Gerät zur Herstellung einer Rohrverbindung

Method of inserting piston pin circlip involves placing circlip in sleeve to compress it for insertion into pin bore

The method of insertion of a circlip (1) into a piston pin bore of a piston involves radially compressing the circlip in a sleeve (7) so that it is smaller than the piston pin bore. The circlip is then inserted into the bore and positioned adjacent to the circlip groove in the piston. The sleeve is then removed to release the circlip into the groove. Claims include a device for inserting the circlip.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A C-CLIP

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for installing a c-clip outside a far end of a passage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises prong members each comprising a prong end, a base end, and a lip part. A base is secured to the base ends, so the prong members are parallel with each other, and so the lip parts form a ring-shaped lip adapted to secure the c-clip. A tube is provided comprising an inner surface having a varying radius. The base inserts the prong members through the tube and against the inner surface, the inner surface forcing the c-clip to close into a closed c- clip. The prong ends are moved at least partially through the rear of the tube, and in some embodiments through a tube extension, permitting a restoring force of the c-clip to open the c-clip.

COMPRESSOR OF SUSPENSION SPRINGS OF MOTOR VEHICLE

UNIT OF DISTRIBUTION AND INSTALLATION OF IN PARTICULAR COMPOSITE SEGMENTS ON PISTONS OF ENGINES

PISTON ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INSTALLATION APPARATUS AND METHODS OF TRANSPORTING AND INSTALLING A PISTON ASSEMBLY THEREWITH

Fluid bearing assisted assembly of an exhaust treatment device

Apparatus for inserting a substrate surrounded by a compressible mat into a compartment of a housing of an exhaust treatment device includes an insertion member having a bore shaped substantially identically to a shape of an opening to the housing compartment and a fluid bearing generator establishing a compressed fluid bearing at a surface of the bore. The fluid bearing is operative to reduce a coefficient of friction between the compressible mat and a surface of the bore when the substrate/mat combination is moved axially in the bore into the compartment opening.

Clamp

Piston-ring holder

Machine for the automatic fitting of rings on pistons

Fluidlagergestützter Zusammenbau einer Vorrichtung zur Abgasnachbehandlung

Apparat zum Einstecken eines von einer zusammenpressbaren Matte umgebenen Substrats in eine Kammer eines Gehäuses einer Abgasnachbehandlungsvorrichtung, wobei der Apparat aufweist: ein Einsteckelement mit einer Bohrung, die im Wesentlichen dieselbe Form wie eine Öffnung zur Gehäusekammer hat, und einen Fluidlagergenerator, der an einer Oberfläche der Bohrung ein Druckfluidlager herstellt, das die Wirkung hat, einen Reibungskoeffizienten zwischen der zusammenpressbaren Matte und einer Oberfläche der Bohrung zu verringern, wenn das von der zusammenpressbaren Matte umgebene Substrat innerhalb der Bohrung bewegt wird.

ASSEMBLING COMPONENTS

AUTOMATIC UNIT FOR DISTRIBUTING AND SETTING RINGS, IN PARTICULAR KOMPOSITRINGEN ON ENGINE PISTONS.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A C-CLIP

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for installing a c-clip outside a far end of a passage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises prong members each comprising a prong end, a base end, and a lip part. A base is secured to the base ends, so the prong members are parallel with each other, and so the lip parts form a ring-shaped lip adapted to secure the c-clip. A tube is provided comprising an inner surface having a varying radius. The base inserts the prong members through the tube and against the inner surface, the inner surface forcing the c-clip to close into a closed c- clip. The prong ends are moved at least partially through the rear of the tube, and in some embodiments through a tube extension, permitting a restoring force of the c-clip to open the c-clip.

Apparatus for positioning out-of-round workpieces particularly piston rings

Apparatus for positioning a workpiece, such as a piston ring, which has an out-of-round inner circumferential face with a radially inwardly directed portion that deviates from the out-of-round contour. The apparatus includes first and second spaced cylindrical rollers each having a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the workpiece. Means are provided for rotating the rollers in the same direction about their respective longitudinal axes. Braking means, which is interposed between the rollers and may be in the form of a brake shoe, has a frontal face positioned with respect to the peripheral surfaces of the rollers so that the frontal face contacts only the portion of the inner circumferential face of the workpiece which deviates from the out-of-round contour. When the frontal face of the braking means or brake shoe is in contact with the deviated portion of the workpiece, the rollers are spaced from the workpiece causing the workpiece to be braked and positioned at ...

Piston-ring tool

Piston-inserting device

Installation of piston rings

A piston ring R (Fig. 7(d)) is installed in a groove GL of a piston P by pushing the piston ring R off the end of a guide member 5. The piston ring R is mounted on the outside of the guide member 6, which has a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the piston P. The pushing is carried out while maintaining a clearance which allows for the piston ring R to deflect from the planar configuration. This clearance is formed between the end of the guide member 6 and a plane including the groove surface which lies further from the end of the guide member 6. This process may be performed in operation of apparatus for installing a compound oil ring S, R in a piston ring groove G of the piston P. The apparatus includes the guide member 6 and a displacing device 42 for pushing, in sequence, a spacer ring S and a pair of said rail rings R off the guide member 6. The apparatus also comprises a restricting member 43 which is movable back and forth in a radial direction of the guide member 6 and ...

SPRING COMPRESSOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUM EINSETZEN EINES BOLZENSICHERUNGSRINGS

UNIT OF DISTRIBUTION AND INSTALLATION OF IN PARTICULAR COMPOSITE SEGMENTS ON PISTONS OF ENGINES

RING COMPRESSOR

A ring compressor especially suitable for use in installing pistons with rings in removable cylinders of internal combustion engines, pumps and the like. The compressor is made of a cylindrical tube having an inside bore with an inside diameter that is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the sleeve in which a piston is to be installed. The bore of the compressor flares out to a larger diameter at its distal end and has a counterbore that is suitable to receive the end of the cylinder on the engine. The counterbore can rest on the end of the cylinder of the engine to line up the bore of the compressor with the cylinder so that the piston with rings on it slides smoothly into place through the compressor.

TOOL FOR INSERTING PISTON-RINGS.

Tool

Piston ringing apparatus

Apparatus and method for assembling a piston ring in a circumferential groove of a piston wherein a plurality of ring nest members are disposed about a common axis for radial movement toward or away from the axis between radially contracted positions and radially expanded positions. The nest members collectively form a circular opening concentric with the axis and a ring-receiving recess concentric about the opening when they are in the contracted positions. The recess locates a radially unexpanded ring concentric with the axis and has a fixed axial dimension for preventing "oil canning" of the ring when it is expanded. The ring nest members are movable from the radially contracted to the expanded positions when the ring is expanded so as to collectively enlarge the opening for receiving the piston and the recess to maintain the expanded ring substantially concentric with the axis while the fixed axial dimension prevents "oil canning". A plurality of radially and axially movable ring expanding ...

Method of assembling components

The invention relates to a method of assembling two parts of which one part is a sub-assembly formed of a plurality of relatively movable components. The method comprises the steps of holding the components of the sub-assembly in their desired relative positions for assembly, cooling the sub-assembly sufficiently to prevent relative movement between the components of the sub-assembly, and offering the sub-assembly to the other part while the components of the sub-assembly are locked against one another. It is preferred to coat the sub-assembly prior to cooling with a liquid, the cooling being sufficient to freeze the liquid to cause locking of the components.

AXIAL-DIRECTIONAL LOAD TYPE SEALING MECHANISM HAVING STATIC L-SHAPED SEAL RING

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sealing mechanism used for a displacer for a cryogenic refrigerator and capable of preventing leakage. SOLUTION: A piston 10 for the cryogenic refrigerator is provided with a circumferential-directional groove 54 having a separation type dynamic seal ring 46 having a flat surface directed axial-directionally, and having a static seal ring 40 having a flat surface abutting to the flat surface of the dynamic seal ring 46, and a spring 48 attached in the groove. The spring 48 applies axial-directional force onto the static seal ring 40 to disperse the axial-directional load over the dynamic seal ring 46 by the static seal ring 40, and the dynamic seal ring 46 is thereby prevented from being reciprocation-moved in the groove to limit a leakage route of the seal. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI ...

Fluid bearing assisted assembly of an exhaust treatment device

Apparatus for inserting a substrate surrounded by a compressible mat into a compartment of a housing of an exhaust treatment device includes an insertion member having a bore shaped substantially identically to a shape of an opening to the housing compartment and a fluid bearing generator establishing a compressed fluid bearing at a surface of the bore. The fluid bearing is operative to reduce a coefficient of fiction between the compressible mat and a surface of the bore when the substrate/mat combination is moved axially in the bore into the compartment opening.

Installation of piston rings

Method of assembling set oil ring on piston

MOTOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION SPRING COMPRESSOR

Compresseur de ressorts comprenant un vérin avec un corps et une tige mobile télescopiquement l'un par rapport à l'autre et deux mâchoires comprenant chacune une partie d'attachement (2) au vérin et une partie de travail (3) destinée à venir en prise avec une spire d'un ressort hélicoïdal (8, 9), la partie de travail (3) de chaque mâchoire comportant une première pièce (4) et une seconde pièce (12), l'une reliée à la partie d'attachement (2) et définissant un tronçon (5) de piste pour l'appui d'une portion d'une spire de ressort, et l'autre, en forme de bras (12), articulée à la partie d'attachement (2) ou à la première pièce (4), au voisinage d'une extrémité (5c) du tronçon de piste (5) autour d'un axe (11) sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface du tronçon de piste (5) et formant par son extrémité libre une zone de prise en charge d'une spire du ressort.

