Abstract: A mounting kit for securing a license plate removably to a vehicle includes a pair of fasteners having a tapered screw thread shank, a hand-turnable fastener head, and a grommet captured between the head and the screw thread portion. The grommet is installable in an associated fastener opening of a license plate to capture the grommet within the fastener hole and in turn to capture the fasteners within the grommet, while enabling the fasteners to be turned relative to the grommets and license plate for releasably mounting the plate on the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly comprising two parts to be assembled, a substantially cylindrical peg, a ring, a support comprising pins, means for guiding in rotation the ring relative to the support, and resilient means linked on the one hand to the ring and on the other hand to the support. The assembly further comprises a helical ramp provided on the peripheral surface of the peg and intended to receive the pin, said helical ramp comprising a first portion and a second portion in opposed helical directions.

Abstract: A carburetor including a main body and a throttle valve received in a mixing passage through the main body. The throttle valve is movable to adjust the quantity of a fuel and air mixture supplied to an engine. A carrier member on the main body has a threaded bore in which a shank of an idle speed adjustment screw is received to adjust and control the idle position of the throttle valve. The idle speed adjustment screw is formed of a polymeric material such that the shank is deformed by engagement with the threaded bore to reliably retain the idle speed adjustment screw in its adjusted position in the threaded bore.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.

Abstract: The improvements apply to lock and retention elements for public works and similar machines of the type incorporating a combination of one or various metal elements with one or various blocks of elastomer material, irrespective of whether they are joined to the former or not, in which the block of elastomer material is made up of an elastic structural material containing multiple internal cavities in the form of closed cells, that are for the most part separated from each other, and which contain a gas that allows the elastomer block to be compressed and reduced in volume during the compression that metal pieces exercise on the elastomer block, showing minimum transverse expansions.

Abstract: A mounting bolt for use in mounting toilet stools has upper and lower ends with an elongated threaded shank therebetween. An elongated planar head is on the lower end of the bolt and has a width similar to the diameter of the shank, and a longitudinal length larger than the diameter of the shank. The head has a center axis extending along its length. An indicia mark is on the upper end of the bolt visually indicating the position of the center axis to assist the placement and tightening of a threaded nut on the upper end when the position of the head is concealed when the nut is being threadably mounted on the upper end of the bolt.

Abstract: An apparatus, used for holding a coupling pin at a desired position in a pin-coupled structure regardless of a relative movement of two or more pin-coupled parts in the structure, is disclosed. This pin holding apparatus has two pin holding blocks, with an elastic member interposed between the two pin holding blocks, and is inserted into a pin slot with the two holding blocks radially compressed by an external force to reduce the outer diameter of the apparatus. The apparatus elastically expands in the pin slot due to the restoring force of the compressed elastic member when the external force is removed from the apparatus, thus being set in an annular groove formed on the inner surface of the pin slot and holding the pin at its desired position in the pin slot. The pin holding apparatus is easily set in and removed from the pin slot.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fastening assembly has a first component containing a first aperture and a second component containing a second aperture. A pin made of a super-elastic alloy defines a shank with a bore having an axis, the shank being at least partially constrained within and juxtaposed with both the first and second apertures. Activation of the super-elastic alloy generates a retaining force normal to the axis of the pin, fastening the components together. Several embodiments are shown where a unitary pin fastens the components, while other embodiments are shown where the super-elastic properties of the pin are activated by another independent element of the fastener, for example a retainer that co-acts with the pin to fasten the components together. Activation forces can be applied to the pin through relative motion, or stretching against a shoulder.

Abstract: For assembling two parts of an object with one another a threaded fastener is used which has a bolt having a thread and an axis and introducable Into the at least two parts forming an object, a nut screwable on the bolt, and a washer to be applied between the nut and the object, the washer having an axis and being provided with a first bearing face surface located at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with the nut, a second bearing face surface located at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with the object, and a third turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a bolt with the thread of the bolt, so that when the nut is turned with a given force in one direction and the washer receives simultaneously a given force in an opposite direction, only the nut turns to tighten or loosen the bolt and the washer remains rotation stationary while the bolt elongates or relaxes in an axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus, used for holding a coupling pin at a desired position in a pin-coupled structure regardless of a relative movement of two or more pin-coupled parts in the structure, is disclosed. This pin holding apparatus has two pin holding blocks, with an elastic member interposed between the two pin holding blocks, and is inserted into a pin slot with the two holding blocks radially compressed by an external force to reduce the outer diameter of the apparatus. The apparatus elastically expands in the pin slot due to the restoring force of the compressed elastic member when the external force is removed from the apparatus, thus being set in an annular groove formed on the inner surface of the pin slot and holding the pin at its desired position in the pin slot. The pin holding apparatus is easily set in and removed from the pin slot.

