Abstract: A tubular metal member undergoes expansion transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member. An axial compressive load is applied to the member parallel to the member's longitudinal axis, and the member is allowed to deform transversely to said axis. Procedures are employed to control the deformation of the member, to prevent the member from buckling, and to ensure that the ends of the member will be expanded uniformly with the remainder of the member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a length of flexible tubing so it can be placed over a cylindrically shaped member which has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the tubing. This is accomplished by first expanding the flexible tubing mechanically with a flexible cage and mandrel to the desired inside diameter and then freezing it at this expanded size by spraying it with a cooling media such as liquid nitrogen. The frozen expanded tube can then be easily placed over the cylindrically shaped member so that when the expanded tubing warms and returns to its original configuration, it will generate a tight pressure bond to the inserted member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paint roller cover stripper for stripping off a paint holding cover from the spindle of a paint roller. There is provided a stripping head in the form of a frustoconical section of a hollow cone with the base portion having a diameter at least about that of the roller cover to be removed, and a top portion having a diameter such that it will pass over the spindle of the roller but not over the roller cover. In one form, the stripping head is pushed down onto the roller cover by a hand-operated lever arranged to give a mechanical advantage. The lever can be a link or toggle mechanism or a pawl and ratchet mechanism. In these forms of the invention, a handle-engaging cup is used to engage the laterally or normally extending portion of the handle of the roller so that the spindle is held against movement when the cover is being stripped therefrom.

Abstract: A body having parallel, flat ends and a through bore of a conical configuration is placed with the small end of the conical bore against and in alignment with a socket. The bushing, having an elastomer on its exterior, is placed with its end in the upper end of the body bore. A bolt head abuts the end of the bushing. The bolt passes through the bushing, the body and the socket. When a nut threaded on the bolt is turned, the bushing is pulled through the body and is subjected to tension and elongation. This reduces the diameter of the elastomeric part of the bushing to fit into the socket. The parts effecting the tensioning are then removed from the socket and bushing. The bushed socket can be placed into service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a split fitting on an intermediate point of a pipeline. The apparatus includes remotely-controlled, power-operated manipulator elements operable to close segments of the fitting about the pipeline in the manner of a clamshell. The manipulator elements include cam means to initially close the fitting segments and C-clamp means to effect full closure of the fitting segments.

Abstract: A tool apparatus for altering the geometric configuration of bar stock feeding equipment and for particularly opening the constraining end of the bar stock feeding conduit member for the purpose of removing, in a facilitated manner, the bar stock feed pads located within the conduit. A single integrated tool permits one individual, through either one or two hands, to position adjustable handle elements and prompting elements about and in the conduit member and to simultaneously enlarge prompting apertures in the conduit member about the conduit member's alteration slots. The handle elements may be spring loaded so as to automatically extend while it is prompted into position about the cylindrical periphery of the conduit member so as to further permit automatic snapping into place of the prompting elements within the respective prompting apertures.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner within an underground pipe from a surface above the pipe wherein an excavation provides access to the pipe comprising installing a liner installation tool on an end portion of the liner to induce a distal curve in the liner, lowering the installation tool and liner into the excavation to induce a proximal curve in the liner and advancing the liner through the installation tool and into the underground pipe.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a method of and apparatus for mechanically stripping linear material such as strands or groups of glass filaments or fibers from plastic forming tubes wherein the packages are defective, incomplete, or "break-out" packages. A defective, incomplete or "break-out" package is disposed at a stripping station at which a tube deforming or collapsing member is engaged with a forming tube package to collapse the package so that the strand on the collapsed forming tube is loose or is a loose hank. The collapsed or deformed forming tube is withdrawn from the stripping station and a stripper member is engaged with the loose strand or hank of strand which is stripped from the forming tube as the forming tube is moved away from the stripping station.

Abstract: Interior by-pass for underground gas service line is installed from building basement without need for excavation, and has a tightenable adapter attached on each end of the by-pass tubing to connect and seal the tubing to the interior periphery of the service line. Each adapter provides a pair of spaced-apart expanded sealing gaskets between the tubing and the service line, and a gas-leakage passage extending from the interior of the tubular adapter to the exterior spacing between the adapter gasket pair. Temporary gas-tight plugs are provided at respective locations between each leakage passage and the adjacent end of the by-pass tubing, and compressed natural gas test-pressure is applied within the tubing. Via both of the referred to leakage passages, the test pressure is exerted against all of the gasket seals to confirm gas-tightness thereof.

