Abstract: A pivot assembly is provided for pivotally attaching a pivotable seat component to a fixed seat component. The fixed component includes first and second apertures, first and second outer surfaces and first and second inner surfaces adjacent the apertures, and the pivotable component includes at least one pivot hole therein. The pivot assembly includes a bolt having a head, a cylindrical portion and a threaded portion. A threaded nut is engageable with the threaded portion of the bolt. A generally cylindrical plastic bushing is fitted over the cylindrical portion of the bolt and includes a peripheral lip abutting the head of the bolt and a plurality of swageable flanges extending at least partially over the threaded portion of the bolt.

Abstract: A tolerance compensator provides a predetermined tolerance or space between connected assembly members. The tolerance compensator has a pair of connector components a first of which is secured to one of the assembly members and the second connector component is threadably installed, with a left hand thread, into the first connector component. A threaded fastener, with a right hand thread, is inserted into the connector components to initially engage the second connector component, either threadably or frictionally, to cause relative rotation between the first and second components whereby the second component advances toward and engages the second assembly member. The threaded fastener also threadably engages the first connector component to provide a secure connection between assembly members with the designed tolerance or space therebetween.

Abstract: A dowel pin of an assembly arrangement for joining two furniture parts. The dowel pin includes a fixing part with a recess into which a dowel shaft is fitted and is then fixed by the deformation and/or pressing-together of a jacket area of the fixing part surrounding the recess.

Abstract: The present invention is a roofing fastener assembly. The assembly includes a fastener, a barbed washer, and a screw. The screw projects through the fastener and exits the free end of the fastener. Upon installation of the screw and fastener, the barbs of the washer penetrate into the roof membrane and insulation layer. An extending rim on the washer receives the head of the fastener to resist the relative lateral movement of the washer and fastener. Stabilizing fingers project from a free end of the fastener and hold the screw in place during assembly.

Abstract: A fastener system includes a screw or bolt which can be attached in a helicoil. The helicoil expands and torques by various means to maintain hold and purchase between the screw coil combination and the substrate into which the screw and helicoil are inserted even when the substrate recedes a significant distance from the screw and helicoil combination.

Abstract: A valve stem extension for extending the length of a valve stem, the valve stem extension including an extension member and a rotation resisting member. The extension member has a first end for engaging the valve stem and defines an opening which exposes two opposing flat sides of the valve stem when the extension member is engaged with the valve stem. The rotation resisting member includes two opposing flat sides and is configured to be insertable within the opening of the extension member after engagement of the extension member with the valve stem. When positioned in the opening of the extension member, the two opposing flat sides of the rotation resisting member engage the two opposing flat sides of the valve stem to resist rotation of the extension member relative to the valve stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a RF/ID transponder to an object is described. The transponder is integrated within an attaching device to protect the transponder from damage, hazardous environments and tampering. Further, by integrating the transponder within the attaching device, the device can be countersunk to further protect the transponder. Further still, manufacturing the device from a non-ferrous material prevents degradation of the transponder reading range.

Abstract: A forged, integral bolt (20) has a head, a tapered neck (22), a shank, and a plurality of plastically deformable, raised, contact surface portions (31) uniformly positioned adjacent the neck and extending axially and radially of the bolt for spreading a load applied to the bolt. Each raised portion has a base portion contiguous the neck, and an elongated, V-shaped, ridge portion raised above the base which is constructed to contact and fay with a congruent wall portion of a bolt bore (12) in a support structure. The bolt may have various shapes. (FIGS. 1-3, 10-23). The ridges may extend up onto the sides of the head. (FIG. 9). The ridge portions and base portions may be integrally forged as a pair of symmetrical, self-aligning, inserts (40) separate from, but mating with, opposite sides of the neck when a load is applied to the bolt.

Abstract: A clamping screw comprising a main body portion generally cylindrical in shape and having a length extending between a first end and a second end and an axis of rotation extending in the direction of the length. The main body portion comprises an outer surface having threads arranged along at least a portion of the length and an inner bore defining an opening at the second end of the main body portion. The clamping screw includes a head portion comprising a contacting surface, with the head portion being positioned adjacent the second end of the main body portion and being axially movable relative to the main body portion. A spring is provided to urge the head portion away from the main body portion in an axial direction. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bore extends along the entire length of the main body portion defining a first opening and a second opening at the respective ends of the main body portion.