Abstract: A combination nut and washer is retained in a preassembled position by an annular pilot that extends toward the central hole in the washer to permit the washer to be rotated 360° with respect to the nut. The lower end of the pilot has a groove. A split ring is mounted in the groove to retain the washer in its preassembled position with respect to the nut.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first molded component to a second molded component is provided. The fastener assembly includes a stud that is a molded part of the first component and extends outward from the first component and a cylindrical wall that is a molded part of the second component. A longitudinal bore is defined by the cylindrical wall and at least one flute extends radially from the cylindrical wall into the bore and longitudinally along the cylindrical wall in a helical manner. The flute secures the stud in the bore of the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the stud into the bore. A method of fastening a first component to a second component is also provided.

Abstract: A heat sink fastener is applied to fasten a heat sink contacted with an electrical element mounted on a substrate. The heat sink fastener has a pillar integrally formed by an upper segment and a lower segment that further has an arrowhead hook, a coil spring winded around the pillar, and a cannular column with two openings for receiving the pillar. A step is formed around the first opening defined at one end of the column, and the second opening is defined at the other end of the column to allow the lower segment and the hook to pass through. When heat sink fastener is applied to fasten the heat sink to the substrate, the column is pressed downward to the heat sink, and the hook is inserted through the heat sink and the substrate to be tightly and upwardly pressed against the bottom of the substrate.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a component on a bolt is provided, wherein a shaft of the bolt extends through an opening of the component. A ring is disposed on the shaft, and is secured against axial displacement on a surface of the shaft. The ring has at least one radially extending widened portion that inter-engages an edge of the opening of the component.

Abstract: A connection element for a bolt including a member for receiving the bolt (2) and including a bore (5) having a tapering region (7) adjoining a bore cylindrical receiving region (4) and tapering in a direction opposite a bolt insertion in direction (A); and a locking member supported in the bore (5) for forcelockingly engaging the bolt (2) and formed as a radially expandable annular member having an inner diameter (w), which is, at least partially, smaller than an outer diameter (d2) of the bolt (2), and an axial length corresponding to an axial length of the cylindrical receiving region (4).

Abstract: A pair of scissors, in particular haircutting scissors, has a hinged joint consisting of a hinge screw (3) and a screw nut (4). The hinge screw (3) is essentially non-rotatably connected to one scissors half (2) and the screw nut (4) engages in a bore (12) in this scissors half (2). Situated in said bore (12) is a first flexible body (15) which, under contact pressure, sits against the end of the screw nut (4) facing the head (5) of the hinge screw (3) and against the shaft (9) of the hinge screw (3). To ensure that even a short screw nut will be securely held and can be precisely adjusted, the invention provides that the screw nut (4) has on its outer circumference a groove (18) in which is situated a second flexible body (19) which, under contact pressure, sits against the screw nut (4) and the bore (12) in the scissors half (2).

Abstract: A clip is attached to an insertion part of an object and inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving attachment. The clip is formed of a pair of clamping plates facing each other for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the object and having elasticity for expanding outward. The clamping plates have a plurality of teeth with tips formed on inner surfaces. The tips form a multiple stage pattern across a direction of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to the insertion part. Also, coupling arms are provided outside the clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion into the attachment hole after being elastically bent inward upon insertion of the insertion part of the object into the attachment hole.

Abstract: Gasket with at least one sheet-metal layer which has at least one screw hole for the passage of the threaded shaft of a screw, wherein for a secure holding against loss of the screw in the screw hole the sheet-metal layer is designed such that several holding tongues integral with the sheet-metal layer project from the edge of the screw hole, define a circular core hole, the diameter of which corresponds to the core diameter of the screw thread, and are designed for engagement in the screw thread, and that at least some of the holding tongues are bent out of the plane of the sheet-metal layer in such a manner that the edge regions of the holding tongues facing the center of the hole are arranged so as to be offset relative to one another in axial direction of the screw hole in accordance with the pitch of the screw thread.

