Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for producing a winding element from a supplied wire, in particular from a round copper wire, said method and device allowing the economical and flexible production of a winding element which, when subsequently used in the field of electrical engineering as a coil or inductor fitted in a stator, ensures the highest possible groove filling factor. For this purpose, the wire is wound to a three-dimensional shape and the cross section of the wire is changed simultaneously, as a result of which separate method steps and therefore tool arrangements for three-dimensional winding of the wire as well as the change of the cross-section of the wire can advantageously be dispensed with.

Abstract: A wire thread insert comprises besides a cylindrical helix consisting of a plurality of coils a moving tang projecting into the interior of the helix for installing the wire thread insert into a receiving thread. The wire thread insert is connected to the cylindrical helix via a bending portion such that the moving tang can be redressed into the receiving thread after installation of the wire thread insert. The wire thread insert is installed by means of an installation tool with a mounting spindle, which installs the wire thread insert in the receiving thread via a moving shoulder and the moving tang. A compression blade provided at the mounting spindle bends the moving tang back into the receiving thread while the mounting spindle is removed from the installed wire thread insert.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first tube, a second tube, and a distally projecting tongue. The second tube is coaxially disposed within the first tube. One of the first tube or the second tube is configured to translate relative to the other of the first tube or the second tube. The tongue is fixed to either the first tube or the second tube. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the tongue. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade in response to relative translation between the first and second tubes. The tongue is configured to flex relative to the first tube and the second tube in response to the clamp arm grasping tissue.

Abstract: An upper die part includes an embossing bell, a stripper ring, and an inner shape embossing element. The stripper ring has an embossing surface with a corrugated profile on the embossing surface. A lower die part includes an embossing anvil having a corrugated profile on its embossing surface. The embossing bell and the inner shape embossing element each are provided with an embossing shoulder, which are disposed, with respect to the corrugated profile of the stripper ring, in the stroke direction in such a way that the shoulders can seize the burrs only alter the corrugating step. The corrugating step takes place prior to burr compression. The outer and inner contours of the disk are not able to change positions, but are able to change shapes on the burr side after the corrugating step.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for providing treatment to a target site are described. The system may include a guide assembly, an expandable support device coupled with the distal end of the guide assembly, and an operative member disposed on the expandable support device. The expandable support device may be configured to transition between a collapsed and expanded configuration. The expandable support device may be supported by one or more flexible supports aligned in parallel with an axis about which the expandable support device collapses and/or multiple splines arranged in a pattern configured to promote transitioning of the expandable support device between an expanded and collapsed configuration. The guide assembly may be configured to provide torque to the expandable support device. The operative member can include multiple electrodes arranged in parallel to the axis about which the expandable support device collapses.

Abstract: A spring tape suitable for use in spring motor applications where reactive torque varies with rotational deflection. An elongate elastic element is advanced lengthwise and is laser cut into longitudinally complementary shapes which are separated and subsequently pre-stressed into rolls which are cut to length for assembly into a spring motor.

Abstract: A biasing force adjustment device includes: a cylindrical component having a first thread part; a reciprocate component accommodated in the cylindrical component; a biasing portion that biases the reciprocate component in a first direction; and a biasing force adjustment component that adjusts a biasing force of the biasing portion. The biasing force adjustment component has a second thread part engaged with the first thread part so as to control the position of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component, and a regulation part that regulates movement of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component by being deformed in a radial direction by external force applied in the first direction.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a conductor, comprising a helical rod having a plurality of turns. The pitch between the turns varies along the length of the helical rod, from a region of longer pitch at an end of the helical rod to a region of shorter pitch along the rod.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus is equipped with two clutch structures having a clutch drum therein. A driven plate and a piston are provided in the clutch drum of each clutch structure, and a primary coned disc spring and a secondary coned disc spring, which are ring-shaped, are provided between the driven plate and the piston. A flat portion 12 is formed on an inner peripheral portion of a convex surface of the primary coned disc spring 1, and the flat portion 12 can come into contact with a counter member first when a load is applied. A load in a flat condition due to elastic deformation is adjusted by the flat portion so as to be a desirable value. Blanks 1A and 2A of the primary coned disc spring and the secondary coned disc spring can be obtained from one sheet of material having the same thickness. In this case, the flat portion 12A is formed by press forming on an inner peripheral portion of the blank 1A in view of the shape thereof after bending forming is performed.

