Abstract: Disclosed is a pressing device for compressingly joining pipe-shaped workpieces, particularly a pipe end and a fitting mounted thereon. At least one of the workpieces is plastically deformed by several press members which are movable along a central longitudinal axis of the workpieces for performing the compression. In order to produce a pressing device with several compression jaws that are comparatively easy to mount and allow the press members to be engaged as centrally as possible during compression, at least two press members are pivotally connected to each other by means of two articulated levers embodied as angle levers for applying compression force. The angle levers pressingly lean on a (first) press member, and both angle levers are train-connected to the same (second) press member.

Abstract: A swager for swaging articles, such as marker bands to a medical catheter, comprising an article input mechanism; a radial compression swaging head with a central swaging aperture, the swaging head being aligned and communicatively coupled with the input mechanism to receive an input article from the article input mechanism and to swage the article. The swaging head includes a plurality of swage elements; a rotatable slider plate; a plurality of track rollers; and a closer plate. An input mechanism is aligned and communicatively coupled with the swaging head to assist in delivering an article to the swaging head.

Abstract: A device for crimping a sleeve of a contact on to a sheath of an electrical cable comprises a diaphragm. The diaphragm applies walls of the sleeve against the sheath. Jaws forming the diaphragm have a generally triangular shape. The crimping device may include means for checking the quality of the crimping of the sleeve on the sheath. For example, the checking means include sensors of the crimping forces as a function of a function of a shift of the jaws. The diaphragm of the crimping device may comprise at least eight jaws. Also disclosed is a sleeve crimped on to a sheath by means of the disclosed crimping device.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating 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. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, 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. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.

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

Abstract: A closing device (100) closes an open end portion of a tubular body (1) using a die (2). The closing device (100) includes a core (3) that is inserted into the tubular body (1) and closes the open end portion of the tubular body (1) on the opposite side of the die (2), first heating device (53) that heats the tubular body (1) during a closing process and are also capable of heating the core (3), and second heating device (54) that heats the die (2). At the start of the closing process, the core (3) and the die (2) are preheated by the first heating device (53) and the second heating device (54) respectively, and the closing process is begun when the temperature difference between the tubular body (1) and the core (3) and die (2) is small.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defining a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. Each wedge is associated with a stationary structure and an rotational actuation unit such that during rotation of the actuation unit about the rotational axis, the iris is caused to rotate about the rotational axis, relative the stationary structure, for inward movement of the wedges to decrease the size of the aperture and outward movement of the wedges to increase the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A system and process for performing a crimping operation by which a fitting is crimped to the end of a fluid conduit, and which automatically compensates for one or more variables that can lead to out-of-tolerance crimp diameters, particularly fitting spring-back and crimper deflection. The system and method use a device for inputting into the system a targeted crimp diameter for the fitting, and a crimper for crimping the fitting to the end of the fluid conduit. The crimper comprises a plurality of dies and an actuator for contracting the dies around the fitting to obtain the targeted crimp diameter for the fitting. The system and method further includes a unit for attaining the targeted crimp diameter by automatically compensating contraction of the dies for spring-back of the fitting during crimping and/or deflection of the crimper during crimping.

Abstract: A crimp machine includes a linear mover that forces a ram plate assembly toward a base plate to radially contract an insert. The insert has an inner surface defining an interior dimension that mates with a fitting and crimps the fitting onto a flexible hose as the insert is radially contracted. To adjust for fittings of differing dimensions, a plurality of inserts of varying inside dimensions may be used. To make the crimp machine adjustable for a wide range of fitting dimensions, a plurality of adapter rings of differing inner diameters may be employed. Each adapter ring is removably interposed within a base plate aperture and has a differing inner surface for mating with an insert of desired proportions.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The assembly includes a set of two or more blade devices each having a proximal portion, a downstream distal portion, and a respective edge wall extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. Each respective edge wall is oriented relative to one another, in a respective crimp position, to collectively define an elongated conical-shaped crimp aperture. The conical-shaped crimp aperture at the respective proximal portion of each blade is formed for receipt of at least a portion of the stent in the first diameter.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for collapsing medical devices, such as self-expanding, drug-eluting stents for loading into delivery catheters. The collapsing apparatus may be used for crimping expandable stents and other devices onto a balloon catheter. The medical device is cooled below the austenitic phase transformation temperature of the material forming the device, such as stainless steel or nitinol, and may be cooled until the material has fully transformed to the martenstitic state. For coated medical devices, the device is warmed to a temperature just below the beginning of austenite phase transformation prior to collapsing. An apparatus having a plurality of offset blades, linear bearings, radial bearings and an actuator mechanism is provided for collapsing the medical device. The system is configured with a mandrel subassembly to push the medical device into a catheter sheath, and with a nozzle subassembly to direct cold gas to the medical device.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a hollow metal ball bat includes forming a shell into a tubular shape using a pilger mill. The wall thickness of the tube shell is reduced by drawing the tube shell with the draw bench. A handle section and a taper section are created using the pilger mill. The handle is drawn through a draw bench, and the handle and taper sections are swaged.

