Abstract: A fastener structure includes a fastener having a stem portion and at least one movement portion. The stem portion has a fastening section. The movement portion is formed on the stem portion and has a retaining section. With these arrangements, the retaining section of the movement portion can be detachably assembled to a first object and the fastening section can be then detachably assembled or fastened to a second object. In this way, at least two objects can be connected to and disconnected from one another in a quick and repeatable manner.

Abstract: A fastener structure includes a fastener having a stem portion and at least one movement portion. The stem portion has a fastening section. The movement portion is formed on the stem portion and has a retaining section. With these arrangements, the retaining section of the movement portion can be detachably assembled to a first object and the fastening section can be then detachably assembled or fastened to a second object. In this way, at least two objects can be connected to and disconnected from one another in a quick and repeatable manner.

Abstract: A method and system of affixing a plaque to a solid surface is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one opening in a face of the solid surface and inserting a plaque support into the at least one opening. The plaque support includes a body defining a passageway therethrough and having a first end and a second end. The first end has a flange portion. Further, at least one outer tab member extends radially outward toward the first end and at least one inner tab member extends radially inward toward the second end. The outer tab member engages the solid surface upon insertion of the plaque support into the at least one opening. The method and system further include providing the plaque with at least one installation fastener. The at least one installation fastener is inserted into the passageway of the plaque support, such that the at least one inner tab member engages the at least one installation fastener.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is configured to be securely coupled with one or more components. The fastener assembly includes a body including a flange, and a gasket that is secured to the flange. The body is configured to securely couple to a clip. The body includes one or more features that are configured to cooperate with one or more reciprocal features of the clip to increase retention strength.

Abstract: A vibrating fat eliminating device includes a vibrating mainbody, a chair body and a positioning unit. The vibrating mainbody includes a fixing notch and an upper surface, wherein the fixing notch is disposed on the upper surface. The chair body is detachably disposed on the vibrating mainbody and includes a supporting frame and a cushion, wherein the supporting frame is disposed on the upper surface, the cushion is disposed on the supporting frame, and the supporting frame includes a connecting portion having a through hole. The positioning unit passes through the through hole and is connected to the fixing notch correspondingly, wherein the chair body is detachably disposed on the upper surface via the positioning unit.

Abstract: A variable stator vane includes an airfoil having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis connecting the first end with the second end. The variable stator vane further includes a first trunnion disposed along the longitudinal axis at the airfoil first end. The first trunnion includes a trunnion seat extending integrally from a distal end of the trunnion opposite the airfoil. The trunnion seat includes first and second parallel seating flats opposing each other about the longitudinal axis. The variable stator vane further includes a threaded stem extending integrally from the trunnion seat and coaxial with the trunnion about the longitudinal axis. The threaded stem includes a flat first alignment surface coextensive with the first parallel seating flat in the longitudinal direction, and an arcuate second alignment surface aligning with the second parallel seating flat in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A captive locating screw system comprising a captive locating screw assembly configured for use with a bushing assembly. The captive locating screw assembly has a gripping means attachable to be threaded shaft or stud and an optional protecting means disposed between the gripping means and the body of the shaft. The protecting means may be a washer or other similar structure, and remains statically in contact with a workpiece or work surface, to reduce damage or marring, even as the captive locating screw assembly is rotated by twisting the gripping means to fasten it to the workpiece or work surface.

Abstract: A concealed slide-on trim attachment method reduces the work effort and materials involved to refinish walls, ceilings, or anywhere trim is attached on a building using the conventional nailing method. When removing the existing trim, this invention eliminates the damage to the trim, walls, and ceilings, along with the issues previously associated with the current fastening process. With this invention, refinishing or renovation of the trim, walls, ceilings or any other associated building components can be completed without damage to surrounding surfaces or the existing trim, making the trim reusable. This is a simple way to attach and detach the trim when compared to the current nailing method or use of other fasteners. During initial construction, this invention may also reduce time and man-hours required for installation.