Abstract: A lock comprising a shackle and a shackle-receiving portion. The shackle can comprise a resilient flexible portion, which, absent any external deformation forces, can retain an overall substantially U-shaped form. The shackle-receiving portion can comprise a locking mechanism operable to secure the shackle to the shackle-receiving portion. The substantially U-shaped form can comprise substantially straight and parallel legs. The flexible portion can further comprise a heat-treated coil spring that maintains the overall substantially U-shaped form, and the shackle can further comprise a cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave spring and a load adjusting method therefor in which a ratio of a spring constant can be freely adjusted. In a wave spring, a high mountain portion and a low mountain portion form a combination, and the combination is repeatedly formed along a circumferential direction. A valley portion is formed between the mountain portions. Since distance between mountain portions is constant in the conventional design of wave springs, the ratios of spring constant are only specific values (plot indicated by ?). In contrast, in the design of the wave spring, since the pitch angle A of the high mountain portion and the pitch angle B of the low mountain portion can be changed in the combination, the ratio can be freely adjusted.

Abstract: A gas spring and component assembly includes a flexible wall and an end member secured across an end of the flexible wall. The end member can include an end member wall with a first surface disposed toward the flexible wall and a second surface facing away from the flexible wall. A component can be secured along the the second surface of the end member. An embedded end member and can include a component wall with a first surface disposed along one of the first surface and fastener connection can be formed between the end member and the component and can secure the end member and the component in fixed relation to one another. Methods of assembling a gas spring assembly and methods of assembling a suspension system are also included.

Abstract: A seal includes a polymeric jacket defining a seal surface and an inner cavity extending within the polymeric jacket along a length of the polymeric jacket. The seal further includes a spring extending within the inner cavity and including a plurality of laser cut spring elements. The seal can be disposed between a static component and a rotatable component.

Abstract: A spring retainer for a torsional vibration damper, including: first and second oppositely facing sides; at least one curved portion forming at least part of a radially outermost portion of the spring retainer and including: at least a portion of the first side enclosing at least one space and including at least one indentation extending in a circumferential direction; and at least a portion of the second side including at least one protrusion extending in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a spring core (12) for a bedding or seating product (10). The spring core (12) has coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A load support device includes a first link coupled to a load. A second link is configured to couple to footwear. The second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. The first and second link comprise a link assembly. A first compliant member is disposed between the load and the second link. The first compliant member includes a tension spring or a compression spring. The link assembly further includes a tension cable coupled to the first compliant member. A first actuator is coupled to the first compliant member to control a stiffness of the first compliant member. A sensor is configured to couple to a user to measure a physical state of the user. A control system controls the first actuator based on a gait activity. The first actuator is actuated based on the physical state of the user. The load support device is tuned based on the load.

Abstract: A coned-disc spring device, spring assembly, methods of making the same, and methods of assembling a spring system are disclosed. Such a device includes a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the diameter of the second opening is larger than the diameter of the first opening. The device also includes a lip portion at the second end of the device adjacent to and at least partially encircling the second opening and protruding substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the second opening such that when a portion of a second spring member having a first groove portion is received within the second opening, the first lip portion is received within the first groove portion to optimally align the second spring member.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (1000) includes a gas spring assembly (1002) and a gas damper assembly (1004). The gas spring assembly (1002) includes a first wall portion (1006), a second wall portion (1008) disposed in spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a flexible wall section (1010) connected therebetween. The gas damper assembly (1004) includes a third wall portion (1094) disposed in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first wall portion (1006), and a second flexible wall section (1104) connected between the second wall portion (1008) and the third wall portion (1094). A fourth wall portion (1070) is disposed between the first (1006) and second (1008) wall sections to define two pressurized gas chambers (1012, 1004). A damper rod (1130) connects at least the first (1006) and third (1094) wall portions. Methods are also included.

