Abstract: In known methods for producing a glass component, a void-containing intermediate product containing doped or non-doped SiO2 is inserted into a sheath tube composed of glass, which has a longitudinal axis and an inner bore, and is thermally treated therein. In order to subject the intermediate product to a thermal and/or reactive treatment that is reproducible and uniform in its effect from this starting point, it is proposed in one embodiment that into the sheath tube's inner bore a first gas-permeable gas diffuser is inserted which is displaceable along the sheath tube's longitudinal axis and is pressed against the intermediate product during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached.

Abstract: A device for coupling two shaft members of differing diameters. The device includes a barrel and a reaction mass. The barrel is hollow and includes an outside coupler formed by the exterior surface of an upper portion of the barrel, an inside coupler formed by the inside surface of the barrel, and a reaction mass interface formed by the exterior surface of a lower portion of the barrel. The outside coupler is sized to fit inside a hollow end of the first shaft member. The inside coupler is sized to receive the second shaft member. The reaction mass slides over the second shaft member and into position on the reaction mass interface of the barrel. The parts are secured together with an adhesive.

Abstract: A worm shaft is provided with an intermediate worm thread section between first and second end structures, wherein at least one of the first and second end structures has a coupling structure for a desired extension of a plurality of modular worm shaft extensions. The desired extension and the intermediate worm thread section are both selectable based on the desired application, the desired gearing ratio, and other features. Accordingly, the multi-component worm shaft of the present technique increases flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and reduces inventory.

Abstract: A computer central processing unit (CPU) heat dissipation device latching structure utilized to attach a heat dissipation device to a computer CPU. The latching structure consists of tensile latch element unitarily fabricated such that the rectangular tensile latch element is curved in shape and has a number of fastening holes formed. The directional orientation and angular disposition of the fastening holes differ to allow for rotational alignment with the mounting holes of the CPU board, while also providing for alignment with and coupling to its mounting pins. A press section is disposed on one side to enable the easy rotation of the tensile latch element such that structure of the present invention is capable of simply and rapidly achieving a tight union between the heat dissipation device and the computer CPU.

Abstract: A connector for engaging brake cables of a bicycle, the connector has a bore defined therein, a counter-bore defined therein and in communication with the bore, and a first hole transversely defined therein which is in communication with and perpendicular to the bore through which a bolt extends. A first brake cable and a second brake cable respectively extend from the connector and connect to a corresponding brake arm thereof, a third brake cable extending to connect a brake lever at a first end thereof and passing through a second hole defined in the bolt and extending through the first hole with a second end thereof, the bolt engaged to a nut via a spring and a washer so as to securely position the third brake cable such that the third brake cable is able to be adjusted by unscrewing the bolt and the first cable and the second brake cable exerting an equal force to the corresponding brake arms thereof when the connector is pulled upwardly by the third brake cable.

Abstract: A connector for engaging brake cables of a bicycle, the connector is composed of a first part and a second part, the first part has a first hole, a second hole and a bore defined therein, two passages defined in the first part and each of which located above the first hole and the second hole respectively, a tubular portion extending from the first part and defining a counter-bore therein in communication with the bore, the second part has a first recess, a second recess and a third hole defined therein, two protrusions extending therefrom and a groove defined therein between the first recess and the second recess and communicating with the third hole, the first part and the second part engaged together by extending the two protrusions through the two passages and a first cable and a second cable respectively received in the first recess, the first hole and the second recess, the second hole, a bolt having a hole defined therein for a third brake cable extending therethrough and the bolt threadedly engaged to

Abstract: An adjusting device for a brake cable of a bicycle includes an adjusting element with a threaded hole defined in an end thereof, a first cable and a second cable. The first cable has a first end pivotally engaged to a connector and a second end with a head part which is rotatably engaged to the other end of the adjusting element. The second cable has a first end with a threaded portion which is engaged to the adjusting element by threading to a threaded hole defined therein and a second end, has a head part which is pivotally engaged to one end of a brake arm. The second cable is adjusted by rotating the adjusting element.

Abstract: A link for facilitating the joining of two rods while compensating for manufacturing irregularities in rod length and other manufacturing and assembly tolerances to produce a rigid assembly of proper length including a clip base for receiving an end of each rod and a sleeve to lock the assembly. The clip has an opening on one end for receiving a first rod and a threaded opening and longitudinal recess at the opposite end for receiving a threaded end of the second rod. The second rod may be pushed transversely to its axis into the recess and opening at any point along the opening to rigidly link the two rods together while compensating for manufacturing and assembly tolerance variations. The sleeve is telescopingly locked over the recess to secure the second rod in the clip.

