Abstract: A module mounting system may include a photovoltaic (PV) module frame including a mounting rail. The module mounting system may include a spring clip with a PV module frame interfacing element and a clip interfacing element. The spring clip may apply spring force via deformation to lock the PV module frame and a clip together. A second embodiment of the spring clip may include an upper component having one or more arms and a lower component having a central loop configured to rotate relative to each other and interface with the PV module frame or the mounting rail. A second embodiment of the module mounting system may include screwless clips including outer walls and inner walls coupled together as a continuous sheet of material. The screwless clips may couple to a respective mounting flange and a respective frame flange to lock the mounting purlin and the PV module frame together.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a reversible and adjustable stopper assembly comprised of an upper frame, L-bracket, connector portion and stopping member. The stopper can be configured to be secured to at least two main types of press brakes. The stopping portion of the stopper is also reversible, allowing for less sheet metal to be inserted into the press brake, if desired. The stopper assembly can be slid in a horizontal manner, relative to the press brake to preserve the measurement of the sheet metal from one end of the press brake to the other.

Abstract: An elevated flooring system is operable to support a flooring panel. The elevated flooring system includes a beam configured to support the flooring panel. Aspects of the flooring system also include a saddle with a base surface and a prong. The beam is engaged with and vertically supported by the base surface of the saddle. The beam is configured to support the flooring panel and defines an aperture configured to receive the prong. Aspects of the beam includes a tent attachment assembly and a beam wall defining an aperture and opposite wall surfaces. The tent attachment assembly is configured for attachment to the tent and includes a base, a boss plate, and a threaded fastener. The fastener extends at least partly through the apertures of the base, boss plate and beam wall and is threaded into the boss plate.

Abstract: A connection between a connector, a fastener and one or more structural members is disclosed. The connector can be formed with a fastening and alignment member. The fastening and alignment member includes a projecting member and a protruding member in close proximity to a predetermined location for the fastener.

Abstract: Presently disclosed sliding joint kits, sliding joints, and systems including the same may be configured to join a first panel and a second panel together such that at least a portion of the first panel and second panel are in sliding contact with one another, thereby allowing movement of one panel with respect to the other. In this manner, panels may be joined together while still allowing thermal expansion and resulting movement of one panel relative to the other. For example, presently disclosed sliding joints may be used to join panels of an aircraft heat shield together, which may result in reduced buckling and/or reduced joint stress of the panels of the heat shield. Related methods of assembling a sliding joint kit to join a first panel and a second panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle comprising at least a first component and a second component, for example a carrier and a guide rail of a window lifter which are fixed together by means of at least one fastening element, in this case by a plurality of rivets. A fastening element engages into openings of which one opening respectively is formed in a receiving portion of the first component and one on a protrusion of the second component, wherein a protrusion respectively protrudes in an associated receiving portion and a flexible or elastic edge section of a receiving portion can be shifted in the direction of the associated protrusion.

Abstract: An adjustable wall cupboard holder group (10) for anchoring a cupboard (11) to the wall having a hook (15) situated at the free end of a hooking element (14) extending externally from the wall cupboard holder group. A regulation mechanism of the positions in depth and height of the hook (15) is associated with the hooking element (14). The wall cupboard holder group includes a central section or portion (16) containing the hooking element (14) and mechanism, and two side sections or flanges (18, 18?), at least one element (20, 20?) resistant to shear forces, protruding from at least one of said sections, where at least the other section includes at least one fixing device (19, 19?).

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastening element extending along a central axis between a first and a second end. The fastening element includes a head section extending from the second end along the central axis and engageable by a tool, such as a hexagonal head. A protruding cylindrically shaped section has a smaller diameter than the head section. A flanged section is arranged between the head section and the protruding cylindrically shaped section. The fastening element on the cylindrically shaped section includes an engaging section. A first portion of the engaging section is positioned at a distance from the surface of the flanged section facing the first end, such that a locking washer will be stopped from reaching the surface of the flanged section if introduced on the cylindrically shaped section with its smaller central diameter in the direction of the engaging section.

Abstract: A fastener for a roof installation support, in particular for a support of a solar technology system, comprising an at least sectionally flexible baseplate section and a substantially stiff profile section rising up from the baseplate section, which profile section is constructed to surround and positively fix a profile section of the roof installation support.

