Abstract: A matable connector assembly, suitable for use in fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising (1) a male connector comprising a housing defining an outer male coupling distal portion and having an axial bore containing therewithin an inner male coupling element which is axially bidirectionally slidable in the axial bore, the outer male coupling distal portion comprising transversely protruding tang element(s) thereon, and a manually securable locking member, and (2) a female connector comprising a housing defining a cavity therein, wherein the cavity contains an enclosing wall member defining a first cavity compartment therewithin, and a second cavity compartment exterior to the enclosing wall member within the cavity. The first cavity compartment is of a size and shape to couplingly receive the inner male coupling element therein.

Abstract: A tube- or hose connector for the transport of a fluid has at least at one end a ring type nipple 2 with a cross hole 4, which serves to mount the connector at an aggregate for receiving a banjo bolt 12 having a head 13 and a threaded shank 14 as well as two gaskets 10, 11. It has a protecting cap 18 to hold together a premounted unit of ring type nipple 2, banjo bolt 12, and the two gaskets 10 and 11, and has an approximately U-shaped form with a clamp 19, at the one end of which a flank 20 overlaps the head 13 of the banjo bolt 12 and at the other end of which a protecting cover 20 for the threaded shank 15 of the banjo bolt 12 is provided. The protecting cap 18 has an extension 26 supporting itself at the threaded shank 15 of the banjo bolt 12, and the protecting cover 22 is borne pivotably at the clamp 19.

Abstract: An articulated piping connector facilitates installation of an in-line device such as a gas consumption meter to be supported by a gas supply pipe. The connector has two elongate rigid legs pivotable from a closed condition in which the legs are superposed to an open condition in which the legs are extended to support a meter or other device during installation. The legs have upstanding threaded members for connection to pipes and pipe fittings.

Abstract: A device for connecting a steering column of a motor vehicle to a shaft journal of a steering mechanism. The device includes a U-shaped coupling member which is hinged to the steering column so as to be swingable about a transverse axis. The U-shaped coupling member has side walls which are provided with bores for receiving a tightening screw which is secured against rotation. A nut is mounted on the tightening screw. An auxiliary sheet metal piece is mounted on the inner side of a side wall of the coupling member. The auxiliary piece has a cutout which is in alignment with the bore in the side wall. The rim of the cutout has lugs which project into the bore of the side wall. Tongues are provided on both sides of the cutout. The tongues project toward the center plane of the U-shaped coupling member and toward the web of the coupling member connecting the side walls.

Abstract: A saddle clamp assembly includes a hollow cylindrical body centered about a longitudinal axis and being diametrically split into semicircular top and bottom sections each having a pair of radially outwardly projecting connection flanges at their opposite ends. A pair of bolts are captively retained on the top section flanges and are threadable into nuts captively retained on the bottom section flanges. A base member is anchored to a central underside portion of the bottom clamp body section and has a pair of connection tabs positioned beneath the bottom clamp body section connection flanges on opposite sides of the clamp axis. A pair of bolts are captively retained on the base member connection tabs and are threadable into a pair of nuts captively retainable on a support structure. The connection tab and connection flanges on each side of the clamp body are axially offset in a manner permitting downward installation/removal tool access to the lower bolts past the connection flanges.

Abstract: A driven disk assembly includes a hub assembly and a support plate assembly to which friction pads are attached. If the driven disk assembly includes a free travel feature wherein the hub assembly is free to rotate slightly with respect to the support plate assembly, it is difficult to align splines of the hub assembly with cooperating splines of a transmission input shaft upon installing a clutch including the driven disk assembly within a drive train. In order to negate free travel prior to installation, a small quantity of rupturable material is disposed within a slot that accommodates lost notion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly. Upon initially rotating the support plate assembly, the material ruptures, allowing relative motion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly so that the free travel feature and damping springs disposed between the assemblies function as intended.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for quickly mounting a damper to a support structure in a vehicle includes an upper mount assembly mounted on a piston rod of a damper prior to assembly of the damper to a mounting tower. As the piston rod is guided through an opening in the mounting tower, a resilient ring is compressed until it passes through the opening. When the ring clears the opening, it expands radially outwardly to a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, thereby quickly mounting the piston rod and damper to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shaft retaining device having a shaft selectively retained as to translation and rotational movement. A sleeve coaxial with the shaft encloses a length of the shaft. The shaft has an outwardly projecting cam within the sleeve. A cam follower carried by the sleeve has a part thereof within the sleeve in a plane normal to the shaft axis and is cammed away from the shaft by the cam. The cam and cam follower have complementary profiles, one of which is a male profile and the other is a female profile, in which the cam and cam follower engage other effectively selectively immobilizing the shaft and sleeve as to relative translation movement when the cam and cam follower engage each other.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting two panels, particularly furniture panels, together in a preliminary position. A casing of the connecting device has an overall cylindrical shape. The casing is capable of receiving a bolt head through an enlarged opening into a hollow interior. A portion of an exterior circumferential side wall has a slot which is opened to only one side. The enlarged opening has an elastic narrowing section in which the width of the opening is less than the largest diameter of the bolt head.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a display structure formed of a plurality of tubular support members joined end to end. An elastic cord is permanently connected in and winds its way through the tubular support members so that the support members are joinable in only one predefined arrangement to facilitate set up of the frame assembly. Some of the end-to-end connections include key and keyhole connections with apertured keys through which the elastic cord extends.

