Abstract: A flexible pivot includes a first stage including a first cylinder and interface structure and a second stage including a second cylinder and interface structure in axial alignment with those of the first stage. Flexible connecting members are arranged for connecting the first and the second stages. Each flexible connecting member includes a pair of legs and a cross member joining the legs, each leg extending in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinders, the legs being attached to the first and the second cylinders respectively. The first cylinder and the first interface structure are concentric. Flexible spokes are attached to the first cylinder by one end and to the first interface structure by the other. Each spoke extends in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinders. Finally, the second stage includes flexible connection unit arranged to connect the second cylinder to the second interface structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a joint, which has at least three degrees of rotational freedom, having a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint elements formed on the carrier element in an overlapping arrangement, at least in sections. Each joint element can include two rod-shaped web portions arranged on the carrier element and extending therefrom which are arranged either converging or diverging relative to each other, and at their end facing away from the carrier element are connected to each other by way of a contact portion. Two web portions connected to each other extend in a first common plane and two other web portions connected to each other extend in a second common plane, and the first common plane and the second common plane intersect.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus, comprising: a baby stroller, comprising: a set of handles; a set of wheels; a foldable frame, the foldable frame comprising at least three hollow tubes and an elastic cord running through the at least three hollow tubes, the foldable frame attaching the set of handles to the set of wheels; and a baby seat attached to the foldable frame. Optionally, the three hollow tubes are members of a set of at least eight hollow tubes with the elastic cord passing through the at least eight hollow tubes with a tension of two to five pounds within at least one tube.

Abstract: A blade attachment tool includes a first support member supported by a pressing support portion supporting a blade formed of an elastic member configured to wipe/scrape liquid/solids spreading on an abutment surface by being pressed against the abutment surface and being long in one direction such that the blade is pressed against the abutment surface with a predetermined pressing force, a second support member supported to swing about a swing shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the blade with respect to the first support member and configured such that a base end side of the blade is attached thereto, and an energizing member configured to apply a reaction force to a friction force that causes the second support member to swing about the swing shaft with respect to the first support member when the blade is pressed against the abutment surface to slide relatively to the abutment surface.

Abstract: A method includes fabricating a mirror system that includes a dual axis gimbal, a mirror, and a mirror substrate that are formed together as an integral component using an additive manufacturing process. The method also includes forming multiple first gaps in the mirror system using a subtractive manufacturing process, where the first gaps extend through the mirror system in a first direction. The method further includes forming multiple second gaps in the mirror system using the subtractive manufacturing process, where the second gaps extend through the mirror system in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first gaps and the second gaps separate the gimbal into a top portion and a bottom portion.

Abstract: A flexure bearing having a first sleeve and a second sleeve is provided. Each sleeve includes a first pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve and a second pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar. The flexure bearing has a plurality of blind holes and a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A knotless coupler for securing a fishing line to a fishing implement is disclosed. The knotless coupler comprises a shaft portion and a nut. The shaft portion is configured to be attached to the fishing implement. The shaft portion comprises a plurality of external threads and an external line-receiving groove formed across at least some of the external threads. The nut is configured to be threadably engaged with the external threads of the shaft portion. The nut is movable between a non-gripping position and a line-gripping position. A portion of the fishing line is inserted through an opening in the nut and into the external line-receiving groove when the nut is in the non-gripping position. The portion of the fishing line is secured within the external line-receiving groove by the nut when the nut is in the line-gripping position.

Abstract: A novel high-precision rigid-flexible coupling rotating platform includes a foundation, a rigid bearing, a bearing sleeve, a core rotating platform, a rotating driver and a coder; the bearing sleeve is fixed on the foundation; the rigid bearing is in rotatable drive connection with the core rotating platform, and connected with the foundation through the bearing sleeve; an upper surface of the core rotating platform is provided with a plurality of groups of flexible hinges; when the rotating driver applies a driving force to rotate the core rotating platform, the driving force elastically deforms the flexible hinge rings. The flexible hinges are used and disposed on the upper surface of the core rotating platform; without disassembling the whole rotating platform, a corresponding group of flexible hinges can be changed but an assembling relationship between other groups of flexible hinges cannot be broken.

