Abstract: A coupling unit is disclosed for detachable coupling two pars of a spacecraft, the coupling unit connecting the two parts of the spacecraft in a connected condition and the coupling unit distancing the two parts of the spacecraft, when the coupling unit is in detached condition. The coupling unit comprises a first element and a second element engaged to each other in connected condition, with the second element comprising a gas generator for generating gas under pressure to detach the first and the second element to bring them in the detached position, thereby distancing the first element and the second element from each other, and thus also the first part and the second part connected to the respective elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separation device for a spacecraft or launcher. The separation device includes an inner housing divided into at least two portions locked to each other by a locking device in a locking position. The locking device is arranged to move between a locking position and a releasing position. The separation device includes an initiator including means for providing high pressure fluid to an expansion chamber when the separation device is switched from a locked state to a released state. The high pressure fluid in an expansion chamber moves the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state. The separation device includes a dampening arrangement arranged to attenuate a peak load when the separation device is switched from the locked state to the released state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various technologies pertinent to jettisonable battery systems for use in rocket engine-based launch vehicles. Such systems may feature battery units that are configured to be used to power one or more electric turbopumps that may be used to supply fuel to a rocket engine or engines. One or more of the battery units may be jettisoned during flight in order to reduce weight and as they are depleted. In some implementations, the battery units may be connected in parallel with the turbopump(s), with a depleted battery unit being electrically disconnected from the parallel circuit and jettisoned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various technologies pertinent to jettisonable battery systems for use in rocket engine-based launch vehicles. Such systems may feature batteries that are configured to be used to power one or more electric turbopumps that may be used to supply fuel to a rocket engine or engines. One or more of the batteries may be jettisoned during flight in order to reduce weight and as they are depleted. In some implementations, a depleted battery may remain electrically connected with the turbopump(s) while a new battery is electrically connected with the turbopump(s). The depleted battery may then be electrically disconnected from the turbopump and jettisoned.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an anchor device for receiving and securing a shaft thereto. The device includes an outer housing within which a jaw assembly is secured. The outer housing of the device may in turn be secured to or within a support structure such as a building component. Jaw components of the jaw assembly may be threaded. Furthermore, the jaw assembly has at least two configurations. In a first configuration, at least one jaw component is positioned away from a central shaft axis against the biasing force of a biasing member. A removable or reconfigurable holding member or stop member selectively secures the at least one jaw component in its position. In as second configuration, the holding member is reconfigured by the inserted shaft to trigger movement of the at least one jaw component toward the central shaft axis and into contact with the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a tensioning device having a traction element and a body. The traction element includes a first lower portion of the traction element that resides in a tie-rod that is able to interlock with a threaded rod and a second upper portion of traction element that resides in a piston, the first and second portions of traction element being integral in displacement. The traction element is axially moveable in a bore of the body and co-axially mounted around the traction element, the body providing a first lower portion of the body that resides in a tubular support sleeve and a second upper portion of body that resides in a cylinder. An annular chamber is formed between the traction element and the body and intended to receive a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes an elongated implant defining a distal portion interconnected to a proximal portion. The distal portion includes a set of threads for joining the distal portion with a distal part of the bone fracture. The system also includes a compression device coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated implant. The compression device is movable from an end of the proximal portion towards the distal portion of the elongated implant, wherein the compression device is structured to apply a compression force to a proximal part of the bone fracture.

Abstract: A system for preloading tension in a stud using an anti-seizure spacer for tapered thread connections is provided. The system comprises a hydraulic tensioning device including a nut configured for threadably engaging the stud, a foot, a cylinder having a first bore defined therein and a surface for engaging the foot, and a piston movably positioned within the first bore, wherein a hydraulic cavity is defined therebetween. The device further includes a puller screw including male tapered threads configured for being threadably coupled with female tapered threads on the stud. The puller screw includes a head configured for engaging a surface of the piston. The system also includes a spacer positioned between the male tapered threads of the puller screw and the female tapered threads of the stud. A method for preloading tension in a stud using the spacer is also provided.

