Abstract: Wave springs having multiple variable turns, methods of pre-loading components with said wave springs, and methods of manufacturing said wave springs are provided. The wave spring has a total height defined by a first end portion and a second opposite end portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion has active turns with waved or non-planar turns and non-active turns with planar or non-waved turns. The wave spring also has a first alignment disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein first alignment comprises at least two waved or non-planar turns being aligned with each other.

Abstract: Wave springs having multiple variable turns, methods of pre-loading components with said wave springs, and methods of manufacturing said wave springs are provided. The wave spring has a total height defined by a first end portion and a second opposite end portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion has active turns with waved or non-planar turns and non-active turns with planar or non-waved turns. The wave spring also has a first alignment disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein first alignment comprises at least two waved or non-planar turns being aligned with each other.

Abstract: A flat wire, gap-type, single turn wave spring made using a coiling manufacturing process. The portions of the spring adjacent the gap are made flat so that they can glide smoothly along a mating surface without causing damage to the surface.

Abstract: A flat wire, gap-type, single turn wave spring made using a coiling manufacturing process. The portions of the spring adjacent the gap are made flat so that they can glide smoothly along a mating surface without causing damage to the surface.

Abstract: A tool for releasing hose clamps. Also, methods for installing a hose to a device with the tool to release a clamp from an expanded state to a relaxed state. The tool has a curved end having an arcuate convex curved section with an arcuate surface having an uppermost point opposite to a bottom plane of the curved end wherein the curved end is capable of fitting juxtaposed to the outer surface of the hose when the clamp is released.

Abstract: A method of applying a self-tightening hose clamp including the steps of providing a self-tightening hose clamp having a flexible member with a substantially circular shape and disposed in a first plane. The flexible member being expandable from a first position defining a first opening to a second position defining a second opening, the second opening being larger than the first opening. The flexible member also having first and second spaced apart ends. The flexible member is expanded from the first position to the second position. A first tubular member is then received in the opening of the hose clamp and the hose clamp is translated in a first direction along the first tubular member. The tubular member having a hollow chamber extending therethrough. A second tubular member is placed within the hollow chamber of the first tubular member, and the hose clamp is translated along the first tubular member to a position overlapping the second tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a spring retaining ring into a groove of a workpiece includes a storage unit, a passageway, a groove locator and a pusher. The passageway delivers the ring from the storage unit to the groove and includes interior and exterior portions as well as orientation member for orientation of the ring during its motion through the interior of the passageway. The substantially flat, spring-type groove locator has one of its ends connected to the passageway and another free end adapted for engagement with the groove. The pusher is movable within the passageway for forcible delivery of the spring retaining ring to the groove. In the operation, the free end of the groove locator is positioned within the groove to guide movement of the ring prior to its entry into the groove, whereas the free end of the groove locator is forcibly removed from the groove upon the ring entering the same.