Abstract: The fixing device includes a limiting structure and a movement portion. The limiting structure is extended along a first direction and has an accommodation space and at least one pair of hooks disposed at a terminal end of the limiting structure. The extending directions of the at least one pair of hooks are opposite to each other and parallel to a second direction. The movement portion moves relative to the limiting structure. When a bottom of the movement portion is disposed above the at least one pair of hooks, the at least one pair of hooks has a first distance therebetween in the second direction. When the bottom of the movement portion overlaps the at least one pair of hooks in the second direction, the at least one pair of hooks has a second distance greater than the first distance therebetween in the second direction.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member that includes structure for releasably engaging the anvil assembly to allow for separation of the entire cartridge assembly from the anvil assembly after each use of the stapling device.

Abstract: A push button pin for coupling together two halves of pliers. The pin can include one or more balls elastically biased in a radially-outward direction to couple the pin to a retainer. The balls are normally pushed outward by an engagement portion, but a push button head can be pressed axially downward and cause the balls to align with a receiving portion, which allows the balls to descend into the interior of the pin. The push button is also integral with the receiving and engagement portions to better facilitate the movement of the balls and the removability of the pin. A user can therefore quickly adjust the jaw width of a pair of pliers and better utilize the pliers in the process.

Abstract: An expanding pin system is described that can provide automated and/or power controlled locking and unlocking of an expanding pin assembly in a mechanical joint. For example, the expanding pin system can include an actuation assembly that includes a single actuator (e.g., motor) to control an expanding pin assembly for locking and unlocking a mechanical joint.

Abstract: A coupling is disclosed for connecting a propeller to a motor in an aircraft such as a rotary wing aircraft and the like. The coupling comprises a propeller hub having an inner propeller hub bore defining an axial keyway. A rotatable shaft has an internal shaft bore connected for rotation with the motor. A radial key is slidably located in a radial aperture extending through the rotatable shaft. An actuator is slidably mounted within the internal shaft bore of the rotatable shaft. The radial key is received with the axial keyway for securing the propeller hub to the rotatable shaft. A depression of the actuator retracting the radial key relative to an outer surface of the rotatable shaft for permitting the propeller hub bore to be introduced onto the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting or dismounting a vehicle comprising a step that is structured to slide on an axis longitudinally along the vehicle on a rail. The step has a pivot assembly enabling rotation from a stowed position to open position and back. The slidable step can be stowed in place by engaging a latch mounted to the vehicle. A handrail assembly can be inserted into a handrail-receiving member to facilitate grasping a handrail upon mounting or dismounting the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new, more stable locking pin system for use in constructing adjustable exercise machine designs.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for aircraft cockpit electronics can include a spring locking quarter turn fastener, where a head of the fastener can be positioned on a non-display side of the assembly, and a thread of the fastener can extend to a display side of the assembly. The fastener assembly can additionally include a spring assembly and mounting hardware.

Abstract: A propeller assembly having a hub having at least one receiver opening, a receiver located within the receiver opening and having a first collar defining a blade opening, a blade having a second collar and a protrusion with the second collar abutting the first collar and the protrusion received within the blade opening, and a first retainer, and a second retainer.

Abstract: A hitch ball with a locking bail for use with gooseneck hitch assemblies. The hitch ball includes a hitch ball body having a ball-mount on a first end. A second end forms a base that is insertable into a mating receiver mounted in a tow vehicle. A locking bail is pivotably coupled to the hitch ball body and is moveable from an unlocked orientation overlying the ball-mount to a locked orientation extending generally transversely to the hitch ball body. The locking bail is configured to function as a handle when in the unlocked orientation to provide a clean and easily graspable structure for handling and installing the hitch ball in a tow vehicle. The locking bail prevents coupling of a trailer or hitch assembly with the hitch ball when in the unlocked orientation and provides a visual indication of the locked or unlocked state of the hitch ball.

Abstract: A dual-configuration shear bolt for coupling components of an assembly is provided. The dual-configuration shear bolt can include a body defining a chamber and a pin in the chamber. The body can include a shear portion. The pin can move between a shearing position and a non-shearing position. The pin can be retained within the shear portion by a retaining mechanism in the non-shearing position. The pin can be moved away from the shear portion to the shearing position.

