Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a workspace for receiving a stent and a delivery device for the stent; a source for exposing the stent in the workspace to a plasticizing agent, vapor, or moisture, wherein the stent can be reduced in diameter in the workspace while under exposure of the plasticizing agent, vapor or moisture; and a device for reducing the diameter of the stent in the workspace to position the stent on or within the deliver device.

Abstract: A removal tool includes a staking unit configured to deform a circlip located at a bore of an apparatus when the removal tool is pushed into the bore, and a spring fork unit configured to push a ferrule ring located at the bore when the removal tool is pushed into the bore.

Abstract: Tool for joining two or several sheet formed members, comprising two separate tool parts, a first tool-part with a punch and a second tool-part provided with a die which co-operate for producing said joint, the punch is arranged to be driven in a linear movement is in the direction of the co-axial die provided with a die cavity at the bottom of which an anvil is arranged, the die is further provided with movable die elements (108, 208, 208?, 208?) arranged sliding laterally on a support surface (105) against the forces from a spring element (303, 303?), said die comprises at least two movable die elements (108, 208, 208?, 208?), the die is provided with at least one support element (103, 203, 203?, 203?) provided with an essentially horizontal support surface (110, 210) for said sheet formed members and said support elements (103, 203, 203?, 203?) are not forming part of the sidewall (109) of the die opening in its initial closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rocker arm manufacturing method capable of stably forming valve stem guide walls. In the method according to the present invention, an intermediate product 13 having both side walls 20 extended in a predetermined direction and arranged in parallel with each other and a one end side connection wall 30 connecting lower ends of both the side walls 20 at a longitudinal one end of the product is obtained. Next, a first pressing punch 70 is pressed against the outer surface portions of both the side walls 20 from the outside thereof to cause downward plastic flows of regions of the outer surface portions of both the side walls positioned below the cutout portions 31 to thereby form raising walls 32 in a downwardly protruded manner at both sides of the one end side connection wall 30. Thereafter, valve stem guide walls 35 are formed by pressing second pressing punches 80 against both the raising walls 32 of the one end side connection wall 30.

Abstract: A fastening assembly, comprising a first element forming a first contact surface and a second element forming a second contact surface, which for producing a clamping force may be moved relative to one another in an axial direction is disclosed. The fastening assembly also comprises a device for performing a relative motion of the two contact surfaces with respect to one another. The second element is provided in the form of a plastically deformable sleeve which may be detachably fastened to the first element designed as a pretensioning element. The disclosure further relates to a disposable sleeve for use in such a fastening assembly, and to a method for fixing and/or clamping at least one in particular multilayer component.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent by segmental radial compression, comprising a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a crimping head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The crimping head includes at least ten segments. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length, each segment having a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, the distal point being disposed on the centerline and the proximal point being disposed off the centerline, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a workspace for receiving a stent and a delivery device for the stent; a source for exposing the stent in the workspace to a plasticizing agent, vapor, or moisture, wherein the stent can be reduced in diameter in the workspace while under exposure of the plasticizing agent, vapor or moisture; and a device for reducing the diameter of the stent in the workspace to position the stent on or within the deliver device.

Abstract: A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies including a handle assembly located on the proximal end of the catheter assembly and a distal tip assembly located on the distal end of the catheter assembly. A crimping funnel is slidably positioned along the catheter. The crimping funnel includes a distal end having a first diameter and a proximal end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. An axial split is formed in the proximal end. A first collar is provided encompassing a portion of the proximal end. The first collar is configured to hold the axial split in the proximal end together when the first collar is at a first axial location along the proximal end, and to allow the axial split in the proximal end to open when the first collar is at a second axial location along the proximal end, such that the crimping funnel can be removed from the catheter assembly. Various methods of retaining a prosthetic valve on the catheter assembly during the crimping process are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and assemblies for mounting an article to a surface by a double-faced adhesive. At least one spacer is used that is deflectable upon the application of sufficient force. When in a first, undeflected condition, the spacer provides sufficient space between the mounting surface and the double-faced adhesive such that the double-faced adhesive does not contact the mounting surface, thus the position of the article can be adjusted. When in a second, deflected condition, the spacer allows the double-faced adhesive to contact the mounting surface such that a bond can be established between the double-faced adhesive and the mounting surface.

