Abstract: Wind turbine rotor comprising a hub, a plurality of blades, at least one pitch system for rotating a blade substantially along its longitudinal axis and at least one pitch retention system, wherein a pitch retention system comprises a cam profile and a cam follower, and one of the hub and a blade comprises said cam profile and the other of the hub and blade comprises said cam follower, and wherein the cam follower comprises a pushing member and a contact member, wherein the pushing member is arranged to push the contact member towards the cam profile, and the cam profile comprises a local depression, and wherein the cam follower and cam profile are arranged such that when the blade is in a pitch position at or below nominal wind speed, the contact member can be retained in said local depression.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind power plant, the wind power plant having a plurality of wind turbines and being connected to a power grid is provided. The method includes (a) detecting a grid frequency instability, (b) selecting a subset of wind turbines, (c) modifying a power reference for each wind turbine in the selected subset of wind turbines to respond to the grid frequency instability, and (d) applying the modified power references to the corresponding wind turbines in the selected subset of wind turbines. A wind power plant controller, a wind power plant, a computer program, and a computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: An airborne wind turbine system including an aerial vehicle having a main wing, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station, a plurality of power generating turbines connected to the main wing, a communication network positioned with the aerial vehicle, including a first flight control computer, and first plastic optical fiber signal transmission lines extending between the first flight control computer and the plurality of power generating turbines.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for improving reactive current response time in a renewable energy power system connected to a power grid. The method includes providing, via a controller of the power system, a permissive logic relating to the power grid. Another step includes determining, via a controller of the renewable energy power system, a reactive current reference command for the renewable energy power system in response to the permissive logic being satisfied. The method also includes generating, via the controller, a reactive current pulse command for the renewable energy power system. Thus, the controller is configured to determine a total reactive current command by combining the reactive current reference command and the reactive current pulse command. Further, the method includes operating the renewable energy power system based on the total reactive current command so as to improve the current response time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a renewable energy system based on actual reactive power capability of the renewable energy system are provided. The reactive power output of the renewable energy system can be controlled based at least in part on an initial reactive power limit. The initial reactive power limit can be determined based on rated reactive power for the power generation units in the renewable energy system. When a difference between a reactive power demand and the actual reactive power production of the renewable energy system fall outside a threshold, the initial reactive power limit can be adjusted to a corrected reactive power limit that is closer to the actual reactive power capability of the renewable energy system.

Abstract: An assembly of air and pneumatic devices, especially a high power unit, intended for power generation. The invention consists in that the assembly is preferably made up of three columns consisting of segments arranged coaxially, connected with rigid connecting bars. The stators of the segments have four struts connected to plates, with at least one strut having attached to it a conduit for feeding compressed air, said conduit being equipped with nozzles. Shafts of rotors of one column are coupled with a compressor unit which is connected to a compressed air tank. The compressed air tank is connected via a solenoid valve, a compressed air unit and its branchings to conduits of the stators of the other columns. The solenoid valve is connected via a control system to a speed meter of the rotor.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a gearbox of a wind turbine. The gearbox comprises a plurality of gears and shafts supported by bearings of which at least one bearing is a plain bearing. The gearbox furthermore comprises a lubrication system with both a mechanical pump and an electrical pump for feeding the gears and bearings with lubricant, wherein a difference between a volume capacity of the mechanical and electrical pump is a maximum 40%. The method comprises the step of controlling at least one valve, during start-up of the gearbox, and feeding lubricant to the bearings via the electrical pump; feeding lubricant to the bearings and the gears, during normal operation of the gearbox, via the electrical pump and the mechanical pump; and feeding lubricant only the bearings, during the absence of electrical power supply, via the mechanical pump.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for de-icing a blade of a wind turbine. The de-icing is carried out by means of stalling the wind turbine and at least to a position where enough turbulence is created to induce vibrations in the blade allowing ice to break off.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system that diagnoses an abnormality of an apparatus provided in a wind turbine includes a monitoring apparatus including a sensor provided for the apparatus, a monitoring-side control apparatus that sets a threshold value to be used by the monitoring apparatus for diagnosing the abnormality of the apparatus, and diagnoses the abnormality of the apparatus based on the threshold value, and a monitoring terminal that monitors a condition of the apparatus. The condition monitoring system can correctly diagnose an abnormality of the apparatus provided in the wind turbine.

