Abstract: A closure assembly including a retaining cover, a first catch plate sitting partially within the retaining cover, a second catch plate sitting partially within the retaining cover opposite the first catch plate and spaced apart from the first catch plate, and a closure pressing against the first catch plate and pressing against the second catch plate.

Abstract: A connector includes one or more spirals securing a fluid conduit to the connector for fluid communication with another hollow object such as another fluid conduit. The spiral(s) press/compress and seal the conduit around an outer circumference of an end of rigid, hollow insert of the connector. Another portion of the connector may include spiral(s) that press/compress and seal a second conduit around a second end of the insert, or may include a hose-coupler that connects to a second conduit. Thus, two fluid conduits may be fluid-sealed to an inner-passageway of the insert, by tightened spiral(s) or by tightened spiral(s) and coupler combination, so the conduits are in fluid communication with each other. The spiral(s) may be retained in, and released from, the tightened condition, by a ratchet-based latching and unlatching system.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a portable electronic device having a slot includes a body having an insertable portion configured to be inserted into the slot of the portable electronic device, and a boss extending from the insertable portion and positioned outside of the slot. The boss is configured to attach to a lock head. The security apparatus also includes a wedge supported at least partially within the insertable portion of the body. The wedge is movable relative to the insertable portion between a first position, in which the wedge extends out of the insertable portion and is configured to engage a surface of the portable electronic device that defines the slot, and a second position, in which the wedge is retracted relative to the first position and is configured to disengage the surface of the portable electronic device that defines the slot.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft is interposed between a first shaft section and a second shaft section. The power transmission shaft comprises: a cylindrical section rotated integrally with a shaft section and formed cylindrically; a through hole disposed in the cylindrical section and penetrated radially with respect to a rotational axial line, each of a pair of vehicle side rotational shaft sections having an engagement groove disposed on an outer peripheral side of the pair of vehicle side rotational shaft sections and extended in a direction around the rotational axial line and the engagement groove being exposed from the through hole; and a retaining ring (circlip) disposed to enclose at least a portion of the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical section, a portion of the retaining ring being inserted into the through hole from the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical section and being engaged with the engagement groove.

Abstract: Connecting arrangement for a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder housing and an extendable piston rod, at the free end of which a linkage lug for connection to a construction component is arranged, characterized in that the linkage lug is connected to the piston rod via a plug connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connector (100), for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines (140), to a subsea structure (145), such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector (100) comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110) and means (115) for connecting the first (105) and second portions (110). The means (115) for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage (120) in the second portion (110). The first portion may comprise means (125) for connection to one or more lines (140), such as mooring lines, allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the first portion (105) with respect to the line (140).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate support bushing for a lift pin used in a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The bushing includes an elongated housing sized to guide the lift pin in a substrate support pedestal. The housing has a longitudinal bore formed through the housing. The housing includes at least one passageway slot extending and open to substantially the entire length of the bore. In another embodiment, a method for transferring a substrate from a substrate support pedestal is provided. The method includes displacing a lift pin through a central bore toward a substrate disposed on a substrate support pedestal. The bore has at least one slot extending substantially along and open to the central bore. The method further includes spacing the substrate from the substrate support pedestal on the lift pin.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is described which has first and second turbine vane assemblies with multiple turbine vanes within respective first and second circumferential outer shrouds. The first outer shroud has a first radially extending flange and the second outer shroud has a second radially extending flange. The radially extending first and second flanges each defining an upstream mating surface and a downstream mating surface relative to a direction of air flow through the engine in use. The downstream mating surface of the first flange mates with the upstream mating surface of the second flange. An axial retaining ring axially retains together the first and second flanges, and has an annular body extending between an upstream portion of the body abutted against the upstream mating surface of the first flange and a downstream portion of the body abutted against the downstream mating surface of the second flange.

