Abstract: A multi-axial screw assembly comprises a bone anchoring member, a receiver, a crown and a snap ring. The receiver member has an aperture extending along a central axis of the receiver member. The aperture receives the bone anchoring member. The receiver member has a cutout on an interior wall of the receiver member. The cutout has an angled wall surface. The angled wall surface extends along the central axis of the receiver. The crown is configured to be received within the receiver member along the central axis of the receiver member. The crown has a groove around the circumference of the crown. The snap ring is configured to be received in the groove of the crown and in the cutout in the receiver member. The snap ring exerts an axial force on the crown when the snap ring abuts the angled wall surface of the receiver member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of assembling a container including an inner tube contained within an outer tube. The method includes providing an outer tube, providing a spacing element adjacent the open top of the outer tube and inserting an inner tube within the outer tube. The spacing element provides for venting of air from between the inner and outer tubes through the top of the container during assembly thereof.

Abstract: A multi-mount system, including a receiver as one component of the system, for removably attaching articles to a garment. The receiver has openings for affixing the receiver to a device that is then secured to a device-compatible garment. An article, such as a holster, is affixed to an attachment mount that is then inserted into the receiver in locking engagement therewith. The receiver can also be attached to a platform, which is then secured to a garment. The receiver can also be attached to a second mount, which is then secured to a garment. The receiver can further be attached to other devices, such as a backing plate and waist belt. The mount and its affixed article can be quickly relocated to another receiver by compressing resilient outer tines of the mount and withdrawing the mount and then inserting it into another open receiver on the user's person.

Abstract: An attachment mount for removably attaching articles to a MOLLE/PALS-compliant garment or the like. The mount is unitary with openings for affixing an article. A pair of resiliently compressible outer tines with a barb are compressed inwardly to be inserted through a pair of adjacent loops in a first horizontal webbing and then into a vertically-aligned pair of adjacent loops in a second webbing. Upon exiting the loops of the second webbing, the barbs spring outwardly to catch upon a lower edge at spaced stitched areas of the second webbing. Inner tines are directed overtop of the first webbing and into the same loops in the second webbing occupied by the outer tines, with the stitched area between the loops straddled by the inner tines.

Abstract: A method for fastening a cord lock on a fabric is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) providing a cord lock with at least one through hole in which at least one cord may pass, wherein the cord lock has an inner lateral wall extended upwards from a lower surface thereof to an inner surface thereof to define a recess portion; (b) providing a buckling element, wherein the buckling element has a protrusion protruded upwards from an outer surface thereof; (c) disposing the buckling element on the fabric via the protrusion passing an aperture of the fabric; and (d) fastening the cord lock onto the buckling element and the fabric via the protrusion received in the recess portion.

Abstract: Described are bracket assemblies having a bracket, a first insert, and a second insert, each insert including a mating surface. At least one lateral aperture is formed when the mating surfaces of the first insert and the second insert are coupled to each other and is configured to at least partially enclose a lateral portion of a fence structure. A plurality of longitudinal apertures are formed when the mating surfaces of the first insert and the second insert are coupled to each other and are configured to at least partially enclose a longitudinal portion of the fence structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present apparatus are configured to secure a first member and a second member to one another. The first and second members include a bore extending through at least one of the first and second members and at least partially through the other of the first and second members. The apparatus comprises a pin connector including an enlarged ball portion positioned along a shank. The first member includes an annular groove extending around the bore. A canted coil spring seats within the groove. The apparatus is configured such that the spring exerts a squeezing force on the ball portion when the pin connector is disposed within the bore and the head of the pin connector contacts the second member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a razor cartridge by providing a blade unit having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a pair of end walls interconnecting the first side wall and the second side wall. A plurality of blades are secured to the blade unit with a clip positioned at each end of the blade unit adjacent to one of the end walls. Each blade has a blade edge contacting a bottom surface of each of the clips. A frame is provided having a first interior wall and a second interior wall spaced apart from first interior wall that define an opening extending completely through the frame. The blade unit is positioned within the opening of a frame after securing the blades to the blade unit, such that the frame surrounds the blade unit. The blade unit is secured to the frame.

