Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the continuous coating and fabrication of spiraled steel rebar product for concrete structures. Specifically, methods and systems are provided by which linear uncoated rebar is supplied to a polymeric (preferably, epoxy) powder-coating unit whereby a substantially uniform coating layer of a polymeric material is applied onto the uncoated rebar to form a linear coated rebar; and thereafter the linear coated rebar is bent into a spiraled steel rebar product. The bending unit employed to bend the linear coated rebar includes a series of bending wheels having separated upstream and downstream bending wheels and a central bending wheel which is disposed between and below these upstream and downstream bending wheels. By bringing the linear coated rebar into contact with the series of bending wheels, the rebar may be bent gently into spiraled steel rebar product without damage to the polymeric surface coating.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A method of generating force between a structure and an additional member, particularly for reinforcing an existing structure so that an additional member can share existing load. Pre-cooled or pre-heated shims of shape memory alloy (SMA) are inserted between the additional member and the existing structure, or between different sub-units of the additional member, or between the additional member and shoes fixed for this purpose to the existing structure. On subsequent warming or cooling the SMA shims expand to apply compressive forces to the portions of the structure, additional member or shoe(s) with which they are in contact on their opposite sides. Further compressive, tensile, flexural or torsional forces will be developed within other parts of the structure and additional member as a result of the shim expansion depending on the particular arrangement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A buoyant clamp assembly and method for clamping an elongate member to a support member. The buoyant clamp assembly includes a flexible strap having first and second ends. Affixed to the exterior of the flexible strap are wear blocks. A highly frictional layer is attached to the interior of the flexible strap to increase friction between the clamping assembly and the elongate or support member. The flexible strap extends substantially around the elongate and support members. The first and second ends are adapted to be coupled to each other via a loop member. The clamp assembly also includes a tensioner assembly having first and second tensioner bars spaced parallel to one another. Capture bolts affixed to the tensioner assembly prevent the first and second tensioner bars from separating. Each of the first and second tensioner bars includes a bullnose face and the bullnose faces are in opposing relationship to one another.

Abstract: A wiper arm and method for manufacturing a wiper arm provides a body having a first end connectible to and supportable by a drive shaft for imparting oscillatory rotary movement and a second end connectible to and supporting a wiper blade. A torsional region of the body is capable of toggle action and is located between the first and second ends of the body. The toggle action is defined by two stable positions, a primary position and a secondary position, lying spaced at opposite sides of an unstable range of movement, where one of the two stable positions exerts downward pressure on the wiper blade connectible to the body for engagement against a windscreen to be wiped. The torsional region is defined by first and second torsional members initially formed in a relaxed state. Each torsional member has a free end cantilevered outwardly from the first end of the body and spaced from one another. Each torsional member is subsequently flexed into a flexed state such that the free ends engage one another.

Abstract: A method of tightening and loosening an object to a rotary base torsion-free includes providing a single power tool having a tool housing portion and a driving portion which are coaxial with one another and provide equal but opposite forces, connecting a bolt with the rotary base, connecting a first part which includes a sleeve/washer assembly to one of the portions to be turned by the one portion, which sleeve/washer assembly includes a sleeve with a thread cooperating with a thread of the bolt and a washer abutting against the object, connecting a second part to the other of the portions to be turned by the other portion, which second part includes a nut having a thread cooperating with another thread of the first part, turning the first part by the one portion so that the first part, the bolt and the rotary base turn together while the second part remains free of rotation to urge the bolt to move in a desired axial direction to tighten or loosen the object to the rotary base, and turning the second part by

Abstract: A method of making core board product may be under the control of a processing unit. A first tubular core may be dispensed to a conveying portion to support the first tubular core at an interim location. The first tubular core may be conveyed to a flattening position under pressure of a compression member. The first tubular core is substantially compressed between the compression member and a flattening surface. The steps of dispensing, conveying, compressing may be repeated for at least a second tubular core. The second tubular is substantially compressing core against the first tubular core. The substantially compressed first tubular core and second tubular core may be fastened together in an abutting relationship with a plurality of fastening members so as to form the core board product.