Abstract: A belt-driven starter-generator includes a rotary shaft, and a pulley belt coupled on an outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. A key is press-fitted into a pocket formed between the rotary shaft and the pulley belt so as to fix the rotary shaft to the pulley belt. A coupling member is coupled to a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft so as to support one side of the pulley belt. Operational reliability and assembly convenience may be improved by the belt-driven starter-generator of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Two forms of load bearing or transmitting structures are disclosed wherein each uses magnetism to hold a key in one of two bodies to prevent movement therebetween. One embodiment is a clevis, wherein the clevis pin is instrumented as a load cell and a magnetic key resides in a slot in a portion of the clevis pin which protrudes outside of one of the clevis legs. In another embodiment, torque is transmitted between a shaft and a coupling by means of keys that are held in keyways by magnetism thereby to provide a torque coupling between the shaft and coupling members.

Abstract: A removable device for attaching two mechanical parts includes a pin removably locking a first part with respect to a second part, a retainer member on the pin and a resiliently loaded tension member which collaborate to prevent the pin from coming out of its locked position; the removable device further includes at least two inclined surfaces, the general shape of which is that of a projection oriented in the axial direction of the pin, such that when the pin rotates, the retainer member runs along the inclined surfaces and the pin moves between the locked position and unlocked position against a force exerted on the pin along a longitudinal axial direction of the pin exerted by the tension member.

Abstract: Two well tools (100, 200) having centrally mounted drive shafts (160, 260) are provided with a mechanism to remove debris from a coupling between them. Thereafter, the tools can be coupled by inserting a first outer sleeve (110) on the first tool into and rotationally lock it to a second outer sleeve (210) on the second tool. The drive shafts (160, 260) are coupled in a similar manner. The mechanism for removing debris can displace the debris and/or a flushing device (170) using well fluid to stir up debris. The coupling has space for debris that is not removed, e.g. in the form of a chamber 264. The female part of the coupling may comprise a spring loaded lid (271) to reduce pollution by debris when the coupling is not in use.

Abstract: A self locking fastener is disclosed herein which is self-contained and resists loosening even when used in applications and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one form the present invention provides a self locking screw-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides a self locking nut-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In still other forms, the invention provides components for creating self locking fasteners using at least in part conventional materials and/or fasteners, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides prepackaged kits for customizable fasteners that purchasers can buy and use to assemble customized fasteners in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: In a shaft coupling structure in which a first shaft and a second shaft are coupled with each other by a combination of a key coupling and a clamp coupling, the first shaft has a cylindrical portion into which the second shaft is inserted and slits which are formed in the cylindrical portion by cutting off portions thereof in the axial direction, and a clamping fastener is mounted on portions of the outer circumference of the first shaft in which the slits are formed and the slit can be also used as a keyway of the key, and the plurality of slits are formed in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A device is described that allows for the insertion and removal of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) specimen stage and insertion rod into and out of a vacuum chamber. The device can be configured to accommodate specimen stage and insertion rods manufactured by all TEM producers. The device has a side-entry slot for accepting the cylindrical stage rod and a locking mechanism, such that unwanted contact with the specimen and the specimen stage itself is avoided during entry and exit from the plasma vacuum chamber. The devices hold said specimen stage and insertion rod in position during the process of plasma cleaning in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A telescopic pipe connection device includes a fixing sleeve mounted on an outer pipe; a setting-up case internally defining a slide way and a horizontal through hole, the latter extending through the setting-up case and a front wall of the fixing sleeve to communicate with the slide way; a cap fixed to an open front side of the setting-up case and having a receiving hole; a locating pin located in the horizontal through hole with a first end extended through the outer pipe into a limiting hole on an inner pipe and a second end engaged with the receiving hole, and having at least one coupling lever provided thereon; a return spring fitted on the locating pin with two ends pressed against the coupling lever and the cap; and a pushbutton slidably received in the slide way with a lower front slant working face pressed against the coupling lever.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.