Abstract: The screw of the invention is characterized by a threaded shank of which the foot segment is an elastomer and of which the head segment is a dimensionally stable material, preferably a plastic. The screw comprising an elastomer buffer integrated into it in this manner is used to decouple vibrations from two components to be connected without having to resort to any further accessory means. Preferably the screw is used as a locking screw and foremost is applicable to affix a motor vehicle water radiator to a base.

Abstract: A fastener includes a composite body and a metal coupling attached to the body. The metal coupling includes an attachment structure to connect the fastener to an external structure.An assembly of components includes a first metallic component having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, a second non-metallic component having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first thermal expansion and having a groove that receives a fastener that extends between the groove and the second component, the fastener slidably engaging the groove to accommodate relative expansion between the components.

Abstract: A fastener body comprises a head and a shank fabricated from a composite material. The head has at least one side which extends beyond the side of the shank and has two other sides coplanar with the shank.A fastener for engaging a liner has perpendicular lengthwise and widthwise reference axes and a head and a shank, with the shank extending in a first lengthwise direction away from the head, the head further having at least one extension that extends in the widthwise direction beyond the shank for engaging the liner, wherein substantially all lengthwise directed load components transmitted from the liner to the head are transmitted through the extension.

Abstract: A secure threaded fastener, prevented from unexpectedly coming loose, is described. The fastener or a nut or bolt has a coil spring capable of stopping the fastener when the fastener may be unexpectedly rotated in a loosening direction due to an outside force. The coil spring is received in a smooth section of the fastener with one end of the spring being fixed and the other end being movable and so the spring's diameter is changeable in accordance with a rotating direction of the fastener. When the fastener is rotated in a tightening direction, the spring allows the fastener to be smoothly tightened. However, when the fastener is unexpectedly rotated in a loosening direction, the spring prevents the fastener from unexpectedly coming loose.

Abstract: Bone connector including a first joint and a second joint insertable and securable into respective cut bone pieces for joining the cut bone pieces. Each joint has a flat end surface flush with the cut end of the corresponding cut bone piece when secured therein. The first joint includes a stepped hole having a coaxial hole portion, a shoulder with a surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the joints, and an innermost engaging portion. The second joint includes a stepped shaft having a first shaft fitting the coaxial hole portion and an engaging portion for engaging the innermost engaging portion of the first joint, which hold the joints coaxially along a line, as well as a plate spring member. The joints both include cylindrical bodies of substantially equal diameter for connecting the cut bone pieces, and at least outer surface portions of the joints are made of a material having a bioactive affinity with the human body or biocompatibility with human tissue.

Abstract: An explosive bolt is made of electrically non-conductive plastic material and is provided with a bore accommodating a low order deflagrating squid having only sufficient explosive energy to shatter a non-metallic bolt insulation surrounds the squib and fills the center bore and seals the squib in the center bore. There is a detonator for detonating the squib. Detonation of the squib is initiated by electrical current from an outside source electrically connected to the squib. A device has a stationary part and a removable part connected by the bolt.

Abstract: A quick release clamp (10) for mounting equipment such as a lighting instrument (60) on a structural member such as a pipe (36). The clamp includes a C-shaped body (12) having a jaw portion (16), a back portion (14) and a base portion (18), the jaw and base portions extending from the back portion in spaced opposing disposition. The base portion defines an adjustment aperture (22) that is formed with an internal interrupted thread (24). An elongate tubular coarse adjustment sleeve (26) defines an internal threaded central passage (28) and an external interrupted thread (30) corresponding to the internal interrupted thread of the body.

Abstract: An anti-vibration bolt and nut structure with the shank of a bolt including a plurality of axial teeth. The shank is received in an external threaded sleeve comprising a helical spring. An external wall of the sleeve includes a plurality of engaging internal teeth that mesh with the axial teeth so that the rotational force created by turning the head of the bolt is transmitted to the threads. The shank of the bolt includes a screw hole that can be rotated to rotate the shank when the bolt is use in a closed screw connection threaded hole. The nut includes a hole having a plurality of axial internal engaging teeth that mesh with external engaging teeth of an internal threaded lining to engage the internal threads with the nut. A screw hole in the internal threaded lining to receive a screw so that the internal threaded lining is engaged in the nut. The bolt and the nut can be used with a conventional nut and a conventional bolt respectively.