Abstract: An installation tool assembly for advancing a fitting's swage ring onto a fitting's connector body while a conduit is received in the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the fitting to the conduit includes a body defining at least two spaced apart piston chambers, a fixed jaw connected to the body and adapted to engage one of the connector body or the swage ring, and a movable jaw connected to the body and movable relative to the fixed jaw. The movable jaw is adapted to engage the other of the connector body or the swage ring. Pistons are disposed in the at least two spaced piston chambers. The pistons and the movable jaw are configured such that movement of the pistons in a first direction moves the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw thereby moving the swage ring axially onto the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the connector body to the conduit received therein when the fixed and movable jaws are engaged to the connector body and swage ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a pattern on a medical device to provide a surface with greater surface area and improved adhesion properties.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a plurality of dies each having an elongated arcuate body with an outer end pivotally attached to a hinge plate and an inner working tip. The dies are mounted on the hinge plate in an inwardly spiraling orientation with the outer ends positioned in a circle and the working tips cooperating to define a central product-receiving cylindrically-shaped cavity. The product-receiving cavity is transitional between an open and a closed orientation. The working tip of each die has a sliding surface and a working surface with the sliding surface positioned in parallel juxtaposition to the working surface of an adjacent die and a constant width gap therebetween. Driving mechanism is coupled to rotatably drive all of the dies in unison to transition between open and closed orientations. The width of the gap remains constant during transition and between the open and closed orientations.

Abstract: Solutions for robotic fastener peening in turbine machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a peening machine having a peening head; a robotic apparatus including: a robotic arm coupled to the peening machine; and a base member coupled to the robotic arm, the base member mounted independently of the machine element; a vision system for locating a fastener on the machine element; and a control system coupled to the vision system, the peening machine and the robotic apparatus, the control system configured to control movement of the robotic apparatus and the peening machine based upon vision system data and spatial information about the fastener and the machine element.

Abstract: A tool for installing irrigation barb emitters into irrigation tubing including a cradle handle and a punch handle, the cradle handle and the punch handle being arranged in a parallel relation and connected intermediate their ends at a center point. A cradle which receives irrigation tubing is included. A punch pin allows a user to punch holes in irrigation tubing as desired with a spring loaded body which removes the punch pin when it has been driven into irrigation tubing. A barb holder allows a user to install emitter barbs into irrigation tubing as desired. A barb remover allows removal of barbs from irrigation tubing as desired.

Abstract: When a press-in part 81 is pressed-in to a press-in hole 93, a vertex of the press-in part 81 deformed to a form along the inner surface of the press-in hole 93 comes into contact with the inner surface of the press-in hole 93 and a press-in force when the press-in part 81 is inserted into the press-in hole 93 or a pull-out force when the press-in part 81 is pulled out from the press-in hole 93 is set in according with the length of an intersecting line that a surface on which the outer surface of the press-in part 81 comes into contact with the inner surface of the press-in hole 93 and a section intersecting orthogonally to the axial direction of the press-in part 81 intersect.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly device between two panels (4,5) consisting of an internal layer (1) of resin inserted between two external metal sheets (2,3). At least one of the panels (4,5) comprises a cut section (6) to insert attachment means jointly in contact on a sheet (2,3) of one of the panels (4,5) and on a sheet (2,3) of the other panel (4,5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a pocketed spring unit, the method comprising the steps of compressing and feeding a plurality of springs (42) into troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations in opposed conveyor belts (2, 4), moving said springs (42) from said troughs (2A, 4A) or castellations to a position between upper and lower layers of fabric or other material (16A, 18A), step-wise advancing said material (16A, 18A) and said springs (42) in the direction of the output of the apparatus and welding together said lengths of fabric or other material (16A, 18A) at each step-wise advancement by a plurality of sequentially controlled welding anvils (10) so as to form a plurality of discrete pockets (46) each containing a spring (42). Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing a blade from a dovetailed slot in a wheel of a rotating machine. At least one device is adapted to apply a pushing force on a first surface of a blade. A turntable for supporting the wheel has indexing capability to advance the wheel by a predetermined amount. The device can be used to remove one or more blades from the wheel.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A handheld tool device to facilitate maintenance and installation of hollow through-hole audio input jacks on electrical guitars and other electronic musical devices. The tool has an expandable tip that can be placed inside the hollow opening of the through-hole audio input jack, and then be expanded by the operator. The device enables the operator to hold the audio input jack in a fixed position while a nut or other jack fastening device is tightened. Other applications for the device include stabilizing a large variety of different through-hole connectors, embedded in a wide variety of different surfaces.

Abstract: A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with pliers to form a secure tubing connection.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and assemblies for mounting an article to a surface by a double-faced adhesive. At least one spacer is used that is deflectable upon the application of sufficient force. When in a first, undeflected condition, the spacer provides sufficient space between the mounting surface and the double-faced adhesive such that the double-faced adhesive does not contact the mounting surface, thus the position of the article can be adjusted. When in a second, deflected condition, the spacer allows the double-faced adhesive to contact the mounting surface such that a bond can be established between the double-faced adhesive and the mounting surface.

