Abstract: This invention pertains to an elastic positioner apparatus on which is mounted, stretched and maintained, in an expanded open position, elastic bands as used in orthodontics. In particular, this apparatus is an elastic positioner which is easily manipulated and on which the expanded elastic bands may be manipulated to maintain arch wires in position on retaining clips mounted on teeth. In another application of use the apparatus may be used to mount elastic bands mounted on teeth so as to expand tooth spacing.

Abstract: An assembly tool for closed, self-locking retaining rings includes an extensible and retractable, tubular, centering sleeve for centering the ring on a ram recessed relative to the sleeve. The sleeve is carried by a housing in telescoping relationship with the ram. One end of the sleeve is fashioned with a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide slots bounded by circumferentially spaced rigid guide and centering fingers that are operable to center the ring by engagement with the ring body and to pilot the tool by engagement with the member to which the ring is to be assembled. Adjustable stops may control the position of the ring in an assembly in axial relationship to the parts of the assembly.

Abstract: Parallel action pliers for the manipulation of snap rings and the like. The jaws of the pliers carry a pair of parallel pins adapted to engage the snap ring, and the parallel relationship continues as the pins are moved away from or toward one another by actuation of the plier handles. The plier jaws are provided with two pairs of parallel bores in which the pins can be selectively mounted, and the pairs of bores are perpendicular to one another to enable the pliers to be either perpendicular or parallel to the plane of the snap ring being manipulated as available space may dictate.

Abstract: This invention provides a removal arrangement for a fastener element which includes spaced exterior portions of a first diameter with a frustoconical portion in between, the frustoconical portion tapering from the first portion to a shoulder that connects to the third portion. A resilient retainer ring fits within a groove in a grommet attachable to a workpiece and encircles the fastener element at the first and third surface portions, and is engageable with the shoulder for preventing separation of the fastener element from the retainer ring. In the removal of the fastener element, an expansible member is extended over the fastener to encircle it at the third surface portion, the expansible member presenting an exterior surface substantially that of the first diameter of the fastener, bridging between the first and second surface portions so that said fastener element can be withdrawn from the retainer ring.

Abstract: A tool for installing a retainer clip on a headed stud, the clip including an upstanding forward flange and a central upturned stud engaging portion, the tool having a pair of longitudinal pusher prongs that are vertically offset from each other and provided with undercut areas on the inner sides of each prong terminating at a forwardly sloping bevel wall section on each prong. The lateral spacing of the prongs and the undercut areas are preferably dimensioned to accommodate different size clips, with the bevel wall sections engaging the edges of the upturned central portion of the larger size clip to be installed by the tool. The forward extremities of the prongs engage the upstanding forward flange of the clip and the prongs are vertically offset slightly at their extremities to enable the clip to be frictionally retained on the prongs during the installation operation.

Abstract: Machine places substantially flat, open-throated elements on rods by passing open-throat portions of the elements past the rods transversely to the major axes thereof. Elements and rods are automatically moved from storage areas to assembly areas.