Abstract: A bolted joint for coupling two components that undergo thermal expansion and contraction includes a bolt having a head and a stem, the bolt configured to provide a clamping force between the two components. A first washer having a thermal resistant, low friction coating is configured to be disposed between one of the two components and the bolt head to enable the one component to slide relative to the bolt during the thermal expansion and contraction, while maintaining the clamping force, to facilitate preventing bending or shearing of the bolt.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system and method of use is disclosed. The system includes a bone fixation pin and a surgical instrument configured for use with the bone fixation pin. The surgical instrument includes a sheath extending over the distal end of an elongated shaft and a locking mechanism operable to permit selectively movement of the elongated shaft along the longitudinal axis relative to the sheath.

Abstract: A take-up fastener is disclosed for fastening a level in a frame construction to the level below so as to resist upward forces generated by wind and other sources on the framed construction. The take-up fastener in general includes a take-up plate, or washer, fastened to a portion of the upper level and a take-up screw fit through the take-up plate and fastened to the adjacent level below. Once the take-up fastener is fully assembled, the take-up plate includes a pair of tabs which are capable of engaging threads on a take-up screw in a way that allows one-way motion of the take-up screw relative to the take-up plate. In particular, the take-up plate can move downward relative to the take-up screw, for example on constricting of the wooden members to which the take-up plate is affixed. However, the engagement between the take-up plate and take-up screw prevents movement of the take-up plate upward with respect to the take-up screw, for example upon an upward load due to wind or other external force.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: A take-up fastener is disclosed for fastening a level in a frame construction to the level below so as to resist upward forces generated by wind and other sources on the framed construction. The take-up fastener in general includes a take-up plate, or washer, fastened to a portion of the upper level and a take-up screw fit through the take-up plate and fastened to the adjacent level below. Once the take-up fastener is fully assembled, the take-up plate includes a pair of tabs which are capable of engaging threads on a take-up screw in a way that allows one-way motion of the take-up screw relative to the take-up plate. In particular, the take-up plate can move downward relative to the take-up screw, for example on constricting of the wooden members to which the take-up plate is affixed. However, the engagement between the take-up plate and take-up screw prevents movement of the take-up plate upward with respect to the take-up screw, for example upon an upward load due to wind or other external force.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One is movable relative to the other one in a first direction, and locked in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the members to urge the one in the first direction. The members include opposing first and second cylindrical walls, respectively. A resilient member is disposed between the walls. One of the walls includes a first receiving volume configured to fully receive the resilient member and the other wall a plurality of second receiving volumes configured to only partially receive the resilient member.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: A gland plate includes a rigid, disk-shaped element that includes at least one radially extending wall having a thickness of from about 0.1 to 4 mm.

Abstract: A load indicating fastener comprising a load indicator and a fastener body. The load indicator comprises an annular body defining a through hole having a minimum diameter and a plurality of protuberances integral with a first face of the annular body and a corresponding plurality of indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite from the first face. The fastener body comprises a series of threads, a head defining a contact surface, and a shank depending from the contact surface. The shank includes a first portion having a first outside diameter less than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is received on the shank first portion and a second portion including at least one radially extending member having a second outside diameter greater than the through hole minimum diameter such that the load indicator is retained on the fastener body thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking-up slack in a building hold-down system. The apparatus may include a base having a tubular shape, a slide having a tubular shape and a threadless interior surface, a locking member, and a biasing member. The slide may be sized and positioned to translate within the base. The locking member may be positioned between the base and the slide to permit translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause expansion and resist translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause contraction. The biasing member may urge translation of the base with respect to the slide in the direction causing expansion.

