Abstract: Disclosed is a device for treating uterine bleeding, the device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal ends, with one or more lumens therethrough, a deployable sleeve at the distal end and/or an occlusive flange between the proximal and distal ends. The device is useful in a method of treating uterine bleeding comprising inserting the distal end of the device into a patient's uterus, deploying the sleeve, and/or deploying and locking the flange against the cervix, and introducing a treatment fluid through a lumen in the shaft. An example treatment fluid may be a sclerotherapeutic agent or a saline solution.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for constructing an airship quickly and cost-effectively are described. In one embodiments, an airship structure may have a plurality of mainframes, each comprising interconnected pyramid structures. One of the pyramid structures may include an apex joint, four base joints, first connectors, and second connectors. The apex joint and base joints may each have slots configured for receiving connectors. The apex joint may have four apex-to-base slots and each base joint may have a base-to-apex slot and two base-to-base slots. Each of the first connectors may connect the apex joint to one of the four base joints using one of the apex-to-base slots of the apex joint and the base-to-apex slot of that base joint. Each of the second connectors may connect two of the four base joints using one of the base-to-base slots of each of the two base joints connected by that second connector.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for constructing an airship quickly and cost-effectively are described. In one embodiments, an airship structure may have a plurality of mainframes, each comprising interconnected pyramid structures. One of the pyramid structures may include an apex joint, four base joints, first connectors, and second connectors. The apex joint and base joints may each have slots configured for receiving connectors. The apex joint may have four apex-to-base slots and each base joint may have a base-to-apex slot and two base-to-base slots. Each of the first connectors may connect the apex joint to one of the four base joints using one of the apex-to-base slots of the apex joint and the base-to-apex slot of that base joint. Each of the second connectors may connect two of the four base joints using one of the base-to-base slots of each of the two base joints connected by that second connector.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: An airship hull repair system. The system includes a drive subsystem configured to move the system across an airship hull, a damage detecting subsystem configured to detect damage to the airship hull, a hull repair subsystem configured to repair the detected damage to the airship hull, and a magnetic coupling. The drive subsystem, the damage detecting subsystem, and the hull repair subsystem are included in an interior piece of the system configured to move on an interior of the airship hull and an exterior piece of the system configured to move on an exterior of the airship hull. The magnetic coupling couples the interior piece and the exterior piece to move together.

Abstract: A furling system adapted for use with an air cushion landing system (ACLS) coupled to a hull of an airship is disclosed. The furling system includes a deployable cover having two lateral edges. The cover is configured to cover at least a first portion of the ACLS when the cover is deployed. The furling system also includes a fairing that has an inlet and is coupled to the hull of the airship. The furling system also includes a pair of cables each coupled to at least one point along respective lateral edges of the cover. The pair of cables is configured to selectably draw the cover into the fairing through the inlet when the pair of cables is activated in a first direction, thereby stowing the cover and exposing the ACLS.

Abstract: An airship hull repair system. The system includes a drive subsystem configured to move the system across an airship hull, a damage detecting subsystem configured to detect damage to the airship hull, a hull repair subsystem configured to repair the detected damage to the airship hull, and a magnetic coupling. The drive subsystem, the damage detecting subsystem, and the hull repair subsystem are included in an interior piece of the system configured to move on an interior of the airship hull and an exterior piece of the system configured to move on an exterior of the airship hull. The magnetic coupling couples the interior piece and the exterior piece to move together.

Abstract: A furling system adapted for use with an air cushion landing system (ACLS) coupled to a hull of an airship is disclosed. The furling system includes a deployable cover having two lateral edges. The cover is configured to cover at least a first portion of the ACLS when the cover is deployed. The furling system also includes a fairing that has an inlet and is coupled to the hull of the airship. The furling system also includes a pair of cables each coupled to at least one point along respective lateral edges of the cover. The pair of cables is configured to selectably draw the cover into the fairing through the inlet when the pair of cables is activated in a first direction, thereby stowing the cover and exposing the ACLS.

Abstract: A multi-tool having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools. The multi-tool can be used on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.

Abstract: A cartridge for a machine tool is provided. The cartridge has a main body, two punch-retention arms, and two die-retention arms. Preferably, the two punch-retention arms are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. Likewise, the two die-retention arms preferably are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. In some cases, the main body is formed of a first metal, and the punch-retention arms and die-retention arms are formed of metal(s) different than the first metal. In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a cartridge having a weight of less than 3 pounds.

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

Abstract: Press brake tool holders suitable for releasing and securing press brake tools. Provided in certain embodiments are a press brake tool holder and a press brake tool, in combination. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In some embodiments, the tool holder has a mechanism for tool seating, such as a mechanism adapted for moving a tool generally parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball-lock insert assembly adapted to be mounted axially in a mount opening formed in a holder plate having a desired thickness. The ball-lock insert assembly comprises an insert body having an axis and an elongated interior recess extending at an angle relative to this axis. The elongated interior recess is configured to house a resiliently-biased engagement member. The invention also provides retainer assemblies that include ball-lock assemblies, as well as methods of producing retainer assemblies, which methods include providing ball-lock assemblies.

Abstract: The invention provides press brake technology. In more detail, the invention involves a press brake tool holder having a thermally-responsive actuator. In certain embodiments, the actuator comprises a thermally-expandable polymer and/or a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A punch has a punch tip with a shank and a punch pad with an orifice for receiving the shank. The punch pad includes a hole positioned closely adjacent the orifice to define a thin wall between the hole and the orifice. The thin wall has a slot which extends through its thickness to define at least one, and preferably two, tabs. An insert, which may be a pin, is provided for insertion into the hole and deforming the tab into supportive, retaining contact with the shank of the punch tip within the orifice. The shank of the punch tip may be provided with a shoulder for abutting the inwardly deformed tab or tabs to restrain withdrawal of the punch tip from the punch pad during operation.