Abstract: A tee-bolt for use with an accessory mounting track provides a quick and easy removable attachment of various devices. The tee-bolt comprises a head comprising upper and lower surfaces and a female threaded hole passing therethrough between the upper and lower surfaces, and a stud comprising a male thread having an end threaded through the head so that the end is flush with the lower surface of the head and a portion of the stud extends from the upper surface of the head. The end of the stud is flared outwardly within the threaded hole and flush with the lower surface of the head by the application of pressure to form a flare that interacts with the head to inhibit separation of the head and the stud.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improvements to removable fasteners and particularly relates to removable and re-usable fasteners with features that allow them to be gripped and handled positively. The present invention therefore provides a fastening system comprising a fastener and a tool, the tool being suitable for installing and removing the fastener from an aperture in a work-piece, wherein the fastener has a main body and a head at one end, and wherein the head of the fastener and the tool have grip features that allow the fastener to be releasably locked to the tool to prevent separation of the fastener and tool during installation and removal of the fastener. This allows the fastener to be handled positively without fear of the fastener becoming misaligned, or dropping off the tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus that disengages a tool and indicates undesired contact. More specifically, the embodiments of the disclosure relate to a fastener that limits over insertion, indicates over insertion, and limits undesired contact of that fastener with a surface. Further, the apparatus can limit damage to an underlying component such as a circuit board. The apparatus has a shank having a cavity extending through the shank. Additionally, the shank has a recess for installation by a tool. A slider is positioned within the shank wherein the slider can limit engagement with the recess and indicate a condition.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate and fastener system is provided for fixation of bones which has an implant that can selectably be used to achieve fixed angle and variable locking of the fasteners, as well as non-locking of the fasteners. The system includes a variable locking assembly that includes a locking insert, having threads which mates with internal threads of a through opening in the implant. The system also provides for locking fixed angle fixation, and non-locking variable angle fixation, all of which can be used with the threaded holes of the plates. The locking insert is provided on a ring driver, which is similar to or acts as the drill guide used with the locking fasteners of the present. Thus, the invention also relates to a method of enabling surgery where the surgeon can select the mode of fixation of fasteners between variable axis locking, variable axis non-locking, and fixed angle locking fixation, all utilizing the same fastener opening within the implant.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode; an electrode terminal configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; and a cap plate mounted at an opening of the case, the cap plate having a terminal hole. The electrode terminal includes: a first terminal at the terminal hole of the cap plate and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; a second terminal at an exterior side of the cap plate and configured to be electrically coupled to the first terminal such that the first terminal is exposed to an exterior of the case; and a third terminal on the second terminal and configured to be elastically deformable and electrically coupled to the first terminal through the second terminal.

Abstract: A biasing force adjustment device includes: a cylindrical component having a first thread part; a reciprocate component accommodated in the cylindrical component; a biasing portion that biases the reciprocate component in a first direction; and a biasing force adjustment component that adjusts a biasing force of the biasing portion. The biasing force adjustment component has a second thread part engaged with the first thread part so as to control the position of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component, and a regulation part that regulates movement of the biasing force adjustment component relative to the cylindrical component by being deformed in a radial direction by external force applied in the first direction.

Abstract: A system for fastening a first object to one or more other objects that prevents unfastening due to vibration until unlocked. The locking system includes: (a) girder having a first end that has an externally threaded terminus defining an internally counter-threaded bore; (b) a nut having an essentially planar top surface and an internally threaded bore for rotational engagement with the terminus of the girder, wherein the essentially planar top surface comprises at least two notches on opposite sides of the threaded bore of the nut; and (c) a counter-threaded bolt having a diameter smaller than the bore of the nut and a length sufficient to rotationally engage the bore of said girder while inserted through the bore of the girder, wherein the bolt comprises a head cooperating with the at least two notches for preventing substantial relative rotation of the bolt with the girder.

