Abstract: Provided are a brazing furnace (1) and a brazing method in which brazing-joint quality can be easily stabilized in brazing with a reduced applied-amount of flux or in brazing without using flux. The brazing furnace (1) is configured to be used for brazing an object to be processed (100) composed of an aluminum material. The brazing furnace (1) includes a brazing chamber (2) equipped with heating apparatuses (21) that heat the object to be processed (100) to the brazing temperature, an inert gas supply apparatus (3) that supplies an inert gas in to the brazing chamber (2), and a dehumidifying apparatus (4) that is interposed between the inert gas supply apparatus (3) and the brazing chamber (2) and performs dehumidification of the inert gas.

Abstract: In a vapor-phase type heating method, an object is heated by a heated gas containing vapor in a heating furnace. The heat transfer fluid falling from a front surface of the object to a lower portion of the heating furnace is collected, after the vapor comes into contact with the object and cools to liquefy and latent heat of vaporization of the vapor is applied to the object through phase change. The heated gas obtained after heating the object is discharged from an inside of the heating furnace to the circulation route. In the circulation route, the heat transfer fluid is supplied as droplets to the discharged heated gas and is vaporized after heating, and the heated gas including the vapor is supplied to the heating furnace.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first member, a second member adjacent to the first member, and an aluminum material. At least one of the first member and the second member defines at least one trench. The aluminum material is disposed within the trench and bonds the first member to the second member along adjacent faces. In one form, a spacing between the first member and the second member along the adjacent faces is less than 5 ?m.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for performing a welding operation that is controlled in part by a welding sequence. An input component is provided that receives an input from an operator during a performance of a welding operation in which the input allows control of the welding operation or feedback from the welding operation. In an embodiment, the input component is incorporated or affixed to equipment of the operator. An Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag is further utilized to control use of a welding sequence based on wireless data communicated between the RFID tag and an RFID component.

Abstract: Welding system and method permit exchange of data with Smart Grid monitors and/or controllers. The welding systems include a welding power supply configured to convert power between the power grid and the welding power supply. A grid interface cooperates with control circuitry to transmit data to and/or from the grid monitors and/or controllers on the grid side. The control circuitry may control operation of the welding power supply based upon data from the grid. The system may include power generation devices (e.g., engine-drive generators) and energy storage devices (e.g., batteries), The control circuitry may control operation of such devices, the exchange of power between them, and the draw of power from the grid or the application of power to the grid based upon the data exchanged with the grid monitors and/or controllers.

Abstract: A wire feeding system includes a first feeder provided with a first feeding motor that feeds a wire in a wire feeding direction, a second feeder spaced apart from the first feeder in the wire feeding direction and provided with a second feeding motor that feeds the wire in the wire feeding direction, and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the first feeding motor based on a first speed command and controls the rotation speed of the second feeding motor based on a second speed command. The controller gradually changes the second speed command over time when an amount of change of the second speed command is not within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing Radio Frequency (RF) coil for multi-driven RF based-ve Ion source includes the steps of: (a) manufacturing a tube using stainless steel grade as a substrate material; (b) coating the tube; and (c) joining a plurality of coils produced by step (a) and step (b) by orbital TIG welding process.

Abstract: A method for joining joining elements to components, in particular for stud welding, comprises the steps of: providing a joining element having a first joining surface, and providing a component having a second joining surface; preparing the first or the second joining surface, wherein the preparation step includes detecting the state of the first or the second joining surface; joining the joining element to the component. The preparation step uses least one of the following detection methods: (i) an electrical contact resistance measurement, (ii) an electrical conductivity measurement, (iii) a fluorescence measurement, and (iv) a laser measurement.

Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system. The plasma cutting system includes a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a welding system that is configured to execute opposed, step, and parallel gap resistance spot welds (RSW) and associated methods. The system may be configured to switch bases to switch between an opposed weld configuration, a step weld configuration, and a parallel gap configuration. The system may include an accelerometer that is secured to the weld head adjacent one of the electrodes. The system may use the accelerometer to determine whether or not an RSW was defective. Acceleration data may indicate a defective weld when it includes acceleration data that is outside of a threshold range of acceptable acceleration data.