Abstract: Hydraulically assisted fastener (10) comprises a body (11) with a central bore (12) to engage a connector element (20) and with an annular recess (14) opening outwards to an end surface (15). Annular thrust member (17) fits into and seals the recess (14). Charging medium (50) is injected under pressure into annular chamber (30) defined by recess (14) and member (17) and moves body (11) relative to member (17) to tension element (20). Medium (50) sets in chamber (30) to maintain the tension in element (20). Element (20) may be a bolt or stud, body (11) can be a nut and member (17) can be a plan washer. Medium (50) can be a curable viscous paste, a suspended solid in a self-setting compound or a particulate solid which behaves as a fluid. Suitable materials include graphite, and lead, copper or steel balls.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a bearing assembly on a shaft includes an internal flange, external flange, and a sleeve. The internal flange is securable to the bearing assembly and has a displacement pin extending outward that defines an initial position of the bearing assembly relative to the shaft. The external flange is secured to the internal flange via fasteners passing through elongated holes. The external flange has an opening configured to receive the displacement pin. The external flange may be rotated when coupled to the internal flange with the fasteners between a first position where the external flange opening is not in register with the displacement pin and a second position where the external flange opening is in register with the displacement pin. A sleeve has a tapered outside diameter and is engageable with the external flange.

Abstract: A coupling device provides a pre-tensioned coupling between a first member and a second member. The members are arranged to define a sealed compartment. A piston is housed within the compartment and is translated between the first member and the second member. A first ratchet lock is mounted within the second member and on translation of the piston, the first ratchet lock engages with the piston. A second ratchet is mounted within the second member and, on translation of the piston into the second member, the piston engages with the ratchet. The second ratchet is mounted on a piston, and translation of the second ratchet on the piston applies a tensile force to the first piston to tension or pre-tension the piston. As the ratchets substantially prevent reverse movement of the piston, the tensile force is retained.

Abstract: A device for the restraint and release of a deployable body mounted on a support structure, the device being operable between a stowed condition and a released condition, and having: a pair of subassemblies, each for being attached to either the deployable body or the support structure, these subassemblies having mating surfaces which interlock with one another in the stowed condition to substantially prevent lateral movement of the deployable body relative to the support structure; a releasable tensioned element which is connected to both of the subassemblies, exerting a compressive pre-load action on the said subassemblies that keep them together; a force measurement system that allows monitoring the cited compressive pre-load action applied; a releasing device for releasing the cited pre-load, allowing the free separation of the subassemblies; further being provided with a tensioning mechanism embedded in the device such that it applies a substantially pure-tension pre-load to the releasable tension

Abstract: A hydraulic nut for tensioning an assembly comprises a mechanical threaded locking collar to minimize load loss during transfer of hydraulic load to the locking collar, an annular piston, an annular pressure area to generate an axial load under hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic pressure port and preferably metallic seals to maintain the hydraulic pressure within the annular pressure area that operates in an elastic region and continues to actuate hydraulic pressure after repeated operating temperature cycles. The seals of the hydraulic nut have a ‘U’ or ‘C’ shaped cross-section.

Abstract: Different embodiments of hydraulic nut are described comprising a pressure system with screws that may be displaced to an end detent, and once the travel of the screw has finished, there is no possibility of a further forward movement thereof, so there cannot be a hydraulic fluid leakage. The hydraulic wrench of the present invention may be used in a preventive way, since the nut may indicate a decrease or increase in the preset stress to which it must operate, or it may indicate that the stress at which it must be installed has been reached. For example, the nut may comprise a visual alarm device, an acoustic alarm device or it may issue a warning signal through phototransistors or radiofrequency.

Abstract: Load-bearing ring (120, 220) have segments (121, 122, 221, 222) connected by studs (123) or frangible portions (228), where opposed tapered faces (125, 126, 225, 226) co-operate with complementary faces (114, 115) on hydraulic fasteners (110, 210) on a tapered face (342) on a washer (341), to enable controlled release of the load-bearing rings (110, 210) to enable de-tensioning of a bolt or stud tensioned by the hydraulic fasteners (110, 210, 310).