Abstract: A fluid control system may include a fluid conduit defining a fluid passage, and a fluid metering assembly in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The fluid metering assembly may include a metering valve rotatably secured within an internal chamber. An actuator may be coupled to the metering valve. A control unit may be coupled to the actuator. The control unit is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the metering valve between an open position in which fluid flows through the fluid passage and a closed position in which the fluid is prevented from flowing through the fluid passage. The control unit is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the metering valve into a pressure relief position beyond the closed position that is configured to allow a reduced portion of the fluid to flow through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting on a substrate a plate or board-like lighting source may include a frame member for surrounding the plate or board-like lighting source, anchoring formations for anchoring the frame member onto the substrate while permitting movement of the frame member towards and away from the substrate, elastic means for elastically urging the frame member towards the substrate, and one or more locking members mounted on the frame member and radially displaceable with respect to the frame member between: a radially outward position, in which the plate or board-like lighting source can be inserted into the frame member and positioned between the frame member and the substrate, and a radially inward position, in which the locking member(s) abuts/abut against the plate or board-like lighting source located between the frame member and the substrate, elastically urging the plate or board-like lighting source towards the substrate.

Abstract: A saddle mounting assembly for a grave marker allows a person to attach a headstone saddle to a grave marker without causing damage to the grave marker. The assembly includes a mounting member configured for attaching to a grave marker. The mounting member includes an upper section and a lower section. An outer surface of the lower section is grooved. A coupler is attached to the upper section. The coupler is configured to releasably couple the mounting member to a grave marker saddle to attach the grave marker saddle to a top surface of the grave marker.

Abstract: A device for connecting two components (10) having at least one holding means (16) serves for holding a bolt-type fastening means (14) with which the two components (10) are securely connected and received into a respective mounting opening (18) on a first component (10). The at least one holding means (16) has a receiving section (24) with a receiving opening (25) for the fastening means (14) and at least two flexible holding arms (28) that extend at least radially relative to a longitudinal axis (26) of the receiving opening (25) away from the receiving section (24) in outward direction and with which the at least one holding means (16) can be secured in the mounting opening (18). The at least two holding arms (28), viewed radially relative to the longitudinal axis (26) of the receiving opening (25), each have a wave-shaped or a zigzag-shaped course.

Abstract: A device for securing a panel or the like to a mounting stud having external teeth includes an annular first body having an inner periphery and at least one lock finger extending from such inner periphery. An annular second body has a center opening, at least one lock opening spaced from the center opening for receiving the lock finger to lock the first and second bodies together, and at least one leg extending inwardly overlying the center opening for engaging the external teeth on the mounting stud. The second body is adapted for assembly to the first body with a panel or the like between the bodies such that the center opening can be mounted over the mounting stud with the at least one finger engaging the teeth on the mounting stud to prevent removal.

Abstract: A screw fall preventing structure prevents a screw from falling out of a unit that is attachable to and removable from a main body of an apparatus. The screw is used for fastening the unit to the main body of the apparatus. The screw fall preventing structure includes: a wire piece having a bent portion fitted around the screw to hold the screw axially rotatably; and a fixing member fixing the wire piece to the unit. When the unit is not fastening by the screw, the screw is elastically supported via the wire piece on the fixing member and the elasticity is given by a portion of the wire between a portion fixed by the fixing member and the bent portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device for fastening a module onto a component, in particular an outside housing of another module. The device includes a fastening screw having a thread, a screw carrier to receive the screw shaft of the fastening screw, and a thread carrier which is connected to the component and has an inside thread corresponding to the thread of the fastening screw. A force-locking connection between the screw carrier and the thread carrier is established by means of the fastening screw in the fastening position, and the module is supported on a supporting element of the component in the fastening position. The screw shaft of the fastening screw has an additional shaft section which is connected to the front shaft section at the screw head end for receiving a spring element.

Abstract: A heat sink mounting device includes a touching plate and a mounting member. The touching plate defines a locking hole. The mounting member includes a locking post. The locking post includes a body and two protrusions protruding from the body. An inner surface of the locking hole defines two cutouts. The touching plate includes two blocking blocks extending from an edge of the locking hole on a bottom surface of the touching plate. The two protrusions extend out of the two cutouts and abut the bottom surface of the touching plate. One of the two protrusions is located between the two blocking blocks, to prevent the body from rotating freely in the locking hole.

