Abstract: A composite shaft with an end fitting mounted on an interface region on at least one end of said shaft, and a preload structure arranged to provide a biasing force to bias the composite shaft against the end fitting; wherein the preload structure is in an interference fit with the composite shaft. The preload structure is applied to the composite shaft in a subsequent operation to the mounting of the end fitting to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a welded member for plated steel plate having excellent weld zone porosity resistance and fatigue properties and a method of manufacturing the same. The welded member for plated steel plate having excellent weld zone porosity resistance and fatigue properties according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a weld metal portion formed by arc welding and overlapping a first member and a laminated second member so as to partially overlap the first member, wherein the toe angle (?) of the weld metal portion is 45° or less, and the first member and the second member are plated steel plates.

Abstract: A panel structure with a slotted mounting system includes: a first post; a second post; and a panel that is configured to be mounted to the first post and the second post. Each post includes one or more fasteners that extend outwardly from a body of the respective posts and can be loosened to define a shelf on which the panel can be hung. The panel includes slots corresponding to and configured to receive the fasteners extending from the body of the first post and the second post. Once hung, the panel is released, and the respective fasteners of the first post and the second post tightened to impose a clamping force to secure the panel. The panel structure can include a plurality of posts with fasteners and a plurality of panels with slots corresponding to the fasteners of the respective posts to provide a multi-walled structure when assembled.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect ball and socket joint includes a substantially spherical strain relief node configured to be coupled to an object, such as a cable. The system further comprises an end cap configured to capture the substantially spherical strain relief node, the end cap having a diameter that permits the substantially spherical strain relief node to pass therethrough when the system is in an open position. The system still further comprises a retaining element configured to retain the substantially spherical strain relief node in the end cap. The retaining element is attached to the end cap when the system is in a closed position and the object is prevented from being removed from capture by the end cap. However, in the open position, the retaining element may be removed from capture by the end cap by passing the substantially spherical strain relief node through a diameter of the end cap.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a connection and separation device driven by memory alloy wires, including an active end and a passive end. The active end includes a housing, an outer sleeve, fixed sheets, compression springs, a rotating sleeve, a base, memory alloy wires, guide wheels, a lock pin, a limiting sleeve I and a limiting sleeve II. The passive end includes a screw rod, a loading nut, a separation element and an adaptor. The upper end of the screw rod is provided with a threaded section matched with the loading nut, and the lower end of the screw rod is provided with multi-layer oblique protrusions. The multi-layer oblique protrusions extend into the upper part of an accommodating space formed by the limiting sleeve I and the limiting sleeve II.

Abstract: A flexible fencing system capable of negotiating topographical variations of surfaces without any negative effect on the strength of the fencing system and comprised of an initial post, at least one intermediary post and an end post. Each of the initial and end posts includes a plate extending distally from the posts. The intermediary posts include two plates extending distally from the intermediary posts where the angle between the distally extending plates is 180°. Braces having plates at each end are located between and connect to the posts at connection points formed by the plates of the braces secured to the plates of the posts. The connection points form a hinge providing flexibility to either incline or decline the brace relative to the preceding post, the variation of the brace inclination or declination determined by the topographical variations of a surface.

Abstract: A flexure bearing having a first sleeve and a second sleeve is provided. Each sleeve includes a first pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve and a second pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar. The flexure bearing has a plurality of blind holes and a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A flexure bearing having a first sleeve and a second sleeve is provided. Each sleeve includes a first pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve and a second pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar. The flexure bearing has a plurality of blind holes and a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.

Abstract: The fence system attaches to an aluminum or steel rectangular base post in concrete or the ground. The inside wall of a fence column slides over the base post. The fence column also has an outside wall around the inside wall. Each of three side of the fence column has an elongated slot, which receives one end of a slat. A bracket may secure the slat to the fence column. The fence system also has a gate of the same style as the rest of the fence. A lockset housing replaces one fence column. It receives slats on one side, and the lockset's latch projects from the other side. A hollow post has a slot facing the latch when the gate is closed. A latch cover is held by the slot, and an extension of the latch cover extends along the lockset housing to block surreptitious opening the gate.

Abstract: A connection device for interconnecting two components of plastics material is provided. The components include a first wall and a second wall, which have respective edges arranged against one another, when the two components are assembled. The device includes at least one clip on the first wall and extending beyond the edge thereof, at least one first tooth and at least one second tooth on the second wall and designed to be snap engaged by the clip when the two components are in the pre-assembled state and in the assembled state, respectively. The first tooth is closer than the second tooth to the edge of the second wall such that, when pre-assembled, the two components are connected by the edges of the first wall and the second wall, the edges being spaced apart from one another. The first tooth has an inclined locking face for facilitating decoupling of the two components.

