Abstract: A clip disk assembly according to the invention includes an adapter hub which attaches to the motor of an existing crimping machine and a plurality of clip disks, each being removably attachable to the adapter hub. Each clip disk is provided with a different sized peripheral notches to accommodate a different sized eyelet. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the adapter hub has four threaded peripheral studs and the clip disks have four corresponding holes. Four wing nuts are used to removably attach the clip disks to the adapter hub. Preferably, one stud has a larger boss than the others and one hole in the clip disks is correspondingly larger. The assembly permits changing of clip disks in about one minute.

Abstract: A crimping tool according to the invention includes a cylindrical C-5 carbide rod having a plurality of laser cut pyramid points on one end. An adapter sleeve is also provided for attaching the tool to an existing pneumatic press. The pyramid pattern on the end of the tool provides several unexpected benefits. First, the points engage the eyelet and prevent the tool from slipping off the eyelet during the crimping operation. Second, the crimps produced by the tool have a greater surface area than the conventional crimps, exerting more pressure on the wick core without shearing fibers. The pressure exerted on the wick is 25-35% greater than a conventional crimp. Further, the carbide material wears much slower than the conventional crimping tools. This assures a consistency in crimping over a long period of time. An exemplary embodiment of the crimping tool according to the invention is approximately 1.625 inches long and approximately 0.090 inches in diameter.

Abstract: A candle wick die plate includes an aluminum subframe with a split stainless steel die station. The die station has a lower member and a plurality of removable upper members. The die holes are aligned with their diameters collinear with the division between the upper members and the lower member. According to the presently preferred embodiment, each upper member is associated with a single die hole, half of which is defined by the upper member and the other half of which is defined by the lower member. Each upper member is preferably provided with an insulated handle and the lower member is preferably provided with a plurality of clamps for clamping the upper members in position. The upper and lower members are preferably provided with mating pins and holes for rapid alignment.