Abstract: According to the invention, a device for attaching a rope (8) to a handle (4), particularly of a tool, is characterized by at least a partially tube-shaped cover (20) that is elastically deformable at least in the circumferential direction of the tube shape and has an anchoring for the rope (8).

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: An apparatus and method for joining adjacent members, wherein the members are placed in an overlapping layered relationship. The members are clamped between a die and a blank holder. Once clamped, a clinching operation is performed on the members to create at least a partial bond between them. In addition to the clinching operation, a level of vibrational energy is imparted to at least one of the members to reduce clamping force requirements, promote material flow and deformation and provide increased joint strength.

Abstract: A sheet fastening apparatus and method are provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a die assembly for forming a joint between sheets of material is disclosed wherein the die assembly includes an anvil, at least one die blade disposed adjacent to and overlapping a punch-side of the anvil, a flexible retainer, and a shield that coaxially and radially surrounds a portion of the anvil and/or die blade.

Abstract: A machine for assembling modular markers, in particular markers for identifying electric cables or the like, includes tags and supporting elements. The supporting elements have respective housings designed to accommodate the labeled elements. The machine comprises a mechanism for inserting the tags into the housings.

Abstract: The sheet metal pry hooks are pry hooks having a hook end oriented in a manner to allow gripping and bending of an automotive sheet metal panel(s) in almost any situation encountered in the repair of such panel(s). As presently contemplated, the pry hooks will be made available either individually or as a kit of three pry hooks having different configurations of the hook, including at least one hook having the hook member offset from the longitudinal axis of the shank of the tool. The kit allows a user to have at hand a complete array of hooks needed for bending and orienting sheet metal panels in almost any repair situation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a seal within a ferrule having a compression ring disposed therein. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly for crimping a portion of the ferrule, and a push rod assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The push rod assembly is capable of independent articulation with respect to the frame assembly and is configured to compress the compression ring within the ferrule.

Abstract: A method for assembling a metal honeycomb catalyzer carrier includes the steps of winding corrugated belt plate materials into a substantially cylindrical shape, forming a wound structure into a predetermined cylindrical shape with a die 101 and pushing out a wound honeycomb body 12 obtained through the forming from the die and inserting the wound honeycomb body 12 into the interior of a tubular member 13. An assembling apparatus 31 includes a winding unit 42 which includes, in turn, a rotational holding shaft 167 and a press roller unit 38, a die unit 39 for forming a wound structure wound round the rotational holding shaft 167 into a wound honeycomb body 12 of a predetermined cylindrical shape (of an outside diameter Dp), a tube support unit 132 for setting a tubular member 13 at an edge of a die surface 126, and a honeycomb push-out and insertion unit 34 for pushing out a formed structure from a die 101 and inserting the formed structure so pushed out into the tubular member 13.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for joining members applicable even to different members. Included are first and second plate-like members 1 and 2 to be joined which are stacked one on the other for face-to-face contact and formed with respective, mutually contiguous holes 3 and 4, a fastening member 5 formed with a threaded hole 20 contiguous with the holes 3 and 4 of the members 1 and 2 and abutting on the member 1 on a side away from the member 2 and an auxiliary member 7 inserted into the holes 20, 3 and 4 of the members 5, 1 and 2. Due to frictional heat and plastic flow, material derived from the member 7 is adapted to enter into a threaded groove on an inner periphery of the hole 20 of the member 5 and cover a circumference of the hole 4 of the member 2 so as to join the members 1 and 2 together.

Abstract: A system for impairing at least one pair of data platters stacked. An alignment device is pivotably mounted; upper and lower arms of the alignment device are spaced apart from and extend parallel to one another. The alignment device is movable between a stowed position in which the alignment device is spaced apart from the data platters to an impairment position in which the upper and lower arms of the alignment device overlay at least an edge of the data platters. The upper arm includes an opening for receiving an impairment tool, the opening being generally aligned with an impairment opening formed in the enclosure when the alignment device is in the impairment position. The impairment tool is inserted through the impairment opening formed in the enclosure and the opening in the upper arm for engaging a surface of the data platters to impair the data platters.

