface and the IML tool surface when the expandable material is heated.

Abstract: Described is a method for chamfering the end of a pipe (2) made from thermoplastic material, comprising the following steps: localised and circumferential heating of an axial portion (3) of the pipe (2) at a predetermined temperature; plastic deformation of the heated axial portion (3) using a tool (4) for forming a chamfer on the axial portion (3).

Abstract: A support apparatus and method for providing structural support to a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus during fabrication of composite parts. The support apparatus may comprise an adjustable, rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP support components transitionable between a rigid and malleable state and fixed to an outer surface of the rigid structural member. The rigid structural member may extend in at least one cross-sectional dimension toward the SMP apparatus, pressing the SMP support components, in their malleable state, against the SMP apparatus. The SMP support components may thereby conform to a first surface of the SMP apparatus, then return to their rigid state while pressed against the SMP apparatus, thus providing a rigid load path between the SMP apparatus and the rigid structural member. Then composite material may be applied to a second surface of the SMP apparatus, opposite of the first surface.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming at least one external annular flange (48 or 49) adjacent one end of a fibre reinforced thermoplastic tube (10) in which the tube (10) is mounted on a mandrel (12) and a first end portion of the tube is clamped in a collar (13) having at least one internal annular cavity (18 or 19) for forming a flange, a second end portion of the tube in the region (R1, R2) of the cavity is heated to soften the thermoplastic, and an axial load (L) is applied to the end of the tube by a piston (24) causing the softened tube to flow into the cavity (18, 19) in the collar (13) to form a flange on the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming at least one external annular flange (48 or 49) adjacent one end of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic tube (10) in which the tube (10) is mounted on a mandrel (12) and a first end portion of the tube is clamped in a collar (13) having at least one internal annular cavity (18 or 19) for forming a flange, a second end portion of the tube in the region (R1, R2) of the cavity is heated to soften the thermoplastic, and an axial load (L) is applied to the end of the tube by a piston (24) causing the softened tube to flow into the cavity (18, 19) in the collar (13) to form a flange on the tube.

Abstract: A device for expanding a hollow body includes a plurality of sector-shaped expandable jaws disposed in a holder and distributed about a central axis. The expandable jaws extend along the axis to a free end and are radially movable with respect to the axis. Each of the expandable jaws includes: a cylindrical surface having a radius corresponding to a radius of the expanded hollow body and an inward radial taper at an area of the free end; and a plurality of projections and recesses disposed in a joint region and arranged in an alternating manner with each other along the axis and at least partially extending into the area of the free end. The cylindrical surfaces are rounded off to transition to respective outer surfaces of the projections. The outer surfaces of the projections extend, at least at ends of the projections, radially inward with respect the cylindrical surfaces.

Abstract: A method for producing an integral reinforced fiber composite component comprising at least one hollow fiber reinforcing component and a shell component is disclosed and can include first providing a mold core having a target cross-section deviating from a round cross-section adaptable to an inner cross-section of the hollow reinforcing component, introducing the mold core into a cavity of the hollow reinforcing component and fixing it thereafter in the cavity with a fixing agent applying the hollow reinforcing component with the mold core fixed therein to the shell component, and subjecting the mold core to a pressurized medium while applying heat and/or pressure to this arrangement to produce the integral reinforced fiber composite component.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: A re-usable retainer designed to be used in the curing process of co-bonding uncured stringers. The re-usable retainer is made of metal so it is not necessary to manufacture one retainer for each manufactured stringer. The metallic retainer is placed in direct contact with the uncured resin so the cured stringer has a very good surface quality. The re-usable retainer has a special shape that allows a mild transition of the vacuum bag that avoids vacuum bag breakages. The re-usable retainer is easy to install and to remove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacture of a liner of a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end receives a container penetration element thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piston (1) for positioning a food pot decoration in a mold, a positioning device comprising this piston, and an associated positioning method. The piston (1) comprises at least one means (10) for prefolding or folding the decoration over its full height.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a bending core to bend filiform materials like pipes. Said core comprises two or more component parts put in series to each other. Said component parts feature a shape suitable for engaging the complete portion of the inner area of the surface of the pipe being bent to prevent the formation of folds in the inner portion of the pipe being bent, thus preventing the material being deformed from folding instead of following a curvilinear pattern.