Abstract: A request-to-exit (REX) switch comprises an injection-molded plastic body that can snap into the access hole of a mortise lock mechanism to provide a request-to-exit contact generation. A micro-switch mounts to a distal end of the injection-molded plastic body. Such is precisely oriented, positioned, and secured by pressing onto two posts molded into the distal end. The installation is accomplished without tools, and two snap locking tabs in the injection-molded plastic body automatically secure to the access hole of the mortise lock mechanism. An orienting lip on a front cap of the injection-molded plastic body allows only one possible fit. A strain relief for wiring to the micro-switch is a part of the injection-molded plastic body.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for attaching a first component and a second component includes at least a body integrally formed with the first component. In the described embodiment, the body includes at least a first portion, and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion where the first portion is deflectable in at least a first direction and the second portion is deflectable in at least a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The second portion secures the second component to the first component with a securing force proportional to an amount of deflection of the first portion and the first portion and the second portion remain apart.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, provided is a prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a proximal radius. The system can include a first polymeric articulation component having a first locking portion and a metal head component having a second locking portion. The second locking portion can mate with the first locking portion to form a first locking mechanism to initially couple the first articulation component to the head component. The head component can define a locking channel. The system can also include a stem component having a protrusion receivable in the locking channel. The protrusion can define a bore, and the stem component can be adapted to be coupled to the radius. The system can also include a fastener received through the locking channel and into the bore to provide a second locking mechanism that couples the head component to the stem component.

Abstract: A bait station for use in terminating pests is provided. The bait station preferably includes a top member and a bottom member. The bottom member includes a bait reservoir to be filled with bait. Upon filling, the bottom member and the top member are coupled together by interaction of connecting portions of each to irremovably attach the top member to the bottom member. The connection between the top member and bottom member is preferably childproof.

Abstract: A modular implantable segmented intramedullary structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a bone configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened compressed configuration for bone treatment. The segmented intramedullary structure comprises a plurality of interconnected segments with a first interface and a complementarily-shaped second interface such that the first interface of a segment cooperatively engages the second interface of an adjacent segment. The segments define a channel for a tensioning elongate member to lock the structure in a compressed configuration. Methods of manufacturing, assembling, and/or treating a patient with the segmented intramedullary structure include options for real time customizable construction of the segmented intramedullary structure. In one embodiment the segments include a snap feature.

Abstract: A method for fastening a cord lock on a fabric is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) providing a cord lock with at least one through hole in which at least one cord may pass, wherein the cord lock has an inner lateral wall extended upwards from a lower surface thereof to an inner surface thereof to define a recess portion; (b) providing a buckling element, wherein the buckling element has a protrusion protruded upwards from an outer surface thereof; (c) disposing the buckling element on the fabric via the protrusion passing an aperture of the fabric; and (d) fastening the cord lock onto the buckling element and the fabric via the protrusion received in the recess portion.

Abstract: One or more connectors at one end of a wire bundle are passed through a polarized through-opening in a wall. The wire bundle is advanced to place a grommet having a substantially right angle curved bend, through and along which the wire bundle curves, immediately proximate the polarized through-opening on one side of the wall. One end of the grommet is inserted into and through the through-opening, and the grommet is advanced to pass its curved bend through the through-opening until the curved bend is disposed on the other side of the wall. Then a polarized groove in the grommet is seated in the polarized through-opening to locate a direction in which the portion of the wire bundle exiting the one end of the grommet extends from the grommet's curved bend.

Abstract: A chair construction is provided including seat inserts that attach to the lower surface of a seat body and are capable of receiving the leg support structure. In one embodiment, the chair includes four plastic seat inserts molded to the lower surface of a plastic seat body. The inserts each include a notch that is sized to receive a portion of the leg support structure, such as a cross member. The cross member can be snap fit into the notch and attach to the insert without attaching directly to the seat body. Fasteners may be used to secure the cross member to the insert.