Abstract: A heavy and elongate recumbent load, such as a missile, is floatingly supported by two pairs of hydraulic pistons engaging it forwardly and rearwardly of its center of gravity, the pistons of each pair being oppositely inclined at 45.degree. to the horizontal. Each piston is part of a single-acting jack whose cylinder has its bottom end connected via a pair of antiparallel check valves to a source of hydraulic fluid, such as a pump in parallel with an accumulator, whose pressure substantially balances the component of the load bearing upon the respective piston. Each check valve has a bising spring so adjusted that it allows the valve to open in response to a manual force applied to the load near the point of attack of the associated piston whereby the load can be reoriented by hand, e.g. for alignment with a launching tube into which a missile is to be inserted with the aid of a carriage equipped with the four hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is disclosed for inserting a plurality of PVC liner tubes in a concrete duct. The liner tubes subsequently receive fibre optic cables which can be inserted into each PVC duct at any time after they are installed. The invention provides a liner to encase and separate each fibre optic cable from one another inside the concrete duct. Apparatus is also disclosed for pulling power cable through such ductwork.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipeline without having to excavate the pipe is enabled by attaching an expandable sealing unit to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing and feeding it through the pipeline. The flexible tubing is fed through the existing pipeline from a point beyond where the existing pipeline exits the earth, usually within the basement of a building. Once positioned in the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal at the desired location within the pipe by means of heating the expandable sealing unit by a heating unit connected to the source of energy through electrical conductors which pass through the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipeline without having to excavate the pipe is enabled by attaching an expandable sealing unit to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing and feeding it through the pipeline. The flexible tubing is fed through the existing pipeline from a point beyond where the existing pipeline exits the earth, usually within the basement of a building. Once positioned in the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal at the desired location within the pipe by means of heating the expandable sealing unit by a heating unit connected to the source of energy through electrical conductors which pass through the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A portable core shaft puller includes a saddle for engaging the shaft and a clamp for locking the associated core during insertion or withdrawal of the shaft, an air motor for lateral displacement of the shaft and for positioning the core shaft puller relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A method of lining a cylindrical bore for instance of an internal combustion engine with a thin-walled liner. Initially, a strip of material is cut to such a length that when formed into a cylindrical liner of external diameter equal to that of the unlined bore the liner is subjected to hoop-stress. The cut strip is pressed into a semi-circular groove in a jig-plate with a mandrel of at least part-circular form, and then two jig cheek-pieces each defining a quadrant-shaped groove are moved to deform the strip into a cylindrical shape. During this, the strip is held in the groove in the jig-plate for instance by electromagnets let into the jig-plate, or by a vacuum-holding technique. The grooves respectively in the jig-plate and jig-cheek pieces together define a cylinder of the same diameter as the bore to be lined, so that the liner is subjected to hoop-stress while in the jig.

Abstract: A tool (10) for extracting a tubing segment (52) from a member (50) in which the tubing segment is inserted includes first and second handles (12, 14) terminating at adjacent ends in respective first and second jaws (16, 18). The handles are pivotally coupled and are configured so that, as the handles are swung toward each other, the jaw portions are separated. The jaws have mutually aligned apertures (30, 32) through which extends a rod or needle (44) having a first end (44a) extending beyond one of the jaws and a second end (44b) extending beyond the other of the jaws. The second end of the rod is externally threaded. A knob (46) is affixed to the first end of the rod for the purpose of threading the threaded end of the rod into the tubing segment and for bearing against the surface of the jaw adjacent the first end of the rod so that, as the jaws are separated, the threaded end of the rod is drawn through the aperture, drawing with it the tubing segment to be removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting bars into a tube, in particular the so-called bar guide tube of a lathe. The device comprises a carriage mobile parallel to a guide arranged to support a bar in a position aligned with the tube. The carriage is provided with an appendix which intersects the guide, such that during a first stroke of the carriage, said appendix thrusts against the rear end of the bar in such a manner that this latter becomes partly inserted into the tube. The carriage also comprises a bar thrust rod mounted mobile relative thereto so that it can be disposed along the guide and aligned with the bar, so that the bar becomes completely inserted into the tube during a second stroke of the carriage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in aligning and welding in end-to-end relation a pair of members such as pipe sections or a cylindrical vessel and closure wall and wherein one of the members is subjected to a clamping force adjacent the end to be welded to produce a predetermined configuration at that end. The other member is supported with that end to be welded confronting the adjacent end of the first member. A clamping force then may be applied to the second member so as to conform its configuration to one corresponding to that of the end of the first member. While maintaining the two members clamped, their positions are adjusted relatively to one another to locate their adjacent ends in a predetermined manner, following which the two members are moved relatively in a direction toward one another to a welding position in which the welding operation may be completed.