Abstract: Coupling pins for connecting weapon components are described. An example fastener to couple weapon components includes an elongated body defining a first aperture. The first aperture being defined along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Tension member and a biasing element being positioned within the first aperture. The elongated body defining a second aperture. The second aperture being defined through a portion of the elongated body to enable a tension element, positioned at least partially within the second aperture, to be urged from the elongated by via an interaction with the tension member. The fastener is insertable into aligned apertures of respective first and second weapon components. The tension element being urged from the elongated body to interact with the second weapon component to urge the second weapon component into further engagement with the first weapon component.

Abstract: An impact absorber is arranged between a first rotation member and a second rotation member that are coaxially arranged to rotate in a circumference direction around a rotation axis. The first rotation member has a recess continuously extending in a direction inclined to the rotation axis from a first end to a second end, and a lock part extending in the circumference direction from the second end of the recess. The second rotation member has a projection configured to be engaged with the recess continuously from the first end of the recess to the second end of the recess. The projection of the second rotation member is locked with the lock part of the first rotation member when the projection moves to the lock part from the second end of the recess.

Abstract: A rotationally locked drive assembly for a VSI crusher comprises a drive shaft 52 rotatably securable in a bearing cartridge assembly 60, the drive shaft having a tapered upper end portion 62 for forming a taper joint in cooperation with the tapered central opening 72 of a flywheel 54, a top opening key receptor 81 formed on the top surface 76 of the flywheel for receiving a locking key 56, whereby tightening of fasteners 58 secures locking key 56 in key receptor 81, presses flywheel 54 onto drive shaft 52, thereby fortifying the taper joint between the flywheel 54 and drive shaft 52, and locking drive shaft 52, flywheel 54 and locking key 56 in rotational alignment.

Abstract: There is provided a connection structure between a hollow output shaft of a speed reducer, which is provided with the hollow output shaft including a hollow portion, and a driven shaft of a counterpart machine inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow output shaft. The connection structure includes a communication passage through which the hollow portion of the hollow output shaft communicates with an internal space of the speed reducer. A space, which includes clearance between the hollow output shaft and the driven shaft, is formed as a closed space.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.

Abstract: A connection unit includes a hollow first part, a hollow second part and two positioning wires. The first part includes a positioning hole defined radially therein and an insertion section extends from an end of the first part. A groove is defined radially in an outer surface of the insertion section. The second part is securely inserted in one end of a hollow tube and the two positioning wires are located in the second part and two ends of each of the positioning wires are engaged with two insertion holes defined in the second part. The second part is mounted to the insertion section of the first part, and the two positioning wires are engaged with the groove so that the first part is rotatable. Two ends of a connector are inserted into two respective first parts respectively and positioned by two pins.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove having a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity having a circular radial canted coil spring disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end in sliding engagement with the bore and provided with a circumferential groove for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore.

Abstract: A tightened shaft portion 51a of a shaft 51 and a tightened portion 42b of a lower joint yoke 42 are coupled with each other such that a required torque can be transmitted therebetween by inserting the tightened shaft portion 51a of the shaft 51 into a shaft insertion hole 42b2 of the lower joint yoke (a coupling member) 42, and inserting a bolt 44 into a bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 and a bolt engagement groove 51a1 of the shaft 51 and tightening the bolt in the condition (the regular position condition) that the bolt engagement groove 51a1 of the shaft 51 and the bolt insertion aperture 42b3 of the lower joint yoke 42 are axially aligned with each other.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.