Abstract: A wind turbine comprises a wind-driven rotor for converting wind energy to a mechanical driving force, a power converter for converting the driving force to exploitable power, and a drive train for rotatably transmitting the driving force from the wind-driven rotor to the power converter. The drive train includes: at least one rotatable driving element configured to provide at least one torsional resonance frequency in the drive train; a first detuner having at least one first mass element with a first mass inertia and at least one first elastic element with first elastic properties; and a second detuner having at least one second mass element with a second mass inertia and at least one second elastic element with second elastic properties. The first and second mass elements and first and second elastic elements are arranged to rotate during operation of the wind turbine. The torsional resonance frequency is influenced by the first and second mass inertias and the first and second first elastic properties.

Abstract: A proposed thermally driven solar power generating system includes a solar air heater receiving an airflow, a gas turbine driving a generator and at least one exhaust compressor, a humidifying air recuperator communicating with the heater. The recuperator includes a water pipeline, product channels, dry working channels, wet working channels connected with the dry channels, having pair-wise heat transfer relations. The airflow passes via the dry and wet channels, a portion thereof moves and expands through the turbine converting into a product stream, drawn into the product channels, cooled and condensed there. Condensate water moves from the product channels and pipeline into the wet channels. The product stream is sucked by the compressor and converted into a product air stream discharged therefrom. In embodiments, it incorporates an air cooler, auxiliary burner chamber, heat accumulator, solar desorber, additional cooler or M-Cooler, heat exchangers communicating with a number of the exhaust compressors.

Abstract: A power plant includes a solar receiver heating solid particles, a standpipe receiving solid particles from the solar receiver, a pressurized heat exchanger heating working fluid by heat transfer through direct contact with heated solid particles flowing out of the bottom of the standpipe, and a flow path for solid particles from the bottom of the standpipe into the pressurized heat exchanger that is sealed by a pressure P produced at the bottom of the standpipe by a column of heated solid particles of height H. The flow path may include a silo or surge tank comprising a pressure vessel connected to the bottom of the standpipe, and a non-mechanical valve. The power plant may further include a turbine driven by heated working fluid discharged from the pressurized heat exchanger, and a compressor driven by the turbine.

Abstract: A hydrostatic machine includes a housing and a drive shaft. The housing has an inner housing part, configured to receive a force flow, an outer housing part, configured to seal and damp, and a housing floor. The drive shaft is configured, on an input side, to pass coaxially through the housing floor and is configured, on an output side, to pass coaxially through a swash plate. The drive shaft is connected to a cylinder drum in a rotationally fixed manner. The hydrostatic machine is configured in a weight-saving manner and is configured such that propagation of vibrations in the hydrostatic machine, and noise generation therefrom, are reduced. To this end, the drive shaft is further configured to pass only partially through the inner housing part and is rotatably mounted in the housing floor and the inner housing part.

