Abstract: Intravascular implant systems and methods of positioning and detaching implants are described. One such system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member in a position proximal to an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by an elongate member that is coupled to the implant. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the elongate member is released from the engagement member, and the implant is allowed to move away from the delivery system.

Abstract: There is provided an assembling method of a bearing unit which has a bearing having an outer ring and a retainer plate having a retainer hole for holding the outer ring. The assembling method has pressing a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction of a circumferential edge of an inner circumferential portion of the retainer hole of the retainer plate in an axial direction so as to form engagement pawls and moving the engagement pawls of the retainer plate from one axial end of the outer ring to a engagement groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring so as to engage the engagement pawls of the retainer plate with the engagement groove of outer ring.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for forming materials that may comprise a body having a channel and an insert. The channel may extend to a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. The embodiments may also provide a mandrel disposed in the channel of the body and the insert of the body. The mandrel may have a shaft, a head on the shaft, and a compressible material disposed between the head and the insert of the body. The embodiments may also provide a collar. The collar may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the body. The embodiments may also provide a biasing system configured to guide the collar in a first direction to a first position and then to a second position and configured to apply force to the body in a second direction.

Abstract: A method for repairing a crushing device or other device configured to comminute material includes the steps of removing at least one first insert from a portion of a crushing body such that at least one opening is formed in the portion of the crushing body, positioning at least one second insert in the at least one opening formed by the removing of the at least one first insert, positioning a force application mechanism adjacent to the at least one second insert and the portion of the crushing body, and actuating the force application mechanism to deform the portion of the crushing body to attach the at least one second insert to the portion of the crushing body. The one or more first inserts may be damaged and the one or more second inserts may be used to replace the one or more damaged first inserts. The force application mechanism is preferably explosive material. A method of forming a wearable surface is also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a connection between a corrugated tube and a further body, wherein the further body has a bore having a bore diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the corrugated tube, with the method including the step of drawing or pressing the corrugated tube into the bore.

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb body having a honeycomb structure disposed in a housing, includes at least forming a honeycomb structure, inserting the honeycomb structure into a housing, carrying out a heat treatment operation on the honeycomb structure having the housing, contacting outer regions with a molding, at least during the inserting step or the heat treatment step, and reproducing a desired outer contour of the housing with contact faces of the molding. A molding and an exhaust gas treatment unit produced with a thin housing in a dimensionally accurate manner, are also provided.

Abstract: A spring plunger for insertion into an aperture, the spring plunger including a body having a recess and a proximal opening to the recess surrounded by a chamfered rim with the chamfered rim extending at least partially across the recess. A coil spring and plunger are retained within the recess, with the plunger abutting the coil spring and contacting the chamfered rim. Also, a method of manufacturing a spring plunger and a method of use.

Abstract: A method of assembling a member made of a first material in a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, including forming the part with an aperture; inserting an intermediate part, which is made of a third material and includes a hole into the aperture without any stress; introducing the member into the hole without any stress; elastically and plastically deforming the intermediate part by moving two tools towards each other axially, respectively on the top and bottom parts of the intermediate part, so as to exert a radial stress against the member and against the wall of the part surrounding the aperture by causing the elastic deformation of the part, in order to secure the assembly in a manner that is not destructive for the part. The member can be a time piece.

Abstract: A method of assembling a member made of a first material in a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, includes forming the part with an aperture, inserting a radially flared portion of the member into the aperture, without any stress, and elastically and plastically deforming the flared portion of the member in the aperture by moving two tools towards each other axially, respectively on the top and bottom parts of the flared portion, so as to exert a radial stress against the wall of the part surrounding the aperture, causing the elastic deformation of the part, to secure the assembly in a manner that is not destructive for said part. The member can be a timepiece.

Abstract: A silencer for an exhaust system, more preferably of a motor vehicle, is provided with a silencer insert arranged in a silencer housing. The silencer includes a jacket, with at least one pipe section penetrating a through-opening of the jacket. Through welding of the pipe section to the silencer insert a weld seam formed pressure-tight between pipe section and jacket is relieved of mechanical load.