Abstract: The retaining element represented in the figures preferably includes of a receiver cage manufactured of hard elastic plastic, having an inner wall which may bear against a bolt, and a retaining arm formed on the side of the receiver cage opposite the inner wall to be elastically springy. The retaining arm is directed toward the opposite inner wall at an obtuse angle, counter to the press-down direction (A) of the receiver cage on the bolt, with the clearance of the retaining edge from the inner wall being less than the outer diameter of a bolt.

Abstract: A quick-made connection for a stud (2; 22; 52) having a shaped outer profile (3; 23; 53), the connection including a receiving member (4; 24; 32; 42; 59) having a bore (5; 25; 33; 43; 54) in which the stud (2; 22; 52) is received, and at least one locking member arranged in the bore of the receiving member and formlockingly engageable in the shaped outer profile (3; 23; 53) of the stud (2; 22; 52), with the bore (5; 25; 33; 43; 52) having at least one section (9; 29; 34; 44; 55; 56) tapering toward an insertion opening of the bore, with the locking member (10; 30; 36; 46; 57; 58) being formed as a radially elastically expandable ring member preloaded against the wall of the bore and having an inner diameter (w) which is smaller than a bore diameter (d) at its entrance opening.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: An article has a tubular barrel (4) formed with a cavity and a catch (6) extending within a cavity window (5). A threaded rod (22) is adapted to be received in the cavity. In the absence of stress, the catch (6), in a rest position, has a wedge (12A) projecting inside the barrel (4). This wedge has a first inclined face (14) which faces the inlet opening (13) in the barrel and is inclined theretowards and towards the outside, and having a second face (15) which is opposed to the first and inclined in the opposite direction from the inlet opening (13) towards the outside. The catch (6) is adapted to tilt resiliently towards the outside when a force normal to the first inclined face (14) is applied thereto and to tilt resiliently inwards when a force normal to the second inclined face (15) is applied thereto. The article is used, when made of plastics material, with a threaded metal rod.

Abstract: A technique for captivating a fastener in a workpiece which finds particular utility where the workpiece has a smooth, polished bore. A retainer is provided between the bore of the workpiece and the fastener which is designed so that there is good adhesion between the outer diameter of the retainer and the inner diameter of the polished inner surface of the workpiece without also increasing the adhesion between the inner diameter of the retainer and the outer diameter of the fastener to thereby allow some axial play or slippage of the fastener relative to the retainer. In such manner the fastener will not pop free from the workpiece upon experiencing external axial forces on the fastener. Preferably, the retainer also allows radial and tilting movement of the fastener to facilitate the final threading process.

Abstract: A guider assembly for a rotary component idles about a given point on a shaft, and the shaft has a race at both sides of an idling space in which the rotary component is turned. A guider of the assembly has tension ribs held in the race for allowing the rotary component to idle about a predetermined point on the shaft. In addition, in the inventive guider assembly, the shaft has a race formed at both sides thereof and on a part of its outer surface, and the guider has a shaft hole into which the shaft fits, and tension ribs formed at one side of the shaft hole and held in the race.

Abstract: A fastener includes an elongated shank equipped with longitudinally spaced ribs, and a clip having opposing collar sections connected for movement between first and second positions for engagement with the shank and for installation or removal of the clip from the shank, respectively. Internal tabs formed on the clip aid in maintaining engagement between the collar sections and the shank during application of external twisting forces on the clip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding in positioning during assembly of a locomotive wheel with respect to a drive gear mounted adjacent the wheel during assembly and for maintaining the position of the drive gear during locomotive operation. The apparatus includes a lateral stop including a spacer formed of a semi-elastomeric material having a low coefficient of friction and specially adapted to fit into a stress relief groove of an axle between a hub of the drive gear and a hub of the wheel. The spacer is so designed as to be installable on the locomotive axle after installation of the drive gear, to be self-centering on the axle and to inhibit rotation of the spacer with respect to the axle such that the axle will not be marked circumferentially by spacer rotation.

Abstract: An identification tag for various size lube oil plugs for mobile vehicles. The identification tag has a mounting hole with an intentional flash in each comer. Each side to the hole has a flap with a living hinge adjacent. The living hinges run between the flashes. The flaps will pivot on installation to allow engagement of the inner edges of the flaps on receiving slots of the receiving slots of the various size lube oil plugs.