Abstract: A socket connector includes a metallic stiffener, an insulative housing, a load plate, a load lever and a plurality of washers. The stiffener defines a central opening in a middle portion thereof, the opening being surrounded by two pairs of inner surfaces. The housing defines a recessed conductive zone surrounded by sidewalls. The housing partially received in the opening of stiffener, and sidewalls interferentially engage with the inner surfaces in a direction parallel to the opening. The stiffener defines a plurality of through holes around the opening. Each of the through holes has two washers assembled therein from both sides of the stiffener; and every two washers assembled in a same through hole define a passageway in the middle thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fastener made compact on the whole and capable of producing a strong fastening strength. To attain the object according to the invention, there is provided a fastener for being fitted to a fastening member (B) while continually exerting a tightening torque to the fastening member (B) fixedly screwed onto a mounting base, comprising a torsion coil spring formed in a winding shape so as to be inserted in an axial direction of the fastening member (B) into the fastening member (B) and having a fixing end (13) to be fixed onto the mounting base (A), and a detachable stopper (2) for restraining the torsion coil spring (1) in a state of accumulating a tightening torque.

Abstract: A hold-down system used to secure a building structure to the foundation, thereby enabling the building to better withstand forces like high winds and earthquakes because these forces may then be distributed to the foundation. The hold-down system is characterized as being continuous and having stackable, individual take-up units. A continuous hold-down system allows the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing of the building's frame throughout each level of the building because the anchor of the system is always in communication with the foundation of the building. The individual take-up units are stackable allowing each level of the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing on that level as well as adjacent levels.

Abstract: A valve cover fastener includes a bolt including an elongated threaded rod and a bolt head. The rod has a bottom end and a top end. The bolt head is integrally coupled to the top end. A nut is threadably coupled to the rod such that the nut is positioned between the bolt head and the bottom end of the rod. The bottom end of the bolt may be extended through a valve cover and a gasket and threadably coupled to an engine block so that the nut abuts the gasket. A spring is positioned on the bolt. The spring has a generally frusto-conical shape. An upper end of the spring has a smaller diameter than the bolt head. The upper end abuts the bolt head and the lower end abuts the gasket such that the spring biases the gasket away from the bolt head.

Abstract: An automatic, self-energized, length extending, take-up unit for general use in wall hold down systems. The take-up unit is generally installed as a separate element, independent of threaded retaining elements of a hold down system. One embodiment includes an internal, preloaded, coil spring to rotate a threaded sliding member relative to a threaded base member, thereby to extend a height of the take-up unit. A trigger mechanism may be included to prevent unintended actuation of the unit. Additionally, a safety mechanism may be included to prevent inadvertent separation of a base member and a sliding member, thereby to prevent loss of a preload in an energizing spring.

Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching or with structural adhesives. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Abstract: In a screw locking assembly a pair of washers having inclined surfaces are interposed between a screw member on a tightening side and a member to be tightened, with the inclined surfaces being mutually contacted. These inclined surfaces circle around once in spiral form with a lead angle ? smaller than a lead angle ? of the screw, and both ends thereof are connected with a tier face in the axial direction. By conducting an initial-tightening in a state with an interval of a preset angle maintained between the tier faces, and tightening and rotating the screw member on the tightening side until the tier faces come into contact with each other, a tightening force proportional to that angle is generated, and the tightening force is controlled surely with precision.

Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure (33) having a first mounting member (51) for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member (52) elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body includes at least one projection (66) protruding from a flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) toward the vehicle body and located at a position offset from a line connecting centers of attachment holes (64, 64) of the flange to ensure that the flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) and the vehicle body are forced together via the projection (66).

Abstract: The invention relates to a flap seal in the form of a lamella seal, comprising at least three essentially flat individual rings (1, 10) lying one on top of another in a bundle-type form. Said individual rings (1, 10) comprise an inner part which is respectively defined by an inner circumferential surface (2, 11). The outer-lying individual rings (1) are covering rings, and the inner-lying individual rings (10) are sealing rings. High-quality sealing surfaces can be produced by allocating positioning means to the covering rings (1) for positioning said covering rings (1) in relation to one another in the circumferential direction and/or in relation to inner-lying sealing rings (10) in the radial direction. The positioning means also enable a relative movement in the axial direction.