Abstract: Methods for inserting a bundle of hollow fiber membranes into a permeator shell are provided which methods present minimal risk of damage to the hollow fiber membranes and enable high packing factors of hollow fiber membranes within the permeator shell to be achieved. In the methods, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes is surrounded by a substantially fluid impermeable, flexible envelope. The interior of the envelope is provided at a lower total pressure than the pressure at the exterior of the envelope such that the flexible envelope is drawn into contact with the bundle and laterally compacts the bundle. The envelope containing the bundle is inserted into a permeator shell while maintaining the pressure differential. The flexible envelope may be retained within or may be withdrawn from the permeator shell.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a flexible plastic pipe into an old, larger size pipeline system. A lower roller assembly has at least one lower roller which engages and supports the flexible pipe adjacent the receiving end of the larger size pipe and an upper roller assembly has at least one upper roller which engages the upper surface of the flexible pipe opposite the lower roller. An actuator imparts relative movement between the upper and lower roller assemblies selectively toward and away from each other so that the upper and lower rollers are in driving engagement with the flexible pipe upon movement of the roller assemblies toward each other. A drive unit rotates the upper and lower rollers in a direction to push the flexible pipe into the larger size pipe while the rollers are in driving engagement with the flexible pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a core member for an electrochemical cell into an open-ended cell casing, including: casing support means; a collet assembly comprised of annular segments movable relative to each other so as to fix the dimension of the perimeter of an interior guiding surface, the guiding surface preferably being radially inwardly tapered; and means for advancing the core member through the collet assembly and into the casing. The apparatus also comprises means for controlling the position of the annular segments of the collet assembly selectively to increase or decrease the perimeter of the guiding surface.

Abstract: A tool for removing sleeves from cylinders having an unrestricted opening at one end and a restricted opening at the other end. A stabilizer or guide rod device having a disc with a diameter closely approaching the internal diameter of the sleeve is placed adjacent a shoulder of the sleeve with a further disc used as a stabilizer within the sleeve. From the restricted opening of the cylinder housing having an internal diameter less than the diameter of the sleeve a plurality of radial or pie-shaped collar segments are inserted and placed on top of the stabilizer support disc and fitting over the shoulder of the sleeve. A pusher rod is inserted through the restricted opening of the cylinder and connected to the stabilizer support disc with apparatus for clamping the collar segments thereto. The pusher rod with the clamped collar segments extending over the shoulder of the sleeve in clamped relation is moved or pushed to force the sleeve out of frictional engagement with the cylinder and is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A splice assembly tool for assembling component parts of an electrical conductor while producing a splice connection between electrical cables therewith, comprises a first structural member adaptable for supporting force applying means thereon, said force applying means enabling a rotary force applied manually thereto to be converted to a longitudinal force for subsequent application against a first component part of said electrical connection, a second structural member adaptable for engaging a second component part in a manner to assist said first structural member in assembling the component parts relative to one another and transmission means for conveying said longitudinal force between said first and said second structural members, said first and said second structural members being coupled to one another by said transmission means, wherein at least one of said component parts comprises a tubular elastomeric sleeve and said force applying means provides a relatively high mechanical advantage when said r