Abstract: A device (10) for storage of hazardous material, especially heat-producing hazardous material, such as radioactive spent nuclear reactor fuel, comprises a substantially cylindrical reinforced concrete body (12) and has an axially elongate storage space (18) for the hazardous material. A prestressed reinforcement (17) having reinforcing members (28, 29) extending helically about the storage space (18) is provided in the concrete body (12) adjacent to the outer side thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing members (28, 29) are divided into two groups, one inside the other, the hand of the reinforcing members (28) of one of the groups being opposite to the hand of the reinforcing members (29) of the other group. Also preferably, the ends of the concrete body are provided with end covers (15, 16) in which the reinforcing members (28, 29) are anchored.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the continuous coating and fabrication of spiraled steel rebar product for concrete structures. Specifically, methods and systems are provided by which linear uncoated rebar is supplied to a polymeric (preferably, epoxy) powder-coating unit whereby a substantially uniform coating layer of a polymeric material is applied onto the uncoated rebar to form a linear coated rebar; and thereafter the linear coated rebar is bent into a spiraled steel rebar product. The bending unit employed to bend the linear coated rebar includes a series of bending wheels having separated upstream and downstream bending wheels and a central bending wheel which is disposed between and below these upstream and downstream bending wheels. By bringing the linear coated rebar into contact with the series of bending wheels, the rebar may be bent gently into spiraled steel rebar product without damage to the polymeric surface coating.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete fence post assembly, including 1) a main fence post body constructed of a high-strength, concrete grout material; 2) a prestressed high-strength steel tendon member positioned centrally and extended longitudinally of the main fence post body; and 3) a plurality of spaced, parallel concentric connector grooves used with wire tie members to secure fence wire strands against outer surfaces of the main fence post body. Forms, equipment, and method steps for economically casting prestressed concrete post assemblies, poles, towers, or the like. A fence post mold assembly consists of two mating fence post mold half sections, each having an inner plastic material liner to form the desired concrete product. Prestressing is accomplished by pretensioning a centrally located high-strength steel tendon member held at each end by anchor jaw assemblies. A hydraulic tensioning apparatus is connected to one of the anchor jaw assemblies and tension is applied to the tendon member.

Abstract: A wiper arm and method for manufacturing a wiper arm provides a body having a first end connectible to and supportable by a drive shaft for imparting oscillatory rotary movement and a second end connectible to and supporting a wiper blade. A torsional region of the body is capable of toggle action and is located between the first and second ends of the body. The toggle action is defined by two stable positions, a primary position and a secondary position, lying spaced at opposite sides of an unstable range of movement, where one of the two stable positions exerts downward pressure on the wiper blade connectible to the body for engagement against a windscreen to be wiped. The torsional region is defined by first and second torsional members initially formed in a relaxed state. Each torsional member has a free end cantilevered outwardly from the first end of the body and spaced from one another. Each torsional member is subsequently flexed into a flexed state such that the free ends engage one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced pressure vessels and the product produced therefrom. A ductile metal vessel liner, being formed with at least one nozzle, is wrapped with a first composite layer of resin-impregnated fibers. Pressure is applied to the vessel sufficient to yield the liner but is insufficient to cause deformation of the nozzle. The liner retains a residual compressive stress critical for withstanding cyclical service pressures. A second composite layer is applied over the first layer to increase the strength of the vessel sufficient to maintain the vessel's integrity at very high cyclical service pressures (such as about 0-10,000 psig). The vessel is then pressure tested at 1.5 times the intended service pressure to ensure vessel integrity.

Abstract: In order to install or tension a brace (1) having a false bearing, for example a stay cable for a cable-stayed bridge, an external tensioning member or similar comprising a bundle of plastic-sheathed individual elements (2) made of steel, for example, wires, strands of wires or similar, the individual elements (2) are exposed in the area of the anchoring in order that they may be anchored at this point in holes (6) in an anchoring plate (7) which is supported by the building structure (9) by means of wedges (5). In order to ensure that when the strand is anchored the remaining plastic jacket (4) ends as close as possible to the anchoring plate (7), it is suggested that the plastic jacket be prevented from making any longitudinal movement during the extension of each individual element (2) which occurs during tensioning by a stop in the form of an annular shoulder (6d) which surrounds the element (2) in the anchoring area, and thereby compressed.