Abstract: Mold for molded parts with internal undercuts that comprises a core of the mold with two complementary parts (both fitted one inside the other), providing the possibility of axial displacement and turning among them, establishing the external element part various slots where the parallel forms that the internal element part has in its peripheral area are inserted. Thus, thanks to the axial displacement and the turning of both elements, the parallel forms come out of from the slots and deviate from the coping enabling the ejection of the molded part without being forced.

Abstract: In a belling machine and in a method of forming a socket at the heated end of a pipe, an end of a pipe made of thermoplastic material on which a socket is to be formed is heated until it is in a deformable state, inserted in a forming chamber and formed into a socket shape. Process air, taken from a compressed air source, is conveyed into an evaporator of a refrigerating machine using a refrigerant recirculating in a closed circuit and passes through the evaporator, resulting in transfer of heat from the process air to the refrigerant inside the evaporator. The process air is then conveyed to the forming chamber through an inlet, at least to cool the material of the end of the pipe at least by means of a process air flow inside the forming chamber.

Abstract: A pipe end is expanded with the aid of an expander tool (1). The expander tool (1) comprises a plurality of jaws (10) that are radially movable between a retracted and an expanded position. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10) and have an at least generally circular arcuate shape in cross-section. The expander tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between the retracted and the outer expanded positions and the piston (2) is moved in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction before expanding the pipe end gradually in the stages. The axial reciprocating movement of the piston (2) is guided to rotate the jaws (10) to a certain extent in a circumferential direction after each expansion stage.

Abstract: A mandrel for processing a part comprises an outer sleeve and a generally flexible inner core. The outer sleeve includes at least one flexible portion along its length allowing the sleeve to flex to a desired contour.

Abstract: A tool operable to expand an end of a pipe includes a plurality of jaws movable between a closed position and an expanded position and rotatable about a longitudinal axis and a rotation collar rotationally coupled to each of the plurality of jaws. A shuttle is selectively engageable with the rotation collar and is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation and a spindle is movable between a first position in which the shuttle is in the first orientation and is disengaged from the rotation collar, a second position in which the shuttle is in the first orientation and is engaged with the rotation collar, and a third position in which the shuttle and the rotation collar are rotated together to the second orientation. The rotation of the rotation collar produces a corresponding rotation of the plurality of jaws while the plurality of jaws is in the closed position.

Abstract: A layup mandrel includes a shell having a tool surface on which plies may be laid up. The shape of the shell is changed by an actuator.

Abstract: A belling machine (1) forms end sockets equipped with an integrated seal on pipes (3) made of thermoplastic material using a forming mandrel (4) on which an annular seal (5) was previously placed, diametrically expanded, coaxially and in a predetermined position. A loader (8) for loading the annular seal (5) on the mandrel (4) is able to move between a arming position, in which the loader is spaced from the belling axis (b) and does not interfere with the mandrel (4) movement along the belling axis (b), and a loading position, in which the loader is coaxial with the belling axis (b) and is located between the mandrel (4) back position, disengaged from the pipe (3) and the mandrel (4) forward position, inserted in the end (30) of the pipe (3). An annular seal (5) is placed in a positioner (10) which holds it in an operating position for the action of an arming device (9).

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .

Abstract: Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a mold for producing hollow-cylinder-type molded parts, having an external mold portion, that determines an inner cavity of a molded part to be manufactured. The external mold portion has a first cylindrical mold, which extends in a rotationally symmetrical manner about a first axis, and a hemispherical mold having a diameter equal to a diameter of the first cylindrical mold directly adjoins one of the two ends of the cylindrical mold along the first axis, wherein a second cylindrical mold adjoins the hemispherical mold in radial alignment. The hemispherical mold has a spherical cap, the second cylindrical mold is rotatable together with the spherical cap about a second axis which is arranged at an angle with respect to the first axis, and the second cylindrical mold is arranged concentrically with respect to the second rotational axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a composite stringer. A method is used for manufacturing a hollow composite stringer. Foam is formed with a mandrel installed into the foam. A composite material and the foam is laid up onto a tool in a form of a stringer. The composite material and the foam in the form of the stringer is cured to form a cured stringer. The mandrel from the foam is removed to form the hollow composite stringer.

