Abstract: An image guide includes a member having a first surface and a second surface. The member defines a plane. The member is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. At least one marker is connectable with the member and extends relative to the plane from the first surface and the second surface for detectable alignment with the sensor. In some embodiments, surgical systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a washer capable of improving a material yield is provided. The method includes: a preparation step of preparing a longitudinal member which includes an upper crest portion and a lower crest portion formed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the longitudinal member, and an upper valley portion and a lower valley portion continuous to the upper crest portion and the rower crest portion in the right-left direction, respectively, the upper valley portion and the lower valley portion provided with projections, respectively; and a deformation step of deforming the longitudinal member such that the upper surface and the lower surface are arcuate as viewed in the direction from the front to the rear.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a washer having a generally circular shape and is used for supporting a screw head. The shank of the screw penetrates the central hole of the washer. When viewed from a planar perspective, the outer edges of the washer have a sinusoidal shape with depressions and elevations.

Abstract: In a method for joining a functional element with a metal sheet, with the functional element having an attachment part for attachment of a structure to the metal sheet, a cold forming process employed for the metal sheet is also used to mark the metal sheet with a sink mark by which a joining position of the metal sheet with the functional element is indicated. After the functional element is joined with the metal sheet at the joining position, the joining position is checked with respect to a position of the functional element inside of the sink mark.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting assembly for securing a solar panel to a shingled roof with the assembly comprising a mounting block having four mounting block partitions that a form a cross-shaped pattern, with four mounting surfaces extending between and perpendicular to corresponding mounting block partitions, and with the mounting block partitions and corresponding mounting surfaces for use in securing a corner of the solar panel to the solar panel mounting assembly. The remaining corners of the solar panel can be similarly secured using other solar panel mounting assemblies. The solar panel assembly also comprises a flashing panel for flashing the assembly to the singled roof.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a locking bolt, which is capable of tightly fixing a member or the like at an extremely high degree of firmness without being loosened even when vibrations are repeatedly applied thereto, and is manufactured in an extremely facilitated manner. The locking bolt includes: a shank section (1) threaded on an outer circumference thereof; and a head section (2) provided at one end of the shank section (1). The head section (2) includes: a main body portion (201) having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape; and a cylindrical skirt portion (202) provided continuously with the main body portion (201) and formed so as to be spaced radially outward from the main body portion (201) in an expanding manner along a concave surface using a catenary curve surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw having a screw head (2), a screw shank (1) and a corrugated conical flange (4) which decreases in thickness toward the outside, which flange (4) will abut on a component part as the screw is being screwed into the latter. The two lateral surfaces (5, 6) of the flange (4) from the screw shank (1) to the outer edge (7) of the flange taper continuously toward the outside with the thickness of the flange (4) decreasing at the same time, with its corrugation (8) extending substantially over the entire radial width of the flange (4).

Abstract: A washer (14) and a threaded assembly (22) between a screw (30) and a workpiece (42) are provided. The washer (14) is offset up to an angle (?) with respect to a flat initial state, such that the washer has an insert thickness (De) that is substantially greater than the initial thickness (Da) thereof. The washer (14) is made of a malleable material. The length (Lg) of an unthreaded shank section (40) of the screw (30) is smaller than the sum of the thickness (Dw) of the workpiece (42) and the insert thickness (De) of the washer (14), and essentially not smaller than the sum of the thickness (Dw) of the workpiece (14) and the insert thickness (Da) of the washer (14). When the last thread of the screw (30) leaves the workpiece (42) on being screwed in, the force previously exerted on the washer (14) by the feed of the screw is zero.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for reaction arms. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to create a substantially torsionless live load on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: Device for attaching an element (20) to a holder (22) comprising a screw (4) including a body (10) and a head (8), intended to pass through an opening (24) of the element (20) and to penetrate the holder (22), and a washer (6) intended to surround the screw (4) while being inserted between the head (8) of the screw and the element (20). The washer (6) comprises an external periphery (14) and an internal periphery (16) each having at least one protruding portion (30, 32) intended to penetrate respectively the element (20) and the holder (22) to provide the attachment. Attachment method using such a device. Front face with a such device. Application to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fastener axial loading includes a fastener insert having an arched bottom surface, which deflects correlative to the level of axial loading. A load indicating mechanism determines axial loading by measuring the amount of deflection experienced by the arched insert. In addition, the arched insert stores elastic energy that is added to the overall elastic energy of the fastener, thereby aiding the fastener integrity during use. A graduated load gauge is moveable to engage a load reference pin with the degree of movement corresponding to the degree of loading experienced by the fastener insert.