Abstract: A device for securing a panel to a mounting stud with external teeth. An annular first body has an inner periphery, a plurality of lock fingers extending from the inner periphery, and a plurality of stop fingers extending from the inner periphery and circumferentially spaced from the plurality of lock fingers. An annular second body has a center opening, a plurality of lock openings spaced from the center opening for receiving the plurality of lock fingers to lock the first and second bodies together, and a plurality of legs extending inwardly overlying the center opening for engaging external teeth on the mounting stud.

Abstract: A removable blind fastener comprising a first member (10) having an elongate body (11) with a head (12) at one end, a second member (20) adapted for axial movement relative to the first member, the second member having a threaded aperture (25) and at least one adjustable finger (22), the adjustable finger having a flange remote from the head of the first member and the finger being within the circumference of the hollow body of the first member in the first position of the adjustable finger and the flange extends beyond the circumference of the hollow body of the first member in the second position of the adjustable finger. Rotation of a threaded member (30) in a first direction causes axial movement of the second member relative to the first member in a clamping direction.

Abstract: A press-set threaded screw assembly includes a first member having an aperture. A second member abutting the first member includes a threaded bore co-axially aligned with the aperture. A screw body includes a body flange, a neck portion, and a threaded member. The threaded member in a non-installed condition has first and second displacement portions separated by a tapered slot, each having a main thread portion. A pin is frictionally received in a bore created through the body flange and neck portion in a screw non-installed condition. The threaded member is inserted through the aperture and received in the threaded bore in an initial installation condition. The pin is axially aligned to slide into the tapered slot, whereby the pin oppositely displaces the first and second displacement portions away from each other to contact a plurality of female threads of the threaded bore, defining an installed condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth boring device including a housing which has at least one portion with an inner thread, and a threaded element which has a corresponding outer thread, wherein the threaded element is slotted and has a receptacle for a securing element which increases the outer diameter of the threaded element and the contact pressure of the threaded connection between threaded element and housing, when inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A linear locking set screw system capable of rapid linear engagement and disengagement includes a threaded outwardly expandable set screw and an expander member which are constructed and arranged to thread easily into a threaded aperture while in a first release position and can thereafter be securely locked in place and/or provide a secondary clamping force in a second engaged position. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for indicating or gauging the position of one or more holes in a workpiece. In one aspect of the present invention reusable devices that can be removably engaged with a bore or tapped hole in a workpiece for accurately indicating the center axis of the bore or tapped hole are provided. An exemplary device in accordance with the present invention includes an expandable shank, indicating surface, and driving head. The driving head can be used to install the device into a hole in a workpiece. The expandable shank can be expanded to positively engage the device with the hole in the workpiece and the indicating surface can be referenced, with a probe, to determine the center axis of the hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A fastener for installation into an interference fit hole within a structure. The fastener may be installed through automated installation methods. The fastener includes an enlarged protruding head at a proximal end of the fastener. Distal the head is a substantially cylindrical shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is coated with a lubricant to facilitate insertion of the shoulder portion into the interference fit hole within the structure. A threaded portion having a male thread is positioned distal to the shoulder portion. An aperture having a curved shape and extending into the fastener is positioned on a distal face of the fastener. The aperture may taper proximally into the fastener.

Abstract: A self-locking bolt assembly (1) includes a split bolt (2) and a screw set pin (3). The bolt includes a threaded shank (4), an axial bore (6) extending through the shank, the bore (6) including a threaded bore section (6A), a tapered end section (6C), and a bore midsection (6B) between the threaded bore section and the tapered end section. The screw set pin (3) includes a screw section (10B) having threads for engaging the threaded bore section (6A) and a pin shaft (10) having a tapered end section (10A) for engaging the tapered end section (6C) of the bore (6), the pin shaft (10) having a proximal end attached to the screw section (10B). The pin shaft (10) is sufficiently long to ensure that the screw set pin (3) further into the bore (6) without galling threads of the screw section (10B).

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear locking set screw system capable of rapid linear engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a threaded outwardly expandable set screw and an expander member which are constructed and arranged to thread easily into a threaded aperture while in a first release position and can thereafter be securely locked in place and/or provide a secondary clamping force in a second engaged position. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.