Abstract: Provided is a telescopic tube having a stabilizing structure, including: a first tube having an internal and external end, wherein at least three longitudinal stabilizing lines are protruded from an outer wall of the internal end, and at least one stabilizing line has a blocking surface disposed at one end thereof near the external end; and a second tube having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first tube and a diameter of an outer periphery of the stabilizing lines, and having an upper and lower end, wherein the upper end is provided with a blocking portion having an opening. The second tube is sleeved outside the first tube, the external end penetrates through the opening to expose outside the second tube, and the internal end remains therein. Therefore, the first tube can be stably slidable inside the second tube due to the stabilizing lines.

Abstract: An adjustable connection joint has a partially shaped spherical member attached to a first member to be adjusted with respect to a second member. A slidable base member slides in a bushing which is attached to the second member. A bolt extends through a washer that spreads a slotted end of the slidable base member against the bushing. Tightening the bolt pulls a locking member against an inside of the partially spherically shaped member and pulls it against a conical cavity on an end of the slidable member. Tightening the bolt concurrently locks the slidable member in the bushing and locks a position of the partially shaped cylindrical member in the conical cavity at the end of the slidable member.

Abstract: A modular fence system includes a plurality of fence panels, each having top, bottom, left side, and right side edges. The left side edge may define a first profile, and he right side edge may define a second profile, the second profile being complementary to the first profile, whereby the left side edge of one panel may be disposed in side-by-side relationship to the right side edge of a second panel. The top, bottom, left side, and right side edges may define a periphery, with a plurality of barrier members residing within the periphery. Each panel may also include a strengthening feature integral with a plurality of the barrier members. A first hinge may carried on the left side edge, and a second hinge carried on the right side edge and configured to align with the first hinge.

Abstract: A metal fencing system is provided. The metal fencing system can include a plurality of metal fence posts and a plurality of retaining clips, each metal fence post comprising a plurality of discrete apertures arranged to receive a coupling portion of a retaining clip; wherein each retaining clip comprises a central fencing wire securing portion and two opposing coupling portions arranged in use to cooperate with the discrete apertures and to secure the retaining clip to the metal fence post.

Abstract: A handrail system that is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a stairwell such that at least a portion of a hand railing may be in an upright position or a lowered position. In an upright position, the system provides a complete top-to-bottom handrail. In the lowered, stowed position, the upper railing portion is conveniently stowed away within the stairwell. In a bulkhead embodiment, a full handrail is provided in the upright, use position and the upper railing is stowed within the bulkhead when the bulkhead doors are closed.

Abstract: Telescoping pole systems and clamps thereof are described. The clamps include a body having one or more pin extensions and one or more locking extensions. The pin extensions and the locking extensions are arranged in an alternating manner. A pivot handle is operably connected to the body and has a lever arm that extends from an offset hinge, the offset hinge defining a hinge axis. A pivot pin passes through the one or more pin extensions of the body and the offset hinge of the pivot handle. The pivot pin defines a pivot axis. The hinge axis and the pivot axis are parallel but offset from each other and the one or more locking extensions are arranged to be actuated by the offset hinge as the pivot handle is rotated about the pivot axis of the pivot pin. The poles of such systems may be multi-lobed.

Abstract: A protective barrier includes a first end piece including a first opening and a first anchoring member for securing the first end piece to a surface, a second end piece including a second opening and a second anchoring member for securing the second end piece to the surface, a rail extending between the first end piece and the second end piece, the rail having a first end disposed in the first opening of the first end piece and a second end disposed in the second opening of the second end piece, and a cable system including a first fastener coupled to the first anchoring member, a second fastener coupled to the second anchoring member, and a cable having a first end attached to the first fastener and a second attached to the second fastener, the cable extending from the first fastener, through the first opening, through the rail, through the second opening, and to the second fastener.

Abstract: A device for fitting two components together by a clevis is improved by a seal including a deformable ring subjected to axial compression between one of the cheeks and a mobile washer which is brought closer to the cheek when a bolt passing through the clevis is tightened. This axial compression causes the rod to be clamped by the seal, eliminating all play and giving the assembly good cohesion while at the same time eliminating the transmission of vibration and noise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guardrail including a post and a longitudinal beam, the post and longitudinal beam being linked via at least one fastener and mounting plate. The mounting plate in one embodiment includes a rigid body configured to mate with the at least one fastener; and at least one deformable region or regions about or alongside the body that, in the event of an impact on the guardrail, bends and/or breaks thereby releasing the body from the remainder of the mounting plate and in doing so allowing the post and longitudinal beam to separate. A guardrail post including at least one fastener and at least one mounting plate is also described along with a mounting plate for use in a guardrail assembly.

Abstract: A rope connector includes a connecting part, a sleeve, a movable rod, an elastic member, and a clamping member. An end of the sleeve connects an end of the connecting part, and the other end is disposed with an opening communicating with an interior of the sleeve. An end of the movable rod is movably placed inside the sleeve after passing through the opening, and the other end connects the clamping member. The elastic member is placed inside the sleeve, an end abuts against an edge of the opening, and the other end connects one end of the movable rod. An end of the clamping member away from the movable rod is suitable for detachably connecting with a rope. The rope connector is convenient for rope connection and automatic adjustment of tension.