Abstract: The present invention describes a bio-medically compatible gripping device capable of radial collapse in accordance with the shrinkage of a nylon or other polymeric material cored surgical cable undergoing tension while maintaining a firm grip for prolonged periods of time. It provides a gripping device capable of maintaining a non-damaging hold on the outer surface of a slippery delicate cable under high tension for a sufficient time in which the healing process can occur.

Abstract: A clipless bicycle pedal auxiliary tool includes two cramp bodies, each cramp body includes a pivot part, a holding section and a clamping section, the two pivot parts are pivoted with each other, and the holding sections and the clamping sections are disposed on two sides of the pivot parts, respectively. Each clamping section includes a clamping pin and a pushing pin protruded thereon. The two holding sections can be operated to pivotally swing the two clamping section relative to each other, and make the two clamping pins and the two pushing pins move close to and away from each other, so that the two clamping pins can clamp the two inner sides of the clamping fastener of the clipless bicycle pedal, and the two pushing pins push the two outer sides of the clamping fastener to form a force pivot.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system consisting of statically loadable components for structures, including at least two different tension elements (10, 14), each with at least one end region (11, 15), which have an outer thread (12, 16) in their end region (11, 15), and at least one connection component (20, 20?, 30) with an inner thread (22) which is configured to interact with the outer thread (12, 16) of one of the tension elements (10, 14) as a tension member. According to the invention, the outer threads (12, 16) of the at least two different tension elements (10, 14) have the same thread load capacity and determine a respective threshold tensile force of the at least two different tension elements (10, 14).

Abstract: A metallic/composite joint may comprise a composite member extending along a centerline axis and a metallic member. The composite member may comprise a cylinder having a flared end. An outer surface of the flared end may be oriented at a first angle relative to the centerline axis. An inner surface of the metallic member may be oriented at a second angle relative to the centerline axis. The inner surface of the metallic member and the outer surface of the composite member may be separated by a first gap at a first location and may be separated by a second gap at a second location. In various embodiments, the composite member may comprise a cylinder having an angled end, an inner surface of the angled end oriented at the first angle and an insert having an outer surface oriented at the second angle.

Abstract: A clip connection for connecting two components may include a latching contour arranged on the first component, and a mating latching contour arranged on the second component. The latching contour may have an arrow tip, and the mating latching contour may have a complementary opening with a periphery forming the mating latching contour. The latching contour and the mating latching contour may be positioning devices for positioning the components correctly in relation to one another.

Abstract: A rope terminal assembly of a hoisting apparatus includes a first compression member having a first contact face and a second compression member having a second contact face. The compression members are placed such that their contact faces face each other and delimit between them a gap. A belt-shaped rope having a thermoplastic polymer coating forming the outer surface of the rope is placed in the gap, the contact faces of the compression members compressing against opposite wide sides of the belt-shaped rope.

Abstract: A system for connecting two wire ropes includes first and second wire rope connectors, a swivel, and first and second connecting cables. The first wire rope connector includes a base defining a chamber for receiving an end of a first wire rope, a plug, and a cap that secures to the base to compress the plug and first wire rope end within the chamber. Similarly, the second wire rope connector includes a base defining a chamber for receiving an end of a second wire rope, a plug, and a cap that secures to the base to compress the plug and second wire rope end within the chamber. The swivel includes a first portion rotationally coupled to a second portion. The first connecting cable is coupled between the first wire rope connector and the first portion of the swivel, and the second connecting cable is coupled between the second wire rope connector and the second portion of the swivel.

Abstract: A rope termination (10) for a rope (19) having a plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32), the rope termination including a connection device having a load pin (12)wherein each of the plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32) is spliced into itself to form a looped end, wherein the looped ends are arranged on the load pin and each of the plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32) is of equal length. The connection device further includes a connector (34) for a rope connection assembly whereby tension is equally transferred between the load pin and each of the plurality of sub-ropes.

Abstract: A joint exhibits high tensile strength. The joint includes a solid rod having a slit or opening into which a wedge is inserted. The rod and wedge are inserted into a fitting. The internal surface of the fitting has a contour which continuously and nonlinearly varies with distance along the fitting. The wedge has a dimension having a similar contour. The shape of the contour can be described by a polynomial of order two or higher. The joint can be used to construct a sucker rod for an oil well, or it can be used in other applications. The joint can support high tensile loads, over long distances, while occupying a very narrow tubing bore.