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a roll of a rolling mill stand includes a bearing for supporting a roll neck, a hydraulic device for securing the bearing on the roll neck and having a hydraulic piston supported against the roll neck, and a hydraulic cylinder displaceable relative to the hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston having an outer thread on which a circular nut having a circular base body is screwable for supporting the hydraulic cylinder with respect to the hydraulic piston, with the nut having a circular projection extending coaxially with the circular base body and completely attached to the circular base body.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a pressure loaded piston drives the sleeve from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. The initial position is determined by monitoring the pressure applied to the piston. Once the initial position has been reached, a linear indicator is used to measure the axial sleeve movement from the initial position to a final position. The system remains in place after the bearing is installed on the shaft and facilitates removal of the bearing assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self locking tensioner that can be used to place a piston or stud in tension. The present invention is directed to a tensioner comprising slip wedges positioned between a piston and a body which houses the piston and the slip wedges.

Abstract: A separation fastener assembly including a base and a housing positioned adjacent the base. A nut is disposed in the cavity. A bolt extends through an aperture in the base and including an end coupled to the nut. A washer is positioned proximate the nut and operative to retain the nut within the housing. The washer includes a plurality of segments. An actuator is carried by the housing and is in communication with the cavity. The actuator is operative to displace the housing relative to the washer from a first position radially retaining plurality of segments of the washer and retaining the nut in the cavity to a second position permitting radial expansion of the plurality of segments and permitting withdrawal of the nut from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self locking tensioner that can be used to place a piston or stud in tension. The present invention is directed to a tensioner comprising slip wedges positioned between a piston and a body which houses the piston and the slip wedges.

Abstract: An explosive attachment device for mechanical connection of components, internally provided with an explosive charge, the detonation shock effect of which is strong enough for rupturing a connection forming part of the attachment device for a rapid disconnection, whereby the attachment device incorporates an attachment screw (2) and an explosive attachment element (4-14) which comprises a cylinder (4), a cover (5), and a piston (6) mounted in the cylinder (4), a space between the piston (6) and the bottom of the cylinder (4) is provided with a circular row of small holes (14), the piston (6) is provided with a rod (7) that the attachment screw (2) is mounted to, in the space between the piston and the cover (5) is arranged the explosive charge (9) with a firing device (10,11,12,13) having a delay mechanism, whereby the blasting pressure is converted to a pulling stress, which acts upon the attachment screw (2) to be pulled off without the other parts splintering.

Abstract: A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic nut having a first part connected around the first end of a fixing member the first part having an annular recess which opens to receive a second part forming an annular member which fits within the annular recess, wherein a pressurized medium chamber is defined between the second part and the annular recess. The second part has an annular portion which extends longitudinally away from the first part. The annular portion has an outer surface which is spaced radially inwardly to form a locking part recess. A locking part is placed within the locking part recess, and has an inner diameter which is threadedly engaged with the second part outer surface. The locking part has a surface facing the first part first surface, and movable by the threaded engagement with the second part to an abutment with the first part first surface.

Abstract: A fastener, such as a housing, for mounting to a structure, such as a panel, that has an aperture formed therethrough. The fastener includes a shank member and an annular nut member that is configured to align coaxially with the shank member. The shank member is inserted through aperture in the structure and the nut member is placed on the shank member. Teeth on the radially outwardly facing surface of the shank member engage a pawl, such as one or more teeth, on the radially inwardly facing surface of the nut member to lock the nut member to the shank member. Removal of the nut member is effected by rotating the nut member to disengage the pawl from the teeth, thereby permitting longitudinal displacement of the nut member off of the shank member.

Abstract: A hydraulic nut having a piston which is movable in a fluid chamber of a nut body and which has a radial protrusion from the piston and a displacement bar mounted on the protrusion. The displacement bar overlies the nut body and extends past the nut body by an amount equal to the distance through which the hydraulic nut is to move a bearing assembly along a tapered shaft or move an adapter sleeve, or removal sleeve with bearing assembly on them.