Abstract: An anvil member for a fastener installation tool having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a swage cavity extending between the first and second ends, an entrance section located at the first end, a swage land located adjacent to the entrance section and having a first inner diameter, and an inner bore located adjacent to the swage land and having a second inner diameter. The swage land is adapted to transmit a radially inward swage load applied by the anvil member. The swage land includes a width that is that is smaller than a length of the anvil member extending between the first and second ends thereof.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a crystal is inserted within a flexible membrane through an opening formed by manipulation of the membrane.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a base member and a plurality of elongated compression dies. The dies are arranged in a generally circular orientation on the base member with a contact surface of each die in sliding contact with a base surface of an adjacent die. A portion of each base surface of each die cooperates with portions of base surfaces of adjacent dies to define a generally cylindrical central cavity moved between open and closed positions by a driving mechanism. The dies are cammingly coupled to the base member and to the driving mechanism so that rotation of the driving mechanism about the central axis causes each die to move generally arcuately about a point of camming engagement with the base member.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention provide an attachment for power tools that places and sets expansion anchors. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a new and improved attachment apparatus for a rotary-hammer type drill, the attachment including a first anchor setting end, a second attachment end, and a handle portion connecting the setting end to the attachment end. The attachment apparatus can be efficiently and easily mounted to the rotary-hammer type drill to simplify the installation of expansion anchors.

Abstract: A method for clamping a plate on a sheet or fabric material support, comprises the step of providing a plate and a counter-plate, the plate comprising a plurality of oin supporting elements bearing, on a non exposed to the view rear side thereof a plurality of pins for engagement each in a corresponding hole of the counter-plate, characterized in that method further comprises the step of providing a pre-plate including a plurality of temporary attachment points on non exposed to the view parts of said elements.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A press-fit device includes a base plate, a jig base and a robot mounted on the base plate, a press-fit unit mounted at a portion of the robot, a supporting plate mounted on the jig base, and a supporting block mounted to a side portion of the connecting frame. The supporting plate and block can support repulsive force that can be generated when the press-fit component is press-fitted to the press-fit object.

Abstract: A hand tool is operable to crimp a tubular metal contact member concentrically about the stripped end portion of an insulated fiber optic light-wave conductor in spaced relation to the free end extremity thereof. A tensioning arrangement tensions the excess portion of the conductor that extends beyond the contact member, whereupon a cutting device engages the tensioned portion of the conductor to sever cleanly the excess extremity from the conductor. The tensioning arrangement serves to deflect the conductor excess end portion obliquely outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the conductor. Tensioning is achieved by a deflecting disk positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the light-wave conductor, or by a guide bore contained in a conductor guide device attached to the tool body. Preferably, two contact members are simultaneously crimped on a pair of conductors, and the excess ends of the conductors are simultaneously tensioned and severed.

Abstract: A device which non-rotatably connects a hollow shaft with at least one component located on the hollow shaft and positioned with clearance on the hollow shaft so as to be fastened on the hollow shaft in a certain position by eliminating the clearance by expanding the hollow shaft, includes a joining tool that is passable through and expands the hollow shaft for eliminating the clearance, the joining tool has an expansion mandrel defined by at least one first shaping element and at least one further shaping element, the extension mandrel is movable inside the hollow shaft, a guide is provided for guiding the expansion mandrel during its movement inside the hollow shaft, and the shaping elements are movable relative to each other so that a motion of the shaping elements relative to each other causes at least partial expansion of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A key ring apparatus is designed to provide visual evidence of tampering. The key ring apparatus includes a main loop member having adjacent end portions with substantially equal diameters. The key ring apparatus also includes a hollow tubular sleeve that receives the main loop end portions, and is crimped into place thereon after keys have been placed on the main loop member. The tubular sleeve may have a pair of crimping indication indicators thereon, to show where to crimp the sleeve onto the main loop of the key ring apparatus. One or both of the main loop member and the sleeve may have a unique serial identification number thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a pattern on a medical device to provide a surface with greater surface area and improved adhesion properties.

Abstract: A universal pill splitter as an upper pill splitter body with a cutting blade affixed to a lower side of the upper body and a lower body rotating affixed to the upper body, with two pill stops affixed to the upper side of the lower body, with a slide slidingly affixing to the lower body, wherein the slide further contains two pill guides at either side of a slot centrally located in the slide body, so that when a pill is place on the lower body against the pill stops and the slide is pushed forward so that it engages the pill, pressing it securely against the pill stops, the pill may be split by rotating the upper body toward the lower body, thereby driving the cutting blade against a top of the pill.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the attachment of a fastener element to a component, for example a sheet metal part, wherein the fastener element is a nut element and has an axis of symmetry, a head part having a contact surface which enters into contact with the component, a threaded bore and also at least one undercut which receives the material of the component, and wherein the material of the component is pressed against the contact surface and into the undercut by means of a first tool having a die button shape matching the design of the nut element. A local force is exerted on the head part of the nut element or onto the tool to the side of the axis of symmetry and is moved circularly around the axis of symmetry while simultaneously carrying out a relative feed movement between the tool and the nut element between which the component is arranged in order to press the material of the component into the undercut.