Abstract: A progressing cavity pump/motor includes a stator tube (12), a rotor (20) within the stator tube, and a coupling assembly (30) interconnecting the upper and lower rotor sections. The coupling includes a drive adapter (32) and a socket adapter (36) for transmitting torque between the upper and lower rotor sections, and at least one alignment surface (60) in cooperation with a mating surface to rotationally position the drive adapter within the socket adapter at a selected circumferential position. The pump/motor may be reliably assembled in the field while maintaining precise axial and rotational positioning of the rotor sections.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole hammer including a drill bit (2) retained by short (4) and long (5) drive pins in the bore of a driver chuck (1). The chuck (1) and bit (2) shank have machined longitudinal grooves (3), every second bit shank groove being blind and connected to the adjacent open groove by a short-pin length relief. The shorter pins (4) are inserted into the visible holes formed by the alignment of the open drill bit grooves and driver chuck grooves (3). The chuck (1) is then indexed which shunts the short pins (4) sideways until the longer pins (5) are insertable. The driver chuck (1) and drill bit (2) are engaged rotationally. The bit (2) slides by the desired distance due to the shorter pins (4) being entrapped in the blind grooves. The arrangement does not require a bit shank extension to accommodate a conventional bit retainer ring.

Abstract: A self locking fastener is disclosed herein which is self-contained and resists loosening even when used in applications and environments where the fastener is exposed to vibration. In one form the present invention provides a self locking screw-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides a self locking nut-type fastener, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In still other forms, the invention provides components for creating self locking fasteners using at least in part conventional materials and/or fasteners, methods of manufacturing and/or assembling such fasteners, and methods of fastening using such fasteners. In another form, the invention provides prepackaged kits for customizable fasteners that purchasers can buy and use to assemble customized fasteners in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A channeled track connector having a base and a slider. The slider slides into an key opening in the base. The base includes a first foot for engaging the channeled track. The slider includes a second foot for engaging the channeled track. Each piece standing alone is not engagable to the channeled track. However, when slid together, the base and slider as a whole stands together as one-piece, remains fixed to the channeled track, and serves as a mount for a predefined object.

Abstract: First and second components can be releasably coupled together with a locking pin having a sacrificial o-ring. The first and second components have respective first and second openings that are aligned with each other and receive the locking pin. The second opening has a square edge located adjacent to a recess in the first opening. The o-ring has an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the square edge and an inside diameter less than the diameter of the square edge when assembled. The locking pin is inside of the first and second openings, with the o-ring inside of the recess. To release the components, the locking pin is moved out of the first opening to shear the o-ring against the square edge.

Abstract: A rotationally locked drive assembly for a VSI crusher comprises a drive shaft 52 rotatably securable in a bearing cartridge assembly 60, the drive shaft having a tapered upper end portion 62 for forming a taper joint in cooperation with the tapered central opening 72 of a flywheel 54, a top opening key receptor 81 formed on the top surface 76 of the flywheel for receiving a locking key 56, whereby tightening of fasteners 58 secures locking key 56 in key receptor 81, presses flywheel 54 onto drive shaft 52, thereby fortifying the taper joint between the flywheel 54 and drive shaft 52, and locking drive shaft 52, flywheel 54 and locking key 56 in rotational alignment.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least a first component (1) and a second component (2) together, wherein each said component (1, 2) comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending along the component (1, 2) and keyways (11, 13) of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components (1, 2) such that the keyways (11, 13) intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways (11, 13); and, extending a keyway connector (3) comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage such that the keys are retained by the keyways (11, 13) of the keyway arrangements.

Abstract: A cross-key rotational alignment locking device for a VSI-type mineral breaker comprises a generally annular keyway 102 in the top edge portion of the main shaft 12 of the breaker, the annular keyway defining an upwardly extending pilot key 104, a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 126 in the upper portion of a cylindrical taper lock 108 disposed around the main shaft, the slots in communication with the annular keyway, and a cross-key 130 having a generally annular main body 132 disposed in the annular keyway 102, the pilot key 104 received in a central aperture 136 in the main body 132 of the cross-key 130, and the cross-key having a plurality of radially-extending arms 128 disposed in the plurality of slots 126, such that the taper lock 108 is locked in rotational alignment with the shaft 12. In the preferred embodiment a bronze sleeve 110 having a longitudinally extending split 120 is interposed between the taper lock 108 and the shaft 12.