Tube joint and apparatus for producing the same

A tube joint includes a body made of a resin material and having a first end side with an edge. A connecting member inserted into the first end side of the body has an annular expanded section which outwardly projects from an outer circumferential surface of the connecting member and which engages with an inner circumferential wall surface of the body at the first end side. A ring member fitted to an outer circumferential wall surface of the first end side of the body presses the outer circumferential wall surface of the body radially inwardly. The ring member is positioned between the annular expanded section of the connecting member and the edge of the first end side, so that the body and the connecting member are prevented from disengagement.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSERTING A BOLT SECURING RING

INSTALLATION OF PISTON RINGS

LOADING SLEEVE FOR INSTALLING A PISTON AND RING ASSEMBLY INTO A CYLINDER BORE

AUTOMATIC UNIT FOR DISTRIBUTING AND INSTALLING RINGS, PARTICULARLY COMPOSITE RINGS, ON ENGINE PISTONS

AUTOMATIC UNIT FOR DISTRIBUTING AND INSTALLING RINGS, PARTICULARLY COMPOSITE RINGS, ON ENGINE PISTONS According to the invention, this unit comprises a first device for separating elastic expanders (1a) consisting of two pairs of helical ramps (26,27) and (28,29) having opposite winding directions driven simultaneously by a ring gear (30), and of an escapement mechanism (32) controlled by a cylinder (34) able to cause the turn portion corresponding to one helical ramp turn to be performed on this ring.

AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR LAYING OF SEGMENTS ON PISTONS.

Machine for the automatic installation of segments on pistons

Cette machine est destinée à distribuer automatiquement des segments dans la gorge 9 d'un piston 8 de moteur, ces segments étant constitués de rails de raclage séparés par des spacers élastiques 2. La pile 5 des spacers 2 est enfilée sur un tube-magasin 4 servant de siège au piston 8 et présentant à son bord supérieur voisin de la gorge 9 un chanfrein 7. Ainsi, lorsque la butée 11 remonte après compression de la pile 5 entre elle et un poussoir 10, le spacer 2 glisse sur le chanfrein et se referme sur le piston 8, dans la gorge 9. D'autres dispositions particulières concernent la séparation et la distribution des rails.

LOADING SLEEVES FOR USE IN INSTALLING PISTONS

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING PISTON RING

A piston ring inspection device, comprising a sensor unit (27) having a light flooding system (27a) for flooding slit light to the outer peripheral surface (Ps) of a piston (P) and the outer peripheral surface (2c) of a piston ring (2) and a light receiving image system (27b) for receiving reflected light from the outer peripheral surfaces to form images, an image calculation means for digitalizing image information provided from the sensor unit and calculating the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the piston ring relative to the outer peripheral surface of the piston, and a controller (30) having a determination means to determine based on calculation information provided by the image calculation means and pre-set reference information whether the piston ring is installed in a specified direction or not, whereby the piston ring can be accurately inspected by a simple analysis in a short time without requiring scanning.

Wire lock ring insertion tool kit and method

A process is disclosed for inserting a piston pin wire lock ring, particularly Circlips, into a locking groove of a wrist pin bore of a piston. The wire lock ring is radially pre-compressed and thus reduced in size in such a manner that its outside diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the piston wrist pin bore, by insertion of the ring into a sleeve/tube. While still in the sleeve/tube, the wire lock ring is subsequently inserted, in its compressed state, into the pin bore where it is then uncompressed and released into the locking groove of the piston bore through the use of a plunger inserted in the sleeve/tube to push the lock ring past the end of the sleeve/tube.

Metod of assembling set oil ring on piston

A set oil ring to be assembled into a piston ring groove G is made up of a spacer ring S and a pair of side rail rings R, R to be placed on both sides thereof. In assembling one of the side rail rings R, R into a first groove portion GU which is on an upper side of the spacer ring S in the piston ring groove G, a guide member 7, which can be moved up and down for fitting onto a piston P, is moved to a first fitting position which is substantially the same level as the groove wall surface of the first groove portion GU. A restricting member 117 is disposed oppositely in front of the guide member 7 while leaving a clearance facing the first groove portion GU. One of the side rail rings R, R is pushed out of the front end of the guide member 7 in a condition in which split end portions of the spacer ring S are restricted by the restricting member 117 so as not to overlap. In assembling the other of the side rail rings R, R into a second groove portion GL, which is on the lower side of the ...

Device for removing rings from machine tools

... 1,075,549. Workpiece transferring. GOETZEWERKE FRIEDRICH GOETZE A.G. Dec. 14, 1964 [Dec. 16, 1963], No. 50868/64. Headings B3B and B3T. A device for use in removing piston rings from a machine tool comprises a first jaw 2 carried on a rod 1 and a second jaw 3 mounted on one arm of a two-armed lever 4 which is pivoted at 5 on a support slide 6 which is adjustable along the, rod 1 to accommodate different sizes of piston rings. In operation, the device is located over a piston ring 9 in the machine tool, the jaw 3 being biased by a spring 8 so as to facilitate gripping of the ring between the jaws 2 and 3. Upon the release of the piston ring from the machine tool the normal resilience of the ring reacts against the pressure of the spring 8 so that the ring is lightly held between the jaws 2 and 3, Fig. 2 (not shown). The device is then swung into a release position, e.g. over a collecting pin, and a push-rod 10, Fig. 3 (not shown), operates on the lever 4 to move it about the pivot 5 against ...

Method of assembling set oil ring on piston

Device for positioning non-circular workpieces

Apparatus for positioning a workpiece, such as a piston ring, which has an out-of-round inner circumferential face with a radially inwardly directed portion that deviates from the out-of-round contour. The apparatus includes first and second spaced cylindrical rollers each having a diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the workpiece. Means are provided for rotating the rollers in the same direction about their respective longitudinal axes. Braking means, which is interposed between the rollers and may be in the form of a brake shoe, has a frontal face positioned with respect to the peripheral surfaces of the rollers so that the frontal face contacts only the portion of the inner circumferential face of the workpiece which deviates from the out-of-round contour. When the frontal face of the braking means or brake shoe is in contact with the deviated portion of the workpiece, the rollers are spaced from the workpiece causing the workpiece to be braked and positioned at ...

LOADING SLEEVE FOR INSTALLING A PISTON AND RING ASSEMBLY

PISTON RINGING APPARATUS

Piston-ringing apparatus comprises a tubular piston nest member for receiving each piston to locate the piston groove in a predetermined ring-receiving position, a plurality of ring cartridges positionable one at a time in alignment with the piston nest member. The aligned ring cartridge is engaged to the piston nest member to permit transfer of rings from the ring cartridge to the piston nest member and disengage the aligned ring cartridge when empty of rings. The stack of rings on the cartridge is moved by opposing fingers toward the piston groove to position an endmost ring residing on the nest member in the groove of each successive piston received in the nest member while the aligned ring cartridge is engaged thereto. A fiber optic switch is provided for directing a light beam tangentially through the piston groove to determine whether a ring is positioned therein. The switch provides a finger motor drive signal to stop feeding of a ring to the piston groove when a ring is present ...

MOTOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION SPRING COMPRESSOR

Compresseur de ressorts comprenant un vérin avec un corps et une tige mobile télescopiquement l'un par rapport à l'autre et deux mâchoires comprenant chacune une partie d'attachement (2) au vérin et une partie de travail (3) destinée à venir en prise avec une spire d'un ressort hélicoïdal (8, 9), la partie de travail (3) de chaque mâchoire comportant une première pièce (4) et une seconde pièce (12), l'une reliée à la partie d'attachement (2) et définissant un tronçon (5) de piste pour l'appui d'une portion d'une spire de ressort, et l'autre, en forme de bras (12), articulée à la partie d'attachement (2) ou à la première pièce (4), au voisinage d'une extrémité (5c) du tronçon de piste (5) autour d'un axe (11) sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface du tronçon de piste (5) et formant par son extrémité libre une zone de prise en charge d'une spire du ressort.

APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYING GAME SEGMENT RING PISTON APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE

FLUID BEARING ASSISTED ASSEMBLY OF AN EXHAUST TREATMENT DEVICE

Apparatus for inserting a substrate surrounded by a compressible mat into a compartment of a housing of an exhaust treatment device includes an insertion member having a bore shaped substantially identically to a shape of an opening to the housing compartment and a fluid bearing generator establishing a compressed fluid bearing at a surface of the bore. The fluid bearing is operative to reduce a coefficient of friction between the compressible mat and a surface of the bore when the substrate/mat combination is moved axially in the bore into the compartment opening.

