Abstract: A bearing system for application in a vertical axis wind turbine including: a first portion, where the first portion includes a threaded female end; a second portion, where the second portion includes a threaded male end, where the male end inserts into the threaded female end; and a cylindrical magnet, where the cylindrical magnet is embedded into a distal end of the opening.

Abstract: A transpired solar collector chimney tower is provided. Specifically, disclosed herein is a transpired solar air heating collector device comprising: a heat absorbing roof; an interior space adjacent the heat absorbing roof; and, a plurality of air inlet openings distributed over the heat absorbing roof and configured to allow ambient air to flow from outside the heat absorbing roof into the interior space, a porosity of the heat absorbing roof due to the plurality of air inlet openings being in a range of about 0.25% open area to about 5% open area; a chimney tower extending from the transpired solar air heating collector device and connected to the interior space such that heated air in the interior space flows from the interior space through the chimney tower; and, one or more turbines positioned on a path of airflow from the interior space through the chimney tower.

Abstract: Supply assembly for a turbine of a solar thermodynamic system provided with plural multiple parabolic mirrors for heating a first thermal carrier fluid contained in a tank to a first temperature, comprising a column structure provided at the upper part with an exit. The column structure comprises: a lower portion provided with two inlets connected to the tank to be supplied with the first thermal carrier fluid, the lower portion comprising first and second heat exchangers supplied with a second thermal carrier fluid respectively to an overheated temperature and re-overheating temperature; an upper portion fluidically connected with the lower portion, the upper portion comprising a boiler to bring the second fluid from a pre-heating temperature to a boiling temperature, and a cylindrical body arranged on the boiler; a pre-heating and supplying structure for heating the second thermal carrier fluid to the pre-heating temperature and supply it to the column structure.

Abstract: Methods of arranging and operating a molten salt solar thermal energy system are disclosed. Molten salt flows from a set of cold storage tanks to solar receivers which heat the molten salt to a maximum temperature of about 850° F. The heated molten salt is sent to a set of hot storage tanks. The heated molten salt is then pumped to a steam generation system to produce steam for process and/or power generation. Lower salt temperatures are useful in processes that use lower steam temperatures, such as thermal desalination. Lower salt temperatures and low chloride molten salt reduce the corrosion potential, permitting the use of lower cost alloys for the solar receivers, hot storage tanks, salt pumps, piping and instrumentation and steam generation system. Multiple sets of modular, shop assembled storage tanks are also used to reduce the amount of salt piping, simplify draining, and reduce field assembly and plant cost.

Abstract: A high-pressure fluid mixing pump control system and a fluid suction control method, the system comprises a transmission threaded rod and a resolver sensor, wherein: one end of the transmission threaded rod is connected to an oil cylinder piston of a mixing pump, while the other end of the transmission threaded rod is connected to the resolver sensor either directly or via a rotary element that rotates coaxially with the transmission threaded rod. The high-pressure fluid mixing pump control system implements precision control via a mechanical means, converts a linear motion of the piston into a rotary motion, and utilizes the resolver sensor for precision measurement of a rotation angle, thus acquiring a piston displacement amount, and finally acquiring a suction volume. At the same time, an accelerator and an electric brake are also designed, for controlling starting and stopping of the mixing pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-viscosity liquid feeding booster pump. The booster pump includes: a body having an actuator mounted at one side thereof and a discharge valve formed at the other side thereof, the body being formed internally with a chamber; a plunger configured to be inserted into the body, and advanced or retracted relative to the body by the operation of the actuator to generate a compressive force or a suction force; and a charge valve disposed at an intake port formed at an upper portion of one side of the body in such a manner as to be spaced apart from a discharge valve, and configured to be opened or closed in cooperation with the advancing or retracting operation of the plunger to supply a fluid to the inside of the body or interrupt the supply of the fluid.

Abstract: An improved air compressor includes a cylinder fitted with a piston body and an air storage container. The cylinder and the air storage container are detachably assembled to define an air chamber. A metal seat with a through hole is provided on top of the cylinder. A valve plug is spring-biased against the metal seat. The air storage container is provided with an elongated pressure indicator, which includes a transparent tube defining therein a first bore and a second bore, between which a tapered annular surface is formed. When the air pressure within the air storage container exceeds a predetermined pressure set for the air compressor, the elongated pressure indicator allows excess air to flow into the first bore of the transparent tube and pass through the tapered annular surface to be released to the ambient environment, so that objects can be prevented from damages due to excessive inflations.