Abstract: An end fitting comprises a spigot end designed for reversibly fixing a wire rope to any type of functional part integral with or attached to a socket end. This spigot end is defined by an outer shell which is cylindrical overall; the shell comprising at least one fin. The spigot end comprises an axial housing designed to accommodate the wire rope. The shell has at least one through opening capable of accommodating an element for attaching said wire rope such as a pin or a rope fastener which passes through the wire rope. The spigot end is designed to cooperate with said socket end like a bayonet.

Abstract: A honda device for separating a honda to allow easy retrieval of a rope includes a rope having a honda positioned adjacent a lariat end of the rope. The honda has a break therein to define a first end and a second end of the honda. A female coupler is coupled to the first end of the honda. The female coupler has a receiving bore extending into a free end of the female coupler. A male coupler is coupled to the second end of the honda. The male coupler includes an insertion end being inserted into the receiving bore of the female coupler to releasably secure the male coupler to the female coupler. The male coupler is selectively removed from the female coupler to break the honda.

Abstract: A connecting system which allows a standard rigging fixture to be connected to a synthetic cable termination by swaging. The cable termination is provided with a swaging sleeve. When the standard rigging fixture is placed next to the termination, this swaging sleeve is swaged over a portion of the standard rigging fixture in order to lock the standard rigging fixture to the termination. The provision of the swaging sleeve on the termination is accomplished using a variety of approaches, including forming the swaging sleeve as part of an anchor, providing a separate swaging sleeve attached by threads, and forming the anchor and swaging sleeve with two separate swaging operations.

Abstract: A safety connection intended for suspending objects, for instance curtain rails, rods, towel racks and the like, the safety connection (2) comprising at least one first (3) and one second (4) retaining element, the one retaining element (3; 4), after mounting, being coupled to the object to be suspended, while the other retaining element (4; 3), after mounting, is connected to an environment, the first (3) and second (4) retaining element being detachably coupled to each other such that, under the influence of a particular tensile force (F) applied to those elements (3, 4), these retaining elements (3, 4) disconnect, characterized in that the second retaining element (4) is provided with at least one resilient lip (5), while the first and second retaining elements (3, 4) are arranged to cooperate via that at least one resilient lip (5) for effecting said detachable coupling of the retaining elements (3, 4).

Abstract: Wire attachment and/or tensioning assemblies are described. The ends of wires may be fitted with mateable collar and wedge components to allow the wire to be securely attached to a supporting structure such as, for example, the surface of a railing post. The wire attachment assembly may be rotatably attached to a tensioning device that enables wire tension adjustments without rotating the wire itself, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the opposing end of the wire.

Abstract: In an attachment structure of a rear panel to a tuner, a rear panel to be attached to a tuner that is smaller in depth size has, in portions corresponding to connector connection parts of the tuner, two holes for inserting the connector connection parts, and has, in a portion corresponding to a small protrusion with a tapped hole of the tuner, a small cylindrical part. When the rear panel is attached onto the front surface of the tuner, the two connector connection parts of the tuner are inserted into the two holes, a leading end of the small cylindrical part is brought into contact with a front surface of the small protrusion with the tapped hole of the tuner, a male screw is inserted into the small cylindrical part from the front surface side of the rear panel, and a leading end of the male screw is screwed into the tapped hole.

Abstract: A cord connection device for roll-up shades has a coupling member that fits over a receptive member. The body of the receptive member has a section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that when a selected force acts on a cord attached to the coupling member or the receptive member the coupling member will separate from the receptive member. The body of the receptive member can have a second section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that the coupling member will not separate from the receptive member or can have a third section configured such that the coupling member will separate when a second selected force acts on the cord or can have all three sections.

Abstract: A jigging device, for example, for positioning parts to facilitate assembly line procedures. The jigging device maintains a first element (10) in a desired spatial relationship with a second element (12). The jigging device has a first fastening means comprising fastener (20) which is connected to the first element (10). The jigging device also has a second fastening means comprising fastener insert (14) together with adjustable capsule (18). Locking pin (22) locks fastener (20) to the adjustable capsule (18).