Abstract: When an outer circumference of a clamping portion 25 and an outer circumference of a circular outer circumference 26 are restrained by a die 6 while inserting a non-circular punch 5 into a circular hole 28, paddings 27, 27 are pressed by a semi-circular inner circumference of the die 6 to thereby be forced into interior of the circular hole 28. The volume of the paddings 27, 27 is set to be substantially the same as a volume obtained by subtracting the volume of a non-circular hole 23 in an extension shaft 2 from the volume of the circular hole 28. The circular hole 28 is deformed, and the paddings 27, 27 forced into the circular hole 28 abut with inclined planes 52, 52 of the punch 5, whereby the non-circular hole 23 is formed in the extension shaft 2.

Abstract: A conical washer having a crush zone wherein the inner annular projection comprises a top and bottom elevation where the top elevation lies at an approximately 100 to 165 degree angle to the inner annular wall of the washer and the bottom elevation is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the washer. The inner annular projection forms a crush zone, which collapses and crushes when an attachment device passes through the washer and is tightened down by a user. The crush zone provides a tight engagement of fastener to the bearing surface, and one which eliminates looseness in the fastener upon thermal expansion of the metal of the elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fastener axial loading includes a fastener insert having an arched bottom surface, which deflects correlative to the level of axial loading. A load indicating mechanism determines axial loading by measuring the amount of deflection experienced by the arched insert. In addition, the arched insert stores elastic energy which is added to the overall elastic energy of the fastener, thereby aiding the fastener integrity during use. The system comprises a zeroing mechanism and full-scale adjustment mechanism for calibration of the system, and an apparatus for measuring in-service load.

Abstract: A washer for a fastening element, having a circumferential flange, having an annular washer body provided with an opening, and having at least one holding web, wherein on the inner face of the opening there are disposed at least two claws, which jut radially into the opening.

Abstract: A ground washer is disclosed for attachment by a grounding screw to a grounding terminal. The washer device includes a disc-shaped member which defines an opening for the reception therethrough of the grounding screw. The member has an annular portion having a first and a second surface, the annular portion surrounding the opening. The annular portion cooperates with a plurality of teeth extending from the grounding terminal towards the annular portion of the member. A conical portion having a first and a second end, is disposed concentrically around the annular portion. A raised annular ridge is disposed between the annular portion and the conical portion, the ridge cooperating with the grounding screw such that when the grounding screw is turned, the ridge urges the annular portion into contact with the plurality of teeth of the grounding element. An annular flange is disposed concentrically around the conical portion, the flange mating with the grounding terminal.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a printing system that includes a threaded bolt that engages a threaded bore of a first dovetail nut. The assembly also includes a second dovetail nut with a bore through which a shaft of the bolt passes. Each dovetail nut has two tapered portions located on opposite sides of the bore of the respective nut. When the bolt/dovetail nut combination is assembled, the two dovetail nuts are located a distance apart so that the tapered portions of the two nuts define a pair of slots. To connect sections of the web guide together, each slot engages a flared connector of a respective section.

Abstract: A shear wall system comprises stucco fasteners consisting of an elongated first portion that is driven into a wood frame wall, and an elongated second portion that is completely embedded in a stucco wall panel. In one embodiment, the fasteners consist of an assembly having a first element that is driven into the wood frame wall, and a second annular element receiving a portion of the first element and that is embedded rigidly into the cement stucco wall. Ductile movement of the fastener components with respect to wood frame wall and the stucco wall provides energy dissipation.

Abstract: A flexible disk for securely holding insulation to an air duct made from a resilient material, and having a convex upper surface and a diameter of from 1.5 inches to 4.0 inches. A washer for receiving a disk fastener is centrally positioned in the disk top, which is thicker than the top. A rim is located at the circumference of the top which has a planar bottom for contacting the insulation. When the disk is properly attached to an air duct by a fastener, it deforms to a concave configuration by which it resiliently exerts force on the underside surface of the disk and the rim which in turn presses downward on the insulation, securely holding the insulation in place without crushing the insulation.

Abstract: A product and method for preventing a connector from rotating when a mating connector is attached to, or detached from, the connector. When a nut on the connector is tightened, a washer is compressed in a groove in a panel to which the connector is attached. Edges on the outer perimeter of the washer press against the edges of the groove, thus preventing the washer from rotating in relation to the panel having the connector. A portion of the washer's cutout presses against flat regions on the connector and, in conjunction with the groove in the panel, prevent the connector from rotating when attaching or detaching cables.

