Abstract: A method for automatically forming armed surgical needles and for automatically packaging the same in a packaging tray, the automatic forming and packaging operating under control of a control computer, each armed surgical needle including a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein for attachment of a definite length suture material thereof.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter. The stent crimping tool is constructed of three orthogonally arranged semi-circular shaped cams rotatably mounted on a common base. Two cams are disposed horizontally side-by-side and one cam is vertically disposed. Rotation of the three cams is synchronized by interacting racks on each cam. A groove is formed into the outer circumference of each cam and the three cams are arranged on the base, which also includes a groove, to collectively form an axial space in which a stent-catheter assembly is inserted. Rotation of the cams draws the uncrimped stent and catheter into the axial space in which the stent is crimped onto the balloon catheter by the compressive forces exerted by the grooves of the cams and the base.

Abstract: A composite insulator includes an insulating rod, end fittings crimped to opposite end portions of said insulating rod, and an elastic insulating material molded around the outer periphery of the insulating rod, wherein each of the end fittings has a flange around the outer periphery of an end fitting body on an axially external side thereof, and the elastic insulating material is molded around the outer periphery of the insulating rod and those of the end fitting bodies such that the elastic material extends up to and between the flanges. A process for the production of such a composite insulator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a spool valve whereby a plurality of quenching processed collars are fitted to a shaft material so that the collars are arranged at predetermined positions on the shaft material. The collars have respective substantially central holes through which the shaft material extends. The diameter of portions of the shaft material is contracted in a vicinity of both opposite ends of each of the collars by rolling dies so as to cause plastic flow of a metal constituting the shaft material. Pairs of circular convex portions are then formed on outer circumferential faces of the diameter contracted portions of the shaft material.

Abstract: A securing method of a polymer insulator including the steps of inserting an FRP core into a depression portion of a metal member having an open end portion, and connecting the metal member to the FRP core by compressing the FRP core and the metal member is disclosed. The improvement includes the steps of: determining a first region defining a part of a compression portion of the metal member, to which a compression pressure is applied, from a side of the open end portion; determining a second region defining the other part of the compression portion in succession with the first region; and controlling a deformation of the first region in such a manner that a deformation amount of the first region is increased gradually toward the second region.

Abstract: In a method for making an assembly unit from an assembly bolt (3) that has a bolt head (9) and a shaft (6) and from a sleeve that has an axially movable annular collar (11) toward the head that surrounds a partial axial region of the shaft, first the shaft that has a counterpart back-engagement part is introduced into the sleeve, and then at least one back-engagement part on the sleeve is created by means of a stamping oriented essentially inward from the outer jacket face. The stamping has an action that is oriented radially inward and an action oriented toward the bolt head (9). In the stamping, a counterholder presses against the bearing face (22) of the annular collar (11) oriented toward the bolt head (9).

Abstract: The reliability of a gas pressure regulator is ensured through the use of the disclosed integrated crimp bias apparatus and method for biasing and crimping components of a diaphragm subassembly for the regulator. Omission of crimping of the components after biasing during forming of the diaphragm subassembly for the regulator is avoided by automatically locking at least one of the components of the subassembly in the apparatus before biasing and automatically releasing the locking only after crimping of the biased components. A pincerlike crimper of the apparatus includes a pair of pincers working on a pivot, each pincer having a handle to which a force can be applied and a grasping jaw for exerting a crimping pressure on the components. Grasping jaws each have two crimping elements which oppose respective ones of the crimping elements on the opposing grasping jaw during crimping. A fixture holds the components to be biased and crimp connected.

Abstract: A machine tool extension for interfacing a cutting tool having a generally cylindrical shank portion to a tool holder having a central opening. The extension comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical shank member having first end and a reduced diameter second end. The first end of the shank member is insertable into and securable within the central opening of the tool holder. The extension further comprises a bushing member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. The second end of the shank member is insertable and securable within one end of the aperture, with the shank portion of the cutting tool being at least partially insertable into and securable within the other end of the aperture. The shank member is formed to have an outer diameter which slightly exceeds the diameter of the central opening of the tool holder.