Abstract: Provided is a tip dresser blade comprising a body of M-2 steel hardened to a Rockwell C hardness in the range of 63 to 66, inclusive, by double tempering. The body may be ground to provide a specific first geometry, or a specific second geometry, or a specific third geometry, or a specific fourth geometry.

Abstract: A method of performing friction stir spot welding of a plurality of steel plates, includes the steps of: friction stirring a spot welding portion of the plurality of steel plates by pressing a tool against the spot welding portion while rotating the tool, to plasticize the spot welding portion by friction heat; cooling the spot welding portion to cause martensitic transformation to occur in the spot welding portion, after the step of friction stirring the spot welding portion; and tempering the spot welding portion by the friction heat by re-pressing the tool against the spot welding portion while rotating the tool, after the step of cooling the spot welding portion.

Abstract: A laser device includes: a light source that emits infrared light by switching the infrared light between pulsed light, at least a part of the pulsed light has an intensity greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and continuous light with an intensity less than the first threshold value; and a wavelength converter that receives the infrared light and wavelength-converts the infrared light with an intensity greater than or equal to the first threshold value into visible light.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising: controlling additive manufacturing using a plurality of parameters to melt a metal to provide an object, at least one parameter of the plurality of parameters having a value selected to cause porosity in at least a first portion of the object; and controlling hot pressing of the object.

Abstract: Method for additively manufacturing at least one three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of build material layers (3) applied in a build plane (BP) of an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by means of at least one energy beam (5), wherein at least one build material layer (3) which is to be selectively irradiated and consolidated by means of the energy beam (5) comprises at least one build material layer section (11) having a curved shape with respect to at least one extension direction of the build material layer (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing, including a process chamber for receiving on a build surface of a build plate a bath of powdered material which can be solidified, a support for positioning the build plate in relation to a surface level of the bath of material, a solidifying device for solidifying a selective part of the material; and a build plate preparation means for preparation of the build surface of the build plate such that the object can be build on the build surface of the build plate. Method of producing an object by means of additive manufacturing on a build surface of a build plate using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A laser operating machine for additive manufacture of objects, via a process of laser thermal treatment of metal powders, in particular via fusion, comprising a movement structure, which is mobile in a working space that comprises a working surface, said machine operating according to a first cartesian system of axes of movement and being configured for supporting a moving element comprising one or more nozzles for emitting jets of powder to be treated thermally onto a working substrate, and an optical laser assembly for conveying a laser beam to form a laser spot focused on said working substrate in order to carry out thermal treatment of said powders.

Abstract: A method for joining a metal material element to a plastic material element, in particular a composite material including a plastic matrix reinforced with fibers for use in the construction of motor-vehicle components. The method involves providing one or more slots in a portion of the plastic material element. For each slot, a corresponding tab is provided in the metal material element, having a shorter width and length than a width and length of the slot. The metal material and plastic material elements are arranged in a position of mutual coupling where each tab is inserted through the corresponding slot and has an end portion protruding beyond said portion of the plastic material element. A laser beam is directed above the protruding end portion, so as to locally melt the metal material of each tab and create an enlarged head on each tab that is welded above the plastic material element.

Abstract: Laser processing of hard dielectric materials may include cutting a part from a hard dielectric material using a continuous wave laser operating in a quasi-continuous wave (QCW) mode to emit consecutive laser light pulses in a wavelength range of about 1060 nm to 1070 nm. Cutting using a QCW laser may be performed with a lower duty cycle (e.g., between about 1% and 15%) and in an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen, argon or helium. Laser processing of hard dielectric materials may further include post-cut processing the cut edges of the part cut from the dielectric material, for example, by beveling and/or polishing the edges to reduce edge defects. The post-cut processing may be performed using a laser beam with different laser parameters than the beam used for cutting, for example, by using a shorter wavelength (e.g., 193 nm excimer laser) and/or a shorter pulse width (e.g., picosecond laser).

