Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.

Abstract: A railroad clip applicator system for efficiently securing a fastening clip to a receiver bracket of a crosstie. The railroad clip applicator system includes a housing, a handle structure attached to the housing, an actuator secured within the housing, an engaging structure attached to the actuator for engaging a fastening clip, and a pair of lower arms extending from the housing to engage a lower side of a rail. The engaging structure is comprised of a pair of guide pins slidably positioned within the housing, and an engaging member having a center member and a rear member for engaging the rear portion of the fastening clip. The actuator forces the engaging structure forwardly thereby causing the fastening clip to slide within the tapered slot of the receiver bracket until the fastening clip is fully secured upon the receiver bracket.

Abstract: A manual trigger actuated automotive hose clamp release mechanism includes a flexible cable in a flexible tube. The cable and tube are attached respectively to opposed jaws designed to engage the end tabs of an automotive hose clamp and effect release of the hose clamp in response to movement of the cable relative to the tube. Mechanical advantage is gained by use of the manual trigger mechanism connected to the tube and cable in a manner enabling movement of the telescoping cable relative to the tube through which the cable extends thereby effecting movement of the jaws to release a hose clamp.

Abstract: A railroad clip removal system for efficiently removing a fastening clip from a receiver bracket of a crosstie. The railroad clip removal system includes a frame structure having a center cutout and a pair of opposing slots, an actuator, a pair of engaging arms pivotally attached to the actuator and slidably positioned within the opposing slots. The engaging arms have a catch portion that engages the fastening slip while the engaging arms simultaneously compress the prongs of the fastening clip thereby removing the fastening clip from the receiver bracket of a crosstie.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: A machine and method for securing fabric layers to the core of a fabric panel. The machine includes top rollers and side rollers for stretching the fabric layers along the top surface and side surfaces of the core. Staplers preserve the stretch by stapling the edge of the fabric to the side surfaces. A front stapler and rear stapler are also provided for stapling the fabric to the rear surface and front surface of the core.

Abstract: A paper clip automatic attaching device includes (a) a support assembly including a set compiler tray defining (i) a sheet supporting set plane, (ii) a first open space below, and a second open above the set plane; and (b) a paper clip travel path assembly defining a paper clip travel path adjoining the set plane. The travel path assembly includes (i) a first support member having a first guide surface for guiding a first leg of the paper clip into a first position below the set plane, and (ii) a second support member having a second guide surface for deflecting a second leg of the paper into a second position above the set plane. The automatic paper clip attaching device also includes a clip holding assembly for holding a stack of the paper clips for feeding into the paper clip travel path; and a powered device for automatically pushing a lead paper clip, legs first, into an attached relationship with a set of sheets on the set plane.

Abstract: A ring installation method and a ring installation jig which are capable of performing an installation operation with high efficiency in which an anti-slip-off ring made of an elastic metal material is uniformly expanded to be fitted on a pin's end and pushed to an engagement position to be mounted thereon. The jig has (i) an expansion guide member which has, at its front, a working face to be brought into contact with an end of a chain-coupling pin for positioning and has a ring expansion guide section on its outer periphery and to which a propulsive force is applied; (ii) an expansion claw fitted on the expansion guide member for expanding and supporting the anti-slip-off ring and moving it to the pin's end; (iii) an elastic body for applying a pressing force to the expansion claw; and (iv) a pusher for pushing the anti-slip-off ring which has been expanded by the expansion claw into an annular space defined by a link of the chain and the pin.

Abstract: A tool (10) for mounting a heat sink clip (80) to a CPU socket (100) includes a body (12) and a T-shaped handle (13). The body has a top surface (18) and a bottom surface (20). A protrusion (22) and a projection (26) are respectively formed downwardly from opposite sides of the bottom surface. A tongue (24) is formed at a free end of the projection. A cutout (32) is defined in the body between the bottom surface and the tongue, for receiving a pressing plate (92) of the clip. The handle extends upwardly from the top surface of the body. When the tool is downwardly pressed, the protrusion and projection downwardly press the clip to cause arms (84, 94) of the clip to downwardly and outwardly move and thereby engage with catches (102) of the socket.

Abstract: A tool (1) for mounting a heat sink clip (80) to a CPU socket (100) includes a handle (10) and a lever (40) pivotally attached to the handle. The handle includes a body (12) and first and second legs (14, 16). The second leg has two tabs (30) defining two first pivot holes (32) therein. The lever defines a second pivot hole (50). A pivot pin (60) is extended through the first and second pivot holes, thereby pivotally attaching the lever to the handle. The handle downwardly presses the clip to engage a first arm of the clip with a catch of the socket. The lever is rotated so that a bent portion (52) thereof inwardly pushes a second arm of the clip to engage with another catch of the socket. A spring (70) connected between the handle and the lever draws the lever back to its original position.