Abstract: A cryopump includes: a cryopump vessel that defines an inlet; a refrigerator including a first stage and a second stage housed in the cryopump vessel, the second stage being cooled to a lower temperature than that of the first stage; a first cryopanel thermally connected to the first stage and surrounded by the cryopump vessel; and a second cryopanel thermally connected to the second stage and surrounded by the first cryopanel. The first cryopanel includes a plate member having an inlet aperture at the inlet. The inlet aperture is formed in the plate member such that a ratio of a conductance of the plate member with respect to an aperture conductance of the inlet is 6% or less.

Abstract: A method of compressing a gas includes maintaining a first volume of liquid in a first high pressure chamber and maintaining a first volume of gas in a second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of gas is at a first pressure and the first high pressure chamber and the second high pressure chamber are fluidly connected through a high pressure pump. A pressurized gas is forced into the first high pressure chamber having the first volume of liquid and simultaneously pumping, using the high pressure pump, at least a portion of the first volume of liquid in the first high pressure chamber to the second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of liquid pumped into the second high pressure chamber compresses the first volume of gas in the second high pressure chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump, and related system method are provided. The peristaltic pump includes a cam shaft, first and second pinch-valve cams, first and second pinch-valve cam followers, a plunger cam, a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, and a spring-biased plunger. The first and second pinch-valve cams are coupled to the cam shaft. The first and second pinch-valve cam followers each engage the first and second pinch-valve cams, respectively. The plunger cam is coupled to the cam shaft. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam. The tube receiver is configured to receive a tube. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower such that the expansion of the plunger cam along a radial angle intersecting the plunger-cam follower as the cam shaft rotates pushes the plunger cam follower towards the plunger and thereby disengages the spring-biased plunger from the tube. A spring coupled to the spring-biased plunger biases the spring-biased plunger to apply the crushing force to the tube.

Abstract: An improved air compressor includes a cylinder fitted with a piston body and an air storage container. The cylinder and the air storage container are detachably assembled to define an air chamber. A metal seat with a through hole is provided on top of the cylinder. A valve plug is spring-biased against the metal seat. The air storage container is provided with a pressure indicator, which includes a tube defining therein a first bore and a second bore, between which a tapered annular surface is formed. When the air pressure within the air storage container exceeds a predetermined pressure set for the air compressor, the pressure indicator allows excess air to flow into the first bore of the tube and sequentially pass through the tapered annular surface and an elongated opening to be released to the ambient environment, so that objects can be prevented from damages due to excessive inflations.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump includes a pump chamber; a suction port which enables a liquid to be suctioned into the pump chamber; a discharge port which enable a liquid in the pump chamber to be discharged; a plunger which is capable of reciprocating in the pump chamber by a motor; check valves are disposed between the pump chamber and a flow route on the suction port side and a flow route on the discharge port side, are openable and closable in response to a change in a liquid pressure in the pump chamber, which is produced due to the reciprocating of the plunger, a detection device that is able to detect a period of time during which the check valve is in an opened state or in a closed state in a predetermined cycle; and an arithmetic device that performs an arithmetic operation to obtain pump volumetric efficiency or a flow rate based on a comparison between a period of detection time detected by the detection device and a period of time during which the check valve is in the opened state or in the closed state i

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system includes a pump and at least one sensor positioned to sense movements of a component of the pump and produce signals based on the sensed movements. The dispensing system also includes a controller communicating with the at least one sensor to collect information regarding operational cycles of the pump based on the signals. As a result, one or more diagnostic processes are enabled at the controller during operation of the adhesive dispensing system. These diagnostic processes may include a leak rate test for the dispensing system, an overspeed detection test for the pump, and expected life cycle monitoring of the pump or other components.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a valve member coaxially received within a valve casing and interacts with the casing to provide a one-way inlet valve at one end of the valve casing and a one-way outlet valve at the other end of the casing with an annular compartment therebetween adapted to be coupled to a variable volume compartment and thereby together provide a simplified construction for valving components of a fluid pump.

Abstract: A linear-compressor moving component support structure includes: a plurality of leaf spring parts each elastically supporting the moving component in the compressor container such as to allow its axially reciprocating movement; a plurality of first auxiliary spring parts, each of which has first axial rigidity and is located adjacent to one of opposite sides of a corresponding leaf spring part; and a plurality of second auxiliary spring parts, each of which has second axial rigidity and is located adjacent to the other of the opposite sides of a corresponding leaf spring part. The second axial rigidity is different from the first axial rigidity such as to correct deviation, arising due to pressure differences between the high- and low-pressure chambers exerted on the moving component, of actual range of axial movement of the moving component from a predetermined range of axial movement of the moving component.