Abstract: A method of making a catalytic converter includes providing a catalyst substrate having a substrate periphery and a mat support disposed thereon. The method also includes providing a metal shell having a shell wall having a shell periphery and a bore that is configured to receive the catalyst substrate and mat support. It further includes inserting the catalyst substrate and mat support into the bore of the metal shell in slidable engagement therewith. Still further it includes reducing the shell periphery while applying an axial force sufficient to cause translation of the catalyst substrate and mat support relative to the bore until the force reaches a predetermined retention force threshold, whereupon the reducing of the shell periphery and translation of the catalyst substrate is stopped.

Abstract: A parts assembly includes a housing including a first part assembly hole on which a first apparatus component is assembled, the first apparatus component being fixed to the housing by a caulking for forming a caulking portion by a deformation of a bearing surface of the housing on which the first apparatus component is seated. The housing includes a second part assembly hole provided in the vicinity of the caulking portion and on which a second apparatus component is assembled. The housing includes a sacrificial deformation portion deformed by a force applied to the housing when the bearing surface is deformed by the caulking, the sacrificial deformation portion attenuating a force propagated to a portion including the second part assembly hole where the second apparatus component is assembled.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column assembly having a first jacket and a second jacket with a bushing between the first and second jackets. The method utilizes a manufacturing machine having a loadable member, a fixed member, and a thermal fixture. The method comprises the steps of: assembling the first jacket to the second jacket with the bushing located radially between the first and second jackets to interlock the first and second jackets and prevent axial movement between the first and second jackets; connecting the first jacket to the loadable member of the manufacturing machine; connecting the second jacket to a fixed member of the manufacturing machine; loading the loadable member to apply an axial force to the first jacket; heating the thermal fixture of the manufacturing machine; and melting the bushing until the first jacket moves axially relative to the second jacket.

Abstract: There is provided an assembling method of a bearing unit which has a bearing having an outer ring and a retainer plate having a retainer hole for holding the outer ring. The assembling method has pressing a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction of a circumferential edge of an inner circumferential portion of the retainer hole of the retainer plate in an axial direction so as to form engagement pawls and moving the engagement pawls of the retainer plate from one axial end of the outer ring to a engagement groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring so as to engage the engagement pawls of the retainer plate with the engagement groove of outer ring.

Abstract: A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stent is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon.

Abstract: The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire.

Abstract: In a fastening method of press-fitting and fixing an axial end section of a second-stage pinion (1) into a circular opening (21) of a first-stage planetary carrier (2), first press-fitting external teeth (13a), which have an addendum circle larger than an addendum circle of the other pinion part and has a sharp tooth top, are generated through manufacturing of tooth-cutting at an outer circumferential section of the axial end portion of the second-stage pinion (1). Then, a press-fit bore (22) that has a smaller diameter than the addendum circle of the press-fitting external teeth (13a), is formed at the circular opening (21) of the first-stage planetary carrier (2). The press-fitting external teeth (13a) are then press-fitted into the press-fit bore (22) so that tooth tops thereof cut into an inner circumference surface of the press-fit bore (22) to secure fastening strength between the second-stage pinion (1) and the first-stage planetary carrier (2).

Abstract: A fitting having a terminator pin that includes a tubing channel to receive tubing. The fitting includes a fitting body having a terminator pin channel to receive the terminator pin and having exterior threading to engage internal threading of a CPI type port. The fitting includes a first ferrule that receives the terminator pin. The fitting has a cap with a closed end and an open end. The cap has internal threading to engage the exterior threading of the fitting body and a hole to receive said terminator pin. The fitting has a second ferrule that receives the terminator pin.

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

Abstract: A pipe joint and a method of joining pipes using the pipe joint prevent loss of a sleeve, enhance workability in the pipe joining operation, and ensure sealing performance. The pipe joint may be utilized in a refrigerant device, a heat pump hot water supply device, a closing valve and a water supply piping. The method for connecting piping may be used in an in-the filed piping method. The pipe joint includes a joint body, a fastening member such as a nut, and a sleeve. The sleeve is integrated with the fastening member or the joint body before the fastening member is attached to the joint body. When the fastening member is attached to the joint body, the sleeve is cut off and separated from the fastening member or joint body. When the nut is fully attached, the sleeve bites into the pipe, and the pipe is joined to the joint body.