Abstract: Coupler head includes a coupler house for containing components included in a mechanical coupling and for supporting a front plate. The coupler house has two separate elongate shell-shaped house parts, which in mutually opposite and open long sides are individually joined to the outside of a beam running centrally in the coupler head and in a rear end is adapted to be coupled to a drawbar and in a front end adapted for bearing a main shaft included in the coupling, the parts being joined to the outside of the beam by welding seams running in the beam's longitudinal direction, whereby tractive forces are transferred from the coupling to the drawbar via the beam without loading the parts and seams, while thrust forces are transferred from the plate to the beam and the drawbar via the parts and seams without loading the coupling, its main shaft and the latter's bearing.

Abstract: A system for constructing a load bearing surface includes a plurality of modular ground covering panels. Along at least one first side edge of each of the panels, the lower surface projects beyond the upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab. Along at least one second side edge of each of the panels, the upper surface projects beyond the lower surface to define an upper peripheral tab. The lower peripheral tab of one of the panels and the upper peripheral tab of another one of the panels overlappingly engage so that the upper surfaces of the panels are in adjoining relation to form the load bearing surface. A connector assembly includes a first connection element fixed to the lower peripheral tab, and a second connection element that releasably fastens the upper peripheral tab to the first connection element to secure the panels together.

Abstract: The device, for reinforcing the area of a part that serves to transmit force, includes two elements for clamping the part. The part can be made of a composite material with reinforcement fibers embedded in a resin. The force transmitted is in the drape-forming plane of the reinforcement fibers of the part. The two elements are at a portion of the part, and at least one linking body connects the two elements with pre-stress so as to generate compression at the portion. At least one linking body is secured to another part with a view to transmitting force.

Abstract: A force introduction fitting for lightweight constructional components comprises at least one radial force introduction surface, at least one axial force introduction surface, and at least one receiving means for holding the force introduction fitting and for introducing loads into the force introduction fitting. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface enclose a hollow space. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface form a single-piece component. Such a force introduction fitting can be produced with the use of a selective laser melting method. The force introduction fitting can thus be adjusted in a particularly flexible manner to the load conditions, comprises particularly advantageous materials characteristics and features a lightweight construction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a profiled section made of a thermally insulating composite material. A thermoset matrix is injected into an injection box where continuous natural fiber rovings circulate. The continuous natural fiber rovings and a portion of the thermoset matrix are pultruded. The natural fiber volume ratio is between 50 and 70% and a natural fiber mass ratio is between 55 and 75%. During the injection step, the ratio of natural fibers can be adapted so that the composite material has a conductivity of less than 0.30. The continuous natural fiber rovings can be twisted before the steps of injecting and pultruding. Preferably, during the twisting step, a number of turns per meter of between 10 and 30 is transmitted to the continuous natural fiber rovings.

Abstract: A composite bearing comprising a densified portion, wherein a hole location is positioned at the approximate center of said densified portion; and a plurality of filament tendrils, wherein the plurality of filament tendrils are configured to wrap around the hole location to create a “U” shape.

Abstract: A tie rod for a plastic tank, in which the tie rod has end faces made of plastic and between the end faces has a central part made of a metal, a plastic tank having such a tie rod and a method for producing a plastic tank.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for joining at least two components to form a structural assembly, near a wing of an aircraft, wherein at least one component is formed from a fibre composite plastic and at least one further component is formed from either a metal or a fibre composite plastic. A bushing is secured in a hole through the components. The bushing includes a first end with a collar which faces towards a lower face of the structural assembly and a second end. A zone of an upper face of the structural assembly radially surrounds the second end and includes a depression. A connecting element is installed in the bushing. This provides a smooth, aerodynamically beneficial configuration of the upper face, which can be coated, and which ensures a reliable electrical contact between the connecting element and a conductive surface of the first component.

Abstract: A hybrid component is formed by a profiled component of a first material, which is materially bonded in certain sections to a component made of a second material, and is connected by a form-fit and/or force-fit connection outside the sections with a material bond. This creates sections that relieve the strains resulting from differing thermal expansion. A method is disclosed for producing a hybrid component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fish joint device intended to attach securely first and second structural elements of an aircraft to one another, having two fishplates positioned either side of the structural elements, and attached to them by a set of fishplate through fastenings. According to the invention, the fish joint device includes at least one intermediate fish joint plate which is positioned between one of said fishplates and said structural elements which said intermediate plate partly covers, and which is attached to these elements by a set of intermediate plate through fastenings which includes the set of fishplate through fastenings.

