Abstract: An apparatus for separating components of a hard disk drive includes a pair of opposing drive rollers and a separating blade mounted on a blade mount. The opposing drive rollers are configured to contact a hard disk drive housing and move the hard disk drive through a separating station. The separating station defines a base and includes the separating blade mounted on a blade mount. The separating blade and the blade mount are resiliently suspended relative to the base. The separating blade is configured to deflect to a separation point to remove a first hard drive component from a second hard drive component.

Abstract: The tool-less vise jaw system comprises a stop block and two jaw plates. The jaw plates couple to the jaws of a vise that is used in conjunction with an industrial machine or tool. One jaw plate comprises a plurality of holes into which pins projecting from the stop block may be inserted. One pin extends through the jaw plate into the space between the vise jaws. The pin is used as a reference point during edge finding. Later, when switching from one job to another, the stop block may be moved to a different position in the plurality of holes and a digital readout may be programmed to change an X-axis offset by an amount corresponding to the distance that the pin was moved, thus eliminating the need to edge find again.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for engaging a guide pin for installation or removal. The tool has a housing with a plunger positioned within the housing. A support tube has at least two extensions that protrude from the housing when an engagement mechanism is depressed and grips the guide pin when the engagement mechanism is released.

Abstract: An airway pressure support system (2) includes a housing (4) having an air inlet opening (54), and a filter assembly (50) coupled to a plurality of receiving portions of the housing. The filter assembly is in fluid communication with the air inlet opening. The filter assembly includes a housing portion (62), a first filter media portion (64) attached to the housing portion, and first and second spring members (84, 86) attached to the housing portion, wherein the first and second spring members each have a floating portion and engage the plurality of receiving portions and cause a sealing force to be exerted against the filter assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade adapter system with a wiper blade adapter unit (10) and at least two differently formed connecting elements (12, 14, 16), wherein, in a mounted state, the wiper blade adapter unit (10) is coupled to one of the at least two connecting elements (12, 14, 16). According to the invention, the wiper blade adapter unit (10) comprises a transmission unit (20) which is provided to release a coupling between the at least one connecting element (12, 14, 16) and the wiper blade adapter unit (10) during a detachment process.

Abstract: An example retaining ring removal tool includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, and at least one tapered tab extending axially from the first end of the shaft at a radially outer perimeter of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for demounting a cable tensioned between a first and second anchorage points on a structure. The method comprises the following steps: slackening the cable so that a running part of the cable is freed from one of said first and second anchorage points; freeing said running part of the cable from the other said first and second anchorage points; supporting said running part of the cable; and removing said running part of the cable away from at least one of said first and second anchorage points.

Abstract: Disks stuck together in a stack are separated by placing the disks on a shaft of a vibratory apparatus and vibrating the shaft to vibrate the disks by contact of the disks with the vibrating shaft to separate them and also constrain the disks with the shaft as the disks are vibrated.

Abstract: A wall stand is provided. The wall stand comprises a stand body and a bottom plate. The stand body includes a base, a pressing component and a pressing component. The base has an opening. The pressing component comprises a pressing portion disposed corresponding to the opening. The pressing component is disposed on the base. The bottom plate is configured for being mounted on a wall. The bottom plate includes an elastic component and at least one supporting portion. The elastic component is disposed corresponding to the pressing component for being engaged with the pressing component and disengaged from the pressing component by a force from the pressing component. The at least one supporting portion is configured for correspondingly supporting the at least one fixing component. A method for using the wall stand for an IP camera is also provided.

Abstract: A buoy split key (“BSD”) removal apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The BSD utilizes a power screw to apply a steady and controllable compressive load onto the split key. The BSD applies a compressive force or load to the bitter ends of the split key in order to maximize the use of the moment on the split key. The spread and/or twisted split key is compressed by a compression assembly and compression power screw as supported by a compression frame. The compression assembly provides steady and controllable compression on a buoy split key. A compression power screw and extrusion power screw should be threaded in the opposite direction for maximum torque to remove the buoy split key. Once the split key is fully compressed by the compression assembly, the compressive load from the power screw and split key are then removed.