Abstract: A removable device for attaching two mechanical parts includes a pin removably locking a first part with respect to a second part, a retainer member on the pin and a resiliently loaded tension member which collaborate to prevent the pin from coming out of its locked position; the removable device further includes at least two inclined surfaces, the general shape of which is that of a projection oriented in the axial direction of the pin, such that when the pin rotates, the retainer member runs along the inclined surfaces and the pin moves between the locked position and unlocked position against a force exerted on the pin along a longitudinal axial direction of the pin exerted by the tension member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector for selectively coupling a first member and a second member that are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the first member and the second member includes an opening. A connector that includes a flexible body that has a projection may be inserted within one of the members. The projection is configured to extend through the openings of the members to couple the first member to the second member. The connector also includes a mechanism that selectively couples the connector relative to the first member.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke having a fitting portion for fitting a shaft. The fitting portion has first and second tabs opposed to each other to form a U shape. A fixing mechanism including a bolt passing through respective insertion holes in the first and second tabs and a nut screwed onto the bolt on a fastening axis fastens and fixes the shaft between the first and second tabs. A nut holding member fixed to the second tab has an engaging piece. The engaging piece causes the nut, which has not been screwed onto the bolt, to be held on the fastening axis. A cover held by the nut holding member covers at least the engaging piece around the nut.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a draw key assembly for securing a kingpin. In some embodiments of the invention, the draw key assembly includes a front portion, a rear portion, a rear end nut, and a front end nut. In a first preferred embodiment, the front portion includes a cylindrical body having a front end, a hex head attached to the front end, and a threaded member extending from the cylindrical body. In the first preferred embodiment, the rear portion includes a flared section with a threaded bore formed therein for mating with the threaded member. In the first preferred embodiment, the rear portion also includes a threaded fastener extending from the flared section. The rear end nut mates with the threaded fastener and the front end nut mates with threads formed about the front end of the cylindrical body. Additional embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for attaching a hub to a shaft. The hub, which may be a portion of a gear, pulley, chain sprocket or other power carrying device, includes a collar or annular wall having two axially extending relief cuts on opposite sides of a shaft opening, which define a pair of opposed projections or clamp members. The clamp members include opposed flats on the inside of the shaft opening which engage complementarily configured flats on the shaft. A threaded fastener such as a bolt extends through smooth radial bores in one clamp member and the shaft and into a complementarily threaded bore in the other clamp member. The internal flats of the hub include opposed arcuate, axially extending reliefs. The outside surface of the hub proximate the smooth bore defines a chordal surface which the bolt engages.

Abstract: A minimal volume boss may be formed as key and keyway assembly defining a shaft along the interface between the two pieces. A threaded fastener may be threaded into the shaft to lock the two pieces together. Because the key can have minimal volume, the cavitation spot opposite the key, typically formed during molding can be eliminated on fine surfaces. By properly keying the pieces, rotation between parts can also be eliminated. This helps automated torque sensing tools read and apply the proper torque in automated assembly.

Abstract: A variable capacity rotary compressor having a slot defined between eccentric bushes, a latch pin fitted to a rotary shaft so as to be latched to the slot, and a restraint unit for restraining the eccentric bushes upon rotation of the rotary shaft. The restraint unit includes a restraint member mounted in the rotary shaft, a supporting shaft extending from the latch pin to be inserted into the hollow portion of the restraint member, and a return spring interposed between an outer circumference of the supporting shaft and the restraint member to move the restraint member inward toward the center of the rotary shaft when the rotary shaft is not rotated. The restraint unit is easy to manufacture and install and to ensure smooth operation thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a resin gear 1 capable of improving the strength of a key receiving portion, which is engageable with a key of a driving shaft, to prevent the key receiving portion from being broken by external force applied during rotation. In the resin gear 1, an outside rim 6 is connected to an inside hub 4 by a web 7 in radial directions. On the side of one end of the hub 4, a key receiving portion 10 for engaging a key of a driving shaft 2 is formed. The key receiving portion 10 has a side wall 1 for preventing relative rotation of the key 8 to the hub 4, and a bottom wall 12 for allowing the key 8 and hub 4 from being positioned in directions parallel to the driving shaft 2.