Abstract: Device (1) for producing a stacking projection (2) on the inner side (3) of a container wall (4) comprises a splaying mandrel (5) and a support ring (S) open at the top. Those are movable relative to one another between a standby position (7) and a deformation position (8). The splaying mandrel comprises at least in some places a retaining indentation (9) running externally circumferentially and the support ring comprises at least in some places a notch projection (10) running internally circumferentially. Through the interaction of those indentation and projection in the deformation position the stacking projection can be produced, wherein in the deformation a gap width (11) between in particular the retaining indentation and the notch projection in a border section (12) of the circumference is greater than the gap width (13) between the other circumferential sections (14).

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a pre-pleated catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a folding head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The folding head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and defining a central aperture The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is folded around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub.

Abstract: A multiple part mandrel on which a hollow body may be formed includes multiple sectors. Each sector has a skin on an outer face and a pair of opposed side returns at longitudinal sides of the sector. The mandrel formed by the sectors is symmetrical about a central axis of the mandrel. When the sectors are assembled as the mandrel, the side returns of adjacent sectors face each other. Each of the side returns includes a recess in an outside surface of the side return, spaced from the skin of the respective sector, and an inflatable O-ring disposed in the recess. The recesses of adjacent side returns in the mandrel are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction of the mandrel. Inflation of the inflatable O-rings urges adjacent sectors together at the skins of the sectors to seal the adjacent sectors at the skins.

Abstract: A film opening mechanism in which, regardless of whether a tubular film is long or short, a deviation in timing of delivery of the tubular film from a mandrel does not occur, and the tubular film does not become wrinkled. The film opening mechanism includes a mandrel for causing the tubular film to be opened into a predetermined state by fitting it thereon; a film transport unit composed of an upstream-side feed belt unit and a downstream-side feed belt unit, each having a feed belt which nips the tubular film fitted on the mandrel in cooperation with the mandrel to transport the tubular film toward a lower side of the mandrel; and attraction means for attracting the mandrel and the feed belt to each other by means of a magnetic attractive force.

Abstract: The present invention is an expansion tool device for pliers or machine for producing sockets at the ends of pipes made out of plastic or composite material, used in the field of plumbing. The device includes a cylindrically-shaped ferrule formed by the tightening of several sector-shaped chucks. The chucks are movable in the radial direction under the action of the insertion between them of a tapered needle movable in axial translation through the actuation of the pliers or machine. The chucks are allowed to pass from a tightened position to a separated position. In an integrated way or in a unit designed capable of being intercalated between the ferrule and the pliers or machine, there is an automatic driver for the ferrule, when the ferrule passes from the separated position to the tightened position, directly or indirectly, in axial swiveling according to a portion of a turn.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A medical device in which a part to be secondarily shaped comprises a molded silicone rubber article is subjected to heatless shaping by irradiation with electron-rays. The irradiation with electron-rays enables shaping and, furthermore, sterilization under some conditions. In a medical device comprising a part in which at least a silicone rubber is used and the mechanical properties of the silicone rubber preferentially appear, the shape of the above-described part upon molding is deformed with the use of a correcting member to a level exceeding the desired deformed shape and maintained in this state. Next, electron-ray irradiation is conducted in this state and then the correcting member is eliminated. Thus, the desired deformed shape intermediate between the shape upon the molding and the shape upon the electron-ray irradiation can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for expanding an end of a pipe made of a plastic having a shape memory includes a plurality of spreading elements movable in a radial direction from a starting position, in which the spreading elements are insertable by a predetermined distance into the end of the pipe, to an outward-extended position, in which spreading surfaces of the spreading elements are each brought into an effective position against an interior surface of the end of the pipe, so as to expand the end of the pipe. A mechanism is configured to move the spreading elements from the starting position to the outward-extended position. An actuator is configured to vary a maximum radial distance of the spreading surfaces in the outward-extended position from a center axis. At least one fastener is configured to lock the radial maximum radial distance set by the actuator.