Abstract: A three piece seal nut comprises an aluminum base having a workpiece engaging surface with an elastomeric seal ring thereon and an annular titanium torque accepting wrench pad that is seated on said base and has a threaded bore for the acceptance of a bolt.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grommet for relatively soft panels comprising male and female elements that mechanically interlock with one another. The male and female elements having complementary truncated conical surfaces that pinch and deflect a flanged portion of the skin of the panel into a complementary annular rib and groove thereby to fasten and minimize creep of the skin relative to the grommet. The male and female elements of the grommet are positively locked to one another by a relatively simple assembly operation.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising an improved socket having a longitudinally extending crimped area that reduces the area of contact of a conventional pin therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating pigtailed lens assemblies employing iterative micropositioning and empirical means to accurately align an optical fiber with an axis of a spherical lens at the focal point thereof, whereupon the fiber is fused to the lens by a laser beam directed through the lens along the alignment axis.

Abstract: A matched impedance coaxial connector for use in the transmission of high frequency signals utilizing a twist pin connector combined with a sliding interface which does not require full mating for successful performance.

Abstract: A vacuum dump valve comprises a housing having a cylindrical cavity therein communicating with ambient pressure and with a vacuum line, and a plunger in said cavity having a pair of diametrically spaced tabs acceptable in a pair of slots in said housing to limit travel and guide the plunger relative to the housing.

Abstract: A process for the electrodeposition of a multilayered coating on an article formed of titanium or titanium alloy comprises the steps of: (i) cleaning the article by conventional means, such as by descaling, dry blasing, soaking, and rinsing, so as to remove oxides and other surface contaminants therefrom and expose the article's titanium substrate; (ii) immmersing the clean article in an agitated acid bath at room temperature to activate the surface thereof; (iii) immersing the thus activated article in an agitated aqueous nickel bath preferably comprising nickel chloride at room temperature and cathodically applying a relatively thin non-porous nickel base coat directly on the exposed titanium substrate to improve subsequent zinc adhesion thereto; and (iv) immersing the nickel-plated article in an agitated aqueous zinc bath preferably comprising zinc oxide, sodium cyanide, sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate and electrodepositing a zinc layer of desired thickness over the nickel base coat.

Abstract: A composite blind plastic rivet having a ductile plastic sheath fully covering the blind head on the rivet to preclude protrusion of fibers upon formation thereof.

Abstract: A fuel tank float for use with gasoline-alcohol mixtures comprising a closed container formed of a material resistant to such mixtures and filled with a slurry of a low specific gravity material such as hollow glass beads in a medium substantially similar to the gasoline-alcohol mixture to be gauged therewith.

Abstract: A composite blind rivet wherein a ductile metallic sheath fully covers the blind head forming portion of the rivet before and after deformation thereof so as to preclude protrustion of said fibers upon formation of said blind head. The sheath is initially expanded radially along a thin-walled portion thereof during blind head formation by the hydrostatic pressure generated by axial compression of the rivet's composite core, whereafter axial compression of the sheath supplants the hydrostatic core pressure to radially outwardly buckle the sheath into a blind head preferably of frusto-conical cross-section. Subsequent to blind head formation, the sheath elastically maintains a radially inward bias on the rivet's composite core while elastically axially biasing the anvil from the workpieces, whereby clamp-up force is maintained notwithstanding nominal plastic cold flow of the rivet's composite core during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely heating a continuous stream of heading tool dies to a desired temperature for immediate use thereafter in a rivet heading operation comprises a closed-loop transport system having a variable-speed drive and receptacle means for receiving and retaining heading tool dies for transportation therewith, with a first section of the die transport system being exposed to fluid medium having reference temperature below the desired die temperature, and a second fixed-length section of the die transport system being exposed to a constant temperature heat source. The temperature of the dies is thus normalized by exposure to the reference temperature fluid medium, whereafter a metered quantity of heat is transferred to each die by the controlled exposure thereof to the constant temperature heat source as determined by adjustment of die transport speed, whereby the dies are precisely heated to the desired temperature.

Abstract: An improved pin connector system comprising a compliant pin that effects a resilient interference fit within a complementary circular aperture of a printed circuit board. The pin utilizes an improved three beam configuration that optimizes electrical continuity, load distribution and mechanical stability, yet minimizes insertion force. The compliant pin exhibits improved contact wiping upon insertion and superior anti-torque and retention force characteristics after insertion.

Abstract: A fixed valve stem oil seal comprises a cup-shaped case engageable with the valve guide of a piston-type internal combustion engine. An "O-ring" type seal element is disposed between radial flanges on the case and the valve guide so as to be radially movable relative thereto. The seal element is slidable engageable with the valve stem, valve guide, and said case so as to effect a seal between the valve and valve guide.

Abstract: A fixed valve stem oil seal comprises cup-shaped inner and outer cases engageable with the valve guide of a piston-type internal combustion engine. A seal element is disposed between radial flanges on the cases so as to be radially movable relative thereto. The seal element is slidably engageable with the valve stem and said cases so as to effect a seal between the valve and valve guide.

Abstract: A plastic seal housing with an integrally bonded elastomeric seal for use about the rear crankshaft of an internal combustion engine featuring fewer leak paths and requiring no secondary machining of the seal housing subsequent to the molding thereof.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector system for connecting an electronic control system to electrically adjustable automotive suspension components, such as shock absorbers and MacPherson struts, features ease of connectibility and serviceability, superior electrical insulation, fewer individual components, and increased reliability. More specifically, the connector assembly features recessed, axially elongated contacts; integral latching strain relief caps; positive keying surfaces to ensure proper connector orientation; latching arms for removably attaching the connector system to the suspension component; and at least one seal radially disposed between the connector system and suspension component housing to prevent moisture penetration thereinto.

Abstract: A seal for use about a rotatable shaft comprises an annular cylindrical elastic sealing element having a radially inwardly extending flange defining a sealing lip at its radially innermost edge. An axially undulatory wave spring molded internally of the flange induces axial undulations in the sealing lip thereon while acting as a garter spring to maintain the lip in contiguity with a shaft passing therethrough. Upon rotation of the shaft, the undulating sealing lip deflects the fluid to be contained therewith away from the seal, thereby increasing seal effectiveness.

Abstract: An oil deflector adapted to be secured to the valve guide of an internal combustion engine comprises a generally cup-shaped molded plastic member having a seal element in a transverse end wall with lips engageable with both the valve and valve guide in sealing relation.

Abstract: An oil deflector adapted to be mounted on the stem of a valve of an internal combustion engine comprises a generally cup-shaped molded plastic member having a generally cylindrical section and a transversal end wall section having a bore with a radially inwardly opening groove for the acceptance of an O-ring.

Abstract: A tool to extract an integrated circuit package from a socket with minimal damage to package or socket.