Abstract: An impeller clearance adjustment system provides for the desired clearance between an impeller and suction housing irrespective of the amount of torque applied to the bolts of the adjustment system. A bearing frame has a plurality of generally evenly spaced apart threaded first openings while a bearing housing has a plurality of threaded second openings registerable with the first openings. An adjustment bolt, having an opening in its central axis, is threadably inserted into each of the second openings and abuts the bearing frame. An attachment bolt is inserted through each adjustment bolt's opening and is received within the respective first opening. Once the impeller clearance is set, each attachment bolt is tightened thereby maintaining the set impeller clearance.

Abstract: Improved metallic utility pole accessories used to either support objects on a utility pole or to support and stabilize the pole are provided. In general, the utility pole accessories include a polymeric chemically bonded coating that protects the underlying metal surface from corrosion. The coating also is substantially dielectric for preventing the accessories from interfering with the transmission of electricity through lines supported on the poles. The polymeric coating can be made from polymeric materials having functional monomers grafted thereto for chemically bonding with metal surfaces. Specific accessories within the scope of the present invention include crossbars, anchoring pins, transformer boxes, and guidewire supports. Also included is an improved insulator support post having a threaded portion made from a structural plastic material bonded to the polymeric coating.

Abstract: The invention is a connector that provides for visual recognition from remote locations and under poor visibility conditions. It may be a screw with a colored head. The screw, including the threaded shaft and the head, may be of steel, brass, plastic or any other acceptable material or combination of materials thereof. The entire or parts of the screw may be colored or plated with a colored layer or have a colored coating. Coating may include a layer of paint. For aquatic applications the paint layer is water resistant and chemical resistant and is of a color that is easily identifiable from a water surface. It may be a fluorescent paint coating. Any appropriate color or kind of paint may be used. Other coatings may be applied, such as ink coatings. The connector may have a colored cap connectable to the head of the connector. The cap may be attached following securement or may be positioned over the screw before securement.

Abstract: A support tube for use with a support tube surface area assembly such as a shelf, a portion of a furniture article, or other structure, comprises a first end, a body section, and a second end. The first end and second end of the support tube are outwardly flared to provide a tapered interior area into which a first and a second accessory element, such as a nut and bolt, may be inserted. The accessory elements are enclosed in the tapered interior area by a crimping and flattening of the lips of the first and second end such that they form an interiorly extending flange partially encapturing the accessory elements. A method for making the support tube is disclosed as well a shelf structure or furniture article assembled with the support tube.

Abstract: A torsionally stiff, flexible shaft coupling, an all-steel shaft coupling for transmitting torques between shafts. Shafts with mutually offset axes, having one or two packs of plates (5) which are places on clamping bushes (6) and are clamped on the latter, by a ring (4) in each case, against an end collar (6b) of the clamping bushes (6), the packs of plates (5) being clamped, by screws (2, 7) extending through the clamping bushes (6), alternately in the circumferential direction using the mutually opposite flanges (1a, 8a) of hubs (1, 8) to be coupled to one another, which of packs of plates, in order to achieve the object of increasing the displacement capability of the plates and thus simplifying the assembly and increasing the operational reliability, comprise a circumferential relief groove (4a) and (6a) in each of the rings (4) and/or the collars (6b) of the clamping bushes (6).

Abstract: An improved mounting assembly for mounting a foot-operated pedal to a bracket in an automobile has a retaining shaft having a portion with external threads. The foot-operated pedal preferably has an aperture therethrough with internal threads sized to engage the external threads of the retaining shaft. The retaining shaft is placed through the bracket and the aperture in the foot-operated pedal so that the foot-operated pedal is rotatably positioned on the external threads of the retaining shaft. The retaining shaft may be comprised of a first stud and a second stud. The bracket used in the vehicle may have a first flange and a second flange spaced apart a predetermined distance. Each flange has an aperture therethrough. The first stud extends only partially between the first and second flanges of the bracket. The second stud couples to the first stud through the opposite flange of the bracket than that which the first stud is mounted.

Abstract: A fastener and an associated fastening method are provided to securely join at least two structural elements to form a structural assembly. Although the fastener can join a variety of different types of structural elements, the fastener is particularly well adapted to join composite panels, superplastically-formed/diffusion-bonded panels, honeycomb panels and hollow core panels since the fastener can securely join these structural elements without crushing or otherwise damaging the structural assembly. The fastener can also be mounted in blind installations, while providing a relatively smooth head following installation. In addition, the fastener can securely join structural elements while tolerating variations in the thicknesses of the structural elements.