Abstract: The termination area of a wire rope is formed by a round or oval sleeve that is formed into a quasi-polygonal, preferably quasi-hexagonal, swage using a two pass die closing method using apparatus wherein opposing die cavity faces or sides include a reservoir space for swage material during the first pass of the die closing.

Abstract: A magnetic field concentrator for shaping metal parts by way of a high magnet impulse, with an opening in the form of a radially split mold, partially formed by a sabot/magnetic field shaping piece, to receive the part to be shaped, wherein the part to be shaped may have terminal end fittings or similar parts with a larger outside dimension than the work receiving opening.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft in a steering unit shortens in an axial direction when an impact load, over a specified impact load, is applied thereto, and thereby absorbs impact. The power transmission shaft includes a hollow shaft having a female serration on the inner circumference thereof. An insertion shaft has a male serration on the outer circumference thereof that engages with the female serration of the hollow shaft when inserted into the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft and the insertion shaft are connected with each other so that they can transmit power in the circumferential direction, yet they are displaceable in the axial direction . An inward depressed portion is formed on the hollow shaft to establish the impact absorption of the power transmission shaft. A concave portion, formed on the insertion shaft aids in the uniform formation of the depressed portion and thereby simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: In a workpiece joining method using a joining jig, a distal end portion of a bolt shaft is inserted into each hole of at least one workpiece, and a sleeve is disposed onto a distal end portion of each bolt shaft. Then, an upper die of the joining jig is lowered toward the workpiece supported on a lower die so that while the workpiece is being pressed toward base end portions of the bolt shafts, a tightening portion of each nose provided on the upper die draws the outer wall of the corresponding sleeve, thus tightening the sleeves. As the tightening process progresses, the tightened portion of each sleeve progressively enters a relief portion formed immediately above the tightening portion. The thrust of the noses does not directly acts on the bolt shafts in the direction of their axes, so that the joining jig can apply a sufficient tightening force without being restricted by the strength of the bolt shafts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a needle attached suture and an apparatus therefor. A needle attached suture is obtained by inserting a suture into an insertion hole formed in the end of a needle N which is held by a needle retaining unit 16 and by swaging the end of the needle with the suture. The method and the apparatus have been developed to accurately position the end of the needle for swaging with the suture to stabilize the swaging strength between the suture and the needle. Before the swaging, the needle is held by the needle retaining unit 16, and the end of the needle N is pushed to a certain position by a rod 99 or its equivalent. Thereby, the end of the needle N relative to the needle retaining unit 16 is accurately positioned.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. The rotary indexing device includes two coaxial cam dials that provide rotation and reciprocation of the universal gripper, and an off-set drive is provided at two locations for laterally off setting the radial reciprocation of the universal gripper.

Abstract: Methods of swaging fuel injector pump components are provided. A method of securing an armature plate to a control valve of a solenoid-actuated fuel injector pump comprises: (1) providing a control valve stem extending from the control valve, the stem having a body with a body width, a head with a head width narrower than the body width, and a neck with a neck width narrower than the head width, the neck forming an annular groove between the head and body; (2) providing a central aperture formed in the armature plate having an aperture width between the head and body widths; and (3) forcing the stem into the central aperture in a manner to cause a portion of the armature plate to deform into the groove to secure the armature plate to the stem.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. The singulation station has a sliding surface that assists an operator in singulating needles and depositing them in a pair of drop locations for subsequent automatic handling. Indexing conveyors, an articulated robot and a precision conveyor are used with a pre-positioning and a precise positioning station for orienting each needle for automatic handling. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly.

Abstract: A securing method including the steps of inserting a core into a depression portion of a metal member having an open end portion, and connecting the metal member to the core by compressing circumferentially the core and metal member by means of a compression die is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for microsurgical needle suture attachment includes a clamp for holding a needle such that the needle aperture remains in a fixed position; at least one guide member defining an angled guide area having a relatively wide portion and a vertex portion, the vertex portion being aligned with the fixed position of the needle aperture; a transport mechanism for advancing a suture end portion into the relatively wide portion of the guide member(s); and a deflection spring for moving the suture end portion into the vertex portion of the angled guide area.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cork extracting device containing a supporting shaft and a coil-type screw and in which the supporting shaft and the screw are separately made and then connected together, which comprises providing a bottom end portion of the supporting shaft with a coupling portion having a coupling aperture disposed therein, providing a coiled screw with a screw coupling portion at the top end thereof, inserting a guiding tube into the coupling portion of the shaft, the guiding tube having a center hole which extends therethrough and branches at the end thereof as a hooking groove, inserting the screw coupling portion into the hole of the guiding tube and bending the end of the screw coupling portion to engage with the hooking groove.