Abstract: A flag and buoy apparatus includes a body having a plurality of receptacles therein. The flag and buoy apparatus also includes a plurality of buoyant arms, each arm being receivable in one of the receptacles and extending radially from the body. Each arm is also tethered to the body. A pole assembly extends axially from the body to support the flag, the pole assembly being attachable to the body. The arms and the pole assembly may be detached from the body for storage of the apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of housings are attached by a carrier strip which does not produce loose piece material which can damage the work station to which the housings are to be delivered. The carrier strip has carrier projections which extend from each respective housing, the carrier projections have enlarged portions provided at the free ends thereof. A recess is provided on the housing, the recess has first and second openings which cooperate with the enlarged portions of the carrier projections, such that when the enlarged portions are positioned in the first opening, the housings will be spaced from each other in a carrier strip arrangement, and when the enlarged portions are positioned in the second opening, and the carrier projections are severed from their respective housings, the carrier projections will be entirely disposed within the recesses of the housing, thereby preventing loose material from the carrier projections from interfering with the work station in which the housing is to be used.

Abstract: A stamping press (22, 22') includes an transfer mechanism (24, 24') for moving workpieces through progressive die stations. Two embodiments of a support structure (26, 26') are disclosed for supporting the transfer mechanism (24, 24') adjacent the press (22, 22'). Both embodiments of the support structure (26, 26') include a first screw shaft (34, 34') and a second screw shaft (38, 38') which fasten the transfer mechanism (24, 24') to the press (22, 22') in an operative position. The first screw shaft (34, 34') includes a first locking screw (40, 40') and the second screw shaft (38, 38') includes a second locking screw (54, 54') for retaining the respective first (34, 34') and second (38, 38') screw shaft in an unfastened condition to allow movement of the transfer mechanism (24, 24') from the operative position.

Abstract: Inside a body or tube (1), a shaft (2) carries a collar (10) which is provided with a flange or circumferential rib (14) and is mounted on the shaft in a fixed manner. The flange is retained between two radial abutments (18, 19) carried by a locking element (16) fitted in an aperture in the tube. The radial abutments are suitably shaped and cooperate with a cam formed on the collar (10) for facilitating the ejection of the locking element (16) under the effect of a rotation of the shaft (2). This device is especially adapted to the immobilization of a steering shaft in a steering column tube before the mounting of the latter on a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable splicing device for mechanically connecting two portions of a rotating cable formed as an adjustable splicing connector associated with a partition-like support. The device comprises a guide and protection body attachable to the support and a movable adjustment core slidable in the guide and protection body and carrying one of the two portions of the rotating cable. A lock nut retains the adjustment core in the guide and protection body and a cylindrical splicing body retains free ends of both portions of the cable in the adjustment core, and a splicing terminal coupled to the adjustment core, carrying a free end of one of the two portions of the rotating cable.

Abstract: A device for connecting a motor vehicle steering column to a shaft journal of a steering gear train includes a U-shaped coupling piece, the coupling piece is articulated to the steering column for pivotal movement about an axis extending transversely of a first direction of the coupling. The U-shaped coupling piece has a pair of laterally spaced sides connected together by an arch shaped bight section. The sides are spaced apart laterally transversely of the first direction. A lock bolt for retaining the shaft journal in the coupling is secured against turning in one of the sides and has a wedge-shaped surface facing into the space between the sides. The wedge-shaped surface has two bevel sections inclined inwardly into the space between the sides from diagonally opposite points on the outer circumferential periphery of the lock bolt.