Abstract: Tools for removing connectors from ports in a network device, and related systems and methods. The tool is elongate with at least one prong at a distal end. The tool includes a very slight width relative to either its length or width, such that it can be inserted into a space adjacent a connector disposed in a port, such as between closely spaced adjacent connectors. The at least one prong is received in an anchor point, such as an opening, in the network device. Pivoting the tool applies a compressive force to a latch of the connector, disengaging the latch from its respective catch on the port, after which it can be removed by pulling it out of the port.

Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.

Abstract: A brake drum spring release tool includes a straight elongate rod member with a laterally projecting lever arm extending from one side and an extended hook member from the end of the rod member. The lever arm acts as a fulcrum when positioned on a drum brake spring simultaneously engaged by a hook member. Placing a generally lateral force on the grip end of the tool will cause rotational force imparted by the hook member on the spring typically with a mechanical advantage associated with the fulcrum of the lever arm to thereby release the spring from a drum brake shoe.

Abstract: A window reveal is secured to an aircraft interior sidewall panel by a plurality of clips. Each clip engages a tab on the reveal. A method for removing the reveal includes using a tool to disengage the clips. The tool includes a tapered portion having tips separated by a notch. Using the tool includes inserting the tapered portion into a slot in the reveal with the tab received in the notch, and pressing the tips through the slot until a back of the notch abuts against the tab and stops the movement of the tips. The notch has a depth that allows the tips to press against the clip, yet stops the tips from damaging the clip.

Abstract: Described are track adapters for snap-fitting within a recess of a track, the track adapters including at least one manually-releasable spring tab comprising a lip and a release tab; and at least one slidably-releasable spring tab comprising a lip, wherein the at least one manually-releasable spring tab and the at least one slidably-releasable spring tab are adapted to deflect inwardly to permit snap-fit insertion of the track adapter into the recess. Also described are light fixtures including a fixture head comprising at least one lamp housing, wherein the at least one lamp housing supports at least one lamp; and a curved arm connecting the fixture head to a support surface.

Abstract: To disassemble an arrangement comprising a first part (1) with a first opening, a second part (2) with a second opening and a cavity, and a connector (3) with a first portion (31) and a second portion (32) inserted through the first opening and the second opening into the cavity for connecting the first and second parts (1, 2), a pressure difference is used for forcing the second portion (32) out of the cavity. Said pressure difference may involve firstly changing a surrounding pressure, such as slowly increasing the surrounding pressure, and secondly changing the surrounding pressure, such as quickly decreasing the surrounding pressure. The arrangement is arranged to not respond to said firstly changing and to respond to said secondly changing for said forcing out. The connector may comprise a third portion (33) with upper parts of legs, the first portion (31) comprising a head portion, and the second portion (32) comprising lower parts of the legs.

Abstract: A disconnect tool for disconnecting a cable connector from a terminal is provided. The disconnect tool can include a body and a gripping portion at a first end of the body and perpendicular to the body. The gripping portion can be adapted to engage a cable connector. The groove can have a width greater than or equal to the cable connector. Engaging the cable connector can include positioning the gripping portion such that the gripping portion partially surrounds the outer diameter of the cable connector. The width of the gripping portion can be sufficiently narrow so as to allow the gripping portion to engage a first cable connector in close proximity to a second cable connector. For a disconnect tool engaging a cable connector, applying a force to a second end of the body in an opposite direction from the cable connector can disconnect the cable connector from the terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for performing ELO are disclosed. Device assemblies are contemporaneously etched in a stacked arrangement. Each device assembly may be placed in a respective tray, where the trays are overlapped and spaced apart from one another. In this manner, more device assemblies can be etched per unit area compared to conventional systems. Further, by stacking device assemblies during etching, the yield can be improved and/or the cost of the etch tank and associated hardware can be reduced.