Abstract: A washer based nut has a nut body (11), a frustum disc spring (12) of a countersunk shape and rotatably fitting on the nut body, and a washer (14) for bearing against wooden articles. The washer has a central bore (16) and a round recess (17) formed around the bore and in a top face of the washer, and the round recess (17) formed coaxial with the central bore has a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the frustum disc spring (12) such that the latter is fitted in the round recess. Two or more portions of a circular periphery of the round recess (17) are deformed to retain the washer (14) on the frustum disc spring (12), so that the fastening works are rendered more efficient and manufacture cost of the nuts is reduced, under an easier management of the parts.

Abstract: An electrically operated device and fastener assembly for establishing an electrical and mechanical connection on the device. The fastener assembly generally includes a fastener and a washer which may be permanently flattened against the device to establish an electrical connection to a piece of coated metal. Upon removal of the fastener, the washer remains permanently flattened against the device or piece of metal and mechanically connected thereto by a build-up of coating material on projections associated with the washer. Fastener assemblies may be constructed using, for example, sheet metal screws requiring only one of the washers in the assembly or machine screws which may require two of the washers.

Abstract: A terminal capacitor cover assembly having a screw portion and a jacket portion for complementarily fitting a terminal for a capacitor. This assembly provides an easy retrofit for capacitor terminals to equip them with a aesthetically acceptable and functionally superior alternative material. The assembly can be constructed of material equivalent to the operatively connected electrical lead, thus reducing the anodization and cross metallic oxidation of the capacitor terminal.

Abstract: A roofing and siding fastener for securing underlayments, exterior insulation sheathings, and similar membranes to a substrate. The disclosure comprises a cap portion having a rectangular body with oppositely extended legs. Said legs are bent downward and have heels situated at the ends. The cap has a nail centrally inserted through the body. The installer positions the fastener over the material to be secured and strikes the nail head, thereby driving the fastener into a substrate. As the cap portion engages the material, the heels act to deflect the flattening legs over the top surface of the material instead of allowing the legs to puncture. Each flattened leg now becomes a spring-like binder which not only provides superior holding power over the prior art, they also flex upward to dampen strong winds which can blow these underlayments off. This flexibility greatly enhances the effectiveness of underlayments in a "dry-in" procedure.

Abstract: A liveload assembly having a stack guide with a thread on the exterior side wall, a plurality of compressible belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide, and a retainer cap having a thread on an inner side wall for matingly engaging with the stack guide to hold the belleville washers in compression. The gland follower of a fluid flow apparatus is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt extending upwardly from the gland follower. A nut is threaded on the bolt to contact the stack of belleville washers and the retainer cap is unscrewed to a second position on the stack guide and fixed by turning a set screw through a bore in the cap and against the side of the stack guide. Compression of the gland follower is monitored by viewing the relative movement of the stack of belleville washers through a longitudinal slot in the side wall.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing a transmission operating control valve body to a transmission case. The clamping assembly utilizes at least one biasing member having a hub portion. The hub portion has a generally centrally disposed aperture with a plurality of spring arms extending radially outwardly from the hub portion. Each spring arm has a distal end that is adapted to engage the valve body. A spacer is interposed between the hub portion and the valve body. A fastener is receivable through the aperture and through the valve body to be anchored in the transmission case, thereby securing the valve body in position.

Abstract: A covering device comprising a cap of flexible material having at least one recess, that is penetrable by a fastening element. The recess is enclosed by a cup-spring-type area which is formed in one piece with the cap.

Abstract: An insulative and resilient spacer member to be mounted between a heated manifold and a cooled clamp plate in an injection molding system. The spacer member has a plurality of V-shaped concentric rings. It has a uniform cross section with a number of web portions extending diagonally between alternate forward and rearward ridge portions. The outer surfaces of the alternate ridge portions are aligned to provide forward and rearward sides of the spacer member which extend parallel a predetermined distance apart. Some of the outer surfaces have an inwardly extending insulative circular groove. The spacer member is formed of steel to have a predetermined combination of strength, resilience and reduced thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A symmetric self locking nut with a deflecting annular flange that allows the nut to be installed from opposite ends. The nut has a shank with a threaded hole through the longitudinal axis of the shank. Extending from the shank perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is at least one annular flange. At the end of the flange are a pair of annular rims that extend in opposite directions from the flange. The rims define the outmost end portions of the nut and have outer surfaces that engage the working surface of a workpiece. When the nut is screwed onto the bolt and one of the rims engages the workpiece, the flange deflects causing the nut thread nearest the workpiece to press against the adjacent thread of the bolt. The deflection of the flange increases the frictional force between the threads of the nut and bolt, insuring that the nut is in constant contact with the bolt even when the fasteners are subjected to vibrational loading.