Abstract: A sliding roof and/or a sliding-lifting roof for motor vehicles in which an adjustment mechanism is provided that aligns the guide blocks or the mounting mechanism coupled to it in the closed or zero position of the cover of the roof. For this purpose, a link part connected to the cover is fixed in the zero position, for example, with the help of a front hold-down device, with respect to a guide rail in the lengthwise direction, preferably, by a positively locking connection while, near the mounting mechanism or the guide block there is provided a through-opening in the link part which is associated with, for example, a fitting recess on the mounting mechanism. With the help of an adjustment part, the fitting recess is aligned flush with the through-opening on the link part and, in doing so, the mounting mechanism or the guide block is aligned in the predetermined zero position relative to the cover or to the link part of same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening hardware set for the adjustable fastening of a drawer front to the sides of a drawer. The invention has a hook which can be affixed to the front mark. A stud unit which can be releasably held by the hook is provided on the corresponding side.

Abstract: In order to fix an equipment (12) to a support (10), such as a support onboard an aircraft, use is made of a locking bolt (16) having a threaded rod (24) articulated by a yoke (18) to support (10) and on which is screwed a manipulating nut (26). A bearing part (28), immobilized in rotation on threaded rod (24), is connected with a certain axial clearance to nut (26) and has on its front face a cup-shaped recess (34) able to cover a lug (14) fixed to the equipment (12). Springs (38) placed in slots (39) of nut (26) permanently apply rods (40) to the rear face of part (28) on which are formed indentations (42).

Abstract: A device for fixing an object to a support comprises, in a plate forming part of the object, at least one hole for a fixing to pass through. A gasket is applied to the plate at the location of the hole, and a bearing washer is disposed between the gasket and a head of the fixing. An immobilizing device associated with the bearing washer opposes movement of the bearing washer parallel to the plate and to allow movement of the bearing washer perpendicular to the plate. A confinement device associated with the gasket prevents the gasket escaping from the space between the bearing washer and the plate.

Abstract: A reusable retaining strap (30) for holding a clutch release bearing (12) and actuator (11) together in a contracted position during shipment and installation. In one embodiment, a pair of elongated arms (48) are connected to opposite sides of a central ring (46) which is secured to a piston (38) of the actuator (11). In a second embodiment, the elongate arms (48) are separate members fixed at one end to the piston (38). In each case, the arms (48) include anchoring lugs (50) on their distal ends (51). The anchoring lugs (50) extend transversely relative to the length of the arms (48) and are releasably secured to a receptacle (53) formed on the housing (32) of the actuator (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to clamping assemblies for use, for example, in clamping abutting end portions of, say, pipeline members. The assemblies are particularly useful in the clamping of insert valves in oil pipelines. The assembly comprises two clamping elements (36) adapted to encircle the pipeline members (2,4) in abutting relationship, support means (50) to support the elements (36) in a spaced-apart condition, said support means (50) comprising a mounting member adapted to be secured to one of the members to be clamped, at a location spaced from the abutable surface thereof, said mounting member (50) including a plurality of guide rods (52) projecting therefrom.

Abstract: A connector housing unit for an electrical connector having a threaded fastener including a bolt and a nut. The bolt is provided in an outer connector housing of the connector housing unit and the nut is provided in an inner connector housing. A tentative fastening device and a tentative stoppage device are provided on the connector housings and located in such positions that the component parts of the tentative fastening device are engaged with each other at the same time as the component parts of the tentative stoppage device are engaged with each other. The bolt can move within a prescribed range in the axial direction of the bolt as the connector housings remain tentatively fastened to each other. Therefore, the threads of the bolt and the nut will not be damaged if the tentatively fastened connector housings are pried relative to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for translatorily movable bodies that is made in one position, is arranged so that it can be broken, without external control, in another position. For this purpose the first body has a coupling element of permanently magnetic or magnetizable material, the second body has at least one complementary coupling element of permanently magnetic or magnetizable material, and a third body has a coupling element of permanently magnetic or magnetizable material cooperating with the second body. Arranged between the complementary coupling element of the second body and the coupling element of the third body that is a spacer which can be moved as desired between the working positions.

