Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape and includes a bridge and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The first and second anchoring members each include a segment extending exterior to the bridge to provide an engagement point. The implant insertion device moves between loaded and unloaded positions. The implant insertion device in its loaded position by-passes the bridge and engages the segment of the first anchoring member at its engagement point and the segment of the second anchoring member at its engagement point such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: A multi jack tensioner including: a body portion formed to engage an elongate fastening member or integrally formed therewith; a load bearing member for applying force to a workpiece to be fastened and arranged for location about said fastening member adjacent the body portion; a pressure chamber between the load bearing member and the body portion arranged to displace the body portion from the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure; and a plurality of jack bolts extending between the body portion and the load bearing member for further displacing the body portion from the load bearing member; wherein application of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic chamber displaces the body portion from the load bearing member for tensioning said fastening member and whereby subsequent tensioning of the fastening member is applied by operation of the jack bolts.

Abstract: A multi jack tensioner for applying tension to a fastener, the tensioner comprising: a body having at least one section, including a first body section formed to engage an elongate fastening member or integrally formed therewith; a load bearing member for applying force to a workpiece to be fastened and arranged for location about said fastening member adjacent the body; a plurality of pressure chambers between the load bearing member and the body arranged to displace the at least one body section axially relative to the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure; and a plurality of jack bolts extending between the body section and the load bearing member for further displacing the first body section from the load bearing member; wherein application of hydraulic pressure to one or more of the plurality of pressure chambers displaces the first body section from the load bearing member thereby tensioning said fastening member and whereby subsequent tensioning of the fastening member is applied by

Abstract: A bolt fastening structure has an upper flange and a lower flange of a casing to which inner pressure is applied, the upper flange and the lower flange defining an abutting interface therebetween; a bolt hole formed through the abutting interface; and a counterbored portion formed asymmetric about a bolt hole center. The abutting interface includes a first region extending from a bolt hole inner side edge to an upper and lower flanges inner edge and being a region where the upper flange and the lower flange are in surface-to-surface contact with each other; and a partial contact region extending from a bolt hole outer side edge to an upper and lower flanges outer edge and being a region where the upper flange and the lower flange are partially in surface-to-surface contact with each other. In the partial contact region, the upper flange and the lower flange are in surface-to-surface contact with each other in a second region, and the first region is larger than the second region.

Abstract: A belt-tensioning device, in particular for an internal combustion engine, the belt-tensioning device including a bearing housing having a latching recess, a tensioning roller, a pivoting arm and a locking device. The pivoting arm is mounted on the bearing housing, the pivoting arm being under a torsion spring load. The tensioning roller being coupled to the pivoting arm. The locking device having a first latching device and a second latching device. The first latching device and the second latching device being coupled with the pivoting arm. The latching recess interacts with at least one of the first latching device and the second latching device wherein the locking device is configured in such a way that the pivoting arm can be locked by the locking device in different predefined latching positions and the pivoting arm can be pivoted with predefined freedom in an operating position.

Abstract: A steel pipe or tube for pressure vessels having excellent quench crack resistance is provided. The steel pipe or tube for pressure vessels comprises: a specific chemical composition; and a metallic microstructure in which an average grain size of prior austenite grains is 500 ?m or less, and an area fraction of microstructures other than ferrite is 50% or more.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure vessel for storing gas. The pressure vessel for storing gas includes a body provided with a hollow portion and configured in a cylindrical shape having a constant thickness along an axial direction thereof; a pair of caps provided with respective injection holes formed through the caps along the axial direction, having threads on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and engaging to both ends of the body to close the body tightly; a flange coupled to each end of the body, the flange having a central opening; and a metal wire wound on an outer surface of the body to strengthen the body. In addition, one end of the wire is fixed on the outer surface of the body by soldering and an opposite end of the wire is fixed on the wire wound on the body by soldering.

Abstract: A building wall comprises a shear wall panel having a horizontal bottom edge, a bottom left corner, and a bottom right corner. The wall sits atop a horizontal base support located under the horizontal bottom edge of the shear wall panel. A tie-down couples the shear wall panel to the base support at a central point along the horizontal bottom edge of the shear wall panel such that the shear wall panel rocks under horizontal forces. Toe crushing elements are situated under the bottom corners of the shear wall panel. The bottom corners of the shear wall panel compress the toe crushing elements as the shear wall panel rocks about the tie-down under horizontal forces.