Abstract: A push-lock pin for connecting a plate to surface includes a cylindrical pin housing and a shaft within the housing. The shaft has a ball-lock mechanism and a push-down pop-up mechanism.

Abstract: A support post assembly for a safety line system for a workman at a height above the ground. The assembly comprises a support post, a safety line mount to which a safety line may be secured, and a shock absorber. The support post has opposite first and second ends, a post axis extending therebetween, and at the first end, a base portion for fixing the assembly to a supporting surface. The safety line mount extends away from the second end of the support post. The shock absorber is within the support post between the ends of the support post, the shock absorber comprising a pivot, such that in the event of a fall by a worker secured to the safety line, lateral forces imparted to the safety line mount by the fall are transmitted to the shock absorber, causing the shock absorber to deflect laterally relative to the post axis.

Abstract: A hitch ball assembly generally includes a ball member and a body connected to the ball member. A passageway extends longitudinally within the body and at least one locking member may be in communication with the passageway to lock the hitch ball in place. An elongated member within the passageway is biased to engage the locking member. The body further includes an opening arranged transverse to the passageway. A release mechanism is positioned within an opening in the body transverse to the passageway. The release member is in communication with the elongated member to move the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-release fastener (100) of the ball-pin type, consisting of a tubular body (102) provided with a radial opening (108), an enlarged head (104), a rod (112) that can move axially within the body and through the head, a ball (110) capable of moving radially between a released position in which it rests in a reduced cross-section (132) of the rod (112) inside the body and a locked position in which it protrudes radially beyond the body through the radial opening (108), and a lever (114) that pivots about a pin (118), which lever includes at least one cam surface (142) that is in contact with the head. The rotational actuation of the lever draws the rod toward the head and causes the ball to move into the released position.

Abstract: A nutless bolt includes a body having a shaft and a stop coupled to the shaft. Shaft is dimensioned to allow passage through a hole formed in a structure into which the bolt is inserted. The stop prevents body from falling into or through the hole. An axial bore formed in body houses a locking mechanism extending radially from shaft to lock body and nutless bolt in the hole. An actuator pin movable along the bore in a generally down hole direction through various positions. Position L1 is a pre-application position; position L2 is a locking position; and position L3 is a release position. Pin is movable in the down hole direction from L2 where the pin causes the locking mechanism to extend radially from shaft to lock the body in the hole, to L3 where the pin is retained in the body and displaced relative to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A concrete anchor for securing the lanyard of a workman's harness to a fixed position on a concrete surface includes a cylindrical housing having an outer wall with openings therein and a rod that extends above the housing to which a harness can be attached. Hard metal balls within the housing are associated with each opening and are dimensioned so that a portion of each ball can pass through each opening but the entire ball can not pass therethrough. A pair of cones within the housing move the balls radially outwardly as the cones are moved upwardly by the rod which is spring biased upwardly. A visual marker carried by the rod normally lies within the housing but is visible from outside of the housing if said rod has moved up by a predetermined amount. This gives an indication that the anchor has been used.

Abstract: A protrusion anchor assembly is provided that utilizes a plurality of extendable pins to secure the anchor body within a bore in any hard material, such as concrete. The anchor body is rotated within the bore while the pins are simultaneously and gradually extended, carving out a groove or grooves within which the pins can sit. After installation, the device is secured within the bore by tightening a jamb nut against the surface of the concrete wall and in some embodiments placing a security plug within the anchor body to ensure that the pins are held in place. The pins prevent the anchor from being withdrawn because they act as protuberances that catch against the edges of the groove and cannot be drawn past that point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-release fastener (100) of the ball-pin type, consisting of a tubular body (102) provided with a radial opening (108), an enlarged head (104), a rod (112) that can move axially within the body and through the head, a ball (110) capable of moving radially between a released position in which it rests in a reduced cross-section (132) of the rod (112) inside the body and a locked position in which it protrudes radially beyond the body through the radial opening (108), and a lever (114) that pivots about a pin (118), which lever includes at least one cam surface (142) that is in contact with the head. The rotational actuation of the lever draws the rod toward the head and causes the ball to move into the released position.

