Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for masking a portion (36) of a component (30), the apparatus (2) comprising: a sacrificial masking element (4) for masking the portion (36); and a locating jig (6) detachably connectable to the sacrificial masking element (4) and configured to position the sacrificial masking element (4) over the portion (36) of the component (30).

Abstract: A fastener (1) is provided for clamping a first component (25) to a second component (27). The fastener has at least one resiliently deformable snap-fit member (5) which, in use, is inserted from a first side of the components through a channel (29, 31) extending thereacross. The snap-fit (5) member has an abutment surface (7) which, on emerging from the channel (29, 31), enters into snap-fit engagement with an opposing second side of the components to prevent retraction of the snap-fit member (5). The fastener (1) further has a spring arrangement which presses on the first side of the components on the insertion of the snap-fit member (5) to apply a compressive clamping force across the components between the spring arrangement and the abutment surface (7).

Abstract: A press brake tool assembly mounting device (42) having a body (66) which mounts a lower press brake tool (46), with a recess in the body (66) receiving in a moving fit a location member (52) mounted to a lower beam (44). A locking arrangement (80) is provided for locking the body (66) relative to the location member (52) in a friction fit, to retain the lower press brake tool (46) in a required position.

Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement for fastening two or more articles together, the two or more articles having a first length, the fastener arrangement including: a fastener including an elongate clamping member for being received in an aperture of the two or more articles, the elongate clamping member being moveable between a contracted configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is less than the first length and a lengthened configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is greater than the first length, the elongate clamping member being resiliently biased towards the contracted configuration; and an actuator for moving the elongate clamping member, while in the aperture of the two or more articles, from the contracted configuration towards the lengthened configuration to enable the elongate clamping member to protrude through the aperture and to engage the articles in a clamping manner.

Abstract: Shaped metal deposition apparatus comprises a mounting head for mounting a shaped metal deposition device, an inert gas shield for providing an inert atmosphere around shaped metal deposited in use by the shaped metal deposition device, and a rotatable coupling between the mounting head and the inert gas shield to permit relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: Structural components are traditionally made by rolling or extruding to define a desired shape. Such processes lead to extra costs and inflexibility with regard to custom design. By providing a structural component comprising plates having edges extending regularly in a cruciform appropriate structural components can be provided. The plates are secured together through lock tabs passing through lock apertures and twisted into locking engagement. Either side of the locking tabs respective orientation tabs are provided to engage orientation apertures to facilitate local stability in the plates for robust locking location. Components can be formed from sheet materials and the outer profile of the components specifically shaped for particular requirements.

Abstract: Provision of appropriate fixtures for locating components for fabrication, machining and installation purposes is important. Traditionally, solid fixtures have been utilized but these have limitations with regard to consistency of orientation particularly if the fixture is removed from a base support or workbench regularly. By providing sheet elements for sides 2, 3 and spacers 4, 5 a robust structure can be achieved when these sheet elements are secured at corners to a base support 8 and to each other at top portions. In such circumstances the fixture 1 can present location plates 41, 42 upon a locator 43. The locator 43 comprises cross secured plates which extend through at least one cross hole to limit movement of the locator upon which the location plates 41, 42 are presented to axial displacement. Rigidity of the fixture is further reinforced by integrating its structure with its base-plate support.

Abstract: In a number of practical situations it is desirable to provide consistency with regard to a metering material presentation. For example, with regard to welding and shape metal deposition it is desirable to provide a homogenous vortex free cloud of gas shielding about a work piece prior to and subsequent to processing. Unfortunately, metering meshes are subject to distortion through thermal gradients. By providing a support matrix arrangement comprising a first planar member and a second planar member incorporating ribbon elements and deflector portions bilateral deflection in the plane of the metering mesh can be accommodated whilst outward buckling is avoided. In such circumstances there is consistency with regard to metering mesh presentation and therefore gas flow through shielding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for masking a portion (36) of a component (30), the apparatus (2) comprising: a sacrificial masking element (4) for masking the portion (36); and a locating jig (6) detachably connectable to the sacrificial masking element (4) and configured to position the sacrificial masking element (4) over the portion (36) of the component (30).

