Abstract: An implantable artificial bronchus including a body having a proximal upper opening and a distal lower opening. The distal lower opening being in fluid communication with the proximal upper opening, and the body at least partially tapering along a length toward the distal lower opening. The body having a plurality of side openings configured to allow air to enter into and exit the implantable artificial bronchus through the body. A length of the body is greater than 4 times the size of a largest diameter of the body, and the diameter of the proximal upper opening is larger than a diameter of the distal lower opening.

Abstract: An implantable artificial bronchus including a body having a proximal upper opening and a distal lower opening. The distal lower opening being in fluid communication with the proximal upper opening, and the body at least partially tapering along a length toward the distal lower opening. The body having a plurality of side openings configured to allow air to enter into and exit the implantable artificial bronchus through the body. A length of the body is greater than 4 times the size of a largest diameter of the body, and the diameter of the proximal upper opening is larger than a diameter of the distal lower opening.

Abstract: An electrically conductive spring having first and second coils defining first and second electrical pathways for completing an electric circuit between two components which may move relative to each other. In one embodiment, the spring is a double start helical spring with first and second coils extending between respective, electrically insulated ends with the coils extending in alternating, spaced relation to each other.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlled setting of a coil spring, enabling a coil spring to be blocked in controlled manner with a selected compression length, in particular when compression with touching turns is unfavorable. According to the invention, the device comprises a first support configured to hold the first end of the spring and a second support configured to hold the second end of the spring, the first and second supports being configured to move relative to each other; the device further comprising at least one insertable rest configured to be inserted between certain turns of the spring during compression of the spring.

Abstract: In a processing device the wire-ends are fed circularly to the peripherally arranged processing units. A loop-layer grasps a leading wire-end and lays it in a wire-loop. The wire is then advanced by a belt apparatus, and a loop-guide picks up a loop-end and moves upward until the wire-loop has attained the desired dimension and transfers the loop-end of the wire-loop to a holding element of a rotary star, which, by means of the loop-guide, is displaceable along a linear axle, depending on the length of the wire-loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping a barrel spring made of a unitary ribbon of metallic glass that comprises calculating the theoretical shape to be given to said unitary ribbon of metallic glass so that each segment, once the spring is fitted in the barrel, is subjected to the maximum bending momentum, shaping said ribbon by imparting bends thereto characteristic of said free theoretical shape in order to take into account a potential reduction of the bends once the ribbon is released, relaxing the ribbon in order to set the shape thereof by heating the same, and cooling down said ribbon.

Abstract: A method for residual stress enhancement for a coil spring includes radially expanding at least a select axial portion of the coil spring to remove residual tensile stress from the spring inner diameter and induce residual compressive stress in the spring inner diameter. The spring is expanded by radial force on the inner diameter and/or by a helical unwinding force induced by rotating at least one end of the spring relative to the other end of the spring. A tool includes a spring expansion portion and, optionally, a diameter control portion. Cylindrical, conical and/or beehive springs are processed to enhance residual stress.

Abstract: Using a method for producing a spring from a spring wire, turns of a first spring part are produced, wherein said produced turns move in a first direction. Thereafter, turns of a second spring part are produced, wherein said produced turns move in a second direction which is different from, in particular opposite of, the first direction. Such a method can be used to produce a spring having a plurality of spring parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a spring compactor machine to compact springs, comprising: a force applied at an angle substantially between 35 degrees and 155 degrees to an at rest spring's restoring force axis with an equal and opposite restraining force applied substantially between 215 and 325 degrees to the spring's restoring force axis. Wherein when both the applied force and the restraining force substantially exceed the plastic limit of the spring, the spring is deformed and the restoring force of the spring no longer returns the spring to its original shape. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the forces are applied to the spring inside at least one compaction chamber. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, prior to compaction of the spring all non-metal material attached to the spring or a set of springs is removed.