Abstract: A laser cutting apparatus and method, and a method of manufacturing a display panel by using a laser cutting method are provided. A laser cutting method includes: providing a panel in which a second substrate is stacked on a first substrate including a conductive wiring; and removing a portion of the second substrate to expose the conductive wiring by emitting a laser beam to the second substrate, and the laser beam is emitted to the second substrate at an incident angle equal to or greater than a threshold angle at which total reflection occurs in the second substrate.

Abstract: A double fibre laser cutting system for laser cutting sheet metal that comprises: a cutting machine with a mobile gantry and fixed metal sheets, multiple heads both for straight cutting and bevel cutting, multiple cutting sources in each head, automated means for changing the cutting source in each head, means for controlling all the elements, wherein the multiple cutting sources in each head is carried out by means of two fibres sent from corresponding generator outlets to each head. The simultaneous cutting of one or more metal sheets with different thicknesses is achieved and, consequently, maximum laser cutting capacity in useful length, and in useful width, the use of a single generator, and the automatic adjustment of cutting conditions in accordance with the thicknesses, straight and bevel cutting simultaneously in multiple heads.

Abstract: Semiconductor layers useable for minimizing or preventing the growth of metal whiskers, as well as devices and methods utilizing the same and kits for making the same, are described.

Abstract: A method of cavitation peening may include coupling a moveable water source to a portable nozzle, through a flexible conduit. The method may include positioning the nozzle adjacent a treatment surface and discharging a first and second stream of fluid through a first and second channel of the nozzle, with the second channel concentrically positioned around the first channel. The first stream may have a first pressure, and the second stream may have a second pressure, the first pressure being greater than the second pressure and the two streams combining to generate a cloud of cavitation bubbles.

Abstract: A supporting structure that supports a heat exchanger having a saddle is provided. The supporting structure includes a first supporting structure for supporting the saddle along one end thereof and a second supporting structure for supporting the saddle along another end thereof. The first supporting structure and the second supporting structure are situated spaced apart from each other by at least a distance enabling passage of a transporter for transporting the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

Abstract: A machining jig holds a workpiece with respect to a tool that partially removes an outer peripheral surface of the workpiece. The machining jig includes a first jig including an inner peripheral surface having a shape similar to a contour of the workpiece and an outer peripheral surface including a first inclined section inclined with respect to an axial direction of the workpiece; a second jig including an inner peripheral surface including a second inclined section configured to be fitted to the first inclined section; a base to which the second jig is coaxially fixed; and a sliding mechanism that enables a large-diameter portion of the first inclined section and a small-diameter portion of the second inclined section to move toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A universal jig is provided for clamping wind turbine blades. The jig has a rectangle-like shape forming a space for clamping a blade at the blade root or the blade body. The jig comprises a set of vertically-moving parts; a set of horizontally-moving parts; a plurality of adjusted pads; and a plurality of positioning parts. The vertically-moving parts comprise two upper connecting posts and two lower connecting posts sheathed with each other separately to form two length sides of the jig. The horizontally-moving parts comprise two left connecting posts and two right connecting posts. The adjusted pads are locked on the left and the right connecting posts. The positioning parts are locked at the upper and the lower connecting posts of the length sides of the jig and are locked at the left and the right connecting posts of the width sides of the jig.

Abstract: A dust collector for an electric power tool includes a main body case, a dust box, a sliding portion, and a dust collecting route. The main body case includes an exhaust port, the main body case being configured to be installed on an electric power tool. The dust box internally includes a filter. The sliding portion is disposed on the main body case. The sliding portion has a front end on which a nozzle with a suction opening is disposed. The sliding portion is slidable in a front-rear direction. The dust collecting route is from the suction opening to the exhaust port passing through the filter. The main body case includes a guiding portion through which the sliding portion passes, and the guiding portion allows the sliding portion to project rearward when the sliding portion slides.

