Abstract:
The invention relates to a connection comprising at least two components having the following features: a first component and a second component, of which at least the second component comprises reinforced plastic, a self-piercing connection element (30) having a head and a shaft, the head thereof being supported on the first component and the shaft thereof running completely through the first and the second component, and a disc-shaped counter bearing to which the shaft is fastened such that the at least two components are fastened between the head and the counter bearing. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said connection.
Abstract:
A method for joining at least two workpiece layers (1, 2) by introducing a connecting element (10) with a coating (15) applied externally to the connecting element (10), where the connecting element (10) is guided, in particular punched, through the first workpiece layer (1) by a ram (26), forming a cut surface (1), and penetrates at least partially into the second workpiece layer and is deformed by a die (21) such that it connects the at least two workpiece layers (1, 2) together in a form-fitting manner. The connecting element (10) is heated such that the coating (15) applied externally to the connecting element (10) melts and wets, in particular completely closes, the cut surface in the first workpiece layer (1); after a cooling process, the re-solidified coating (15) adheres to the cut surface of the first workpiece layer (1).
Abstract:
A method of joining parts together with a flow drill screw or with a clinch joint. A first part formed of metal or a composite material is joined to a second part that includes a fiber-filled layer and a resin matrix layer. The flow drill screw extends through the first part and the second part into the second part. The resin matrix layer prevents fibers from the fiber filled layer from being forced through the back of the second panel. A clinch joint may be formed into the first part and the second part but does not penetrate completely through the resin matrix layer. When the clinch joint is formed, the resin matrix layer inhibits the fiber filled layer from pushing through the second layer of the second panel.
Abstract:
Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors. Other embodiments include a metal bone plate which is held to bone by a metal bone screw and a nut of bondable material bonded to the plate to secure the connection; a piece of bondable material bonded to a metal prosthesis to custom fit the prosthesis; and a surgical implant custom formed by bonding together a plurality of discrete elements one or more of which is bondable.
Abstract:
Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors. Other embodiments include a metal bone plate which is held to bone by a metal bone screw and a nut of bondable material bonded to the plate to secure the connection; a piece of bondable material bonded to a metal prosthesis to custom fit the prosthesis; and a surgical implant custom formed by bonding together a plurality of discrete elements one or more of which is bondable.
Abstract:
A child's toy construction system, similar in purpose to "Erector" sets, is provided having reusable, distensible "rivets" instead of nuts and bolts, and a rivet "gun" to provide a feeling of authenticity in use.The system includes plates and bars to be joined together to create different structures. They are joined by use of the rivets passing through aligned holes in the plates and bars.The rivets are formed of bullet-shaped, soft distensible rubber pieces having a bore passing lengthwise through the rivet, but being closed at the leading end. The rivets have an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the holes, when the rivets are in their relaxed, undistended condition, and will, therefore, when not distended, expand to fill the holes and secure the pieces together. Their diameter is less than that of the holes when they are longitudinally distended. The base of the rivets is larger than the holes and includes an undercut gripping shoulder.Accordingly, the rivets may be inserted into and removed from the holes when distended. A "rivet gun" is provided for that purpose, having means to grip the shoulder and insert a stiff wire into the bore to distend (stretch) the rivet for insertion or removal. It may have a trigger linkage to "fire," releasing the rivet and so adding greater authenticity.
Abstract:
A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.
Abstract:
Apparatus configured to enable the staking of an interfacing part to a base is provided. The apparatus includes a retainer configured to convey a stake and the interfacing part to the base. The apparatus is further configured to provide a heat and/or vibration to effect the simultaneous attachment of the stake to the base and the interfacing part to the base.