Abstract: In one illustrative example, a device for sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or tissue tract may include an anchor, a filament, a plug, and a knot. The anchor may be configured to be disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the vessel wall adjacent the opening in the vessel wall. The filament may have a distal end coupled to the anchor and may be configured to extend proximally through the vessel opening and/or tissue tract. The plug may be disposed about at least a portion of the filament member. The knot may be disposed about the filament proximal of the plug and may be configured to move over the filament and secure the plug relative to the anchor. The knot may be independent of the filament member.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: An axial swage alignment tool (11) having a bridge member (27) for axially and rotationally aligning a metal tube (21) and a fitting (31) is disclosed. The bridge member that is temporarily bonded to the exterior surfaces of the metal tube and the fitting. The bridge member eliminates the need to place any material between the metal tube and the fitting either prior to or after the swaging process.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bearing assembly method for providing a bearing between a shaft and a rotator, comprises: embedding the bearing between the shaft and the rotator, and supplying a first adhesive between an inner ring of the bearing and the shaft and a second adhesive between an outer ring of the bearing and the rotator; partially pressing a plurality of points on an end surface of the inner ring before the first adhesive and the second adhesive are cured; and finishing pressing when the first adhesive and the second adhesive are cured.

Abstract: The invention firstly relates to a method for the pressing of a press fitting (3), with a tube (2) inserted into the press fitting (3), by means of a pressing tool (1), wherein the press fitting (3) has an encircling bead (31) in which an O-sealing ring (32) is placed, wherein the tube (2) ends within the press fitting (3) and a first pressing is carried out within the bead (31), wherein, furthermore, a further pressing is carried out on the tube-insert side of the press fitting (3) at a distance from the bead, the further pressing leading to press fitting (3) and tube (2) obtaining a conicity which prevents them being pulled off and runs in the same direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pressing tool (1) suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Tubular ends are heated to a predetermined temperature above 1200 degrees Celsius and surrounded by a shield gas when the tubular ends are pressed together to form forge welded tubular ends. The forge welded tubular ends are then cooled down rapidly from said temperature above 1200 to at most 600 degrees Celsius within 3 minutes after the forge welding operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting and crimping a ring on an attachment rod in a hole, comprising a robot, a monitoring and control system and an end tool designed to crimp the ring on the rod. The end tool includes a crimping device and a ring installation device which are solidly connected to a fine-positioning device, by means of which the end tool is attached to an end element of the robot. A ring insertion subassembly of the ring installation device and a crimping nose of the crimping device can move on the end tool so as to be positioned alternatively on an axis of an attachment to be installed, with no controlled movement of the robot when the end tool has been pre-positioned.

Abstract: A device capable of smoothly, easily and automatically installing a molding on a door panel for an automobile is provided and includes a molding installation jig and a dynamic sensor located between a jig body and an arm. The dynamic sensor is designed to detect a force applied from the molding installation jig to the molding. A finger is supported on a side of the jig body to contact and hold an end section of the molding. Three suction pads, which communicate with a vacuum device, are provided on a surface of the jig body at equal intervals. A pair of brackets having a C-shaped cross section are provided on a side surface of the jig body, which is perpendicular to the surface on which the suction pads are provided. A first roller, a second roller, and a third roller 19 are rotatably supported in each of the brackets.

Abstract: The present application relates to a marker attaching device for attaching a marker device to an object, comprising a part for fastening a marker device and comprising an attaching part for attaching the marker attaching device, wherein the attaching part can be deformed in order to enter into a mechanical connection with the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10.1) for connecting a web (25), comprising a pair of limbs (11, 12), the first two limb ends (13) being fixed to a support (30) while the remaining two limb ends (14) spring back and produce spring ends (14) for the purpose of connecting a web (25). In order to obtain a simpler and reliable connection, it is proposed that the two spring ends of the pair of limbs (11, 12) are connected to each other by means of a loop (20), the inside of the loop (24) serving to accommodate the web (25). When the web is connected, the loop (20) encompasses the cross section of the web and maintains it between its spring ends (14).

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the tool comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and a first portion with a first end and a second portion with a second end, the second portion having an elongated aperture or slot. The tool includes a pull line attachment assembly coupled to the elongated shaft, the pull line attachment assembly being configured to couple to a pull line or strap. The tool also provides a self-orienting pull arm pivotally coupled within the elongated shaft and being configured to automatically latch and be concealed within said elongated shaft. The pull arm is configured to automatically orient to a deployed state under a force of gravity after the elongated shaft has been inserted through a barrier. The pull arm, when in the deployed state, is configured to apply pressure to the barrier to breach the barrier. Methods are described for using the tool to breach a barrier or ballistic material of an enclosed chamber.