Abstract: A bracket is fitted over an external connector that has fingers, such as EMI fingers, that are spring loaded and provide electrical connections between outside panels and the main enclosure of a device. The bracket depresses the EMI fingers and provides ease of removal. A tool is dimensioned so that a user has room to grip it while not interfering with a bracket, such as a PCI bracket, when in use. The tool is dimensioned so that it can be slid over a bracket so as to compress the fingers, such as EMI fingers, and the bracket can be removed without damaging the connector. A cut out may be offset from the center to provide additional surface to grip by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dry tube assembly includes a mounting structure configured to mount the apparatus to a top guide of a reactor vessel, a clamping assembly configured to engage the dry tube assembly, and a positioning assembly that is configured to position and rotate the clamping assembly relative to the dry tube assembly. The dry tube assembly is buckled and removed without exercising a joint.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a driver, a plurality of shafts, and a plurality of arms. The body is configured for insertion into a component and the driver is adapted for movement relative to the body. The plurality of shafts extend through the body and are connected to the plurality of arms. The tool is configured such that contact by the driver against the shaft rotates the plurality of shafts to pivot the plurality of arms.

Abstract: A tool for use with a fastener is provided. Another aspect employs a removal tool for use with a photovoltaic fastener. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a photovoltaic module including a peripheral frame, a strut or rail and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes at least one flexible wing matable with an opening in a strut, a flexible tongue internally projecting in a central manner from a top wall of a body, and a slot adapted to receive a portion of a photovoltaic panel frame. In a further aspect, a tool is rotated to disengage a central tongue of a fastener from a photovoltaic frame. Yet another aspect employs a tool to compress a finger and/or wing to allow fastener removal from a strut.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tool and method for removing sweeper bristles from a railway track broom are disclosed. An exemplary tool may include a tube member for insertion into a sweeper bristle gripped onto a nipple element, wherein two or more slits split a front portion of the tube member into flexible prongs each having outward-facing gripping elements near its tip. A plunger element, located inside the tube member, can be propelled forward into a front end of the tube member to cause the flexible prongs to substantially expand at least part of the front portion of the tube member, thereby loosening the sweeper bristle's grip on the nipple element. A hydraulic assembly coupling the plunger element to a hydraulic pressure source is controlled by a trigger mechanism to supply hydraulic pressure to propel the plunger element.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine with an improved base locking, including: a hollow magazine body, a follower, a spring and a magazine base. The magazine body is equipped with track guides that correspond to grooves embodied on the magazine base, that the magazine base is guided onto. The spring is spirally embodied such that the first turn fully encompasses the surface of the magazine base and in the compressed state the rest of the spring, without the first turn, can fully fit into the follower pressed by the spring. The magazine base has a catch on one side and a hole positioned next to the catch. The magazine body has a slit allowing the catch to pass unobstructed into the magazine body and catch the detent spot on the spring positioned inside the magazine body. An advantage is improved safety of magazine base locking to the magazine body and simpler construction.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle having a plurality of self contained tracked drive units, each unit including an electric motor to propel a track belt, and a plurality of road wheels and tensioning wheels. Each tracked drive unit is connected to the vehicle by affixing devices and by electrical, data, and fluid lines, and is separable from the vehicle by detachment of the affixing devices and disconnection of the electrical, data, and fluid lines. The tracked vehicle can locomote upon the tracked drive units remaining after the separation a tracked drive unit. A tracked vehicle with remote tracked drive jettisoning capability, wherein a tracked drive unit is affixed to the hull of the tracked vehicle by explosive bolts; the electrical, fluid, and data lines are severable by severing charges; and the tracked drive is jettisonable by remote commands to detonate the explosive bolts and sever the electrical, data, and fluid lines.

Abstract: An expander for concentrically expanding a cylindrical member, the expander with a tapered block, a plurality of segments, each having an inner surface at least partially in contact with the tapered surface of the tapered block and the segments arranged to move in concert with each other relative to the block, and a pair of engaging features being provided for each segment, each pair comprising a first engagement feature on one of the segments and a second engagement feature on the block, the pairs of engaging features being arranged to maintain equal circumferential spacing of the segments around the block and to constrain movement of the segments in a direction that is coaxial with the block, each pair of engaging features being located away from the circumferential edges of their respective segment.

Abstract: Resin pallets having a deck and a base, where the deck and base are joined by an interlock, which is optionally reversible, are described. Methods of making such pallets by assembling the pallets by interlocking parts to form the pallets, in an optionally reversible method, are also described.