Abstract: A fastening device for use in support structures wherein the fastening of support members is accomplished by slidably inserting end connectors into slotted fastening devices to produce a final locking fit between the support members and the fastening device. A keyed screw which holds the fastening device and support member in an intermediate locking position to aid in the overall assembly of the support structure.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a motor/stator mechanism prevented from unwanted relative rotation by a spring clip which is released from the lock relation upon assembly with the hub of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A coupling device comprises a shackle (20) mounted to be pivotable about an axis (21) orthogonal to branches (22) of the shackle for surrounding a stem (12), a locking mechanism having a screw (31) and a nut (32), and a clip (40). The nut has a bevel (320), an orientation maintaining arrangement (321) and a cam (322) together with a brake (33). The clip is provided with elastically yieldable legs (41) for maintaining the clip in position, and arm (43) elastically biasing the nut (32) and, optionally, a safety strip (44) having a hook (440). This device permits easily, rapidly and reliably coupling the shackle and the stem associated with driving and driven shafts. The coupling device is applied in the steering device of an automobile wherein the shackle is connected to a yoke of a universal joint associated with a shaft, and wherein the stem is connected to a gear wheel of the steering box.

Abstract: A connector releasably connects two building elements (6, 7), one (7) of which has an engageable edge (8) and the other (6) has, at the connection end, a cavity (9). In the cavity, a first sleeve (2) of the same cross-sectional shape as the cavity is insertable therein. The sleeve has a longitudinal hole (10) for receiving an elongate clamping member (1) which includes, at its outer end, a hook (18) for engagement with the engageable edge. The part of the clamping member received in the longitudinal hole has a bevelled surface (16) to cooperate with a clamping screw (4) which, when turned, is movable transversely of the clamping member to a position with its tip against the bevelled surface under spring bias between the first sleeve and the clamping member. The bevelled surface (16) is arranged in a transverse recess (15) in the clamping member (1).

Abstract: A method and device are provided for remotely connecting an end of an elongate element to a connector integral with a main installation, comprising means for guiding said elongate element, first means for moving said guide means with respect to said main installation and second means for moving said end with respect to said connector.

Abstract: A protective cover for a flexible joint having a socket member with a cavity, a stud having a free end projecting from the cavity and a seal engaged with the socket member and the stud includes a first generally tubular section having a frangible plug situated therein with the tubular section and the plug being adapted for encasing the free end of the stud and a second generally tubular section integral with the first tubular section comprising a tubular base with an expandable skirt adapted for encasing the seal.

Abstract: A universal joint for shafting, and more particularly for rolling mills, with a device for suppressing pivoting of the joint is provided. For this purpose there is provided an axially yielding element, preferably in the form of a piston and cylinder unit driven by fluid pressure, in one joint fork. The device includes piston and cylinder unit which acts on an element which is connected with one of the other moving means of the universal joint. This other means can be either a rod secured to the other joint fork or a web-like plate between the bearing eyes of the other joint fork. It is also possible for the other movable member to be in the form of a rod, which acts through the crosspiece of the universal joint on a mating surface in the other joint fork. If the spherical surface is located on the crosspiece itself, there is then the possibility of preventing the free joint end from flopping downwards while nevertheless being able to pivot in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A hold-down device is shown for connecting a chassis to a rack under a predetermined force and for extracting the chassis from the rack. The device includes a threaded bolt which receives a tubular, internally threaded clutch drive shaft having an integral clutch plate. A clutch drive disc slides over the shaft to engage the clutch plate, while a ratchet cam slides over the clutch drive disc. The ratchet cam has a set of ratchet teeth that engage similar teeth on the hook connector that slides over the shaft from the opposite side of the clutch plate. Belleville spring washers urge the clutch plate and clutch drive disc into engagement, while other springs urge the ratchet teeth apart. A knob fits over the springs and slides over the shaft and an extractor slides over the shaft from the opposite direction to complete the device.

Abstract: An environmental control system for affording quick attachment and disconnection of a thermal control unit with respect to an aircraft pod or other like vehicular substructure. A complementary interengaging mechanism is provided between the thermal control unit and the aircraft pod for properly positioning the control unit with respect to the pod. A complementary interengaging locking mechanism is provided between the thermal control unit and the aircraft pod for locking the control unit to the pod when so positioned. Complementary fluid connections and electrical connections on the thermal control unit and the aircraft pod are located for interconnection automatically in response to positioning and locking the control unit to the pod.

Abstract: A supporting element is firmly attachable to a structure by detonating an explosive charge which is placed behind a body projection displaceable by an explosion of the charge to and into firm bond with the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for installing an array of rotatable turbine blades each having an integral shroud segment. A removable blade anchor for installing the turbine blades comprises a root portion positionable in registry with a turbine rotor blade groove, a support member extending from the root portion for supporting a first of the blades to be installed and an anchor support extending from the support member and positionable against the rotor to secure the support member against circumferential forces. The installation method comprises the steps of positioning the removable blade anchor in a rotor groove and then wedging a plurality of blades in place about the rotor so that the integral shroud segment of each blade abuts an adjacent integral shroud segment and all shroud segments are forced against the blade anchor. Next, a first portion of the blades are rewedged in order to force the first portion of blades away from the blade anchor.

