Abstract: A coupling system including a mounting plate for anchoring to a substrate and a pair of clasp elements for anchoring to an object to be coupled to the mounting plate. The mounting plate carries a longitudinal slot disposed at its distal end and a transverse slot disposed at its proximal end. Each clasp element is structured to define a groove shaped, dimensioned, and disposable to effect a press-fit registration with a respective slot. One clasp element is structured to form a press-fit installation into the transverse slot when the other resilient element is installed in press-fit registration in the longitudinal slot. Sometimes, the mounting system may include a deflection-limiting structure operable to resist wobble of a coupled object with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A disclosed connector assembly for connecting abutting ends of a pair of rods includes a pair of outer clamp members, each adapted to receive one of two inner clamp members. Each inner clamp member has two opposed inner surfaces, each adapted to contact a corresponding shoulder of one of the rod ends. The assembly includes means for urging the outer clamp members toward one another. A described method for connecting the rod ends includes installing one of the inner clamp members in each of the outer clamp members and positioning the outer clamp members about the abutting ends of the rods such that the inner surfaces of the inner clamp members contact the corresponding shoulders. When the outer clamp members are urged toward one another, the inner surfaces of the inner clamp members impart forces on the corresponding shoulders that urge the ends of the rods toward one another.

Abstract: A tube over tube joint for an implement frame includes a self-fixturing weldable connector positioned between upper and lower tubes. Standard fillet welds connect the tubes to the connector. A unitary casting can be used made from material selected to optimize load transfer between the top and bottom tubes to improve the fatigue life of the joint. The casting is self-fixturing so the top tubes can be located by simply placing in the casting on the lower tubes. A tube end connector provides fixturing and weld surfaces for butt joints in planar frames. Outwardly extended weld edges on the connector increase resistance to parallelogramming of the frame.

Abstract: A reinforcing is disclosed that comprising a reinforcing bar extending along a portion of the length of the reinforcing and a termination extending along an end portion of the reinforcing. The termination is disclosed as being permanently bonded to the reinforcing bar preferably by a friction welding process so as to form an integral connection. The termination has a body extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a lateral engagement face formed on the body. In use the first end is joined to an end the reinforcing bar, and the engagement face incorporates locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Actuator stem and rod end bearings having locking mechanisms are described. An example apparatus for use with a control valve actuator includes a rod end bearing having a bearing retainer and a shaft portion extending from the bearing retainer. The apparatus also includes an actuator stem having a first end to be operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate of the control valve actuator and a second end to be coupled to the rod end bearing. A locking mechanism coupled to the actuator stem or the rod end bearing prevents the actuator stem and the rod end bearing from decoupling when the actuator stem is coupled or de-coupled to the diaphragm plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dial locking system. More particularly related to, the dial (100) having dial pinches (101, 102) at center and dial locking profile (106) at periphery. The compartment (200) has a central axis (7) with slots (201, 202) and resting profile (205) to accommodate the dial locking profile (106) for locking at periphery. The bulged profiles (203, 204) at the slots (201, 202) of the compartment (200) faced downwards for locking at center by the dial pinches (101,102). The time required to assemble the dial (100) with compartment (200) is reduced which in turn increases the production rate.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least a first component and a second component together, wherein each said component comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components such that the keyways intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and, extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage such that the keys are retained by the keyways of the keyway arrangements. In the slip flange assembly 1001 embodiment shown, the first and second components are each in the form of a pipe (1002, 1003) or tube, the keyway arrangements are in the form of collars (1004, 1008) that extend around abutting ends of said pipes (1002, 1003) or tubes, and the keyway connector (1015) is annular.

Abstract: A frame system suitable for use on a boat and capable of supporting one or more tarpaulins to protect the boat from the elements, comprising one or more sets of couplers and hinged angle elements adapted to be used with off-the-shelf connecting members, such as PVC pipes, such that when assembled the frame system provides a canopy frame arching over the top side of the boat, with the lateral sides of the frame system sloping upward and meeting over the longitudinal midline of the boat.

Abstract: A dovetail coupling arrangement is disclosed for securing two removable parts along a coupling axis. The dovetail coupling arrangement includes multiple opposing surfaces between the receiver of a first member and the projection of a second member to provide resistance to forces transmitted in a direction orthogonal to the coupling axis. Such an arrangement may be utilized for jaw sets associated with hydraulic construction, demolition, and scrap handling equipment.

