Abstract: A BigFoot™ Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).

Abstract: A slide guiding device in a machine tool includes slide guiding surfaces provided on a bed, sliding surfaces provided on a column, which is guided on the bed for movement on the same, and movable on the slide guiding surfaces, oil grooves each with a first supply hole for supplying lubrication oil to contact surface areas between the sliding surfaces and the slide guiding surfaces, and oil pockets formed independently of the oil grooves for retaining the lubrication oil supplied to the contact surface areas between the sliding surfaces and the slide guiding surfaces.

Abstract: In order to provide a long-life, highly-reliable guide apparatus which exhibits dustproof performance and prevents intrusion of dust into the moving block in environments where there are lots of fine dust such as gypsum and ceramic powder and where no oil contents or oil contents are not liked, there is provided a guide apparatus having a track rail 11, in which rolling-element raceway grooves 12-1 to 12-4 are formed along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a moving block 20 attached to the track rail by way of a plurality of rolling elements in a relatively-movable manner, wherein an end-face dustproof brush 25, which has a brush member 36 whose tip end contacts a surface of the track rail 11 and which eliminates extraneous matters adhering to the surface of the track rail 11 by means of the brush member 36, is attached to outside of each of the side covers 22 with respect to the direction of relative movement.

Abstract: A roller element (10) is provided which has a central body (1) and a roller unit (2). The roller unit (2) is mounted so as to circulate on a non-circular race (21) about the central body (1) and so as to be mobile with respect to the central body (1) by the rolling movement of the rollers (3) of the roller unit (2) on the central body (1). The rollers (3) are configured as balls or substantially cylindrical elements. A peripheral surface of the rollers (3), for a substantial part, is shaped as a rolling surface that corresponds to the central body (1) and for rolling off on the central body (1). The elements of the roller unit (2) have play in relation to one another and/or the roller unit has play regarding its mobility in relation to the central body (1).

Abstract: A bearing arrangement comprises a first component 10 and a second component 12, bearings 14, 16 being provided to support one of the first and second components 10, 12 for rotation relative to the other of the first and second components 10, 12, a radial clearance 24 being provided between cylindrical surfaces of the first and second components 10, 12, fluid being supplied through the radial clearance 24 to lubricate the bearings 14, 16, wherein the cylindrical surface of at least one of the first and second components 10, 12 is shaped to define at least one pocket 30.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy sliding bearing which eliminates the need for treating a gate mark, has a high accuracy, is excellent in its mechanical strength, and is in its productivity. A sintered metal (2) is used as a bearing peripheral part. A resin material is molded at a sliding portion of the bearing peripheral part to form a resin layer (3). In the resin layer (3), a product of a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the resin material and a thickness of the resin layer is not more than 0.15. The resin layer (3) is molded through tunnel gates. The resin layer comprises a plurality of axial grooves (4A) and (4B) on a bearing sliding surface thereof, and the tunnel gate marks (5) are alternately formed on a bottom of each of the grooves.

Abstract: A sealed, self-aligning bearing includes an inner bearing ring with race tracks for rolling bodies, and an outer bearing ring with a race track for the rolling bodies, positioned radially outside the inner bearing ring. At least at one side of the bearing, a bearing seal is arranged axially outside the race tracks and bridges the space between the inner and outer bearing rings. The bearing seal has an outer annular rim fitted in an annular groove in the inner surface of the outer bearing ring and an inner annular rim arranged to slidingly contact the outer surface of the inner bearing ring. The outer rim and the inner rim of the bearing seal are interconnected by an intermediate member formed as a bellows-like thin membrane able to alternatively be stretched and compressed for permitting the bearing rings of the self-aligning bearing to make displacements and/or angular misalignments.

Abstract: A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.

Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a fiber optic adapter assembly for mating fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter includes a body, an alignment cap, and a shutter door. The alignment cap and the body together define a space with the shutter door pivotally disposed in the space for inhibiting debris from entering through the opening and into the body. The shutter door is configured to pivot inwardly when contacted by a fiber optic connector being inserted through the at least one opening and into the body. Additionally, the shutter door includes at least one standoff and at least one latch, wherein the latch is configured to engage and assist in retaining a fiber optic connector that is inserted into the fiber optic adapter assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.

Abstract: Methods of packaging a high density optical module. In one example embodiment, a method of packaging the high density optical module includes various acts. First, a first detachable fiber assembly is connected to an optical component disposed in the module such that the connection between the fiber assembly and the optical component is disposed inside a housing of the optical module. Next, the fiber included in the fiber assembly is spooled around a spooling assembly. Then, the receptacle is secured in a receptacle holder such that the receptacle is able to connect with an external fiber connector. Next, the fiber assembly is detached from the optical component. Finally, the optical component is heated such that a ball grid array connection, that connects the optical component to a high speed printed circuit board, flows such that the optical component can be removed from the high speed printed circuit board.