Abstract: A mounting rack structure includes a rack body having a plurality of downward extended supporting legs, each of which is provided near a distal end with an mounting hole; a plurality of mounting hole adapters; and a plurality of fastening elements. The mounting hole adapter includes at least one vertical extension portion with a first retaining flange and a central passage having at least one second retaining flange formed therearound; and is assembled to the mounting hole with the first retaining flange firmly pressed against one side of the supporting leg. The fastening element can be extended through the central passage of the mounting hole adapter to firmly lock the supporting leg and accordingly the rack body to a heat-generating unit. With the mounting hole adapter, the mounting rack structure can be used with different types of fastening elements to save the cost for making different molds.

Abstract: A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles.

Abstract: A fastener system that includes a fastener, a compression-limiting sleeve, and a retainer which generally retains the compression-limiting sleeve on the fastener. By providing that the compression-limiting sleeve is not staked to the fastener, existing technology can be used, and no extra staking processing step needs to be performed. The fastener may comprise a conventional metal threaded screw or bolt, possibly having a recess in its head for receiving a driver. Preferably, the compression-limiting sleeve is cold headed as opposed to being stamped, and preferably includes a counter bore which assures that an end of the retainer is below an end surface of the compression-limiting sleeve. Preferably, the retainer is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or another suitable material.

Abstract: A non-friction, interlocking fastener with a bolt that is locked into a retainer incorporating an integral spring with limited compression and which is axially constrained to prevent non-linear movement.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing an object to a support includes a fastener having two shank members with one shank member being longer than the other. In a first embodiment, the fastening system is formed by a nail for securing an object to a support broadly comprises a head, a first shank having a first length, a second shank having a second length different from the first length, and the second shank being secured to the first shank. In a second embodiment, the fastening system is formed by a screw for securing an object to a support, which comprises a head, a first threaded member integrally formed with the head, a second non-threaded member having a loop portion with an aperture; and the first threaded member passing through the aperture in the loop portion.

Abstract: A floating fastener includes a mounting socket bonded to a first plate member and having a beveled top mounting flange, a cap member axially slidably coupled to the mounting socket, an expandable stop ring mounted in a locating groove in the bottom side of the cap member to facilitate coupling of the cap member to the mounting socket and to prohibit the cap member from moving upwardly over the top mounting flange of the mounting socket, a locking member affixed to the cap member for fastening to a second plate member to lock the first and second plate members together, and a spring member sleeved onto the locking member and stopped between the head of the locking member and a shoulder in the mounting socket.

Abstract: A mounting rack structure includes a rack body having a plurality of downward extended supporting legs, each of which is provided near a distal end with an mounting hole; a plurality of mounting hole adapters; and a plurality of fastening elements. The mounting hole adapter includes at least one vertical extension portion with a first retaining flange and a central passage having at least one second retaining flange formed therearound; and is assembled to the mounting hole with the first retaining flange firmly pressed against one side of the supporting leg. The fastening element can be extended through the central passage of the mounting hole adapter to firmly lock the supporting leg and accordingly the rack body to a heat-generating unit. With the mounting hole adapter, the mounting rack structure can be used with different types of fastening elements to save the cost for making different molds.

Abstract: A screw structure with a stop ring includes a screw, a ferrule, and a stop ring. The stop ring is fitted on a threaded shank of the screw to push against a front end of the ferrule, so that the ferrule is pressed against a head of the screw. With the ferrule being firmly pressed against the head of the screw by the stop ring, the ferrule will not sway relative to the screw, allowing the screw structure to be stably sucked with a sucking tool and be highly accurately assembled to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A metal plate member fixation device installation method includes the step of preparing a barrel, the step of bonding the barrel to one of two metal plate members to be affixed by a reflow soldering process, the step of providing a screw member and a cap and coupling the screw member and the cap tightly together, the step of preparing a spring member and sleeving the spring member onto the shank of the screw member and then inserting the screw member and the spring member into the barrel at the metal plate member, the step of axially slidably coupling the cap to the barrel to let the spring member be stopped between a step in the barrel and a part of the shoulder of the screw member, and the step of releasing the pressure from the cap to finish the installation.