Abstract: A first load-receiving member having a cylinder and a screw hole through which a bolt is thread-engaged and a second load-receiving member having a piston and a fastening face that is made in contact with a member to be fastened are attached to a nut, and a number of balls made of steel the surface of which is lubricated by grease are loaded into a pressure chamber that is formed as a compartment by the cylinder and the piston. Since these balls exert fluidity in the pressure chamber, a load applied to the balls is transmitted to the cylinder and the piston through the balls by screwing the input bolt. Thus, the first load-receiving member is moved in the axis direction with respect to the second load-receiving member, thereby applying a tensile force to the bolt.

Abstract: A stud tensioning device includes a nut having internal threads and external threads. The internal threads engage corresponding threads on the stud. At least two axial bores are defined by the nut, and posts are disposed in the bores. Each post at a first end thereof engages a stop surface, and at a second end thereof extends external to the bores and axially beyond a free end of the stud in a direction away from the structural member. A load cell threadingly engages the nut applying an axially-directed force on the posts in a direction toward the structural member and on the nut in a direction away from the structural member to thereby tension the stud.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of devices for connecting and separating objects such as microsatellites with respect to a structure. More specifically, the invention relates to a separation device (1) intended to release a screw (8) which holds two subassemblies of a structure together, this release taking place through the movement of a release ring (5) by virtue of the gases produced by a gas generator (3). The main feature of the separation device (1) according to the invention is that a damping device, achieved by pressurizing a space (19) with the gases emitted by the generator (3), is created in order to decelerate then halt the release ring (5) before it can produce a mechanical shock at the end of its travel.

Abstract: A separable threaded fastener tightened to hold two objects together with an axial preload on the fastener. Fastener structure minimizes mechanical shock loads on contiguous structures when elements of the fastener are abruptly separated from one another to release the objects. A stator and a rotor having ramp surfaces provide for relief of the axial preload at the time of separation thereby reducing mechanical shock on contiguous structures.

Abstract: A method and hydraulic nut for mounting a hollow article which has a conically shaped opening, such as a conical ring, on a conical shaft. The method comprises the following steps: a) installing the hollow article on the shaft, in order to fit the conically shaped surfaces of the article and the shaft against each other; b) moving the hollow article to a starting position (B), in order to provide an initial press fit; and c) moving the hollow article over a predetermined distance (S.sub.s) from the initial position to an end position (C), in order to provide a final press fit.

Abstract: An hydraulically assisted fastener has a pressure means (13) nested in a recess (15) or groove in a nut (11) or a thrust washer with a filler neck (20, 31, 44) whereat a nipple (14) can be used as a means of pumping grease or oil to the pressure means. The pressure means can be a bladder (13) or two parts with mated channels (42, 43). Alternately the pressure means (13) can be a single part with open channel (45) nested in a channel (46) in a nut body or thrust washer.

Abstract: A connection apparatus utilizes a structural element made of fusible material supported directly in the connection load path of the device. A carrier mechanism is axially translatably supported in the device and utilizes a connecting member to connect two desired structures. The connection mechanism engages and holds the connecting member in a first axial position. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism releases the connecting member when translated to a second axial position. In another embodiment the connection mechanism tensions the connection when translated to the a second axial position. The fusible member is heated to transition from solid to liquid. In the liquid state, the fusible member no longer opposed axial load on the carrier mechanism. The fusible alloy comprises a low melting temperature alloy, such as bismuth-lead or bismuth-tin.

Abstract: A hydraulic bolt tensioner having a first chamber and a second chamber, a first hollow piston movable in the first chamber and partially extending into the second chamber, a second piston displaceable inside the first piston and movable in the second chamber, the second piston having connecting means for connecting with an end of a bolt, and a hydraulic fluid supply into the first chamber so that when hydraulic fluid pressure is applied to the first chamber, the first piston moves so that the first piston displaces the hydraulic fluid in the second chamber and moves the second piston to pull the end of the bolt.

Abstract: An annular piston and cylinder device comprises an annular cylinder and a piston therefor, the piston having sidewall portions which extend into the cylinder towards the base thereof in the form of tapering annular webs which together define between them a recess of asymmetrical cross section.