Abstract: A coupling between a first surface and a second surface is disclosed. The first surface includes a first shape and has a surface roughness average that is less than or equal to about 500 microinches (13 microns). The second surface includes a second shape and projections, in a preselected pattern, forming at least a portion of the second surface. The first shape of the first surface and the second shape of the second surface are substantially complementary. The projections are configured to produce a friction fit between the first surface and the second surface when the first and the second surfaces are biased against each other. An average elastic compressive range, substantially equal to the surface roughness average of the first surface, is associated with the projections.

Abstract: A gangable composite clip for attaching decking. The clip includes a bottom and a top. The bottom is made of a first material. The top is made of a second material. The first material of the bottom is different than the second material of the top. The first material of the bottom engages in the second material of the top during manufacturing so as to attach the bottom to the top and form the gangable composite clip without a need for any other means to attach the bottom to the top.

Abstract: In a connector (10) with a first housing (11) made of resin and including a first terminal portion (42A) connected to a first device and a second housing (25) made of resin and including a second terminal portion (42B) connected to a second device, the first and second housings (11, 25) are coupled and united by a coupling portion (30) made of rubber and formed by insert molding or two-color molding. A method for manufacturing the connector (10) of the present invention includes a uniting step of coupling and uniting the first and second housings (11, 25) by the coupling portion (30) made of rubber by insert molding or two-color molding.

Abstract: A bimetallic shaft for use in gearbox applications wherein the member of shaft that protrudes from the gearbox is designed and constructed from a corrosion-resistant metallic compound to prevent corrosion and wear to exposed shaft material. A gearbox comprising a bimetallic shaft having a corrosion-resistant material on the portion of the bimetallic shaft that protrudes from a gearbox housing, wherein a gearbox shaft seal radially surrounds the bimetallic shaft. A method of providing a bimetallic gearbox shaft comprising: a first shaft member comprising a non-corrosion-resistant material and having a first shaft axis, a second shaft member comprising a corrosion-resistant material and having a second shaft axis, and a joint that permanently affixes the first shaft member to the second shaft member such that the first shaft axis is aligned with the second shaft axis.

Abstract: A fitting body having at least one fitting unit is produced, at least to a large part, from a material having a density of less than 7000 kg/m3.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention related to plectrum composite couplers comprising a spacer material, the spacer material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pivot core that is embedded at least partially in the spacer material. Different embodiment of the invention comprise methods for manufacturing composite couplers, methods of assembling a dual plectrum system comprising a dual plectrum composite coupler, and methods for striking the strings of a stringed instrument using an assembled dual plectrum device comprising said dual plectrum composite coupler.

Abstract: A system and method for joining together a pair of brittle material pieces, such as controlled expansion ceramic pieces, involves using a threaded plug joined to a first brittle material piece, to secure a threaded fastener passing through part of the second brittle material piece, thus joining together the brittle material pieces. The threaded plug may be inserted in a plug-receiving hole that may be substantially perpendicular to a fastener-receiving hole in the first brittle material piece. One or both of the plug and the plug-receiving hole may be conical, to facilitate fitting the plug into the plug-receiving hole. The plug may be secured to the first brittle piece by soldering. The system and method provides a secure way of threadedly joining together a pair of brittle material parts, without use of possibly contaminating adhesives, and without a need to put threads on the actual brittle material itself.

Abstract: A support structure component is provided for a motor vehicle body and to a correspondingly configured motor vehicle body. The support structure component includes, but is not limited to a support element and a plastic fastening structure arranged thereon, which includes, but is not limited to a fastening element for fastening a motor vehicle component.

Abstract: Steel for a high temperature joining process suitable, in particular for components intended for applications with high demands on fatigue and toughness properties, such as bearing components, comprising the following composition in weight-%: 0.5-0.8 C, 0- 0.15 Si, 0-1.0 Mn, 0.01-2.0 Cr, 0.01-1.0 Mo, 0.01-2.0 Ni, 0.01-1.0 of V or 0.01-1.0 of Nb, or 0.01-1.0 of both V and Nb, 0-0.002 S, 0-0.010 P, 0-0.15 Cu, 0.010-1.0 Al, the remainder being Fe and normally occurring impurities.

Abstract: A connecting element has a base (1) with a first interface (2), to connect to a robot, and a plurality of second interfaces (3), to connect to clamping frame elements. The base (1) with its interfaces (2, 3) is formed from a fibre-plastic composite material.