Abstract: An automatic tool changer includes a cover that partitions a machining area and a non-machining area, and an opening/closing member that opens/closes an opening of the cover by turning in synchronization with rotation of a tool changer magazine. The opening/closing member includes a plate section partitions the machining area and the non-machining area at a position of the opening of the cover. In a case where the tool changer magazine performs tool replacement with respect to a tool storage magazine, the plate section closes the opening of the cover by taking a horizontal posture. In a case where the tool changer magazine performs tool replacement with respect to a main spindle, the plate section opens the opening of the cover by changing its posture from the horizontal posture to an inclined posture or a vertical posture.

Abstract: A thermal system may comprise a reservoir, a first fluid flowpath, and a second fluid flowpath. The first fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The first fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of the fluid flow, a first side of a sub-cooler, a liquid pump, a first side of a pre-heater, and a first side of an evaporator. The second fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The second fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of a fluid flow, a pressure regulator, a vapor compressor, a first side of a condenser, and an expansion value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an electric tool (e.g., a power tool) that includes an output driver for receiving an accessory, and an accessory-type detector. A motor of the electric tool is coupled to the output driver for driving the accessory. The power tool also includes an operation trigger for activating the motor and a motor controller. The motor controller includes an electronic processor that is coupled to the accessory-type detector, the motor, the operation trigger, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that when executed by the electronic processor cause the motor controller to detect a characteristic of the accessory from output of the accessory-type detector. The motor controller determines an operational characteristic for the accessory based on the detected characteristic, and controls operation of the motor to drive the accessory according to the operational characteristic when the operation trigger is activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-degree-of-freedom error measurement system for rotary axes and the method thereof. By producing a first ray, a second ray, and a third ray, the multi-facet reflector and the axicon disposed on an axis average line can receive the first, the second, and the third rays, respectively, for producing a reflective ray, a refractive ray, a first emitted ray, and a second emitted ray. Thereby, errors of the axicon in a plurality of degrees of freedom caused by shift or vibration of the axis average line, such as the x-axis radial error, the y-axis radial error, the axial error, the x-axis tilt error, the tilt error for the y-axis, and the angular alignment error for rotation can be measured.

Abstract: Thin glass elements with improved edge strength are provided—from a sheet glass element that has two opposite parallel faces and an edge connecting the faces. The sheet glass element has a thickness of at most 700 ?m. At least a portion of the edge is defined by an edge surface portion that is convexly curved, so that at least one of the faces merges into the edge surface portion, wherein a curved arc of the edge surface portion has a length that is at least 1/30 of the thickness of the sheet glass element. In the region of the convex curvature, the edge surface portion has indentations in the form of furrows.

Abstract: A masking tool system includes a first masking body and a second masking body. The first masking body includes a bore passing through a portion of the first masking body and a first sealing element disposed on a first end of the first masking body. The second masking body includes a bore passing through the second masking body and a second sealing element disposed on a first end of the second masking body. The system may also include a rod configured to pass through the bores of the first and second masking bodies and to secure the first and second masking bodies to a metallic article placed therebetween. A diagonal length of the masking tool system induces a wobbling rotation during processing.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a holding table having a holding surface that holds a wafer, a polishing unit in which a polishing pad having an opening at the center of a polishing surface that polishes the wafer is mounted to a spindle and is rotated, a slurry supply unit that supplies slurry to the polishing surface of the polishing pad, and an air supply unit that shuts an upper end of a penetrating path penetrating through the axial center of rotation of the polishing pad and the spindle and supplies air into the penetrating path.