Abstract: A system for splicing rods to connect a shear wall (12) to a concrete foundation (6). The system includes a hold down device (2) coupling a first rod (4) extending upwardly from the foundation with a second rod (8) suspended downwardly from the top (10) of the shear wall. The hold down device includes a body member (14) having a rod support (22) disposed on one side of the rods and two pairs of arms (32, 34) through which the rods extend. A cam element (54, 56) is disposed within the body member for positioning the rods within the body member. A securing bolt (18) extends through the rod support for securely retaining the cam element in position.

Abstract: A steering column coupling for a motor vehicle has a pivoted link which swings onto a stub shaft from the steering gear. The link has one open side through which the shaft enters, and a captive bolt which can be slid along the link to close the open side once the shaft has been positioned.

Abstract: Molecular modeling constituents having plug ends are joined by a coupling having a connective sleeve and a locking sleeve. The connective sleeve receives a plug in a bore at each end thereof. Radially deflectable staves of the connective sleeve have ridges on the inside surface thereof for engaging corresponding annular grooves about the circumference of the plugs. A locking sleeve fits over the connective sleeve and allows outward radial deflection of the staves in an OPEN position for insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling, and inhibits radial deflection of the staves in a lock position to prohibit insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling. The OPEN and LOCK positions are relative rotational positions of the connective sleeve and locking sleeve.

Abstract: An improved connector having a looped wire retained in one piece of the connector and providing a second piece having a concentric bore and able to engage a free end of said looped wire to cause the wire to constrict upon rotation of the second piece relative to the first piece to bind wires inserted through the second piece into a receptacle of the first piece.

Abstract: A shaft coupling comprising a joint element and two rings. The joint element has internal cylindrical parts, an external cylindrical part and a base connecting portion. The base connecting portion connects the base ends of both internal cylindrical parts and the external cylindrical parts. The rings are inserted into annular cavities enclosed by the internal cylindrical parts, external cylindrical parts and the base connecting portion. The internal cylindrical parts have tapered outer surfaces. The rings have tapered inner surfaces. The two rings are axially connected by set bolts. When the rings are tightened, the inner surfaces of the rings press the internal cylindrical parts and the outer surfaces of the rings press the external cylindrical parts.

Abstract: A safety strap assembly for removably interconnecting a pair of engaging molds for a plastic molding or die cast die for retaining the molds against accidental separation and wherein a pair of laterally spaced shoulder bolts are secured to the molds respectively. A strap assembly comprises a locking plate spanning the dies and having a pair of spaced apertures terminating in keyhole slots adapted to receive the shoulder bolts and the bolts retainingly engaging the locking plate when in locking position. The locking plate is rotatable to an unlocked position disengaging the shoulder bolts from the locking plate. A locating cover overlies and pivotally mounted upon the locking plate and has a pair of spaced apertures receiving the shoulder bolts. The locking plate is rotatable relative to the locating cover until its apertures are in registry with the shoulder bolts.

Abstract: A universal joint which permits global positioning of an object and a locking mechanism for securely and positively locking the universal joint in any position to which it can moved. The universal joint of the present invention may be used in series or singly to provide a mechanism for positioning and locking an object such as, for example, a headrest or a lamp, in any position within a spherical range.

Abstract: A joint for structural steel is provided which connects a pair of parallel beams in end-to-end relationship with a second pair of parallel beams. The beams are of any cross-sectional form having an L-shaped component, for example an inverted "S." The beams are retained in a U-shaped channel having two upstanding side walls and a bottom wall connecting the side walls. The bottom wall is provided with one or more centrally located holes.The joint is formed by nesting two pairs of parallel beams in end-to-end relationship within the U-shaped channel. The width of the channel is such that the seating bases of the L-shaped beams do not obstruct the holes in the bottom wall of the U-shaped channel. A clamping plate having holes aligning with the holes of the bottom wall of the channel is fitted into the channel over the seating bases of the beams. Means, such as a nut and bolt, are used to bind the clamping plate onto the U-shaped channel.

Abstract: An elongated structural member adapted to many uses is made in separable, coaxially aligned sections to permit the sections to be stored in a short space. The sections are readily secured together in end to end relationship to form a strong member which may take both tension and compression.

Abstract: A pipe connector for gripping pipes which are pushed into the ends of the connector. A hinged locking member is supported in each end of the connector by a releasable clamp, the locking member having a spring biased hinged bar element which extends diametrically and jams across the inside of the pipe when the pipe is pulled out very slightly. The locking members are attached to the clamp at the axis of the connector, so that the pipes can be rotated axially while held in place. When the clamp is released the locking members are loosened or fall free inside the connector and allow the pipes to be removed.