Abstract: A threaded fastener and mating driver system is used to apply a uniform torque to the entire fastener body and thereby facilitate removal of stuck fasteners. The driver tool is a two stage driver with one stage driving the inner bore of the fastener and the second stage driving the fastener head. The two driver stages are linked via a series of pins, each pin acting as an individual lever, such that the two drivers apply torque equally to the fastener. The entire driver assembly is housed in a block which can be attached to a standard ratchet or driving tool. The fastener is designed to be installed using a single stage screwdriver and normally has a foil seal covering the bore drive portion of the fastener. If the fastener becomes stuck, the foil seal is broken and the two stage drive system, including a bore driver and a screw head driver, is inserted into the fastener to effect additional removal torque.

Abstract: Interior circuit card supports and a method that facilitate fast and simple Assembly and disassembly of the circuit cards, and provide both interior and peripheral card support, are disclosed. A plurality of circuit cards 32a-32n, each having at least one interior hole 36, are positioned substantially parallel to each other with the holes of the various cards collinear. A plurality of grommets 38 are secured in the holes, with each grommet providing a first coupling. A rod 42 having a plurality of second couplings 44 is inserted through the grommets such that the second couplings mate with the grommets' first couplings to provide an interior support that maintains the spacing between the circuit cards. In the preferred embodiment the grommets are internally threaded with a groove that extends their entire length, and the rod has deformable inserts that form an interference fit with the grommets' threads. The rod is inserted and then rotated, causing the inserts to deform and grip the threads.

Abstract: An article (30) is controllably and precisely positioned at one of three discrete locations defined by a linkage. The positioning apparatus includes two independently driven cranks (34, 42), with a link (50) pivotably connected between the two cranks (34, 42). Another connector (44) is pivotably connected between one of the cranks (34 or 42) and the article (30) to be positioned. The cranks (34, 42) are rotationally adjusted so that the pivot points (52, 54) of the link (50) are collinear with the axes of rotation of the cranks (40, 48), thereby defining one of the three discrete locations. Additional cranks and links can be provided to define additional discrete locations.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first sleeve 18 and a second sleeve 20 which are connected by a pair of parallelogram shaped flexible elements 22 and 24. The flexible elements include tapered ends 40, 42 and 44, 46, respectively. The tapered ends of the flexible elements are connected to sleeves 18, 20 so that the flexible elements 22, 24 are assembled in a crisscross fashion while the flexible elements remain spaced from each other. During angular rotaton of the sleeves, the flexible elements undergo both flexural and torsional action.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first end cap 18 and a second end cap 20 which are connected together by an elastic member 22 in the form of a cruciform. The structural pivot 10 does not exhibit a geometric center shift when one of the end caps is angularly deflected.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first sleeve 18 and a second sleeve 20 which are connected together by a pair of flexures 22 and 24. Each flexure includes a pair of blades 40, 42 and 54, 56. The free ends of the blades are connected to the sleeves 18, 20 while the common cross members 44 and 62 remain spaced from the inner surfaces of the sleeves. During angular rotation of the sleeves, the blades can flex without resulting in a geometric center shift for the pivot.