Abstract: A cleaning liquid supply device for supplying a cleaning device with cleaning liquid includes a chemical liquid inlet portion and a dilution water inlet portion, a first chemical liquid control unit fluidically connected to the chemical liquid inlet portion and the dilution water inlet portion, and a second chemical liquid control unit fluidically connected to the chemical liquid inlet portion and the dilution water inlet portion. The first chemical liquid control unit includes a first chemical-liquid-flow-rate control unit, a first dilution-water-flow-rate control unit, and a first mixing portion. The second chemical liquid control unit includes a second chemical-liquid-flow-rate control unit, a second dilution-water-flow-rate control unit, and a second mixing portion.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of polishing machinery, and particularly relates to a full-automatic polishing machine aiming at the valve core head of a snort valve. The full-automatic polishing machine comprises a base, and a material taking device, a fixture and a polishing device which are provided on the base, wherein the material taking device comprises mechanical arms, and a first driving mechanism for driving the mechanical arms to move in transverse and vertical directions; and the polishing device comprises a grinding wheel, a second driving mechanism for driving the grinding wheel to rotate, and a third driving mechanism for driving the grinding wheel to move in longitudinal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A method of shaping a cutting blade, includes a modified layer forming step of forming a plurality of modified layers at different heights within a dressing member by irradiating the dressing member with a laser beam having a wavelength transmissible through the dressing member from one surface of the dressing member a plurality of times while a focusing point of the laser beam is positioned within the dressing member, and a blade shaping step of shaping the cutting blade into a predetermined shape formed by the plurality of modified layers by cutting the dressing member by the cutting blade until the cutting blade reaches the modified layers after performing the modified layer forming step.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a porous polishing pad for use in a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process of semiconductors and a process for preparing the same. According to the embodiments, the size and distribution of the plurality of pores contained in the porous polishing pad can be adjusted in light of the volume thereof. Thus, the plurality of pores have an apparent volume-weighted average pore diameter in a specific range, thereby providing a porous polishing pad that is excellent in such physical properties as polishing rate and the like.

Abstract: A method for producing endless abrasive articles (100) comprises: —providing a mandrel coil (200), which comprises a first complete turn (BOA) formed of an endless mandrel belt (BO), —feeding the endless mandrel belt (BO) to an input end (INO) of the mandrel coil (200) and unwinding the mandrel belt (B0) from an output end (OUT0) of the mandrel coil (200) so as to move the surface of the first complete turn (BOA) of the mandrel coil (200), —forming a laminated sleeve (SLEEVE1) by feeding a first strip (S1) on the moving surface of the first complete turn (BOA) of the mandrel coil (200), and —forming an endless abrasive article (100) by cutting the laminated sleeve (SLEEVE1).

Abstract: A sanding block. The sanding block includes a first member and a second member forming a planar body. The first member and second member have opposing angled edges and are connected via a tongue and groove joint along the opposing angled edges. A continuous channel is disposed through the first and second members. A barrel nut is disposed and can revolve in the channel of the first member. A screw is rotatably disposed through an exterior edge of the second member, wherein a shaft of the screw passes through the channel and is threaded through the barrel nut. A user can rotate the screw which causes the planar body to expand and contract. As the planar body expands and contracts, the barrel nut revolves allowing the shaft of the screw to pivot. A belt of sand paper can be secured to the sanding block via expansion of the planar body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet clamp comprising a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm which are pivotally connected with each other via a connecting shaft so as to be opened and closed relative to each other, a ratchet assembly, a swing assembly and a control assembly provided between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm; the ratchet toothed assembly has a plurality of first ratchet teeth and a plurality of second ratchet teeth which are juxtaposed and are misaligned with each other; the swing assembly and the ratchet toothed assembly are moved away from or towards each other with the connecting shaft as the axial center of rotation; a latch member of the control assembly has at least a first pawl and at least a second pawl, a wrench member of the control assembly is used for toggling the latch member to be moved, the first pawls and the second pawls are respectively engaged with the corresponding first ratchet teeth and second ratchet teeth when the latch member is moved to