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

Abstract: A protective sheet loader may comprise a first roller, a second roller, a sheet of material spanning between the first and second rollers, and a loading mechanism. A portion of the sheet of material may be loaded into the crimping chamber of an apparatus for reducing the size of a medical device. A medical device may be placed within the crimping chamber such that the sheet of material forms a barrier between the walls of the crimping chamber and the medical device and prevents cross-contamination between the medical device and the crimping device. After a crimping step is completed, the medical device and the contaminated portion of the sheet of material may be removed from the crimping chamber, and a clean portion of the sheet of material may be loaded into the crimping chamber.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The crimping assembly includes at least two moving-element subassemblies, each with a pair of moving elements. The moving elements having a first side and a second side joining at a tip. The moving-element subassembly is able to move in such a way that the moving elements move relative to each other from a first position with the tips offset from each other by a first distance, to a second position with the tips offset from each other by a second distance different than the first distance. The assembly also includes a movement assembly that interfaces with each of the moving-element subassemblies. The movement assembly moves the pairs of moving elements between the first position and the second position.

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

Abstract: A swaging tool for swaging fittings and joining separate tubes together. The swaging tool includes a removable head assembly having a head member and a first spring clip adapted to retain a first die to a portion of the head member. The head assembly includes a die block and a second spring clip adapted to retain a second die to a portion of the die block. The swaging tool includes a power unit assembly having a base member adapted to receive the die block and head member of the head assembly. The power unit assembly includes a moveable piston adapted to engage the die block so as to move the second die towards the first die during a swaging operation.

Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly and a fluid source. The assembly comprises a plurality of contracting members that define a diameter reduction chamber for receiving a stent. When the chamber is in a pre-reduction configuration the stent has a first diameter and when the chamber is in a reduced configuration the stent has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter. The fluid source is in fluid communication with the chamber and is constructed and arranged to inject a fluid therein. The fluid forms a fluid bearing between the contracting members and the stent which prevents the contracting members from contacting the stent in the reduced diameter configuration.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow monoblock shaft from a pipe, the pipe initially having a constant diameter and a constant wall thickness, and the monoblock component including at least one area of its length being of a smaller outside diameter and a greater wall thickness than the constant diameter and constant wall thickness of the pipe. The process can be carried out simply and economically by the following process steps: selecting a pipe with a wall thickness which corresponds to the smallest wall thickness of the finished component, partial heating of at least one area of the pipe, axial upsetting the heated area of the pipe and radial forging the heated area of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of forming a radially expandable externally grooved tubular fastener from metal, comprising the steps of providing a suitable tubular blank (11) having a tubular wall (12) and squeezing the tubular wall between an internal member (17) with a surface which engages the internal tubular wall face (15) of the blank and a plurality of external members (18) provided with suitably shaped surfaces engaging the external tubular wall face (16) of the blank (11) thereby to form grooves (23) on the external tubular wall face (15) of the blank (11).