Piston-ring tool

Piston ring applier

Tube joint

A tube joint comprises a body (12) made of a resin material having an edge and an opening at a second end of said body, an attachment/detachment mechanism (32) into which a tube is configured to be inserted, and a ring member (58a,58b) fitted to an outer circumferential wall surface of said body (12) at said second end. The attachment/detachment mechanism (32) comprises a sleeve (34) provided in said opening at said second end of said body a release bush (52) provided outside said sleeve (34), the tube being configured to be fitted onto said sleeve (34) such that said tube is inserted into an annular space formed between said sleeve (34) and said release bush (52) for allowing a fluid to flow through said tube into said opening at said second end; and an engaging member (44) provided outside said release bush (52) and having a projection (45) which outwardly projects from an outer circumferential surface of said engaging member (44) and which engages with an inner circumferential wall surface ...

Fluid bearing assisted assembly of an exhaust treatment device

PISTON RINGING APPARATUS

Apparatus and method for assembling a piston ring in a circumferential groove of a piston wherein a plurality of ring nest members are disposed about a common axis for radial movement toward or away from the axis between radially contracted positions and radially expanded positions. The nest members collectively form a circular opening concentric with the axis and a ring-receiving recess concentric about the opening when they are in the contracted positions. The recess locates a radially unexpanded ring concentric with the axis and has a fixed axial dimension for preventing "oil canning" of the ring when it is expanded. The ring nest members are movable from the radially contracted to the expanded positions when the ring is expanded so as to collectively enlarge the opening for receiving the piston and the recess to maintain the expanded ring substantially concentric with the axis while the fixed axial dimension prevents "oil canning". A plurality of radially and axially movable ring expanding ...

Unité de distribution et de pose de segments notamment composites sur des pistons de moteurs

Suivant l'invention, cette unité comprend un premier dispositif de séparation d'expandeurs élastiques 1a constitué par deux paires de rampes hélicodales 26, 27 et 28, 29 à sens d'enroulement contraires, entraînées simultanément par une couronne dentée 30, et par un mécanisme à échappement 32 commandé par un vérin 34 susceptible de faire effectuer à cette couronne la portion de tour correspondant à un tour de rampe hélicodale. Application à une ligne d'assemblage robotisée.

METODO PARA MONTAR COMPONENTES.

Tube joint with connecting member and guide member configured to be prevented from disengagement

A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.

Tool for fitting pistons in position

Piston-ring holder

ADJUSTABLE PISTON-RING CLAMP.

Plunger with annular exterior seals and method of installing annular seals on an exterior surface of a plunger

A method of installing annular seals on a plunger. A first step involves positioning an annular seal on a seal installation tool adapted to hold the annular seal in an expanded state. A second step involves positioning the annular seal so that the annular seal overlies a body of a plunger. A third step involves transferring the annular seal from the seal installation tool to a seal groove in the body of the plunger.

CLAMP.

Device for installing piston ring

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

Resin tube joint with reinforcing ring

AUTOMATISCHE EINHEIT ZUM VERTEILEN UND SETZEN VON RINGEN, INSBESONDERE KOMPOSITRINGEN AUF MOTORKOLBEN.

Method of assembling components

The invention relates to a method of assembling two parts of which one part is a sub-assembly formed of a plurality of relatively movable components. The method comprises the steps of holding the components of the sub-assembly in their desired relative positions for assembly, cooling the sub-assembly sufficiently to prevent relative movement between the components of the sub-assembly, and offering the sub-assembly to the other part while the components of the sub-assembly are locked against one another. It is preferred to coat the sub-assembly prior to cooling with a liquid, the cooling being sufficient to freeze the liquid to cause locking of the components.

Fluid bearing assisted assembly of an exhaust treatment device

LOADING SLEEVE FOR INSTALLING A PISTON AND RING ASSEMBLY INTO A CYLINDER BORE

COMPRESSOR OF SUSPENSION SPRINGS OF MOTOR VEHICLE

Compresseur de ressorts comprenant un vérin avec un corps et une tige mobile télescopiquement l'un par rapport à l'autre et deux mâchoires comprenant chacune une partie d'attachement (2) au vérin et une partie de travail (3) destinée à venir en prise avec une spire d'un ressort hélicoïdal (8, 9), la partie de travail (3) de chaque mâchoire comportant une première pièce (4) et une seconde pièce (12), l'une reliée à la partie d'attachement (2) et définissant un tronçon (5) de piste pour l'appui d'une portion d'une spire de ressort, et l'autre, en forme de bras (12), articulée à la partie d'attachement (2) ou à la première pièce (4), au voisinage d'une extrémité (5c) du tronçon de piste (5) autour d'un axe (11) sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface du tronçon de piste (5) et formant par son extrémité libre une zone de prise en charge d'une spire du ressort.

Press jaw pair for pressing units

A press jaw pair for producing a press fit of fittings on pipes and the like has a first and a second one-piece press jaw lever ( 1, 2 ) that are arranged such that they are rotatable about a common axis (x). At least one bearing lug ( 4, 8 ) with a bearing opening ( 5, 9 ) is integrally formed on each press jaw lever ( 1, 2 ), wherein the bearing lugs ( 4, 8 ) are arranged coaxially in the fitting state. A torsion spring element ( 3 ) with two stop cams ( 10, 11 ) can be inserted into the bearing openings ( 5, 9 ) in such a way that the two press jaw levers ( 1, 2 ) are supported about the common axis (x) in a spring-loaded fashion and held in a mutually captive fashion.

Automated Systems for Roller Rail Disassembly and Methods of Disassembling Roller Rail Assemblies

An automated system for disassembling a roller rail assembly includes an actuation device configured to move the roller rail assembly in a disassembling direction. A guide bracket is arranged and configured to receive the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved in the disassembling direction. The guide bracket allows movement of the roller rail assembly in the disassembling direction. A separator member is located downstream of the actuation device. The separator member being received by a housing member of the roller rail assembly and having a wide region that separates sidewalls of the housing member and releases roller wheels of the roller rail assembly as the roller rail assembly is moved past the separator member by the actuation device.

Device for collapsing and loading a heart valve into a minimally invasive delivery system

A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

Apparatus and method for the connection of conduits

An apparatus for connecting adjacent ends of first and second conduits including a frame assembly including a mounting point for mounting the end of the first conduit in a fixed position, a guide connected to the frame assembly and including first and second guide formations for receiving guide arms attached to the end of the second conduit and a moveable carrier mounted on the frame and including slots for engaging the guide arms. The carrier is moveable between a first position in which the slots align with the guide formations so that the guide arms can pass into the slots, and a second position in which the end of the second conduit is held against the end of the first conduit so as to allow a connection to be formed to secure the ends together.

Press tool with a biased jaw

A press tool with a biased jaw, includes: a clamp head portion and a clamp handle portion connected with the clamp head portion. The clamp head portion includes a fixed clamp head and a movable clamp head. The clamp head portion includes a fixed clamp handle and a movable clamp handle. The fixed clamp handle is fixedly connected with the fixed clamp handle. The movable clamp head is movably connected with the movable clamp handle via a pin and a guiding wheel. The movable clamp head has a guiding groove for guiding the guiding wheel. The fixed clamp head is rotatably connected with the moving clamp head via a rotating pin. The fixed clamp head is connected with the movable clamp handle via an eccentric shaft. The fixed clamp handle is connected with the movable clamp handle via a tension spring.

Ratchet pliers for snap ring

Snap ring pliers include first and second pivotal levers wherein the first lever has a first jaw and a first handle and the second lever has a second jaw and a second handle; a biasing member interconnecting the handles; and a ratchet mechanism comprising a curved ratchet rack having one end secured to an end of the second handle and the other end proximate an end of the first handle; a sliding member secured to the end of the first handle and comprising a projection at one end, and a channel with the other end of the ratchet rack moveably disposed therein; a lock member having one end pivotably secured to the projection and comprising a protrusion at the other end; and a pawl member on the lock member and having one end secured onto the projection, the pawl member comprising a lock hole with the protrusion locked therein.

Tool

A tool for mounting a chisel on a chisel holder, having an actuating member, which has a push-off section, wherein the actuating member can be displaced along a displacement direction. It is possible to simplify changing the chisel if the actuating member can be shifted by an actuating unit. The actuating unit has a draw-in section, which is spaced apart from the push-off section and is arranged transversely with respect to the displacement direction of the actuating member. The actuating member can be power-operated bidirectionally in the displacement direction by the actuating unit.

Combustor Liner and Flow Sleeve Tool

A tool includes an annular frame portion including a mount portion extending radially from the frame portion, a hook portion arranged on the mount portion, the hook portion sized and shaped to engage a member of a tubular component of a turbine combustor, and a force exertion portion arranged on the mount portion, the force exertion portion operative to engage a portion of the turbine combustor.

Cover Strip Machine And Method Of Removing A Golf Ball Cover

The embodiment relates to a cover strip machine and process for removing a golf ball cover for recycling purposes. The cover strip machine may comprise four or more rotating gears. The process comprises heating a golf ball, distorting a golf ball, placing a golf ball in a cover strip machine to remove the cover, and separating gear pairs with a driver to remove the golf ball core.