Abstract: A honeycomb panel structure is presented. The honeycomb panel structure may comprise a first panel region and a first plurality of pins welded to the first panel region. The first panel region may comprise an incline face sheet and a bottom face sheet, wherein the incline face sheet may be at an acute angle to the bottom face sheet. The honeycomb panel structure may be compressed in the first panel region, a first pin of the first plurality of pins may be perpendicular to the incline face sheet, and a second pin of the first plurality of pins may be perpendicular to the bottom face sheet.

Abstract: A vehicle lower portion structure for a hybrid vehicle has a vehicle drive battery 32 that is mounted on top of the center floor panel 18 and on a vehicle lower side of a rear seat 26, a fuel tank 34 that is formed so as to include a tank main body portion 36 that is disposed on the vehicle lower side of the center floor panel 18 and an in-tunnel extension portion 38A that is disposed inside the floor tunnel 20 and communicates with the tank main body portion 36, and a fuel pump 40 that is provided at a position within the in-tunnel extension portion 38A where the fuel pump 40 is able to be extracted via an extraction hole 20C formed in the floor tunnel 20.

Abstract: A wind turbine yaw assembly has a yaw piston and a yaw bearing pad. A spring resides inside the yaw piston and applies spring pressure to the yaw bearing pad. A threaded yaw piston bushing applies adjustable pressure to the spring. The threaded yaw bushing has a plurality of at least three force adjustment screws distributed symmetrically about the threaded yaw piston bushing. The spring pressure is adjusted by tightening or loosening the plurality of force adjustment screws. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A permanent stressed end cap for a post tensioned concrete member includes a grout retention feature adapted to retain a filler material within a void formed by a pocket former. The grout retention feature may be a generally knob or mushroom shaped, hex-headed, or square body extending from the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more protrusions extending from the exterior of the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more surface textures on the exterior of the cap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for removably deploying a floor assembly from a compacted state to a deployed state by varying tensioning forces to removably interconnected individual floor segments.

Abstract: A permanent stressed end cap for a post tensioned concrete member includes a grout retention feature adapted to retain a filler material within a void formed by a pocket former. The grout retention feature may be a generally knob or mushroom shaped, hex-headed, or square body extending from the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more protrusions extending from the exterior of the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more surface textures on the exterior of the cap.

Abstract: A multiple stud tensioner machine adapted to exert a longitudinal pre-stressing traction on a plurality of studs (2), the stud tensioner machine comprising a sensor supporting assembly (6) adapted to receive a plurality of elongation sensors (11) arranged in a row and positioning means adapted to move one (11a) of said sensors from said row into an operating engagement with one (2a) of said studs.

Abstract: An anchorage device and a method for connecting the device to an upstanding end of a rebar after the opposite end has been embedded in concrete. The anchorage device forms a head around the upstanding end of the rebar that will be covered with concrete to create bearing surfaces to hold the rebar in place within the concrete. The anchorage device includes a barrel having a tapered bore within which to receive the upstanding end of the rebar. A lid extends across the top of the barrel, and a threaded bolt is rotated through a threaded hole in the lid and into contact with the upstanding end of the rebar to apply an axial pushing force thereto. A segmented jaw slides through the tapered bore of the barrel into surrounding locking engagement with the upstanding end of the rebar to connect the device thereto.

Abstract: A method is described for threading a tendon into a duct from an opening at an intermediate point along the length of the duct. Opposite ends of the tendon are threaded from a reel into the two halves of the duct. The tendon is wound on to the reel such that both ends of the tendon can be unwound into the duct simultaneously. A reel and a method for winding the tendon on to the reel are also claimed. The method and reel are particularly suitable for threading coated steel tendons into PT ducts in tall structures such as containment vessels.

Abstract: A needle and receiver assembly for use with a syringe cartridge filled with medicine includes a cartridge receiver having a hollow interior, an open end sized for receiving at least part of the syringe cartridge, and a closed end opposite the open end. The assembly includes a needle mounted on the receiver having a fluid passage extending between a sharp delivery tip at a distal end of the needle and a sharp access tip at a proximal end of the needle opposite the delivery tip positioned inside the hollow interior of the receiver. The assembly includes a cutter movably mounted in the hollow interior of the receiver for cutting the diaphragm of the cartridge when received in the hollow interior of the receiver.