Abstract: A retractable lens camera includes: a lens barrel; three or more lens groups provided in the lens barrel; a retracting unit that retracts the lens barrel and the lens groups into a camera body; and a displacing unit that displaces at least two lens groups to an escaping space out of an optical axis.

Abstract: Methods for start-up lens. The lens moves from a stowing position to a standby position along an axis, and a reset point, a first turning point, a second turning point, and a third turning point are defined in sequence during the movement. A drive unit rotates at a first angular velocity to drive the lens in a first route, rotates at a second angular velocity to drive the lens in a second route, and rotates at a third angular velocity to drive the lens in a third route.

Abstract: A lens system for a miniature camera includes an imager and four cylindrical lenses disposed concentrically on an optical axis of the lens system. The lenses include, in order from a front end of the lens system to a back end thereof, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens. The first lens has a positive power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the second lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the third lens is made of glass, has a positive power, a plano front surface and a spherical convex back surface, and the fourth lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a solid-state imaging sensor. The sensor includes a semiconductor chip receiving light from an object through a light receiving surface and performing photoelectric conversion of the received light; a translucent member provided on an upper surface of the chip to protect the chip; and plural electrode terminals provided on a lower surface of the chip. The apparatus also includes an optical system which is provided on a light receiving region, which is on a surface of the translucent member and is arranged at a position facing with the light receiving surface to focus the light from the object on the light receiving surface; and a resin material which reinforces a bonding strength between a circuit board on which the sensor is mounted and the electrode terminals of the sensor, and shields a region outside the light receiving region of the translucent member from light.

Abstract: A point of sale printer includes a housing, a cover, a first biasing member communicating with the housing and the cover, a thermal print head including a cover detent feature, the cover detent feature secures the cover to the housing, a platen and a platen drive roller which co-rotate with each other attached to the cover, a drive motor including a drive roller attached to the housing, a link member rotatably attached to the drive motor, the link member configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the drive motor and an idler roller rotatably connected to a second end of the link member, the idler roller configured to contact the platen drive roller and the drive roller, wherein a rotational direction of the drive motor corresponds to a rotational direction of the link member and also corresponds to an elevation of the idler roller which releases the cover.

Abstract: A cosmetic stick applicator for treating the lips of a person. The applicator has an elongate, tubular body with an inner chamber for storing a chemical formulation or substance such as an exfoliant, to be applied to the lips. One end of the body has an external, oblique, lip-engageable abrasive applicator surface containing a product-dispensing orifice through which the substance can be ejected. Such ejection is accomplished by means of a finger-engageable wheel that is turned to forcibly discharge the substance through the orifices and onto the applicator surface. Thereafter this surface which now contains the discharged substance, is rubbed against the lips and thus effects a scrubbing thereof, which brings about gentle and controlled exfoliation of accumulated dead skin cells. Following this, excess dead cell material can be wiped off with a tissue or pad.

Abstract: An electronic pen includes a first and a second nib structure. A twist mechanism is coupled to the first and second nib structures to selectively extend the first or the second nib structure away from the twist mechanism in response to a rotational force. An inner cylinder is coupled to the twist mechanism, the inner cylinder having a first center axis and configured to rotate around the center axis to transfer the rotational force to the twist mechanism. An outer cylinder surrounds the inner cylinder and is coupled to the inner cylinder to move the inner cylinder in a rotational direction when the outer cylinder is rotated. The outer cylinder has a second center axis that is offset with respect to the first center axis of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A covering element (1) for manual-use articles such as pens, felt-tip pens, correction fluids and the like, comprises a case (3) adapted to receive a respective article (2) by insertion. The covering element (1) further comprises coupling means to ensure engagement of the covering element (1) with the respective article (2). Advantageously, the covering element is also provided with abutment means (5) associated with the case (3) to cause shifting of the covering element (1) between a coupled condition and a released condition, by effect of at least one manual action. The abutment means (5) consists of respective abutment surfaces (7, 9) protruding from the case (3) to enable a manual thrust to be exerted on the covering element (1).

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly an axial joint, having a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin with a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, is characterized in that the bearing shell is bent open elastically by the ball head so that the restoring force resulting from its deformation applies a prestress onto the ball head which attempts to press the latter out of the housing.