Apparatus and method for inserting dual weatherstrips having opposed sealing elements into a frame member

Weatherstrips ( 13, 15 ) having opposed pile sealing elements ( 226 ) are installed in opposed slots in a frame member ( 14 ) so that the piles may engage opposite sides of a panel, shutter or screen ( 203 ), by insertion apparatus having laterally-movable slotted guides ( 60, 62 ). The weatherstrips are driven through the slots in the guides by a drive wheel ( 42 ). A laterally reciprocating cutter ( 48 ) has openings ( 107, 109 ), through which the weatherstrips are driven, and shearing edges ( 98 ) for cutting ends of the weatherstrips to facilitate entry of the weatherstrips from the slots in the guide into the slots in the frame member. Metering wheel ( 44 ) engages at least one of the weatherstrips moving through the guides, and provides for actuation of the cutter, when the desired length of the weatherstrips is driven through the guides; the length corresponding to the length of the frame member which receives the weatherstrips.

Method for releasing a thin semiconductor substrate from a reusable template

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for releasing a thin semiconductor substrate from a reusable template. The method involves forming a mechanically weak layer conformally on a semiconductor template. Then forming a thin semiconductor substrate conformally on the mechanically weak layer. The thin semiconductor substrate, the mechanically weak layer and the template forming a wafer. Then defining the border of the thin-film semiconductor substrate to be released by exposing the peripheral of the mechanically weak layer. Then releasing the thin-film semiconductor substrate by applying a controlled air flow parallel to said mechanically weak layer wherein the controlled air flow separates the thin semiconductor substrate and template according to lifting forces.

Gas turbine systems involving rotor bayonet coverplates and tools for installing such coverplates

Gas turbine engine systems involving rotor bayonet coverplates and tools for installing such coverplates are provided. In this regard, a representative turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a turbine disk operative to mount a set of turbine blades; and a coverplate having an annular main body portion and a spaced annular arrangement of tabs extending radially inwardly from the main body portion with open-ended gaps being located between the tabs, the tabs being operative to secure an inner diameter of the coverplate to the turbine disk.

Method for Swaging Components

A method for practicing a swaging operation is described. A swaging apparatus comprises a housing, a holding unit, and a moveable member. The holding unit on the housing is capable of receiving and holding an inflexible tube and a swage fitting. The moveable member is capable of moving axially along the housing with respect to an axis for the inflexible tube and the swage fitting to connect the swage fitting to the inflexible tube and create a seal between the swage fitting and the inflexible tube.

Multiple Use Installation Aid for Radial Shaft Seals

A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.

Assembly for positioning a rotor retaining ring

An assembly for positioning a retaining ring includes a mandrel having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of a rotor. The assembly also includes a seal assembly for sealing a circumferential retaining ring around the mandrel or the rotor, the seal assembly comprising a pair of seal plates situated around opposing ends of the retaining ring. Further, the assembly includes a hydraulic expansion device for providing a fluid pressure for hydraulically expanding the retaining ring until an inner diameter of the retaining ring is greater than the outer diameter of the rotor. Furthermore, the assembly includes a displacement device for providing axial movement of the seal assembly and the retaining ring.

Tool for coupling fluid lines

A swage or coupling tool is provided for use in coupling a fluid line to a compression fitting, a fluid coupler, or the like. The swage tool provides multiple degrees of freedom and/or multiple pivots or pivot joints to facilitate and maintain alignment of the jaws with the compression fitting during use of the swage tool to facilitate properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and to limit bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached. The swage tool includes a pair of movable jaws, which may have stepped or rounded engagement surfaces, which may be forced against corresponding engagement surfaces of the compression fitting to securely assemble the fitting to the fluid line. The shape of the engagement surfaces facilitates properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and limits bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached.

Apparatus and Method for Replacing an Oil Pressure Regulating Assembly and a High Pressure Relief Valve Assembly

A method of increasing oil pressure in a heavy duty truck engine lubricating system is provided. The lubricating system comprises an oil pressure regulating assembly mounted in an oil filter base and having a main spring to regulate oil pressure, and a high pressure relief valve assembly mounted in the oil filter base and having a peak clipping spring to relieve oil pressure when the pressure exceeds a specified limit. The method includes the steps of replacing the main spring with a replacement main spring having a higher spring constant and replacing the peak clipping spring with a replacement peak clipping spring having a higher spring constant. A replacement kit for increasing oil pressure is also provided.

Air conditioning compressor line and vehicle fuel line disconnector tool

A tool for decoupling fluid lines includes first and second substantially identical handles pivotably joined and including jaws with spaced prongs in a plane parallel to a connecting pivot pin of the handles. The prongs of each handle may be differentially spaced to facilitate engagement with a coupler and coupler release device.

Method And Fixture For Twisting End Portions of Bar Conductors, In Particular For Bar Windings of Electric Machines

A twisting method ( 100 ) is described, for twisting free end portions ( 2 A, 3 A, 2 A′, 3 A′) of bar conductors ( 1, 1′ ) for the stator or rotor bar winding of an electrical machine, comprising: a step of providing ( 101 ) a twisting fixture ( 10 ) comprising at least a pocket member ( 11 ) extending about a twisting axis (Z-Z) and provided with a circular array (S 1 ) of pockets having its center on the twisting axis (Z-Z), the pocket member ( 11 ) including a main structure ( 11 A) provided with an arc (R 1 ) of adjacent pockets of said array (S 1 ) and a secondary structure ( 11 B) which is movably mounted with respect to main structure ( 11 A) and which is provided with a further pocket ( 11 B′) of said array (S 1 ), each of the pockets of said array (S 1 ) comprising a respective insertion opening ( 11 A″, 11 B″), which is adapted to be passed through by one of said free end portions ( 2 A, 2 A′) for inserting such free end portion into said pocket; a step of providing ( 102 ) a stator core ( 20 ) or rotor core ( 20 ) provided with a plurality of slots ( 24 ) which are populated by a respective plurality of said bar conductors ( 1, 1′ ) which are arranged with said free end portions ( 2 A, 2 A′) protruding from a side of stator core ( 20 ) or rotor core ( 20 ), said protruding end portions forming a circular array (T 1 ) of end portions ( 2 A, 2 A′); a step of inserting ( 103 ) into the arc (R 1 ) of pockets of the main structure ( 11 A) an arc of adjacent end portions ( 2 A, 2 A′) of said array of end portions (T 1 ); a first step of twisting ( 104 ) the arc of end portions, which is inserted into said arc (R 1 ) of pockets, by relative rotational-translational motion between said core ( 20 ) and said pocket member ( 11 ); the method being characterized in that it further comprises: a step of axially translating ( 105 ) the secondary structure ( 11 B) with respect to the main structure ( 11 A), for inserting, into said further pocket ( 11 B′) of the ...

Method for the Pressing of a Press Fitting, and Pressing Tool for this Purpose

A method for the pressing of a press fitting, with a tube inserted into the press fitting, by means of a pressing tool, wherein the press fitting has an encircling bead in which an 0-sealing ring is placed, wherein the tube ends within the press fitting and a first pressing is carried out within the bead, wherein, furthermore, a further pressing is carried out on the tube-insert side of the press fitting at a distance from the bead, the further pressing leading to press fitting and tube obtaining a conicity which prevents them being pulled off and runs in the same direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pressing tool suitable for carrying out the method. In order to further improve a method of the type under discussion, in particular for simplifying the handling over the course of the pressing operation, and in order to improve a pressing tool of the type under discussion, in particular in terms of handling while maintaining the functional reliability of the press connection winch is to be produced, it is proposed, in terms of the method, that the head is widened axially over the course of the pressing operation by being acted upon radially from the outside. In terms of the object, it is provided that the first pressing geometry, which is assigned to the bead, leaves the bead space at least in one direction for the axial widening of the bead.

Single-handed, electric ring cutter

A ring cutting device for cutting a ring lodged on a human finger and a device for separating and extracting a cut ring that is still on a wearer's finger. The ring cutting device can be operated by a single hand and includes an elongate power and drive portion that fits comfortable in a user's hand, a finger guard portion having a ring guard and a biasing system, a housing having a protective shield and a mount for mounting the finger guard portion, and a cutting portion having a rotatable circular saw blade that is mechanically coupled to the rotary drive mechanism of the power and drive portion. The power and drive portion includes a rotary drive mechanism that is mechanically coupled to a rotary drive motor the power and a light source for illuminating the ring during a cutting operation. The biasing system is mechanically coupled to the ring guard which includes a notched area for seating the ring before cutting and is disposed orthogonal or substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the power and drive portion. Rotation of the circular saw blade is about the longitudinal axis of the power and drive portion.

Tube assembly apparatus and method

The present disclosure provides an apparatus having a base with at least one guide formed along a length thereof. A fitting clamp and a tube clamp are coupled to the base and spaced apart from one another. A drive mechanism is operable for moving at least one clamp relative to the other clamp along the guide of the base so as to slidingly assemble a tube and fitting together.

Socket fusion jig

A socket fusion jig includes a pipe saddle and coupling saddle spaced apart. Rotation of a handle causes the pipe saddle and coupling saddle to move laterally relative to one another so that the pipe held in the pipe saddle may be fused to the coupling held in the coupling saddle.