Abstract: There is provided a support device for a rocker arm, which is capable of suppressing deformation or wear of a washer, and greatly improving the working efficiency in assembling the washer to the rocker arm. The support device supports the rocker arm having a supported portion, for driving an engine valve of an internal combustion engine. A rocker shaft is supported between a pair of shaft holders arranged in the cylinder head, for pivotally supporting the rocker arm thereon via the supported portion. A washer has engaging pieces, and is attached to one of opposed ends of the supported portion of the rocker arm and one of the shaft holders, in a manner interposed between the opposed ends. The one of the opposed ends is formed with an annular engaging portion for having the washer engaged thereon via the engaging piece.

Abstract: An automatic, self-energized, length extending, take-up unit for general use in wall hold down systems. The take-up unit is generally installed as a separate element, independent of threaded retaining elements of a hold down system. One embodiment includes an internal, preloaded, coil spring to rotate a threaded sliding member relative to a threaded base member, thereby to extend a height of the take-up unit. A trigger mechanism may be included to prevent unintended actuation of the unit. Additionally, a safety mechanism may be included to prevent inadvertent separation of a base member and a sliding member, thereby to prevent loss of a preload in an energizing spring.

Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Abstract: An interlocking shim system having interlocking grooves and teeth. The interlocking shim does not require extraneous tools for the process of installation. The system also includes magnets for placing a shim pack in an uneven environment. Since the interlocking shims can be attached to each other through the interlocking groove members the user can manipulate a connected shim pack, by removing the first interlocking shim. There is also a magnet system in the present invention for aligning the bottom shim in mechanical applications without having to scribe the position for correct placement. The shims interlock for easy removal of shim packs.

Abstract: An automatic, self-energized, length extending, take-up unit for general use in wall hold down systems. The take-up unit is generally installed as a separate element, independent of threaded retaining elements of a hold down system. One embodiment includes an internal, preloaded, coil spring to rotate a threaded sliding member relative to a threaded base member, thereby to extend a height of the take-up unit. A trigger mechanism may be included to prevent unintended actuation of the unit. Additionally, a safety mechanism may be included to prevent inadvertent separation of a base member and a sliding member, thereby to prevent loss of a preload in an energizing spring.

Abstract: An automatic screw clamping device for automatically tightening bolts fitted in a metallic mount member, which is hard to nail includes a casing (2), a rotator (4) disposed in the casing (2) in a manner that the rotator may rotate and move up and down, a biasing member (5) connected with the rotator (4) and the casing (2), and a covering member for covering over the casing (2). Fitments are provided on the lower end of the casing (2). The rotator (4) includes an inner periphery having an engaging portion (41) that can unrotatably mesh with the clamped member (n), and includes an outer periphery with a locking portion (42) which is unrotatably lockable to the casing (2). The rotator (4) locked to the casing (2) is engaged with the clamped member (n) to press the casing (2) downward.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel hub and brake disc arrangement for a vehicle wheel comprising a hub mounted via a bearing on a stub axle, a brake disc non-rotatably mounted on a carrier portion of the hub and a lock ring axially fixed at an end of the carrier portion. The lock ring has a first side surface lying in contact with a surface on the brake disc and a second side surface located radially inwardly of the first side surface, the second side surface being in contact with a surface of the hub. The lock ring also has areas located radially between the first and second side surfaces which lack contact both with the surfaces on the brake disc and the brake hub. The lock ring is also provided with circumferentially spaced bosses. The lock ring permits limited axial displacement of the brake disc, relative to the carrier portion of the hub, upon axial loading of the brake disc.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel devices which are fasteners for roofing assemblies, especially multi-layered roof assemblies. In addition, there is embodied in this invention a device that is not only a fastener, but is also capable of detecting leaks in roofing systems.

