Abstract: Tensioning of a band clamp about an object under electrical control is provided using a control system operably connected to a banding system. The banding system includes a number of mechanical components involved with tightening, cutting and locking the band clamp, as well as removing a tail portion thereof. The control system is operably connected to the assemblies of the banding system to automatically control at least certain operations associated with performing the functions of the apparatus. The banding system includes: a band tightening assembly including a mandrel about which the tail portion can be wrapped during the band tightening operation; a band cutting/locking assembly including a removable cutting device used in forming the lock and severing the tail portion; and a band ejection assembly used in removing the severed tail portion from the apparatus.

Abstract: Tensioning of a band clamp about an object under electrical control is provided using a control system operably connected to a banding system. The banding system includes a number of mechanical components involved with tightening, cutting and locking the band clamp, as well as removing a tail portion thereof. The control system is operably connected to the assemblies of the banding system to automatically control at least certain operations associated with performing the functions of the apparatus. The banding system includes: a band tightening assembly including a mandrel about which the tail portion can be wrapped during the band tightening operation; a band cutting/locking assembly including a removable cutting device used in forming the lock and severing the tail portion; and a band ejection assembly used in removing the severed tail portion from the apparatus.

Abstract: The non-preformed clamping device of the present invention includes a buckle having an inclined shroud and a raised rear portion and a band having a pair of retention members for holding the buckle in position on the band. The buckle and band can further include matching markers to permit the user to properly orient the buckle on the band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a band clamp with an improved lock between the band and the buckle of the band clamp. The improved lock is of the type of lock where the band is passed through the buckle and then shaped to form a locking surface that engages the exterior of the buckle to prevent the band from being pulled back through the buckle. Characteristic of the improved lock is that the lateral cross-section of the locking surface is, in one embodiment substantially V-shaped. In other embodiments, the lateral cross-section is substantially U-shaped and substantially .OMEGA.-shaped. In a further embodiment, a banding tool is disclosed for use with a band and a buckle separate from the band, wherein the banding tool forms both a band lock on one band end and a retaining member on the opposite band end such that the retaining member inhibits the non-attached buckle from separating from the band during lock formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tightening band-type clamps in a desired tension is provided. The device includes operating handles for compact and one-handed operation. A pinching roller provides tensioning by means of a first handle. A second handle accomplishes bending or locking and cut-off without the necessity for rotating the tool as a whole. The tensioning handle folds tightly against or into the body when the desired tension is attained, providing a signal that the desired tension has been attained. The tool is foldable to a compact storage configuration and provides for reversal of a cutting device to provide a new cutting edge when the old cutting edge becomes worn.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided in the form of a one-piece cable tie. The cable tie includes a band section having a free end for positioning about an object to be constrained, such as an electrical cable, and a buckle section through which the free end of the band section is inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle section includes a first portion operatively connected to the band and terminating adjacent a slot. A second, raised portion of the buckle section is longitudinally or horizontally offset from the first portion. The second portion extends from a point adjacent the aforementioned slot to a free end. The width of the slot occupied by the band is greater when the band is loosely wrapped about the object constrained. The greater width of the slot when the band is loosely wrapped facilitates single or multiple wrappings of the object constrained.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is disclosed for constricting an object, such as hoses or the like. The clamping assembly includes a clamp unit and, preferably, a roll formed band. The clamp unit includes a pair of spaced, parallel shelves. A longitudinal gap is created between the two shelves for receiving portions of the band. An interior shelf of the two shelves includes locking teeth. The clamping assembly is characterized by a sidewise joining of the clamp unit and band portions. The clamping assembly also includes a worm screw for engaging other portions of the band.