End aligned flexible connection sleeves

A latch and catch arrangement is disclosed, whereby a sleeve supporting a flexible hinge is oriented over a bearing in guide. An asymmetrical alignment via a latch and catch between the sleeve and tool collar orients a flexible hinge, which may be of reduced thickness, over a bearing in a guide. The bearing moves upward when a tool is inserted into a tool socket, and the flexible hinge, properly oriented by the alignment catch/latch, keeps the bearing in the tool socket while allowing necessary movement to insert and remove a tool.

Method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket and a second helically geared sprocket to form a transmission

A method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket, particularly a worm gear and a second sprocket arranged on an axis, particularly a worm, to form a transmission, particularly a worm drive, in which the first sprocket is positioned coaxially in reference to an axis of assembly of the first sprocket, aligned at a 90° position in reference to the axis via an assembly device.

Pliers for c-shaped lock rings

Pliers for C-shaped lock rings include a holding unit and a clamping unit. The holding unit is composed of two handles and a control portion. The clamping unit comprises two identical clamping members and a positioning disk. When the control portion is released to engage with the positioning slot to lock the handle; when the control portion is pushed to disengage with the positioning slot, the handle rotate around the center shaft corresponding to the rotations of the clamping unit, such that the clamping members can be open or closed.

Apparatus for inserting a hose coupling into a hose

Apparatus and method for inserting a hose coupling into a hose, the coupling and the hose having inner surfaces defining an inner diameter. A shaft has a first and a second end. A gripping member is associated with the shaft and is movable between a relaxed condition wherein the gripping member has a diameter less than the inner diameters of the hose the coupling and an expanded condition wherein the diameter of the gripping member is increased so that the gripping member grippingly contacts the inner surface of the hose to secure the shaft in the hose in a way that the second end of the shaft extends from the hose. A pusher member is associated with the shaft, and is engageable with the coupling and is movable along the shaft towards the gripping member to insert the coupling into the hose.

Positive seal coupling system

An apparatus for assembling a positive seal coupling and a pipe, including a frame, a stationary block assembly attached to the frame and having coupling gripping doors, and a traveling block assembly slidably attached to the frame and having pipe gripping doors. Two hydraulic ram cylinders are attached to the frame that have ram cylinder rods attached to the traveling block assembly so that the hydraulic ram cylinders can move the traveling block assembly toward the stationary block assembly. The coupling gripping doors are axially aligned with the pipe gripping doors so that when the hydraulic ram cylinders move the traveling block assembly toward the stationary block assembly, a pipe held by the pipe gripping doors is inserted into a coupling held by the coupling gripping doors.

Processing method for brake rotor-equiped wheel bearing devices

An outer member and an inner member constituting a wheel bearing device are assembled and the brake rotor is fixed to the hub ring of the inner member. In this state, the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by a wheel pilot end surface. Alternatively, the wheel pilot end surface of the hub ring by chucking the knuckle pilot of the outer member with the wheel bearing device put in its assembled state, and the pad slide surfaces of the brake rotor are lathed with the reference provided by the wheel pilot end surface.

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector. 120-. (canceled)21. A surgical device for use with a robotic system , wherein the robotic system comprises a robotic interface comprising a plurality of rotary drive members , and wherein the surgical device comprises:an elongate shaft comprising a first interface, wherein a loading unit is operably couplable to the first interface; a first rotary driven element configured to be driven by a first rotary drive member of the plurality of rotary drive members;', 'a second rotary driven element configured to be driven by a second rotary drive member of the plurality of rotary drive members; and', 'a third rotary driven element configured to be driven by a third rotary drive member of the plurality of rotary drive members;, 'an enclosure extending proximally from the elongate shaft, wherein the enclosure comprises a second interface configured to operably interface with the robotic interface, and wherein the second interface comprisesa first control system operably coupled to the first rotary driven element, wherein the first control system is configured to effect a first control motion based on rotation of the first rotary driven element;a second control system operably coupled to the second rotary driven element, wherein the second control system is configured to effect a second control motion based on rotation of the second rotary driven element; anda firing system operably coupled to the third rotary driven element, wherein the firing system is configured to provide a firing motion to a firing member of the loading unit based on rotation of the third ...

Lock ring mounting/demounting jig

An object of the present invention is to provide a jig that does not require an operator to hold a lock ring against the elastic repulsion force of the lock ring that attempts to contract in a radial direction when the lock ring is attached to a rim base, the jig that is safe because there is no need for the operator to support the weight of the lock ring and can maintain a state in which, when the space between the ends of the lock ring is increased, the inside diameter side of the lock ring is a perfect circle or is close to a perfect circle. Thus, a lock ring mounting/demounting jig of the present invention is formed of a pair of jigs, the pair of jigs can be attached at both ends ( 4 a , 4 b ) of a lock ring ( 4 ) and on the radial outside of the lock ring ( 4 ), and the angle formed by the direction in which the space between the pair of jigs expands and contracts and the longitudinal direction of each jig is changeable.

Assembly and Method of Coupling Pipes

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding. 1. A jig assembly , comprising:a first jaw comprising a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion;each of said first jaw portion and said second jaw portion comprising a first end and a second end;said first jaw portion and said second jaw portion comprising a hinged connection at corresponding one of said first end or said second end;each of said first jaw portion and said second jaw portion comprising a first arcuate segment and a second arcuate segment;at least one insert disposed along an interior of said first jaw portion and said second jaw portion;a first linkage and a second linkage disposed at corresponding other of said first end or said second end, opposite said hinged connection;a jaw actuator disposed between said first linkage and said second linkage to open and close said first jaw portion and said second jaw portion;a second jaw comprising a third jaw portion and a fourth jaw portion;each of said this jaw portion and said fourth jaw portion comprising a third end and a fourth end;said third jaw portion and said fourth jaw portion comprising a second hinged connection at a corresponding one of said third end and said fourth end;each of said third jaw portion and said fourth jaw portion comprising a third arcuate segment and a fourth arcuate segment;at least one second insert disposed along an interior of said third jaw portion and said fourth jaw portion;a third linkage and a fourth linkage disposed at corresponding other of said third end or said fourth end, opposite said second hinged connection;a second jaw actuator disposed between said third linkage and said fourth linkage to open and close said third jaw portion and said fourth jaw portion;a first linear actuator extending between the ...

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector. 1. A surgical stapling instrument comprising:an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions;a surgical end effector operably coupled to said actuation system, said surgical end effector comprising:a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples arranged in at least two spaced staple lines; andan actuation member operably interfacing with said actuation system such that upon application of said control motions thereto, said actuation member is axially driven within said surgical staple cartridge between a starting position and an ending position, said actuation member having rotatable staple camming members thereon corresponding to each one of said at least two staple lines such that as said actuation member is driven from said starting to said ending position, each said rotatable camming member is rotated into camming driving engagement with said surgical staples in said corresponding staple lines.2. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said actuation member operably supports a cutting instrument thereon.3. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said end effector further comprises an anvil that is movably supported relative to said elongated staple cartridge between an open position and a closed position in response to closure motions applied thereto by said actuation system.4. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 3 , wherein said actuation member is configured to slidably engage said anvil to retain said anvil at a desired spacing relative to said ...

Cured-In-Place Liner Material And Methods and Systems for Manufacture

A liner tube for repairing existing pipes is provided. The liner tube is sufficiently flexible to lie substantially flat under its own weight thereby defining an upper portion and a lower portion. The liner tube includes an inner layer, an outer layer disposed around the inner layer, a first intermediate layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, the first intermediate layer being wrapped around the inner layer to overlap itself and define a first overlap portion in the upper portion, and a second intermediate layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the outer layer, the second intermediate layer being wrapped around the first intermediate layer to overlap itself and define a second overlap portion in the lower portion. The first and second intermediate layers include a porous material and the inner layer includes material substantially impermeable to liquids.

Insertion and removal tool for a fiber optic ferrule alignment sleeve

A tool is disclosed. The tool is for inserting a ferrule alignment sleeve within a sleeve mount of a fiber optic adapter, wherein the sleeve mount defines an axial bore and radially inwardly extending fingers for retaining the ferrule alignment sleeve therewithin. The tool includes a handle and a pin extending from the handle, the pin configured to slidably receive the ferrule alignment sleeve, the pin defining longitudinal keys for mating with gaps defined between the radially inwardly extending fingers of the sleeve mount, wherein the tool can be used as a ferrule alignment sleeve insertion tool if the pin is inserted into the axial bore in a first orientation and is configured to be used as a ferrule alignment sleeve removal tool if the pin is inserted into the axial bore in a second orientation from an opposite end of the axial bore.

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector. 1. A surgical stapling instrument comprising:an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions;a surgical end effector operably coupled to said actuation system, said surgical end effector comprising:a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples arranged in at least two spaced staple lines; andan actuation member operably interfacing with said actuation system such that upon application of said control motions thereto, said actuation member is axially driven within said surgical staple cartridge between a starting position and an ending position, said actuation member having rotatable staple camming members thereon corresponding to each one of said at least two staple lines such that as said actuation member is driven from said starting to said ending position, each said rotatable camming member is rotated into camming driving engagement with said surgical staples in said corresponding staple lines.2. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said actuation member operably supports a cutting instrument thereon.3. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said end effector further comprises an anvil that is movably supported relative to said elongated staple cartridge between an open position and a closed position in response to closure motions applied thereto by said actuation system.4. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 3 , wherein said actuation member is configured to slidably engage said anvil to retain said anvil at a desired spacing relative to said ...