Abstract: A relief pressure control system is provided with a controller for outputting, responsive to an adjustment signal output from a dial switch, a control signal to control a relief pressure of a variable solenoid relief valve, a display unit for displaying, responsive to display signals outputted from the controller, a relationship between a circuit pressure output from a pressure sensor and a pressure required by a hydraulic cylinder, and a control device constituting a start instruction unit for instructing a start of control of the variable solenoid relief valve. Stop valves are arranged in sections of main lines, which communicate a directional control valve and the hydraulic cylinder with each other, to open or close the section. The sections are located between positions on the main lines, where the variable solenoid relief valves are connected to the main lines, respectively, and the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An oil circulation system for electric motors in a hybrid electric vehicle having, as a power source, an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Provision is made to start oil circulation under high reliability even though an electric pump cannot circulate lubricant oil through the electric motors due to increased viscosity at low temperatures. The oil circulation system includes the electric pump in fluid communication with an oil flow path for the electric motors; a mechanical pump, in fluid communication with the oil flow path, operable on driving power of the engine; and a controller for control of operation of the electric pump and that of the mechanical pump. The controller utilizes operation of the mechanical pump upon detection of abnormality in operation of the electric pump derived from viscosity of the lubricant oil in order to recover the electric pump.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive system for a vehicle (10) comprises an open circuit (100), a closed travel circuit (120), an electronic controller (320), and a main variable displacement hydraulic pump (102) driven by an internal combustion engine (12) equipped with a speed sensor (350). The main variable displacement hydraulic pump may be configured to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic consumer (34, 44, 50) via a hydraulic supply line (106). A pressure relief valve (118) may be connected to a reservoir (300) and may be permanently connected to the hydraulic supply line of the open circuit. The electronic controller may be configured to run a strong braking mode in which the electronic controller at least partially increases the displacement of the main variable displacement hydraulic pump such that hydraulic fluid is discharged via the permanently connected pressure relief valve into the reservoir if the sensed engine speed is higher than a predetermined maximum engine speed.

Abstract: A pump arrangement comprising two pump units, each pump unit comprising a pumping cylinder, a reciprocally movable pumping piston, said pumping piston delimiting a pumping chamber in the pumping cylinder in communication with a pump port for fluids, an actuator connected to the pumping piston, and determining a value dependent on the position of the pumping piston in the pumping cylinder, said pump arrangement further comprises a inlet and delivery valves connecting the pump port of each pump unit to a source line and a delivery line for pumped fluids, wherein the pump arrangement comprises at least one regulating unit the flow of the pumped fluids based on the value dependent on the positions of the pumping pistons in the pump units. Also a system comprising such a pump arrangement and a method for pumping fluids in said pump arrangement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device for overspeed control of a propeller driven by an engine shaft comprises a clutch, an eddy-current coupler, and an electromagnetic brake. The clutch is disposed to mechanically decouple the propeller from the engine shaft. The eddy current coupler is disposed to electromagnetically couple the propeller to the engine shaft when the clutch mechanically decouples the propeller from the engine shaft. The electronic brake is disposed to artificially load the engine shaft when the propeller load on the engine shaft is reduced by mechanically decoupling the propeller from the engine shaft.

Abstract: A compressor assembly having an air ducting shroud that can direct a cooling air stream from a fan to components of the compressor assembly, such as a pump assembly. The pump assembly can have at least a pump, a motor and a fan. The compressor can be cooled by providing cooling air to a cylinder head of the pump without the cooling air experiencing choking or substantial cooling flow interference from a cooling of the motor.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump (1) for pumping a liquid comprises a flexible tube (2) for guiding the liquid to be pumped, a compression means (5) being actuatable for compressing the flexible tube (2), an upstream valve means (3) arranged in an upstream direction with respect to the compression means (5) and being actuatable to selectively open or close the flexible tube (2) upstream of the compression means (5), and a downstream valve means (4) arranged in a downstream direction with respect to the compression means (5) and being actuatable to selectively open or close the flexible tube (2) downstream of the compression means (5). A drive shaft (6) is provided which is rotatable for periodically actuating the compression means (5), the upstream valve means (3) and the downstream valve means (4).