Abstract: Pump units are known that have a drive shaft and a rotor, which is driven by the drive shaft and is arranged rotatably in a housing, the drive shaft having an oblique sliding plane, which interacts with the rotor and allows the rotor to nutate with the rotor axis thereof about a drive axis of the drive shaft, the rotor having a set of teeth on the end face of the rotor facing away from the drive shaft, said teeth meshing with a set of teeth formed on a housing of the pump unit, working spaces being formed between the teeth of the rotor and the teeth of the housing, which working spaces can be filled via an inlet and emptied via an outlet. It is disadvantageous that the pump unit has a comparatively large axial installation length, because the drive of the pump unit is arranged on an end of the drive shaft facing away from the rotor. In the pump unit according to the invention, the axial installation length is shortened.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a package type compressor capable of improving the productivity by reducing the restriction in arrangement of respective parts while securing the cooling of an inverter concerning the cooling of the package type compressor which houses a compressor body, a motor driving the compressor body and the inverter controlling rotation of the motor in a package. [Means for Resolution] A package type compressor includes a compressor body compressing the air, a motor driving the compressor body, an inverter controlling rotation speed of the motor and a cooling fan provided in the compressor body, in which the inverter is provided in an intake path of cooling air generated by the cooling fan provided in the compressor body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor for a vacuum pump 150 having a roots pumping mechanism, the rotor comprising at least two hollow lobes 160, 162, 164, 166, each lobe having an outer wall 208 which defines a lobe profile, a hollow cavity 210 generally inward of the outer wall, and at least one strengthening rib 226 located in the cavity to resist stress on the lobes generated during rotation.

Abstract: In the vane pump comprising the housing, the vane, and the cap, the sliding surface of the cap is configured as arc shape in the view from the rotational axis direction and the width toward the sliding direction of the cap is configured to be smaller than the width at the sliding angle field which is virtual area for contacting the inner surface of the pump room among the circumference including the arc shape of the sliding surface of the cap and to be bigger than the width at the high loading area where the load added to the sliding surface which is bigger than the predetermined value among the sliding angle field.

Abstract: Appliances, such as dishwasher appliances, and pump assemblies for appliances are provided. A pump assembly includes a conduit, the conduit including a casing extending between an inlet and an outlet and defining an inner passage between the inlet and the outlet. The pump assembly further includes an impeller disposed within the inner passage, and a motor connected to the impeller and operable to rotate the impeller, the motor disposed within the inner passage. Fluid flowing within the inner passage is flowable past the motor.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps.

Abstract: A fluid flow system is provided. The system includes a rotation producing device, a first fluid flow device coupled to the rotation producing device and a second fluid flow device coupled to the rotation producing device and spaced from the first fluid flow device.

Abstract: An annular balance adjusting device (50) is included in the clamping region of a turbocharger (1) rotating assembly. The annular balance adjusting device (50) includes an annular member (51, 61) having a non-uniform weight distribution. By setting the rotational orientation of the annular member (51, 61) relative to the rotating assembly ((not labeled)), imbalance of the rotating assembly can be addressed. The annular balance adjusting device (50) can be used to correct the imbalance of the rotating assembly, thereby reducing turbocharger (1) vibration and increasing turbocharger (1) durability.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor part, an impeller fixed to the motor part, a housing, and a first circuit board mounted with electronic components. The motor part includes an armature having coils, and a second circuit board connected to the coils and the first circuit board. The housing surrounds outer peripheries of the motor part and the impeller. The housing includes an intake port which is an upper opening of the housing, an exhaust port which is a lower opening of the housing, a flange portion enlarged radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the housing, and a circuit board fixing portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface and making contact with the first circuit board. The first circuit board is disposed spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface, positioned radially inward of a radial outer edge of the flange portion, and arranged to extend in an axial direction.