Composite Spring Retainer And Method Of Assembly In A Brake Master Cylinder

A cup shaped spring retainer is slidably disposed within a cup shaped piston, encapsulating a spring therebetween. The side wall of the spring retainer presents a plurality of recesses and a plurality of slots defining a plurality of fingers. A tang, projects radially outward at the distal end of each of the fingers to engage a retaining ring within the piston in a latch position. The combination of the spring retainer and the piston provide an arrangement whereby all of the fingers may be compressed with the spring retainer outside of the piston to an insert position with the tangs disposed in gripping engagement with the spring. After inserting the compressed spring retainer into the piston, the radial compression the of the fingers may be released to allow the fingers to expand from the insert position to the latch position at which point the deflection of the fingers is discontinued.

METHODS FOR CRIMPING A POLYMERIC STENT SCAFFOLD ONTO A DELIVERY BALLOON

A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen. 120-. (canceled)21. A method , comprising the steps of:positioning a scaffold comprising a polymer on a support, the polymer being characterized by a glass transition temperature (Tg) having a lower limit (Tg-low);deionizing the scaffold; andusing a crimping device, crimping the deionized scaffold to a balloon while the scaffold has a temperature between Tg-low and 15 degrees below Tg-low.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold is cut from a tube comprising the polymer.23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold is crimped to a balloon such that a deployed diameter of the scaffold is at least 2.5 times greater than a final crimp diameter.24. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold has a final crimp diameter that is at least 2.5 times smaller than the scaffold's diameter before crimping.25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold further includes rings formed by ring struts claim 21 , wherein prior to crimping a pair of ring struts adjoined at a crown are each orientated at an angle of between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the scaffold claim 21 , and an angle of between 120 and 130 degrees spans between the adjoined ring struts.26. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold is deionized before and/or during the crimping.27. The method of claim 21 , wherein the scaffold is ...

Method and apparatus for plastic duct bank manufacture

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a duct bank comprising the steps of loading a frame with a series of templates, positioning the frame adjacent a pipe extruder, aligning a set of a plurality of holes with a die of the pipe extruder, extruding a pipe of a first length into the set of holes, repeating the steps of aligning and extruding for each set of holes, thereby forming the duct bank, banding the duct bank, and removing the duct bank from the frame.

Method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample

An automated method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, where the method is performed within a housing of a self-contained, stand-alone analyzer. The method includes purifying the nucleic acid after it has been immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support. A pipette of the analyzer is used to form a reaction mixture comprising the purified nucleic acid and all reagents required to perform a nucleic acid amplification. Amplification products are synthesized that include a nucleotide sequence contained in the nucleic acid or the complement of the nucleic acid. The amplification products are exposed to a probe in a mixture, where the probe forms a hybrid with one of the amplification products. The formation of the hybrid in the mixture provides an indication of the presence of the nucleic acid in the sample.

Pressing tool with sensor system for identifying a workpiece

A pressing tool, particularly a pipe pressing tool, for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece, particularly a fitting, is described. The pressing tool includes pressing jaws and a motor which is adapted to drive the pressing jaws in order to apply a force to the workpiece. Further, a method of operating such a pressing tool, and pressing jaws as well as a tubular workpiece are described.

Ball Screw Device and Dust-Proof Member Extracting Tool

A ball screw device is provided in which a dust-proof member can be simply attached to a nut. The ball screw device ( 1 ) is a ball screw device ( 1 ) in which a concave portion ( 6 ) is formed in an inner circumferential end portion of a nut ( 4 ) through which a screw shaft ( 2 ) passes and the concave portion ( 6 ) is provided with a dust-proof member ( 5 ), wherein the dust-proof member ( 5 ) is formed of a cylindrical elastic member into which the screw shaft ( 2 ) is inserted and includes at least one protrusion ( 8 ) protruding in an outward diameter direction from an outer circumferential surface of the dust-proof member ( 5 ), and the concave portion ( 6 ) has a groove shape to which the dust-proof member ( 5 ) is fitted and is provided with a locking portion ( 7 ) to which the protrusion ( 8 ) is locked.

Torsion key saddle

A torsion key saddle enables a user to readily change the suspension performance characteristic and the suspension lift in a vehicle with independent torsion suspension without the need to replace the torsion keys. Use of torsion key saddles enables each wheel to be adjusted fully between the extremes available using the six possible positions for a torsion key with a hex torsion bar socket.

Article Selection and Placement Assembly and Method

An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web, a conveyor assembly that receives a web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction, a rotating selector wheel, a placement assembly, a pair of rotating jaw assembles, a vacuum cup of the selector wheel, and stretched elastic bands over the tops of respective bottles being conveyed along a path below the placing assembly. The elastic bands then snap onto the tops of their respective bottles to secure the tags to the bottles. 1. A method of placing elastic bands onto objects moving along a path , the method comprising the steps of:(a) conveying a web comprising a multitude of detachable elastic bands in an upstream direction;(b) sequentially capturing each elastic band as it moves in the upstream direction;(c) detaching captured elastic bands from the web;(d) stretching the elastic bands to a size sufficient to extend around at least a portion of objects moving along the path;(e) sequentially moving the stretched elastic bands around respective objects; and(f) releasing the elastic bands so that they snap onto the respective objects.2. The method of wherein step (b) comprises inserting a set of pins through the elastic band.3. The method of wherein step (d) comprises spreading the set of pins apart.4. The method of wherein step (e) comprises moving the spread apart set of pins around respective objects.5. The method of wherein step (f) comprises retracting the set of pins from the elastic band.6. The method of wherein the elastic bands are attached to tags that are defined in and detachable from the web claim 1 , and wherein step (c) comprises engaging and pressing on the tags to detach them and the attached elastic bands from the web.7. An infeed assembly for feeding a web to a continuously operating machine comprising a first reel carrying ...

Extraction Device For Removing An Adapter Secured In A Port

This disclosure relates generally to couplings used in mining and other applications. An extraction device for removing an adapter from a port formed in a structure is provided. The extraction device may include an end wall and a side wall. The end wall may define an external face of the extraction device. The side wall may extend axially away from a periphery of the end wall. The side wall may terminate at an end face of the extraction device. The end face may have a larger dimension than the port so as to abut the structure adjacent to a periphery of the port. The side wall may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may have a threaded portion. 1. A one-piece extraction device for removing an adapter from a port formed in a structure , the extraction device comprising:an end wall defining an external face of the extraction device; anda side wall extending axially away from a periphery of the end wall and terminating at an end face of the extraction device, the end face having a larger dimension than the port so as to abut the structure adjacent to a periphery of the port, the side wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a threaded portion;wherein the end wall closes one end of the side wall; andwherein the inner surface includes a substantially cylindrical trailing non-threaded portion extending between the threaded portion and the end wall.2. The extraction device of wherein the inner surface includes a leading non-threaded portion extending between the end face and the threaded portion.3. The extraction device of wherein:the threaded portion includes a major diameter that is radially aligned with the trailing non-threaded portion.4. The extraction device of wherein:the leading non-threaded portion is substantially cylindrical; andthe threaded portion includes a major diameter that is radially aligned with the leading non-threaded portion.5. The extraction device of wherein the outer surface defines ...

Optical fiber connector, optical fiber connector assembling method, optical fiber connector assembling tool, and optical fiber connector assembling set

An optical fiber connector of the present invention includes: a ferrule; an inserted optical fiber of which one end portion is fixed to the ferrule and of which the other end portion protrudes from the ferrule; an external optical fiber of which a front end portion is fusion-spliced to the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber; and one or more reinforcing members configured to reinforce the fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber, wherein the ferrule comprises a lens located on an extension line of the inserted optical fiber.

Article Selection And Placement Assembly And Method

An apparatus is disclosed for applying tags with attached elastic anchor bands onto the tops of objects such as bottles in a high speed packaging application. The apparatus includes an infeed assembly for feeding a web, a conveyor assembly that receives a web and conveys it along a path in an upstream direction, a rotating selector wheel, a placement assembly, a pair of rotating jaw assembles, a vacuum cup of the selector wheel, and stretched elastic bands over the tops of respective bottles being conveyed along a path below the placing assembly. The elastic bands then snap onto the tops of their respective bottles to secure the tags to the bottles. 1. An infeed assembly for feeding a web to a conveyor assembly of an article selection and placement assembly , the infeed assembly comprising:a first reel carrying a first web and a second reel carrying a second web;a first guide assembly associated with the first reel and a second guide assembly associated with the second reel, the first guide assembly comprising a first guide plate for supporting the first web as it is fed to the conveyor assembly and the second guide assembly comprising a second guide plate for supporting the second web as it is fed to the conveyor assembly;a first roller assembly associated with the first reel and a second roller assembly associate with the second reel;each of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly are configured to queue and end portion of a respective first web or respective second web in position to be fed to the conveyor assembly while the other of the first web and the second web is in operation and being fed to the conveyor assembly.2. The infeed assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly is moveable between an operative position wherein the roller assembly transitions a respective one of the first web and the second web to the conveyor assembly and an idle position wherein the roller assembly is spaced ...