Abstract: The invention provides an extendible member which is configurable between a coiled form and an extended form. The extendible member comprises: a primary member comprising a sheet of material resiliently biased in a slit tube form, wherein the slit tube can be opened out at the slit to assume an open form in which it has a flattened cross section; at least one resilient secondary member having first and second connections to the primary member at respective different circumferential positions on the primary member, wherein in the extended form, the primary member is in its slit tube form and the resiliency of the secondary member causes at least part of the secondary member to displace towards the slit in the primary member to provide torsional and axial stiffness to the primary member, and wherein in the coiled form, the primary member is in its open form and the secondary member conforms to the flattened cross section of the primary member so that primary and secondary member can be co-coiled.

Abstract: An end member assembly dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible spring member of an associated gas spring assembly. The end member assembly can include a base wall and a mounting wall disposed in axially-spaced relation to the base wall. A compliant support structure is disposed between the base and mounting walls. The compliant support structure includes at least one compliant element that includes a compliant element body and one or more reinforcing plies at least partially embedded within the compliant element body. Rigid elements can be disposed between adjacent compliant elements if two or more compliant elements are included. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture can include one or more of such end member assemblies.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a base, a pair of spring members, and a panel. The spring members include a resilient portion that includes attachment means at a first end to enable attachment of the spring member to the base. The spring members also include a generally straight rod that extends from a second end of the resilient portion. The panel defines a pair of openings at a lower edge configured to slidably receive the rod of the spring members. The amount by which the rod slides into the panel is configured to secure the panel in an upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spring for a timepiece, including the following steps: (a) forming a body using first and second metallic materials secured to each other; (b) decreasing the section of the body; and winding the body to form the spring. The invention also relates to the spring obtained via the method. The invention concerns the field of regulating members for timepieces.

Abstract: Canted coil spring rings each with a first plurality of coils having first coil major and minor axes; a second plurality of coils each having second coil major and minor axes; the coils of the first plurality of coils alternating with the coils of the second plurality of coils according to an alternating pattern. The spring rings having inner and outer perimeters and wherein the inner perimeter of the spring ring is defined by at least said first plurality of coils. The resulting configuration of the spring ring has improved spacing along the inner perimeter, among others, with respect to a similar canted coil spring ring having a constant coil cross section, such as a coil length with all similar coils.

Abstract: A system is provided for inserting a ripple spring includes a compression board having at least one groove, and the compression board has a ramped section at one end thereof. A driver board has at least one guide rail configured to fit inside the at least one groove. An impact tool is configured to engage the driver board and apply a driving force to the driver board. The compression board is configured to at least partially retain the ripple spring and the ramped section is configured to apply a compressive force to the ripple spring as the impact tool and driver board push the ripple spring over the ramped section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wave spring (2) which comprises a spring strip (4) which is coiled in a substantially circular-ring-shaped manner and, over the circumference, describes a wavy line which oscillates about a radial reference plane and has wave crests (6) and wave troughs. The ends of the circular-ring-shaped spring strip (4) are connected by means of a weld seam (10) which is arranged in a low-tension region of the wavy line of the spring strip (4) between a wave crest (6) and an adjacent wave trough (8).