Abstract: A porcelain coated steel wire oven rack. The preferred coated steel wire oven rack includes a plurality of elongated steel wire members joined together to form an oven rack having an outer surface. The plurality of elongated steel wire members are made from a steel rod material containing from about 80 to about 99.9% by weight of iron, from about 0.001 to about 0.08% by weight of carbon and from about 0.001 to about 0.2% by weight of a carbon stabilizing transition metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of Vanadium, Tantalum, Titanium and Niobium.

Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Externally to the wire module, a wire is attached to a fixed end and a movable end. Tension is placed on the wire, and the tension in the wire or the vibrational frequency of the wire is detected and compared to a desired value. If the tension in, or the vibrational frequency of, the tensioned wire does not correspond to the desired value, the tension is further adjusted until the desired value is met. Once the desired tension or the vibrational frequency is met, the wire is secured in the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.

Abstract: An anchoring device for fixing a structural cable to a building element, the cable comprising a plurality of strands each comprising wires which are themselves enclosed together in a protective sheath, each of the protective sheaths being interrupted at a terminal edge such that the strands have each an exposed end section. The exposed section is inserted in a sealed chamber with a packing box whereof on plate is fixed and the other plate is compressed by threaded rods.

Abstract: A connection for a tube is formed by placing a coiled spring around an end of a tube and inserting a barbed tubular portion from a connection into the tube. The connection forces the tube to expand applying pressure against the coil spring and forcing it to expand and exert radial pressure against the tube towards the inserted tubular portion.

Abstract: A process comprising taking a plurality of wire rods, laying them out together, side-by-side, ganging them together with a strapping means to form a flat, rectangular shaped array or panel, placing the array into a metal forming press and bending one end of all of the rods together, uniformly and simultaneously. The bound array can then be rotated 180 degrees, if desired, and the other end of the panel inserted to bend that end of all the rods, uniformly and simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an anchorage of a post-tension system in which a tendon is positioned within a cavity of an anchor such that an end of the tendon extends outwardly of the cavity, a plurality of wedges are mechanically inserted within the cavity between the tendon and a wall of the cavity, and pressure is applied to an end of the tendon such that the tendon and the wedges are in interference-fit relationship with the cavity. A compression mechanism is used having a cylindrical member and a plunger extending in a channel of the cylindrical member. The wedges are attached to the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member is moved toward the cavity such that the wedges enter a space between the tendon and the wall of the cavity. The plunger applies a compressive force to the end of the tendon when the end of the tendon is in the channel of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: In order to install or tension a brace (1) having a false bearing, for example a stay cable for a cable-stayed bridge, an external tensioning member or similar comprising a bundle of plastic-sheathed individual elements (2) made of steel, for example, wires, strands of wires or similar, the individual elements (2) are exposed in the area of the anchoring in order that they may be anchored at this point in holes (6) in an anchoring plate (7) which is supported by the building structure (9) by means of wedges (5). In order to ensure that when the strand is anchored the remaining plastic jacket (4) ends as close as possible to the anchoring plate (7), it is suggested that the plastic jacket be prevented from making any longitudinal movement during the extension of each individual element (2) which occurs during tensioning by a stop in the form of an annular shoulder (6d) which surrounds the element (2) in the anchoring area, and thereby compressed.

Abstract: A high temperature bolting system for clamping steam turbine housings and similar high temperature parts together while operating at a temperature of 800° F. to 1200° F. An elongated fastener shank and housing material have similar coefficient of thermal expansion. The shank has a tensile strength several times greater than the housing to maintain a clamping force during thermal excursions. The diameter of the shank is reduced due to the large creep strength difference between the elongated fastener shank and the clamped parts. The reduced shank diameter allows an increased in the clamping load by providing an increased surface area in the clamped part. A stress generating flange is provided with jackbolts to establish the clamping load at room temperature. A threaded sleeve is interposed between the threads at the end of the shank and the threads of the housing so that the housing threads have a sufficiently large area for withstanding the clamping load.