Abstract: A spring fixture (1) is provided for quickly installing or uninstalling a coil spring (36) in or from an electrical connector (3). The fixture includes an operation member (11) having a generally cylindrical handle (12) at an end thereof and an action member (16) assembled on an opposite end of the operation member by a screw cap (18). The action member defines a recess (1620) thereby forming a semi-circular bottom wall (1622) and a semi-circular inner wall (1624). During installing or removing the spring, the spring is received in the recess and surrounded by the inner wall. A method of using the fixture to install and remove the spring is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method wherein a first end and a second end of a pre-tensioned spring are positioned against a first and second stop. A rotating body is first rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the first end engages once in a cam wheel during each rotation, the wheel having at least X+1 teeth and at least one cam that runs parallel with the teeth. The cam wheel thus rotates one tooth further with each rotation of the rotating body. The rotating body is subsequently subjected to pre-tensioning until the cam wheel and its cam lies against a third stop and the first end engages the cam wheel. The rotation is then continued in order to increase the torque.

Abstract: A method for testing and burning-in semiconductor components such as semiconductor dice on a semiconductor wafer, is provided. The method includes the step of providing all of the components on the wafer with resilient contact structures, such as metal pins having integral spring segments. The resilient contact structures are used to test the components to identify functional and non-functional components. Following this test, the resilient contact structures on the non-functional components are deformed, such that electrical communication with the non-functional components is prevented in a subsequent burn-in test. This permits the burn-in test to be performed using “shared resources” test equipment. A deformation apparatus for deforming the resilient contact structures includes a deformation block configured to compress, bend or shape the resilient contact structures on the non-functional dice.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cable erection technique using a plastically deformable coil comprising a metal wire formed in a spiral shape and synthetic resin coated on a surface of the metal wire, wherein said coil is inserted outside around a tensile line drawn between utility poles, the coil is elongated until its plastic deformation for forming a series of cable arrangement spaces inside the spiral, and a cable is extended, added or extracted through the cable arrangement space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method for setting a formed helical compression spring. At the out set, parameters are measured to determine a reaction force axis of a formed helical compression spring. Next, A target reaction force axis of the spring is compared with the reaction force axis determined by the measured parameters to provide an error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis. Then, a tilt angle of at least one of the compression plates tilted to an end plane of the spring is provided, in at least one direction on a plane including a coil axis of the spring, on the basis of the error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis. Then, at least one of the compression plates is actuated to pressurize the spring, with at least one of the compression plates tilted to the end plane of the spring by the tilt angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method for setting a formed helical compression spring. At the out set, parameters are measured to determine a reaction force axis of a formed helical compression spring. Next, A target reaction force axis of the spring is compared with the reaction force axis determined by the measured parameters to provide an error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis. Then, a tilt angle of at least one of the compression plates tilted to an end plane of the spring is provided, in at least one direction on a plane including a coil axis of the spring, on the basis of the error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis. Then, at least one of the compression plates is actuated to pressurize the spring, with at least one of the compression plates tilted to the end plane of the spring by the tilt angle.

Abstract: Methods for forming, shaping and heat treating stents for reinforcement of the lumen of peristaltic organs. The stent is formed by knitting preferably a nitinol wire into a pattern of overlapping loops selected such that from a relaxed state each row of loops may shift axially relative to and independently of the rows on either side. This local lengthening and shortening accommodates peristalsis of the organ without migrating within the organ.

Abstract: A torsion spring having a central coiled portion and a pair of resilient arms projecting from the coiled portion in different directions is incorporated in a workpiece so that the coiled portion is fitted on a support pin on the workpiece and the arms are engaged with first and second engagement portions on the workpiece. A center pin is inserted into the coiled portion of the torsion spring, and the coiled portion is held by attraction of an attracting portion provided around the center pin. A pair of forming pins are moved relative to the center pin in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center pin to abut against the respective arms of the torsion spring and deflect them.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for compressing a helically coiled stent by folding coils about a first plane and a second plane, each plane containing the longitudinal axis of the stent and the first plane being normal to the second plane, and maintaining separation between individual coils of the stent while folding. Apparatus for performing the compression includes a first pair of combs that engage the coils of the stent at diametrically opposed sides at points lying on a first plane that extends through the longitudinal axis of the stent. A second pair of combs engage the coils at diametrically opposed sides at points lying on a second plane that also extends through the stent longitudinal axis but is normal to the first plane. The first pair of combs are mounted on a track that permits them to be moved relative to the second pair of combs along the stent longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Various structures exist which require an element to be turned in a certain direction. The turning is accomplished by a programmable controlled winder which includes a motor driven tool in association with a computer for automatically stopping the rotation after a pre-set number of rotations have been made.