Abstract: A blind fastener for securing a workpiece to a machining fixture includes an externally threaded housing, a pusher member and translating elements. The pusher member translates relative to the housing from an extended position to a retracted position. As the pusher member retracts, it urges the translating elements from an inboard position to an outboard position. The fixture has a closed ended tool hole that is threaded to receive the blind fastener. The workpiece has a corresponding tool hole with a radial groove. The workpiece tool hole receives the upper end of the blind fastener and the radial groove receives the translating elements when they extend. When the blind fastener is threaded into the fixture tool hole, the pusher member retracts and causes the translating elements to extend. The translating elements engage the radial groove of the workpiece tool hole and clamp the workpiece to the fixture.

Abstract: An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.

Abstract: A pull pin is configured to lock in a forward position to prevent accidental or undesirable retraction of the pull pin. The pull pin has a housing, a pull pin shaft, an inner shaft, a first and second spring, and at least one ball bearing. The housing has a ball locking space, which holds the ball bearing between the locking space and a ball aperture formed in the pull pin shaft to thereby lock the pull pin shaft in the forward position. Only upon the application of an external force to the inner shaft, which aligns a ball release portion with the ball aperture, can the ball bearing move into the ball release portion and thereby move out of said locking space, allowing for the retraction of the pull pin shaft.

Abstract: A lock pin assembly used for clamping two plates together, that have aligning bores for receiving the lock pin assembly. The lock pin assembly includes radially extending pins that can be forced outwardly from the center of a lock pin housing forming a part of the lock pin assembly. The actuator pins are forced outwardly and cooperate with a tapered surface on a bottom plate to create a clamping force relative to an end of the lock pin housing supportable on a top plate. The lock pin housing has cam tracks on an outer side thereof, and an actuator ring surrounds and supports the pin and carries cam followers sliding in the cam tracks. The cam tracks are made such that relative rotation of the lock pin housing and the actuator ring changes the axial location of the actuator ring along the housing.

Abstract: A fastener has an integral retention mechanism, which is affixed to the fastener without the need for EDM slots along the length of the fastener. The integral retention mechanism reliably secures the fastener to a panel until it is desired to remove the fastener, in which case the fastener may be easily disengaged without any additional tools. The fastener has an axial aperture having an opening in the tip of the fastener, and axially aligned openings along opposing sides of the fastener which penetrate through to the axial aperture. A u-shaped spring mechanism is disposed within the axial aperture, with a portion of each leg outwardly extendable through the axially aligned openings to provide a retention mechanism.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided to cover below a front hood of a motor vehicle has an elastic fixing element for mounting a widened area implemented as a radial expansion of a shaft. When the cover is pressed down, the fixing element detaches from the widened area and arrives over the shaft. In this way, the fastening device is made yielding.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening at least two work pieces together comprises a body and a pin. The body has a head, a shaft extending from the head and an open hollow core extending into the shaft. The shaft has a retaining means spaced from the head to accommodate the work pieces. The retaining mechanism has a contracted configuration where it is sized to pass through holes in the work pieces and an expanded configuration where it is expanded in size or spacing such that the shaft is unable to be removed from the holes in the work pieces. The retaining mechanism defines a constriction in the core at which the core has a first width when the retaining mechanism is in its contracted configuration. The pin is locatable in the core. The pin has a least a first portion with an external width greater than the first width of the core.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a detachable swivel and associated mount. In one embodiment, a detachable swivel can be provided. The detachable swivel can include a housing with an axial cavity; at least one retention device; and an internal body operable to mount within the axial cavity, the internal body operable to contact the at least one retention device, wherein the internal body axially translates within the axial cavity between a first position and a second position; wherein an axial force applied to a portion of the internal body and away from the housing causes the internal body to translate between the first and second position.