Abstract: An intermediate anchorage system including an anchor member with an interior passageway, a tendon extending through the interior passageway of the anchor member, an elastomeric seal having one end affixed to the anchor member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a rigid ring member detachably received within an opposite end of the seal. The ring member has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the tendon. The opposite end of the seal is in liquid-tight compressive contact with the exterior surface of the tendon when the ring member is detached from the seal. The interior passageway of the anchor, the seal and the ring member have an inner diameter, when joined together, which is larger than the outer diameter of the tendon so as to allow the anchor member, the seal and the ring member to slide along the length of the tendon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of prestressed reinforced concrete railroad ties in which the apparatus consists of an elongated spine or compression member which has no foundation but rather is independent of the supporting surface upon which it rests. In one version of the apparatus two bridge members confront the opposite ends of the spine and permanent tension resisting members pass beneath the spine from end to end of the spine and are attached to the lower ends of the bridge members. In another version two structural members are embedded in the concrete of the spine and protrude to provide terminal members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of prestressed reinforced concrete railroad ties and the like in which the apparatus consists of an elongated spine or compression member which has no foundation but rather is independent of the supporting surface upon which it rests. In one version of the apparatus two bridge members confront the opposite ends of the spine and permanent tension resisting members pass beneath the spine from end to end of the spine and are attached to the lower ends of the bridge members. In another version two structural members are embedded in the concrete of the spine and protrude to provide terminal members.

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted for placement through a hole in the bottom of a toilet tank. The valve seat has an axis with a lower section adapted to extend through the hole and an upper section defining an opening generally perpendicular to the axis. A first sleeve communicates with a central channel in the upper section. A valve elbow has a second axis with an overflow section and a second sleeve registerable with the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section and the (central channel) an associated method includes injection molding steps wherein first and second core pins are removed laterally and the second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve to provide fluid communication between the overflow section of the valve elbow in the central channel of the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for retensing a pre-stress structure. The apparatus includes a tensing apparatus installed at a rear portion of a precast strand support fixing member exposed from both ends of a prestress structure such as a precast beam for repeatedly tensing a precast strand having a stress loss. A checking member provided at the retensing apparatus for visually checking a stress loss in the tensed precast strand for thereby implementing an easier tensing of a reinforcing strand which is needed when fabricating a prestress structure and retensing an internal reinforcing strand even when a prestress loss occurs for thereby repeatedly retensing a deformed prestress structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling a platform-based container comprising a base having at least one longitudinal beam, wherein the method comprises pre-loading the longitudinal beam, prior to the completion of the assembly of the container. The beam is then used in the assembly of the container, resulting in a container which no longer takes a permanent deformation under maximum load.

Abstract: A combination rollover/vent valve, fuel pump and fuel level sender which is installed through a single access opening in the top of a fuel tank. The rollover/vent valve has a resilient mounting strip attached and the rollover/vent valve is attached to the fuel pump level sender module by a substantially rigid vent tube and the vent tube is ported exteriorly through the module. Upon insertion of the rollover/vent valve through the access opening, the mounting strip engages ratchet teeth formed in the top and bottom of the tank to secure the rollover/vent valve at a location of the highest level of the tank, remote from the module. The module thus locates the vent line, fuel feed line and electrical connections all at a single location on the tank top. The vent tube may be formed to a curved configuration to accommodate a dished or recessed tank top.

Abstract: A method of connecting the free end of an elastomeric cord to the hook of a connector, that is attached to a loop on the other end of the cord, to form an endless drive belt to connect a pair of rotary drive members, which utilizes a novel tool. The tool has a retainer segment and a contact segment comprising a pair of curved contact arms flanking a finger and forming an opening, and a handle. The tool contact segments are placed on one of the rollers with the finger in the roller drive groove and the handle resting on an adjacent roller. The connector and attached cord end loop are placed in a retainer pocket on the finger. The cord free end is then grasped and pulled around both rollers, which clamps the tool to the roller, and onto the hook to form the endless belt. The handle is grasped to raise the tool, pivot it around the roller to unclamp the tool, and slide the tool to disengage it from the drive belt.

Abstract: A method for coupling a first computer component, such as a printed circuit board, to a second computer component, such as a chassis, with an engaging member. The method may comprise fastening a first portion of the engaging member to the first computer component and biasing a second portion of the engaging member toward the chassis to clamp a bracket of the printed circuit board against the chassis. The method may further comprise inserting a protrusion of the second portion of the engaging member through an aperture of the bracket and into a corresponding aperture of the chassis.