Abstract: A connecting element (10), in particular for connecting a lining piece with a support, includes a head part (12) for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part (14) for fastening to the support. The head part (12) and the foot part (14) are connected with each other elastically so that the foot part (14) is movable relative to the head part (12) in directions perpendicular to a central axis (A) of the connecting element (10).

Abstract: A heavy duty ground retractable automobile barrier for a railroad crossing. Concrete bunkers are placed at each side of a roadway. An upstanding concrete-filled steel pipe fixed in each bunker has a sleeve for rotational and axial movement. Shock absorbers are mounted on each sleeve. A net extends across the road and is attached to the opposite ends of the shock absorbers. Collision of an automobile with the net creates tensile forces in the net. The shock absorbers expand while rotating about the pipe's axis in response to tensile forces from the net that meet or exceed a minimum threshold. Forces from the net pass through the axis of the steel pipe. The net is stored in a pit transverse the roadway parallel to the railroad tracks and is raised and lowered as appropriate. The net includes a cable that extends across the road in a wave pattern, having peaks, valleys and midpoints, wherein tangents of the wave midpoints are at least 90 degrees from tangents of the peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A barrier (B) for arresting motion of a vehicle driven in an incoming direction (V) and having wheels (18) with tires that couple to fasteners (20) retained in a substrate (10). The substrate has a thickness (T) and is disposed on the ground (G). The fasteners are single-piece fasteners configured for self-retention into the substrate thickness and into a wheel driven over a fastener. A fastener may be configured for engagement via the top surface (14) of the substrate or via the bottom surface (16) of the substrate which has a base (31) with at least one prong (30) or a base (31) with at least one prong and at least one hook (35). The substrate is either a three-dimensional woven web of loops, or a full, or a foamed substrate. The fasteners are introduced into and may be retrieved out of the substrate either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fragmenting and re-mixing agglomerated pieces of rubberized asphalt prior to applying same to a road surface. Agglomerated pieces and rubberized asphalt material are delivered to the upper portion of a housing. In a first embodiment, an auger and tine assembly having a common drive shaft, is mounted for rotation within the housing. The assembly includes first and second auger sections, mounted along the shaft in spaced relation and having converging, opposite handedness. A rotating tine section is positioned between the auger sections. A fixed tine section is mounted in the housing in interdigitized relation with the rotating tine section. In a second embodiment, the entire drive shaft includes a rotating tine section, and a corresponding interdigitized fixed tine section is provided within the housing. Passing through apertures defined by the fixed and rotating tine sections, agglomerated pieces are fragmented and re-mixed with the other material.

Abstract: A desegregation system for use with hot mix asphalt, warm mix or with any material that will flow and which includes pieces of material of various sizes and for which uniform mixture is important. The system is substantially within a hopper having a material inlet and a material outlet and includes an auger section having a plurality of flights near a first end of an auger shaft and another, counter-handed section near the other end of the auger shaft. The system preferably has a parallel, interlaced pair of right handed auger sections mounted near corresponding ends of separate shafts and a second pair of parallel interlaced auger sections, left-handed, mounted near the opposite and corresponding ends of separate shafts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an installation method for a preventive booming for pollution containment in aquatic environments, such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, bays, or ocean, more specifically for the pollution caused by oil spills. It comprises a plurality of containment boom sections that form a preventive booming in a spiral configuration, allowing the transit of supply and service boats. The preventative booming does not impair the ordinary operation of a platform or offshore installation at the same time that it prevents the immediate exit of the supernatant oil.

Abstract: A hydroelectric system comprising a support member, a rotational torque converter, a drive member being disposed at one end of a support arm, a water driven mechanism in rotational communication with the drive member, wherein the support arm can be pivotally adjusted by a retraction mechanism are disclosed. A spillway deflector comprising a spillway deflector wedge, a deflector anchor, and a flat portion extending between the deflector anchor and the deflector wedge are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and compositions for treating organic compounds present in soil, groundwater and other environments is disclosed. The method involves the use of a composition comprising a solid state, water soluble peroxygen compound and zero valent iron.