Abstract: Method for the attachment of a functional element having a head end and optionally a shaft part, in particular a fastener element, to a sheet metal part, optionally in liquid-tight and/or gas-tight form, wherein the functional element is pressed against the sheet metal part supported by a die button having a shaping space and sheet metal material is pressed by means of at least one movably mounted shaped part, and preferably by means of at least two such shaped parts of the die button, and by a radially inwardly directed movement of the or each shaped part, into an undercut of the functional element, with the or each shaped part forming a respective wall region of the shaping space, wherein the or each shaped part is initially radially supported by an envelope surface region of an abutment envelope and is prevented from a radially inwardly directed movement so long until the sheet metal material is drawn by the head end of the functional element into the shaping space for the formation of a pronounced recess

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: 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: In order to form a reliable, process-safe pressout- and twist-safe press-in connection between a joining element and a workpiece, the joining element is pressed with a shank region into a hole in the workpiece, with shank material of the shank region being pressed into a reception space between the shank region and the hole margin for this purpose, so as to make a frictional connection, without a positive form-lock connection which acts in the axial direction being made. As a result, it becomes possible to have a pressout-safe press-in connection without deformation of the hole, along with a level metal sheet underside, and without the formation of a fastening collar. The press-in connection is suitable particularly in the case of a combination of a low-strength joining element with a higher-strength metal sheet.

Abstract: A hose coupling according to the present invention for securing a hose has a cylindrical nipple and a cylindrical socket disposed radially outwardly thereof. A plurality of circumferentially extending annular hose gripping projections are provided on a radially inner surface of the socket in a predetermined interval along a longitudinal direction of the nipple. The hose comprises an elastic tube layer and a reinforcing layer disposed radially outwardly thereof, and is to be secured between the nipple and the socket by crimping the socket after the hose is inserted between the nipple and the socket. At least one hose gripping projection of the plurality of hose gripping projections protrudes radially inwardly of the socket greater than other hose gripping projections.

Abstract: A joining method for joining a second member to a first which is a tubular member having a plurality of hollow portions partitioned by a partition wall portion is provided. The first member 1 is inserted into an insertion hole 6 formed in the second member 5. A die segment 11a of a die 11 and a wedge portion segment 19a of a mandrel 18 are disposed in each hollow portion 3 of the first member 1. Next, in a state in which the partition wall portion 4 is held by and between both wedge portion segments 19a and 19a, each wedge portion segment 18a is inserted into the corresponding wedge hole portion segment 14a of the die segment 11a to thereby move each die segment 11 of the die 11 radially outward of the first member 1. With this, the inserted portion 2a of the first member 1 inserted in the insertion hole 6 and both portions 2b and 2b axially adjacent to the inserted portion are expanded to thereby join the first member 1 and the second member 5.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a progressive crimping method. The method includes assembling a compression connector for crimping, the compression connector including a first section and a second section; crimping the compression connector to a first crimp depth; crimping the first section of the compression connector to a second crimp depth; and crimping the second section of the compression connector to the second crimp depth.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel machine for repairing damaged wheel rims whereby pressure is applied to a damaged rim from a plurality of pressure applicators, and whereby all of the pressure applicators may be used without impairing the sightline of the user.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated roller head includes a linear actuator mountable on an end of a multi-axis robotic arm. The linear actuator includes a slide, a magnet operably connected to the slide and operable to urge the slide in a linear direction, and a connector disposed on a distal end of the slide. A roller hemming head is mounted on the linear actuator by the connector. The roller hemming head includes at least one hem roller.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a fastener having a head and a shank, with a necked portion, extending from the head. The fastener assembly also includes a retainer having an aperture through which the shank is inserted and at least one radially inwardly-projecting tang engaged with the necked portion of the shank to limit movement of the retainer along the shank to within the necked portion.

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 tool, for bonding two plates together, has a punch (1) and a die (2) each as two-part structures with a positive fit between the two parts. One part (8, 13), as a tool which acts directly on the plate workpieces (3), is of a harder material than the other part (7, 12) which acts as a tool holder. The punch and die are divided into their two parts across the working direction.

Abstract: A method for joining a holed member, including a through-hole, and an unholed member together, the method includes deforming the unholed member against the through-hole of the holed member so that a flat portion of the holed member around the through-hole is deformed into the shape of a truncated conical projection and so that the unholed member is deformed along the truncated conical projection to partly project from the through-hole, and deforming a portion of the unholed member which projects from the through-hole to come into intimate contact with a wall surface of the through-hole of the holed member.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a stent includes a flexible sheet having a first portion curved over toward a second portion of the sheet, such that the sheet includes a generally cylindrical opening. A compression wedge and a curved surface of a platen sandwich at least the second portion of the sheet, and the compression wedge is adjacent to the generally cylindrical opening. A size of the generally cylindrical opening is changed by relative curvilinear motion of the compression wedge and the platen.