Devices and Methods for Recycling Mattress Box Springs

A device for removing a set of springs from a mattress box spring including a mattress box spring support, a pushing block support frame secured to the mattress box spring support, a pushing block supported by the pushing block support frame adjacent to the mattress box spring support, a cylinder for extending the pushing block over a mattress box spring positioned on the mattress box spring support belt, wherein the cylinder is operable to extend the pushing block transversely over the mattress box spring to separate springs attached to a frame of the mattress box spring from the frame, and wherein a plurality of forks extend in front of the pushing block transversely to the mattress box spring support for helping to prevent the springs from folding underneath a bottom of the pushing block when the pushing block is extended over the mattress box spring to separate the springs from the frame.

Syringe Carrier

Described is a syringe carrier comprising a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. The body includes an enlarged distal portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the body. The enlarged distal portion has one or more resilient barbs adapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

Lancet having adjustable penetration depth

Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CRIMPING A PROSTHETIC VALVE

A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a crimping loop having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a loop portion extending between the first and second end portions and defining an opening configured to receive the prosthetic valve. The crimping loop is movable between a first state in which the opening has a first diameter and a second state in which the opening has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that when the prosthetic valve is positioned within the loop portion, movement of the crimping loop from the first state to the second state is effective to reduce a diameter of the prosthetic valve. A method for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises reducing a diameter of an opening of a crimping loop, thereby radially compressing an at least partially expanded prosthetic valve disposed within the opening. 1. A crimping device for crimping a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve , comprising:a crimping loop having a first end portion, a second end portion and a loop portion extending between the first and second end portions and defining an opening configured to receive the prosthetic valve,wherein the crimping loop is movable between a first state in which the opening has a first diameter and a second state in which the opening has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that when the prosthetic valve is positioned within the loop portion, movement of the crimping loop from the first state to the second state is effective to reduce a diameter of the prosthetic valve.2. The crimping device of claim 1 , wherein the crimping loop is configured to move between the first state and the second state when the first end portion is moved relative to the second end portion.3. The crimping device of claim 1 , wherein the crimping loop is configured to move between the first state and the second state when the first end portion is moved relative to the second end portion ...

Snap ring insertion apparatus

A snap ring insertion apparatus is provided and configured to install a snap ring on a structural member. The snap ring insertion apparatus includes a pneumatic cylinder assembly configured to receive compressed gas and transfer a power of an expansion of the compressed gas to linear movement of a rod. An insertion assembly is coupled to the rod. The insertion assembly has an expander pin and a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled to a finger support member. The finger support member is coupled to the rod in a manner such that linear movement of the rod provides linear movement of the expander pin and pivoting movement of the fingers. Pivoting movement of the fingers results in engagement of the fingers with a snap ring and further pivoting of the fingers results in an expansion of the snap ring in a radial direction.

Automated Production of Acoustic Structures

A laser cuts overlapping ribbons of acoustic material into acoustic devices. An automatically controlled manipulator includes an end effector having groups of placement tools for simultaneously placing multiple acoustic devices in a cellular core. The placement tools include mandrels provided with vacuum pickups for picking up and holding the acoustic devices during transport to the core. A vision system aligns the placement tools with the cells of the core. The end effector includes a thermal radiation device for bonding the acoustic devices to the core. 130-. (canceled)31. A method of automated production of an acoustic core having a plurality of cells , comprising:fabricating a plurality of acoustic devices;picking up groups of the acoustic devices;placing the groups of the acoustic devices respectively in cells of the core; andbonding the acoustic devices to the core.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein fabricating the plurality of acoustic devices includes:overlaying ribbons of acoustic material, andlaser cutting the ribbons in a shape of the acoustic devices and welding together edges of the ribbon surrounding at least a portion of each of the acoustic devices.33. The method of claim 31 , wherein picking up groups of the acoustic devices includes:inserting a plurality mandrels respectively into the acoustic devices, andholding the acoustic devices on the mandrels using suction force.34. The method of claim 31 , wherein placing the groups of the acoustic devices respectively into cells of the core includes using a vision system to align the acoustic devices with the cells.35. The method of claim 31 , wherein bonding the acoustic devices to the core includes directing thermal radiation onto the acoustic devices after the acoustic devices have been placed in the core.36. A method of installing a generally hollow acoustic device in a cell of a cellular core claim 31 , comprising:inserting a tool into the acoustic device, using a vacuum to hold the acoustic device ...

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector. 1. A surgical stapling instrument comprising:an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions;a surgical end effector operably coupled to said actuation system, said surgical end effector comprising:a surgical staple cartridge operably supporting a plurality of surgical staples arranged in at least two spaced staple lines; andan actuation member operably interfacing with said actuation system such that upon application of said control motions thereto, said actuation member is axially driven within said surgical staple cartridge between a starting position and an ending position, said actuation member having rotatable staple camming members thereon corresponding to each one of said at least two staple lines such that as said actuation member is driven from said starting to said ending position, each said rotatable camming member is rotated into camming driving engagement with said surgical staples in said corresponding staple lines.2. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said actuation member operably supports a cutting instrument thereon.3. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 1 , wherein said end effector further comprises an anvil that is movably supported relative to said elongated staple cartridge between an open position and a closed position in response to closure motions applied thereto by said actuation system.4. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 3 , wherein said actuation member is configured to slidably engage said anvil to retain said anvil at a desired spacing relative to said ...

SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector. 120-. (canceled)21. A surgical system , comprising:a robotic system comprising an interface portion, wherein said interface portion comprises a rotary output member;an end effector configured to perform a first action in response to a first actuation motion and a second action in response to a second actuation motion;a housing removably attachable to said interface portion of said robotic system;a latching arrangement for removably attaching said housing to said interface portion of said robotic system; and a drive assembly operably interfacing with said rotary output member on said interface portion such that the actuation of said rotary output member causes said drive assembly to generate a rotary control motion;', 'a drive transmission operably interfacing with said drive assembly to receive said rotary control motion, wherein said drive transmission is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein said drive transmission applies said first actuation motion to said end effector in response to said rotary control motion when said drive transmission is in said first position, and wherein said drive transmission applies said second actuation motion to said end effector in response to said rotary control motion when said drive transmission is in said second position; and', 'a motor configured to operably interface with said drive transmission to selectively shift said drive transmission between said first position and said second position., 'a drive system, comprising22. The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein said end effector ...

System and Method for Installing a Manifold Plug

The present disclosure relates to an insert and system of installing the same. The insert includes a tapered core and a cylinder. The core releasably secures to an installation device which includes a depth stop or a depth control to control the installation depth of the insert. The insert may be provided in a tray that allows for easier handling of the inserts and installation thereof in installation holes, for example in a hydraulic manifold. In some cases, the core includes a threaded hole to releasably secure the insert to the installation device, thus allowing the installation device to pull the core into the cylinder. The core and cylinder may be made of metallic materials such as steels, steel alloys and others. In some cases the insert can withstand blow out pressures of 40,000 psi or higher. 1. An insert for sealing a hole having a first diameter comprising:a core having a height and a tapered outer wall;a threaded hole located in a first end of said core, a depth of said threaded hole less than the height;a cylindrical metallic sleeve having a through hole defining an inner diameter of the cylindrical metallic sleeve wherein said cylindrical metallic sleeve is in contact with and surrounds at least part of said core;said cylindrical metallic sleeve having a first end and a second end;a maximum outer diameter of said cylindrical metallic sleeve is equal to or less than the first diameter;a second end of said core having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical metallic sleeve;the first end of said core having a first end diameter dimensioned such that prior to retraction of said core into said cylindrical metallic sleeve and prior to engagement of said threaded hole with a male threaded device, said first end of said core is retained and in press fit contact at said second end of said cylindrical metallic sleeve such that the core extends from the first end of said core to the second end of said core in a direction away from both ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLASTIC DUCT BANK MANUFACTURE

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a duct bank comprising the steps of loading a frame with a series of templates, positioning the frame adjacent a pipe extruder, aligning a set of a plurality of holes with a die of the pipe extruder, extruding a pipe of a first length into the set of holes, repeating the steps of aligning and extruding for each set of holes, thereby forming the duct bank, banding the duct bank, and removing the duct bank from the frame. 1. A duct bank comprising:a set of pipes coaxially extruded into a set of templates; and,a set of bands securing the set of pipes in the set of templates.2. The duct bank of further comprising:a set of blocks including a first block , a second block, a third block, a fourth block, a fifth block, a sixth block, a seventh block, and an eighth block;the set of bands including a first band, a second band, a third band, and a fourth band;the set of pipes including a first pipe, a second pipe, a third pipe, a fourth pipe, a fifth pipe, a sixth pipe, a seventh pipe, an eighth pipe, and a ninth pipe; and,the set of templates including a first template and a second template.3. The duct bank of further comprising:the first band surrounding the second pipe, the fifth pipe, and the eighth pipe of the set of pipes;the first block and the second block being positioned within the duct bank and being held in position with the first band;the first block being held adjacent to the second pipe, the fifth pipe, and the eighth pipe by the first band; and,the second block being held adjacent to the second pipe, the fifth pipe, and the eighth pipe and opposite the first block by the first band.4. The duct bank of further comprising:the second band surrounding the first pipe, the second pipe, the third pipe, the fourth pipe, the sixth pipe, the seventh pipe, the eighth pipe, and the ninth pipe;the third block and the fourth block being positioned on outer sides of the duct bank and being maintained in position by the second band;the ...