Abstract: A screw-type fastener includes an internal cinching mechanism that physically locks exposed threads of a screw outside a housing after a certain number of turns. The fastener may for example, be affixed to a faceplate of a printed circuit board. The exposed threads may then be rotated to threadably engage corresponding threads of a sub-rack or other enclosure in a manner that prevents movement of the faceplate relative to the enclosure as the screw engages the enclosure. When the internal cinching mechanism is locked, the physical relationship (e.g., distance) between the faceplate and the sub-rack is retained until the fastener is unscrewed.

Abstract: The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device in which wear damage in mounting portions of a mounting bracket is avoided and the mounting bracket is reliably and strongly mounted so that the cable is smoothly protected and guided. The mounting operation of the bracket is easy. A cable protection and guide device includes a mounting bracket having a mounting hole which surrounds and accommodates a tap bolt. A threaded portion 162 of the tap bolt includes a metallic bush 170 and the length H1 of the metallic bush 170 in a bolt inserting direction is shorter than the length H2 of the mounting hole 143 in a bolt inserting direction.

Abstract: A captive screw includes a screw member and a tubular elastic member. The screw member includes a threaded post and a screw head positioned at an end of the threaded post. The tubular elastic member is sleeved on the threaded post and is tightly fitted with the threaded post. The tubular elastic member further includes a fold formed on the outer surface and spirally extending from one end of the tubular elastic member to the other.

Abstract: A biocompatible expansion bolt includes a central screw and an expansion shell positioned about the central screw. The expansion shell is shaped and dimensioned for controlled expansion between a first diameter and a larger, second diameter, wherein die expansion shell is composed of porous material allowing for tissue in-growth.

Abstract: A panel fastener is comprised of two separately formed interacting parts: a panel retainer and an actuator pin. The retainer is fashioned from sheet metal using progressive stamping technology. The retainer and pin work together to create a fastener for securing two panels together that can semi-permanently snap into the first panel and then be clamped onto and then selectively removed from the second panel. Attachment to the second panel is obtained by expanding and later released by contracting the legs of the retainer by rotating a cammed expander pin between self-locking positions. A head of the expander pin can be configured for hand actuation, tool-only actuation, or both. The retainer is fashioned from sheet metal using progressive stamping technology.

Abstract: In order to produce a combination of a screw member comprising a screw head, a threaded portion and a shank portion which is arranged between the screw head and the threaded portion and has an external diameter that is smaller than the external diameter of the threaded portion, a washer incorporating a passage opening the diameter of which is smaller than the external diameter of the threaded portion, and a sleeve the internal diameter of which is greater than the external diameter of the threaded portion, whereby said combination can be produced in a simple manner but nevertheless ensures that the sleeve and the washer are held securely on the screw member, it is proposed that the sleeve have at least one projection which engages in a recess provided in the washer, wherein the sleeve is pressed against the washer in such a manner that the sleeve and the washer are connected together and held captive on the screw member.

Abstract: A generally rectangular intra-spinous spacer preferably made of bone material advantageously has a low potential for bone fusion. The spacer has depressions sized and positioned on opposite sides to receive spinal processes. The depressions reduce the amount of bone-to-spinal process contact. A fixation strap of the spacer secured either to both the superior and inferior spinous processes or to only one of the superior or inferior processes laterally maintains the implanted position of the spacer and limits either flexion and extension, just flexion, or just extension.

Abstract: The present invention is a housing for a surface-mountable device such as a security device (a PIR, a microwave motion detector, and the like). The housing has a surface-mountable housing portion with at least one aperture for receiving a surface-mounting member therethrough, the housing portion fabricated substantially from a plastic material. A member-retaining portion is integrally molded with the housing portion and extends substantially perpendicular from said housing portion, said member-retaining portion adapted to receive a surface-mounting member when inserted therethrough and retain said surface-mounting member in place. As a result of this configuration, when a surface-mounting member such as a screw is inserted therethrough, the surface-mounting member is held in place by the member-retaining portion and is insertable through the aperture when pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes a ferrule, a head, a shaft, and a spring member. The ferrule includes a first end and a second end, and a hollow bore. The head is adjacent the first end of the ferrule. The shaft extending through the hollow bore of the ferrule from the second end of the ferrule to securely engage with the head. The spring member is retained in the ferrule to drive the shaft to extend out of the second end of the ferrule when the spring is in a normal state, and to retract in the ferrule from the second end of the ferrule when the spring is in a compressed state.