Abstract: A closure plug for bores, including a cylindrical jacket of through hardened steel, whose outer peripheral surface features a toothed design.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite metal sheet having remarkably enhanced electrical property and reliability, a method for preparing the same composite metal sheet, and a device for preparing the same composite metal sheet.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structures such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining method of metal plates, which can connect two metal plates without a projection in a surface of the metal plates and a gap, and a joined unit having metal plates which are connected without a projection in a surface of the metal plates and a gap between the metal plates. The joined unit has a pair of metal plates. One of the metal plates has a hole, and another metal plate has a projection having a height less than a thickness of the one of the metal plates. The projection passes through the hole, the one of the metal plates is placed on the other of the metal plates each other, and a central part of an end surface of the projection is crushed in the hole. Thereby, the metal plates are joined to each other, and the joined unit can be provided.

Abstract: A hard disk destruction apparatus is presented having a penetrating point that is manually pressed against a hard disk. The point has an angled tip designed to penetrate the hard disk casing and deform the hard disk platters within. The manual pressing avoids the use of any electrical power or other fuel. In one described embodiment, a mechanical arbor press provides the necessary force. A transparent safety shield surrounds the hard disk during destruction. A restraint prevents upward movement of the hard disk when the point is extracted.

Abstract: A ball and socket housing incorporating a thick housing wall of deformable material adjacent a central bore opening to provide a closure system utilizing a deformable cover-plate. The deformable cover-plate is formed to a desired configuration within the central bore to achieve a consistent internal socket preload. The cover-plate is deformed into the housing opening beyond an elastic limit to control resiliency or spring-back characteristics, thereby achieving a high-degree of repeatability and precise control of the ball and socket preload during the assembly process. The deformed cover-plate is retained in the socket housing at the cover-plate seat by swaged or rolling the perimeter of the housing to capture the perimeter of the deformed cover plate within the housing central bore opening.

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 ferrule securing assembly including a die set assembly for reducing a cylindrical ferrule. The die set assembly having a female die and a male die. The female die having a female die opening sequentially defined by a tapered section, a parallel section, and a concave seat. The male die having a concave die face with at least two lateral edges, a medial area, and a radius of curvature. The male die is receivable in the female die opening to move the ferrule through the tapered section so as to forge the ferrule into a substantially oval shape, to move the oval shaped ferrule through the parallel section, and to compress the oval shaped ferrule between the concave die face and the concave seat to forge the oval shaped ferrule into a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the present invention is designed for assembling a load floor (12) having a peripheral slot (22) and an overlaying layer (24, 28). The apparatus (10) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22). At least one holding device (52) holds the load floor (12). At least one tucking tool (54) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22) to fold the overhang over the peripheral slot (22) and thereafter tucking the overhang into the peripheral slot (22). The invention includes a method of sequentially folding and thereafter tucking the overhang of the overlaying layers (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22).

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: In a method for inserting a bolt element (10) having a head portion (12) and a shaft portion (16) into a sheet metal component (52) the bolt element is passed through the sheet metal component by means of a setting head (38), with its end (100) remote from the head portion at the front, and is riveted to the sheet metal component (52) in the region of its head portion (12) by the cooperation of the setting head with a die (54) arranged at the side of the sheet metal component remote from the setting head (38). The sheet metal component (52) is pierced either by a hole punch or by the specially shaped bolt element (10), by the end of the shaft portion (16) remote from the head portion (12) under the action of the setting head (38), to form a ring collar which is subsequently deformed radially into contact with a groove in the shaft portion. In this arrangement the end (100) of the bolt element (10) which performs the punching work is preferably executed in accordance with the Ka shape of DIN 78.

Abstract: A clinch element including a body portion having an annular lip portion projecting from an end face of the body portion including an arcuate free end and a frustoconical outer surface. One embodiment includes an annular lip projecting from both end faces of the body portion. A method of attaching the clinch element to one or two panels which includes driving the free end of the lip portion against an outwardly inclined frustoconical chamfered face of a die cavity, deforming the annular lip over the panel and a die member having a projecting piloting point and an annular die cavity surrounding the piloting point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing a corner connector to a rectangular duct section having a transverse duct flange. The disclosure also relates to a method for securing a corner connector to a transverse duct flange.