Abstract: A screw and nut assembly comprises a screw having a hollow cavity extending longitudinally throughout, a nut configured to screw onto the screw, and an extension attached to the nut. The extension traverses the hollow cavity of the screw when the nut is placed on an end of the screw without being screwed on. The extension is displaced from the hollow cavity of the screw as the nut is screwed onto the screw. The status of the screw and nut connection may thus be determined from the screw side of the assembly, without observing the nut, by observing the extent to which the extension has emerged from the hollow cavity in the screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cone bolt-connection for multi-disc shaft clutches, comprising a clamping bolt (8) and a clamping sleeve (10), whereby the seat between the clamping sleeve and the clamping bolt is conically shaped. The bolt connection according to the invention provides a defined tightening measure and a particularly high centring accuracy. It is characterized in that its clamping sleeve (10) carries a second clamping sleeve (11) which has a collar (18) and, in conjunction with a clamping ring (12), positively fixes the disc packet (6, 7) in axial direction, whereby the seat between the two clamping sleeves (10, 11) is cylindrically shaped, and in that the clamping bolt (8) and the first clamping sleeve (10) form an annular gap (S) whose width is proportional to the tightening measure.

Abstract: A standard size fastener, such as a nail or screw, is provided with a pointed PVC or similar type material on the fastener tip. The soft end will penetrate wood but not metal materials, such as copper pipe and electrical conduit, when nailing sheathing or sheet rock onto wood framing. The soft front end will squash on impact with metal leaving a rounded blunt shape that will turn or stop when contacting a pipe.

Abstract: An orbital threaded fastener assembly includes an orbital nut or bolt and a split thread ring. Each of the nut or bolt and the thread ring has formed thereon a series of alternating, coaxial, circumferential grooves and teeth sized to mateably engage each other. These grooves and teeth can be formed on either the internal surface of the nut and the external surface of the ring or the external surface of the bolt and the internal surface of the ring. In use, the diameter of the ring is resiliently expanded or contracted to permit it to be disposed at a desired axial position along the nut or bolt to engage each other, thereby preventing relative axial movement of the parts while accomodating relative rotational movement thereof. The surface of the ring opposite that carrying the grooves and teeth is threaded to permit threaded coupling to an associated threaded component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a body member with a load member fastened to a mounting surface by a support member. The load member includes a contact surface engageable by the support member, and the body member includes a throughhole for receiving at least a portion of the load member. A breakable flash connection couples the load member to the body member so that at least a portion of the load member is disposed in the throughhole of the body member. The flash connection is breakable upon moving the load member relative to the body member with the support member in contact with the contact surface of the load member, wherein the load member retains the body member and isolates the body member from stress imparted by the support member to reduce deformation of the body member. The body member may be a part of a panel or be configured with clips for retaining other articles. The apparatus preferably is a unitary member formed of a molded plastic material.

Abstract: A screw-nut fastener assembly in which a nut member is welded onto the head of a screw member having a variety of drive means, such as a straight slot, a cross recess drive or other suitable drive means.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing together structural members includes a stud threaded at both ends and a stud sleeve threaded at both ends. The stud and stud sleeve are coaxial with the stud extending through the stud sleeve and beyond the ends of the stud sleeve. The threaded stud ends and the threaded sleeve ends are separately threadedly connected to the structural members so that both the stud and stud sleeve apply forces to the structural members to secure them together. No significant transfer of load between the stud and the stud sleeve will occur.

Abstract: A surgical implant system for the stabilization of a human spine by fixation of the vertebra utilizing a stabilization cross-link spinal implant system. The system utilizes self-tapping screws having bifurcated protruding members to support an alignment rod, the protruding members available for placement of a fixed or variable traverse cross-link member that couples to the protruding members by use of threaded nuts corresponding to the threaded portion of the outer surface of the protruding members. The externally threaded coupling method can also be use for pedicle, caudal, cranial, thoracic and the like hooks. Also shown is a two plate system for anterior cervical spine fixation.