Abstract: Devices to couple a drive hub to a driven hub. The devices may comprise a drive hub contoured end connected to a first end of a spacer column and to a spacer drive hub flange. A portion of the drive hub contoured end may project radially out from the spacer column with a first contoured side and a first flat side and may allow movement in an axial direction and transmit torque and an axial load. The devices may comprise a driven hub contoured end connected to a second end of the spacer column and to a spacer driven hub flange. A portion of the driven hub contoured end may project radially out from the spacer column with a second contoured side and a second flat side and may allow movement in an axial direction and transmit torque and an axial load.

Abstract: Cross beam flexure pivot assembly includes a first housing member having a first arcuate member a second housing member having a second arcuate member wherein the first arcuate member extends into the second housing member and the second arcuate member extends into the first housing member. First, second and, third beams extend in first direction and fourth and fifth beams extend in a second direction all secured to first and second arcuate members. A first axis, second axis and radial axis of the first and second housing members form a common point of intersection. Total of cross section areas of beams extending in first direction and of beams extending in second direction are equal providing equal linear stiffness in both directions. Total moment stiffness about first axis equals total moment stiffness about the second axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an accelerometer system. The system includes an accelerometer sensor comprising first and second electrode configurations and an inertial mass between the first and second electrode configurations. In one example, the accelerometer sensor being fabricated as symmetrically arranged about each of three orthogonal mid-planes. The system also includes an accelerometer controller configured to apply control signals to each of the first and second electrode configurations to provide respective forces to maintain the inertial mass at a null position between the first and second electrode configurations. The accelerometer controller can measure a first pickoff signal and a second pickoff signal associated with the respective first and second electrode configurations. The first and second pickoff signals can be indicative of a displacement of the inertial mass relative to the null position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to retain a rotor blade are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a rotor blade coupled to a rotatable hub of an engine system. The rotor blade includes a root, a flange and a blade. The root and the flange are disposed inside a cowling, and the blade is disposed outside of the cowling. The example apparatus also includes a retainer disposed inside the cowling adjacent the flange. The flange is to engage the retainer to retain the rotor blade with the engine system.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable thermally broken door panel having a door thickness, a first and second thermally conductive metal door skins and a plurality of non-thermally conductive trimable edges. Each trimable edge having an edge flange, a door edge and an edge flange thickness. An insert flange can be integrally mounted each of the edge flanges projecting in a direction opposite the door edge, wherein each edge flange can support both the first and second thermally conductive metal door skins in a flush engagement. The dimensionally adjustable thermally broken door panel can prevent thermal transfer between the first and second metal door skins, while enabling dimensional adjustment of the plurality of trimable edges on location to ensure a perfect fit into an existing door frame.

Abstract: A bi-stable or multi-stable device having two or more stable positions includes an elastically deformable member having two or more stable positions of minimal potential energy, the deformable member being movable, in response to an external force applied to the deformable member, between stable positions by moving through a position at which the deformable member has a peak potential energy. The device also includes an energy storage member, either separate from or part of the deformable member, that absorbs energy from the external force applied to the deformable member as the deformable member moves from a stable position toward a position of peak potential energy, and releases energy as the deformable member moves from a position of peak potential energy toward a stable position, wherein the energy storage member includes a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA).

Abstract: A horology component (14), which has an opening (140) intended to house a member (13) driven into the opening, includes at least one housing structure (15) for housing the member, each housing structure including a housing element (16) intended to come into contact with the member, a connecting element (17), and an elastically deformable element the (18). The housing element is mounted on the elastically deformable element via the connecting element.

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: A method and apparatus for forming a joint between a first composite structure and a second composite structure. A number of tab sections may be formed at an end of the first composite structure. The first composite structure may comprise a first skin, a second skin, and a core located between the first skin and the second skin. A tab section in the number of tab sections may comprise a first skin section of the first skin, a second skin section of the second skin, and a core section of the core. A portion of the core section may be removed from each tab section to form a number of tabs at the end of the first composite structure. The first composite structure may be attached to the second composite structure using the number of tabs to form the joint between the first composite structure and the second composite structure.

Abstract: A hanging tray for use on a gaming table having a raised rail, a table top and a junction between the rail and the table top is described. The hanging tray includes a main tray, a vertical support section hingedly coupled to the main tray section and movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. A rail section is hingedly coupled to the vertical support section and is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. An engagement member extends from the end of the rail section for engagement with the junction, anchoring the rail section over the rail.