Abstract: A composite barrel for a firearm and method for forming by forging. The barrel includes at least two materials joined together by forging. In a preferred embodiment, at least one material is preferably lighter in weight than the other material. The barrel may include an inner tube and an outer sleeve. The inner tube defines a bore that provides a bullet path and in one embodiment may be made of steel or alloys thereof. The outer sleeve surrounds the inner tube and in some embodiments may be made of aluminum, titanium, or alloys of either thereof. The tube preferably includes an exterior surface containing recessed areas therein for receiving material displaced from the outer sleeve by the forging process. The preferred barrel forming method generally may include inserting the tube into the sleeve, striking an outer surface of the sleeve, and deforming the sleeve to force material to flow into the recessed exterior surface of the tube to bond the tube and sleeve together.

Abstract: A method of attaching a ball lock pin. A bushing assembly is inserted in a first object such that an outer surface of the bushing assembly is received within the first object. A plurality of locking balls disposed on a shaft of the ball lock pin is inserted into the bushing assembly. The plurality of locking balls is outwardly urged to engage a first engagement portion of an inner surface of the bushing assembly.

Abstract: The armature (16) of a solenoid operated fuel injector control valve (10) is attached to the valve needle (14) by a swaging process where the valve body (12) functions as the guide and the anvil for the swaging press.

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 method of attaching radiopaque markers to an intraluminal medical device frame formed from a shape memory metal or alloy thereof, the process conducted during the shape recovery process of said shape memory metal or alloy thereof.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object (10) with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion (3.1) and a wall anchoring portion (3.2). The sealing portion (3.1) is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion (3.2) has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening (5) provided in the object (10) wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion (3.1) of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth (5.1) of the opening (5) resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening (5), mechanical vibrations e.g.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine comprises axially inserting an exhaust gas treatment cartridge into a casing, wherein the casing has an initial inside cross-section that is larger than an outside cross-section of the exhaust gas treatment cartridge. A funnel is axially inserted into an end region of the casing, wherein an outside cross-section of the funnel is smaller than the initial inside cross-section of the casing. The cross-section of the casing is subsequently reduced such that the casing ultimately has a first ultimate inside cross-section that is equal to the outside cross-section of the exhaust gas treatment cartridge in a region, in which the at least one exhaust gas treatment cartridge is arranged, and a second ultimate inside cross-section that is equal to the outside cross-section of the funnel in the respective end region, in which the respective funnel is arranged.

Abstract: A punching method providing extension effect aims to form an oil seal sleeve. Through a mold with a gap formed therein a punching material can be compressed and extended during forming. By reducing the moving speed of the mold the forming speed also is slower. As a result, the roundness improves and surface roughness is reduced after the oil seal sleeve is formed. Thus there is no need to do follow-on lathing and polishing, and the formed oil seal sleeve can meet users' requirements. The invention can increase production speed and reduce production cost and material loss.

Abstract: Connector bushings are crimped to the terminal ends of tubular electrical heating elements for heating equipment, particularly equipment intended for use in hazardous environments, e.g. where there is a risk of explosion.

Abstract: An assembly method includes a step of press-fitting a second valve 27 to a valve shaft 29 to which a first valve 25 is press-fitted and secured while measuring and adjusting a distance L2 so that it becomes equal to a distance L1. Thus, the first valve 25 and second valve 27 are press-fitted to the valve shaft 29 and those components are swaged together so that the first and second valves are secured to the valve shaft, and oil is placed in a press-fitted portion. When components, such as the first valve 25, are sintered parts, oil contained in the sintered parts themselves is used for increasing a joining force that occurs in the press-fitted portion.