Abstract: A two-piece crank hanger set including a left crank arm having a tubular crank spindle attached thereto and a right crank arm having at least one chain sprocket wheel attached thereto. The crank spindle extends through a bicycle crank tube. Bearing cups are removably attached to both ends of the crank tube. Bearing retainers having tapered roller bearings engage the bearing cups. A tubular stop member is held in place on the outer end of the crank spindle by a spline mechanism. A preload and attachment bolt passes through the right crank arm and chain sprocket wheel and into threadable engagement with a threaded inner surface of the outer end of the tubular crank spindle. The preload and attachment bolt is tightened to preload the bearings.

Abstract: A connection arrangement accommodates misalignments in three dimensions, and achieves a positive fixed connection between two components. A threaded standoff with a first bolt hole therein is partially screwed into a threaded hole in the first component and protrudes to match the spacing distance between the components. Inner and outer eccentric disks are received and supported in a hole in the second component. The inner disk has an offset center relative to the outer disk, and has a second bolt hole offset from the inner disk's center. Rotating the two disks accommodates radial misalignments to bring the two bolt holes into alignment. A bolt shaft extends through the bolt holes. While a bolt head or nut at one end of the shaft bears against the eccentric disks, a clamping cone at the opposite end of the shaft is tightened to axially clamp the standoff against the second component, and to radially outwardly spread and clamp the standoff against the internal threading of the first hole in the first component.

Abstract: A self-locking bolt assembly (1) includes a split bolt (2) and a screw set pin (3). The bolt includes a threaded shank (4), an axial bore (6) extending through the shank, the bore (6) including a threaded bore section (6A), a tapered end section (6C), and a bore midsection (6B) between the threaded bore section and the tapered end section. The screw set pin(3) includes a screw section (10B) having threads for engaging the threaded bore section (6A) and a pin shaft (10) having a tapered end section (10A) for engaging the tapered end section (6C) of the bore (6), the pin shaft (10) having a proximal end attached to the screw section (10B). The pin shaft (10) is sufficiently long to ensure that the screw set pin (3) further into the bore (6) without galling threads of the screw section (10B).

Abstract: A device (2) for fixing bone sections separated because of a fracture comprises a plate (4) with bores (8) for the fastening to a bone, a plurality of internally hollow barrels (10), screwed in the bores (8) of the plate (4) and a plurality of compression screws (6) adapted to be screwed in the bone and then locked in the barrels (10).

Abstract: A fastener has male and female sections, each section having an elongate portion and a head with an outer diameter larger than that of the elongate portion. The elongate portion of the male section has external threads, and the elongate portion of the female section has internal threads for engaging the threads of the male section. The outer end of the male section is castellated and has a threaded cavity. The head of each of the sections receives a tool for tightening the sections together. The female section has a hole through the center of its head that aligns with the cavity in the castellated portion. A tapered, threaded lock screw is inserted into the hole and rotated to cause the threads to engage the cavity, the segments of the castellated portion deforming radially outward and causing a large normal force between the threads on the segments and the threads of the female section.

Abstract: A threaded fastener which includes a shank, a radially enlarged head at one end, an external thread on at least a part of the shank, and a bore which extends through the head and into the threaded part of the shank. At least the threaded part of the shank is radially expandable into the threaded engagement with the wall of a suitable unthreaded bore in a workpiece in which the threaded part has been inserted. The fastener thereafter is removable by unscrewing it from the workpiece bore. The expandable part of the shank is provided with a plurality of radially extending lugs or other protrusions provided on the threaded part of the shank thereby to resist unscrewing of the fastener from the workpiece bore.

Abstract: A high strength bolt fastens a baffle plate and a former plate of a pressurized water nuclear reactor pressure vessel together. The bolt has a head portion and an integral locking member extending from the head portion for engaging one of the structural members to lock the bolt with the structural member. The integral locking member portion has a lower yield stress than the yield stress of the shank. A lower yield stress may be obtained by selective annealing. The locking member is less susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in high temperature, high pressure water of commercial nuclear power reactors.