Abstract: An exemplary server cabinet includes two brackets defining a space therebetween for receiving servers, and two guiding fixtures respectively engaged with the two brackets. Each bracket defines a latching hole. Each guiding fixture includes a supporting member and a latching member. The supporting member includes a main plate and a supporting arm extending from the main plate towards the space. The latching member includes a resisting plate attached to the main plate and a pivot extending from the resisting plate. A plurality of protrusions extends outwards from an end of the pivot. The latching member is rotated to engage the protrusions with the corresponding bracket at a periphery of the latching hole after the end of the pivot extends through the supporting member and the latching hole of the bracket such that the main plate is sandwiched between the resisting plate and the bracket and attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A program stored in a storage medium directs a computer to perform the processes of: receiving a three-dimensional geometric model; referring to attribute information about fastening between the parts; extracting a fastening portion at which a first and second parts are fastened based on the attribute information and the three-dimensional geometric model; dividing each of the first and second parts into a first geometry in proximity of the fastening portion and one or more second geometries corresponding to a remaining portion in the three-dimensional geometric model; and with respect to each of the first geometries obtained by dividing the first and second parts respectively, referring to a parameter depending on the attribute information and a property value depending on a material of the part, calculating an equivalent property value reflecting fastening based on the parameter and the property value, and assigning the equivalent property value to the first geometry.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an intravenous stand for supporting an intravenous fluid container includes a hanger configured to support one or more intravenous fluid containers. A pole, having a first end and a second end, is coupled to the hanger at the first end and a base at the second. A plurality of casters are releasably coupled to the base via a plurality of quick-release members.

Abstract: A fastener includes a body member having a head affixed to a plate member and a shank extended from the head, a spring member mounted in a blind hole of the body member, and a rolling member supported on the spring member in the blind hole and partially forced out of the blind hole by the spring member for stopping at a bottom side of a frame member around a mounting through hole to lock the plate member to the frame member.

Abstract: A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).

Abstract: A releasable locking member, having a handle, a spindle, and a shank connected at a first end to the handle. The shank has an opening extending through along a longitudinal axis thereof. A shaft extends through an opening of the shank. The shaft has a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion extending between the first and second portions. An actuator member is connected to the first portion of the shaft. A spindle is connected to the second portion of the shaft. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the handle.

Abstract: A captured screw assembly is disclosed for locating a fixture plate relative to a base plate. The assembly includes a screw with a head having a diameter larger than the threaded body to form a shoulder. A bushing is frictionally engaged in an opening in the fixture plate and includes a central opening extending through the bushing and the fixture plate. The screw extends through the central opening of the bushing and threadedly engages a threaded hole in the base plate to accurately position the fixture plate relative to the base plate. The shoulder of the screw and a shoulder in the central opening of the bushing abut when the screw is fully engaged in the threaded hole. The screw and bushing include a capture feature formed therebetween to retain the screw within the bushing when the screw is disengaged from the threaded hole.

Abstract: A release pin for selective engagement with at least one work piece, the pin extending in a longitudinal direction with an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion including a shank having an exterior portion extending in the longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end and the inner portion further including a locking arrangement near the second end. The shank exterior being sized to pass through an associated bore extending into an associated surface of an associated work piece. The outer portion being joined to the inner portion near the first end and including an abutment extending transverse to the longitudinal direction and being shaped to engage the associated surface when the shank is positioned in the associated bore such that the outer portion is defined by the abutment and has an outer longitudinal height extending in the longitudinal direction outwardly from the abutment and the associated surface when the pin is secured to the associated work piece.

Abstract: A quick release pin has an elongated body having an axial bore therethrough, a shaft extending at least partially through the axial bore for axial movement along the bore; a spindle separately mounted on a first end of the shaft; a button separately mounted on a second opposite end of the shaft; and a handle having a central passage through which the button extends, wherein the handle is mounted to the elongated body. The shaft can be interchanged with a variety of materials and lengths of shafts.

Abstract: A releasable locking member, having a handle, a spindle, and a shank connected at a first end to the handle. The shank has an opening extending through along a longitudinal axis thereof. A shaft extends through an opening of the shank. The shaft has a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion extending between the first and second portions. An actuator member is connected to the first portion of the shaft. A spindle is connected to the second portion of the shaft. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the handle.

Abstract: A method of attaching a ball lock pin. A bushing assembly is inserted in a first object such that an outer surface of the bushing assembly is received within the first object. A plurality of locking balls disposed on a shaft of the ball lock pin is inserted into the bushing assembly. The plurality of locking balls is outwardly urged to engage a first engagement portion of an inner surface of the bushing assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary retaining assembly for a ball lock pin includes a bushing assembly configured to attachably engage an object. The bushing assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an engagement portion configured to receive locking balls urged therein in engagement. The outer surface is configured to be received within the object. The bushing assembly can include any suitable bushing member as desired, such as a press fit bushing, a serrated press fit bushing, a diamond knurl bushing, a key insert bushing, a template bushing, and the like. The bushing assembly can be a lock bushing configured to receive therein a lock ring. The lock ring can be inserted into the lock bushing and around a tapered portion of a shaft of a ball lock pin to help prevent the ball lock pin from being removed from the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A releasable locking device has a housing and an elongated member extending from the housing. The elongated member has an opening extending therethrough. A shaft extends through the opening of the elongated member. An actuator member extends from an end of the shaft and is positioned within an opening of the housing. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the housing and is completely within an opening of the housing and not in the elongated member.