Abstract: An inventive spark plug boot puller removes a spark plug boot from the spark plug on which it is booted, without damaging the spark plug boot. A method for removing a spark plug boot so that the boot can be reused is provided. Kits containing reusable spark plug boots with cooperating spark plug boot puller tools are provided.

Abstract: A cutting tool used for grooving and turning has a cutting insert removably secured in a holder blade. The cutting insert includes an insert passage having an insert passage axis, and the holder blade includes a holder passage having holder passage axis. When the cutting insert is resiliently clamped in the holding portion and located in a rearmost position, a passage plane containing the holder and insert passage axes forms a first angle with a main plane, perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis and containing the insert passage centre point, where the first angle is less than or equal to 60°. The cutting insert can be extracted from the cutting tool by positioning first and second engagement portions of an extraction key simultaneously in the holder and insert passages, respectively, and rotating the extraction key.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing a retained member from a rotary head assembly configured for attachment to a rotary power source.

Abstract: A removal tool includes a staking unit configured to deform a circlip located at a bore of an apparatus when the removal tool is pushed into the bore, and a spring fork unit configured to push a ferrule ring located at the bore when the removal tool is pushed into the bore.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and a method of assembling same. The prosthetic assembly includes a base component with at least one engagement surface. A pyrolytic carbon component includes at least one engagement surface. The pyrolytic carbon component is elastically deformed to mechanically interlock with the engagement surface on the base component. The pyrolytic carbon component retains at least a portion of the deformation stress created during coupling with the base component.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the general art of connector links, and to the particular field of coupling links for coupling to one or more chain links. Particular embodiments include coupling links having a body with a central portion that has an aperture passing therethrough, a closed first end that is integral, and a second end that has an opening, and a retaining member in the form of a removable, deformable, or pivotable member that may selectively provide a closure to the opening. Other embodiments include retaining members on both ends of the coupling link.

Abstract: A brake drum spring release tool includes a straight elongate rod member with a laterally projecting lever arm extending from one side and an extended hook member from the end of the rod member. The lever arm acts as a fulcrum when positioned on a drum brake spring simultaneously engaged by a hook member. Placing a generally lateral force on the grip end of the tool will cause rotational force imparted by the hook member on the spring typically with a mechanical advantage associated with the fulcrum of the lever arm to thereby release the spring from a drum brake shoe.

Abstract: A clamping element, a fastening arrangement with clamping element, and a method for use of the clamping element are provided. In one example, the clamping element has a first leg and a second leg. The first and the second leg are arranged lying opposite one another. The first and the second leg are connected mechanically via a base region. The base region braces in the first leg in a spring-elastic manner with respect to the second leg on the parts arranged and clamped between the legs.

Abstract: A railroad pin removal system for efficiently removing a pin from a base plate of a railroad system so as to free the rail from the base plate. The railroad pin removal system generally includes a frame, an actuator secured to the frame and a clamping mechanism at least partially secured to the actuator, wherein the clamping mechanism is operable via the actuator. The clamping mechanism includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw to slidably move a railroad pin away from a rail so as to be released from a base plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method for removing a valve spring from an engine are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a base component with a compressor component removably connected to the base component via an elongate member threadedly engaged with the base component. A fastener may threadedly engage with the elongate member to reversibly keep the compressor component in place. The base component is configured to engage with opposing vertically-extending components on a cylinder head while the compressor component is configured to simultaneously engage with a valve spring. When rotational force is applied in a clockwork direction to the fastening component, the compressor component is forced in a downward direction thereby compressing the valve spring for subsequent removal thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a protective cover kit for a marine propeller having a protective cover and a shift control warning attachment. The protective cover components have a slit and a central opening with a plurality of reliefs radiating from its circumference capable of accommodating various sized propeller hubs or shafts. Attaching elements are coupled to a slit and the first layer and second layer of the protective cover. The first and second layers are of a shape capable of substantially encasing a marine propeller. Once a force is applied by a user to the release apparatus, the attaching element is released and the protective cover is removed remotely from a distance above the surrounding water of the marine propeller. A shift control warning attachment is installed by a user onto a shift control lever to prevent inadvertent shifting prior to the removal of the propeller cover.