Abstract: A washer based nut has a nut body (11), a frustum disc spring (12) of a countersunk shape and rotatably fitting on the nut body, and a washer (14) for bearing against wooden articles. The washer has a central bore (16) and a round recess (17) formed around the bore and in a top face of the washer, and the round recess (17) formed coaxial with the central bore has a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the frustum disc spring (12) such that the latter is fitted in the round recess. Two or more portions of a circular periphery of the round recess (17) are deformed to retain the washer (14) on the frustum disc spring (12), so that the fastening works are rendered more efficient and manufacture cost of the nuts is reduced, under an easier management of the parts.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a sandwich panel having opposed first and second skins spaced apart by a core having a thickness "F" in a manner to preserve the spacing between the skins, including the steps of boring an in-line hole through the panel to provide a hole in both skins and the core of a diameter "A", enlarging the hole in the first skin to a diameter "B", inserting a tubular sleeve into the in-line hole, the sleeve having a length substantially equal to "F" and having an external diameter greater than "A" and slightly less than "B", the first end of the sleeve contacting the inner surface of the second skin, and flaring the second end of the sleeve to an external diameter greater than "B" so that it engages the inner surface of the first skin, and inserting a bolt through the sleeve, the bolt having a head to contact the external surface of the first skin and applying a nut to the bolt to contact the external surface of the second skin so that the skins are held in fixed position by the bolt.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic space take-up device which comprises a pair of generally cylindrical and axially aligned bodies, each having a central through aperture, with a flat base at their outer ends, and having opposed inclined ramps, with a cylindrical sleeve receiving and surrounding the bodies, and a torsion spring received within the central aperture of the bodies and secured at its opposite ends to a respective one of said bodies. One of the bodies is permanently attached to the sleeve and the other body is rotationally and axially moveable within said sleeve and is biased axially outwardly by the torsion spring. The take-up device also includes aligned apertures in the moveable body and in the sleeve with a lock pin removably received in said aligned apertures to restrain said moveable body against the resilient bias of said torsion spring.

Abstract: A locking fastener in which coacting ramp surfaces are provided on a nut and washer assembly to generate wedging forces in response to backing off movement of the nut which urge the nut into tighter engagement with the associated bolt and the workpiece and in which a spring member disposed radially from the ramp surfaces is biased by the final relative tightening movement of the nut and washer so as to bias the ramp surfaces for movement in the direction to augment the locking action of the fastener. A torque control fastener is disclosed in which the gap between the adjacent ramp shoulders on the nut and washer is indicative of the torque and the damping force exerted by the fastener.

Abstract: A spring loaded screw and an associated driver for use in orthopedic applications, particularly for temporarily securing cutting guides and the like to the tibia and femur for preparation of the bone surfaces in a total knee replacement. A slidable sleeve on said screw is spring biased away from the driver. As the screw sleeve seats, the sleeve slides upwardly against the compression spring to disengage the driver from the proximal end of the screw. The driver contains a slidably disposed central cylinder which can be axially moved by sliding an externally mounted sleeve. To retract the screw, the driver sleeve is advanced toward the screw to urge the cylinder toward the proximal end of the screw sufficiently far to enable grasping of the proximal end of the screw for retraction thereof.

Abstract: A wedge-action lock washer assembly in which a pair of washers have cam surfaces disposed in a face-to-face relationship. A sleeve-like keeper is permanently disposed in the central opening of the two washers and has a pair of annular lips engaging the two washers to permit the two washers to move with respect to one another but preventing their separation from the keeper.

Abstract: A uni-directional slack adjuster is incorporated into a hold-down tension rod or strap, such as a hold-down anchor bolt for bolting a shear wall on one floor to a shear wall or foundation wall below, when a wood floor joist assembly is in between. The slack adjuster eliminates bolt slack so that in the event of an earthquake or hurricane, the sill plate is positively anchored with no vertical bolt play, eliminating much of the cosmetic damage that is often done to the wallboard and other finished surfaces due to distortion of the wallboard framing as the sill rises abruptly until it reaches the end of travel on the hold-down bolts. The slack adjuster comprises a link in the tensioner and non-reversibly either expands or contracts axially depending on the particular embodiment.