Abstract: A motion transmitting assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path by a core element (12) is movably supported in a conduit (14) which is, in turn, supported by a ferrule (16). A slotted swivel tube (24) is supported by the ferrule (16) and a terminal (24) is slidably disposed in the swivel tube (24). The assembly is characterized by the terminal (28) having a cross pin bore (30) and a cross pin (32) disposed in the cross pin bore (30), the cross pin (32) having a hole (34) extending transversely or diametrically therethrough with the core element (12) extending through the hole (34) to retain the cross pin (32) in the bore (30). The cross pin (32) extends through the cross pin bore (30) and out of each of the slots (26). A crimped section (36) of the terminal (28) is deformed into gripping engagement with the core element (12) to retain the terminal (28) to the core element (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device for connecting a torque-transmitting shaft journal, which is provided with a channel toothing and has a annular groove adjacent to a free end surface of the shaft journal with a structural component, the connecting device including a sleeve for receiving the shaft journal connectable with the structural component and having an inner channel toothing corresponding to the channel toothing of the shaft journal, and a spring-biased bushing for receiving the sleeve and axially displaceable relative hereto, the method including effecting, after pushing the sleeve receiving bushing over the sleeve, a reduction of the bushing at least along a portion of its longitudinal extent thereof or an expansion of an end region of the sleeve to provide a form-locking connection between the sleeve and the bushing which defines a stop limiting a displacement path of the bushing relative to the sleeve, and a device manufactured by the above-described method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swaging method and apparatus for swaging flemish eye splices. In particular, the invention concerns the production of swaged joints in which, by virtue of providing ferrules (5) and swage blocks (16, 17) of a particular construction, during a swaging operation displaced material of the ferrule (5) is channeled into the swage blocks, rather than out of them, and hence ovality of the swaged ferrule is avoided. In this manner, the swage blocks (16, 17) can be brought fully home in a single operation until top and bottom flats (10e, 10f) of the ferrule (5) are in contact with top and bottom flats of the swage blocks (16, 17).

Abstract: Methods of swaging fuel injector pump components are provided. A method of securing an armature plate to a control valve of a solenoid-actuated fuel injector pump comprises: (1) providing a control valve stem extending from the control valve, the stem having a body with a body width, a head with a head width narrower than the body width, and a neck with a neck width narrower than the head width, the neck forming an annular groove between the head and body; (2) providing a central aperture formed in the armature plate having an aperture width between the head and body widths; and (3) forcing the stem into the central aperture in a manner to cause a portion of the armature plate to deform into the groove to secure the armature plate to the stem.

Abstract: A fibre optic bundle end is produced by placing the end in a ferrule (6) and the bundle (14) and ferrule (6) are supported in a furnace (22) for rotation about the ferrule axis. The ferrule (6) and the fibres (14) therein are heated and while still in the furnace (22) are radially compressed by compression members (2,4) so that the fibres become lightly packed, after which the protruding fibre ends are cut off and the cut surface (16) is polished. The compression is achieved by rotating the ferrule (6) and fibres (14) back and forth about the bundle axis while the compression members which are bars passed through the furnace (22) move together radially of the ferrule (6), the said members being mounted for reciprocation so as to allow the ferrule (6) to roll thereon as it rotates.

