Abstract: A cage for a cage fastener includes a base and sides, with a flap integral with one side bendable to be disposed in spaced relation to the base and overlying the base. A distal edge of the flap and a distal edge of one of the sides define a cooperating locking structure whereby the position of the flap relative to the side can be secured, with a fastener positioned between the flap and the base.

Abstract: A two-part buckle is provided with springing structure associated with web securing structures of the buckle parts, and with structure allowing deflection within the buckle part to at least partly absorb tensile forces applied to the buckle.

Abstract: A accessory mounting mechanism for securing an accessory to the frame of a vehicle as herein disclosed. The accessory mounting mechanism generally comprises an upper grommet into which is inserted an end of the accessory, a lower grommet to which the upper grommet is secured, and a cap which covers both the upper and lower grommets. The lower grommet is provided with a retaining structure that engages a bore formed through the frame of the vehicle, so as to secure the accessory mounting mechanism thereto. The structure of the accessory mounting mechanism enables a simplified methodology for installing an accessory within a vehicle that involves the steps of pre-assembling the accessory mounting mechanism and then addressing the retaining structure of the accessory mounting mechanism to a bore formed through the frame of the vehicle so as to secure the accessory thereto.

Abstract: A Category 5 (as well as newer revisions, such as Category 6 and Category E)/single-pair surge protector module for protecting telecommunications related equipment and the like from transient voltage and current surges includes a two-piece interfitting housing which receives a miniature printed circuit board therein. The miniature printed circuit board is used to mount a Category 5 (as well as newer revisions, such as Category 6 and Category E)/circuit surge protector device. The surge protector device includes a pair of voltage suppressors and four banks of diodes.

Abstract: A testing module for destructively testing the crush strength of objects. Radially arranged fingers are moved against the object by rotation of a cam ring engaged against cam followers on the fingers. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cam ring, to rotate the cam ring. A load cell in one of the fingers records the force applied to the object until the object fails structurally.

Abstract: An internally threaded body member having thread clearances includes a bore extending at least partially into the body member. The bore has a screw thread disposed therein. The screw thread has a pitch diameter increased not less than 26% of a tooth height of the thread.

Abstract: A primary/secondary surge protector circuit for protecting telecommunications equipment from power and surge transients includes a printed circuit board and a surge protector circuit. The surge protector circuit is mounted on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has tip and ring conductive traces formed on its top surface. The surge protector circuit includes a voltage suppressor operatively coupled to the tip and ring conductive traces. The tip and ring conductive traces define fusible links which are opened when an excessive current is passed through so as to meet the specifications set forth by UL Standards 497 and 497A.

Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.

Abstract: A U-nut type fastener installation tool, for installing individual U-nut fasteners from a vertically stacked, nested, or collated strip or array of such fasteners disposed within a magazine portion of the tool. The vertically nested, stacked, or collated strip is biased toward the dispensing station or position by means of a spring member, and a wedge-shaped member is adapted to be driven between an endmost one of the nested, stacked, or collated fasteners and the remaining fasteners disposed within the nested, stacked, or collated array of fasteners so as to separate the endmost one of the fasteners from the remaining fasteners of the nested, stacked or collated array of fasteners and drive such endmost fastener onto the edge portion of the support plate or panel.

Abstract: A buckle device is disclosed for releasably fastening together a first, second and third strap. The device includes a first plug attached to the first strap and a second plug attached to the second strap. A socket is attached to the third strap and a release button is molded separately from the socket and cooperates with the socket such that when the button is disposed in a first disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are secured relative to the socket and when the button is disposed in a second disposition relative to the socket, the first and second plugs are released from the socket. The socket defines a catch which engages an opening when the tongue is inserted into a first hole such that the first plug is secured relative to the socket. Also, the socket defines a further catch which engages a further opening when the further tongue is inserted into a second hole such that the second plug is secured relative to the socket.

Abstract: A passenger assist handle assembly for an automobile includes a handle with mounting structures pivotally connected to mounting blocks secured to the automobile. The pivotal connection is made by way of pins disposed in apertures of the mounting structures and mounting blocks. The pins include heads having protrusions thereon received in slots for securing the pins in position. The shapes and locations of the slots and protrusions simplify manufacture and facilitate installation.

Abstract: A centrifugal operated switch particularly suitable for operating a circuit for starter windings of a motor. A spindle is connected to and rotated by the motor shaft. Swing arms connected to the spindle move upwardly and outwardly in response to rotational speed of the spindle. A plunger is movable in the spindle, and moves together with movement of the swing arms. The plunger is operationally connected to a contactor having one end electrically connected to a first terminal, and a second end alternatively connected to and disconnected from a second terminal. Movement of the plunger causes movement of the contactor.

Abstract: A nut fastener is formed with anti-cross threading features that include a rounded or chamfered edge at the entry end to the nut, followed by an unthreaded cylindrical counterbore that extends axially from the entry end to the threaded section of the bore. The rounded or chamfered entry end prevents cross threading and the unthreaded section is of sufficient length to ensure substantially collinear alignment between the threaded fastener and the correspondingly threaded nut before threaded engagement occurs. An optional radiused portion is formed between the unthreaded and threaded sections of the nut to further prevent cross threading. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-cross threading nut is a weld nut formed with weld protrusions which enable the nut to be welded to a large structural member before mating engagement with a threaded fastener occurs.

Abstract: A thread forming screw configured for insertion into relatively hard plastics includes an elongated core region having two ends, a head at one end and a point at the opposite end, a helical thread extending generally radially from the core region, the thread being asymmetrical when viewed in a cross-section taken through a diameter of the core, the thread defining a flank angle made up of a leading angle, facing the point, and a trailing angle facing the head, the leading angle being greater than the trailing angle.

Abstract: A molded fastener for securing an object to a support is herein disclosed. The fastener is capable of bearing tension, shear, and bending stresses and may be installed in a simple aperture or hole formed in the support. The fastener is comprised of a base member from which extends an attachment structure that is adapted to secure to the fastener an object and a hooked tail that is passed through the simple aperture formed in the support to secure the fastener, and hence the object, to the support. A retention member of the fastener prevents the withdrawal of the fastener from the simple aperture by resisting withdrawal forces substantially in compression.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint in a vehicle control link and methods therefor including a ball with a connecting member coupled thereto disposed and pivotally retained in a socket by molding a plastic ball in the socket or by molding a plastic socket about the ball. The ball and socket joint may generally be formed of different materials, and in one embodiment the ball and socket joint is plastic formed by insert molding.

Abstract: A sight glass retaining system is provided for mounting a sight glass to a support panel, such as for viewing combustion or other processes. The system includes a retainer which forms a continuous frame and has lateral flanges for locating the sight glass. Retaining tabs extend from the frame and support resilient retaining portions which snap into engagement with the support panel. A resilient element, which may form a seal with the sight glass and support panel, urges the assembly in compression to maintain tight engagement of the components, and generally column loads the retaining portions to preclude movement of the assembly on the support panel.