Abstract: Joint parts 14 of joinable plates 12a, 12b to be joined to each other are joined by a plurality of joining bolts 16a-16d. The joining bolts are arranged in a direction of a tensile load F. The joint parts 14 of the plate members 12a, 12b have four sections T1 to T4 that vary in elastic modulus. The elastic modulus (E1 to E4) of these sections T1 to T4 have a relationship of E1(T1)>E2(T2)>E3(T3)>E4(T4). By arranging the bolts 36a, 36d in the low-elastic sections T1, T4, the shared load of the joining bolts are equalized.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a mounting rail includes a retaining element comprising a supporting surface for a contact side of the mounting rail, a gripping extension projecting from the supporting surface which engages behind the retaining edge, a first elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have a threaded shaft pass therethrough, and bracing slopes. A clamping element comprises a second elongated hole disposed transversely to the mounting rail configured to have the threaded shaft pass therethrough, and mating slopes. Nuts engage the threaded shaft. The retaining element and the clamping element are arranged axially between, and are braced together by, the nuts, so that the clamping element and the mounting rail advance toward each another and the mating slopes slide downward on the bracing slopes. The mounting rail is thereby clamped against the gripping extension by the clamping element and is held down on the supporting surface.

Abstract: A hierarchical digital material comprises a set of self-similar digital voxels and connectors. Each voxel is connectable to other self-similar digital voxels by means of the connectors and each voxel is configured to accept connectors of differing sizes. Voxels and connectors may be of differing sizes. Voxels and connectors of the same or differing sizes are connectable to each other in order to assemble two- and three-dimensional structures. The voxels within a structure may be made of differing materials, as may the connectors.

Abstract: A copper-based alloy which contains 7.8 to 8.8 mass % of Al, 7.2 to 14.3 mass % of Mn and a remainder made up by Cu and unavoidable impurities, has a largest crystal grain diameter of more than 8 mm, has good shape memory properties, and enables the production of a structural material having a cross-section size suitable for use as a structure body or the like; and a structural material comprising the copper-based alloy. The copper-based alloy may additionally contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Fe, Ti, V, Cr, Si, Ge, Nb, Mo, W, Sn, Bi, Sb, Mg, P, Be, Zr, Zn, B, C, S, Ag and a misch metal in the total amount of 0.001 to 5 mass %.

Abstract: A sub-centimeter structure includes a first structural component, a second structural component arranged proximate the first structural component, and a joint connecting the first and second structural components. The joint includes a material that has a first phase that is substantially rigid to hold the first and second structural components in a substantially rigid configuration while the material is in the first phase. The material of the joint has a second phase such that the joint is at least partially fluid to allow the first and second structural components to move relative to each other while the material is in the second phase. The joint interacts with the first and second structural components while the material is in the second phase to cause the first and second structural components to move relative to each other. And, the first and second structural components include a polymer.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing structures by self-assembly of objects. The method and system include providing a first object having a first selected shape and providing a second object having a second selected shape, the shape of the first and second objects interacting to form an alignment which has only a simple stable state arising from minimization of interaction energy for the single stable state.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus and method for supporting a load is provided. The apparatus comprises a structure having an inner surface with a shape configured to substantially conform to an outer surface of a stringer. A number of pins extends from the inner surface of the structure such that the number of pins are configured to engage holes in the outer surface of the stringer when the structure is placed over the outer surface of the stringer. The pins support the structure with respect to the stringer when a load is applied to the structure. A number of members extends from the outer surface of the structure such that the number of members is configured to connect to a part.

Abstract: A force introduction fitting for lightweight constructional components comprises at least one radial force introduction surface, at least one axial force introduction surface, and at least one receiving means for holding the force introduction fitting and for introducing loads into the force introduction fitting. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface enclose a hollow space. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface form a single-piece component. Such a force introduction fitting can be produced with the use of a selective laser melting method. The force introduction fitting can thus be adjusted in a particularly flexible manner to the load conditions, comprises particularly advantageous materials characteristics and features a lightweight construction.

Abstract: The metal fiber has fiber outer surfaces (1) oriented substantially at right angles to each other and can also be provided with bent ends in the shape of a clip. The metal fiber is used to stabilize, strengthen, or fasten materials such as concrete, wood and the like. The fiber edges (2) formed by the fiber outer surfaces (1) of the metal fiber and extending in the longitudinal direction of the fiber are designed as edge surfaces (4) oriented at an angle to the fiber outer surfaces (1) in the manner of a chamfer. Said edge surfaces (4) have projections, which form anchoring heads (3) that are anchored in the materials to be stabilized, strengthened, or fastened.

Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.