Abstract: An expansion washer structure comprises first and second washer elements having projected ramp members which engage. The ramp members have sloped ramp and level segments adjacent to one another which are disposed to progressively engage as the washer elements are rotated with respect to each other. An internal spring is connected between the washer elements to urge them in one rotational direction when normal compressive force on the washer elements is released. When the washer elements are rotated relative to each other, their ramp members move progressively to different positions, causing the washer structure to increase in thickness.

Abstract: A machine leveling assembly is provided which employs a screw-jerk mechanism for adjustably raising and lowering a machine in conjunction with a ball and socket type foot and a shim.

Abstract: Shim pack assemblies are useful for adjusting an dpositioning a guide relative to a moveable member. When adjustment is needed, shim plates are added or removed to move the guide relative to the member. The subject self-contained shim pack assembly includes a plunger positioned within a housing and extending toward a moveable member. A first plurlaity of shim plates within the housing is positioned on one side of the plunger. A second plurality of shim plates is positioned on the other side of the plunger. When adjustment is needed, a shim plate can be removed from the first plurality and added to the second plurality. This arrangement of components provides a convenient storage for shim plates needed for adjustment.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a vehicle utilizing a mounting member including a first surface and opposite second surface. The mounting member also includes a multiplicity of opening of two types. The first type of openings fits over an existing lug bolt and nut of the vehicle wheel, while the second type of smaller opening merely fits over the lug bolt. Thus, removal of only certain nuts is required to hold the mounting member to a vehicle wheel. A multiplicity of resilient projections at least partially surround the second group of openings. The resilient projections permit the normal seating of a lug nut with a lug bolt while employing the ramped portion of the lug nut to hold the mounting member and other wheel accessories to the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A shim is provided for a planetary gear arrangement of the type having planetary gears each of which is rotatably mounted to a frame by a shaft. The shim includes an elongated flat body having a generally U-shaped recess at one end and which is adapted to be inserted in between the planetary gear and the frame so that the shaft is positioned within the U-shaped recess. The opposite end of the shim includes a locking tab which abuts against a portion of the frame thus simultaneously locking the shim against pivotal movement and locking the shaft in the U-shaped recess on the shim body. The U-shaped shim serves to channel lubrication into the shim and around the shaft.

Abstract: A replaceable shim is provided for a planetary gear arrangement of the type having planetary gears each of which is rotatably mounted to a frame by a shaft. The shim includes an elongated flat body having a generally U-shaped recess at one end and which is adapted to be inserted in between the planetary gear and the frame so that the shaft is positioned within the U-shaped recess. The opposite end of the shim is then pivotal to a position in which the opposite end abuts against a portion of the frame thus locking the shaft in the U-shaped recess on the shim body. A bendable locking tab is then bent to a position in which the bending tab abuts against a second surface on the frame and prevents further pivotting of the shim. In doing so, the bending tab locks the shim to the frame with the planetary gear shaft positioned within the shim recess.

Abstract: A joint connection for space frameworks made of rods and joint members wherein the joint members have concentric threaded bores for receiving threaded bolts for the connection of the rods with the joint members. The required torque is applied by means of screwing tools through non-rotatable but axially slidable drive sleeves on the threaded bolts. The drive sleeves inserted between the rod ends and joint members are also used to bias the threaded bolts so strongly that the bias force is greater than the charges from the outside which have a dynamic effect, in order to avoid the danger of fatigue fractures. For this purpose, each drive sleeve may be formed of three parts which, on the basis of cooperating helical surfaces with suitable relative rotation of the middle part relative to both outside parts, are axially adjustable in opposite directions to axially bias the threaded bolt to lengthen it and therewith to axially bias it.