Abstract: A flexible bolster for installation between two load-carrying members in a vehicle suspension. The bolster comprises a block of rubber or rubber-like elastomer sandwiched between two end plates. The block of rubber preferably has molded thereon a plurality of metal washers or plates oriented parallel to each other and the end plates. A bore extends axially through the end plates and block of rubber. A rebound control restraint is disposed in the bore. The restraint comprise a length of cable having retainers swaged to its opposite ends. Each retainer has an enlarged part or assembly which bears against the outer side of one of the end plates. The restraint acts to limit the extent to which the end plates separate when the bolster is under tension and thereby controls rebound. The restraint is free so as not to absorb compression or shear forces applied to the bolster.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe hanger assembly is provided in a vehicle having a rigid structural member. The exhaust pipe hanger assembly includes a continuously linearly extending rigid rod bracket. The rod bracket has a first portion extending through and securely captured within the rigid structural member and a second portion linearly extending from the first portion and extending outwardly from the structural member. The exhaust pipe is suspended from the second portion of the rigid rod bracket. The rigid rod bracket has sufficiently high stiffness and resonant vibrational frequencies such that transmission of exhaust pipe vibration into the vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: A device for attaching insulation material (13) of different thicknesses to a base material, such as a structural member, is formed of a receptacle (1) to be fastened to the base material and a pressure component (4) to be secured in a positively locked manner to the receptacle. The pressure component (4) includes a shaft (3) and a head (2) extending laterally outwardly from the shaft. An axially extending slot (9) in the shaft (3) serves for easier compression of the device and permits inward radial deformation of the shaft (3). The pressure component (4) is finally fixed to the receptacle (1) by a stud-shaped expanding element (8) driven in a central throughbore (7) in the shaft for preventing radial deformation of the shaft (3).

Abstract: A remedial wall anchor system includes a reinforcing rod or wire, a tie rod, anchor components which secure the tie rod to the facade wall and the back-up wall, and a capturing device. The tie rod extends between the facade and back-up walls and is insertable through a hole extending through the facade wall. The capturing device is secured to the front end of the tie rod and includes first and second spaced-apart upstanding surfaces joined by a linking member to form a channel for capturing a portion of the reinforcing wire. The remedial anchor system can be used both mechanical and adhesive facade anchors and back-up anchors. The remedial anchor wall system is easily and economically used to reconnect an existing facade wall to a back-up wall. Initially, the user forms a horizontal groove in a mortar bedjoint of the facade wall. Then, a hole is drilled into the grooved mortar line so that the hole is connected to the groove and extends through the facade wall.

Abstract: A magnetic drain bolt comprising: a bolt body and a magnet, the bolt body comprises a male-threaded member and a head member, the male-threaded member has an axial bore formed at a bottom end thereof for receiving the magnet, the male-threaded member further has a substantially circular lip extending axially inward at a bottom edge of the axial bore; the magnet consists of a cylindrical base and a cylindrical projecting extremity, the cylindrical base is sized to fit within the axial bore and has a diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the circular lip, the cylindrical projecting extremity extends axially from the cylindrical base and has a diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the circular lip and thereby defines an indented circular shoulder along a bottom edge of the cylindrical base and along a top edge of the cylindrical projecting extremity, wherein the cylindrical base is fitted within the axial bore and the circular lip extends over the indented circular shoulder against the

Abstract: A quick-connect bolt that can be inserted into a threaded receptacle without rotation and tightened with a minimum number of rotations.

Abstract: An oil pan bolt with a standard bolt head and a sealing flange that fits against the oil pan. Extending from the head of the bolt is a threaded portion that is inserted into the threads of the oil pan drain hole. An extension piece extends from the distal end of the threaded portion of the bolt. At a distal end of the extension piece is a retaining element. One way of forming the retaining element is to have another small threaded portion at the distal end of the extension piece.

Abstract: The presently preferred embodiment of the invention is a multiple speed fastener having a first pair of interengageable threaded members with a first pitch and a first thread direction, a second pair of interengageable threaded members with a second pitch different from the first pitch and a second thread direction different from the first thread direction, the first pair including a first actuator threadably engageable with a first threaded member and the second pair including a second actuator threadably engageable with a second threaded member, and a coupling means for coupling the first pair to the second pair, with the first actuator and the coupling means having first means for selectively engaging the first actuator and coupling means to rotate the coupling means with the first actuator, and with the coupling means and the second actuator having second means for engaging the second actuator to rotate the second threaded member when the first actuator and coupling means are engaged.

Abstract: A rigid assembly of at least two intersecting constituent members which form between them at least one engagement canal made of two opposite holes in two brackets of one constituent member, each with an inwardly converging wall, and a registering transversal bore with divergent end portions in the other constituent member. A tightening device is accommodated within each engagement canal which comprises a first cylindrical member with a centrally bored frusto-conical head portion, a second cylindrical member slidably accommodated therein and having a screw-threaded central bore and a frusto-conical head portion, and a tightening screw connecting both cylindrical members, each of said frusto-conical head portions being of smaller size than the associated bracket hole and having a slant matching that of the side wall of the latter. When the tightening screw is tightened, the first and second cylindrical members of the tightening device are drawn together and the constituent members are fastened to each other.