Abstract: A locking device for an electrical connector comprises an engaging rod defining an outer screw thread thereon for engaging with a bolt of a mating connector defining an inner screw thread therein, and an additional inserting rod inserted into the engaging rod. The engaging rod comprises a through hole and a pair of gradually narrowed slots disposed around an end thereof in communication with the through hole. The inserting rod is inserted into the through hole of the engaging rod to expand the slots whereby the outer screw thread of the engaging rod latchably engages the inner screw thread defined in a screw hole of the bolt thereby securing the electrical connector and the mating connector together.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial movement of said device relative to the wheel hub.

Abstract: An anti-rotational fastening system consisting of a primary bolt or screw that is fabricated with an axial passage at the center of the drive head extending through the entire length. The threaded end has a tapered counterbore that is sectioned to provide radially expandable segments. The segments expand by means of an internally threaded conical shaped lock pin that is drawn into the tapered counterbore of the primary fastener by clockwise rotation of a secondary threaded device positioned in the axial passage. As these segments expand, clearance is reduced between the external threads of the primary member and the internal threads of the tapped hole or nut of the bolted connection. Frictional resistance to rotation is increased as the clearance between the threads decrease. The friction increases to a point where the fastening system is locked and resists all but deliberate loosening of the bolted connection.

Abstract: The invention solves a problem associated with a conventional medical substituting element for hard tissues that loosening is likely to occur after the substituting element is mounted on hard tissues, by providing the medical substituting element for hard tissues with: one or a plurality of through hole units into which fixation screws are inserted; a screw stopper for stopping the fixation screw inserted into the through hole unit at the position where the head of the fixation screw becomes lower than the upper end of the through hole unit; and a slip-off prevention member engaging unit formed in the inner wall of the through hole unit at the position higher than the screw stopper, wherein after the fixation screw inserted into the through hole unit is threaded into the hard tissues, a slip-off prevention member engages with the slip-prevention member engaging unit to ensure a slip-off prevention of the fixation screw.

Abstract: A shaft has a head attached at one end and terminates at the other end in a tapered tip. A slot passes through the shaft, extending from the end opposite the head at least partially along the length of the shaft. Helical thread segments extend along the shaft, matching the thread in the threaded hole. The screw is inserted by pushing it into the threaded hole; the shaft halves are compressed together until the outer diameter of the thread segments on the shaft is smaller than the inner diameter of the threads in the threaded hole. The shaft halves spring back to their uncompressed position after insertion. The thread segments on the shaft mesh with the thread in the hole, retaining the shaft in the hole after insertion. The shaft must be removed by unscrewing the shaft.

Abstract: An insert assembly for installation in a workpiece having a threaded hole. When the inner insert is axially received within the outer insert, the mating surfaces of these members are configured such that the inner insert applies a radial outward force to the outer insert to securely install the insert assembly in the workpiece. A stud assembly also is provided for installation in the workpiece hole. The stud assembly comprises a stud body and a stud. When the stud is axially received within the stud body, the mating surfaces of these members, like the insert assembly, are configured such that the stud applies a radial outward force to the stud body to securely install the stud assembly in the workpiece. Both the insert assembly and stud assembly are particularly adapted for use with workpieces made of relatively soft or lightweight materials.

Abstract: This key comprises a pair of elongated blocks each having a tapered recess; a tapered pin adapted to be inserted in a tubular tapered portion which is formed by bringing the pair of blocks together in such a manner that the tapered recesses confront, and mutually displaceable in the axial direction; and a clamping member adapted to be screwed into a threaded portion provided on one end of the tapered pin or the tubular tapered portion. The key obtained by assembling these parts can be fitted into a key groove provided between a driving member and a driven member. The clamping member is rotated to mutually displace the tapered pin with respect to the tubular tapered portion in the axial direction, thereby separating the blocks from each other, thus pressing the outer walls of the blocks against the inner wall of the key groove. As a result, the key is firmly fitted into the key groove, and the drive member and the driven member can be securely coupled together with a higher reliability.