Abstract: A compressor may include non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, and a bearing housing. The non-orbiting scroll may include a recess. The orbiting scroll may be intermeshed with the non-orbiting scroll to from a plurality of compression pockets therebetween. The orbiting scroll may include first and second apertures. The first aperture may communicate with one of the compression pockets. The second aperture may communicate with the recess. The bearing housing may support the orbiting scroll and cooperate with the orbiting scroll to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber may communicate with the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A revolving piston rotary compressor comprises, in combination, the following: a compressor pump; an internal suction gas delivery system which eliminates an external accumulator, excludes a direct distribution of a refrigerant to the suction chamber and performs double-stage liquid-gas separation to prevent slugging, provides cooling of the motor and supercharges refrigerant into suction chamber due to action of an impeller; a discharge system utilizing a tubular discharge valve, a circular expansion cavity equipped with a plurality of reaction nozzles through which the discharge gas is jets ejected rearwards relatively to the intended direction of the revolving piston assembly rotation, said jets that impart driving moment which supplements the main momentum; a lubricating oil delivery system employing a positive displacement oil pump, an oil reservoir formed in the crankshaft and a plurality of oil accumulated annular pockets which prevent formation of “gas lock” condition and accelerate delivery of oil to

Abstract: A gap between a vane tip and a cylinder inner circumferential surface is denoted by ?. If rv is set as in an Expression (1), a first vane rotates with the vane tip thereof being out of contact with the cylinder inner circumferential surface. In the vane compressor, wear at the tip of a vane is suppressed, loss due to sliding on bearings is reduced by supporting a rotating shaft portion with a small diameter, and accuracy in an outside diameter and center of rotation of a rotor portion is increased.

Abstract: A scroll compressor that includes a housing and scroll compressor bodies disposed in the housing. A motor is disposed within the housing and operably connected to a drive shaft for driving one of the scroll compressor bodies. The drive shaft is rotationally supported at one end by a crankcase which includes a bearing housing and a bearing. The crankcase includes a plurality of openings or gas passages passing through the crankcase, as well as a plurality of generally cylindrical sections positioned respectively between adjacent openings. The cylindrical sections define contact regions which can engage an inner periphery of the housing when the crankcase is mounted therein.

Abstract: An electric machine (1) for a hybrid or electric vehicle has an external rotor and a stator (2) within the rotor (3). The rotor (3) has a rotor carrier (4), rotor plates (5) and permanent magnets (6). The rotor carrier (4) has a first, radially extending carrier section (7) and a second axially extending carrier section (8). The second carrier section (8) bears the rotor plates (5) and permanent magnets (6). The stator (2) has stator plates (9) and wire windings (10) that form winding heads (11, 12) extending axially on both sides over the stator plates (9). An impeller wheel (14) is connected to the rotor carrier (4) and is between the winding heads (11) on an axial side of the stator (2), and the second carrier section (8). The electric machine provides high power in a small axial extent with optimum air cooling of the rotor and stator.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan includes an impeller, a motor portion, and a housing. The housing includes an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion arranged to have the motor portion fixed thereto; and a side wall portion. A flow control member is arranged to extend in a line along a boundary between an inside surface of the side wall portion and one of a lower surface of the upper plate portion and an upper surface of the lower plate portion. The flow control member includes a flow control surface arranged to extend radially outward from the one of the lower surface of the upper plate portion and the upper surface of the lower plate portion to the inside surface of the side wall portion while becoming more distant from the one of the lower surface of the upper plate portion and the upper surface of the lower plate portion.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a nozzle having a plurality of air inlets, a plurality of air outlets, a first air flow path and a second air flow path. Each air flow path extends from at least one of the air inlets to at least one of the air outlets. The nozzle defines a bore through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by air emitted from the nozzle. The fan assembly also includes a first user-operable system for generating a first air flow along the first air flow path, and a second user-operable system, different from the first user-operable system, for generating a second air flow along the second air flow path. Through user selection of one or both of these two systems, at least one of two different air flows can be emitted from the nozzle, each having a respective flow profile or other characteristic.