Abstract: The invention provides a termination assembly adapted to retain an elongated, generally rigid member, such as a wire, to a mounting surface. A mounting surface is configured to define a receiving channel, which may include an aperture. A deformable sleeve member is configured to engage the generally rigid member to be retained and the channel in the mounting member. Cooperative deformation of the deformable sleeve and the mounting member will cause the two members to deform to engage one another, thereby securing the generally rigid member to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A steering column locking assembly and method of making same includes swaging a steering column tube and a steering column lock collar in such a manner that relative movement between the two parts is resisted below a predetermined level of torque while relative rotation occurs at values of torque above the predetermined value. A layer of plastics material may be provided between the two parts. Once the predetermined torque is overcome, then rotation between the two parts occurs, but ceases once the torque level drops below the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching sutures to curved surgical needles. A vibratory bowl and vibratory rail function to present individual surgical needles to a transfer system in a predetermined orientation. The transfer system then delivers each oriented needle to a frame which positions the needle for subsequent swaging by a rotating die system which selectively impacts the needle to secure the suture thereto.

Abstract: A method of making a pedal rod of two separate pieces is disclosed wherein a rod part and a head part are joined together by a crimped joint. The parts may be selectively plated and/or coated to provide environmental resistance or color coding.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for assembling an inflatable cushion with a reaction housing in an inflatable restraint system. A die is provided which includes at least one cavity extending through the die, and an elongate slot communicating with the interior of the cavity and disposed along the length thereof. The assembly is accomplished by aligning the die with the reaction housing to permit axial passage of a cushion insert, formed at the gas inlet opening of the inflatable cushion, through the die cavity into a mateable sleeve of the reaction housing.

Abstract: An improved tool holder system and method of using the same is disclosed, characterized by use of a plural extension member assemblies which permit the rapid adaptation of conventional machine tool holders for use in both automated machine tool changers as well as manual machine tool changer systems. In addition, the present invention discloses an improved method of mounting a cutting tool within a tool holder to accurately position the cutting tool height within the tool holder and subsequently prevent any backing out of the cutting tool from the tool holder during the cutting operation. Further, an improved apparatus and method of ensuring concentric mounting cutting tool within a tool holder is disclosed.

Abstract: A dart flight stem comprises a metal root portion attached by screw thread to a dart barrel. A flight-holding portion is mounted on the root portion for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the flight stem. A shaft extends axially from the flight-holding portion into a complementary bore extending axially from the adjoining end of the root portion. The shaft has a circumferential groove and the peripheral metal wall in the root portion is locally crimped to form radially inwardly peripheral projections in the circumferential groove around the shaft, whereby the flight holding portion is held captive on said root portion. The dart flight stem made by a method of selecting root portion with screw threads at the front end for attachment to a dart barrel. A flight holding portion is mounted on the rear end of the root portion. An axial blind bore is provided in the root portion to establish a rotating fit with a shaft on the flight holding portion.

Abstract: A reinforced boring rod assembly and a method for producing the same includes a boring rod including an arrangement for mounting a rod end thereto, a rod end for mounting to the boring rod, a generally annular collar telescopically mounted around the boring rod adjacent the mounting arrangement with the collar including a plurality of crimps formed circumferentially thereabout and extending into the rod a sufficient distance to initiate gripping action on the rod end. Stainless steel welds cover the crimps as well as the junctions of the rod end and the collar, as well as the collar and the boring rod. A method for constructing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shock absorber valve for a hydraulic telescoping strut shock absorber, has, running through a valve body, passages whose respective outlet-side openings are covered by ring-shaped valve discs, whereby the valve discs and the valve body are fastened and axially braced in line. A fully-automated assembly with short cycle times using the dry process can be made possible, whereby a valve closing force independent of tolerances is achieved by using a method which generates as few chips from cutting and machining as possible. To achieve this, the valve discs and the valve body are fastened and prestressed onto a cylindrical component using a fastening element, which fastening element is non-detachably fixed to the cylindrical component.

Abstract: The connecting link is manufactured from an elongated hollow extrusion of aluminum, which can be cut to any desired length and bent, as required. Molded plastic coupling members have tongues which are inserted into the open ends of the hollow extrusion and crimped in place to hold them securely. The coupling members have integrally formed socket structures to receive complementary ball structures which form the pivot connections of the wiper system.