Abstract: Transistors are sandwiched between two heat sinks which, in turn, are bolted together to form a transistor-heat sink assembly. The transistors are properly positioned between the heat sinks prior to the latter being bolted together by being clipped onto one of the heat sinks by spring clips. The spring clip has a concave end which embraces the transistor, which has a round configuration. Spring fingers flank the concave end of the clip and bear against a flange on the side of the transistor. The clip has a U-shaped portion distal of the concave end which slips over one of the fins on the heat sink, whereby the transistor is temporarily held in place on the heat sink. After assembly, the clips can be slipped off of the assembled combination without disturbing the latter.

Abstract: A printer comprises printing means; a carriage on which this printing means is mounted; an endless, loop-like timing belt, fixed to the carriage, for moving the carriage, the surfaces of this endless belt which face with each other having serrated toothed portions; and a member for sandwiching the endless belt to stop the movement of the carriage. This printer may be also provided with an intermediate engaging member which is interposed between the upper and lower belts of the endless belt. This engaging member has serrated toothed portions having the same pitch as that of the serrated toothed portions of the endless belt. With this simple constitution, the carriage can be easily locked and unlocked without using special tools such as a screw and a screwdriver.

Abstract: The specification discloses a floor-to-ceiling partition system including telescoping studs wherein resiliently compressible friction members are positioned on each side of the upper portion of said studs near the upper ends thereof for frictional engagement with the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of a ceiling channel mounted on a ceiling.

Abstract: Aligning device for a current carrying connector of protective gas bag impact installations having a helical conductor arranged with several concentric windings within a fixedly mounted housing surrounding a core. The core is fastened to a steering spindle and rotates with the steering wheel. A first end of the helical strip terminates in terminals associated with the housing. The second end terminals are associated with the core. The core is equipped with a bore and the housing with a locking recess. The housing and the core may be immobilized in relation to each other using locking means having a clip pin insertable into the bore of the core and a locking projection fitting into the locking recess. The locking means may exhibit a ring surrounding the steering spindle and resting on the core or a pot surrounding a steering spindle. The locking recess and locking projection have respective widths which allow a slight rotational clearance between the core and the housing.

Abstract: An agricultural tilling implement is described which is adapted to be connected to the rear of a tractor having a three-point hitch. The implement comprises an elongated tool bar which preferably has two attachments thereon, spaced from each other, for connection to the three-point hitch of the tractor. A plurality of tilling units are carried by the tool bar. Each tilling unit comprises a downwardly depending ripper member and two rotatable wheels adjacent the ripper member. The wheels are vertically adjustable and, preferably, are also adjustable inwardly and outwardly as well as forwardly and rearwardly. The wheels are adaptable to hold the soil firmly in the rows so that the ripper member does not disturb or injure the roots of growing row crops. Preferably the tilling units are also adapted to tow a secondary tiller unit.

Abstract: A multi-articulated robot for providing a plurality of articulations. The robot has a plurality of articulation units, with each unit including a drive and has connecting portions disposed at both ends of the drive for connection with the other articulation units.

Abstract: Integrally-molded with a plastic TV cabinet is a collapsible holding member. When a PCB is mounted on the TV cabinet at an assembly station, the collapsible holding member squeezes through an aperture in the PCB to temporarily secure the PCB to the TV cabinet. The partially-installed product is then moved to a screw driving station, where the PCB is permanently screwed to the TV cabinet.

Abstract: A spring ring is arranged in an annular gap of a pair of outer bearing rings in an arrangement for fastening a rolling bearing in the bore of a housing. A groove is provided in the housing for receiving the spring ring. A holding ring is mounted on the outer surface of the bearing outer ring, the holding ring having a collar aligned to hold the spring ring within the annular gap during the disassembled condition of the bearing. The holding ring has an axial surface adapted to engage the end of the housing during assembly, to enable the holding ring to be forced axially along the outer surface of the bearing outer ring. The holding ring futher has an end away from the spring ring adapted to form a seal with the bearing inner ring.