Abstract: A stake can be driven into a surrounding terrain using a point drive system. The stake body is formed of a durable material such as plastic with a pointed bottom end and a top end which can carry a bundle of colored filaments. The stake body has a hollow interior bore extending from a top end opening downwardly to a bottom end in the vicinity of the pointed bottom end of the stake. The hollow interior bore allows the stake to be driven into a surrounding terrain by an extended tool which is received within the interior bore in point drive fashioin.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for connecting an optical fiber cable to a ferrule comprises a tubular body having a first end portion for connection to a peripheral surface of a ferrule, a second end portion for connection to a peripheral surface of an optical fiber cable, a step portion interconnecting the first end portion to the second end portion, and a clamping portion for clamping the optical fiber cable to the ferrule. The clamping portion extends inwardly from a terminal end of the second end portion towards the central axis of the tubular body but does not project lengthwise from the terminal end of the second end portion in the direction of the central axis. The first end portion, the second end portion, the step portion and the clamping portion of the tubular body have approximately the same wall thickness.

Abstract: A termination of a tension member (1) for use as a tension leg for a tension leg platform. The tension member (1) consists of a plurality of carbon fiber filaments gathered into one or more strands (2) in which the filaments run close together. Around the strands is provided a sheath. The bundles/strands (2) are spread apart in a transitional zone, and each bundle/strand is inserted into its respective hole (6) in a socket (4, 5), and is fixed in relation to the hole (6) by means of a hardenable mass.

Abstract: A clamp ring for connecting a tensile strength member to the periphery of a rear end portion of a ferrule retaining part for holding a ferrule, in which an optical fiber of an optical fiber cable incorporating a coated optical fiber and the tensile strength member surrounding the coated optical fiber is inserted and fixed with an outer covering of the optical fiber cable stripped off from its terminal portion, the clamp ring comprising a first annular portion which fits on the periphery of the rear end portion of the ferrule retaining part, a second annular portion located in the back of the first annular portion, the second annular portion having a smaller diameter than the first annular portion, a step portion interconnecting the second annular portion and the first annular portion, and a clamping portion extending inward from the rear end of the second annular portion in such a way that the extreme end of the clamping portion secures the periphery of the optical fiber cable, in which the first annular port

Abstract: A device for detaching a suspension assembly, adapted to support a head, staked to an actuator arm of an actuator block of a disc drive. The device includes an expandable device operable between an insertion dimension and a deswaging dimension having a flanged end defining a deswaging surface for forcing the stake from a hole of the actuator arm. In the insertion dimension, the device being sized for insertion through channels of tubular stakes for placement relative to an extended end of the stake. The device being expanded to the deswaging dimension, so that the deswaging surface of the flanged end aligns with an end surface of the stake for removing the stake from the actuator block.

Abstract: A steering column locking assembly and method of making same includes swaging a steering column tube and a steering column lock collar in such a manner that relative movement between the two parts is resisted below a predetermined level of torque while relative rotation occurs at values of torque above the predetermined value. A layer of plastics material may be provided between the two parts. Once the predetermined torque is overcome, then rotation between the two parts occurs, but ceases once the torque level drops below the predetermined level.

Abstract: An H-Tap compression connection accommodates a pair of electrical conductors. The connector includes a connector body having a nest for receipt of the conductor. The nest is defined by a bottom wall and an opposed pair of upstanding sidewalls. The sidewalls are inwardly deformable upon application of a crimping force to deform around the conductor. One of the sidewalls includes a weakened portion so that the one sidewall deforms prior to the other sidewall. This permits the sidewalls to overlap around the conductor during crimping.

Abstract: A method of terminating wire ropes by swaging in the field with hand tools. At the factory, one end of termination (9) has been prepared with threads (13) and the opposing end has been drilled forming a hole the diameter of which is too small to fit a wire rope end (11) with a tapered locking plug (10) installed. At the factory the remaining metal is then swaged outward, forming the swaged out sleeve portion (12), to an inside diameter sufficient to allow insertion of wire rope end (11) with plug (10) installed. Out in the field, plug (10) is first inserted into wire rope end (11) over the center strand and under the outer strands. Assembled wire rope end (11) and plug (10) are now inserted into swaged out sleeve portion (12). Swaged out sleeve portion (12), with wire rope end (11) and plug (10) installed, is then swaged inward, with a hand tool, forming the inside walls into a taper that is coextensive with the plug's tapered portion (18).