Abstract: A tool (100) for mounting a clip (60) to a CPU socket (90) includes a body (110), and a pair of feet (130) attached on opposite sides of the body. The body includes a handle (112), a presser (114) for downwardly pressing the clip, and a finger (116) with a claw (120) for catching a bar (70) of a leg (62) of the clip thereby allowing the body to outwardly rotate the leg. The handle defines two first holes (118) for extension of two pins (140) therethrough. Each foot includes a connection portion (132) and a toe (134). Two second holes (136) are defined in each foot, for retaining ends of the pins. The pins thereby attach the feet to the handle. The toes abut the socket, thereby allowing the tool to be safely rotated in contact with the socket.

Abstract: A hand operated tool which aids in securing a cover to a vehicle or other object is presented. The cover installation tool of the present invention includes at one end handles comprising a pair of opposing members disposed at an angle with respect to each other and hinged where the opposing members intersect. The handles may have an ergonomic shape such that the tool is easy to grasp and operate. Additionally, the handles may include a rubber or plastic coating to provide a secure gripping surface and comfort to the user. At an opposite end of the tool, a pair of opposing jaws are configured to fit around a snap head and to engage the material. As such, the cover can be installed without applying lateral forces to the snap head and damaging the material adjacent the snap head.

Abstract: A tool for removing a shim from a dovetail of a fan blade for a turbine engine rotor includes a clip and a handle. The clip includes a release edge configured to engage a flared lip of a dovetail shim. The handle extends from the clip and contacts the exterior surface of the shim. When the handle and the clip are rotated about a longitudinal axis of the handle, the release edge separates the flared lip of the shim from the dovetail and the handle applies a downward force to easily remove the shim from the dovetail.

Abstract: A tool (10) for mounting a heat sink clip (80) to a CPU socket (100) includes a body (12) and a T-shaped handle (13). The body has a top surface (18) and a bottom surface (20). A protrusion (22) and a projection (26) are respectively formed downwardly from opposite sides of the bottom surface. A tongue (24) is formed at a free end of the projection. A cutout (32) is defined in the body between the bottom surface and the tongue, for receiving a pressing plate (92) of the clip. The handle extends upwardly from the top surface of the body. When the tool is downwardly pressed, the protrusion and projection downwardly press the clip to cause arms (84, 94) of the clip to downwardly and outwardly move and thereby engage with catches (102) of the socket.

Abstract: A tool (100) for mounting a clip (60) to a CPU socket (90) includes a body (110), and a pair of feet (130) attached on opposite sides of the body. The body includes a handle (112), a presser (114) for downwardly pressing the clip, and a finger (116) with a claw (120) for catching a bar (70) of a leg (62) of the clip thereby allowing the body to outwardly rotate the leg. The handle defines two first holes (118) for extension of two pins (140) therethrough. Each foot includes a connection portion (132) and a toe (134). Two second holes (136) are defined in each foot, for retaining ends of the pins. The pins thereby attach the feet to the handle. The toes abut the socket, thereby allowing the tool to be safely rotated in contact with the socket.

Abstract: A tool (1) for mounting a heat sink clip (80) to a CPU socket (100) includes a handle (10) and a lever (40) pivotally attached to the handle. The handle includes a body (12) and first and second legs (14, 16). The second leg has two tabs (30) defining two first pivot holes (32) therein. The lever defines a second pivot hole (50). A pivot pin (60) is extended through the first and second pivot holes, thereby pivotally attaching the lever to the handle. The handle downwardly presses the clip to engage a first arm of the clip with a catch of the socket. The lever is rotated so that a bent portion (52) thereof inwardly pushes a second arm of the clip to engage with another catch of the socket. A spring (70) connected between the handle and the lever draws the lever back to its original position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying clips to mattress spring assemblies in a highly accurate and fast manner via operating or positioning members that properly position the innerspring coils relative to the borderwires for clipping thereof. Improperly positioned innersprings have their end coils shifted past the borderwires as they travel downstream to be clipped by the apparatus and method herein. In this manner, the positioning members are operable to use the progression of the spring assemblies as they are driven downstream to properly position the innerspring coils relative to the borderwires for being clipped thereto.

Abstract: An extractor tool for coupling fastened to pipes comprises an actuation device, a holding device, and a cable having one end secured to the holding device and the other end slidably secured to the actuation device. In use, engage the holding device with the coupling and pivot the first actuation device to enlarge the diameter of the coupling, thereby detaching the coupling from the pipes through the cable.

Abstract: A clamp orientation machine and a method of operation therefor wherein the machine includes a magazine for containing at least one clamp, a movable clamp support member for supporting a clamp received from the magazine, a pair of movable gripper fingers for gripping and positioning a clamp received from the clamp support member and a cavity for supporting and positioning a hose for receiving a clamp from said gripper fingers.