Abstract: The invention is a pump testing system that allows users to test centrifugal pumps by the use of an artificially controlled load, measure flow of the pump under controlled operating parameters, and ensure that the pump meets industry standards of operation. The specific embodiment disclosed herein concerns centrifugal pumps used in fire fighting vehicles, but is not limited to such apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum pump including a bearing and a lubricant supply system for lubricating the bearing. The lubricant supply system includes: a lubricant reservoir comprising a reservoir matrix for receiving a lubricant; a lubricant transfer arrangement in contact with the reservoir matrix for transferring lubricant from the reservoir matrix to the bearing, the lubricant reservoir including a reservoir enclosure for locating the reservoir matrix in position relative to the lubricant transfer arrangement; wherein the lubricant reservoir includes a plurality of contact regions at which the reservoir matrix is in contact with the reservoir enclosure for locating the reservoir matrix in position relative to the lubricant transfer arrangement and a plurality of spacing regions between respective contact regions at which the reservoir matrix is spaced apart from the reservoir enclosure for receiving gas and lubricant foam caused by outgassing in the lubricant in the reservoir matrix.

Abstract: A housing has walls that define a volute passage and a diffuser passage fluidly connected to the volute passage. The volute passage has a first subsection and a second subsection, each having cross-sectional areas defined by tabular data. A centrifugal pump has a rotor and a housing, the housing having walls defining a volute passage and a diffuser passage fluidly connected to the volute passage. The volute passage has a first subsection and a second subsection, each having cross-sectional areas defined by tabular data.

Abstract: A impeller for a centrifugal pump has an inducer section. The inducer section has first and second pluralities of blades, each having a plurality of polygonal cross-sections defined by a plurality of vertices. The pluralities of vertices are defined by tables of vertex locations. A method of making a centrifugal pump includes forming an impeller that has an inducer section, as described above, and an impeller section. The impeller is fluidly connected downstream of the inducer section and has third, fourth, and fifth pluralities of blades, each having a plurality of polygonal cross-sectional areas defined by a plurality of vertices. The pluralities of vertices are defined by tables of vertex locations.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an air cycle machine includes a fan rotor, a diffuser cone axially aligned with the fan rotor, and a strut plate assembly. The strut plate assembly includes a first strut plate and a second strut plate with an ejector formed between the first strut plate and the second strut plate. The first strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the ejector, and the second strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the diffuser cone. The first strut plate includes a plurality of outer struts and is absent inner struts between the fan rotor and the ejector. The second strut plate includes a plurality of inner struts and outer struts, where the inner struts are axially positioned between the ejector and the diffuser cone.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor part, an impeller fixed to the motor part, and a housing including a cylindrical inner circumferential surface. The impeller includes a plurality of blades extending radially outward. The housing is arranged to surround outer peripheries of the motor part and the impeller. The housing includes an intake port which is an upper opening of the housing, an upper edge which surrounds the intake port, an exhaust port which is a lower opening of the housing, a lower edge which surrounds the exhaust port. An axial distance from an upper end of each of the blades to an upper edge is ½ times or more of an axial distance from the upper end of each of the blades to a lower end thereof. This makes it possible to restrain an air flow having a swirling component from passing through the intake port.

Abstract: A gas valve assembly with integrated pressure regulator is provided. The gas valve assembly includes a pressure regulator and a gas valve module. The pressure regulator and gas valve modules each include cast housing bodies. The cast housing bodies have cast in mounting holes and assembly features that allow for the assembly of the gas valve assembly without secondary machining operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bidirectional output mixed hydraulic power system, which includes a hydraulic fluid that stores and contains therein a fluid tank; at least one electrical hydraulic pump connected to the fluid tank to draw in, pressurize, and output the hydraulic fluid; at least one mechanical hydraulic pump connected to the fluid tank to draw in, pressurize, and output the hydraulic fluid; at least two sequence check valves each connected to the electrical hydraulic pump and the mechanical hydraulic pump, each of the sequence check valves being set normally open in a first direction and preventing fluid returning in a second direction; and a dual pressure valve that is connected to the fluid tank and each of the sequence check valves for switching output direction of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A hybrid work machine includes: an engine controller (14) that controls rotational speed of an engine (7) in accordance with a target rotational speed input from an EC dial (31); an assist motor (10) that generates electricity using power of the engine (7); a hydraulic pump (6) operated using power of the engine and/or of the assist motor; and a vehicle body controller (11) that estimates power (Pe) the engine is required to output when a request to generate electricity is sent to the assist motor and permits the assist motor to generate electricity only when the engine power requirement is not greater than an electricity generation threshold value (Eth1). The electricity generation threshold value (Eth1) is determined based on the power and characteristics of energy loss of the engine (7).