Abstract: A shaft assembly is assembled by press-fitting a tube of fiber-synthetic material and a rigid connection structure which includes an outer sleeve and an inner connecting member. The outer sleeve has axially extending inward projections which engage the tube at one end of the sleeve and the inner connecting member at the other end of the sleeve. This permits the sleeve and the inward projections therein to be made in a simpler manner.

Abstract: A multipoint contact compression connector provided with a plurality of recesses to include a like number of electrical conductors or cables therein. When placed in an appropriate crimping device, the connector would contact the interior die surfaces in at least four points, in such a manner, so as to secure at least three conductors or cables in place.

Abstract: An H-shaped compressible connector having a main body and two pairs of opposed legs extending in opposite directions from the main body. Each pair of opposed legs is provided with one leg which is curved inwardly with respect to the second leg. During the crimping process, this curved leg would move below the interior surface of the second leg in each pair, thereby providing a completely closed connector for various conductor sizes.

Abstract: An improved end clamp and method for attachment to a light-weight, manipulatable readily-grasped composite line of relatively high strength for use by personnel involved in hazardous rescue or safety conditions. The clamp and its method of attachment may be used with a multi-layered composite rope comprised of several combined sheaths of plastic materials with or without a multi-strand central metallic core. The clamp is particularly useful with a static composite rope having very little stretch and which will withstand exposure to elevated temperatures, sharp objects, chemicals, sunlight or shock which do not produce failure in the rope or require its premature disposal. The clamp is relatively simple in construction and provides a pair of interlocking tapered metallic elements which may be quickly attached to the rope end to withstand an unusual amount of strain or loading equal to or greater than the actual breaking strength of the rope itself.

Abstract: A compressible electrical connector having slots or channels for the inclusion of two or more conductors therein. One or more surfaces of the connector are provided with an extruded groove having a tying device press-fitted therein. After the conductors are inserted into the various slots or channels of the connector, the tying device would be tied or twisted around each end of the conductor bundles prior to implementing the crimping process.

Abstract: A narrow elongated housing is provided constructed of an inner ribbed conduit which is overlaid with two layers of high strength rods. Each layer is contra-helically wrapped with opposing end portions compression secured in a termination chamber. The chamber is formed between a sleeve, which is attached to opposing ends of the conduit, and an outer termination enclosure. With the ends of each layer of rods in the chamber, the enclosure is either held stationary, or slid over the upper layers of rod ends. Concurrently, a wedge is either manually placed in the annular space between the layers and held stationary, or it is forced into the annular space between the layers. Any of the above combination of actions will force the rods against the sleeve and enclosure and frictionally secure them. The wedge may be a malleable metal so that it will cold flow about a portion of the rods. A flexible polymer covering is placed over the assembly to complete the housing.

Abstract: Swivelling end fitting for wire rope has a socket element (10) with the end of the rope (30) anchored in a divergent proximal bore portion (12) by splaying its strands therein and securing them with spelter. A distal portion (14) of said bore receives the shank of a terminal element (16) e.g. having an eye formation (18), said shank including a stem (20) terminating in a head (22) held captive but rotatable by a collar (24) round the stem and secured in the distal bore portion, typically by screw engagement with additional security by welding (32).

Abstract: This invention relates to a rope clamp and method of connecting to such clamp an end portion of a composite rope. Such rope has a multi-strand metallic core surrounded by a plurality of inner and outer sheaths of fibrous plastic material, the rope being one which is capable of use by rescue workers, firemen, mountaineers and the like. It is also useful in military and marine applications. The end clamp utilizes a hollow threaded sleeve and first and second tapered wedging plugs for separate connections of the plastic sheaths and metallic core to the rope for permanent and durable end termination.

Abstract: A cable anchorage for anchoring a submarine cable wire strength member comprises conically tapered parts (2,4,5), at least one of which has a surface (2C, 4B), roughened by tungsten carbine grit evenly distributed over and firmly bonded to the surface, prior to assembly of the parts of the anchorage. The grit size is chosen so that a sufficient locking mechanism is achieved but the grit indentations in the wire strength member are not deep enough to weaken the wires (3B, 3C).