Abstract: A locking bolt consists of a main bolt with a through hole extending axially along its center line, a deforming bolt rotatably mounted in the through hole in the main bolt, and a nut which is screwed onto the end of the deforming bolt. At least one slit is provided in the end of the shaft of the main bolt, and when the nut is tightened the deforming bolt expands the end portion of the shaft of the main bolt. At the end of the shaft the through hole in the main bolt is provided with a tapered hole portion of which the diameter decreases gradually from the tip of the shaft toward the head of the main bolt, and the head of the deforming bolt is tapered so that it fits into the tapered hole portion. When the nut is tightened, the deforming bolt jams the thread on the end portion of the shaft of the bolt against the thread of the bolt hole, and thereby prevents the bolt from becoming loose.

Abstract: A threaded, locking set screw with standard outer dimensions having a thred body, an expansion plug, and a retaining wedge. The threaded body has a tapered cavity at its bottom end. The expansion plug and retaining wedge are inserted into the cavity in the body. The base of the plug extends from the cavity, and the plug is held in place by a force fit between the wedge and a retaining slot in the body. When the set screw is tightened against a part, the plug is forced into the cavity. Because of a locking taper between the plug and the cavity, the plug exerts an outward force on the inner surface of the cavity causing the set screw body to expand radially, thus, locking the set screw in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a threaded insert assembly with a locking plate having a non-circular shape and a non-serrated outer edge instead of a conventional circular shaped locking ring having a circular serrated outer edge. The non-circular locking plate is shaped to engage mating edges of a correspondingly shaped recess formed in the anchoring structure so as prevent the insert from rotating out of the anchoring structure once the insert is locked into the plate. The threaded insert is secured to the locking plate by interdigitated serrations swaged into engagement.

Abstract: An improved pin drive anchor has an elongated body, a lock nut, and a drive pin having a securing section. The outer end of the body is threaded to permit the lock nut to be threadable therein. When the drive pin is driven into the anchor, the security section is designed so that the outer section of the body is expanded, thereby locking the lock nut onto the anchor.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in locking relationship with an internally threaded member is disclosed which includes an expandable bolt having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough which is cylindrically shaped on a first end segment thereof and frusto-conically shaped on a second adjoining end segment thereof. The assembly also includes an elongated draw rod having a cylindrically shaped end portion adapted for close fitting slidable engagement in the first end segment, and a frusto-conically shaped end portion or boss having a rate of taper which is greater than the rate of taper of the second cavity segment. The bolthead defines a first circularly shaped recess concentrically formed about an opening of the cavity and a larger diameter second circularly shaped recess essentrically formed around the first recess.

Abstract: A device for removably retaining a fluid system component in a smooth bore comprises of body on one end of which the component is mounted and the other end of which comprises a plurality of wings. The interior of the body provides female screw threads into which an expansion member is engaged, said expansion member having male screw threads at one end and at the other end a truncated conical section. Rotation of the expansion member relative to the body causes further insertion for expansion member into the body such that the conical section causes the wing members to radially expand and engage the wall of the installation bore. The device is generally cylindrical in overall configuration with an outside diameter at least slightly less than the inside diameter of the installation bore and upon retraction of the expansion member from forcible engagement with the body, the wing members relax to their original state and the device can then be readily removed from the installation bore.

Abstract: A fastener includes a threaded pin and an internally threaded collar. The threads can freely be run without impediment during tightening. After the fastener is tightened, a tool engages a shoulder on the collar and presses a deflector against the collar on the pin to deflect it so as to form a lock against loosening.

Abstract: A locking bolt assembly that prevents the release of loose parts in the event of bolt failure. A bolt having a head and threaded main body portion is provided with a central bore through the head and main body portion. The central bore has a necked down area adjacent the end of the main body portion away from the head. A plurality of slots along the end of the main body portion in communication with the central bore form bolt fingers around the necked down area. A plunger slidably received in the central bore places radial pressure at the necked down area to expand the bolt fingers outwardly and lock the bolt in its installed position without changing the preload of the installed bolt. The plunger is retained in its bolt locking position and prevents the release of loose parts in the event of bolt failure.