Abstract: A bolt fastener (1) is attachable to a bolt (23) by pressing the base (3) onto the bolt to receive the bolt in a receiving hole (2) of the base (3), while the fastener (1) has an increased pulling resistance force (pulling load) against a pulling force of the fastener from the bolt. An inner wall (9) of the bolt receiving hole (2) is provided with a pair of opposed engagement means (10) member into engagement with a threaded portion of the bolt as the received in the bolt receiving hole (2). Each of the engagement means (10) comprises a plurality of resilient arms (15,17) extending from the inner wall (9) of the bolt receiving hole (21) toward the center of the hole and a plate-like engagement portion (18) supported by the resilient arms to extend longitudinally with respect to the bolt receiving hole.

Abstract: A locking pivot member for mounting on a first member and which releasably holds a second member in a coupled pivotal relation thereto. The locking pivot includes a generally cylindrical body portion which is elongated along an axis from a free end portion to a mounted end portion which is secured to the first member. The cylindrical body is further provided with a radially and inwardly extending peripheral groove at a distance spaced axially towards the free end portion and from the first member. A continuous O-ring made of plastic rubber, teflon or other resiliently deformable material is positioned in the peripheral groove. The O-ring is formed having an inner diameter approximately equal to that of the innermost diameter of the radial groove, and an outer diameter greater than that of the remainder of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A retaining element to hold together a multipart preassembled screw connection or the like until the assembly can be further processed or assembled in a later step. The retaining element includes a ring section to be installed on a free part of the multipart connection unit so as to hold together the individual parts of that section, and a handle that extends in an outward radial direction from the ring section. Once the free part of a multipart connection unit is assembled to a mating connection unit, the ring section can be removed by applying a tensile force to the handle in an upward radial direction. The ring section may have a predetermined breaking point so that the ring section becomes severed when sufficient tensile force is applied, whereby the retaining element can be removed without difficulty.

Abstract: A fastener for a reverse fed panelboard circuit breaker is taught. Briefly stated, a resilently deformable pivoting member is disposed between side barrier fins in a two pole panelboard breaker. A pin at one end of the fastener is placed through a screw hole which is contained in the panelboard and disposed between the side barriers of the panelboard breaker, with the fastener rotatably urged towards the breaker so as to, when fully rotated causes the breaker retention tab to be urged against the panelboard retention hook and also for the fastener to lay against and come in contact with the edge of the panelboard breaker thereby preventing removal of the breaker without first removing the fastener.

Abstract: A penetration seal (12) is provided including a flexible patch (14) having adhesive (20) applied to one of the patch's first and second face surfaces (16), (18). An opening (22) is formed in the patch (14) of a size predetermined to fit a particular penetration (24). The opening (22) is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the penetration (24). In addition, a method of sealing the space (28) between an aircraft penetration (24) and surrounding insulation material (26) is provided. The method includes providing a seal (12) having a patch (14) with first and second face surfaces (16), (18), an opening (22) in the patch (14), and adhesive (20) applied to the first face surface (16). The method further includes applying the patch (14) to the penetration and insulation material by passing the penetration (24) through the opening (22) at the first face and pressing the first face surface (16) to the insulation material (26).

Abstract: A orthopedic support unit fastener composed of a female portion which is molded directly as part of an orthopedic support component such as a sternum brace and has reinforcing ridges extending between an outer ring and a central receptacle which receives a male portion.

Abstract: The stud retention device has a top end, a base defining a bottom end and two diametrically opposed longitudinal members defining a shank. The shank has a longitudinal passage in which a ribbed stud or externally threaded bolt is insertable. Staggered along the length of the shank are one or more ribs, each rib having a finger projecting inwardly. One or more flexible arms project from the base toward the top end, where the angle between each arm and the shank is 45 degrees. When a stud or bolt is inserted into the passage, arms and fingers engage in the recesses between the ribs of the stud or threads of the bolt, thereby imparting a retention force which prevents retraction of the stud or bolt from the passage. A range of stud diameters and lengths may be coupled with the stud retention device.

Abstract: A fastener includes a post and a clip. The post is formed with a head and an elongated shank extending therefrom, longitudinally spaced and radially extending ribs being formed at the free end of the shank. The clip is formed with an opening for receiving the shank, a forward split collar section generally surrounding said opening, a resilient center section, and a pair of wings extending rearwardly, from the center section. When the wings are squeezed together, the shoulder sections separate for slipping over and around the free end portion of the post as the shank is received into the opening in the clip. When the wings are released, the shoulder sections resiliently return toward one another to engage the shank between two adjacent ribs for interlocking engagement between the clip and the post.

