Abstract: A shock isolation device for supporting the weight of an object and provig shock and isolation vibration is disclosed which includes a compressible elastomeric material. Apertures are drilled in the compressible elastomeric material for receiving buckling fibers. The buckling fibers are supported in the respective apertures by a buckling support plate positioned on a bottom surface of the compressible elastomeric material. The fibers extend above the top surface of the compressible elastomeric material to support an object above the top surface under normal conditions when no shocks occur. When a shock occurs, the buckling fibers are elastically or plastically buckled under an applied force caused by acceleration of the object and the object contacts the compressible elastomeric material to isolate the shock. A plurality of the buckling fibers are spaced evenly throughout the elastomeric material to support objects of different sizes and weights.

Abstract: A biaxial compression testing device formed by two modified beams joined ether to form an X-shape with the support structure, such as webs and upper flanges, removed in the region of the X intersection, thereby leaving a rectangular opening. The rectangular opening has dimensions slightly greater than the widths of the beams and is open from the upper surfaces downward to the lower surfaces which are joined together forming an X-configuration. This configuration has a flexing characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the joined beams. A test specimen support plate is attached to the underside of one of the upper surfaces and is located so as to slide below the opposing upper surface during flexing of the x-beam assembly. Each beam is supported by a roller pin. Additional roller pins are located on the specimen support plate between each beam upper flange and a specimen to be tested. These roller pins prevent any torsional load from reaching the test specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved connector for joining two tuar members together. The connector is formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending fingers extending from an end of one of the tubular members and at least one locking groove in the other of the tubular members for receiving the fingers. The connector further includes a circumferentially extending wire member which is received in a notch in a head portion of each of the plurality of fingers. The wire member is preferably formed from a shape memory alloy and has an original circumference less than the circumference of a circle formed by the notches in the head portions of the fingers. The connector includes apertures through which electric wires may be connected to the shape memory alloy ring member so as to cause the shape memory alloy ring member to return to its original shape and allow release of the joint connection.

Abstract: A threaded, locking set screw with standard outer dimensions having a thred body, an expansion plug, and a retaining wedge. The threaded body has a tapered cavity at its bottom end. The expansion plug and retaining wedge are inserted into the cavity in the body. The base of the plug extends from the cavity, and the plug is held in place by a force fit between the wedge and a retaining slot in the body. When the set screw is tightened against a part, the plug is forced into the cavity. Because of a locking taper between the plug and the cavity, the plug exerts an outward force on the inner surface of the cavity causing the set screw body to expand radially, thus, locking the set screw in place.