Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tool, which includes a part receiving the tool, an actuated member and an engaging member to be brought into contact with the tool. The clamping device is further provided with a transmission placed between the actuated member and the engaging member. The actuated member can be pneumatically or electrically driven, and includes for instance a pneumatic jack, an electric motor or a piezoelectric element or an electromagnet. The actuated member can also be hydraulically driven. The transmission can include a wedge-shaped member or a lever. The clamping device can be self-braking.

Abstract: A tool to expand an end of a pipe includes a plurality of jaws movable between a closed and expanded position and rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a shuttle movable along the axis between a disengaged position and engaged position wherein the shuttle and the jaws are engaged and rotatable about the axis between a first and second orientation. A spindle moves between a first position in which the shuttle is in the first orientation and is disengaged from the jaws, a second position in which the shuttle is in the first orientation and is engaged with the jaws, and a third position in which the shuttle and jaws are rotated to the second orientation while the jaws are closed. Movement of the spindle to a fourth position moves the jaws to the expanded position and maintains the engagement of the shuttle and the jaws in the second orientation.

Abstract: Press tool assemblies involve separable holder and tip portions. Self-seating structure is incorporated in these assemblies, and can stem from one or both of the separable portions of the assemblies. In use, the self-seating structure facilitates proper positioning and seating of the separable portions in relation to each other, and in some cases, can be used in operatively coupling the portions together. Advantages relating to assembly and disassembly of the tool assemblies, as well as improved structural properties result as a consequence of using the self-seating structure.

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: An improved crimping mechanism and method well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for linear non-rotational movement toward a central axis. A rotational plate is formed with a plurality of spiral grooves or tracks for engaging the jaws. Rotational movement of the spiral tracks produces linear movement of the jaws. Nesting of the inner ends of the jaws permits each to be acted on along different radial lines while their inner faces move together evenly to reduce the crimping aperture in a smooth fashion. The crimping mechanism is particularly well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves, such as a prosthetic aortic valve, though it can also be applied to other stented heart valves, venous valves, and even stent grafts which tend to be fairly large.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming, such as a press tool comprising: a body having a receiving structure end for receiving into a receiving structure of a folding press, which end is connected via a central portion to a tool end, at least one safety member which can protrude beyond a surface plane of the receiving structure end, and an actuating member which is movable in a first direction and which is coupled to a safety member, comprising immobilizing means for making the actuating member inoperative.

Abstract: A press brake die holder for holding a press brake die having an upper, work-contacting portion and a lower, elongated tang. The die holder has an elongated body with a channel bounded by confronting walls, the channel being configured to receive the tang of the press brake die.

Abstract: The invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key. In some embodiments, the tool includes a lock that can positively lock the safety key in an extended position. Different lock assemblies of this nature are provided. Also provided is a combination including a press brake tool and a tool holder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key with an engagement portion having a tapered leading region (adapted to facilitate mounting the tool in a recess of a tool holder) and a tapered trailing region (adapted to facilitate dismounting the tool from the recess of the tool holder). Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for holding press brake tools for punching and/or otherwise deforming workpieces, such as sheet metal. Provided in some embodiments is a press brake tool holder. Some embodiments provide the tool holder in combination with a press brake tool. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In certain embodiments, the tool holder has a tool-seating mechanism adapted for moving a tool parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming, such as a press tool comprising: a body having a receiving structure end for receiving into a receiving structure of a folding press, which end is connected via a central portion to a tool end, at least one safety member which can protrude beyond a surface plane of the receiving structure end, and an actuating member which is movable in a first direction and which is coupled to a safety member, comprising immobilizing means for making the actuating member inoperative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fixing a bending tool (34), said tool comprising a retaining groove (38). The system comprises a clamping body (12) able to collaborate with one of the fixing surfaces of the tool and a tool clamp (20) mounted to pivot, said clamp being able to adopt a first tool clamping position and a second position for mounting/dementing the tool, and a tool retaining member comprising a plurality of elastically deformable blades (58), each blade comprising a first end (58a) secured to the clamping body, a running part (58b), a second end (58c) comprising at least a first angled part (64) angled toward to the tool with respect to the running part and a second angled part (66) angled in the opposite direction so that said angled parts, when said blade is at rest, are held elastically in the groove of the tool.

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for releasing and securing press brake tools are provided. Provided in certain embodiments are a press brake tool holder and press brake tool, in combination. Methods of using press brake tool holders as well as press brake tool holders and press brake tools are also provided.

Abstract: A press brake tool and tool holder. The tool is provided having a body that terminates downwardly in a work piece engaging surface and that includes a tang extending upwardly from the body for reception in a tool holder. The tang has a first wall defining a vertical surface for engagement with a cooperating vertical surface of a tool holder, and a second wall on the reverse side of the tang that defines an arcuate, concave surface engagable with a clamp of the tool holder. The concave surface includes an upper contact surface tangent to a plane that is downwardly convergent with respect to the vertical surface such that a force delivered to the contact surface includes an upward component tending to lift the tang into the tool holder. The upper contact surface may be formed on a first radius about a horizontal axis and is tangent to a first plane that is downwardly convergent with respect to said vertical surface.

Abstract: Safety tool for supporting and holding an interchangeable utensil, which includes a holding clip, hinged to the utensil support body joined to the beam, the said clip being pushed on one side, while on the other side there are teeth facing the utensil support body, and of which a tooth is used for holding a safety hook and a lower tooth presses against the outer side of a spring for lifting the hook. The safety hook, being positioned between the holding clip and the utensil support body, has a seat on one side, along which the said first tooth of the holding clip is inserted, while on the other side, there is a hooking terminal with a leading plane, that is inserted inside a groove, preferably of the type for utensils with a standard shank.

Abstract: A tool holder apparatus for a press brake is provided. The apparatus comprises a support plate having a first receiving surface. A pivotable clamp has an engagement portion that is moveable toward the first receiving surface of the support plate by pivoting the clamp. The engagement portion has therein formed a bore in which a lifting shaft is rotatably received. The engagement portion defines an opening communicating with the bore. The shaft has therein formed a notch that is adapted to be engaged through the opening by an exterior corner of a forming tool.

Abstract: A kit of parts for auto body dent repair includes a plurality of tool bodies (11) and a plurality of tips (80). Each tool body includes a rearward shaft (20) and handle (60). The rearward shafts of the various tool bodies include both those with compound (bent) shafts and simple (straight) shafts. The lengths of the tool bodies varies to fit different needs. Each tool body also includes a forward shaft (40), which is adjustably attached to a forward end of the rearward shaft. The appropriate tip may be installed on the forward end of the forward shaft of the appropriate tool body. As an alternative to the tips (80) and forward shafts (40), an integral dent repair tip (50) provides the functionality of a both in a single unit. In use, the appropriate tip (80), or integral dent repair tip (50), for the job may be installed on the appropriate tool body. The overall tool is then used to remove the dent from an auto body panel by applying force correctly to the inside surface of the body panel.

Abstract: A modular tool support element in sheet metal bending brakes which includes an intermediary member fixed to the respective toolplate and having a lower channel for receiving the tool shank provided with a groove along its entire length, support elements for supporting the shank in the channel while leaving it free to slide along the channel, and a clamping element for clamping the shank in the channel, wherein the modular element includes at least one lower channel which has a lateral wall which is a movable jaw rotatable about a fixed shaft rigid with the body of the intermediary member, there being provided a device for causing the jaw to rotate in the tool clamping direction, and movable abutments disposed on said jaw which are able to be positioned in front of or moved away from said rotation-causing device.