Abstract: A first member having a pair of claws and an engagement recess provided between the pair of claws and a second member having an engagement portion are prepared. In a state where the engagement portion of the second member is disposed in the engagement recess of the first member, the pair of claws is externally held by a side face jig. Then, a punch having a trapezoid recess composed of a pair of inclined parts and a horizontal part between the inclined parts is brought to contact with front end portions of the caulking claws. The punch is pushed to bent the caulking claws along the inclined parts, and is further pushed to upset the caulking claws by the horizontal part. As a result, the first member is securely caulked with the second member.

Abstract: A clip crimping tool includes a body provided with a hollow air storage area and a drive section provided with piston cylinder and a piston, and having a main valve with a diameter that is larger than the piston cylinder and is arranged with the drive section is in line or at an angle with a contact section in which clips are crimped. The air storage area and the arrangement of the main valve and piston cylinder allow the free flow of compressed air into the piston cylinder to provide a fast and efficient drive action.

Abstract: A pipe crimping apparatus comprises a holding device to externally engage and hold a joint to be crimped. The holding device has a concavity in which a part cylindrical plate member is secured, the concavity and plate member defining a part cylindrical clamping zone. One pair of crimping arms is pivotally mounted on the holding device. Each arm is movable relative to the clamping zone. Handles are provided to cause movement of the arms relative to the clamping zone wherein the arms, in a crimping movement, extend radially into the clamping zone to engage a joint, and impress by indentation portions of an outer socket end onto an inner spigot end to secure the same together.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic clip driver including an upper case having a cover coupling section formed with a clip insertion hole, and a knob mounting section having a knob slide slot for receiving a pushing knob to be longitudinally slidable, a lower case coupled to the upper case, an opening/closing cover hingably coupled to the upper case to selectively open the cover coupling section, a clip pushing member interposed between the upper and lower cases and adapted to forwardly urge clips received in a clip receiving space defined between the upper and lower cases, a first elastic member connected between the opening/closing cover and the clip pushing member and adapted to forwardly or rearwardly urge the clip pushing member in accordance with an opening or closing movement of the opening/closing cover, and a second elastic member connected between the pushing knob and the upper case and adapted to urge the pushing knob to be always positioned at a rear end of the knob slide slot.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: A method of clinching two members together is provided together with a tool for performing the clinching operation. A staple is arranged with its web spanning members to be clinched together. The legs of the staple are forced together to effect the clinching. The tool to perform the operation is a pair of pincers. Each pincer is pivoted to the end of a spanning bar, the length of which corresponds to the length of the web of the staple to be used. The jaws are shaped to distort the legs of the staple to wrap around sides of members on closing of the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing clips onto workpieces which includes a spring biased alignment mechanism which positions a workpiece for the installation of a retaining clip thereon and thereafter, causes the workpiece to be ejected from the apparatus.

Abstract: A tool for removing a shim from a dovetail of a fan blade for a turbine engine rotor includes a clip and a handle. The clip includes a release edge configured to engage a flared lip of a dovetail shim. The handle extends from the clip and contacts the exterior surface of the shim. When the handle and the clip are rotated about a longitudinal axis of the handle, the release edge separates the flared lip of the shim from the dovetail and the handle applies a downward force to easily remove the shim from the dovetail.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking two mechanical members (2, 3) coupled for rotation as a unit (1) by means of a splined coupling (30, 33), comprises an elastic means (36) secured to the first member (2) and adapted for co-operation with the second member (3). The elastic means (36) is comprised of a bistable elastic element (36) having first (50) and second (52) alternative steady positions. The bistable elastic element is provided with hooking means (46, 48) adapted for co-operating in the first steady position (50) with the second member (3) to keep the members (2, 3) axially coupled, and for disengaging in the second steady (52) from the second member (3) to allow separation of the members (2, 3) forming the coupled unit (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a retaining clip. The retaining clip has first and second spaced apart and opposing securing members and each securing member is connected to and movable relative to an intermediate member. The apparatus comprises a first engaging member having an engaging portion sized and shaped to releasably engage a tab portion of the first securing member and a second engaging member having an engaging portion sized and shaped to releasably engage a tab portion of the second securing member. The engaging portions of the first and second engaging members are movable toward and away from each other. A guide structure is coupled to the first and second engaging members to allow at least one of the engaging members to move along a motion path toward and away from the other of the first and second engaging members.

Abstract: A tool for removing a retainer from the opposed tangs of a spring-type hose clamp is provided. The tool includes a first member adapted to fit between the retainer and the hose clamp and dislodge the retainer from the tangs of the hose clamp. The tool also includes a second member adapted to retain the retainer to the first member after the removal of the retainer from the hose clamp. A method for employing the tool is also provided.