Abstract: An assembly for driving pier sections and for foundation lifting, the assembly incorporating a “T” bar having a stem, a left arm, and a right arm, the stem having lower end and an upper end, and the stem forming a vertically extending and rearwardly opening channel which is fitted for receipt of the pier sections; the assembly further incorporating a collet clamp for alternatively clamping and releasing pier sections, the collet clamp being welded to the lower end of the “T” bar; the assembly further incorporating a sleeve having a bore which is fitted for sliding receipt of the pier sections; the assembly further incorporating left and right hydraulic cylinders spanning between and vertically interconnecting the “T” bar's arms and the sleeve; and the assembly further incorporating a foundation hooking member fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a mono pile foundation in soil for a wind turbine tower including drilling a plurality of holes into the soil, the plurality of holes being arranged along a curve having a contour corresponding to a cross-dimensional shape of the mono pile, and placing the mono pile in an annular cavity, the annular cavity being formed by the plurality of holes alone and/or by the mono pile breaking up intermediate soil walls between adjacent holes in the plurality of holes while being placed therein. A foundation in soil for a wind turbine tower, a wind turbine comprising such a foundation, and use of such a foundation in a wind turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A setting method of anchoring a fastening element (11; 41) in a constructional component (21) with a hardenable multi-component mass (31) includes drilling a borehole (22) in the constructional component (21) with a drill (36) until a borehole depth (T), which is at least by 5% greater than a necessary anchoring length (L) of the fastening element (21; 41), is reached; introducing the hardenable multicomponent mass (31) in the uncleaned borehole (22), inserting, in the borehole (22) the fastening element (11; 41) with its mixing section (13; 43) first, and power-driving the fastening element (11; 41) into the filled borehole (22) with a rotary driving tool, with intermixing of the hardenable multi-component mass (31) with drillings (23) remaining in the borehole (22), until the necessary anchoring length (L) of the fastening element (11; 41) is reached.

Abstract: A double-wall protection levee floodwall has a pair of piles placed into soil at the bank at the edge of a water body or formed by a levee. The piles of the pair are oriented parallel to each other, are spaced apart transversely, and are rigidly connected together by a connector so that when the force of rising water or a water-borne object is applied to a face of one of the piles, a force couple develops that places one of the piles in tension and the other pile of the pair in compression. The distance between the force-coupled piles and the depth of the piles in the soil provide the ability to withstand predetermined transverse forces while conserving materials and space. Fill material, riprap, earthen support, and erosion control matting can improve the function of the double-wall floodwall. Multiple pairs of piles can be longitudinally placed to form a continuous floodwall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the distribution of particles in dust or granule form in one or a plurality of carrier gas streams. The invention further relates to the use of an apparatus in a conveying pipe. An advantageous adaptation of the volumetric flow within the individual flow cross sections is achieved with the invention, so that in particular no channeling can occur, which has favorable effects for a specified material flow rate or material flow rate control particularly in coal-fired power plants. The apparatus according to the invention is furthermore very simple in construction and requires few components.

Abstract: A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit (4), in which method the material is fed into the conveying conduit (4) and in the conveying conduit further into a separating device (5), where the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, in which method a negative pressure is created in the conveying conduit (4) by means of an ejector apparatus (6), whose suction side is connected to the separating device (5), said ejector apparatus being operated using an operating medium consisting of a liquid mist, especially an aqueous liquid mist, said medium being sprayed through at least one spraying nozzle (122) into an ejector tube (128) directed into a separating element (38). In the method, the generation of the negative pressure to be produced is intensified according to need by limiting the flow of gases, such as air, into the ejector tube (128) from the direction opposite to the spraying direction of its operating medium, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutting tools with cutting inserts and, more particularly, to cutting tools with cutting inserts that have mounting recesses. The cutting insert includes a body having a mounting hole having an axis extending therethrough, and a surface portion in the mounting hole. The surface portion is substantially circular when viewed in a direction of the axis and is non-parallel to the axis and including at least two contact points disposed at a lesser distance from the axis than a region between the at least two contact points. A cutting tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool holder includes an insert having an annular channel in fluid communication with an inlet. The insert mounts within a body that provides for rigidly mounting the tool to the machine. Coolant flow through the inlet and annular channel exits the insert through passages directing coolant fluid along the axis of the tool. The passages are annularly disposed about a face of the insert for directing coolant fluid along the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting element for a hollow drill comprising a cutting area and an essentially cylindrical area. The essentially cylindrical area has recesses, which are arranged on the inside at regular intervals and open toward the cutting area. In one embodiment of the invention, the recesses extend in an axial direction while being arranged in an interspaced manner preferably in the peripheral direction. The recesses arranged at regular intervals in the peripheral direction produce a geometric shape that is generally described as a polygon. The invention also relates to a cutter support and to a hollow drill. The cutting element is connected to the cutter support via a clamping connection preferably in a manner that enables the cutting element to be detached.

Abstract: A milling head for a milling device, particularly a rotary milling device, wherein the milling head is capable of imparting a desired finish on a tube, preferably of a heat exchanger tube. The milling head includes one or more milling elements capable of cutting and/or removing heat dissipating elements connected to an outer surface of the tube. The heat dissipating elements are removed from the tube in a longitudinal direction along the tube length. In one embodiment, the milling head also includes a bevel milling element. Methods for milling a tube having heat dissipating elements are also described.