Abstract: A hose built on a non-expanding, non-collapsing mandrel is removed readily lengthwise of and off the mandrel, facilitated by a tube of tough, flexible, thin anti-adherent film disposed in snug fitting contact with the length and girth of the mandrel. The tube is secured to the rigid metal member only close to the end thereof from which the hose is removed. Preferably, the tube is invaginated so as to provide inner and outer slidably juxtaposed walls. The hose built on such mandrel is moved lengthwise together with the outer wall of the tube which slides on the inner wall or the metal member. Lubrication, as by an air film, can facilitate the sliding, and does not contact the hose.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing elements for an optical cable, such elements including a tube of an elastic material, e.g. a synthetic resin or an elastomer, which loosely encloses one or more optical fibers. Preferably, the fiber or fibers are longer than the enclosing tube and the tube is filled with a material which prevents the migration of water, etc. The tube in mechanically stabilized form and the optical fiber or fibers are advanced toward a traction zone where the tube is pulled. Prior to the traction zone, the tube is slit or cut longitudinally through one thickness of the wall, the cut edges are spread apart and the optical fiber or fibers are inserted into the tube through the gap between the cut edges. Optionally, filling material is also inserted into the tube through such gap or a downstream gap subsequently formed. The tube-optical fiber assembly follows a straight line downstream of traction zone to a collecting point.

Abstract: A stator is disclosed for use with down-hole fluid powered drilling motors of the Moineau type. It includes a housing and a plurality of removable stator sections positioned in end-to-end, abutting relationship in the housing. Each section comprises a cylindrical body of elastomeric material having an obround opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening spirals along a helical path with a pitch equal to the length of the section. A method is disclosed for positioning a plurality of the sections in a statorhousing in end-to-end, abutting relationship with the opening properly oriented to form a continuous helical opening through the stator to receive a helically shaped rotor having one half the pitch of the helical opening. Each section includes a cylindrical reinforcing member embedded in the body of elastomeric material. An annular portion of the body has an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the housing.

Abstract: Conductors are removed from the sheathing of a cable by attaching a sleeve to the outer surface at one end of the sheathing of a selected length of cable. When the sheathing is made of lead, the sleeve has internal threads that are passed onto the sheathing. Alternative measures for attaching the sleeve to the sheathing include forming a bonded film of solder or cured adhesive. The free end of the sleeve is joined with a fitting coupled by a conduit to a source of lubricant under pressure. Lubricant is forced through the sleeve into the sheathing under sufficient pressure to cause the lubricant to flow along the conductors of the cable. After the lubricant disperses within the sheathing, the conductors are withdrawn. When the cable is buried, anchoring of the sheathing is usually unnecessary. When anchoring is necessary, a T-shaped anchor is attached by threads to the sleeve and a rope is used to attach the anchor to a support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a first generally planar sheet material into a tubular configuration and thereafter winding a second generally planar strip of material over a portion of the first material and thereafter inserting said first and second materials into a transparent or translucent barrel of a pen or mechanical pencil so that at least a portion of said first and second materials or any indicia carried thereon are displayed through the barrel.

Abstract: This invention relates to grasping surfaces for the handles of implements, such as sporting equipment, and to methods of packaging and preparing same for application, and to methods for applying same to such equipment, and in one embodiment comprises at least one tube of elastomeric material which has been rolled back on itself to form a ring-like or grommet-like structure which is spiral in cross-section and has been positioned on a support core from which it may be rolled onto the handle portion of the implement which it is to cover and then unrolled to form a continuous covering for grasping purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus is shown for use in loading contacts in contact receiving bores of a resilient insert body. The insert body is provided with internal shoulders and bores forming restrictive passages for holding the contacts and for holding wires attached to the contacts. The apparatus includes an adapter associated with a breech loading assembly for accepting and holding the insert body. An assembly including a bullet within a barrel is pushed into the insert body to gently enlarge the shoulders and the bores. The bullet is then retracted to a stop position, leaving the barrel in place in the bore. The breech lock is then opened and contacts are loaded by hand, or other means, into the bore to the stop position. The barrel is then retracted from the bore permitting the internal shoulders of the resilient insert body to expand and grip the contacts. Thereafter, the resilient insert body, with its contacts and appropriate leads in place, is removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming generally flat sheet material having indicia thereon into a tubular shape and inserting the sheet material into the transparent or translucent barrel of a pen or mechanical pencil in such a manner that the indicia carried on the sheet is visibly displayed through the wall of the barrel.