Abstract: A method of assembling a carriage assembly is capable of suppressing deformation of spacer portions when suspensions are attached to carriage arms. The method of assembling a carriage assembly aligns fitting holes provided in front end portions of carriage arms and spacer holes provided in spacer portions of suspensions and places the suspensions onto the carriage arms, and then presses a ball with a diameter equal to or greater than an inner diameter of the spacer holes with a pressure-applying member to pass the ball through the spacer holes, thereby crimping spacer hole edge portions of the spacer portions and attaching the suspensions to the front end portions of the carriage arms. By applying ultrasonic vibration from two axial directions to the pressure-applying member, the pressure-applying member is caused to vibrate on a two-dimensional movement path on a predetermined plane and passes the ball through the spacer holes while causing the ball to rotate.

Abstract: A fitting for making connections with a pipe includes a coupling body having an inside surface defining a bore for receiving a pipe. A ring is fitted over the coupling body for sealing and mechanically connecting the coupling body to the pipe. An axisymmetrical main seal is formed on the inside surface of the coupling body that seals and connects to the pipe when the ring is installed on the coupling body. An axisymmetrical inboard seal is formed on the inside surface of the coupling body axially spaced from the main seal that seals and connects to the pipe when the ring is installed on the coupling body. At least one of the coupling body and the ring is configured so that the inboard seal seals and connects after the main seal seals and connects to the pipe. An axisymmetrical outboard seal is formed on the inside surface of the coupling body axially spaced from the main seal that connects to the pipe when the ring is installed on the coupling body.

Abstract: An end piece for a flexible connector comprises a sleeve defining the proximal end thereof. A length of corrugated tubing is extended into the sleeve and the sleeve is crimped thereby joining the length of corrugated tubing to the end piece. For high pressure applications a length of polymeric tubing, a length of mesh tubing, and an outer sleeve are positioned in a surrounding relationship to the sleeve of the end piece and the outer sleeve is crimped thereby securing the length of mesh tubing to the end piece.

Abstract: Connector bushings are crimped to the terminal ends of tubular electrical heating elements for heating equipment, particularly equipment intended for use in hazardous environments, e.g. where there is a risk of explosion.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a 2-piece skin door comprising a bottom skin (10) and a top skin (20) wherein each of the bottom and top skins' longitudinal edges have been bent and folded to complementarily hem each other in an interlocking manner to form a seam, the method including: holding the bottom skin in an upwardly open pan manner; holding the top skin in an inverted pan manner wherein its folded and hemmed edges are aligned with the corresponding edges of the bottom skin; and pushing the top skin to insert said top skin's folded edge into the bottom skin's corresponding folded edge to form said interlocking seam. The bottom skin may be held securely on a substantially planar surface with securing means. The top skin may be provided with means for pulling it in alignment towards the bottom skin by winch and cable with hook means.

Abstract: A pressing method by which through holes are formed using a punch in a target plate material having a first face and an opposite second face. When the target plate material is punched with the punch from the second face in such an orientation that the first face of the target plate material is in contact with an elastic base, depressed portions are formed. The depressed portions are curved toward a direction in which the through holes are punched to sink downward in the form of funnel as they approach peripheries of the through holes, and are located at peripheral portions around the through holes that are formed in the target plate material in such a manner that the peripheral portions are pushed in toward a deeper side in a thickness direction of the base against an elastic force of the base and are deformed.

Abstract: A spin-capture retention system engages and retains a thermally expanding mat, stabilizer and exhaust aftertreatment element in an exhaust system, and provides secure axial and radial location, and provides protective sealing of the mat.

Abstract: The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire.

Abstract: Method of forming a sealed joint between a nut (20) having a cylindrical pilot (22), an annular flange portion (28) surrounding the pilot and a re-entrant groove (32) and a panel with a die having an annular lip (62) which deforms a panel portion into the groove (32) and simultaneously shaves an outer surface of the pilot onto the panel. The annular groove in the flange portion includes an arcuately inclined outer side wall (36) and an inner side wall (38) arcuately inclined toward the flange portion.