Abstract: Hydraulic bump stops and bi-directional diverter valves may be used to protect hydraulic systems, including, for example in one embodiment, the hydraulic actuators of an active suspension system, from damage due to operation outside the normal operating range of the system. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bump stop may be used to slow down the motion of a piston at the extremes of the compression and/or extension strokes of an actuator. In another embodiment, a diverter valve may be used to protect a hydraulic motor/pump in a hydraulic system from an over-speed condition. When the piston in an active suspension system actuator moves at a speed in excess of a threshold value, one or more diverter valves may be used to divert flow away from the hydraulic motor/pump. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be a dual or single spool bi-directional diverter valve.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a locking apparatus for a rotary actuator includes an outer housing comprising a cylindrical interior surface having a recess. A rotor is disposed within the outer housing. The rotor has an interior cavity and a port extending radially from the interior cavity to the cylindrical exterior surface. A piston is disposed for reciprocal movement within the interior cavity between a first position and a second position and includes a first portion having a first thickness, a second portion having a second thickness larger than the first thickness. A key is disposed for radially reciprocal movement within the port and includes a radially proximal end and a radially distal end. The radially proximal end contacts the first portion and the radially distal end does not extend into the recess when the piston is in the first position.

Abstract: A system for determining the stroke of a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The hydraulic cylinder includes a barrel with a rod that slidably extends therefrom. A fiber optic shape sensing system is positioned to determine the stroke of the rod relative to the barrel. An interrogation module is fixed to a reference frame. A fiber bundle is joined to the interrogation module at a proximal end and a fiber termination at a distal end, which is joined to the connecting end of the rod. A signal conditioning module connected to the interrogation module is configured to compute the location of at least one position of the fiber bundle relative to the reference frame; and provide an output indicative of the stroke of the connecting end relative to the barrel.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for an inflating device has a case body and a warning unit. The case body has a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are formed in the case body and communicate with each other. The warning unit is mounted in the second chamber and has a selective module, multiple adjusting modules, a sounding body, and a cover body. The selective module is mounted in the second chamber and has multiple accommodating portions formed in the selective module. One of the accommodating portions communicates with the second chamber. The adjusting modules are respectively mounted in and communicate with the accommodating portions. The sounding body is mounted on the selective module and communicates with the accommodating portions. The cover body is mounted on the selective module, and has a least one sound hole communicating with the sounding body.

Abstract: A phononic material and a method of using a phononic material for use in interacting with a fluid or solid flow are provided. The phononic material includes an interface surface and a subsurface feature. The interface surface is adapted to move in response to a pressure associated with at least one wave in a flow exerted on the interface surface. The subsurface feature extends from the interface surface. The subsurface feature comprises a phononic crystal or locally resonant metamaterial adapted to receive the at least one wave having the at least one frequency based upon the pressure from the flow via the interface surface and alter the phase of the at least one wave. The interface surface is adapted to vibrate at a frequency, phase and amplitude in response to the manipulated/altered phase of the at least one wave.

Abstract: A flow conditioner includes a single disk having a first side and a second side; an outer ring comprising a plurality of holes, wherein the holes extend from the outer ring to the first side of said disk; at least one inner ring recessed from the outer ring, said at least one inner ring comprising a plurality of holes, wherein the holes extend from the at least one inner ring to the first side of said disk; and a central hole recessed from the at least one inner ring. The plurality of holes in the outer ring and in the at least one inner ring provide fluid passages of unequal length from a first side of the flow conditioner to a second side of the flow conditioner.

Abstract: A compact, highly-reusable, self-locking includes a body component, a flexible beam finger component with a plurality of axially-oriented flexible beam fingers, a tab sleeve component including one or more downward extending tabs, an annular detent ring component including a plurality of detents in radial alignment with the plurality of flexible beam fingers, and a wave spring disposed between the tab sleeve component and the annular detent ring component for providing a biasing force to urge the tab sleeve component in a direction of a central, longitudinal axis of the self-locking plug. The flexible beam finger component moves relative to the annular detent ring component when the body component is rotated about the central, longitudinal axis, A, of the self-locking plug, thereby causing the plurality of flexible beam fingers to travel across the plurality of detents and cause elastic deformation of the flexible beam fingers.