Abstract: A variator arrangement is provided for a continuously variable transmission, having a shaft, a variator disk connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft and a support disk which is concentric with said variator disk and which is rigidly connected to the shaft, the variator disk having a traction area on the side facing away from the support disk. For a rotationally fixed connection between the variator disk and the shaft, the variator disk and the support disk each have at least one recess which in cross section are each of approximately concave design and together hold a positive connection element which in cross section is of approximately convex lens-shaped design (FIG. 2).

Abstract: In a device for coupling a tooth onto an adaptor nose with a key, the tooth includes a skirt shrouding the adapter nose beyond the key passage zone and having a configuration connected to a return wall, comprising a bordering ridge. The wall is provided in the width of the skirt and corresponds to the passage and positioning of the key. Proximate the ends of the wall, and in the thickness of the skirt, are provided passage openings for the key devoid of abutting function in operation and ensuring a guiding and stopping function only when the key is inserted or removed. The key comprises two components transversely mobile relative to each other.

Abstract: A mechanical element having a slot adapted to receive a shaft. The slot comprises a circular portion; a planar portion; and two reliefs. Each relief is disposed intermediate the circular portion and the planar portion. In addition, each relief comprises a circular section and extends at least about 90 degrees. Each relief is coupled to the planar portion by a radius tangential to the planar portion.

Abstract: A shaft coupling element comprising a first portion configured for connection to a shaft and a second portion configured for connection to a secondary component. The first portion comprises first and second spaced apart side walls with a partial cylindrical portion extending therebetween to define a shaft receiving slot. A safety notch extends through the partial cylindrical portion adjacent the axial opening in to the shaft receiving slot to define a radial opening from the shaft receiving slot.

Abstract: A locking device of a flexible laminar element connected to a frame, in order to achieve a bearing structure which houses a person's body, comprises a groove obtained along one part of the perimeter of the frame and a shaped insert which is pressed into the groove in order to constrain the perimetral edge of the flexible laminar element between the groove and the shaped insert. Inside the grove a plurality of openings is arranged for the passage of as many appendixes of the shaped insert equipped with coupling elements which snap the shaped insert to the frame.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting members, including: a coupling case that has a plurality of connecting slots which respectively receive the members; and wedges that are inserted into the spaces between the coupling case and each of the members perpendicularly to the direction of external pressure given to each of the members. Each of the wedges have one side and another side out of at least a couple of slope sides contacting the coupling case in opposite directions and have a higher coefficient of friction on a bottom side surface that touches one of the members than on the slope side surface that touches the coupling case.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rotationally immobilizing a hub on a rotatable shaft. A portion of the shaft is cylindrical and has a first diameter. The hub has a cylindrical axial bore having a second diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft. At least one axially-extending keyway is provided in the surface of the shaft. When the shaft is inserted into the hub bore, the hub is free to rotate upon the shaft. To immobilize the hub rotationally with respect to the shaft, at least one tapered key having a height greater than the maximum depth of the at least one keyway is inserted axially into the at least one keyway. Preferably, the at least one key is inserted along the at least one keyway to a point at which the maximum height of the at least one key is positioned at the axial midpoint of the hub bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector, such as a subsea connector (100), for connecting a line or lines such as mooring lines (140), to a subsea structure (145), such as a submerged turret loading or a submerged turret production buoy. The invention also relates to associated apparatus, structures and methods. The subsea connector (100) comprises a first portion (105) and a second portion (110) and means (115) for connecting the first (105) and second portions (110). The means (115) for connecting comprise at least part of a through-passage (120) in the second portion (110). The first portion may comprise means (125) for connection to one or more lines (140), such as mooring lines, allowing rotational movement around or about a transverse axis of the first portion (105) with respect to the line (140).