Abstract: A halving joint structure including: a first member and a second member couplable to one another in a nonparallel arrangement by a halving joint, wherein each of the first and second members has a joint slot for receiving a portion of the other of the first and second members to form the halving joint; wherein the first and second members have cooperating locking slots, the locking slot of the first member intersecting the joint slot of the first member, and the locking slot of the second member being formed in the portion of the second member which is received by the joint slot of the first member; the structure further including: a locking member which is receivable within the locking slots of the first and second members.

Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: A halving joint structure comprising: a first member (2) and a second member (4) couplable to one another in a nonparallel arrangement by a halving joint, wherein each of the first and second members (2, 4) has a slot (6a, 6b) for receiving a portion (27, 29) of the other of the first and second members (2, 4) to form the halving joint; wherein the first and/or second member (2, 4) has a locking mechanism (14), the locking mechanism (14) being movable between an open configuration, which allows the portion (27, 29) of the other of the first and second members (2, 4) to be removed from the slot (6a, 6b), and a locked configuration, which prevents the portion (27, 29) from being removed from the slot (6a, 6b).

Abstract: Provisions of shields for protecting welds as well as providing heat treatments are advantageous. Previously such shields were bespoke constructions produced iteratively and empirically for particular applications and uses. By utilization of accurately cut sheets of material within which labyrinths are created it is possible to produce an output flow which is even and incorporates no vortexes. In such circumstances problems with regard to edge entrainment of oxygen causing possible oxidation problems in output flows as well as variations in heat treatments can be avoided. The shield also avoids use of welds which may become distorted during welding or heat treating processes. For reproducibility the shield is formed from accurately produced reproducibility components such that shields can be made at a number of sites to provide the same shield function.

Abstract: There is a requirement to provide bearings in relatively low speed non continuous situations such as with regards to turnover stands for engine and winding assembly. Previous bearings incorporating rolling elements are relatively expensive and over specified for such activities. By providing annulus members in a bearing cluster upon rocker members such that the annulus members can articulate in order to provide an appropriate bearing. Lubricating oil generally passes between the annulus members in a laminar stack such that the members can radially slide past each other to accommodate for eccentricities in a shaft supported by the bearing.

Abstract: A fastener (1) is provided for clamping a first component (25) to a second component (27). The fastener has at least one resiliently deformable snap-fit member (5) which, in use, is inserted from a first side of the components through a channel (29, 31) extending thereacross. The snap-fit (5) member has an abutment surface (7) which, on emerging from the channel (29, 31), enters into snap-fit engagement with an opposing second side of the components to prevent retraction of the snap-fit member (5). The fastener (1) further has a spring arrangement which presses on the first side of the components on the insertion of the snap-fit member (5) to apply a compressive clamping force across the components between the spring arrangement and the abutment surface (7).

Abstract: A displacement amplifier 10 comprises first and second longitudinally extending elements 12, 22, each having a free portion 14, 24 and a constrained portion 16, 26. The constrained portions 16, 26 of the first and second elements 12, 22 are constrained to move together such that longitudinal displacement of a free portion 14 of one element with respect to the free portion 24 of the other element results in an amplified displacement of the constrained portions 16, 26 relative to a resting position.

Abstract: A press brake tool assembly mounting device 42 comprising a body 66 which mounts a lower press brake tool 46, with a recess in the body 66 receiving in a moving fit a location member 52 mounted to a lower beam 44. A locking arrangement 80 is provided for locking the body 66 relative to the location member 52 in a friction fit, to retain the lower press brake tool 46 in a required position.

Abstract: A locking device adapted to lock a component to a locking surface, the locking device comprising a body and a lever, the lever being movable with respect to the body from an open position, in which the locking device is open to receive the component, to a closed position, in which the component is locked against the locking surface, wherein the lever comprises: a first abutment surface arranged to abut the component and lock the component against the locking surface when in the closed position; and a second abutment surface arranged such that upon insertion of the component into the locking device, the component abuts the second abutment surface to urge the lever from the open position to the closed position. The locking device may further comprise one or more knife edge pivot points arranged between the body and the lever such that the lever may be rotatable from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A gear for use in a power transmission arrangement which has a plurality of split teeth projecting outwardly from a body. Each tooth has a first part and a second part which each project outwardly from the body, each tooth defining a gap between the first part and the second part. Each tooth part includes an interlock formation which corresponds with the interlock formation of the other tooth part to limit relative movement of the tooth parts in use. The invention provides a power transmission arrangement in which backlash is eliminated or reduced, so that the power transmission arrangement operates more quietly than conventional arrangements.