Abstract: A two-sided joint for splicing two laminated wires together, while preserving the mechanical integrity of the wire is disclosed. The two-sided joint can splice two laminated HTS wires having tapered ends and includes a bottom strap and a top strap. Under one aspect, a laminated, spliced superconductor wire includes a superconductor joint, which includes first and second superconductor wires, each wire including a laminate layer, a substrate layer overlaying the laminate layer, a buffer layer overlaying the substrate layer, a superconductor layer overlaying the buffer layer, a gap layer overlaying the superconductor layer, and a laminate layer overlaying the gap layer, a first HTS strap in electrical connection with the second laminate layer of the first laminate wire and the second laminate layer of the second laminate wire, and a backing strap proximate to the first laminate layer.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to an insert for attaching a first component to a second component. The insert comprises a body with portions being arranged in the following sequence along a centre line of the insert between two front ends: A first portion with a first diameter; a second portion with a second diameter; a third portion with a third diameter, and a fourth portion with a fourth diameter. The geometries are such that the second diameter is less than the first diameter and less than the third diameter, and the third diameter is less than the first diameter. Finally, the fourth diameter is less than the third diameter.

Abstract: A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner insider the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible dispenser for dispensing various edible and non-edible materials in an industrial or home environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foldable and generally pyramoidal-shaped dispenser particularly suited to dispensing granular, powdered or viscous liquid materials and includes a dispenser body having a dispensing end and an interior compartment for receiving and storing various materials. The dispenser body includes a foldable base that may be manually manipulated between a collapsed position closing and sealing a dispensing mechanism and an expanded position opening and unsealing the dispensing mechanism for use.

Abstract: A stable and play-free pivot connection of a bicycle derailleur between a parallelogram link and either a base member or a chain cage. The pivot points are formed with first and second bushings that are arranged as far from one another as possible. The parts are connected by pivot pins having a anti-rotation contour for preventing rotation of the pin within an inner pivot part. The axial displacement of the pivot pin is prevented by a securing element or by a deforming element engaging a holding contour on the pivot pin. One of the first and second bushings is protected and arranged in a blind hole and the other of the first and second bushings is covered on the outside by a pin head of the pivot pin.

Abstract: Fasteners, such as bolts, nuts and screws, rivets, pins, and retaining rings, made of a highly kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting outstanding characteristics, notably a high torque and a high tensile elongation, a measure of practical toughness.

Abstract: A lock for retaining one or more ladders or trestles to a rack comprises a hook which hooks under the rack while the shaft of the hook extends through and beyond the one or more ladders or trestles and a cross beam with a flange at each end which receives the shaft of the hook and sits on and around the one or more ladders or trestles and a handle which also receives the shaft of the hook and secures the cross beam in place thereby fastening the one or more ladders or trestles to the rack and wherein said cross beam is extendable to fit a variety of ladder or trestle sizes.

Abstract: A locking plate system comprising a locking plate assembly and proprietary wrench is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the locking plate assembly is installed either singularly or in sets on a rigid panel (rectangular or L-shaped) and used to secure the panel to an elevator wall or door jam. In addition, rivets are used to secure the locking plate assembly, The locking plate assembly utilizes a jack post and a latch dog, each having teeth that are manipulated to lock and unlock the system. The respective angles of the interfacing teeth on both the jack post and latch dog provide the unique capability of the locking system to effectuate both the functional compressive strength of the locking plate and the ability of the mechanism to retain its locking functionality. In other embodiments, the rigid panels are included in the embodiment, with specific description given for the composition of the panels.

Abstract: A cement plant refractory anchor (10) comprising a body formed of stainless steel, wherein external surfaces of said body have a surface diffusion coating of an iron aluminide phase formed by a high temperature pack cementation process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).

Abstract: A joint for use in aircraft construction, for example a wing, comprises: a cover skin having an interior surface, an exterior surface and a distal portion, said distal portion having an exterior-facing surface; and a butt-strap having a first portion for connection to the skin, said first portion having an interior surface, an exterior surface and a distal end. The first portion of the butt-strap is connected to the distal portion of the skin such that a junction is formed between the exterior surface of the skin and the exterior surface of the first portion of the butt-strap. The exterior-facing surface of the distal portion of the skin is of a shape complementary to the shape of the interior surface of the first portion of the butt-strap. The first portion of the butt-strap tapers towards its distal end such that, at said junction, the exterior surface of the skin and the exterior surface of the first portion of the butt-strap form a substantially continuous exterior surface.