Abstract: A channel nut and retainer assembly and method of attachment to a strut are disclosed. The assembly comprises a rotatable nut and a retainer. The retainer comprises a base wall and opposed side walls. Each of the side walls has an upper flange for mating with the upper edge of the strut and further includes a cantilevered holding leg extending from the upper flange. The retainer additionally includes actuation legs extending from the base wall. Each actuation leg includes a base wall connecting end and a nut driving end. The retainer additionally includes retention legs extending from the base wall. Each of the retention legs includes a leg holding hook. The retainer further includes rotation stops extending between the base wall of the retainer and the upper flanges of the retainer. The rotatable nut automatically rotates to a locking position upon attachment of the assembly to the strut.

Abstract: A swivelable and pivotable clip fastener for attaching two or more articles together is disclosed. The articles being attached may include electrical or fluid conduits or a substrate. The swivelable and pivotable clip fastener comprises a ball and socket construction for attaching a first article to a second article. The swivelable and pivotable clip fastener is easy to use. The clip fastener may be produced by additive manufacturing or a one-shot injection molding process. The ball and socket arrangement allows 360 degrees of rotation and pivoting of one article relative to the other. One or more slots are formed in the ball. The socket includes anti-release arms that are offset from one another. Optionally, the ball may be formed from a first material and the socket may be formed from a second material. A flash gate may attach the ball to the socket when the ball and socket are formed.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A channel nut and retainer assembly and method of attachment to a strut are disclosed. The assembly comprises a rotatable nut and a retainer. The retainer comprises a base wall and opposed side walls. Each of the side walls has an upper flange for mating with the upper edge of the strut and further includes a cantilevered holding leg extending from the upper flange. The retainer additionally includes actuation legs extending from the base wall. Each actuation leg includes a base wall connecting end and a nut driving end. The retainer additionally includes retention legs extending from the base wall. Each of the retention legs includes a leg holding hook. The retainer further includes rotation stops extending between the base wall of the retainer and the upper flanges of the retainer. The rotatable nut automatically rotates to a locking position upon attachment of the assembly to the strut.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A printed encapsulation method and part are provided. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up material attached to an insert.

Abstract: A fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener is made of layers of material, a light curable material and/or multiple built-up materials. Another aspect uses a three-dimensional printing machine to emit material from an ink jet printing head to build up a fastener.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A metal-stamping die or tool is provided. Another aspect uses an additive manufacturing machine and material to create a die. A further aspect provides a method of making a die from an additive manufacturing process and/or using such a die to stamp a metal part, such as a fastener or clip.

Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided. In another aspect, at least a majority of a connector apparatus is a polymeric material. A further aspect of a connector apparatus couples together multiple tubes, which may optionally be of different materials. Yet another aspect employs a connector apparatus which can be of a quick connect variety to one or more tubes without requiring threaded engagement of the tube, thereby avoiding undesired thread stripping and/or thread misalignment.