Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vessel or pipeline closure. A closure 10 includes a hub 12 fixedly and sealingly secured to the vessel, and a cap 30 for threaded engagement with the hub 12. An anchor 22 may be fixedly secured to the hub and a tightening pulling stop 32 and a loosening pulling stop 132 each may be fixedly secured to the cap 30. A connector body 26 may be engaged with the anchor 22, and has a through bore 27 to accommodate a threaded rod 44. A flexible, elongate member 46 may be engaged at one end to the threaded rod 44, and selectively engaged with one of the pulling stops 32 or 132. A threaded collar 28 advances the threaded rod 44 axially, thereby rotating the cap 30 relative to the hub 12.

Abstract: An internally threaded (23) collet nut (22) is placed onto the first cable (12) and a first cable (12) is inserted into a collapsible collet (20) on a connector body (18). The collet nut (22) and a breakaway nut (30) are engaged with simple wrenches to establish a reactive torque between the collet nut (22) and the breakaway nut (34) to break away the breakaway nut (34) from the connector body. An enlarged end (16) of the second cable (14) is placed into the interior of a retainer nut (30), which is threaded onto the threaded section (19) of the connector body (18) to abut the collet nut (22), thereby connecting the two cables (12 and 14).

Abstract: An adjustment system for a plate-like member includes a cam member formed with an appropriate cam curve in contact with front or rear surface of, for example, a reflector installed in an optical scanner to reflect a scanning beam of an optical scanner so that a reflecting direction of this reflector may be adjustably varied by rotating the cam member and optical and scanning characteristics of the optical scanner may be ensured.

Abstract: A presently-preferred embodiment of a quick-release coupler comprises a housing having a first interior surface defining a center cavity and a second interior surface defining a through hole intersecting the center cavity. The coupler also comprises a locking member at least partially disposed in the center cavity and having a first and an opposing second inwardly facing surface partially defining a central passage in the locking member, and a projection extending partially along a length of the first surface. The locking member is movable between a first position wherein the central passage is adapted to removably receive an end portion of a torque-transmitting shaft, and a second position wherein the projection is adapted to engage a recessed portion of the torque-transmitting shaft and thereby inhibit removal of the end portion from the central passage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for strengthening the upper portions of the support posts for guardrails and guardrail end treatments against the forces that are imparted to the post during an impact. The upper portions of support posts, particularly the areas proximate the bolt connection, are reinforced. Preferably, a compressive force is applied to those areas as well by the reinforcements. In one embodiment, reinforcement for the upper portion of the post is provided by metal banding that is disposed around the periphery of the post. Alternative exemplary embodiments are also described in which reinforcement to the upper portion of the post is provided by plates that are secured into place on a location proximate the connection bolt and by a metal cap that sits atop the post. In another embodiment, the drilled hole and connection bolt are eliminated.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A spline connection is provided between a first part and a second part wherein a first set of internal splines is formed on an inner cylindrical surface of the first part and a second set of internal splines is formed on an inner cylindrical surface of the second part. Also included is a connector sleeve having first and second sets of external splines formed thereon. The connector sleeve is slideable between a pre-assembly position located fully within the second part and a fully assembled position in which a section of the connector sleeve is located in the first part and another section is located in the second part so that the first set of external splines engage the first set of internal splines and the second set of external spines engage the second set of internal splines.

Abstract: A passive ball capture joint has a sleeve with a plurality of bores distributed about a circumference thereof and formed therethrough at an acute angle relative to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A spring-loaded retainer is slidingly fitted in each bore and is biased such that, if allowed, will extend at least partially into the sleeve to retain a ball therein. A ring, rotatably mounted about the bores, has an interior wall defining a plurality of shaped races that bear against the spring-loaded retainers. A mechanized rotational force producer is coupled to the ring. The ring can be rotated from a first position (that presses the retainers into the sleeve to lock the ball in place) to a second position (that allows the retainers to spring back out of the sleeve to release the ball).

Abstract: A quick release clasping device for a rake includes a handle slidably engaged through a barrel. The barrel has an opening formed between two flaps for slidably receiving a press piece which has two ears. A lever has a cam engaged between and rotatably secured to the ears and the flaps with a shaft which may retain the press piece to the flaps. The ears each have an oblong hole for slidably receiving the shaft and for allowing the press piece to be slid relative to the shaft and the flaps for a limited sliding movement.