Abstract: A method for measuring the torque of a balance spring, made, in particular, of micromachinable material. A gripper places the collet on an insertion guide on the vertex of a mock obelisk-shaped arbor for a first centring of the collet, this balance spring is allowed to slide under its own weight along the guide surmounting a frustoconical shank that completes the self-centring of the collet on the tool axis, and for holding this balance spring without stress on the shank, the mock arbor including a drive device cooperating with the inner contour of the collet for the relative driving in rotation thereof without slipping, a holding tool holds the outer coil of the balance spring, to measure the torque of the balance spring by rotating the main tool and/or the holding tool about the axis, without stressing the balance spring.

Abstract: An anti-obesity balloon and a placement system for the balloon includes a balloon with a needle-pierceable, self-sealing plug and an insertion catheter having a needle at its distal end. The needle is movable between an extended position in which it protrudes distally of the insertion catheter and a retracted position in which it is withdrawn interiorly of the insertion catheter. A handle arrangement is provided at the proximal end of the insertion catheter to control the position of the needle. Means are provided for aspirating and inflating the balloon. The balloon structure and insertion catheter structure protect and enclosed the sharp tip of the needle at all times during insertion and withdrawal of the insertion catheter. The insertion catheter is detachable from the balloon, after the balloon has been inflated in the patient's stomach, in a manner which imposes no force or load on the balloon.