Abstract: A fastening device (61) for fastening a hand router to the underside of a work platform (2) of a workbench (1) has radially outwardly extending projections which are associated with a base ring for the hand router and which may be introduced into associated fastening pockets by rotating the base ring in the work platform (2). The fastening pockets can be formed by fastening members (12) associated with the underside (2?) of the work platform (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.

Abstract: A device securable to a corrugated surface of a shipping container by an elongated support for supporting cargo within the shipping container. The device comprising a receptacle defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support, the receptacle having a bottom surface forming a plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container; and a pair of lateral flaps associated with and disposed about the receptacle for engaging the corrugated surface, each lateral flap having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each lateral flap extending at an acute angle relative to the plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container. The device may further define a slot for receiving an end of an other elongated support. A method of making with the device a deck for supporting cargo in a shipping container having a pair of opposed corrugated surface and a base.

Abstract: A method and device for restraining a cargo pallet disposed on the floor of a truck or other container comprising positioning adjacent the cargo pallet a plastic brace, engaging the plastic brace and the cargo pallet, and securing the plastic brace to the floor with a fastener. The plastic brace may have a monolithic construction and may be formed by injection molding. The plastic brace may comprise a first wall having a first side for engaging the floor defining a hole, and a second side; a second wall having a first side for engaging the cargo pallet, and a second side, the second wall extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first wall; and a gusset interconnecting the second side of the first wall with the second side of the second wall. The plastic brace may further include a raised reinforcement extending from the second side of the first wall and disposed about the hole. The raised reinforcement may have a truncated conical configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into the channel, translating the insertion portion of the body along the channel from a first position to a second position, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the channel in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member from an unsecured position to a secured position, a portion of the channel being engaged by the at least one engagement member and the insertion portion of the body when the at least one engagement member is positioned in the secured position such that the body is substantially constrained from movement along the channel by the at least one engagement member.

Abstract: A fastening system is configured to secure a first panel to a second panel while isolating the first panel from the second panel. The fastening system may include a first retainer, a sleeve, and a fastener. The first retainer may include a planar sheet and a central opening. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly-canted tabs, wherein a central channel is formed through the sleeve. The sleeve is secured within the central opening of the planar sheet. The fastener is positioned within the central channel of the sleeve and the inwardly-canted tabs securely engage the fastener to prevent the fastener from retreating within the sleeve. The fastening system may also include a second retainer, wherein a portion of the sleeve snapably secures to a portion of the second retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw (1) having a threaded shank (2) and a screw tip (6). The threaded shank (2) is composed of a shank core (10) and a thread which extends helically over the shank core (10). Two flanks (15, 16) which converge in an outer thread edge (14) has a height (H) measured radially from the shank core (10) to the thread edge (14). The thread (12) has a specific apex angle (?) formed between the adjacent flanks (15, 16). Preferably the outer thread edge (14) extends in a wave form in the radial direction with an amplitude (U) between wave crests (20) forming indentations (24) which interrupt the surface of the flank (15/16). At least one of the two flanks (15, 16) of the thread (12) is formed concavely in the region between the shank core (10) and the thread edge (14), seen in radial profile, in such a way that the apex angle (?) is less than a flank angle (?F). With preference, the thread (12) respectively has in the regions that are not interrupted by indentations (24).

Abstract: A system for loading cargo containers into a storage hold, and offloading cargo containers from the storage hold, especially of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The system includes at least one guide rail and a motorized platform, onto which cargo containers are loaded, cooperating mechanically with the guide rail. The guide rail guides the cargo laden motorized platform into the storage hold, and the motorized platform deposits the cargo upon remote command. The motorized platform has a chassis; a power source; a control module controlling drive motors of the wheels of the platform; and a device for reciprocating at least a portion of an upper surface of the platform sufficient to elevate a load placed thereon above the guide rail height.

Abstract: A grapple attachment is equipped with driven rollers for selectively turning a wrapped round module about its axis so as to position it for having the wrapping slit at the bottom side of the module. When the module is properly located for having the wrapping slit, a powered cutting blade is caused to move into engagement with the wrapping and slit it across the length of the module. An interlock is provided for preventing operation of the grapple cylinders and driven roller motors unless the cutting blade assembly is located in a standby position wherein it is removed from a zone normally occupied by the round module when the latter is supported by the fixed and moveable grapple sections of the grapple attachment.