Abstract: A joint assembly is provided. The joint assembly includes a first component and a second component that includes a first portion and a plurality of flexible members extending therefrom for coupling the second component to the first component. The plurality of flexible members are preloaded in a predetermined direction and are configured to flex in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction when coupling the second component to the first component.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching to a tubular. The apparatus may include a flexible member extending circumferentially around the tubular more than once. A tension force on the flexible member may cause the flexible member to apply a first radially-inward gripping force on the tubular. An annular sleeve may be positioned radially-outward from the flexible member. The sleeve may apply a second radially-inward gripping force on the flexible member and the tubular.

Abstract: A connector assembly, riser assembly and method of producing a connector assembly are disclosed. The connector assembly includes a body portion for locating over a flexible pipe and arranged to be connectable to or formed integrally with one or more buoyancy compensating element, and one or more protrusion extending from the body portion and arranged to reduce or interrupt vortex induced vibrations in water surrounding the flexible pipe in use.

Abstract: This rotary flexure bearing consists of concentric inner and outer hubs connected by compound flexure stages. These compound flexure stages provide the angular compliance required for bearing rotation as well as compliance for flexure foreshortening while holding a constant axis of rotation over the entire range of motion. This design offers large angular displacement, low operating stress, low operating torque, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The rotary flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle alignment stages used in microlithography systems, mirror pointing and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.

Abstract: A tubing terminator is disclosed having two parts that are threaded together to receive and capture an expanded end portion of an elastic tube without exerting a compressive force against the expanded end portion of the tubing. The terminator has a C shaped handle and a threaded cap which together capture the end portion therebetween. A kit for terminating a free end of an elastic tubing resistance member includes a ball sized to be inserted into one end of an elastic tubing resistance member so as to expand the end of the elastic resistance member, a C shaped handle for receiving therein an expanded end of the elastic tubing resistance member, and a tubular cap removably fastenable to the handle to capture and retain the expanded end of the elastic tube in the handle.

Abstract: A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary.

Abstract: A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary.

Abstract: A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary.

Abstract: A shaft lock for interconnection of an elongate tubular lacrosse handle and a plastic lacrosse head. The shaft lock comprises an elastomeric insert compression-fitted inside the handle. The insert has a compressible body portion which, in an uncompressed form generally conforms to the interior walls of the handle and is defined by a plurality of co-planar ribs that span the interior walls of the handle. A hard screw-anchor is embedded within the elastomer insert, and the insert is anchored inside the handle by at least one screw threaded through the handle into the screw-anchor from top-to-bottom, the screw(s) engaging the screw anchor and compressing it against the elastomeric insert. The threaded engagement of the screw(s) through the wall of the handle and into the screw-anchor compresses the elastomeric insert, maintaining a constant tension against the screw(s) and against the interior walls of the handle.

Abstract: A system of extendable members and connectors can be used to model three-dimensional objects, such as furniture. The members and connectors may be arranged to approximate the shape and dimensions of a piece of furniture. In this way, a user of the system can visualize how well the furniture modeled by the system would fit in a space, such as a room. The disclosed embodiments may facilitate three-dimensional visualization of how furniture or other objects will fit in a room or other space. Further, the system may be disassembled easily for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A connection system having at least one male engagement component configured to engage with a female engagement component. The male engagement component is configured to interact with the female engagement component so that when pressure is applied, the at least one male engagement component embeds into the material of the female engagement component and generates sufficient friction to lock the relative positioning of the two components in at least one direction.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism, method of manufacture and method of use are described for releasably attaching a first component and a second component of an orthopaedic apparatus. The attachment mechanism comprises a boss extending from a surface of the first component, and having a free end and a side wall. A retaining mechanism is provided in the second component. The retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of walls defining an aperture in the second component to receive the boss therein. At least part of one of the plurality of walls is a resiliency flexible member engineered to apply sufficient force to a part of the side wall of the boss when inserted in the aperture to provide an interference fit between the boss and the plurality of walls of the aperture to releasably retain the boss within the aperture.