Abstract: A resilient member including a base material and a corrosion resistant coating disposed on the base material. The base material is cold-worked subsequent to application of the coating to the base material in order to transition the base material from having a first cross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is less than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pad spring for disc brakes wherein the surface of the pad spring is roughened through the use of a sanding device using a basket, thereby increasing adhesive force of a coating material coated on the pad spring, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a leaf spring system which supports a leaf spring assembly using attachment mechanisms which allows normal operation of the leaf spring assembly while providing support through a resilient deformable reinforcing spring.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongate lube of suturable material formed into a ring. A stiffener configured to prevent axial compression and radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a first circumferential segment of the ring. An axial support configured to prevent axial compression of the ring and to permit radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a second circumferential segment of the ring. The first circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to a posterior portion of a mitral valve annulus with the first circumferential portion configured to extend between the right and the left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. The second circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to an anterior portion of a mitral valve annulus and the second circumferential segment is configured to extend between the right and left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spring system comprising at least one bilaterally tapered flexion spring and a spring interface coupled to the at least one bilaterally tapered flexion spring.

Abstract: An arcuate spring having a plurality of coils which are configured and dimensioned to provide an arcuate shape to the spring and being substantially free of internal stresses which would tend to urge the coils into linear alignment. The spring is designed to function under load conditions while maintaining its natural arcuate shape. The spring is can be heated by use of an induction heating process.

Abstract: A spring with superior fatigue resistance is provided by decreasing the material cost while simplifying the production process. Disclosed is a spring including: a composition consisting of, by mass %, 0.5 to 0.7% of C, 1.0 to 2.0% of Si, 0.1 to 1.0% of Mn, 0.1 to 1.0% of Cr, not more than 0.035% of P, not more than 0.035% of S, and the balance of Fe and impurities; a structure including not less than 95% of tempered martensitic structure; a compressive residual stress layer formed to a depth of 0.35 mm to D/4, in which D (mm) is a diameter; the compressive residual stress layer having maximum compressive residual stress of 800 to 2000 MPa; a center portion with Vickers hardness of 550 to 700 HV; and a high hardness layer with greater hardness than the center portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mainspring (1) including a metal strip (3). According to the invention, the metal is austenitic steel (5) in order to limit sensitivity to magnetic fields and at least the outer surface of the strip (3) is hardened compared to the rest of the strip to a predetermined depth (7) in order to harden the strip (3) in the main areas of stress while maintaining a low modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A positioning device for scanning a surface includes a movable element; at least one spring-like element having a resilience element for providing a tunable resilience in at least one direction; wherein the spring-like element is configured to tune the resilience by applying a force onto the resilience element of the at least one spring-like element.

Abstract: A canted coil spring includes a plurality of canted coils generally canted relative to a centerline extending through the coils. At least one coil when viewed in the direction of the centerline appears to have a non-elliptical shape and a non-circular shape when the at least one coil is in the unbiased state. The plurality of coils is generally canted at a first coil angle relative to the center line. The at least one coil includes at least one section canted at a second coil angle relative to the centerline. The second coil angle is different from the first coil angle when the at least one coil is in an unbiased state.

Abstract: In an end sealing step, an end is sealed by which the core material of the end of a spring member is gathered by machining. For example, a squeezing roller is moved in an axial direction as necessary, while the end of the spring member is pressed to the inside in a radial direction by the squeezing roller. As a result, the end of the spring member is sealed and therefore, it is not necessary to use another member such as a lid member. For example, the end sealing step can be immediately carried out after an inner surface processing step. In a coil forming step after the end sealing step, formation of clearance can be prevented at the end even if the end of the spring member is gripped and the spring member is wound around the rod.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a lock blade and a handle. The handle includes a transfer bar assembly and a blade opener spring. When the lock blade is closed, a spring working in conjunction with the transfer bar assembly biases the lock blade closed. When the lock blade is opened past a certain point, a blade opening spring assists in moving the lock blade into its open locked position.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlled setting of a coil spring, enabling a coil spring to be blocked in controlled manner with a selected compression length, in particular when compression with touching turns is unfavorable. According to the invention, the device comprises a first support configured to hold the first end of the spring and a second support configured to hold the second end of the spring, the first and second supports being configured to move relative to each other; the device further comprising at least one insertable rest configured to be inserted between certain turns of the spring during compression of the spring.