Automated Production of Acoustic Structures

A laser cuts overlapping ribbons of acoustic material into acoustic devices. An automatically controlled manipulator includes an end effector having groups of placement tools for simultaneously placing multiple acoustic devices in a cellular core. The placement tools include mandrels provided with vacuum pickups for picking up and holding the acoustic devices during transport to the core. A vision system aligns the placement tools with the cells of the core. The end effector includes a thermal radiation device for bonding the acoustic devices to the core.

Railroad clip removal system

A railroad clip removal system for efficiently removing a fastening clip from a receiver bracket of a crosstie. The railroad clip removal system includes a frame structure having a center cutout and a pair of opposing slots, an actuator, a pair of engaging arms pivotally attached to the actuator and slidably positioned within the opposing slots. The engaging arms have a catch portion that engages the fastening slip while the engaging arms simultaneously compress the prongs of the fastening clip thereby removing the fastening clip from the receiver bracket of a crosstie.

Explosively actuated tool

Method and apparatus for mounting a sleeve on a combined ferrule and electrical conductor

A method and apparatus for mounting a pliable molded sleeve on a combined ferrule and electrical conductor forming an ignition wire for internal combustion engines having a feeding device for depositing a sleeve in a cradle in alignment with a spindle which impales the sleeve. The spindle is provided with a shoulder that pushes the sleeve toward a conductor on the end of which a ferrule has been mounted. The combined conductor and ferrule are held by a plurality of pairs of swinging gates. As the spindle impales the ferrule, compressed air is directed to pass through the sleeve causing it to expand and slide over the ferrule. As the sleeve engages each of the pairs of swinging gates, the gates swing out of the path of the sleeve to permit the sleeve to be properly fitted over the combined conductor and ferrule.

Method and apparatus for effecting interference fit of two parts by accelerating the part or parts

Method and apparatus for effecting an interference fit of two parts, wherein the two parts are held by a holding device such that the two parts are movable toward each other, and at least one of the two parts is accelerated by an accelerating device toward the other or each other in a direction that permits the interference fit, to give the at least one part a kinetic energy, for thereby achieving the interference fit of the two parts.

Tight fitting method and tight fitting device

Surgical system comprising drive systems

A surgical assembly configured to be operably attached to a surgical robot is disclosed. The surgical assembly comprises a housing and a stapling assembly. The housing comprises a first, a second, and a third drive system. The stapling assembly comprises an end effector including a staple cartridge, a distal shaft assembly, a proximal shaft assembly, and an interface. The distal shaft assembly comprises a first driver configured to rotate the end effector, a second driver configured to articulate the end effector, and a third driver configured to move axially within the end effector. The proximal shaft assembly comprises a first drive train operably responsive to the first drive system, a second drive train operably responsive to the second drive system, and a third drive train operably responsive to the third drive system. The interface is configured to operably couple the distal shaft assembly to the proximal shaft assembly.

Surgical stapling system

A surgical stapling system comprising a robotic interface and a surgical stapling attachment assembly configured to be attached to the robotic interface is disclosed. The robotic interface comprises motor-driven output drives. The surgical stapling attachment assembly comprises a closure member configured to be actuated by one of the motor-driven output drives, a firing bar configured to be actuated by another one of the motor-driven output drives, an end effector, and a shaft comprising an articulation joint. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a pivot pin coupling the first jaw and the second jaw and defining a pivot axis. The closure member is actuatable through a closure stroke to move the second jaw relative to the first jaw.

Surgical device for use with a robotic system

A surgical device for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft including a first interface, an enclosure, a first control system, a second control system, and a firing system. A loading unit is operably couplable to the first interface. The enclosure includes a second interface that includes a first rotary driven element, a second rotary driven element, and a third rotary driven element. The first control system is configured to effect a first control motion based on rotation of the first rotary driven element. The second control system is configured to effect a second control motion based on rotation of the second rotary driven element. The second control motion includes a decoupling motion. The firing system is configured to provide a firing motion to a firing member of the loading unit based on rotation of the third rotary driven element.

Installation apparatus for an automobile entertainment system

An apparatus is provided for drawing cables having a connector shroud at a distal end thereof through a back of an automobile seat in the installation of an automobile entertainment system. The apparatus includes an eyelet shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to the connector shroud. The eyelet includes a housing shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud. The housing includes a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wire puller.

Automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for detecting the Presence of A Nucleic Acid in A Sample

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for agitating the contents of a reaction receptacle within a temperature-controlled environment

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample

An automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process is performed in a stand-alone unit and includes separating the target nucleic acid from other material present in the sample, engaging a robotic pipettor to combine the separated target nucleic acid and reagents for performing an amplification reaction, and performing an amplification reaction. A product of the amplification reaction is detected as an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.

Automated Method for Determining the Presence of a Target Nucleic Acid in a Sample

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for simultaneously performing multiple amplification reactions

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Multiple ring assembly for providing specimen to reaction receptacles within an automated analyzer

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Device for agitating the fluid contents of a container

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Instrument for detecting light emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated diagnostic analyzer and method

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming in analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method and apparatus for performing a magnetic separation purification procedure on a sample solution

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Multiple ring assembly for providing specimen to reaction receptacles within an automated analyzer

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for Agitating the Fluid Contents of A Container

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for Agitating the Contents of A Reaction Receptacle Within A Temperature-Controlled Environment

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample

An automated method for preparing and amplifying a sequence contained in a nucleic acid present in a sample, the nucleic acid being prepared in a receptacle that is part of a unit that includes a plurality of receptacles and holds a removable contact-limiting element for aspirating a fluid component of the sample from the receptacle.

Method for performing an assay with a nucleic acid present in a specimen

An automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid in a self-contained analyzer.

Method for simultaneously performing multiple amplification reactions

An automated method for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification procedures in multiple receptacles of a set of receptacles contained in an analyzer.

Automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample

An automated process performed in an analyzer for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes separating the target nucleic acid from other material present in the sample, performing an amplification reaction to produce an amplification product indicative of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample, and detecting the amplification product. The amplification reaction can be performed in an open receptacle vessel, such as a test tube.

Transport mechanism

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Incubator for use in an automated diagnostic analyzer

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample

An automated method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, where the method is performed within a housing of a self-contained, stand-alone analyzer. The method includes purifying the nucleic acid after it has been immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support. A pipette of the analyzer is used to form a reaction mixture comprising the purified nucleic acid and all reagents required to perform a nucleic acid amplification. Amplification products are synthesized that include a nucleotide sequence contained in the nucleic acid or the complement of the nucleic acid. The amplification products are exposed to a probe in a mixture, where the probe forms a hybrid with one of the amplification products. The formation of the hybrid in the mixture provides an indication of the presence of the nucleic acid in the sample.

Method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample

An automated method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, where the method is performed within a housing of a self-contained, stand-alone analyzer. The method includes purifying the nucleic acid after it has been immobilized on a magnetically-responsive solid support. A pipette of the analyzer is used to form a reaction mixture comprising the purified nucleic acid and all reagents required to perform a nucleic acid amplification. Amplification products are synthesized that include a nucleotide sequence contained in the nucleic acid or the complement of the nucleic acid. The amplification products are exposed to a probe in a mixture, where the probe forms a hybrid with one of the amplification products. The formation of the hybrid in the mixture provides an indication of the presence of the nucleic acid in the sample.

Automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for agitating the fluid contents of a container

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated analyzer for performing a nucleic acid-based assay

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample

An automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes separating the target nucleic acid from other material present in the sample at a first station, transferring the separated target nucleic acid from the first station to a second station using a rotatable transport mechanism, combining the transferred target nucleic acid and reagents for performing an amplification reaction at the second station, and performing an amplification reaction. A product of the amplification reaction is detected as an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.

Automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample

An automated process for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample. The process includes contacting a sample with a magnetically-responsive solid support and immobilizing a target nucleic acid present in the sample on the solid support. At a first station of an analyzer, the solid support is subjected to a magnetic field and the immobilized target nucleic acid is separated from a non-immobilized component of the sample. A solution comprising the separated target nucleic acid is moved to an incubator of a second station of the analyzer, where the separated target nucleic acid is subjected to an amplification procedure and an amplification product is formed. The amplification product is detected as an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.

Automated System for Isolating, Amplifying, and Detecting a Target Nucleic Acid Sequence Present in a Fluid Sample

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for agitating the fluid contents of a container

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Method for agitating the fluid contents of a container

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.

Temperature-controlled incubator having rotatable door

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automatically moving each of a plurality of reaction receptacles containing a solid support material and a fluid sample between stations for incubating the contents of the reaction receptacle and for separating the target analyte bound to the solid support from the fluid sample. An amplification reagent is added to the separated analyte after the analyte separation step and before a final incubation step.