Abstract: A composite drive shaft damper includes both foamed and non-foamed NVH-reducing materials to dampen particular NVH-causing frequencies within a drive shaft.

Abstract: A releasable connector apparatus is provided for permitting a releasable connection with an object. The apparatus comprises a connector assembly which includes a connector member moveable between connection and disconnection configurations to facilitate a releasable connection with an object. A connector mandrel comprising a support surface is movable relative to the connector assembly such that alignment of the support surface and the connector member locks said connector member in its connected configuration, and misalignment of the support surface and the connector member permits the connector member to be moved towards its disconnected configuration.

Abstract: A ball stud (12) with a relatively short grip length, adapted for use with a turbocharger, having a flexible flange (18) extending from a center of the ball stud (12). The flexible flange (18) is between a ball section (14) and a first shaft portion (20) adjacent to the flexible flange (18) and preferably a narrower threaded shaft portion (22) extending further from the ball section (14). The first shaft portion (20) may be tapered to fit in a complementary aperture (32) of a plate (30). The flexible flange (18) preferably includes a narrow circumference (24) adjacent to a center of the ball stud (12) with a circumferential lip (26) adapted to engage a plate (30). The flexible flange (18) allows subtle flex for thermal expansion and essentially changes a spring rate of the ball stud (12) to emulate a longer fastener.

Abstract: A system to be used in t-post fence arrangements. The system comprises an adjustable locking brace having two specialized ends which permit the brace to be used in a variety of bracing configurations. The system further includes hinge pins for connecting a gate to a t-post fence. Other devices and apparatus are provided which further assist in the building and maintenance of t-post fences.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector for connecting a hollow composite shaft that has been manufactured to comprise an inwardly tapered portion towards one end of the hollow composite shaft to a collar includes an insert, a collar and a tensioner. The insert is received in the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft such that the inner surface of the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft in use will engage with the outer tapered surface of the insert and collar includes an inner tapered surface and being sized to fit over the insert and the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. The tensioner is arranged, in use, to axially force the collar and the insert in opposite directions so as to exert a clamping force onto the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. A method of forming the assembly is also included.

Abstract: A railing system includes an upper rail and a lower rail spaced from the upper rail. The railing system also includes a plurality of balusters positioned between the upper rail and the lower rail. The railing system further includes a clip configured to attach one baluster of the plurality of balusters to the lower rail or the upper rail. The clip includes a baluster engagement portion configured to be received within an open end of the one baluster. The clip further includes a tab extending from the baluster engagement portion. The tab includes a fin portion configured to be inserted within one aperture of a plurality of apertures of the upper rail or the lower rail. The tab also includes a spring portion coupled to the fin portion. The spring portion is configured to secure the clip to the upper rail or the lower rail.

Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.

Abstract: A clamping device for joining two adjacent-lying flange pieces of components is provided herein. The clamping device forms a frame that is equipped for the purpose of being penetrated by the two adjacent-lying flange pieces. The clamping device further includes a tensioning device that is equipped for the purpose of placing under tension or clamping the two adjacent-lying flange pieces in the frame. In addition, the disclosure relates to a flange connection of two components having such a clamping device.

Abstract: A security fence structure including posts, rails, fence gratings, mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners is easily assembled in the field. The rails are secured to the post by mounting brackets and fasteners, and the fence grating secured to the rails by means of the fence clips and fasteners. The fence gratings, in conjunction with the mounting brackets, fence clips and fasteners are resistant to climbing.

Abstract: Advanced components that are useful in providing a compact overall cable termination for a multi-stranded cable and in providing for the control and inspection of the individual components of a multi-stranded cable. Multiple individual cable strands are provided with a termination on their free end. These terminations are connected to a collector. An advanced collar is provided that assists in the transition of the strands as they leave the collector and transition to the structure found in the free portion of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting structure for an integrated component to be mounted by snap-fitting on a fuel tank so that it is possible to suppress looseness. This mounting structure for an integrated component of a fuel tank includes: a weld clip which has a tip part having an engaging portion and a base end part to be welded to an inner surface of the fuel tank; an engagement base which is provided to the integrated component to be integrated into the fuel tank, and has a snap-fitting arm to be engaged with the engaging portion by elastic restoring force; and a lock member which is attached to the engagement base so as to be capable of switching from a temporary holding position to a lock position, the temporary holding position allowing an elastic deformation of the snap-fitting arm in a direction to release the engagement with the engaging portion, the lock position preventing the elastic deformation.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a shank having an inner abutment proximate to an inner extremity, and an outer abutment proximate to an outer extremity. A connector includes an inner loop that encircles the shank between the inner abutment and the outer abutment and that is movable reciprocally along the shank, a first portion that extends outwardly from the inner loop to a second portion that extends from the first portion past the outer extremity and the abutment to a third portion that extends inwardly and forwardly from the second portion to a pivotally mountable outer loop. Tensioned compression springs encircle the shank between the inner abutment and the inner loop, and act between the inner abutment and the inner loop urging the inner loop toward the outer abutment.