Abstract: A coiling machine employs an apparatus wherein a coil spring having tucked ends may be formed at the coil forming station. After the helical coil is formed, a slider member engages the next to the last formed loop of the coil and forces the loop over the trailing or last formed loop of the coil. The coil is then severed from the wire supply so as to form a coil spring having a tucked trailing end.

Abstract: A known kind of spring unit, for use in mattresses, seats and the like, is made as an assembly of spring bands which are disposed side by side and a plurality of helical wires (5,6) which extend transversely to the bands and are linked to them. Each spring band comprises a row of springs (1), and each pair of adjacent springs is integrally connected by a connector (2) which includes two spaced end portions (3), which are transverse to the band and are embraced by helical wires. Variations in manufacture lead to variations in the spacing between the end portions. The invention provides for the further bending of each connector (2), after initial formation of the spring band, to cause the end portions to take up a predetermined spacing. This is effected by reshaping corner portions of the connector between dies (31,42) so that the corner portions (8) are finally of more gentle curvature than they were (12) when initially formed.

Abstract: A garter-type axially resilient coil spring includes a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof with each coil having a trailing portion and leading portion. The disposition of the trailing portion is defined by a back angle between the trailing portion and a line normal to the centerline and the disposition of the leading portion is defined by a front angle between the leading portion and the normal line. Specific resilient performance, or load-deflection characteristics, of the spring is obtained by controlling the back angle. At selected back angles, the leading portion may be disposed at front angles beyond the range heretofore thought possible.

Abstract: A closely wound, coil type tension spring of one hand having an initial tension exceeding that obtainable by prior spring forming techniques is formed by reverse winding an open-wound compression spring of the opposite hand. Alternative methods and apparatus for forming the tension spring are disclosed.

Abstract: A U-shaped coil is place on the fixture of the present invention and is folded such that each arm of the U is made into a U. The folded coil is then placed upon the insulators of a tree or rack through further movement of the fixture.

Abstract: A coiled resistance element is connected to an insulator block by sequentially locating and holding the coil in place; camming the coil such that two adjacent coils are forced together and the coils on either side are forced away so as to form two gaps or openings; and, inserting the arms of an insulator block into the two gaps so as to force the two adjacent coils into the cross bar portion of a T-slot formed in the connector block. Upon removing the camming forces from the coil, the two adjacent coils will be separated and located in the cross bar portion of the T-slot to thereby secure the coil and insulator together.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the length of divisional spacings of a metal band comprises at least two workpiece conveying roller pairs spaced from one another in the direction of the workpiece length and arranged for holding and advancing the workpieces in the direction of workpiece length; a scanning device for determining the actual length of the workpieces during the conveyance thereof by the workpiece conveying devices; an evaluating device receiving, from the scanning device, signals representing the actual lengths of the workpieces; and a length correcting device receiving, from the evaluating device, signals representing correctional values and for varying the length of the workpieces at a location between the roller pairs as a function of the correctional values. A heat treatment device heats the running band to a temperature sufficient to maintain the band in a red-hot state at the length-correcting location.