Abstract: Jackbolts for multi jackbolt tensioner embody a thread construction which taper from a maximum diameter adjacent to torque receiving end of the jackbolt when threadedly engaged with a threaded opening in the outer peripheral part of a jackbolt body. The threads of the jackbolt have a different thread pitch than the threads in the jackbolt body and the tooth flank of the jackbolt threads for an angle with the tooth flanks of the thread in the jackbolt body. By this thread construction, there is formed a helical volume of ever increasing size along the jackbolts commencing at a metal to metal relation at the torque receiving end. Stressing of the jackbolt closes the helical volume bringing the threads to a metal to metal load transfer relation. The end of the jackbolts has a protruding central end portion that elastically flattens under stress to reduce torque requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling and disassembling an installation present on a seabed, for instance a pipeline lying on a seabed, wherein components, for instance pipe flanges, are mutually attached by means of nut and bolt connections and the nut and bolt connections are released and/or secured by means of a wrench. Nut and bolt connections are herein released by divers using a wrench. This is heavy and difficult work. It is impossible for divers to operate at considerable depth. Complicated and very costly pipeline connections are then applied which can be released and secured without divers. The invention has for its object to reduce the stated drawbacks of the known method. To this end at least one wrench is used, of which an engagement cup for engaging a nut and/or a bolt head in axial direction of a nut and bolt connection for manipulating is displaceable relative to a cup carrier counter to spring action.

Abstract: A prosthetic stent with a tubular wall having local inwardly or outwardly formed elevations. Stents having such elevations have a higher mechanical stability if bend according to the curvature of the body vessels to be supported or repaired. Also a method for manufacturing a stent with such elevations is described.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for anchoring tensioning members in a concrete structure and the like wherein there is provided a wedge support member having wedge-receiving pockets coaxially aligned with the anchor seats in an anchorage block permitting the anchorage wedges to first be inserted into the pockets not allowing the tensioning members to slip during tensioning. This method is used in post-tensioning of monostrand cable. The apparatus anchors the tensioning members by installing wedges into their respective wedge seats. A magnetic tip is utilized to hold the wedges in place while a slide hammer provides and transmits the energy to forcibly insert the wedges.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcement cable tensioner (10) has a cable gripper (60) with its base end (87) mounted to a flange (18) which is secured to the tensioning cylinders (12, 14) by abutting a shoulder on the outside of the cylinders (12, 14). An auxiliary retraction spring (94) is contained in a tubular handle (86) which is fixed to the flange (18) and the spring (94) acts on a rod (92) which extends beyond the handle (86) and has its distal end fixed to a yoke (104) which connects the piston rods (30) of the cylinders (12, 14) and on which a seat (108) for bearing against the concrete slab is mounted. The base ends (24) of the tensioning cylinders (12, 14) are hydraulically connected by a manifold (16) which is common to the cylinders (12, 14) and binds the base ends (24) of the cylinders (12, 14) together.

Abstract: A high temperature bolting system for clamping steam turbine housings and similar high temperature parts together while operating at a temperature of 800° F. to 1200° F. An elongated fastener shank and housing material have similar coefficient of thermal expansion. The shank has a tensile strength several times greater than the housing to maintain a clamping force during thermal excursions. The diameter of the shank is reduced due to the large creep strength difference between the elongated fastener shank and the clamped parts. The reduced shank diameter allows an increased in the clamping load by providing an increased surface area in the clamped part. A stress generating flange is provided with jackbolts to establish the clamping load at room temperature. A threaded sleeve is interposed between the threads at the end of the shank and the threads of the housing so that the housing threads have a sufficiently large area for withstanding the clamping load.