Abstract: A method of tensioning park cables of a park brake system includes positioning a tension indicating device between an adjuster and an adjusting nut when the park brake system is disposed in a slack position. The tension indicating device includes an axial spacing length between the adjuster and the adjusting nut that is equal to a desired adjustment distance of the park cables when the park brake system is disposed in the slack position. The adjusting nut is then tightened until the tension indicating device indicates that the park cables include a tension equal to a target tension level of the park cables when the park brake system is disposed in an applied position. The tension indicating device is then removed from between the adjuster and the adjusting nut, thereby introducing slack into the park cables that is equal to the axial length of the tension indicating device.

Abstract: A connector has first and second ends. The first end is configured to contact a door of the automated storage library when the door is in at least a first position. A safety stop is connected to the second end of the connector and adapted to move from a down position to an up position. The safety stop is in the down position when the door is in the first position. The connector is adapted to travel in a lateral direction corresponding to a similar movement of the door as the door is opened between the first position and a second position, causing the safety stop to move from the down position to an up position to prevent travel of the robotic accessor beyond the safety stop.

Abstract: A coupling device provides a pre-tensioned coupling between a first member and a second member. The members are arranged to define a sealed compartment. A piston is housed within the compartment and is translated between the first member and the second member. A first ratchet lock is mounted within the second member and on translation of the piston, the first ratchet lock engages with the piston. A second ratchet is mounted within the second member and, on translation of the piston into the second member, the piston engages with the ratchet. The second ratchet is mounted on a piston, and translation of the second ratchet on the piston applies a tensile force to the first piston to tension or pre-tension the piston. As the ratchets substantially prevent reverse movement of the piston, the tensile force is retained.

Abstract: A stent compression and crimping system includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end comprising a removable funnel, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The system further includes a guidewire extending through the sheath's lumen. The system also includes a plurality of elongate wires. Each wire has a proximal end attached to a collar, a distal free end, and a wire body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of elongate wires is collectively disposed about the guidewire in an operative configuration.

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire.

Abstract: The invention refers to an actuator with a movable controlling element (7), a wire-shaped SMA element (2) for moving the controlling element in one direction, on whose at least one wire end (3) a connector (4) having a contact surface (13) and made of an electrically conductive material has been fixed, and a structural part (5) made at least partially from an electrically non-conductive plastic material, that has been provided with a conductive strip (6). The connector (4) is fixed to an area of the structural part made from non-conductive material, whereby as a result of that, the contact surface (13) is maintained in electrically conductive contact with the conductive strip (6).

Abstract: A latchable, clamping hanger for hanging an exercise mat from an external support. The hanger has a clip with a jaw which can be opened by a user pressing with one hand on the clip. When the clip reaches its ‘open’ position it latches in place, freeing the user to use both hands to lift the mat and insert its upper edge between the clip and the base of the hanger. Once the mat is in place the clip latch is released, and the hanger will hold the mat in an unrolled position so that it can dry flat.

Abstract: Embodiments include but are not limited to apparatuses and systems for post-tension strand repair. A post-tension strand repair apparatus may include two or more guiding legs, each guiding leg including a strand guide configured to engage a strand end, wherein the two or more guiding legs are coupled to allow the strand guides to be drawn toward each other and thus urge the strand ends toward each other. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: A method of separating a length of single-strand wire at a notch location includes forming at least one notch in the length of single-strand wire at the notch location. The notch location is subjected to tensile strain until the notch location ruptures at the notch to separate the length of single-strand wire into a first single-strand wire and a second single-strand wire. After separation of the length of single-strand wire, the first and second single-strands each present a generally tapered end that corresponds to the notch location.

Abstract: An antigalloping device can include first and second clamps, each having a respective jaw for clamping to respective first and second cables. A connecting assembly can be coupled between the first and second clamps. The connecting assembly can include an elongate insulator attached to a length of flexible cable. The length of flexible cable is capable of being bent and maneuvered during installation. At least one of the first and second clamps can be rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly. The elongate insulator and the flexible cable can straighten along a longitudinal axis. The at least one of the first and second clamps can be orientatable in a position transverse to the longitudinal axis for being rotatable between the position transverse to the longitudinal axis and a position inline with the longitudinal axis, under opposed tension exerted on the jaws of the first and second clamps, for twisting at least one of the first and second cables for reducing galloping.