Abstract: A stud clip for mating with a threaded stud bolt projecting outwardly from a base member, such as, for example, an automobile body, is used to mount an elongate article, such as, for example, an automobile fuel line, upon the automobile body. The stud clip comprises a plurality of latch members for engaging a threaded shank portion of the stud bolt, and the latch members have a predetermined thickness dimension, which determines the flexibility or rigidity of such latch members, in order to provide the latch clip with a relatively low or small insertion force, however, in order to provide the stud clip with a relatively high or large withdrawal or pull-off force, stopper members are provided in conjunction with and beneath the latch members so as to prevent the latch members from bending or flexing in the opposite direction attendant the attempted withdrawal or removal of the stud clip from the threaded stud bolt. Consequently, the withdrawal or pull-off force is substantially increased or enhanced.

Abstract: A clamping member fastenable to a bolt, wherein the clamping member includes a bowl-shaped main body having a bolt-inserting opening formed through a bottom center portion thereof. A leaf spring clip is embedded integratedly in the bottom center portion of the bowl-shaped main body. The leaf spring clip includes a plurality of spring claws extending from a periphery of the bolt-inserting opening toward a center of the bolt-inserting opening in an oblique and upward direction. The plurality of spring claws are engagable with a bolt and fasten the clamping member to the bolt responsive to a direct pushing action of the main body of the clamping member over the bolt with the bolt passing through the bolt-inserting opening, without requiring any tools or rotating action of the clamping member relative to the bolt.

Abstract: A belt fastener having an upper plate and a lower plate with holes which align with holes in a pair of belt ends, and bolts are inserted through the aligned holes of the plates and the belt ends, and nuts screwed onto the bolts, to connect the belt ends. A preassembled lower plate and bolt combination is provided in which bolts are retained in their respective lower plate apertures by washers disposed on the bolt shanks. The washers are disposed on the bolt shanks sufficiently close to the lower plate to maintain anti-rotational engagement of the bolts with the lower plate, and spaced sufficiently far from the lower plate to allow outward swinging of the bolts to an insertion position for insertion of the bolts through the belt holes in an outwardly swung position for subsequent drawing together of the bolt and belt ends.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably attaching a tonneau cover to a pick-up truck bed comprises a rectangular framework formed of four individual, elongated frame members each having a longitudinally extending channel formed therein. An elongated, plastic extrusion having first and second, longitudinally extending, resilient, spaced walls is slidingly inserted within each of the channels in the frame members. A plurality of male fastening elements each having a rigid, rectangular snap portion with a trapezoidal-shaped terminal end are fixed in spaced relation to the peripheral edges of the cover. A lip is formed about each snap portion which engages first and second flanges formed on the first and second walls of the extrusion upon pressing the snap portion of a fastener in the extrusion channel formed between the first and second walls thereof.

Abstract: A method and steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel comprising a preselected material continuously molded onto at least a driver's side thereof to conceal the air bag when the air bag is mounted to the steering wheel. The preselected material covers at least a driver's side of a rim section, a center section and a spoke section which joins the rim and center sections. The invention provides an integral construction which permits a steering wheel manufacturer to provide a steering wheel having a continuous molded construction on at least a driver's side thereof. This also enables steering wheels to be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.

Abstract: A sealed retainer grommet apparatus for securing a standard retainer member to a vehicle body panel. The apparatus generally includes a frusto-conical portion, an intermediate portion and a top portion. Both the top portion and a first end portion of the frusto-conical portion are generally circular in shape and have outer diameters which are larger than an outer diameter of the intermediate portion, which is also preferably circular in shape, to thereby form a channel. The apparatus 10 is secured to the body panel by inserting the frusto-conical portion through an opening of the body panel where the channel receives a section of the body panel member lockably therein. A bore extends through the top portion, the intermediate portion and at least a portion of the frusto-conical portion to define an interior sidewall portion.