Abstract: Jackbolts for multi jackbolt tensioner embody a thread construction which taper from a maximum diameter adjacent to torque receiving end of the jackbolt when threadedly engaged with a threaded opening in the outer peripheral part of a jackbolt body. The threads of the jackbolt have a different thread pitch than the threads in the jackbolt body and the tooth flank of the jackbolt threads for an angle with the tooth flanks of the thread in the jackbolt body. By this thread construction, there is formed a helical volume of ever increasing size along the jackbolts commencing at a metal to metal relation at the torque receiving end. Stressing of the jackbolt closes the helical volume bringing the threads to a metal to metal load transfer relation. The end of the jackbolts has a protruding central end portion that elastically flattens under stress to reduce torque requirements.

Abstract: A release element for a holddown device, on a solar generator, for example, with a retaining bolt which is under pretension in the direction of its lengthwise axis, releases the retaining bolt from its pretensioned position. Pretensioning force is exerted on the retaining bolt through thread located at the end of retaining bolt into a corresponding internal thread in the release device. Internal thread is located half in a housing of release device and half in an opener. Opener is inserted pivotably in a cutout of housing and held in place by a wire coil wound around housing and opener. To release retaining bolt, the wire coil is released by fuse elements and expands to a larger diameter, releasing the retaining bolt.

Abstract: The method of making the metal fiber sintered body includes making a coiled material by coiling a thin sheet of Fe--Cr--Al--La, Fe--Cr--Al--Y or Fe--Cr--Al--Ce stainless steel; making a tow of Fe--Cr--Al--La, Fe--Cr--Al--Y or Fe--Cr--Al--Ce continuous fibers by lathe turning an end face of the coiled material at a tool feed speed of from 5 to 40 .mu.m/rev; extending the tow in a width direction and cutting the tow with a roller type cutting assembly to form Fe--Cr--Al--La, Fe--Cr--Al--Y or Fe--Cr--Al--Ce stainless steel fibers having a fiber length of 20 to 200 mm; feeding the Fe--Cr--Al--La, Fe--Cr--Al--Y or Fe--Cr--Al--Ce stainless steel fibers having the fiber length of 20 to 200 mm to a conveyor; dropping the stainless steel fibers onto the conveyor and dispersing the stainless steel fibers by making an air current act on the stainless steel fibers; transporting the resulting sheet-shaped accumulation on the conveyor and compressing it to form a web and sintering the web.

Abstract: A method of mounting and tensioning a freely tensioned tension member, particularly a stay cable for a cable-stayed bridge, and a device for carrying out the method, wherein the polyethylene casing of each individual strand is removed during the tensioning process over the length of the extension distance occurring during tensioning at the tensioning end. The peeling tool of the device for carrying out the method is composed of a sleeve having at one end thereof at least one cutting edge, wherein the sleeve surrounds the respective strand over at least an essential portion of the circumference thereof. The sleeve can be positioned in a stationary manner between the anchoring disk and the tensioning press, wherein the strand is pulled through the sleeve during the tensioning process.

Abstract: A method for installing a noise reduction structure within a vehicle driveshaft tube includes the initial step of disposing a reducing sleeve adjacent to a first end of the driveshaft tube. The reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter, which is slightly larger than the uncompressed outer diameter of the noise reduction structure, to a second diameter, which is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end of the driveshaft tube. Alternatively, the reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter and then rounded to a second diameter. A source of vacuum is disposed adjacent to a second end of the driveshaft tube, opposite the first end. The source of vacuum may be an accumulator tank and compressor assembly or a venturi arrangement. In any event, the noise reduction structure is disposed within the reducing sleeve and a vacuum is generated such that the vacuum draws the noise reduction structure into the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: A bolting system secures its nuts with locking pins and securing portions. The first and second bolts extend through a surface in the same general orientation, wherein each of the bolts has a threaded end. First and second nuts are engaged with the bolts' threaded ends. Each nut has a nut wall with a threaded inner surface, an opposing outer surface, and a pin insertion hole radially extending at least partially through the nut wall from the outer surface. First and second locking pins are disposed in the pin insertion holes, each pin having a top portion that extends beyond the outer surface. The top portion has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A first securing portion extends through the first locking pin aperture and is secured around the first nut outer surface. A second securing portion extends through the second locking pin aperture and is secured around the second nut outer surface. A third securing portion is secured through the apertures of the first and second pins.