Abstract: A spike and socket cable termination assembly includes an outer socket having a substantially conical bore disposed therethrough with the bore having a smaller first open end and a larger second open end. The socket is constructed of a first material. A cable has an end portion thereof received through the smaller first open end of the substantially conical bore. A spike having a substantially conical outer surface is received through the larger second open end of the conical bore and in a center portion of the cable end portion with strands of the cable distributed in a substantially conical shape between the spike and socket. The spike is tightly wedged in the socket so that strands of the cable are held in place between the spike and socket. The spike is constructed of a second material having a modulus of elasticity substantially greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first material from which the socket is constructed.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod to be formed into a rod string for an oil well is made by placing a coupler unit having a box end on each end of the rod. The coupler unit has a bore extending the full length of the coupler unit. For fabrication, the coupling unit is telescoped over the rod and a conic expansion portion formed on the end of the rod so that the conic expansion portion may be jammed into a tapered bore on the rod. The conic expansion portion is formed when the end is clear of the coupling unit so that it may be well bonded to the rod by precise application of adhesive, heat, and pressure. By using box end couplings on the rod and pin end couplings on coupling units between the rod it is possible to have a smaller overall outside diameter for any given strength of coupling unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for anchoring cables, bundles of parallel or standard wire, or the like, of preferably high-tensile steel wire. At least one end of the cable or the like is introduced into a fixed anchoring socket and sealed with a pourable material. In order for the anchoring apparatus to have improved properties under static stress, and in particular under great dynamic stress, without requiring additional structural safety features, while enabling lower-cost manufacture, it is provided that the bundle be twisted and the bundle or cable opened for some distance from the associated end in such a manner that the wires or strands extend uniformly all the way through the conical inner region of the anchoring socket. Further, a metallic casting material is poured into the anchoring socket between the opened wires or strands, and a direct metal-to-metal joint is established between the metallic casting material and the wires or strands of the cable or bundle.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a device for clamping the stripped end of a cable having a strength member extending centrally of the cable and projecting from the stripped end thereof; the device includes a body having one end defining a tapered socket and a wedge member cooperatingly engaging the socket and adapted to receive centrally thereof the projecting strength member; a wedge driving member engages the socket end of the body to force the wedge member in the tapered socket and to tightly grip the strength member of the cable. This clamping device is particularly useful for fiber optic carrying cables.

Abstract: A termination for cables of the type having a central bundle of conductors surrounded by strength members includes a rigid sleeve closely surrounding the bundle of conductors beneath the strength members and a rigid housing surrounding the strength members outwardly of the sleeve. The strength members are encapsulated in a hardenable material to define an enlarged lug closely received between said sleeve and housing. The housing and lug have cooperating cam surfaces for compressing the lug between the housing and sleeve when a pulling force is applied to the housing. The outer diameter of the housing is cylindrical and has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the cable outer cover.

Abstract: A cable termination arrangement includes a tapered socket body and a mating plug covered with a sleeve of malleable material. Cable strands are inserted and spread out inside of the socket. The plug and sleeve are pushed into the socket for forcing the strands into the sleeve. When a tensile force is applied to the cable, slippage between the cable and the socket is zero.

Abstract: A mechanically connected socket for `on-the-job` connection with structural strand includes a sleeve and an internal wedge shaped member through which the center core of the strand is received and retained while one or more outer layers extend longitudinally about the wedge and a bulbous head which, when assembled, encapsulates the strand.

Abstract: A cable pulling eye assembly comprises a spike (16) having an auger thread (18), a coaxially mounted shell (36) and an eye (31) with a threaded opening (34), which is mounted on a threaded rear section of the spike. The eye is rotated by a power tool to advance the auger into a bundle of wires (11) of a sheathed cable (10). The shell is subsequently crimped to further force the wires into the flute defined by the auger thread. A pulling steel cable is attached to the eye to draw the cable between telephone poles or through an underground conduit.

Abstract: In an end cap for communications cables, and particularly one equipped with a pulling eye, an axial spigot provided with cable engaging enlargements is also formed so as to define longitudinally extending surface channels for the passage of gas, which channels are protected from entry of cable conductors either by being oriented at an angle to the lay of the conductors, or by the insertion of a small bore air carrying tube.