Abstract: A quick-release apparatus having improved features is used with a hub and axle assembly for attaching a bicycle wheel to the frame of the bicycle. The assembly includes a hollow hub for mounting a bicycle wheel and a hollow axle extending through the hub and rotatably mounting the hub. The axle has a pair of opposite ends which extend from opposite ends of the hub and are interfitted with lower tips of a pair of fork tines of the bicycle frame. A first improved feature is a protuberance on the body of a cam lever assembly serving as a locator which positively aligns the cam lever to pivotally move the cam lever to the proper engaged position and prevents the cam lever from being used as a wrench to rotate the drawbar shaft. The second improved feature is an adjustable nut assembly which can be easily preset to have the correct number of compression washers to impose the desired level of tensioning force on the drawbar shaft when the cam lever arm is moved to its engaged position.

Abstract: The in-place tensioning washer apparatus mounts about a stud to be tensioned. The apparatus has an upper portion, a lower portion, and an expanding torus positioned therebetween. With the stud threaded into the workpiece, the washer is slid onto the stud and a nut is threaded hand tight onto the stud. Pressurization of the torus then forces the upper portion of the apparatus away from the lower portion, putting the stud in tension. Shims are inserted into the gap between the upper and lower portions caused by pressurization of the torus. The torus is then depressurized and the shims maintain the gap between the upper and lower portions, thereby maintaining the stud in tension. To relax the stress in the stud, the torus is repressurized to force the upper and lower portions of the washer apart, freeing the shims for removal. Depressurization of the torus then relaxes the stress in the stud.

Abstract: Tension device for tightening and loosening bolts or pins, formed by a body having at least one jack (40) equipped with a piston (25). Each jack (40) is associated with at least two bolts or pins (3) placed next to one another for simultaneous tightening or loosening.

Abstract: There is disclosed an easily releaseable, internally threaded fastener having at least one axial slot which extends substantially through the wall of the fastener. The external wall of the fastener is non-cylindrical, e.g. hexagonal, or three-lobed, to permit the application of a fastening torque to the fastener. The fastener is surrounded by a retainer sleeve having a mating, internal wall portion which provides hoop strength to the fastener. The retainer also has an annular recess in its internal wall whereby the retainer can be slid axially, or rotated, to release the fastener. The fastener assembly includes a metal spacer seated in each axial slot of the fastener to permit the even transmission of the fastener application torque.

Abstract: A fluid actuated nut having a cylindrical casing engageable at an inner end with a base, the casing containing a coaxial relatively axially shiftable plunger having an inwardly opening partial central bore for threadedly receiving a shank of a bolt, a compression spring acting outwardly on the plunger and inwardly against the casing, and a fluid pressure chamber in the casing outwardly of the piston, the nut being applied by screwing the piston onto the bolt shank to the point of engagement of the inner end of the casing with the base and tightened by sequentially compressing the spring by fluid injected under pressure in the fluid chamber for shifting the casing away from the base, turning the casing to reengage the base and releasing the fluid pressure to expand the spring, and repeating the sequence as necessary to produce the desired tensile and/or compressive force, the nut being loosened by applying fluid pressure to advance the plunger for compressing the spring and disengaging the casing from the base

Abstract: A method of applying and removing a fluid actuated nut, the nut having a cylindrical casing engageable at an inner end with a base, the casing containing a coaxial relatively axially shiftable plunger having an inwardly opening partial central bore for threadedly receiving a shank of a bolt, a compression spring acting outwardly on the plunger and inwardly against the casing, and a fluid pressure chamber outwardly of the piston, the nut being applied by screwing the piston onto the bolt shank to the point of engagement of the inner end of the casing with the base and tightened by sequentially compressing the spring by fluid injected under pressure in the fluid chamber for shifting the casing away from the base, turning the casing to reengage the base and releasing the fluid pressure to expand the spring, and repeating the sequence as necessary to produce the desired tensile and/or compressive force, the nut being removed by applying fluid pressure to advance the piston for compressing the spring and disengagi