Abstract: In a clamping device which serves to connect two profile section parts, in particular a horizontal beam (2), to a vertical support (1), an axially movable, spring-loaded retaining pin (7) is located at the end of one profile section part (2). The T-shaped head (8) of the retaining pin (7) engages behind a longitudinal groove (16) of the other profile section part. By means of a screw (12), which is eccentrically supported and engages in a conical recess (10) of the retaining pin (7), the retaining pin is drawn axially inwards in order to fix the two profile section parts (1, 2) to one another. For the purpose of simple assembly and to prevent the retaining pin from jumping out if the screw is rotated in the wrong direction, the retaining pin (7) has a snap-in connection to the insertion core.

Abstract: A composite connector assembly for easily and quickly making a connection between a flexible hose and an inlet fitting such as on a heat exchanger. The connector includes an elongated nipple-shaped fitting having an enlarged bead on its free end over which the hose end is extended during a connection. A cylindrical housing encircles the fitting and supports a radially outwardly distorted snap ring and associated spacer device maintaining the distortion so that the end of the hose can pass through the ring's center as it extends over and along a central body portion of the fitting. The housing includes a reduced diameter portion to engage the distorted snap ring to limit axial movement thereof as the hose is pushed over the body portion of the fitting. Resultant engagement between the axially inserted hose end and the parts of the snap ring spacer cause disengagement of the snap ring spacer from the snap ring allowing it to spring radially inward about the hose.

Abstract: A device for splicing together aerial drop wires and comprising: (a) a housing shell having a throughpassage (b) a partition dividing such passage into two channels with outer ramp walls causing the channels to have respective wide openings at opposite ends of the passage and narrow openings at the other ends of the channels, (c) insulating piercing terminals projecting from the partition into these channels and adapted to electrically splice together conductor inserted through the narrow openings into the channels, and (d) wedges drivable through the wide openings to press the drop wires against the terminals and then squeeze the drop wires between the partition and the wedges, is characterized by the following improvements. The wedges are smooth surfaced on their sides which contact the drop wires. Different size wedges are provided to accommodate different size drop wires in the channels. Affixed to the partition are ribs projecting into the channels at their wide ends.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a drive shaft in a farm implement wherein a support arm is pivotally mounted at both ends thereof with the drive shaft in order to support the drive shaft in a manner which facilitates coupling thereof with a drive source. The support arm is telescopically extendable and includes a first spring connected to apply a spring force relative to pivotal motion of the support arm and a second spring applying a spring force acting longitudinally of the telescoping support arm. One end of the support arm is mounted at a point of articulation associated with the driven end of the drive shaft and the other end of the support arm is mounted at another point of articulation which is connected through a bearing with the free end of the drive shaft at which a connection is made with a drive source.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a quick connect coupling including a tubular socket or receptacle part having an internal groove formed therein, a tubular nipple or insert part having an external groove formed thereon, and a snap ring. The nipple is insertable into the socket and when so inserted the two grooves are radially aligned. The snap ring is mounted in and extends between the two grooves to lock the socket and the nipple in assembled relation. Prior to final assembly, the snap ring is positioned in the socket groove, and in the space within the socket groove and around the snap ring is applied a relatively viscous fluid. This fluid, which may be a grease, holds the snap ring in the desired position in the groove prior to and during assembly, and it also serves as a lubricant on the ring which facilitates the assembly of the parts.The disclosure also describes the method of assembly of the coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved starter for an internal combustion engine comprising a reinforced support made of plastic or metal which is not fully rigid. A metal shell covers the nose element of the support so that said shell absorbs the stresses to which the support is subjected. The shell comprises a flange which is fixed to the base plate of the starter by the screws which mount the starter to the casing of the engine. For this purpose, bushings are disposed between the flange of the shell and the metal base plate of the starter so that the non-rigid support is not subjected to the compressive stresses exerted by the screws. The invention is more particularly applicable to the automobile industry.

Abstract: A metal-to-ceramic fastening device is disclosed for securing a metal member to a ceramic member with respective confronting surfaces thereon clamped together, comprising a threaded bolt adapted to extend through a bolt hole in the metal member and into an aligned opening in the ceramic member, a rod nut threadedly receiving the bolt and adapted to span the opening in the ceramic member, and a pressure limiting member received on the bolt between the nut and the confronting surface of the metal member for limiting the movement of the nut toward the metal member when the bolt is tightened, so as to limit the pressure applied by the nut to the ceramic member to avoid damage thereto. The fastening device also prevents damage to the ceramic member due to thermal stresses. The pressure limiting member may have a shallow dish-shaped depression facing the rod nut to assist in accommodating thermal stresses.