Abstract: Improved flexible joint arrangements employ at least one flexure member that interfaces with wrapping surfaces defined on the bases to which the ends of the flexure member are connected. The flexure members are configured to define a traveling instantaneous axis of rotation that moves along a path defined by the interface of the flexure and the wrapping surfaces as the bases move relative to each other. The flexure members and the bases can be constructed of a monolithic material. The wrapping surfaces of the bases can be asymmetric in cross-sectional shape. The radius of curvature of the traveling instantaneous axis of rotation can be configured to change only in discrete quantum steps without reversals. In other embodiments, the flexible joint arrangement can be configured as one or more three bar linkages in which the middle bar is rigid and the outer bars are flexure members in accordance with the various embodiments.

Abstract: A lamellar rotational flexure pivot may include a first pivot end, and second pivot end, and a divider layer positioned therebetween to allow first and second pivot ends to pivot relative to one another. The first and second pivot ends may include a plurality of spring layers and spacer layers that are stacked in alternating fashion to form the lamellar rotational flexure pivot.

Abstract: There is provided in an embodiment a method of fabricating a self-locking joint in a panel structure. The method provides a panel structure having at least two face sheets and a core portion sandwiched therebetween. The method further fabricates in a first portion of the panel structure at least one mortise opening having self-locking end portions. The method further fabricates on a second portion of the panel structure at least one tenon extension having flexible self-locking members. The method further interlocks the flexible self-locking members of the at least one tenon extension with the self-locking end portions of the at least one mortise opening to form a self-locking joint in the panel structure.

Abstract: The GOLF DISC AND FLYING DISC AND MULTIPURPOSE PICK UP TOOL is a lightweight, collapsible, segmented shaft fitted with a durable suction cup. The suction cup provides a vacuum adhesion on either side, or any location, on the golf disc or flying disc or other generally flat and smooth objects. The disc or object can then be picked up (retrieved) from any surface or obstacle within reach. A flick of the finger to the suction cup edge breaks the vacuum and the tool and disc or object are separated. The tool can be deployed and used with one hand. The tool can be carried and used as extended or folded and stowed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a backplane, a PCB fixed to the backplane, and a fixing piece used for fixing the PCB. The fixing piece includes a main trunk, and limit parts arranged at two ends of the main trunk. The limit parts are made of insulating material. In the present disclosure, because the limit parts arranged at the two ends of the fixing piece for fixing the PCB are made of insulating material, a domain of the PCB covered by the limit parts can still be wired by only bypassing the fixing hole. Meanwhile, the limit parts made of insulating material are not required to be laid with copper near a fixing hole, and an area of the PCB is reduced.

Abstract: A photovoltaic frame fastener is provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic frame attachment apparatus includes a strut or rail defining a generally U-shaped channel and a snap-in clip or fastener. In another aspect, a single-piece fastener includes a strut-engaging surface, 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. Yet another aspect of a photovoltaic frame fastener includes laterally projecting tabs abutting against a top of a strut.

Abstract: A joint assembly having a shaft with a retention notch, a joint coupling, a spring clip and a full insertion clip. The joint coupling including a body having a bore, with the bore receiving the shaft, and the body including a secondary fastener hole extending normal to the bore. The spring clip including a fixed end secured to the main body, a flexible middle portion, and a finger at an opposed end, the finger engaging the shaft as the shaft slides into the bore and extending into the retention notch when the shaft is in a fully inserted position. The full insertion clip having a first end secure to the main body, a flexible portion and an opposed second end having a fastener alignment hole, the fastener alignment hole aligning with the secondary fastener hole when not flexed and misaligning with the secondary fastener hole when flexed.

Abstract: Components such as turbine shafts are maintained coaxial with each other by a coupling ring. The coupling ring includes a body which is cylindrical when unstressed, and which has two arrays of projections each array engaging a respective cylindrical surface of recesses in the components. The body is flexible, and so is resiliently deformed by contact between the projections and the respective cylindrical surface. The projections of the two arrays are angularly out of phase with each other.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have sleeves for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position. The sleeves are plastically deformable before bending and surround the bent portions of the cable sections, but the material of the sleeves is such that the sleeves break under return deformation.

Abstract: A multi-stage flexural pivot includes a first support member, a second support member, a coupler, and a plurality of flexures, each flexure having first and second flexible members arranged substantially perpendicular to one another and laterally offset from one another. A first flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the first support member and the coupler to form a first stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the first support member and the coupler. A second flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the second support member and the coupler to form a second stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the second support member and the coupler. Relative rotational movement between the first support member and the second support member is a sum of the relative rotational movements of the first stage and the second stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element (1) for a cushioning device of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying, in particular for a bed mattress, comprising a spring body (10) and an accommodating section (30) arranged thereon, wherein the spring body (10) and the accommodating section (30) are injection-molded from plastic as one piece.