Abstract: A floating technical hollow body (1), in particular for covering open liquid areas, comprises a shell, which is formed by at least two interconnected shell parts (1A, 1B), which at least comprises one opening (2.2) for filling the shell interior with liquid, and in which at least a fluid-in particular an air-tight inner hollow body (4; 4?) is arranged.

Abstract: A method of assembling selected modular ratchet cap assemblies. In one aspect, the method includes the acts of providing identical threaded portions, providing identical cover portions, providing a first vent module, providing a second vent module different from the first vent module, selecting the first vent module and coupling together the first vent module with one of the identical threaded portions and one of the identical cover portions to form a first cap assembly, and selecting the second vent module and coupling together the second vent module with another one of the identical threaded portions and another one of the identical cover portions to form a second cap assembly. In other aspects, the method includes assembling first and second cap assemblies with identical cover portions and threaded portions, but having different pawl members providing different cap-installing torque limits.

Abstract: A coupling for conveying fluid between a component of a fluid system and an insertion end of a conduit is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing the coupling are also disclosed. A support member is rotatably disposed within the coupling. The support member also encloses one quadrant of the annular recess that receives an O-ring. Tapered inward protrusions of the coupling facilitate centering of a conduit within the coupling.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and components for assembly of arrays of sensors from modular units containing component sensors of the array. The methods are particularly useful for forming arrays of microarrays. The sensor modules can readily be assembled in different combinations thereby allowing many different modular sensor arrays to be assembled from the same building blocks. Such modular sensor arrays offer advantages of economies of scale for a manufacturer of the modular units and flexibility for an end user in allowing the user to customize the array of sensor according to the user's own needs from a relatively small number of sensor modules provided by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A method of assembling selected modular ratchet cap assemblies. In one aspect, the method includes the acts of providing identical threaded portions, providing identical cover portions, providing a first vent module, providing a second vent module different from the first vent module, selecting the first vent module and coupling together the first vent module with one of the identical threaded portions and one of the identical cover portions to form a first cap assembly, and selecting the second vent module and coupling together the second vent module with another one of the identical threaded portions and another one of the identical cover portions to form a second cap assembly. In other aspects, the method includes assembling first and second cap assemblies with identical cover portions and threaded portions, but having different pawl members providing different cap-installing torque limits.

Abstract: A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a particle cassette for a needleless syringe device. The kit may include a first cassette part having a first rupturable membrane sealed thereto and a second cassette part having a second rupturable membrane sealed thereto. The first and second cassette parts may be arranged to be attachable together so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between the first and second membranes. The first and second cassette parts may be substantially annular and the first cassette part defines a receptacle for receiving particles. The second cassette part may be attachable concentrically around or inside the first cassette part.

Abstract: A fixed needle syringe has a syringe barrel with its distal portion modified to accept a needle protective housing. In particular, the distal portion is formed with the a groove dimensioned to accept a collar that is attached to the housing. The inside surface of the collar is provided with a number of flanges that fit within the groove formed at the distal portion of the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe. Protrusions are provided at the inside surface of the collar to frictionally act against the syringe barrel, so that the needle protective housing does not freely rotate, but is rotatable relative to the syringe barrel by the application of a predetermined torque to either the collar or the housing attached thereto. An internal hook is provided in the housing to grasp the needle of the syringe, when the housing is pivoted to cover the needle extending from the needle hub of the syringe.

Abstract: A wheel balance clip (1) arranged to attach a balance weight to a wheel, the wheel balance clip (1) comprising a spring portion (2) arranged to accommodate and attach to a rim of a wheel, a balance weight mounting portion (4) depending from the spring portion (2), the mounting portion (4) having a first side (10) arranged, in use, to be adjacent to a wheel on which the clip (1) is mounted and a second side (12) arranged to receive a weight, and opposing jaws (14), comprising a clasp and a retaining means, the clasp and retaining means being directed toward one another and being arranged, in use, to positively engage into a groove in a balance weight and retain therebetween a balance weight on the second side (12) of the mounting portion (4).

Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference shield system, is provided. Each EMI shield may include a frame providing the structure around the electronic device components to be shielded, and a cover operative to be placed over the frame to prevent electromagnetic radiation from passing over the frame. Each frame may be coupled to a circuit board, and enclose electronic components in need of shielding. Each cover may be coupled to its corresponding frame using at least one snap that extends from the periphery of the cover towards the frame and circuit board. To minimize the space taken by the EMI shields, the snaps of adjacent covers may be offset or staggered so that opposing snaps engage voids left between snaps of the opposing cover, thus reducing the space needed between adjacent EMI shields by up to the width of a snap.

Abstract: A method of coupling a valve assembly to a housing including the steps of orienting a channel and retaining the valve assembly. The orienting step including the orienting of the channel on the valve assembly to dual spring arms on the housing thereby directing a portion of the valve assembly to an opening in the housing. The retaining step including retaining the valve assembly to the housing by way of a biased latch.

Abstract: A clip for releasably securing a panel to a support, including a socket member, and a ball member. The socket member includes a base having a bore positioned at a center point of the base and a collar located around the bore, the collar being partitioned into segment walls separated by gaps. The ball member includes a base having a collar positioned around the center and a cylindrical pillar with a spherical member projecting from a top surface of the base at a generally perpendicular angle to the base. The spherical member of the cylindrical pillar is pushed through the collar of the socket member, causing the segment walls to flex back to allow the spherical member to emerge from above the segment walls and the pillar to be encircled by the segment walls when the segment walls flex back to their original position, resulting in a secure snap fit engagement of the ball and socket members.

Abstract: An attached lid container has lids that are hinged to the top edges of the side walls of the container. When the lids are closed, the free edges of the lids engage one another to form a joint that interlocks the lids together. The lids are attached to the container at the hinge joints after the molding of the container and lids, while the molded parts are still in the mold press. Specifically, the lids are molded next to the container and then moved laterally to be aligned with the hinge line of the container after the mold cavity is withdrawn. Then, the ejectors push the lids out toward the container. The force of the outward movement causes the hinge parts of the lids and container to snap together. Subsequently a robot arm removes the container from the mold press with the hinged lids assembled on the container.

Abstract: An enclosure method comprising a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion configured to mate with the first enclosure portion. A receptacle is provided on the first enclosure portion. The receptacle has a frangible wall portion accessible from an exterior of the first enclosure portion. The frangible wall portion is operable to be broken from outside the enclosure method. A protrusion is provided on the second enclosure portion and the protrusion is operable to be received in the receptacle. A first locking member is connected to the frangible wall portion to extend inside the receptacle and a second locking member is provided on the protrusion. The second locking member is configured to engage the first locking member such that separation of the first and second enclosure portions is prevented unless the frangible wall portion is deliberately broken.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate member having opposed ends, and identical first and second grip units. The first grip unit is joined to the second grip unit to form a gripping member that circumscribes a section of the elongate member between the opposed ends of the elongate member. Clip tabs are formed in the first and second grip units, respectively, which extend past the elongate member and snap into corresponding openings in the respective first and second grip units in response to movement of the first grip unit in a direction toward the second grip unit and that is normal with respect to the second grip unit and to the elongate member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat frame adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The seat frame has a tubular upper cross member. A bracket member is mounted to the tubular upper cross member of the seat frame. The bracket member has a pair of fulcrum bushings integrally formed therein. The bracket member is attached to onto the tubular upper cross member by an interference fit. At least one support rod is sized to be received within each of the pair of fulcrum bushings. At least one head restraint post is sized to be received within the at least one support rod. An active head restraint is mounted to the at least one head restraint post.

Abstract: Process for fastening an accessory to a hollow body obtained by molding a molten plastic parison and using a plastic connector comprising coupling means for the accessory and a stop surface intended to limit the penetration of the connector into the molten plastic, according to which the stop surface is provided with a curved double lip (or one-piece part having two concentric curved edges, i.e., two protuberances located preferably at its periphery, which are concentric and are in relief relative to the remainder of the part) and the connector is welded to the inner wall of the parison using this double lip.