Abstract: An embodiment is a sling swivel that may be removably attached to and detached from a sling swivel base mounted on or within a firearm. More specifically, the sling swivel of an embodiment may be quickly detachable while not substantially prone to inadvertent detachment. An embodiment includes a knob coupled to a spring-biased plunger or actuator, wherein rotating the knob operates the plunger or actuator to removably attach and detach the sling swivel with respect to a sling swivel base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device comprising an outer tubular body, an axially slidable tubular body inserted into the core, a spring mounted inside the tubular body which, on the one hand engages with the core and on the other hand engages with the tubular body, at least one opening in the wall of the tubular body and an axially slidable locking member which extends through the opening and is positioned in abutment against the core. Said core is provided on its upper end with an abutment surface which can engage with a tool for axial movement of the core between a locking position in which a locking part of the core is positioned in abutment against the locking member and a release position in which a relatively narrow release part of the core is disposed opposite the locking member in a radial direction.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening at least two work pieces together comprises a body and a pin. The body has a head, a shaft extending from the head and an open hollow core extending into the shaft. The shaft has a retaining means spaced from the head to accommodate the work pieces. The retaining mechanism has a contracted configuration where it is sized to pass through holes in the work pieces and an expanded configuration where it is expanded in size or spacing such that the shaft is unable to be removed from the holes in the work pieces. The retaining mechanism defines a constriction in the core at which the core has a first width when the retaining mechanism is in its contracted configuration. The pin is locatable in the core. The pin has a least a first portion with an external width greater than the first width of the core.

Abstract: A retractable fastener device and method for facilitating the fastening of multiple objects are provided. The retractable fastener may extend through an aperture defined in at least one component having a first side and a second side and further includes a tab device that may be extended and/or retracted so as to selectively prevent the retractable fastener device from being removed from the aperture through the first side.

Abstract: An exemplary retaining assembly for a ball lock pin includes a bushing assembly configured to attachably engage an object. The bushing assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines an engagement portion configured to receive locking balls urged therein in engagement. The outer surface is configured to be received within the object. The bushing assembly can include any suitable bushing member as desired, such as a press fit bushing, a serrated press fit bushing, a diamond knurl bushing, a key insert bushing, a template bushing, and the like. The bushing assembly can be a lock bushing configured to receive therein a lock ring. The lock ring can be inserted into the lock bushing and around a tapered portion of a shaft of a ball lock pin to help prevent the ball lock pin from being removed from the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A barrel lock for locking various utilities devices such as valves, meters, or enclosures associated with the control or distribution of gas, water or electricity includes a shank with a single driven ball that can be forced radially outward from the shank to lock onto a cap-like retainer such that the utilities device is restrained between the retainer and an enlarged head of the shank. Preferably, only a single driven ball is used to concentrate the clamping force at a single point, thereby creating an exceptionally high clamping pressure. For even greater clamping force, an accurately and strategically positioned end stop allows a drive ball to push against the driven ball at an extremely shallow angle of attack while preventing the two balls from accidentally toggling over center and irreversibly locking up. The barrel lock has infinite variable adjustment in an axial direction to fit a wide variety of devices.

Abstract: A quick release pin has an elongated body having an axial bore therethrough, a shaft extending at least partially through the axial bore for axial movement along the bore; a spindle separately mounted on a first end of the shaft; a button separately mounted on a second opposite end of the shaft; and a handle having a central passage through which the button extends, wherein the handle is mounted to the elongated body. The shaft can be interchanged with a variety of materials and lengths of shafts.

Abstract: A retractable fastener device and method for facilitating the fastening of multiple objects are provided. The retractable fastener may extend through an aperture defined in at least one component having a first side and a second side and further includes a tab device that may be extended and/or retracted so as to selectively prevent the retractable fastener device from being removed from the aperture through the first side.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.

Abstract: A toggle bolt type connector has projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position.