Abstract: The accessory spacing element for dowel anchoring devices for wall covering slabs includes a tubular body made of plastic material which is interposed between the dowel and the respective accommodation seat of the slab. The body has an elastically deformable frustum-shaped annular flange at one end thereof.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for connecting a first member to a second member which has a threaded bore is provided which includes a bolt having a head on one end and an attached shank with a threaded portion, a flange connected with the first member, the flange having a support surface for supporting the bolt head, and a bore intersecting the support surface allowing for penetration of the bolt shank, the bore also having at least two radially inward protruding guides for centering the bolt shank within the bore, and at least one compliant finger integrally formed and connected with the flange which by insertion of the bolt is deformed to a position to compliantly bias the bolt shank against at least one of the guides and to also retain the bolt shank within the bore.

Abstract: A fastening device for attaching a temple to an eyewire of an eyeglass frame, a method of fastening using the fastening device and apparatus for impelling an elongated pin forming part of the fastening device. The fastening device is so constructed and arranged to insert an elongated pin through aligned hinge barrels of a hinge to be connected with its pointed end received unit a backing member. A gun-like member is used for inserting an elongated pin having a head at one end and a pointed tip portion at its other end and a circumferential groove adjacent the pointed tip portion. The elongated pin is so constructed and arranged the backing member that receives the pointed tip portion and the circumferential groove of the elongated pin therewithin when the enlarged head of the elongated pin is fully inserted through aligned hinge barrels and into the backing member.

Abstract: A mechanism which is capable of anastomosis of two lumens by an absorbable fastener. The fastener is made from two washer-like plates. One such plate has holes to receive latching prongs protruding from the other plate. Fastening is done through a single linear motion that causes the prongs to pierce the tissue, latches the prongs into a receiver and causes a knife blade to cut through excess fastener material and tissue. The ease of removal, by pulling the mechanism thorugh the formed anastomosis, is greatly enhanced. The system can be used such that the plates can be placed in any configuration to properly anastomose tissue.

Abstract: The assembly includes a lock with a main lock body having a bottom keyhole and an inverted u-shaped double rung top hasp connected to the top of the main body and extending upwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a flexible, resilient, elastomeric protective lock cover removably enclosing and sealing the lock body against the elements. The cover is in two pieces. It includes a bottom portion extending over the lower sides of the lock body and continuing below the lock body. The bottom portion has opposed sides and a tapered bottom defining an openable closed slit through which, when opened, by squeezing opposed sides toward each other, the keyhole can be reached by a key. The cover also includes an upper cap having a top and interconnected depending sides. The inner surfaces of the cap sides bear a circumferential groove engageable with and of smaller diameter than the base of a circumferential bead with sloping top and bottom on the outer surface of the sides of the bottom portion.

Abstract: An expendable closure assembly is provided for use (in multiple units) with a lockable pressure vessel cover along its rim, such as of an autoclave. This assembly is suited to variable compressive contact and locking with the vessel lid sealing gasket. The closure assembly consists of a thick walled sleeve insert for retention in the under bores fabricated in the cover periphery and the sleeve is provided with internal threading only. A snap serves as a retainer on the underside of the sleeve, locking it into an under bore retention channel. Finally, a standard elongate externally threaded bolt is sized for mating cooperation with the so positioned sleeve, whereby the location of the bolt shaft in the cover bore hole determines its compressive contact on the underlying gasket.

Abstract: The combination of a metal stud having a projecting head for welding to a receptor surface and a resilient clip for mounting on said stud and retained by said projecting head is characterized in that the underside of said head has a tapered shoulder which reduces progressively to the diameter of said stud, in that said clip has a retaining hole of which the internal diameter increases correspondingly from a diameter equal to that of the stud whereby it engages the tapered shoulder under said head when the clip is applied to the stud and in that said clip is provided with at least two retaining members which contact said receptor surface to urge the clip into close engagement with the tapered shoulder under the head of the stud.The clip is easily mounted on the stud by direct pressure and provides a more positive location of the clip on the stud.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus disposable within an axial bore for maintaining a fastener having an extending shank within a bore provided on a structural member. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer comprises a convoluted, polymeric, thin-walled annular body constructed of a resilient material with an aperture extending therethrough. The unitary body is defined by longitudinally extending radially outwardly projecting ear portions and radially inwardly projecting ribs which circumferentially alternate in a symmetrical pattern. A method for pre-attaching fasteners to structural members includes disposing the retainer within a bore contained on a structural member and subsequently inserting the fastener through the retainer's aperture. The fastener is thereby flexibly maintained along the central axis of the bore. The structural member may then be transported with fasteners pre-attached for subsequent attachment to another structural member.