Abstract: A gas spring includes a housing having an end configured to receive a rod therethrough, the rod extending to a piston movably positionable within the housing. A spacer separates a pair of sealing devices and forming a compartment containing oil that is positioned near the end of the housing, the compartment having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is defined by the sealing devices, the spacer and the rod. The second portion is defined by the sealing devices, the spacer and the housing. The first portion is in fluid communication with the second portion permitting circulation of oil therebetween.

Abstract: A spring wire with a hardness of 50 to 56 HRC is subjected to first and second shot peening processes within a warm working temperature range of 150° C. to 350° C. In the first shot peening process, a first shot of a shot size of at least 1.0 mm is used. In the second shot peening process, a second shot smaller in shot size than the first shot is used. Through these shot peening processes, compressive residual stress is imparted to the spring wire. The spring wire includes a residual stress increase part, residual stress peak part, and residual stress decrease part. In the residual stress decrease part, a part including a compressive residual stress magnitude equivalent to the magnitude of the compressive residual stress at a surface of the spring wire exists at a region at a depth exceeding the permissible pit depth.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. First and second biasing elements can be operatively interconnected between the second damper element and one of the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing suspension devices comprising the steps of: a) forming an integral elastic sheet, the elastic sheet having first and second suspension devices, each suspension device being provided with attachment parts configured to be fixed to a movable object, fixing parts configured to be fixed to a base, and elastic parts connected between the attachment parts and the fixing parts respectively and configured to bias the object relative to the base, the elastic parts of the suspension devices being alternately distributed; b) separating the first and second suspension devices from each other before being attached to the object.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially form a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first, second and third damper elements that are telescopically interconnected with one another. At least one of the first and third damper elements can be operatively connected to the first and second end members by way of a low-profile misalignment mount capable of undergoing resilient angular deflection. The second damper element can be operatively supported between the first and third damper elements. A method of assembling a gas spring and gas damper assembly is also included.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is displaceable between an extended condition and a compressed condition can include a first end member, a second end member, a flexible wall secured between the first and second end members, a spring chamber and a volume-displacing body disposed within the spring chamber. The body can be supported along one of the flexible wall and the first end member such that the body remains in spaced relation to at least the second end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring assembly. A method of adjusting a gas spring assembly is also included.

Abstract: Compression springs, such as helical compression springs, include end portions with selectively contoured inner contact surfaces. The selective contours of the inner contact surfaces may take the form of planar, grooved, concave, or other shaped, non-circular surfaces. In addition, enough of the inner contact surface is contoured to reduce the contact stress and/or stress concentration effects on the adjacent coils when the compression spring is placed under load and the adjacent coil engages or contacts the respective end portion. The selective contouring of the end portions may be accomplished by holding the spring in a holder and moving a cutter relative to the end portion of the spring to remove the desired amount of material from the end portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure including an ovoid having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are opposed; a first arch; and a second arch. The arches are inverted with respect to one another such that first arch legs are opposed to second arch legs. The arches are nested into the ovoid such that apexes of the arches intersect, and the first arch legs intersect a first surface and the second arch legs intersect a second surface. The first end of the ovoid is directed towards the first surface and the second end of the ovoid is directed towards the second surface. When a threat encounters either or both of the first and second surfaces, the structure collapses to absorb energy originated from the threat.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bottle assembly is presented including forming/constructing a body portion having a single dividing wall extending therein and forming/constructing a first chamber for holding a first liquid, the first chamber configured to connect to a first orifice. The method also includes forming/constructing a second chamber for holding a second liquid, the second chamber configured to (i) connect to a second orifice and (ii) continuously abut the first chamber via the single dividing wall being fixed relative to the first and second chambers. The method also includes forming/constructing a weight distribution mechanism configured to be placed entirely within the body portion of the bottle assembly for counterbalancing the first liquid against the second liquid, the weight distribution mechanism traveling, in its entirety, in a substantially semi-circular direction.