Abstract: A closely wound, coil type tension spring of one hand having an initial tension exceeding that obtainable by prior spring forming techniques is formed by reverse winding an open-wound compression spring of the opposite hand. Alternative methods and apparatus for forming the tension spring are disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for connecting rows of coil springs together into a coil spring assembly. The machine initially picks up a row of coil springs by inserting a pick up finger into the barrel of each coil and moving the springs onto a support platen. While transporting the coils, the pick up fingers change the spacing of the coils. The springs are then compressed against the support platen to a desired height through use of a reciprocable compression bar. Thereafter, rotatable transfer fingers remove the springs from under the compression bar, and move them into clamping dies. Leading rotary transfer fingers on the transfer shaft first pull the row of springs out from under the compression bar, and trailing rotary fingers then push the springs into the downstream one of upper and lower clamping dies. The rows of clamping dies clamp together the upper and lower end loops of the leading and trailing rows of coil springs.

Abstract: A machine for connecting successive rows of coil springs together into a coil spring assembly. The machine, in preferred form, initially picks up a row of coil springs by inserting a pick up finger into the barrel of each coil and moving the springs onto a support platen. In the course of transporting the coils between pick up and the support platen, the pick up fingers change the spacing of the coils. The springs are then compressed against the support platen to a desired height through use of a reciprocable compression bar. Thereafter, and through use of rotatable transfer fingers on a transfer shaft, the springs are removed from under the compression bar, and are moved into clamping dies. Leading rotary transfer fingers on the transfer shaft first pull the row of springs out from under the compression bar, and trailing rotary fingers then push the springs into the downstream one of upper and lower clamping dies.

Abstract: A machine for compressing compression coil springs to length. A crank-operated plunger reciprocates within a chamber receiving springs to be compressed, and from a magazine springs are automatically fed into the compression chamber and released therefrom. Transfer of the springs from the magazine to the chamber and retaining and release of the springs relative to the chamber is controlled by cam operated plates.

Abstract: A method of hardening by plastic deformation surfaces of articles shaped as continuous helical coils and having essentially round cross-section by means of deforming elements wherein said deforming elements are arranged at the opposite sides of said article for forced rotation in engagement with the surface of the material of said article, while said article is rotated about its longitudinal centerline and subjected to ultrasonic oscillations. The deforming elements are rotated in opposite directions so as to form on the surface of said article a regular microrelief in the form of an intersecting mesh-like pattern. By changing the ratio between the angular rotational velocities of the deforming elements, a microrelief of desired geometry is attained.

Abstract: A tensioned helical wire for use as a displacement sensor. The sensor made of high strength piano wire is attached at its ends to two anchors which in turn are attached to or are a part of the object or objects to be tested. In the preferred embodiment the sensor has straight ends which are attached to two small anchor blocks. These blocks are then attached to the test object. The displacement range and sensitivity of the sensor can be controlled by the initial geometry selected. If an initial tension applied is small, the sensor has a very large response range that is about fifty times that of a straight wire sensor. If a large initial tension is applied, the helical shape approaches that of a straight sensor and has a displacement range only a few times that of a straight wire sensor. If the sensor has a large displacement range, the sensitivity is much less than that of a straight wire sensor and if the sensor has a small range the sensitivity is comparable to that of the straight wire sensor.

Abstract: A plurality of groups of mandrels are arranged for movement successively through a plurality of workstations with each group being worked on at a station while other groups are being worked on simultaneously at other stations to produce continuously automatically groups of retractile cords. Cordage is fed from a supply into clamping engagement with each of the mandrels in the group in a cord-loading position and then wound in a plurality of spaced-apart convolutions on each of the mandrels of that group after which the wound cords are severed from the cordage supplies. The wound cords are advanced incrementally through a heating zone, wherein the cords are exposed to radiant heating supplemented by preheating of the mandrels while cordage is being wound on the next successive groups of mandrels.

Abstract: A molded plastic fixture holds an end of a telephone wire cord wound on a mandrel to retain the cord in position during subsequent heat processing. The mandrel fits into a bore in the fixture and an angled arm extending from one side holds a band spacer and strain relief member at the end of the cord. An opposite side of the fixture includes a channel to receive cords with no strain relief member. A manually adjustable screw clamps the end of the mandrel within the bore of the fixture.