Abstract: A process of forming a cushioned clamp in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes configuring a single-ply of woven fiberglass into a longitudinal tube to form a single-ply fiberglass sleeving, coating the single-ply fiberglass sleeving with an aluminum paint, subjecting the coated single-ply fiberglass sleeving to a warming medium, while pliable due to the warming medium, cutting the sleeving into discreet, individual pieces configured for forming a sleeve, folding a first cut end in on itself and pulling the first cut end toward a center of the sleeve to form a first rolled end, and folding a second cut end in on itself and pulling the second cut end toward a center of the sleeve to form a second rolled end, and slidably mounting the sleeve onto a bare metal clamp to form the cushioned clamp.

Abstract: A nested polygonal member locking device secures nested square tubing together into a static position relative to each other. The device includes an outer perimeter shape of an inner member being polygonal defining a plurality of corners and a groove extending into one of the corners. A peripheral shape of an outer member being polygonal defining a plurality of outside corners and a slot extending through the outer member into one of the outer corners. The slot is alignable with the groove. A collar defines a circular channel receiving the outer member. A flange extends inwardly from an interior face of the collar into channel. The flange is positionable in the slot and the groove simultaneously by rotation of the collar whereby the flange inhibits disengagement of the inner member from the outer member.

Abstract: A combination leveler and fastening device for mounting a countertop to a floor cabinet. The device includes a body with a longitudinally aligned bore, a continuous external threads formed on the outside surface of the body, two opposite ends perpendicularly aligned with the body's longitudinal axis and a plurality of radially slots formed on each end. The device is screwed into a hole formed in the cabinet's corner block, brackets or a sub-top. By rotating the device in the hole, the upper portion of the device that extends above the block, bracket or sub-top may be selectively adjusted to level the countertop when placed over the floor cabinet.

Abstract: A fastener including a body having a threaded portion and an opposing, tapered portion, where the tapered portion includes an outwardly angled surface, and a sleeve movably connected to the body. The sleeve includes a plurality of fingers at least partially separated from each other, where each of the fingers includes at least two, axially spaced gripping members protruding from the body. When the fastener is inserted in a borehole formed in a substrate and a fastening member is threaded onto the threaded portion and tightened, the sleeve progressively moves along the angled surface causing the fingers to move outwardly and at least one of the gripping members to engage an inner surface of the substrate forming the borehole to secure the fastener in the borehole.

Abstract: A fastener includes a head, a shaft, and a pressure pad. The head has an outer surface for engaging a drive tool. The shaft has an outer surface including a threaded portion. The pressure pad has a breakaway portion with a torque limit connecting the pressure pad to the shaft.

Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.

Abstract: The rotary suction device includes a suction disk, a middle cover, and an upper cover. The suction disk includes a base and a soft disk. The base includes a peripheral wall, a guide block, an inclined surface, and a central circular trough. The middle cover includes a central through hole around the peripheral wall and a guide trough. The guide trough is around the guide block, and the middle cover is capable of axial displacement relative to the suction disk. The upper cover includes a central pivot, a sliding block, and an elastic component. The central pivot is accommodated in the central circular trough such that the upper cover is capable of rotating relative to the suction disk. The elastic component is disposed between the upper cover and the suction disk. The sliding block is forced to against the inclined surface by the elastic force of the elastic component.

Abstract: A two-stage stiffness driveshaft includes a hollow cylinder defined by a longitudinal axis, a first end, a distal second end, and a hollow cylinder stiffness. The driveshaft also includes an inner shaft extending through the hollow cylinder along the longitudinal axis and defined by a first end, a distal second end, and an inner shaft stiffness. The first end of the inner shaft is engaged with the first end of the hollow cylinder via a rotational clearance fit. The second end of the inner shaft is rotationally fixed to the second end of the hollow cylinder such that the first end of the inner shaft can twist to a predetermined angle with respect to the second end of the inner shaft. The inner shaft stiffness defines a first-stage stiffness of the driveshaft, and the inner shaft stiffness and the hollow cylinder stiffness together define a second-stage stiffness of the driveshaft.

Abstract: Provided is a ball joint capable of coupling a third mechanical element in a freely pivotable manner near a pivot center of a first mechanical element and a second mechanical element coupled to each other in a freely pivotable manner.

Abstract: An improved Mount for Machine Mounted Devices. The self locking pivot mount improves on the previous designs by incorporating an enclosed mechanism that implements a self locking position or multiple positions. The self locking position or multiple positions enables deterministic pivot mount position, thus enabling designed limits on cable strain and contact with other structures. It further securely positions the pivot mount in a defined position, eliminating accidental undesired changes in position.