Abstract: The invention is a methods of connecting wire that is suitable to connect electrical devices implanted in a living body. The invention enables manipulation of a narrow wire and a crimping component that are on the order of a millimeter in size. The method utilizes a crimper having a slideably attached connector holder that moves relative to the crimper to position an open end of the crimp connector between the crimp die and the crimp anvil, and a slideably attached wire holder that allows the wire holder to be moved relative to the crimper to position a portion of the wire within the open end of the crimp connector. Small components are positioned with precision using a combination of the user's senses, not necessarily including vision. The method does not require stripping electrical insulation from the wires and is also useful for interconnection of miniaturized non-medical electrical devices.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises a rotatable sheath and a stent. The assembly is crimped or reduced in diameter prior to loading onto a catheter by one or more crimping apparatuses. One crimping apparatus comprises a blade having a stepped configuration. A mandrel may be used to support the assembly during crimping. The mandrel may have an expandable region. A protective sheath may be used to protect the stent during crimping and to redirect the crimping forces to desired locations about the assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a workpiece using an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first stage including a die fixture, a die actuator coupled to the die fixture, and a holding member configured to cooperate with the die fixture to hold the workpiece. The method includes holding the workpiece to the first stage die fixture using the first stage holding member, and conforming the workpiece to a first predetermined dimension using the first stage die fixture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an article may comprise a plurality of movable dies arranged to form a chamber whose size may be varied by moving the dies. Each of the dies may have a contacting surface for contacting the article to be shaped. The chamber may have a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section. Either portion may include a taper. The first portion may have a differently shaped cross-section than the second portion. The first portion may have a cross-section of greater area than the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

Abstract: A compound indenter for a wire connector pin, the pin having an axial length and an opening at an end thereof for receiving a wire having an exposed portion and an insulation covered portion, the opening being sized to receive both the exposed portion and a length of the insulation covered portion comprises a first indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the exposed portion of the wire inserted in the pin and a second indenter having a plurality of indenting elements for engaging the pin in an axial location overlaying the insulation covered portion of the wire inserted in the pin. The apparatus advances the indenting elements of each of the first and second indenters generally concurrently for compressing respective sections of the pin into engagement with the exposed wire portion and the insulation covered portions of the wire.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The crimping assembly includes at least two moving-element subassemblies, each with a pair of moving elements. The moving elements having a first side and a second side joining at a tip. The moving-element subassembly is able to move in such a way that the moving elements move relative to each other from a first position with the tips offset from each other by a first distance, to a second position with the tips offset from each other by a second distance different than the first distance. The assembly also includes a movement assembly that interfaces with each of the moving-element subassemblies. The movement assembly moves the pairs of moving elements between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the size of a medical device, the apparatus including at least one independently operable discrete section which can reduce the diameter of the medical device, the independently operable discrete section including a plurality of coupled movable blades arranged to form an aperture whose size may be varied, the blades movable so as to allow the aperture to be sized to contain a medical device and to alter the size of the aperture. The blades may be curved and/or overlapping. Each blade may be pivotally connected to a first member or mount and slidably engaged with a second member or collar. The size of the aperture may be adjusted by rotating the collar relative to the mount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a plurality of parts, such as spade-type boring bits, from a continuous stock material. Thus, the various steps of the forming method of the present invention can be performed to predetermined portions of the continuous stock material prior to separating the continuous stock material into discrete parts, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the forming process. The present invention also provides an improved forge for forming portions of the continuous stock material into parts having a predetermined shape. The forge can be designed to provide a clearance region proximate the forward end of the ram to permit slight flexing of the forward end of the ram in a radially outward direction during forging operations. The forge can also include a lubrication system for lubricating its various components. In addition, the forge can incrementally rotate the ram after one or more parts have been forged.