Abstract: A fiberglass sucker rod construction is disclosed comprising a cylindrical fiberglass rod having a steel connector member adhesively bonded to each end thereof. The steel connector members are basically identical in their manner of being affixed to each end of the fiberglass rod, each connector member having an internal receptacle defining a series of tapered annular spaces for receiving an epoxy adhesive material which bonds the fiberglass rod in the metal connector member, thereby forming a unitary sucker rod having a male thread connector at one end and a mating female connector at the other end thereof. The epoxy adhesive cures, forming a sleeve having a series of annular tapering surfaces defining annular wedges that are oriented such that tension applied to the rod causes the wedges to be compressed between the rod and connector member, resulting in a radially inwardly directed force to retain the rod in position against such tension.

Abstract: A cable dead end, and method of dead end formation, that can be readily utilized in the field with a minimum of equipment and components, yet providing a durable, tight, dead end. The cable end is cut off and a ferrule is slipped over the cable end onto the cable. The strands at the end of the cable are unwound and separated, an insert is disposed over the core strand and is disposed within a general bird-cage configuration of the cable strands at the cable end. The ferrule is then moved over the bird-cage configuration and to the end of the cable, and the void space inside the ferrule between the strands, ferrule, and insert is packed with steel wool. Then an anerobic, structural, single component adhesive (e.g. an oxygenated methacrylic) is poured into the ferrule interior volume, and quickly cures. Preferably the insert is barbed, and the interior cross-section of the ferrule is elliptical.

Abstract: The invention provides an insert for use in retaining an end portion of a cable in a socket. The insert has first and second ends and defines a central opening extending between the ends. A portion of the opening adjacent the first end of the insert has a diameter which forms a loose fit on the center wire of the cable, and the remainder of the opening is at least as large as this diameter so that during assembly a filler material can be entered into space around the center wire in the opening. The invention also provides an end assembly on a cable using the insert.

Abstract: Improvements in sucker rods for oil wells and couplings therefor; light weight and electrically insulating sucker rods and couplings; fiberglass windings, resin impregnated, for sucker rods and sucker rod couplings; strand-cable type sucker rods with compression sheath windings thereon of resin impregnated fiberglass.

Abstract: A termination device utilizes a frusto-conical wedge positioned on the cable for forming a protuberance thereon at the area of termination. A first set of helical elements having a helical lay of one hand is disposed in a surrounding relationship with at least an axial portion of the cable with the cable and first set of helical elements being received through a longitudinal bore extending between the opposed wedge ends. A second set of helical elements having a helical lay of the opposite hand closely encircle the wedge outer surface at least between the opposed wedge ends and also encircle at least a portion of the first set of helical elements extending outwardly from the wedge bore at the smaller diameter wedge lead end. For conventional electrical conductor cable or the like, the first and second sets of elements are comprised of preformed helical rods having predetermined internal diameters and pitch lengths.

Abstract: A termination and method of terminating braided ropes or cables of aramid fiber includes fabricating short tapered reinforcement ropes of the same material which are inserted at each end of each rope to increase its thickness, forming a collar having a tapered interior channel and a tube to fit inside the channel having a tapered outside surface. The reinforced rope ends (four, in this example) are tied off near their ends, separated into individual fibers, and any coating thereon washed out. These ends are then dipped into a suitable resin potting compound. A centering tool is inserted through the bore of the tube and used to pull the tube tightly into the interior of the collar, thereby compressing the ropes including the resin-coated ends tightly between the collar and the tube. The resin is then cured. Where it is desired to terminate both ends, the ropes initially terminated are doubled to leave loops at the opposite end.

Abstract: A fiberglass sucker rod construction is disclosed comprising a cylindrical fiberglass rod having a steel connector member adhesively bonded to each end thereof. The steel connector members are basically identical in their manner of being affixed to each end of the fiberglass rod, each connector member having an internal receptacle defining a series of tapered annular spaces for receiving an epoxy adhesive material which bonds the fiberglass rod in the metal connector member, thereby forming a unitary sucker rod having a male thread connector at one end and a mating female connector at the other end thereof. The epoxy adhesive cures, forming a sleeve having a series of annular tapering surfaces defining annular wedges that are oriented such that tension applied to the rod causes the wedges to be compressed between the rod and connector member, resulting in a radially inwardly directed force to retain the rod in position against such tension.