Abstract: A tolerance compensating fastener comprising a first member having a first member bore and an outer surface having threads, a second member having a second member bore and a spherical portion engaged with the first member, a third member having threads and disposed through the first member bore and the second member bore, the third member threads engagable with a first mounting portion, a fourth member engaged between the first member and the third member, the fourth member transmits a torque from the third member to the first member whereby the first member is rotated from a second mounting portion toward the first mounting portion, and the second member disposed between the first member and the first mounting portion.

Abstract: An adjusting screw for door frames and window casings that is easy to fabricate and assemble includes a screw running through a screw sleeve. The screw sleeve has a longitudinal slit so that when a latch flange formed at a rear section of the screw passes through a first step orifice of the screw sleeve the first step orifice is expanded to a larger diameter due to elastic deformation so that the latch flange can pass through and be retained at a front orifice edge of the first step orifice. And the screw has a head end flange at the rear section to be retained at a rear orifice edge of the first step orifice. By means of such a structure fabrication is easier and assembly is faster.

Abstract: A captive shoulder nut for a electronic module heat sink has a threaded nut portion and a tubular portion extending therefrom. A ramped section in the exterior wall of the tubular portion leads to a retaining groove adjacent the bottom face of the nut portion. A compression spring is slipped over the tubular portion to ride over the ramped section and be retained at one end in the retaining groove. The tubular portion is suitable to be inserted through a straight hole, whereof the inner diameter of the spring is larger than the hole. The free end of the tubular portion is suitable to be flared to a larger diameter than the hole, thereby establishing a captivation.

Abstract: A fastener is retained within an opening of a workpiece by deforming a portion of an edge of the opening inwardly to prevent removal of the fastener. A deforming member associated with a head of the fastener includes a body having a clamping surface extending radially form a central axis. A wedge-like deforming element has a deforming member and having a deforming face angled axially and radially outward from the clamping surface. The deforming element, when pressed against a malleable edge of the workpiece, deforms at least a portion of the edge into the fastener opening thereby creating a stop which reduces the diameter of the opening and mechanically retains the fastener therein. The deforming member may be formed as a separate washer assembled on the fastener or may be made integral with the fastener head.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque between a rotational part (11) having through-holes (13) and an attaching flange (17). Bolts (21) pass through the through-holes (13) and are threaded into threaded holes (18) to bolt the rotational part (11) and the attaching flange (12) together to transmit torque. The bolts (21) have a bolt shank (23) and a threaded portion (24), wherein the diameter of the shank (D1) is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion (D2). The through-holes 13, on the inside, include radial projections (15, 16) which reduce the cross-section and which are radially deformed when the bolts (21) are inserted and threaded in, so that bolts (21), by way of the bolt shank (23), rest in a play-free way against the projections (15, 16) in the through-holes (13) of the rotational part (11).

Abstract: A shippable in-assembly bolt having a head portion, a threaded portion containing threads and a gripper portion, wherein the gripper portion preferably comprises a grooved structure and an o-ring. The o-ring is intended to sit between the inner wall of a clearance hole in an assembly/subassembly and the grooved structure of the gripper portion. When the o-ring is in position between the inner wall of the clearance hole and the grooved structure of the gripper portion, the o-ring is in both compression and tension and acts to retain the bolt in the assembly during shipping operations. The invention can be used with any type of mechanical fastener, such as bolts, screws, pins, rivets, etc.

Abstract: A captive screw for use in electronic assemblies includes a screw with a shaft having a pair of spaced grooves and a cover captivating the screw and for attaching the captive screw. A knob for rotating the screw can be moved along the shaft between an extended position and a lowered position corresponding to the grooves on the shaft, and releasably locked to the shaft in either position. A lock wafer is used to secure the knob to the shaft. A release button with a large head actuates the lock wafer.

Abstract: A telescopic captive fastener has a knob, a ferrule, a spring, and at least one sleeve. The sleeve extends telescopically between the ferrule and the knob.