Abstract: A tube interface (53) includes a first tube (28) and a second tube (34). The first tube (28) has an oblong opening (54) exhibiting a first major dimension (58), and the second tube (34) has an oblong end (52) exhibiting a second major dimension (72). The oblong end (52) of the second tube (34) is inserted into the oblong opening (54) so that the second major dimension (72) is aligned with the first major dimension (58). The second tube (34) is turned in the oblong opening (54) to move the second major dimension (72) out of alignment with the first major dimension (58) of the oblong opening (54) to secure the second tube (34) to the first tube (28) prior to brazing.

Abstract: A method of forming a brush seal which includes placing a bristle hoop sandwiched by a sideplate and a backplate in the cavity of a forming die. The components are then die formed together into a unitized brush seal.

Abstract: A calking die for calking a component in a receiving bore, in particular for calking a securing flange in a stepped receiving bore of a valve block of a traction-controlled vehicle brake system, having an end face oriented toward the component, which face can be brought at least partially into engagement with a calked volume disposed on an edge of the receiving bore, in order to positively displace at least some of the calked volume in the form of a calked bead from the bore edge toward a face of the component. The end face of the calking die has a peripheral recess, which extends from a diameter defining a radially inner remaining end face to a radially outer circumferential face of the calking die and which is intended for at least partially receiving the calked bead.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for attaching filamentary members to a substrate are disclosed. The substrate includes a plastic layer and the apparatus includes an anvil, a needle and a swaging tool movable relatively to the anvil. The method includes the steps of penetrating the substrate with the needle to create an opening, positioning the filamentary member in the opening, and compressing the substrate between the swaging tool and the anvil so as to deform the plastic layer and swage the filamentary member to the substrate. The needle is heated to melt the plastic layer so that it fuses with the filamentary member upon swaging. Motion of the needle and swaging tool is controlled by cams under the command of a microprocessor control unit. A substrate to which filamentary members are swaged is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piston using a swaging tool includes the step of positioning a portion of a first member and a portion of a second member of the piston within a first end of an opening formed through the swaging tool, such that a reduced diameter portion of the second member is substantially aligned with a first ring portion of the first member and an end portion of the second member contacts a second ring portion of the first member to create an annular space adjacent to the first ring portion and the reduced diameter portion. The method also includes the step of subsequently swaging the first ring portion by moving the first ring portion in a direction toward a second end of the swaging tool, such that a portion of the first ring portion is positioned within the annular space to fix the first member to the second member.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit. The process involves using a first forming machine to form a first peripheral bead in a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, reduce the outside diameter of a second end portion, and slope an intermediate surface portion. Then, a second end forming machine tool, carrying a metallic socket, freely receives the tubular body second end portion, contacts the sloped intermediate surface portion, forms a second peripheral bead adjacent the first peripheral bead, while an annular end surface of the socket is compressed and locked between the first and second beads. Further, the tubular body is manufactured from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: A method and device for connecting two components by way of high fluid pressure are provided, the components being pushed onto one another, and the two components then being pressed against one another by way of the high pressure. In order to interconnect components in a relatively simple and controlled manner without any limitation with regard to the minimum size of an inside diameter of the components and with regard to the design of the inner component, the outer component, the material of which has a yield point which is lower than that of the inner component, is plastically deformed by high-pressure action acting on the sliding assembly from outside, the inner component being elastically deformed. An assembly of the components is also provided.

Abstract: A method to prepare a terminal assembly for different varieties of bamboo, required to form a system of nodes useful in construction, with which points or ends of bamboo such that they can be joined together easily and with great precision; and so that the bamboo can be joined to any other type of material, incorporating it into all kinds of structural system.

Abstract: In a crawler belt comprising pairs of opposite links connected endlessly via pins press-fitted into the links, fixing surfaces of pins or links are successively pressed and deformed from the fixing surfaces in an axial direction along the circumferences inside or outside of openings of pin-press-fitting holes by means of local pressing in the axial direction, whereby the end portions of the pins or part of the circumferences of the openings in the links are expanded or narrowed in diameter. The expanded or narrowed portions are fixedly engaged with the opposing engaging spaces. The surface hardness of the expanded or narrowed portions is set to be lower than that of the other portions. With such structure and method, the links and pins can be easily and firmly connected with sufficient holding force in the axial direction, securing accurate, quick and easy fixing of pins and assembling of pins and links.