Abstract: A washer for use in fastening two members by a bolt is disclosed herein. The washer comprises an elastic body disposed between a head of the bolt and a seat surface corresponding to a surface of one member of the members. The body has a hole to allow for passage of a shank of the bolt. At least one projection is provided on a surface of the body facing the seat surface for engaging with the seat surface. The surface of the projection contacting with the seat surface is formed in a smooth arc.

Abstract: A bolt shank and washer have contiguous respective elliptical and circular surfaces that interact to impart an undulated axial distortion to the washer in a circumferentially running sinusoidal way, so that the washer acts in spring-like fashion to lock the bolt in its tightened position. The elliptical surface is tapered outwardly toward the bolt head to give an increased spring constant with increased tightening.

Abstract: Apparatus for fastening rails on ties of a railroad comprising four rail screws for flushly mounting an abutment face of a bedplate against the upper surface of the tie and a pre-stressed, elastically deformable bedplate having a convex curved abutment face for frictionally engaging the upper surface of the tie and for applying a spring force against the rail screws when the rail screws are used to brace the curved abutment face flush against the tie.

Abstract: A loading washer assembly includes an annular first washer provided with spaced apart ears on its outer peripheral edge with each of the ears having a return bent portion at its free end, an annular second washer provided with spaced apart notches on its outer peripheral edge for slidably receiving the ears whereby to prevent relative rotation of said washers, the return bent portions of the ears limiting the axial extent of separation of these washers. Each of the washers on their opposed surfaces have circumferentially spaced apart, radial extending raised ribs with the ribs on the first washer rotatively offset from the ribs on the second washer. A normally flat spring ring is interposed between the first washer and the second washer in position so as to be engaged by the opposed sets of ribs whereby the spring ring will be deformed into a wave-like spring upon axial displacement of the first washer toward the second washer.

Abstract: A specially designed washer for attaching a plastic member to a metal substrate. The washer has a generally polygonal configuration with a metal-substrate-engaging member which projects through the plastic from an off-center location. This member provides some dissipation of the clamp load through a metal-to-metal contact path through the plastic and also acts as a pivot point for the washer to transfer another component outwardly from the aperture in the plastic and distribute it over a wide surface area to reduce plastic creep and eliminate loosening of the joint. A crowning of the washer body dissipates additional clamp loading from the resulting spring forces.

Abstract: An improved hitch adapter for connecting an implement to a tractor drawbar including an adapter bar having a hitch member extending rearwardly of the drawbar, a spring locking bar disposed on the adapter bar, and a lower support member having a bolt attached thereto and extending upwardly through the drawbar, adapter bar, and locking bar, a second bolt socketted in the lower support member and extending through the drawbar, adapter bar, and locking bar. When the nut on the first bolt is made finger tight, the nut on the second bolt may be torqued using a single wrench simultaneously tensioning the first bolt to lock the adapter bar on the drawbar.

Abstract: A one-piece spring washer for use with threaded fasteners such as screws has a self-retention feature whereby, once positioned on the screw, it remains firmly in place. The washer comprises an annular body defining a central aperture for receiving the screw shank and a plurality of thread engaging teeth bent up from the body about the aperture for holding the washer in place. Each tooth has a helical thread confronting edge having a pitch that is steeper than, and in the opposite sense of, the pitch of the screw thread so that the teeth extend crosswise of and grip the crest of the thread. A plurality of spring elements are bent up from the washer body outboard of, but in the same direction as, the teeth. The spring elements, which flex downwardly when the screw is tightened against a workpiece, load the screw axially to resist loosening of the screw.

Abstract: A shock and vibration-proof fastener of general application and particularly suitable to hold dual wheels demountably assembled to a cargo vehicle hub. The fastener is designed to isolate the threads thereof from radial and torsion stresses utilizing a split collet encircling the shank of the fastener with its periphery converging toward the collet ends at angles of the order of 4 to 1 relative to the collet axis and having a nesting interference fit with a similarly tapered bore through the parts or wheels to be clamped together. The fastener shank has a threaded well in one end mateable with a cap screw having a self-aligning conical surface on the underside of its head engaging the rim edge of a loose fitting washer. The self-aligning surfaces are preferably provided with a ring of teeth and notches interengaging along helical surfaces having a pitch substantially greater than that of the fastener threads.