Abstract: A lining comprising a resin absorbent tube having on the outside a fluid impermeable membrane everted into the passageway to line same using fluid pressure. The resin absorbent material is soaked in resin by trapping a quantity of resin in the lining before it everts in the passageway, and the resin is cured after the lining is everted into the passageway surface, preferably by a curing means following the everting lining along the inside of the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting rigid cores into flexible tubing comprises a frame having a tubing retainer and a motor device, having a chuck and being mounted on the frame in spaced relation to said retainer for engaging and translating the core longitudinally and coaxially with respect to the tubing. A tapered tip is connected with the free end of the core, and a source of pressurized air is attached to the tubing in communication with the central, axial aperture thereof. An inclined leading edge of the tip is shaped to mate with the tubing aperture, and is translated into sealing abutment with the terminal edge of the tubing free end. Pressurized air is introduced into the tubing and radially expands the unconstricted side wall thereof to an enlarged diameter for inserting the core therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a filter sleeve to a continuous length of drainage tubing. The filter sleeve is gathered and packed endwise on a tubular mandrel. The mandrel is received within a dispensing canister mounted on trench-digging and drain-laying equipment between a supply of drainage tubing and a trench plow and laying boot assembly. The drainage tubing passes through the mandrel as it progresses from the supply to the laying boot which installs it in the trench, and one end of the filter sleeve is connected to the tubing whenever filter covering is desired. When so connected, the filter sleeve is continuously pulled by the tubing off the mandrel and about said tubing, through a feed controller in the form of an annular diaphragm at the exit end of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for longitudinally encapsulating a bundle of aligned fibers within an elastomeric tube of smaller diameter than the normal diameter of the bundle in which: the tube is confined within a tubular inner channel of an openable casing, the diameter of the casing being at least as large as the normal diameter of the bundle; the ends of the tube are slipped over nipples at each end of the channel; air is pressured into the tube via one of the nipples thereby expanding the tube outwardly against the channel wall; the bundle of fibers is drawn through one of the nipples into the expanded tube; and the tube is depressurized to permit it to contract radially about the bundle of fibers.

Abstract: Mechanism for assembling plastic hand grips onto metal handles including means holding a metal handle in alignment with the grip at an open end of the latter, including a guide at the open end of the grip for the forward end of the handle, and a movable bar for moving the handle to force it into the grip in tight relationship therewith and at the same time forcing the guide for the forward end of the handle down and out of the way for full insertion of the handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assembling a rotor mounted on a shaft and a plurality of bearing support members, each of which includes bearings, within an encapsulated sleeve in precise axial alignment for use in a wet motor circulator. A curable adhesive is applied to a predetermined location on the interior surface of the sleeve determined by the prospective location of a bearing support member therein. The bearing support members are positioned on the shaft on each side of the rotor, and the rotor and bearing support members are fixed as a subassembly in a curing fixture adapted to maintain alignment of the rotor with each of the support members. A curable adhesive is applied to the other bearing support member and the subassembly is axially aligned relative to the sleeve on a common axis in an assembly fixture.

Abstract: A new and useful process of substituting one core for another in a wound package of textile yarn is provided. In preparation for subsequent liquid treatment of yarn wound on a substantially non-perforate rigid cylindrical core by substituting therefor a liquid-permeable longitudinally resilient cylindrical core of about the same or slightly smaller diameter, the package of yarn is first axially compressed. Then, the rigid core is pushed internally from the package while the resilient core substantially at the same time is pulled from a position external of the package to a position internal of the package to replace the rigid core with the resilient core. The application of the axial compression during core transfer prevents or minimizes rumpling of the yarns forming the outer portion of the package. The process is particularly suitable for preparing a package of false twist crimped polyester continuous multi-filament yarn for package dyeing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assembling a rotor mounted on a shaft and a plurality of bearing support members, each of which includes bearings, within an encapsulated sleeve in precise axial alignment for use in a wet motor circulator. A curable adhesive is applied to a predetermined location on the interior surface of the sleeve determined by the prospective location of a bearing support member therein. The bearing support members are positioned on the shaft on each side of the rotor, and the rotor and bearing support members are fixed as a subassembly in a curing fixture adapted to maintain alignment of the rotor with each of the support members. A curable adhesive is applied to the other bearing support member and the subassembly is axially aligned relative to the sleeve on a common axis in an assembly fixture.

