Embodiments of the invention provide a die retainer for use in a tool. The die retainer can include a ram head, a release button, and a die pin. The ram head includes a die cavity and a pair of lateral sides on opposing sides of the die cavity. The release button can extend through a release button hole formed in the ram head hand include opposing ends that extend past each of the corresponding pair of lateral sides. The die pin extends through a die pin cavity that intersects the release button hole. The die release button can be actuatable from either of the opposing ends to retract the die pin from the die cavity.

Hydraulic tools having extendable rams for performing various functions such as crimping are described. The tools include a hydraulic system that enables the ram to be rapidly advanced. Methods using the hydraulic systems and tools are also described.

A variable crimp machine includes an actuator adjustment assembly including a dial that rotates about an actuation axis and a barrel positioned along the actuation axis within the dial. The barrel includes a first set of axially spaced markings corresponding to a first hose and a second set of axially spaced markings correspond to a second hose. The dial includes a first set of circumferentially spaced markings corresponding to the first hose and a second set of circumferentially spaced markings corresponding to the second hose. The first set of circumferentially spaced markings are used in concert with the first set of axially spaced markings to adjust an actuator for use with the first hose, and the second set of circumferentially spaced markings are used in concert with the second set of axially spaced markings to adjust the actuator for use with the second hose.

A method for the joining of hollow profiles made from high-strength steel, in particular to form a motor vehicle frame, the hollow profiles being connected to one another, nonpositively and positively against being pulled out, by pinching (crimping) in a connection zone, one end of at least one of the hollow profiles having a connection zone for pinching which is soft at least during forming. This soft connection zone may be hardened during pinching if at least one of the profiles to be joined is made from hardenable steel and is brought to austenizing temperature before pinching.

Electrically powered crimp tools are described. Also described are methods of operating the tools and methods of crimping. The tools include a housing, an electric motor, a roller screw assembly, and a jaw assembly. In particular versions of the tools the jaw assembly includes a cam linkage member that is manually displaced by a user to more easily open the jaws after performing a crimp.

A power tool including a moveable piston, a motor capable of driving the moveable piston to perform work on a work piece, and a distance sensor configured to sense a movement of the moveable piston. The distance sensor operable to provide sensor information indicative of the movement of the piston. A controller receives the sensor information from the distance sensor. The controller operates the motor to perform work on the work piece based in part on the sensor information that the controller receives from the distance sensor.

A modified lug press and use thereof is described. The modified lug press includes a press and a cartridge. The press includes a drive which, when activated, crimps a lug, positioned on a die, to a wire. A cartridge holds the given lug and at least one additional lug, and successively aligns the given lug and the at least one next lug for insertion onto the die for crimping by the press. The cartridge includes a left rail, with a track therein, at least one middle rail, and a right rail. Distances between the rails may be adjustable. A drive motor, when activated, successively pushes lugs onto the die. A lug separator permits one lug to be pushed on the die at any given time. A lug placement device inhibit lateral lug movement during wire insertion and crimping operations.

Crimping tool including a first tool part having a first crimping die and a plurality of first crimping elements, a second tool part having a second crimping die and a plurality of second crimping elements, a first actuator being movable relative to the first crimping die along an actuation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, wherein the first actuator actuates the first crimping elements moving the first crimping elements in a radial direction, and a second actuator being movable relative to the second crimping die along the actuation axis, wherein the second actuator actuates the second crimping elements moving the second crimping elements in a radial direction, wherein a subset of the first crimping elements and a subset of the second crimping elements are moved consecutively by moving the first actuator and second actuator.

A plant (10) for realising fitted hydraulic hoses (H) which comprises: a cutting station (20) provided with a cutter (21) configured such as to cut a hydraulic hose (H2) into a plurality of portions of hose (H1); a storage station (60) of a plurality of hydraulic fittings (F), each of which is able to be fixed to an end of a portion of hose (H1) into which the hydraulic hose (H2) is cut; a crimping station (80) provided with a crimping press (81) configured such as to crimp a hydraulic fitting (F) to an end of the portion of hose (H1); and a control and command unit (100) operatively connected to the crimping press (81) of the crimping station (100), configured for determining a blocking force of the crimping press (81) according to an indicative parameter of the type of hydraulic hose (H2) cut in the cutting station (20).

A suspension module for the suspension systems of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. The suspension module comprises a suspension module, a bearing housed in the suspension module wherein the bearing is comprised of a spherical bearing in a housing, the spherical bearing being fixed in the suspension module housing by a crimp in the housing. There is a set of two adapter tubes and a retainer ring mounted on the distal end of the suspension module housing to retain the suspension module in a suspension knuckle of a vehicle suspension system. There is also disclosed a crimping tool for placing a crimp in the housing to retain the spherical bearing therein.