Abstract: A system for protecting a stent from contact during loading comprises a stent, a protective sleeve disposed about the stent and a loading tool. The inner diameter of the protective sleeve is greater than the outer diameter of the stent. The protective sleeve has a length longer than that of the stent. The portion of the sleeve extending beyond the length of the stent defines a sleeve extension. The loading tool is positioned about at the stent retaining sleeve of a catheter. The tip region of the loading tool separates the protective sleeve and the stent from one another when the protective sleeve is pulled over the tip region of the loading tool. When the protective sleeve is pulled over the tip region of the loading tool the stent is advanced into a lumen defined by the stent retaining sleeve of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for reducing the cross-sectional diameter of a radioactive californium-containing cermet wire while simultaneously improving the wire diameter to a more nearly circular cross section. A collet fixture is used to reduce the wire diameter by controlled pressurization pulses while simultaneously improving the wire cross-sectional diameter. The method is especially suitable for use in hot cells for the production of optimized cermet brachytherapy sources that contain large amounts of radioactive californium-252.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an inward force to a medical device may include at least two independently operable sections. Each section may include a plurality of movable blades arranged to form an aperture or chamber whose size may be varied. Each blade may be pivotally connected to a mount and slidably engaged with a constraining member. The blades are movable so as to allow the aperture to be sized to contain the medical device and to alter the size of the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step method for crimping a contact (1) comprising a sleeve (7), the sleeve being provided with a cylindrical portion (14) and a truncated portion (18), about one end (2) of a cable (3) inserted in this sleeve. In the first step, the cylindrical portion is crimped around bared strands (10) of the cable by means of a first jaw (12). In a second step, while the crimping pressure exerted during the first step is maintained, a second jaw (13) is shifted axially along the sleeve so as to apply stress to outer walls of the tapering portion along the bared strands of the cable and also along a sheath (11) of the cable.

Abstract: A swaging machine is configured to substantially uniformly reduce the diameter of a tubular attachment, such as a marker band, to result in a smooth and repeatable finished part. The swaging machine comprises a feed system, an impact system, and a rotation system. A split die having a compound die cavity is provided for use in conjunction with the swaging machine to receive an impact force from the impact system and, in turn, apply a swaging force to the marker band. The rotation system rotates the impact system, including the die, about the axis of the marker band to apply swaging forces about the circumference of the marker band, while the feed system feeds the marker band through the die thereby applying swaging forces along the length of the marker band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing tool (8) provided with three or four press mandrels (12, 15) which move towards each other during the pressing process. The press mandrels (12–15) have a roof-shaped transversal profile. The lateral distance (36) between the press mandrels (12–15) is increasingly reduced during the pressing process. An extending element (37) is arranged between two press mandrels, extending from one press mandrel to another press mandrel and being inserted into the other press mandrel during the pressing process. The aim of the invention is to improve said pressing device and to improve pressing. In order to block the above-mentioned distance (36), the extending element (37) is disposed in such a way that both roof edges (38) of the corresponding press mandrels cut across said extending element (37) in an initial position.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating 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. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, 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. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.

Abstract: A swager for swaging marker bands to a medical catheter, comprises an article input mechanism, the article input mechanism having a first input roller assembly for receiving and conveying an article, a first sensor for detecting a predetermined aspect of the article, a second input roller assembly for receiving and conveying the article, a positioning roller assembly for precisely aligning the article with respect to the swaging head, and a second sensor all constructed and arranged in a streamwise orientation. The swager also has a radial compression swaging head with a central swaging aperture, the swaging head being aligned and communicatively coupled with the input mechanism to receive an input article from the article input mechanism and to swage the article, the swaging head being rotatable and including (i.) a unitary die plate including a plurality of die segments movably coupled to each other to provide a radial compressive force to the article disposed in the central swaging aperture; and (ii.

Abstract: A hand actuatable apparatus and method for crimping a stent or processing other articles by segmental radial compression. The apparatus includes a stationary base housing; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the base housing; a crimping head communicatively coupled to the base housing and to the drive hub; and an actuator handle connected to the base housing and to the drive hub. The crimping head includes a plurality of segments oriented about a center aperture which receives a stent or article to be compressed. 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 and defining the center aperture. Actuation of the handle rotates the drive hub, which causes the segments to move and pivot, resulting in closure of the center aperture and compression of the stent or other article.

Abstract: Assemblies are disclosed for articulating a crimp ring for crimping a fitting relative to an actuator for actuating the crimp ring. The crimp ring includes segments for engaging the fitting, and the actuator includes arms for actuating the segments. Embodiments disclosed include articulating assemblies coupling between the actuator arms and crimp ring segments having multiple axes of articulation. Additional embodiments disclosed include articulating assemblies that are insertable between the arms and segments, articulating assemblies having fixed angled arms of the actuator, articulating assemblies using ball and sockets between the arms and segments, and articulating assemblies used in an intermediate position between the arms and segments.