Abstract: An impact separator tool is useful for separating a tie rod end from a steering knuckle and includes a housing, a ram bar, and a working tool. The working tool may be a floating pickle fork assembly that is moveable with respect to the housing. A retainer pin extends through the housing and the pickle fork, and limits the movement of the pickle fork with respect to the housing.

Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.

Abstract: A tire press is provided for inserting or removing a variable function insert (VFI) from a tire that includes a frame, a jaw assembly secured to the frame and a pusher assembly secured to the frame for interaction with the jaw assembly to insert or remove the VFI from within the tire. The invention also includes the method of inserting or removing the VFI from the tire using the press.

Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.

Abstract: A device for holding a bit for a tool, the bit to be disassembled and/or re-assembled when held, includes a housing to be secured to a stationary base and a clamping mechanism for releasably clamping the bit to the housing so that it may be disassembled and/or re-assembled, the clamping mechanism including a recess provided in the housing, a movable gripping element arranged inside the recess and having a first gripping area for engaging the bit part, and a stationary gripping element, the gripping element having a second gripping area for engaging a bit part, wherein the movable gripping element is configured to be moved between an open position wherein the stationary gripping element and the movable gripping element are spaced to allow to receive or to remove the bit part and a clamping position wherein the bit part is clamped between first and second gripping areas of the gripping elements.

Abstract: A combustor liner for a gas turbine engine including first and second annular liner portions engaged to one another with an interference fit. The first liner portion includes at least one anti-rotation feature extending therefrom and engaging the second liner portion and having a threaded hole defined therethrough at least substantially perpendicularly to an adjacent radially extending surface of the second liner portion for threadingly receiving a pushing tool for pushing against that surface.

Abstract: A device for attaching an electric battery to a chassis of a motor vehicle, and including a first quarter-turn attachment mechanism to be rigidly connected to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and a second quarter-turn attachment mechanism to be rigidly connected to the electrical battery, the first and second quarter-turn attachment mechanisms being configured to engage to attach the electric battery to the chassis of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A pliers for manipulating hose clamps or spring clamps can include channels for engaging the ears of a clamp. In summary, a pliers can include a first lever including a first jaw and a first handle, a second lever including a second jaw and a second handle, where the first jaw includes a first clamping surface including a plurality of channels and at least two channels in the first clamping surface are not parallel to one another, and where the second jaw includes a second clamping surface including a mirror-image plurality of channels that complement the channels on the first clamping surface.

Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, including a housing mating device, through which an installation path for an assembly is defined with a space in which a first part is positioned, a backplane body having opposing faces on which a second part and a backplane mating device are respectively disposed, and a hub, in which a hub mating device is defined, and from which a two-stage mating device extends, the two-stage mating device including first and second elastically coupled stages. The hub and the backplane body are coupled to form the assembly and the assembly is installed/removed in/from the space with the second stage of the two-stage mating device elastically hooked by the housing mating device or released from the housing mating device and the first and second stages of the two-stage mating device biasing the hub and the backplane body to remain coupled.

Abstract: A compression tool positioned transverse to a coaxial cable, wherein the compression tool axially compresses a connector positioned on the coaxial cable while the compression tool remains transverse to the coaxial cable, wherein a plurality of linkages having a bended configuration translate transverse movement of an actuator to axial compression of at least two engagement heads. Furthermore, an associated method for providing axial compression is also provided.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module is provided with an elongated delatching pull tab that that enables an optical transceiver module to be easily delatched and pulled from a cage without having to first unplug optical fiber cables from the module and without having to rotate a bail. Thus, the number of manual actions that need to be performed by a user to remove the module from a cage is drastically reduced, which makes simplifies the removal process and makes the design well suited for use in hot-pluggable environments. In addition, the delatching pull tab obviates the need for pins or screws, thereby improving manufacturing yield by reducing the likelihood that the module will be damaged during the manufacturing process. In addition, by eliminating pins or screws and a bail from the design, there are fewer moving parts that can wear out over time.