Abstract: Vibration-damping ring insert arrangement includes a vibration-damping ring. A hollow cylinder member includes a first end, a second end, and an inner surface that is connected to an outer surface of the vibration-dampening ring. One of an outwardly extending edge and outwardly extending edge segments is arranged at the second end. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A shoulder ring (10) for installing in the J-space between the installed pin ends within a coupling collar is taught having a body with a central opening therethrough, a first end face (12) on the body, an opposite end face (14) on the body, an inner surface (16) adjacent the central opening and extending between the first end face and the opposite end face and an outer surface (18) extending between the first end face and the opposite end face, the body having a substantially uniform cross sectional shape between the first end face, the opposite end face, the inner surface and the outer surface and the ring shaped such that its radius to the outer surface varies around the outer surface circumference to form a plurality of lobes (12).

Abstract: The invention comprises a tolerance compensating mounting device comprising a bushing having an internal and external thread. The bushing is threaded into a part to be mounted to a surface. A bolt is then threaded into a bushing bore using the internal threads. The internal threads cause an interference fit between the bolt shank and the threads, temporarily preventing further insertion of the bolt. The bolt is then turned further, thereby turning the bushing and causing the bushing to unscrew from the part toward the mounting surface until the bushing seats on the mounting surface, thereby completely compensating for a tolerance gap. As the bolt is turned further, at a relatively low torque the sacrificial internal threads are stripped allowing the bolt to be fully torqued into the mounting surface hole, thereby simultaneously connecting the components with a properly torqued connection while compensating for a tolerance gap.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for assisting in the attachment of an applicant such as a winch to a surface (e.g. deck) of a watercraft such as a sailing boat.

Abstract: A low profile captive screw assembly used, for example, for attaching a protective cover, such that the captive screw assembly can be retracted to remove the protective cover without damaging the protective cover's seals. The low profile captive hardware assembly providing a standoff including a proximal end region, a distal end region opposite the proximal end region, and a central bore defining an interior surface. The interior surface including a threaded section. The low profile captive hardware assembly further provides a fastener including a head and a shaft, the shaft having a shank and a fastener threaded section. The fastener threaded section being interposed between the head and the shank such that when the fastener is positioned through the proximal end region of the standoff the fastener threaded section and the standoff threaded section are in engageable relation. A retaining clip positioned about the shank, the retaining clip capturing at least a portion of the fastener within the standoff.

Abstract: A load cell is provided for interconnecting first to second structures with a desired amount of force. The load cell includes a screw that has a body. The body includes a threaded portion along a first end and a head at a second end opposite the first end. The load cell includes a spring received over the body. The spring has first and second ends opposite one another and is configured to exert a desired amount of force when compressed. The load cell includes a spring retention member that has an opening therethrough receiving the body of the screw. The spring retention member includes a bushing secured to at least one of the spring and the body and a washer that extends outward from the bushing. The first and second ends of the spring press against the washer and the head respectively.

Abstract: A two-piece panel fastener includes a barrel-shaped metal retainer which holds a screw. The screw includes a threaded shaft and a plastic cap which has longitudinally-extending resilient fingers which engage the outer surface of the retainer to captivate the screw. The retainer has a chamfered top flange along its top edge, a circumferential bulge area around its outer surface approximately in the middle of its length, and a base at the bottom. Two circumferential valley regions of reduced diameter are located along the outer surface of the retainer. The first valley region is located between the chamfered top flange and the bulge area and the second is located between the bulge area and the base. When the fingers occupy either of the valley regions, the screw is captively held at either of two stable positions of retraction or extension. The retainer is preferably rigidly affixed to a circuit board by soldering a base flange at the bottom of the retainer to the top surface of the board.

Abstract: A process for producing sponge iron from iron ore is described, which is reduced to sponge iron in a reduction shaft furnace by means of a hot reduction gas. For this purpose reduction gas at a temperature in the range 750.degree. to 900.degree. is introduced into shaft furnace (1) level with bustle plane (5) having been produced in a gasifier (2) then cooled and purified in a cyclone separator (12). Reduction gas is introduced below the bustle plane (5) at a temperature below that of the reduction gas introduced in the bustle plane and is preferably introduced into the shaft furnace (1) between 650.degree. and 750.degree.. Increased carburization of the sponge iron is obtained. Increased carbon separation also results through a volume increase, particularly by increasing the cross-section through the lower part of the shaft furnace.