Abstract: A tether for connecting tubes includes two mutually spaced pads, each pad located on an opposite side of a lateral axis and releasably connectable to one of the tubes, an elastic stretchable connector that provides structural continuity between the pads, and handles, each handle located at an opposite axial end of the tether, suited to be gripped manually for the application of tensile force to the tether.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for hydraulically tensioning screw bolts as well as to screw bolts and screw bolt tensioning devices for carrying out the method. It is proposed to apply the total pretensioning force for one part via an external thread and for the remaining part via an internal thread of the bolt end.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps for each of the reinforcing bands: a) anchoring a first zone (2a, 3a, 4a) of the reinforcing band onto the construction work and establishing a free portion of the reinforcing band; b) tensioning the reinforcing band (2, 3, 4) by applying traction to a second zone of the reinforcing band located in the free portion, said traction causing an elongation (d2, d3, d4) of and a reactive force (R2, R3, R4) in the reinforcing band, with the free portion of the reinforcing band being free to slide on the construction work as it elongates; and c) mechanically attaching the reinforcing band to itself and/or to the construction work, so as to absorb the reactive force from the reinforcing band within a region of the construction work which can support the reactive force from the reinforcing band.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening method and a fastening tool which can stably fasten a nut to a bolt securely and with a small dispersion at a desired axial force. A fastened member is fastened by inserting a bolt to the fastened member, thereafter temporarily fastening a nut and the bolt, pulling a leading end of a shaft portion of the bolt in an axial direction of the bolt, rotating the nut so as to screw into the bolt while elastically deforming the bolt so as to generate an axial force, and thereafter canceling the pulling of the bolt.

Abstract: The invention includes a fastening method and a fastening tool which can stably fasten a nut to a bolt securely and with a small dispersion at a desired axial force. A fastened member is fastened by inserting a bolt through the fastened member, thereafter temporarily positioning a nut and the bolt together, pulling a leading end of a shaft portion of the bolt in an axial direction of the bolt, rotating the nut so as to screw the nut into the bolt while elastically deforming the bolt so as to generate an axial force, and thereafter canceling the pulling of the bolt.

Abstract: A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relates to an articulatable sealing device. The device includes a plurality of seal elements each of which is urgable against a seal-surface, a fixing member tightenable about a perimeter of the seal elements, and a retractor in operable communication with the plurality of seal elements and able to move the plurality of seal elements in a desired direction.

Abstract: A method is described for threading a tendon into a duct from an opening at an intermediate point along the length of the duct. Opposite ends of the tendon are threaded from a reel into the two halves of the duct. The tendon is wound on to the reel such that both ends of the tendon can be unwound into the duct simultaneously. A reel and a method for winding the tendon on to the reel are also claimed. The method and reel are particularly suitable for threading coated steel tendons into PT ducts in tall structures such as containment vessels.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: An agricultural disk gang includes an elongated disk gang bolt having a threaded end with an externally threaded surface. A plurality of cultivating disks are supported on the disk gang bolt. A nut is threadably engaged with the externally threaded surface. The nut has a first side facing the disks and a second side facing away from the disks. The nut is disposed to axially compress the disks together on the disk gang bolt when tightened. A tensioning structure is mounted on the disk gang bolt outside of the nut. The tensioning structure has a plurality of threaded through holes. A plurality of threaded fasteners are threadably engaged with the threaded through holes and are disposed to axially compress the disks when the plurality of threaded fasteners are tightened, thereby permitting the nut to be further tightened.

Abstract: Actuator device having an expansion unit, which includes a magnetic shape memory alloy material, and a spring unit which interacts therewith in a restoring manner, wherein at least one spring of the spring unit is assigned to the expansion unit, which is designed to perform an expansion movement along an expansion direction, in such a way that the spring can exert a restoring spring force counter to the expansion direction on the expansion unit, and wherein the spring is set up and/or predetermined in its spring characteristic curve properties in such a way that a spring force profile of the spring unit along a stroke range, determined by an expansion force profile of the expansion unit and a restoring spring force profile, of the expansion movement does not form a continuously rising curve, and/or the spring force profile, with respect to a continuously rising curve, extends and/or increases the stroke range.

Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a diagnostic tool proximate to and in front of a display device between the corners thereof. A harness is adapted to releasably hold the diagnostic tool, a restraining bracket extends from the harness, and there is at least one elastic cord having a first end, an intermediate portion and a second end. The cord is threaded through the restraining bracket and is sized so as to impart elastic tension to the corners of the display device while concomitantly protecting the front surface from pressure due to the position of the harness and diagnostic tool.