Abstract: A method for assembling a snap clip lug. The snap clip lug is assembled by inserting a resilient arm into a sleeve opening. The resilient arm is connected at one end to a base of a clasp member and has a locking tab at the other end. The sleeve is defined in a receptacle member with an opening at one end and a locking slot at the other end. The resilient arm is flexed in a first lateral direction during insertion into the sleeve opening. When the locking tab is engaged in the locking slot, the resilient arm flexes in a second lateral direction, causing it to be retained in the sleeve, thereby forming the snap clip lug.

Abstract: This is directed to a hook and receiving element combination for securing components forming the shell of an electronic device. The receiving element can include a beam connected to the outer shell component and operative to deflect as the hook element approaches the receiving element. To limit deflections of the outer shell component, the beam can be restrained at opposing ends in directions perpendicular to the beam length, but free to slide along the beam axis. In some embodiments, the receiving element can include a lip for guiding the deflection of the beam as the beam contacts the hook element. In particular, the lip can ensure that the beam deflects at an angle relative to the hook element motion such that a smaller hook element motion is required to engage the beam.

Abstract: A method for producing an agent depot for mechanical connection to a surface of an endovascular implantable body, comprising a) providing one or more polymers; b) providing one or more agents; and c) producing an agent depot from said polymers and said agents, the agent depot being mechanically connectable to the surface of the body using force action or adhesive.

Abstract: Methods and other embodiments associated with a display stand with interchangeable head devices are presented. In one embodiment, a display assembly comprises a base, an interchangeable head device, a mounting member, a tether, and a sensor. The interchangeable head device is mounted to the base. The interchangeable head device is one of a plurality of different base head devices configured to be interchangeably mounted to the base. The mounting member is adapted for mounting thereon a display item and is movable between a mounted position in contact with one of the base head devices mounted to the base. The mounting can be removed from the base to facilitate viewing and handling of the display item. The tether is attached to the mounting member. The sensor transmits a signal to an alarm system when the mounting member is removed from the base head device mounted to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper module 1 having an integrated support structure for headlight 6, by means of which the installation of headlight 6 with a visually satisfactory profile in the front region of the motor vehicle is facilitated.

Abstract: A universal coupler for coupling multiple orthopedic instruments is disclosed. The universal coupler includes a body having a boss and an internal bore, a locking shaft having a first portion and a second portion, a trigger including a trigger bore, and a connection portion. The trigger is operable between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the first portion and boss are misaligned and in the second position the first portion and the boss are aligned.

Abstract: A molding process for forming a wet shaving razor including the step of placing one or more of the blades into a first mold cavity. A first generally rigid polymer is injected into the first mold cavity to form a housing and to secure the blades. A second generally rigid polymer is injected into a second mold cavity to form a handle that is adjacent to and spaced apart from the housing of the first mold cavity. A generally flexible polymer is injected into a third mold cavity to interconnect the housing and the handle, wherein the generally flexible polymer forms a gripping portion on the handle and a resilient skin contacting element between the housing and the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment used to manufacture PV cells or modules. In some embodiments, a support structure is provided that provides support for substrates used in the manufacture of PV cells or modules. The support structure provides support for the substrate at the edge, allows access to the rear of the substrate and is composed of materials that do not contaminate the substrate during processing.

Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base having a lid integrally connected to the base by a hinge. The base has a deck with a central portion, a dispensing opening in the in the central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The peripheral portion includes a raised wall partially surrounding the central portion, and having a greatest height adjacent to the hinge and decreasing in height around the central portion. The wall has an inner surface that blends with the central portion of the deck to form a concave channel surrounding the central portion of the deck. The channel surface has a base that is angled with respect to the peripheral portion down and away from the raised wall.