Abstract: A device for gripping the interior of a tubular object to pull it out of a body in which it has become stuck includes an expandable rubber tube having a plurality of metal cables lodged in the exterior of the rubber tube so as to protrude slightly therefrom, means for inflating the tube and means for pulling the tube longitudinally of the tubular object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a filter sleeve to a continuous length of drainage tubing. The filter sleeve is gathered and packed endwise on a tubular mandrel. The mandrel is received within a dispensing canister mounted on trench-digging and drain-laying equipment between a supply of drainage tubing and a trench plow and laying boot assembly. The drainage tubing passes through the mandrel as it progresses from the supply to the laying boot which installs it in the trench, and one end of the filter sleeve is connected to the tubing whenever filter covering is desired. When so connected, the filter sleeve is continuously pulled by the tubing off the mandrel and about said tubing, through a feed controller in the form of an annular diaphragm at the exit end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A medical needle holder assembly comprising a generally tubular needle holder, a filter element constituted by a wad of a lengthy filament yarn of synthetic resin and a generally tubular filter retainer adapted to be received in the needle holder with the filter element fitted in the needle holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a large fabric roll and an interengaging spindle therefor before and after a slitting operation in which the roll and spindle are supported in initial handling positions in longitudinal spaced and aligned relation, the spindle being supported initially at two positions at its end portions and moved longitudinally by the support at its remote end portion into interengaged relation, during which movement, the support at the other end portion is progressively changed in a direction toward the remote end and then removed after the end portion has initially engaged within the roll. The slitting operation is performed after support of the roll has been transferred to the outwardly extending spindle end portions and the roll has been transversely moved into an operative slitting position. The handling procedures are substantially reversed after the slitting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing a damaged core having web material wound thereabout comprises an elongate fixture having longitudinally aligned separably stackable sections, one fixture section having configuration in part facilitating insertion of the fixture within the damaged core and in other part displacing the damaged core outwardly of the wound web material on longitudinal fixture movement and the other fixture section having configuration in part supporting a replacement core thereon and in other part inserting the replacement core within the wound web material.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for assembling first and second tubular components in a telescoping, press-fit relationship with each other. The apparatus includes a rotatable, motor driven plate including on the periphery thereof a plurality of component support means, a portion of each being spring biased in a radially outward direction. The two components are partially telescoped into each other by hand and then are loosely mounted on the support means which travel along an arcuate path that is in opposition to a fixed cam having a decreasing radius with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotatable plate. The cam surface bears against and forces one of the components into the other component as the support means move therepast. A movable cam section is also provided to accommodate tolerance variations in the components. The movable cam section is positioned proximate the exit end of the fixed cam and is normally biased in a direction that will push the inner component further into the outer component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a small metal filter from a liquid chromatographic column, wherein a retaining member is clamped around the tube. A first centering device is releasably centered on the retaining member in alignment with the filter, whereupon a drill is slidably guided through the centering device for forming a hole of selected depth in the filter. The first centering device is removed and a second centering device is supported on the retainer, which second centering device has a threaded opening therethrough aligned with the filter. An extractor is threaded into the opening so that the end of the extractor is disposed directly adjacent the filter. A tapping unit having an elongated thread-forming tap is slidably inserted through an opening formed in the extractor, which opening is aligned with the hole formed in the filter. The tapping unit is threaded inwardly so that the tap threadably engages the filter and until a handle on the tapping unit abuts the extractor.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying cover elements of heat shrinkable plastics material upon the externally screw threaded metal necks of dispensing containers such as toothpaste tubes comprises a floating mandrel rod assembly adapted to be disposed within the leading end of a continuous length of synthetic plastics tubing for cooperation with feeding and cutting arrangements for operating upon the tubing to separate therefrom successive cover elements of desired length and dispose each element on a container neck prior to a heat shrinking operation for permanently securing the elements upon the threaded necks.

Abstract: Cartridge heaters are most frequently used for heating metal parts by insertion into bores in such parts. Such heaters are manufactured in various diameters to closely fit within complementary bores to provide heat according to required specifications. My invention makes it possible to use a heater of known sheath diameter in bores of larger diameter, by use of metal sleeve means which have an inside diameter to closely receive the heater and an outside diameter to closely fit within the bore.

Abstract: Insulated wire, cable, and the like, is stripped of its insulation without damaging the wire. The insulated wire is preferably cooled to a low temperature, rendered brittle, and then continuously passed over roller means to effect fracturing and removal of the insulation. The bare wire is continuously recovered in an undamaged condition and the particles of insulation recycled where necessary. Wire straightening is optionally provided for straightening the bent wire after the insulation is removed.