Abstract: A multi-stage tooling pin clamp capable of holding weld nuts of different sizes includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of longitudinal stages extending between the proximal and distal ends. A plunging pin within the housing and includes a plurality of tapered surfaces configured to radially displace at least one locking ball ring assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of longitudinal stages of the housing. An actuating mechanism is in communication with the plunging pin configured to move the plunging pin toward the distal end of the housing to displace the at least one locking ball ring assembly radially outward to hold the weld nut, and a restoring mechanism in communication with the plunging pin configured to move the plunging pin toward the proximal end of the housing to release the hold on the weld nut.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head in which a driving wheel and a pawl are received therein. The pawl includes teeth to be engaged with the driving wheel. A switch device includes a shank, a spring and a rod. The shank is rotatably received in a receiving hole in the head, and has a notch in which the spring and the rod are received. The rod is pushed by the spring and movably engaged with the recess in the rear side of the pawl. A protrusion is formed on the shank, and includes two shoulders formed on two ends thereof. The recess of the pawl includes contact ends. When the shank is pivoted, one of the two shoulders applies a force to the inner wall of the recess and one of the two contact ends to move the pawl to be engaged with the driving wheel.

Abstract: A screwing tool with an output shaft protruding in the direction of a rotation axis from a gear head having a free-run locking mechanism, which output shaft is rotatable in a stepwise manner in a rotation direction by a movement to and fro of a grip arm protruding from the gear head in radial direction, wherein the gear head, a portion of the output shaft adjoining the gear head, and the grip have an electrically insulating casing. In order to further develop such a screwing tool with regard to manufacture and advantageously with regard to use, the invention proposes that the casing has several parts and parts of the casing engage into one another at their sites adjoining one another in the manner of a labyrinth seal.

Abstract: A power tool is provided including a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a rectifier that receives an alternative current from a power supply and outputs a rectified signal supplied to a DC power bus, and an inverter circuit having motor switches connected electrically between the DC power bus and the motor. A control module controls a switching operation of the power switches to regulate supply power from the power supply to the motor. The control module controls the switching operation so as to, within a half cycle of the AC power supply voltage waveform, increase current draw from the power supply from a first threshold at or after a first zero-crossing of the half cycle up to a second threshold, and reduce current draw from the power supply from the second threshold up to a third threshold at or prior to a second zero-crossing of the half cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as a torque screwdriver and ratchet tools, with one or more light indicators disposed in a ring shape around the tool. The light indicators are adapted to indicate amounts of torque values and/or angle values as the tool is used to tighten or install a work piece. For example, the light indicators may flash at a first flashing rate, when about 40% of a target torque or angle value is applied; flash at a second flashing rate (greater or faster than the first flashing rate) when about 60% of the target torque or angle value is applied; and illuminate at a solid state when about 80% of the target torque or angle value is applied.

Abstract: A screwdriving end fitting for a screwdriving tool for tightening a self-breaking fastener, such as a self-breaking nut or screw, includes a screwdriving socket and a retention module. The self-breaking fastener includes a threaded portion linked to a screwdriving head via a breaking area. The screwdriving socket of the screwdriving end fitting is capable of cooperating with the self-breaking fastener in order to drive it in rotation, and the retention module retains a broken portion of the self-breaking fastener in the screwdriving socket after the fastener has broken. The retention module includes at least one retainer movable between a locked position in which the retainer inhibits the broken portion of the self-breaking fastener from exiting the screwdriving socket and an unlocked position in which the retainer allows this exit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope (such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torque sensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torque and angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and angle measurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakaway torque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure unique fasteners are tightened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for advancing a coupling along a length of pipe. The apparatus or tool is designed to sit on a segment of the pipe's outer circumference, adjacent to the coupling edge. The tool is repeatedly struck with a hammer or mallet and the force from each strike is transferred from the tool to the coupling, advancing that coupling along the pipe length until it is in the proper position. The tool geometry conforms to a portion of the pipe's exterior surface contour as well as the edge of the coupling, increasing the efficiency of the tool and minimizing damage to the fitting and pipes.