Abstract: An assembly for and method of reinforcing interconnection between an active material wire actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, and structure, includes the generation and engagement of an enlarged formation affixed to or integrally formed with the actuator.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least a first component (1) and a second component (2) together, wherein each said component (1, 2) comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending along the component (1, 2) and keyways (11, 13) of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components (1, 2) such that the keyways (11, 13) intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways (11, 13); and, extending a keyway connector (3) comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage such that the keys are retained by the keyways (11, 13) of the keyway arrangements.

Abstract: A coupling structure between a shift lever and a knob for a vehicle that includes an insert which is formed at a center thereof with an insert aperture and fixed within a knob, and of which a lower end is formed to protrude from the knob to the exterior. A shift lever rod is inserted into and coupled to the insert aperture and a skirt is formed to enclose outer peripheral surfaces of the shift lever rod and the insert. In addition, a plurality of elastic members are formed along the outer peripheral surface of the insert to protrude radially outward toward the knob by a predetermined angle and are formed to be elastically deformed and opened radially outward when the shift lever rod is coupled to the knob.

Abstract: A structural frame assembly is provided that includes mechanically interlocking components. The frame assembly has rails that interconnect with each other at joints that include brackets that engage the rails and nuts that are held in cavities of the rails that are connected to slots that extend through outer surfaces of the rails. Bolts may extend angularly through bores of the bracket and the slots of the rails to operatively engage a nut being held in the cavity. Tightening the bolts may draw the nut angularly through the cavity in a manner that automatically self-aligns the brackets and rails to establish precise joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seam clamp for securing equipment, such as solar PV panels, to standing roofs. The seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an outer support member, and an inner clamp member. The inner clamp member and outer clamp member both include a clamping jaw projecting inward toward each other. The inner clamping member movably attached to the outer support member allowing the clamping jaws to engage and secure a standing seam. For ease of assembly, the outer clamp member and outer support member are slideably engaged and can be optionally captively slideably engaged. The seam clamp can be configured to accommodate different standing seam shapes by substituting alternative outer clamp members.

Abstract: A tolerance ring has a band with outwardly extending corrugated protrusions forming waves that engage an outer surface of a shaft. At one end of the tolerance ring is an inwardly flared guide surface extending axially and radially from the band. The guide surface acts as a tapered entrance to a bore of a housing to assist during assembly.

Abstract: A component railing system and method of use is provided in which railings may be installed with less time and customization over known systems. In particular, two embodiments of the present invention allow mounting of a cap rail to a post or a bracket. The resulting configurations allow quick installation or replacement of panels, which are supported by the cap rail and base shoe.

Abstract: A dump body latching system for application to a self dumping hopper comprises a battery, a linear actuator assembly having an actuator rod configured for reciprocal motion into and out of a housing, an actuator cable having a first end attached to the actuator rod and a second end attached to a biased trip lever and a controller configured to connect the battery with the linear actuator to withdraw the actuator rod into the housing and thereby pull the actuator cable and the biased trip lever to disengage the trip lever from a locking pin.

Abstract: An anti-tamper device in the form of a collar fitted about a housing is provided. The ends of the collar are formed into lock tabs, one of which is formed into a U-shaped portion, or V-shaped portion, to permit capture of the end of the other lock tab. Movement of the captured tab is prevented to resist tampering with the housing. Embodiment of the invention find application, in particular, to a housing for a bell at a railroad level crossing, and prevents loss of the bell due to vandalism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a switch control shaft to a switch pipe shaft, where the control shaft is mounted partly in the switch pipe shaft and tightened to the switch pipe shaft by a screw. The arrangement comprises a tightening piece. The screw is arranged to act on the control shaft through the tightening piece so that when the screw is turned, the tightening piece is arranged to press the control shaft against the pipe shaft so that the control shaft tightens fast between the tightening piece and the pipe shaft.

Abstract: A fence system for strengthening a vinyl fence which includes a plurality of fence posts having specified dimensions, and the posts have a hollow interior. A plurality of section panels include specified dimensions, and the section panels each including a slat portion. The section panels each include a fence railing coupled to a top and bottom of the slat portion. The fence railings each define a hollow interior, and the fence railings are coupled to the posts by a connecting portion of the fence railings passing through corresponding holes in the posts. A strengthening member for positioning in each of the hollow portions of the top and bottom fence railings. A plurality of post members for positioning within the hollow interior at the top of the fence posts. The post members being attachable to the connecting portion of the fence railing using a first attachment element.