Abstract: In order to elongate and relax a stud, a first part which is movable only in an axial direction engages the stud, a second part is connected with the first part, a friction element is connected with at least one of the parts so that the first part has more surfaces cooperating with other elements than the second part, and then at least a holding force is applied to the friction element while an opposite active force is applied to an outer peripheral surface of the second part so that the second part is moved in the transverse direction and the first part is moved only in the axial direction to elongate the engaged stud.

Abstract: A torsion spring having a central coiled portion and a pair of resilient arms projecting from the coiled portion in different directions is incorporated in a workpiece so that the coiled portion is fitted on a support pin on the workpiece and the arms are engaged with first and second engagement portions on the workpiece. A center pin is inserted into the coiled portion of the torsion spring, and the coiled portion is held by attraction of an attracting portion provided around the center pin. A pair of forming pins are moved relative to the center pin in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center pin to abut against the respective arms of the torsion spring and deflect them.

Abstract: A bolting system for securing at least two structures having a bolt, a coupling nut, a hydraulic tensioner, and a lock nut. The bolt has a body with a threaded end and another end with a bolt head. The coupling nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt and has a top face having one or more dog indentations. The hydraulic tensioner has a hydraulic cell with an engagement end that engages the threaded end of the bolt. The hydraulic cell stretches the bolt while an engaging member of the hydraulic tensioner engages the dog indentations of the coupling nut with complementing, engaging member dogs. The engaging member rotates the coupling nut while the engagement end of the hydraulic tensioner tensions the bolt. The lock nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: A pocketformer apparatus for a post-tension anchor system including a tubular member with an outwardly flanged end, a securement member affixed to the tubular member, and a cup member having an interior opening such that the tubular member extends through the interior opening. The tubular member has an interior passageway extending from the flanged end to another end. The flanged end engages an anchor of the post-tension anchor system. The cup member is interposed between the flanged end and the securement member on the tubular member. The tubular member has an externally threaded area extending inwardly of the end opposite the flanged end. The securement member is threadedly received by the externally threaded area. An annular ring is formed on the flanged end of the tubular member so as to engage a receptacle formed on the anchor. The securement member, the cup member and the tubular member are formed of polymeric material.

Abstract: An axial tensioned bolt and nut for bolting together a turbine or similar piece of equipment. The bolt has parallel threads and the nut has a coil insert. The bolt is stretched and tensioned by a hydraulic tensioner. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic tensioner rests on a bridge element which in turn rests on the surface of the turbine around the nut. The hydraulic tensioner is then attached to the threads of the bolt. The bolt is stretched by the hydraulic tensioner pulling on the bolt while pushing against the bridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a stool with a wide top face rests on the surface of the equipment and the bolt extends through the stool and engages the nut. The bridge element rests on the top face of the stool while the hydraulic tensioner stretches the bolt. In a third embodiment of the invention, a parallel action hydraulic tensioner is attached to both ends of the bolt and pulls the bolt to stretch it.

Abstract: Stator bars and stator coils (winding elements) for a large dynamoelectric machine which are to be permanently placed in the slots of the magnetic core of the machine are wrapped so as to be surrounded on three sides with an elongated sheet of an elastomeric substance. A stretching device is attached to the two overlapping edges of the elastomeric sheet in such a manner as to be able to stretch the sheet around the winding element and thus reduce the thickness of the elastomer. The winding element surrounded by the stretched layer of the elastomeric substance is placed in a selected stator slot and the stretching device is detached from the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material attempts to regain its former thickness but is confined to the remaining space between the winding element and the sides of the slot. The offal is trimmed from the elastomeric substance and the winding element remains lodged in the slot.

Abstract: A fiber bundle is wrapped with a tape by helically and entirely winding the tape around the bundle, while applying a constant longitudinal tension to the bundle; and thereafter unwinding and removing the tape from its last turn to gradually expose the bundle towards its basal end, while inserting the exposed portion of the bundle gradually into a cylindrical protector. The method keeps constant the outer diameter of the bundle by adjusting the tape tension, even if the bundles are composed of varied numbers of fibers in one protector, so that a wider use of the protector is realized. In the method, the wrapping operation does not produce any damaged fibers from which a fluid such as blood leaks in a hollow fiber apparatus, and no later adjustment is necessary for the wrapped bundles, thus improving the production efficiency.