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 protective sheet loader may comprise a first roller, a second roller, a sheet of material spanning between the first and second rollers, and a loading mechanism. A portion of the sheet of material may be loaded into the crimping chamber of an apparatus for reducing the size of a medical device. A medical device may be placed within the crimping chamber such that the sheet of material forms a barrier between the walls of the crimping chamber and the medical device and prevents cross-contamination between the medical device and the crimping device. After a crimping step is completed, the medical device and the contaminated portion of the sheet of material may be removed from the crimping chamber, and a clean portion of the sheet of material may be loaded into the crimping chamber.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for operating a shaping die to join stacked plates by a deep-drawing and swaging operation is implemented as an electric drive, such as a linear motor or a rotary motor, which is operatively connected to the shaping die.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EMF) trimming, flanging and hemming steps are performed at a single workstation in a combined fixture designed to form a hemmed panel assembly, such as a vehicle closure panel. Two or more formed sheets, outer and inner panels, are positioned together for hemming. The panels are clamped and EMF coils are activated to provide EMF force to retain the panels and trim off excess addendum material from the outer panel. The coils are then activated to bend the trimmed edge upward against a flanging member and form a 90 degree flange. Flanging and trimming members are retracted and a coil member positions EMF hemming coils opposite the flange. The hemming coils are then activated and apply EMF force to bend the flange of the outer panel to a 180 degree angle, overlaying the edge of the inner panel and forming a panel assembly having a hemmed edge. Optionally, if needed, the flanging member is then lowered against the flange to assure flatness of the hem.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises a rotatable sheath and a stent. The assembly is crimped or reduced in diameter prior to loading onto a catheter by one or more crimping apparatuses. One crimping apparatus comprises a blade having a stepped configuration. A mandrel may be used to support the assembly during crimping. The mandrel may have an expandable region. A protective sheath may be used to protect the stent during crimping and to redirect the crimping forces to desired locations about the assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an article may comprise a plurality of movable dies arranged to form a chamber whose size may be varied by moving the dies. Each of the dies may have a contacting surface for contacting the article to be shaped. The chamber may have a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section. Either portion may include a taper. The first portion may have a differently shaped cross-section than the second portion. The first portion may have a cross-section of greater area than the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

Abstract: A crimping tool for connecting a cable fitting to the end of a cable is made up of an elongated body having a lever arm pivoted at one end of the body to actuate a plunger having a chuck at one end toward and away from axially slidable die portions on the body, and the die portions can be expanded to permit insertion of the connector sleeve and cable into engagement with the end of the chuck and contracted to apply a uniform crimping force to the fitting in response to an axial force applied to the chuck to increase the crimping force causing the die portions to be further contracted into crimping engagement following which the die portions can be expanded to release the fitting and cable from the tool.

Abstract: A roller folding head is disclosed. Roller folding heads are used, for instance, when fixing the frame of a sliding roof in an opening in the roof of a vehicle. In order to do this quickly and automatically, the roller folding head is provided with at least two pairs of rollers, each pair of rollers consisting of a pressure roller and a counter-roller which interact in order to bend a flange along a folding line at a specific angle. The folding process is carried out in several stages, one flange being crimped around another flange in a series of partial steps at an angle of 180°. One pair of rollers is provided for each step, at least two thereof being arranged on a roller folding head.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The crimping assembly includes at least two moving-element subassemblies, each with a pair of moving elements. The moving elements having a first side and a second side joining at a tip. The moving-element subassembly is able to move in such a way that the moving elements move relative to each other from a first position with the tips offset from each other by a first distance, to a second position with the tips offset from each other by a second distance different than the first distance. The assembly also includes a movement assembly that interfaces with each of the moving-element subassemblies. The movement assembly moves the pairs of moving elements between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A tool, for making clinching connections, which has a multi-part matrix with matrix sheathing pieces that move to the outside and with counteracting springs. These springs are one-piece connected with each other through a connecting section. There are at least three sheathing pieces which are arranged axially symmetric around the centerline of the matrix.

Abstract: A jaw (39) for crimping a generally cylindrical compression sleeve (34) in a compression coupling is disclosed in, which at least two support members (39, 41) are adapted to support at least two arcuately shaped dies (24) for movement toward and away from each other for compressing the compression sleeve (34) about an inner concentric pipe or tube (36) to an inner arcuate die surface corresponding in shape and dimension to a predetermined outer surface portion of the compression sleeve so as to engage and compress the compression sleeve when positioned thereabout and moved toward each other. The dies (24) each have at least one crimping roller (30) rotatably mounted adjacent the die surface. The crimping roller (30) is adapted to form a crimp on the compression sleeve and the inner member to form a mechanical attachment therebetween. Various combinations of die/roller arrangements are disclosed to encircle and compress a sleeve/pipe combination to form a compression coupling.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.