Abstract: A connection for components in a medical implant assembly utilizes a tapered mating surface on each component with cylindrical splines and flutes formed on each mating surface such that the surfaces are complementary to the extent that the splines of one surface are received in the flutes of the adjacent surface. Each surface is continuous with no discontinuity which would act as a stress raiser or enhance concentration of stress in one locale. The complementary surfaces are urged into registry by a screw connection coaxially through the surfaces.

Abstract: A single shear joint is provided which includes a conical ferrule establishing a nesting means of engagement with controlled embedment between a link and a mating component.

Abstract: A hybrid panel fastener for use in conjunction with a nut and cage assembly for fastening and unfastening a composite access panel that is galvanically compatible with the composite access panel, suitable for low observability applications, and high cycle usage includes a composite shank member and a metallic sleeve member integrated in combination. The composite shank member includes an interface segment having a peripheral engagement surface, a body segment contiguous with the interface segment, and a head having a torque-input surface contiguous with the body segment. The metallic sleeve member has an externally threaded surface and an integration bore that is complementary to the peripheral engagement surface of the interface segment.

Abstract: A first concrete element has a connecting member, and the connecting member of the first concrete element has a hole extending therethrough. A second concrete element has a connecting member, and the connecting member of the second concrete element has a threaded hole. A bolt is inserted through the hole of the connecting member of the first concrete element and is threadably secured into the threaded hole of the connecting member of the second concrete element so as to join the first and second concrete elements together. The connecting member of the second concrete member may be ductile so that earthquake energy may be dissipated in order to prevent significant structural damage in the presence of an earthquake.

Abstract: A bolt for a truss includes a main body having a head portion, and a shaft portion which extends from the head portion. The shaft portion includes a base portion with a polygonal cross-section at a head portion side of the shaft portion. A threaded portion extends from the base portion, and an annular groove is arranged between the base portion and the threaded portion. A polygonal tube having a polygonal cross-section is engaged with the shaft portion of the main body such that the polygonal tube is slideable and non-rotatable on the base portion. A stopper prevents release of the polygonal tube from the shaft portion, the stopper including a plastic ring having a peripheral surface on which plural engaging protrusions are formed, the ring being integratedly embedded in the annular groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal fixation system. The system comprises a screw for pivotally attaching a bolt to a vertebrae to be treated. A pivot block is threaded onto the bolt to move the pivot block up and down the bolt. A rod is secured at each of its ends to vertebrae on either side of the vertebrae to be treated and a clamp block is attached to the rod and the pivot block to thereby allow the pivot block to push, pull or rotate the vertebrae to be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for joining structural units. A structural unit, such as a precast concrete section of pipe, decking, bridge structure, building structure, or pavement, includes a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned tubular members. The ends of each structural unit are flush, and the ends of the tubular members are flush with the ends of the structural units. When two of such units are to be joined together, a guide member is inserted in one end of each of the first tubular members in the first structural unit, while an internally threaded insert member is inserted into a corresponding end of each tubular member in the second structural unit. The guide members and insert members have axial apertures with the aperture in the insert member being internally threaded. The two structural units are brought together so that each guide member on the first structural unit enters into the corresponding end of the tubular members containing the inserts in the second structural unit.

Abstract: An article of manufacture consisting of a self-tapping screw with a hex nut, joined to the head thereof where the hex nut including an internally threaded central bore, is used to facilitate the suspension of water pipes from a ceiling member in a building. The article can be inserted into the ceiling surface by first inserting the hex head into a socket which is affixed to the chuck of an electric drill. When the drill is energized, the self-tapping screw drills into or through the ceiling surface. Now, when the article is pulled free from the drill-mounted wrench socket, a threaded rod may be screwed into the hex nut for suspending a pipe cradle.

Abstract: A coupling and load support for suspending or hanging a load from the head of a coal mine roof bolt wherein the coupling takes the form of a thin-walled, open-ended, substantially square-shaped housing or receptacle which is structured so that the upper portion thereof can be rigidly attached to the head of the roof bolt by one or more bolts threadedly carried in the housing and is also structured so that the lower portion thereof can carry or be connected to a load support. A load of various types can be carried by the load support and the load can thereby be suspended from the head of the roof bolt.