Abstract: A sunroof assembly with a composite water management assembly having side rails with a water trough connected at one end to end caps and to a pair of corners at the other, which connect to a front rail at substantially right angles to the side rails. This composite assembly can be connected by vibration welding. A reinforcement bar can be connected at substantially right angles to the rearward end of vertically oriented slide tracks snap fitted into substantially the length of the side rails. A pair of mirror slide mechanisms with vertically oriented mounts are retained, but free to slide, within a channel of the slide track and outboard of the water trough. A movable panel such as a glass sunroof are attached to the slide mechanism. A sunshade can be added that also combines water shedding ribs to channel water to the water trough.

Abstract: A storage and/or organization system may be used to store and/or organize various items. For example, the system may include one or more panels and one or more attachment members, which may be connected to the panels and may be used to hold and/or position various items in desired locations. The attachment members may be selectively connected to and/or removed from the panels to provide a variety of storage and organization solutions. The panels may include, for example, one or more receiving portions to which the attachment members may be connected to and/or disconnected from using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may deform and/or deflect to provide the snap, friction and/or interference. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may remain deformed and/or deflected to provide a tension fit.

Abstract: Medical devices with male luer slip fittings with either a male conical tip having a roughened outer surface or a female luer fitting with a roughened surface and methods for manufacture and use are disclosed. The outer surface of the male conical tip or a surface of the female luer fitting is roughened to increase the force required to remove the male luer fitting from the female luer fitting without causing leakage of the connection.

Abstract: A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.

Abstract: An expansion tool is provided for manipulating a snap ring, comprising a handle defining a longitudinal axis, and a shaft connected with the handle along the longitudinal axis. The shaft is connected with the handle along the longitudinal axis. The shaft defines a front planar face disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A wedge extends from the shaft to a tip, and includes a first surface in substantial alignment with an outer surface of the shaft and a second opposing planar surface disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the front planar face. The wedge further includes opposing engagement surfaces that each taper from the front planar face to the tip at an angle in a range of approximately 2 to 5 degrees. The engagement surfaces are tapered in a configuration to engage and expand a gap of the snap ring.

Abstract: A cabinet may include an upper wall, a lower wall and side walls. The cabinet may include a bracket that may be used to connect the cabinet to a mounting surface. The side walls may include receiving portions that receive portions of the bracket. The cabinet may also include one or more rear walls. The upper, lower, side and/or rear walls may include portions that overlap and/or engage with each other, which may help interconnect the walls and strength and/or reinforce the cabinet.

Abstract: A linear compressor and a method of producing the linear compressor which do not generate eddy currents in an inside stator of a linear motor thereof, thus preventing an eddy current loss, caused by an electrical contact between a plurality of thin metal sheets of the inside stator. The linear compressor includes a cylinder having a piston therein, a magnet arranged around the cylinder to actuate the piston, and the inside stator arranged around the cylinder to be placed inside the magnet. The inside stator has the thin metal sheets arranged in a cylindrical arrangement, and a holder which is made of a nonconductive resin material and to which the thin metal sheets are insert-molded to be held in positions thereof in the cylindrical arrangement. Due to the nonconductive holder, the thin metal sheets are prevented from being in electrical contact with each other, and the linear compressor does not generate any eddy currents in the inside stator, and prevents an eddy current loss.

Abstract: A piston-ring-installing device including a base (110) having a through-hole (111); and a guide member (120) disposed in the through-hole and fixed to the base, for positioning a piston in the vertical direction while receiving a head of the piston that is suspended downwardly in the vertical direction, and guiding a piston ring while widening a diameter of the piston ring by an outer peripheral surface of the guide member. A piston pressing member (130) is disposed above the base and supported movably toward a concave part (121b) of the guide member. The piston pressing member has a tapered inner wall surface (131) that is widened downwardly so as to come into contact with an edge of an upper end of the piston. A driving mechanism (140) is disposed on the base, and the driving mechanism is operable to drive the piston pressing member at least in the vertical direction. Also provided is a ring feeding mechanism (150) that feeds the piston ring placed on the guide member upwardly.