Abstract: A reversible fan module may include a first attachment member that may receive power from a controller when an orientation of the reversible fan module is a first orientation; a second attachment member that may receive power from the controller when the orientation of the reversible fan module is a second orientation; a first electrical connection, disposed between the first attachment member and the second attachment member, that may transmit power from the second attachment member to the first attachment member when the orientation of the reversible fan module is the second orientation; and a second electrical connection, disposed between the first attachment member and a fan unit, that may transmit power to the fan unit.

Abstract: A unique compressor includes a rotating compressor blade having a blade tip; a compressor case having a blade track disposed opposite the blade tip; and a tip clearance control system including a fluid impingement structure. This structure has a plurality of openings to impinge a fluid received from a diffuser onto the compressor case. The tip clearance control system is configured to control a clearance between the blade tip and the blade track by impinging the fluid onto the compressor case and modulating the same with a valve in fluid communication with the diffuser. A further form includes a unique gas turbine engine having a compressor with a compressor blade tip, a compressor case disposed opposite the blade tip, and a fluid impingement structure having openings to impinge a fluid onto the case. Also included are other apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for compressor blade tip clearance control.

Abstract: An arrangement having inner and outer cylindrical casings connected by a cylindrical connector is presented. The connector is disposed between and concentric with the inner and outer casings and is stiff in direction of concentric axis but flexible in direction radially with respect to concentric axis such that relative thermal expansion of inner and outer cylindrical casings in radial direction is permitted simultaneously maintaining relative position of the casings in axial direction. The connector has annular first and second ends secured to inner and outer casings respectively, and a cylindrical main body between first and second ends flexible in radial direction. The main body has cylindrical first and third sections, annular second section. The first section extends axially away from the first end to a radially inner pat of the second section. The third section extends axially from a radially outer part of the second section towards the second end.

Abstract: A cooling fan includes a frame and a fan body. A bottom end of the frame forms a pressed portion that borders an air inlet. The pressed portion increases the size of the air inlet allowing more air to flow to better cool an electronic device.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a cooling-fan mounted in an opening formed on a Front End Module (FEM) carrier may include a locking guide fixed to the opening and along a longitudinal direction of which a guide hole is formed, a link bar along a longitudinal direction of which a sliding hole is pierced and one end of which is connected rotatively to the FEM carrier, a first pin that is slid through the respective guide hole and sliding hole and connects the link bar and the locking guide, a second pin, one end of which is connected slidingly to the sliding hole, and a motor connected to the other end of the second pin to rotate the second pin. The cooling-fan is connected to the first pin and slid through the opening by link-movement of the first pin, the second pin and the link bar.

Abstract: A fan system includes a motor, a rotatable hub, and a plurality of fan blades. The motor is coupled with the hub by a hollow drive shaft, such that the drive system of the fan system is gearless. The motor is controlled by a PFC-based control module, which is in communication with sensors that are configured to sense parameters associated with operation of the fan system. The control module is configured to react in certain ways to certain conditions detected by the sensors, such that the fan system uses feedback-based control algorithms. A remote control panel is in communication with the control module. The remote control panel is operable to display fault conditions detected by the sensors. Blade retainers prevent fan blades from falling when a fan blade breaks free from the hub. Pins prevent the hub from falling when the hub breaks free from the rotor.

Abstract: A fan with a sound muffling box includes a box having a box inlet port and a box outlet port located on opposite sides from each other; and a double suction centrifugal fan encased in the box. The centrifugal fan includes a motor, a discharge port, an impeller, a scroll, and a casing side plate. The casing side plate has a motor-side inlet port, and an opposite-motor-side inlet port opposite to the motor-side inlet port with respect to the impeller. The discharge port is inclined with respect to the box outlet port. The fan with the sound muffling box further includes a sound insulating board disposed on the box inlet port in such a manner as to hide the opposite-motor-side inlet port and also to divide the box inlet port into plural regions when the inside of the box is viewed from the box inlet port.