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

Abstract: A method of thermomechanically forming an aluminide part of a workpiece resistively heats at least a portion of the aluminide part, plastically deforms the heated portion of the aluminide part to a predetermined shape by applying pressure to the aluminide part positioned in a shaping member, and cools the aluminide part while applying pressure to maintain the aluminide part in the predetermined shape. The shaping member is movably mounted on a support base and a source of electricity provides an electrical current passing through the aluminide part for resistive heating of the part. The aluminide part can be a heater blade array for an electrically heated cigarette smoking system.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a swaging press including a piston member co-operable with a plurality of die shoes to drive the die shoes inwardly upon axial movement of the piston member during a swaging operation, the piston member having a frusto-conical recessed region divided into a plurality of circumferentially disposed bearing surface zone of a defined axial length, each of the bearing surface zones having an inner axial end with a numerical radius of curvature less than or equal to the radius of curvature of a circular line forming the lateral edges of each of the bearing surface zones at the inner axial end whereby at least 50% of the outer bearing surface of each said die shoe remains in bearing engagement with the adjacent said bearing surface zone over the axial movement of the piston member during a swaging operation.

Abstract: A swaging system includes a swaging assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The swaging assembly includes a movable tool, the movable tool operate to exert force on a die. The die is configured to reduce a dimension of a work piece responsive to the exerted force, the dimension reduction having a relationship to a stroke of the movable tool. The sensor is operable to obtain information including a measurement of the reduced dimension of the work piece. The sensor is operable to generate a measurement signal representative of the obtained information. The controller is operably coupled to receive the measurement signal from the sensor, and is operable to cause adjustment the stroke of the movable tool responsive to the measurement signal.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The device includes a first disk and a second disk for imparting movement to a number of spaced apart moving elements attached to linear sliders on the first disk. In one configuration, rotational movement is imparted to the second disk which causes the tips of the moving elements to move is a linear direction toward the center of the opening formed by the elements thereby closing in on the device. In another configuration, rotational movement is imparted to the first disk and the tips move along an arcuate path from the perimeter of the opening toward the center of the opening.

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

Abstract: A crimping pliers has a movable plier leg coupled to a fixed plier leg and a curved body in a head part of the pliers. Movable crimping punches are located in a pivoting plunger which is enclosed in the curved body. An adjusting and setting device having a threaded bush, a threaded spindle, a setting wheel, a fine scale and a rough scale is located on the fixed plier leg. The adjusting and setting device pivots the curved body allowing precise adjustment of the crimping punches via control cams in the curved body.

Abstract: A device for assembly by crimping a connecting part of means to be assembled, characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: A stent crimper comprising a plurality of crimping members extending between a first support and a second support. The first and optionally the second supports has an opening therethrough sized to allow a stent therethrough. The first and second supports extend from a base. The crimping members are disposed about the circumference of a circle everywhere along the length of the members. Finally, the flexible members extend through a bore in a die. The die is movable in an axial direction along the flexible members.

Abstract: A method for producing, by forming techniques, an undercut profile in the outer circumferential face of cylinder liners to be cast in place in a crankcase, characterized by the introduction of a bracing inner core into the cavity of a cylinder liner, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a first forming die equipped on its working faces with a serrated profile, the pressing of the first forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner, thus producing a complementary profile in the outer circumferential face, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a second forming die equipped on its working faces with a smooth surface, and the pressing of the second forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner equipped with the complementary profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing tool (8) provided with three or four press mandrels (12, 15) which move towards each other during the pressing process. The press mandrels (12-15) have a roof-shaped transversal profile. The lateral distance (36) between the press mandrels (12-15) is increasingly reduced during the pressing process. An extending element (37) is arranged between two press mandrels, extending from one press mandrel to another press mandrel and being inserted into the other press mandrel during the pressing process. The aim of the invention is to improve said pressing device and to improve pressing. In order to block the above-mentioned distance (36), the extending element (37) is disposed in such a way that both roof edges (38) of the corresponding press mandrels cut across said extending element (37) in an initial position.