Abstract: A suicide preventing fence including: a plurality of pole parts provided standing upright from the ground surface at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of linking parts which are formed in the shape of pipes and horizontally link the spaces between the pole parts. The fence further includes rotating bodies which are formed with an internally hollow abacus bead shape and are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts, and bearings which are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts, positioned in the centers on the insides of the rotating bodies. The fence further includes rotating bolts which are provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the linking parts and are inserted in through passing regions on both side surfaces of the rotating bodies so as to rotate together with the rotating bodies.

Abstract: A draw stud assembly for use with a knockout punch tool having a movable piston, includes a connector attachable to the movable piston, a draw stud, and a quick connect mechanism. The quick connect mechanism includes mating first and second thread segments on the connector and the draw stud, respectively. The connector and the draw stud are movable between a first relative orientation where the mating first and second thread segments are misaligned to permit axial movement between the connector and the draw stud, and a second relative orientation where the mating first and second thread segments are aligned and engaged to inhibit axial movement between the connector and the draw stud.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow drive shaft for a vehicle may include swaging one of a first hollow tube and a second hollow tube having a same diameter to reduce an outer diameter thereof and thus allow the swaged hollow tube to be assembled in a remaining hollow tube of the first hollow tube and the second hollow tube, assembling the hollow tube that is reduced in outer diameter in the remaining hollow tube, thereby forming a hollow shaft, and joining first and second stems to both sides of the hollow shaft, respectively.

Abstract: A metallic/composite joint may comprise a composite member having a flared end or an angled end, a liner perimetrically surrounding the composite member, and a metallic member perimetrically surrounding the liner. A first side of the liner contacts the composite member and a second side of the liner contacts the metallic member. The liner perimetrically surrounds at least a portion of the flared end. A through-thickness compressive stiffness of the liner may be less than a similar stiffness of the composite member.

Abstract: A quick disconnect assembly including a tubular housing. The housing includes a cam pin secured to the housing and a nut positioned within the housing cannulation. The nut has a first threaded channel adapted to engage a threaded shaft, a second, non-threaded channel extending at an angle to the first channel, and an arcuate groove formed on an outer surface of the nut. When the cam pin of the housing engages the groove at about a distal end of the nut, the nut is positioned in a loading position where the second channel extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. When the cam pin engages the groove at about a proximal end of the nut, the nut is positioned in a locking position where the first channel extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: Breakaway retention device (100) is comprises a retained member (120) and a retention body (110). The retention member includes a retention knob (121). The retention body includes a housing having one or more resilient components (113a and 113b), two or more retention members (114a, 114b, 114a, and 114d), and a retention space (118). The retention space is at least partially defined by the retention members and configured to receive the retention knob when the retained member and the retention body are coupled together. The resilient components are disposed to resiliently maintain each of the retention members in a predetermined engagement position in the retention body to engage the retention knob when the retained member and the retention body are coupled together. The retained member and the retention body are prevented from being decoupled without the application of a predetermined force.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) case for an HVAC assembly. The HVAC case includes a fastener for coupling a first portion of the HVAC case to a second portion of the HVAC case. A clip of the fastener is included with the first portion of the HVAC case. A retention member of the fastener is included with the second portion of the HVAC case. Cooperation between the clip and the retention member couples the first portion of the HVAC case and the second portion of the HVAC case together.

Abstract: A drive shaft damper may be inserted into a hollow automotive drive shaft. The damper includes both foam and a non-foamed retaining member positioned on its outer surface. The foam, which extends above the damper's outer surface, typically possesses a maximum operating temperature of 175° C. or higher.