Abstract: An exemplary dust-proof fan includes a frame, a stator mounted in the frame and a rotor received in the frame. The rotor includes a bracket and multiple blades pivotably mounted to the bracket. The bracket includes an inner ring and an outer ring surrounding the inner ring. Each blade has an inner pole inserted into the inner ring and an outer pole inserted into the outer ring. The blades are spaced from each other to form multiple airflow passages therebetween when the dust-proof fan is in use. The blades are overlapped with each other to close the airflow passages when the dust-proof fan is not in use.

Abstract: A filter frame is removably attachable to a box fan. The filter frame is adapted for receiving a standard HVAC-style filter for removing contaminants from air flow induced by the fan. In this manner, a cost-effective means for filtering a flow of air is provided for residential and commercial settings. The filter frame is adaptable to a variety of standard box fan types of different styles and dimensions. The frame is configured to accommodate standard filters, such as those readily available from retail hardware stores and home centers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a turbomachine for imparting energy to a multiphase fluid is provided. The turbomachine comprises a casing having an inlet and an outlet; an axial stage part comprising at least one axial stage; a mixed-flow stage part comprising at least one mixed-flow stage fluidly connected to the axial stage part; and a centrifugal stage part comprising at least one centrifugal stage fluidly connected to the mixed-flow stage part. The axial stage is defined by an angle between an axial impeller outlet flow and an axis parallel to a rotational axis of the shaft having a value between 0° and 5°, the mixed-flow stage by an angle having a value between 5° and 80°, and the centrifugal stage by an angle having a value between 80° and 90°.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive circuit is provided that can achieve high responsiveness, high precision, and high efficiency at a low cost in a hydraulic drive system popularly used in an industrial machine such as a press machine, a construction machine, and the like.

Abstract: A first piston (10) is inserted in a housing (2) so as to be hermetically movable vertically. A second piston (20) is inserted in a cylindrical hole (14) of the first piston (10) so as to be hermetically movable axially, and has an output rod (26) projecting upward from the housing (2). A lock chamber (40) is formed below the first piston (10) and the second piston (20), and a release chamber (42) is formed above the first piston (10) and the second piston (20). A force multiplier (52) is arranged in the housing (2) so as to cause (i) a first force, with which a pressurized fluid supplied into the lock chamber (40) pushes the first piston (10) upward, to be transformed in a force-multiplying manner into a second force and (ii) the second force to be transmitted to the second piston (20). Further, a change-over mechanism (54) is arranged in the housing (2) so as to selectively couple the first piston (10) to the housing (2) or the second piston (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural element for an aircraft and spacecraft, having a core which includes core regions which are uncoupled from one another by means of an expansion joint arranged between the core regions. The present invention further provides a method for producing a structural element for an aircraft or spacecraft, including the following method steps: providing a core of the structural element, which core includes core regions; and arranging an expansion joint between the core regions. The present invention relates still further to an aircraft and/or spacecraft having such a structural element.

Abstract: A modular connection system has a plurality of modular units, each having a plurality of loop and edge sections alternating around the perimeter of a body section. The loop sections align with the edge sections so that a loop section of one unit is adjacent to a loop section of another unit. A connection interface is located at a vertex of the modular units and a loop of first one of the plurality of modular units is adapted to align parallel to an edge section of a next modular unit and a loop of each next unit is adapted to align parallel to an edge section of the preceding unit. Elongated connectors pass through the loop sections of the modular units to connect the modular units at the connection interface.

Abstract: The plug-in coupling comprises a negative coupling part and a positive coupling part that includes a pin having a ball head. The negative coupling part comprises a coupling construction made of a first material for accommodating and detachably fastening the positive coupling part, and a retaining construction made of a second material, which surrounds the coupling construction, for fastening the negative coupling part to the second component, wherein the second material has a higher elasticity than the first material.