Abstract: Connection piece (3), which is mounted on the end of a wire cable (2), for connecting the wire cable (1) to a mounting support taking up tensile forces caused by longitudinal stresses in the wire cable (2), in which the external dimensions of the connection piece (3) in the direction transverse to the extended axis of the wire cable end (1) are substantially equal to or smaller than the diameter of the wire cable (2) and in which the wire cable is compressed in its end region until the wire cable end (1) fits into a cutout (6), provided for receiving the latter, in the connection piece (3).

Abstract: An method and apparatus for automatically forming a plurality of needle-suture assemblies out of a plurality of unsorted needles and an indefinite length strand of suture material, and, automatically positioning them within a package tray, comprises a first machine located at a first location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, a second machine located at a second predetermined location for automatically drawing and cutting an indefinite length strand of suture material and automatically inserting a free end thereof into a suture receiving opening of the needle, and swaging the needle about the sutures to form a needle suture assembly, and a first indexing device for sequentially .receiving individual oriented needles at the first location and transporting each of the needles from the first location to the second location to form the needle-suture assemblies.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, and for packaging the same in a package tray comprises a first workstation including a device for sorting a plurality of needles and orienting each needle for automatic feeding to a second swaging workstation, a second workstation including a device for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length and a device for automatically swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about a free end of the suture to secure the suture thereto and form a needle-suture assembly, a needle packaging station including a device for sequentially receiving at least one of the needle-suture assemblies in a package tray in synchronism with the second workstation, the needle packaging station having a device for automatically winding the depending suture portion of the needle-suture assembly into the package tray, a first indexing device for sequentially receiving indiv

Abstract: In a method for making a self-propelled impact boring tool, the tool body is formed by swaging a steel tube to form the tapered nose of the tool. This results in less wasted steel as compared to conventional machining of a solid steel bar to form the body, which is the largest single part of the tool. The tool body may then be fitted with a tool anvil of slightly different dimensions than the forming anvil used during swaging to provide an interference fit.

Abstract: The method for securely attaching a radiopaque marker device to a medical instrument, such as a catheter, comprises the steps of providing a medical instrument, providing a marker device formed of a radiopaque shape-memory material, such as Nitinol, having a deformed configuration while at a first temperature, positioning the marker device adjacent the catheter, and changing the first temperature of the shape-memory material to a second temperature sufficient to cause the shape-memory material to transform from the deformed configuration to an original configuration so that the marker device engages the catheter upon return of the shape-memory material to the original configuration. The marker device may include a cylindrical band positioned concentrically around a tubular portion of the instrument so that heating of the shape-memory material is sufficient to allow the band to melt the tubular portion and move into embedded engagement with the tubular portion when in the original configuration.

Abstract: A swaging station incorporates a drawing tower that automatically draws, cuts, and inserts an indefinite length strand of suture material within the suture receiving end of a surgical needle for swaging thereof. The suture receiving end of the surgical needle is positioned within a swaging assembly located at the top of the drawing tower that comprises a first fixed swage die and a second movable swage die forming a swage die opening for positively gripping the suture receiving end of the needle positioned therein. A first suture alignment die and a second suture alignment die are precisely registered below and adjacent the respective first and second swage dies to form a lower funnel guide that is axial with the swage die opening for positioning the tip of the suture strand therein. The lower funnel guide has an exit diameter that is larger than the diameter of the suture tip and smaller than the diameter of the suture receiving end of the needle for easy placement of the suture tip therein.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle having a suture receiving opening formed therein, and for packaging the same in a package tray comprises a first workstation including a device for sorting a plurality of needles and orienting each needle for automatic feeding to a second swaging workstation, a second workstation including a device for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length and a device for automatically swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about a free end of the suture to secure the suture thereto and form a needle-suture assembly, a needle packaging station including a device for sequentially receiving at least one of the needle-suture assemblies in a package tray in synchronism with the second workstation, the needle packaging station having a device for automatically winding the depending suture portion of the needle-suture assembly into the package tray, a first indexing device for sequentially receiving indiv

Abstract: In a method for making a self-propelled impact boring tool, the tool body is formed by swaging a steel tube to form the tapered nose of the tool. This results in less wasted steel as compared to conventional machining of a solid steel bar to form the body, which is the largest single part of the tool. The tool body may then be fitted with a tool anvil of slightly different dimensions than the forming anvil used during swaging to provide an interference fit.

Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle comprises a first apparatus located at a first predetermined location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, each of the needles having a suture receiving opening formed therein. A second apparatus located at a second predetermined location is provided for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length suture strand and for automatically inserting an end of the definite length suture strand into the suture receiving opening formed in the needle. Also provided is a third apparatus for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly.

Abstract: A sand molding machine comprises an elongated tie rod with a removable bearing sleeve portion at its distal end. The distal end of the rod where the sleeve is attached has a reduced diameter end spindle portion with multiple stepped support sections on its outer surface. The sleeve is of generally hollow cylindrical configuration and fits over the spindle end portion of the rod. The sleeve has an outward cylindrical bearing surface, and an inward surface with stepped support sections corresponding to and contacting the outside support sections on the rod when the sleeve is attached. The respective supporting sections on the rod and the sleeve provide a strong tight attachment of the sleeve to the rod without requiring excessive force in order to attach and/or remove the bearing from the rod.

Abstract: A system for inserting and retaining a fastener between two generally parallel spaced apart webs formed on a first workpiece. The fastener is inserted using ultrasonic energy to deform the material of the webs to engage an axial force resisting portion and a torsional force resisting portion of the fastener with the material of the webs. The present invention includes the fastener which is constructed for use in the system, as well as an article employing the fastener for attaching the first workpiece, to which the fastener is attached, to a second workpiece.

Abstract: An exothermic burning rod includes exothermic fuel members extending axially within an elongate, external tube. The exothermic fuel members include an essentially ferrous inner core provided with an outer aluminum coating. A gas passage extends internally within the tube adjacent the exothermic fuel members.

Abstract: An improved optical probe for the invasive measurement of blood parameters is disclosed that minimizes reading inaccuracy due to mechanical stresses. An optical probe for the invasive measurement of blood parameters is typically made up of various sensors that end in a sheath. Each sensor is connected to a monitor via an optical fiber. The optical fibers are surrounded by a tube. In the region where the sheath adjoins the tube, the sheath is deformed by crimping such that a better mechanical contact (form-locking) between the sheath, the sensors, and the tube can be obtained, in order to avoid systemic errors caused by displacement of the optical fibers inside the sheath.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel crimp connection for directly joining metal tubes together. The crimp connection includes at least one circumferential crimp for locking or fixing the tube end portions together, which locking crimp will have varying lateral and radial dimensions. The connection may also include a second type of circumferential crimp for sealing the tube end portions together, which sealing crimp will preferably have substantially constant lateral and radial dimensions; and may include a third type of crimp for stabilizing the sealing crimp against radial and axial forces applied to the tube end portions.

Abstract: A jointing clamp for pressing pipe connections, particularly for pipes of composite materials, includes two pressure clamps, each of which carries a form part of a form insert and which are connected with one another by connecting plates that are disposed on either side, and which are supported at the connecting plates so that they are can be pivoted in opposite directions about parallel pivoting axes and can be moved into the closed position by means of a clamp driving device which can be connected to the jointing clamp by means of a crossbolt reaching through aligned boreholes in the connecting plates. In order to achieve a pressed pipe connection of high form accuracy, the form insert is constructed in three parts and the third form part is supported in a stationary manner between the connecting plates of the jointing clamp.

Abstract: A fastener for splicing wires and the like is mace by forming a tubular sleeve of spring material such as phosphor bronze. In its unrestrained shape, the tubular sleeve is too small to receive the wires, but the tubular sleeve is expanded elastically and held expanded by solder, so that the wires can be inserted. Upon the application of heat the solder melts, flowing into the joint and allowing the sleeve to spring back to its original size or at least to the diameter of the wires. The fastener can be mounted on a stud to provide a replacement for the familiar solder cup terminal. An expanded sleeve can be placed around a piece of heat shrinkable tube. When heated, the tube and the sleeve contract, the sleeve reinforcing the tube giving a much greater compressive force during shrinking. The sleeve then becomes a metallic protector for the tube.