Abstract: A cable positioning arrangement comprises a flexible member, such as an elastic band or cord, extending between two structures. The flexible member is associated with a hole through which a cable passes thereby positioning the cable relative to the structures.

Abstract: Provided are a gasket, a reactor using the same for sealing a spiral, and a manufacturing method thereof. Spirials are continuously installed in the longitudinal direction between an inner pipe and an outer pipe coaxially arranged to form a flow path for a heat medium, so the seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stably maintained and fabrication of the reactor is facilitated. The gasket is inserted in and coupled with the spiral, and thus does not need additional processing for combining the gasket. The gasket and spiral are coupled by lodging the spiral into a channel of the gasket. Furthermore, since the gasket is evenly coupled in the outer circumference of the spiral, in which a cushion plate made of resilient material is installed, breakage of the gasket during assembly of the outer pipe is effectively prevented and the post-assembly seal between the spiral and the outer pipe is stabilized.

Abstract: A method and system to stabilize an appliance against sudden or continuous movement embodiments including one or more straps coupled to an appliance of interest and a target mounting surface. At least one spacer is located between the appliance and mounting surface. In one embodiment a plurality of straps with grommets located at the relative terminus of one end is affixed by a fastener passing through the grommet to a target mounting surface, and at least one spacer is affixed preferably to a wall stud within the target wall. A second strap end is affixed to a target appliance and tightened to provide snug contact between the appliance and wall.

Abstract: In one form, the cable termination has a tubular body with an opening into which an end of the median barrier cable is inserted. A wedge gripper includes three sections for gripping the end of the median barrier cable within the tubular body. The wedge gripper has a tapering outer surface that mates with a tapered inner surface of the tubular body and has a toothed inner diameter. A threaded cap is screwed to an end of the tubular body opposite from the cable opening, such that the threaded cap forces the tapering outer surface of the wedge gripper axially against the tapered inner surface of the tubular body to force the toothed inner diameter of the wedge gripper to contract against three lobes of the median barrier cable to grip the median barrier cable.

Abstract: A composite wall structure formed from a plurality of layers. The composite wall structure can be used to form a composite storage tank having a tank cavity and a longitudinal axis. A composite tank trailer can be formed using the composite tank, a platform structure and a suspension and wheel assembly.

Abstract: Athletic fields, fairgrounds, parks, construction sites, and other informal outdoor venues often lack ample sheltered, level horizontal surfaces where patrons or workers may securely rest drinking vessels while they eat, exercise, shop, or work. However, vertical barriers such as fences, rails and boundary walls are often present. Variations on a durable, lightweight, versatile, portable open-work rack can be temporarily hung on such vertical barriers, used to hold any of a diverse range of drinking vessels, and removed without leaving a mark on the barrier. Both single- and multiple-vessel racks are stackable for compact storage. Besides drinking vessels, the racks can also support food containers such as fruit or yogurt cups, and other outdoor items such as small potted plants.

Abstract: Axially expandable spacers (51, 53) are insertable between a nut (20), on a bolt (19) to be tensioned, and a face (F) on a component (C) and have ramp faces (52, 54) to take up the space as the bolt (19) is tensioned by an hydraulic tensioner (25), where the puller bar (35) is engaged with an extension (121) on the nut (120). A segmented collar (60) has radially movable segments (61) to allow quick engagement/release between the puller bar (35) and the end of the bolt (19) on the nut (120).

Abstract: A connector has first and second ends. The first end is configured to contact a door of the automated storage library when the door is in at least a first position. A safety stop is connected to the second end of the connector and adapted to move from a down position to an up position. The safety stop is in the down position when the door is in the first position. The connector is adapted to travel in a lateral direction corresponding to a similar movement of the door as the door is opened between the first position and a second position, causing the safety stop to move from the down position to an up position to prevent travel of the robotic accessor beyond the safety stop.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in the manufacture of a spring unit for incorporation into an upholstered article, for example, a mattress, cushion or the like. Coil formation apparatus includes a drive shaft to control movement of a coil pitch guide member and a link member comprising a connecting rod adjustably connected to a radius arm of the drive shaft. A coil interlinking process comprises compressing a first coil to define a clearance, extending a second coil passed the first coil via the clearance, allowing the first coil to extend across the clearance, and contracting the second coil to engage the first coil thereby interlinking the first and second coils. Spring unit manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of jaw pairs each comprising a first fixed jaw and a pivotal second jaw, the pivotal second jaw being pivoted by a cam and linkage assembly operated by a rotary drive shaft.