Abstract: A latching assembly comprises a bracket, and a hook. The hook comprises: a top; a base having a first portion proximate to a first end and a second portion proximate to a second end. The second portion is inclined or sloped towards the top. A front surface extends from the first end to the second end. The front surface is substantially parallel to the surface of the second part at the first end, forming a first portion of the base for engaging the bracket. The front surface is further inclined or sloped toward the surface of the second part at the second end. When the bracket and the hook are engaged and the first part and the second part are separated by force, the bracket slides on the second portion of the base and the inclined or sloped front surface at the second end, thereby disengaging the bracket from the hook.

Abstract: A panel-shaped partition in accordance with an embodiment is provided herein. The panel-shaped partition comprises two oppositely positioned lateral edge sections that are in the form of reinforced bearing axes (A) and an elastic panel-shaped carrier matrix that extends between the lateral edge sections in a longitudinal direction of the partition such that a wall section is formed. The partition features at least one flexurally rigid carrier matrix reinforcing device that is in the form of longitudinal profiles on or through the carrier matrix which extend transverse to the longitudinal direction of the partition to increase the flexural rigidity of the partition against bending moments, the moment axes of which extend transverse to the axial directions of the bearing axes, in comparison with the flexural rigidity of the carrier matrix.

Abstract: Steering system for a droplet generator in a EUV system. The steering system permits controlled positioning of a droplet release point of the droplet generator. A movable member holding the droplet generator is coupled to stationary elements of the EUV system through a coupling system having a first subsystem that constrains lateral translation of the movable member, and a second subsystem that controls a relative inclination of the movable member. The first and second subsystems preferably include one or a combination of flexures that permit highly precise and repeatable positioning.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for fixing a cargo insulation panel to a hull is provided. The fixing apparatus includes a fixing plate adhered to one face of the insulation panel, a plurality of fixing brackets protruded to the outside of the fixing plate, protruded portions of the fixing brackets being fixed by stud bolts arranged on the hull, and coupling means being configured to couple the fixing brackets to the fixing plate. The fixing apparatus can improve the continuity of the insulation panel, enhance the adhesiveness and airtightness with a member such as supple triplex, easily adjust adjacent insulation panels vertically or laterally. The fixing apparatus also solves the problem of damage caused by interference or the inconvenience of transportation by allowing the fixing bracket to be inserted during the transportation of the insulation panel.

Abstract: A turbocharger assembly includes: a housing with a through-bore and a cross-bore that intersects the through-bore to define an upper portion of the cross-bore with a first diameter and a lower portion of the cross-bore with a second diameter where the first diameter exceeds the second diameter; a bearing disposed in the through-bore of the housing where the bearing includes a through-bore configured to support a shaft and a cross-bore that intersects the through-bore; and a locating pin with a diameter that exceeds the second diameter of the lower portion of the cross-bore of the housing, the locating pin press-fit at least partially into the lower portion of the cross-bore of the housing and disposed at least partially in the lower portion of the cross-bore of the bearing to locate the bearing in the through-bore of the housing. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interstud rail fastening system is employed. In one aspect, at least one attachment leg, a brim or umbrella, and a coupling post are integrated as a single piece. In another aspect, a clamp is coupled to a fastener having a Christmas tree type engagement segment which is fastened to a building rail. Furthermore, a multiple step fastener is useable with different size building rails. An additional aspect employs a telescopically adjustable rail.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system consisting of a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have elements for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position, the elements are cable cores which lie within the cable sections of the cable loop and which are plastically deformable.

Abstract: A case-fixing structure includes a seat plate, a case located on the seat plate, a connecting member connected to the seat plate, a coupling member fixed to the connecting member and coupling the connecting member and the case, a buffer member disposed between the coupling member and the case, and a protruding part provided for the case. When a load heavier than specified is applied to the case, the protruding part can be brought into contact with at least one of the coupling member, the connecting member and the seat plate. When the protruding part is brought into contact with at least one of the coupling member, the connecting member and the seat plate, connection between the connecting member and the seat plate can be canceled.