Abstract: A fastening element (100) for clamping together a stack of sheets (410), (411) comprising at least two sheets. The fastening element comprises at least one base portion (101) extending along the stack of sheets and perpendicular to the planes of the sheets. Further, the fastening element comprises a flange portion (102) which extends substantially perpendicular from the base portion, and a pointed element (103) which extends in an acute angle with respect to the base portion. The flexible fastening element generates a spring force which clamps the sheets of the stack of sheets together between the at least one flange portion and the at least one pointed element. In this grip position, the at least one pointed element grips at least one edge of a bottom sheet of the stack of sheets, and a top sheet of the stack of sheets is allowed to move in relation to the at least one flange portion.

Abstract: A supporting framework, comprising a plurality of nodes and one framework component, the framework component, selected from a group, consisting of one diagonal brace, one panel and combinations thereof, one of the nodes, comprising one connector and one bar, each of the connectors comprising a plurality of mating bores, and each of the bars, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein one of the nodes further comprises one holder, comprising a plurality of supporting faces and the corresponding connector, comprising one holder mating bore, and a first end of the holder and a second end, the holder and the bars are located on the supporting faces of the holder, and are in contact with and enclose the proximal portion of a plurality of bars for stabilizing the first end and transferring the load of the framework components to the bars as well as to the connector.

Abstract: A shaft structure including: a male component having male spline parts and male spline bottom parts on an outer peripheral part; a female component having female spline parts and female spline bottom parts on an inner peripheral part configured to allow the male component to be slidably inserted in an axial direction; and an elastic member arranged on the male component covering a surface of the outer peripheral part of the male component, wherein, in an initial state where the male component is inserted into the female component, the female and male components have first gaps between: sides of the female spline parts; and sides-facing portions of the elastic member, and when the male component is rotated, a time from the initial state to a state where the sides of the female spline parts abut on the portions of the elastic member, has predetermined time differences along the axial direction.

Abstract: A variety of connectors can be used to connect cylindrical or other shaped tubes to one another. The connectors incorporate features that may facilitate connecting the tubes at a wide range of angles to form a variety of multi-dimensional shapes, while obviating the need to use tape or glue. Such features can potentially improve the aesthetics and simplify the assembly of objects produced using the connectors. Further, structures produced using the connectors can be disassembled, facilitating reuse of, for example, the paper-based tubes of exhausted household products.

Abstract: A connection arrangement of a force- and movement-transmitting drive unit includes a press comprising at least a drive unit, a slide and a part with a thread. The drive unit is mounted at a pull or push point of the slide. A first connecting element comprises a nut mounted movably in the slide. The first connecting element and the part form a releasable connection. The part is releasably connected to an additional connecting part with a thread. The drive unit is connected to the slide via the releasable connection. The first connecting element is mounted movably in the slide. When the drive unit is in a released state or in a removed state, the additional connecting part can be separated from the part to at least partially remain in the first connecting element or in the releasable connection.

Abstract: A connector system of a structural frame work for display structures. The system includes a socket device and a plug device that can be coupled to the socket device. The socket device includes an outer housing and a socket member in the socket housing, the socket member having a socket hole of non-circular cross-section disposed in a distance behind a coupling hole that is bordered by a retainer wall of the outer socket housing. The plug device includes a plug body and a coupling sleeve slidably and rotatably fitted onto the plug body that includes an exposed plug end portion axially projecting out of the coupling sleeve to fit into the socket hole of the socket member, the coupling sleeve including at least one radial locking nose projecting outwardly from the free end portion of the coupling sleeve that fits through the coupling hole of the socket housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion anchor (10) comprising an expansion sleeve (12) which is divided into expansions (18) by means of longitudinal slots (14) arranged in the front section in the direction of placement (16) of the expansion sleeve (12) and also has an inner thread (20) in the rear section in the direction of placement (16). The expansion anchor (10) further comprises an expansion body (22), which preferably has the shape of a cone stump that tapers conically in the direction of placement (18), the conical stump being arranged in the front section in the direction of placement (16) of the expansion sleeve and inside the expansion sleeve (12).

Abstract: An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions.