Abstract: A balloon guide is disclosed which includes a single lumen useful alternately for fluid communication through the distal tip or for inflation of a balloon when the distal end is closed. The guide includes a body formed from coiled wire having a proximal portion in which the coils are held together and a distal portion in which the coils are separable. The balloon is located about the separable coils. A restriction adjacent the distal tip of the guide body is closable by a plug mandril extending through the central lumen of the guide. With the distal tip open, fluid communication is available through the central lumen for pressure measurements, fluid infusion or the like. In an alternate condition, a plug is positioned to close off the distal opening of the guide and also to stretch the coiled wire to separate the coils in the region underlying the balloon, preventing fluid communication through the distal tip, but permitting inflation or deflation of the balloon through the separated wire coils.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for cold sizing a round workpiece (14) having round surfaces of cylindrical shapes that are coaxial about a central axis A of the workpiece and have different diameters. A support (54,55) rotatably mounts the workpiece (14) about its central axis A between a pair of die assemblies (24a, 24b) which are spaced from each other. Each die assembly (24a,24b) includes a plurality of dies (56,58,60,62) that are respectively aligned with the round surfaces (46,48,50,52) of the workpiece (14). Movement of the die assemblies in opposite directions as each other engages sizing surfaces (66,68,70,72) of the dies with the aligned round surfaces of the workpiece to pressure size the workpiece surfaces. In one embodiment of the sizing apparatus (12), the die assemblies (24a, 24b) have elongated shapes and are moved rectilinearly in a parallel relationship to each other to perform the sizing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a power transmission member from a thin-walled blank, the apparatus including a pair of dies (84) having opposed work surfaces, and a mandrel (50) positioned between the work surfaces of the dies (84) for receiving a blank (52) to be formed and rotated upon movement of the work surfaces of the dies in opposite directions during a forming operation. The mandrel (50) includes a work surface for cooperating with the work surface of the dies (84). Notch forming projections (70) on the work surfaces of the dies (84) cooperate with the work surfaces of the mandrel (50) for roll punching notches (72) through the blank (52) as the blank (52) is rotated between the moving dies (84).

Abstract: A power transmission member (42), as well as apparatus (10,110,210) and method for forming the power transmission member (42) from a thin-walled blank. The apparatus (10,110,210) comprises a pair of opposed toothed dies (26,30;112,114;138,140). A toothed mandrel (40) is rotatably supported between the dies and received within the sleeve portion (46), flatly engaging an annular end wall (44) of the member. The dies (26,30;112,114;138,140) and mandrel (40) have chamfered surfaces (68,70), respectively, for forming a chamfered flange (66) on the power transmission member (42) as the toothed surfaces of the dies are relatively moved during the splining operation. A loading notch (122) is formed intermediately along the toothed work surfaces of each die member (112,114;138,140) for receiving a blank to be splined when the notches (122) are vertically aligned with one another in a neutral or loading position on opposite sides of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming splines in a first portion (22) of a shaft (13) of a workpiece (12) and a thread in a second portion (24) of the shaft (13) which has a smaller cross sectional diameter than the first portion (22), the apparatus including supports (26,28) for rotatably supporting the shaft (13) about the longitudinal axis A thereof and a pair of forming assemblies (36,36',38,38') mounted for movement with the workpiece (12) therebetween. The apparatus (10) is characterized by the forming assemblies (36,36',38,38') including oppositely opposed dies for simultaneously forming the splines in the first portion (22) of the shaft (13) having the larger cross sectional diameter and threads in the second portion (24) having the smaller cross sectional diameter in a single pass of the dies over the shaft (13).

Abstract: A power transmission member (42), as well as apparatus (10,110,210) and method for forming the power transmission member (42) from a thin-walled blank. The apparatus (10,110,210) comprises a pair of opposed toothed dies (26,30;112,114;138,140). A toothed mandrel (40) is rotatably supported between the dies and received within the sleeve portion (46), flatly engaging an annular end wall (44) of the member. The dies (26,30;112,114;138,140) and mandrel (40) have chamfered surfaces (68,70), respectively, for forming a chamfered flange (66) on the power transmission member (42) as the toothed surfaces of the dies are relatively moved during the splining operation. A loading notch (122) is formed intermediately along the toothed work surface of each die member (112,114;138,140) for receiving a blank to be splined when the notches (122) are vertically aligned with one another in a neutral or loading position on opposite sides of the mandrel.

Abstract: A mandrel of the type for making a transmission member (42) from a thin-walled blank. A toothed mandrel (40) is rotatably supported between a pair of dies and received within a sleeve portion (46), flatly engaging an annular end wall (44) of the member. The dies (26, 30; 112, 114; 138, 140) and mandrel (40) have chamfered surfaces (68, 70), respectively, for forming a chamfered flange (66) on the power transmission member (42) as the toothed surfaces of the dies are relatively moved during the splining operation.

Abstract: A method for forming a power transmission member (42) from a thin-walled blank. The apparatus (10, 110, 210) comprises a pair of opposed toothed dies (26, 30; 112, 114; 138, 140). Initial opposed movement of dies (112, 114; 138, 140) from a loading position simultaneously engages opposing pairs of similar rough forming teeth (124, 126, 128) and mandrel teeth (48) with a sleeve portion (46) therebetween, rough forming splines therein. The dies (112, 114; 138, 140) are then moved in the reverse direction, simultaneously engaging opposed pairs of similar finishing teeth (130, 132) and the mandrel teeth (48) with the sleeve (46) therebetween to finish forming the splines (64) therein. Opposed rows of raised synchronizing teeth (142) respectively extend along the toothed work surfaces of the dies and mandrel and are spaced inwardly therefrom, meshing together to rotate the mandrel and coordinate the relative movement of the dies and mandrel during a splining operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus 1 for holding a tool of a machine 2 for pressure forming surface configurations on a rotary workpiece comprising an elongate support 3 (of L-shape) on which a tool 4 is mountable, first automatic 5 means for shifting the support 3 longitudinally for adjusting the position of the tool 4, and second automatic means 6 for securing the support 3 in a shifted position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and die assembly (26,30) for forming a splined power transmission member from a thin-walled blank. The apparatus (10) comprises a pair of die assemblies (26,30), each including a supporting frame (28), first (42) and second (44) die bodies independently mounted on the supporting frame (28) in end-to-end coaxial relationship with each other, with rough (46) and finish (48) spline-forming surfaces formed on the first (42) and second (44) die bodies, respectively. The pair of die assemblies (26,30) are supported with the spline-forming surfaces of the respective die bodies (42,44) in spaced, opposed, parallel relationship to each other. A power drive mechanism sequentially moves the pair of die assemblies (26,30) in opposed directions. The power drive means effectuates a rough spline-forming stroke and then returns the die assemblies (26,30) to the neutral position. Subsequently, there is a finish spline-forming stroke and then return to the neutral position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for peeling an object having a generally soft interior portion surrounded by a generally hard external surface, where the system is suitable for use by consumers or in areas with consumers. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus of the invention includes a knife means for removing the hard external surface from the object, leaving substantially the soft interior portion. The apparatus also includes a housing enclosing the knife means to protect consumers or an operator of the apparatus from the knife means. The housing has two openings, one for receiving the object and one for discharging the soft interior portion after the object has been peeled.For some objects to be peeled, such as pineapples, the hard external surface of the object has two end portions and an intermediate body portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for peeling an object having a generally soft interior portion surrounded by a generally hard external surface, where the system is suitable for use by consumers or in areas with consumers. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus of the invention includes a knife means for removing the hard external surface from the object, leaving substantially the soft interior portion. The apparatus also includes a housing enclosing the knife means to protect consumers or an operator of the apparatus from the knife means. The housing has two openings, one for receiving the object and one for discharging the soft interior portion after the object has been peeled.For some objects to be peeled, such as pineapples, the hard external surface of the object has two end portions and an intermediate body portion.

Abstract: A machine (10) disclosed incorporates spline rolling apparatus (12) having a pair of racks (30) of a construction that permits precise rolling of coarse pitch splines (45). Each rack (30) includes a toothed forming face (32) and a flat base surface (58) as well as a flat side support surface (60) that cooperatively provide accurate location of the rack during the spline rolling. Teeth (56) spaced along the toothed forming face have tapered ends such that a rotatably supported workpiece (14) which is moved axially between the racks (30) during reciprocal driving thereof is progressively formed with the coarse pitch splines (45) without excessively loading the teeth. Both straight and curved tapers are disclosed, preferably on both ends of each tooth, and the teeth are disclosed as being both perpendicular to the direction of the rack to roll straight splines as well as angularly with respect thereto to roll helical splines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (12) for cold sizing a round workpiece (14) having round surfaces of cylindrical shapes that are coaxial about a central axis A of the workpiece and have different diameters. A support (54,55) rotatably mounts the workpiece (14) about its central axis A between a pair of die assemblies (24a, 24b) which are spaced from each other. Each die assembly (24a,24b) includes a plurality of dies (56,58,60,62) that are respectively aligned with the round surfaces (46,48,50,52) of the workpiece (14). Movement of the die assemblies in opposite directions as each other engages sizing surfaces (66,68,70,72) of the dies with the aligned round surfaces of the workpiece to pressure size the workpiece surfaces. In one embodiment of the sizing apparatus (12), the die assemblies (24a, 24b) have elongated shapes and are moved rectilinearly in a parallel relationship to each other to perform the sizing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming splines in a first portion (22) of a shaft (13) of a workpiece (12) and a thread in a second portion (24) of the shaft (13) which has a smaller cross sectional diameter than the first portion (22), the apparatus including supports (26,28) for rotatably supporting the shaft (13) about the longitudinal axis A thereof and a pair of forming assemblies (36,36',38,38') mounted for movement with the workpiece (12) therebetween. The apparatus (10) is characterized by the forming assemblies (36,36',38,38') including oppositely opposed dies for simultaneously forming the splines in the first portion (22) of the shaft (13) having the larger cross sectional diameter and threads in the second portion (24) having the smaller cross sectional diameter in a single pass of the dies over the shaft (13).

Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming splines and an annular groove in a metal piece having a central portion and ends on each side thereof, the method including the steps of forming a substantially U-shaped annular recess (56) along the central portion of the workpiece which has a flat base and spaced sidewalls which are spaced apart to a greater distance than the side walls of the groove (82) to be formed, deforming the recess (56) to initially form a groove (82) therein, progressively and simultaneously forming splines in the ends of the workpiece and forming the groove (82) in the recess of the workpiece, and moving metal outwardly and upwardly from the recess as the groove (82) is formed to fill the remainder of the recess (56) and form the sidewalls of the groove (82).

Abstract: Apparatus for flanging and splining a thin-walled blank to make a splined and flanged power transmission member (42). A toothed mandrel (40) is rotatably supported between a pair of toothed dies (26,30; 112,114; 138,140). The dies and mandrel have chamfered surfaces (68,70) for forming a flange (66) on the thin-walled member as the toothed surfaces of the dies and mandrel are relatively moved during a spline forming operation.

Abstract: A machine (10) for forming grooves and splines in workpiece (32) including a mounting assembly (26,28,34,36) defining a support axis for rotatably supporting the workpiece (32) for rotary movement about the axis, and dies (38,40;90,92) including opposed spline forming toothed work surfaces (46) spaced on opposite sides of the support axis for forming splines therein when the work surfaces (46) are moved relative to one another. Each of the dies (38,40;90,92) include a body portion (68) having an elongated straight slot formed therein transverse to the toothed work surfaces (46). A groove forming element (48) removably mounted in the slot simultaneously deforms the workpiece to form a groove as the toothed work surfaces (46) form spline in the workpieces. The groove forming element (48) has a constant width when viewed in transverse cross section and has a portion secured in the slot and a groove forming edge extending from the slot. The edge has leading portion and a trailing portion.

Abstract: A dual lumen hemodialysis catheter. The catheter includes a tube having a circular external cross section which is rotatably received within a fitting. The fitting may be attached to the patient by sutures or the like and rotatably mounts the tube of the catheter. Stop means are provided on opposite sides of the fitting preventing the tube of the catheter from moving longitudinally relative to the fitting. The catheter may be rotated relative to the fitting in order to readjust the rotational position of the tube inside the patient's blood vessel without longitudinal movement of the tube. The catheter is cut off at its distal end perpendicularly to the length of the tube in order to define the mouth of one lumen. The tube is tapered from the cut off distal end to a point proximal of the distal end, said point being approximately 3 cm from the distal end. The taper of the tube defines at least a portion of the mouth of the second lumen.

Abstract: A rotary forming machine assembly including a lower base (12) and a pair of spindle housings (14) including front (16) and rear (18) walls. The housings (14) are movably mounted on the base (12) for movement toward and away from one another. A tool spindle (20) is rotatably mounted between the front (16) and rear (18) walls of each of the housings (14) for rotation about spaced axes (B) to form a workpiece therebetween. The invention includes a deflection control bar (26) extending between and interconnecting the front walls (16) of the spindle housings (14). The control bar (26) limits the distance apart the (B) axes of the tool spindles (20) may move at the front walls (16) in response to the forming of a workpiece (22) between the tool spindles. The control bar is adjustably supported on the front walls (16) for selective movement in a direction parallel to a plane intersecting the axes (B).