Abstract: A self-locking screw (30) assures uniform mating and locking between its threads (64) and those (70) of an article (68) into which the screw is threaded. A head (34) includes a central portion (54) and an annular outer portion (52) which surrounds the central portion and which carries the screw threads on its periphery. Slots (18) extend through the head to a base (32) to segregate the head into segments (40). Annularly configured joints (60) respectively join the segments of the outer portion to the central portion and include tubular openings (56, 58) which extend from the joints and which are positioned between the segments of said central and outer portions. A hole (42) including cylindrical (44) and conical (46) portions respectively extend through the base and the head, and from the tubular hole portion and through the head.

Abstract: A twist-proof mechanical connecting assembly includes first and second components. The first component has a recess formed therein with a groove in the form of at least one pocket. A connecting element in the form of a bolt penetrates the first component and is secured to the second component for interconnecting the components. The bolt has a polygonal head including a safety cup embedded in the recess. At least part of the safety cup is outwardly bent into the at least one pocket for locking the safety cup to the first component and securing the connecting element against loosening.

Abstract: An interconnecting structure between a hub and a nut of a tandem brake booster is disclosed. The nut is formed with a plurality of recesses while the hub is formed with anti-rotation locks extending radially outward for engagement with the recesses to prevent a rotation of the nut relative to the hub, and also formed with stops extending radially inward for abutment against an end of a push rod which is received within the hub to prevent such end from being withdrawn from the hub.

Abstract: A three-piece fastener includes a bolt with a shank having a concentric opening in its threaded end, a nut adapted to fit over the threaded end of the bolt, and a wedge member which is insertable into the end opening of the bolt for expanding and thereby securing it. The threaded end of the bolt is axially slotted to facilitate its expansion.The outer diameter of the wedge member is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded end of the bolt. When the bolt is to be inserted into an opening of a structure in order to accomplish a fastening action, the wedge member is first loosely inserted into the end opening of the bolt. Then when the bolt and wedge are passed through the opening, the nut is applied to the end of the bolt and is tightened. Thereafter, the wedge is tightened in order to expand the end of the bolt.The end opening of the bolt has interior threads, and is threadedly engaged by the wedge member, but in an opposite rotational sense to that in which the nut is applied to the bolt.

Abstract: A dowel-like device is described for locating a component (1) having a through-bore (33) relative to a reference part (2) provided with a bore (34), the through-bore and the bore having the same inside width. In order for the dowel to permit an accurate, repeatable positioning of the component on the reference part without loss of precision, it is provided with a cylindrical bushing (3), which is elastic in a radial direction at least over part of its length and is internally conical. A rotatable bolt (9) extending axially into the conical bushing section (4) is locked against movement in the axial direction and cooperates with a cone member (7) which extends into the conical bushing section, so that upon rotation of the bolt, the cone member moves axially, causing its exterior surface to push outwardly against the bushing. This expands the bushing into firm contact with the wall of the bores in the component and the reference part.

Abstract: A tamper-proof fastener consists of a screw body having a flat-faced head portion and a threaded shank portion having at least one slit extending in a radial direction and located in an end of the shank opposite the head portion, the slit forming at least two legs in the end of the shank. The body defines a central bore extending from the flat face of the head portion to a point intersecting the slit at the end of the shank portion to form a squared-off shoulder in at least one of the legs and terminating in a tapered shoulder in at least one other leg. The tamper-proof screw also includes a headless pin which is sized to fit within the bore so that insertion of the pin into the bore causes an end of the pin to abut the squared-off shoulder and to engage the tapered shoulder to deflect the other leg outwardly. The pin is sized to be flush with the face of the head portion when it abuts the squared-off shoulder to eliminate a protrusion which could be grasped to remove the fastener.