Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a heat sink assembly. The apparatus includes a first clip configured to be urgingly attached to a heat producing device, the first clip having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The apparatus further includes a heat sink configured to be attached to the first clip, and a second clip configured to be attached to the first clip, the second clip being sized to accommodate a portion of the heat sink, and the second clip urging the heat sink towards the heat producing device. Methods to make the foregoing apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator subassembly (10) for a vehicle safety system comprising a pyrotechnic actuator unit (12) including an igniting portion (14) as well as a receiving element (16) forming a guide for the movable igniting portion (14) after activating the actuator unit (12). Further the invention relates to an airbag module of a vehicle safety system comprising said actuator subassembly (10) and a method of mounting a releasable tether (30) on an airbag module by means of said actuator assembly (10).

Abstract: An installation device includes an extruding mechanism that horizontally extrudes a piston ring, positions the piston ring and, after extruding, is driven downwardly and then returned to a waiting position; a ring holding mechanism that has a guide passage for guiding the piston ring, that is driven so as to move close to and apart from a piston in one direction perpendicular to the extruding direction, and that is capable of defining an insertion hole for insertion of the piston; a ring diameter extending mechanism that extends the diameter of the piston ring, that is driven to enter and leave the guide passage of the ring holding mechanism, and that is reversely driven to a position for defining a part of the guide passage when the diameter-extended state of the piston ring is released; and a piston holding member that holds the piston at a predetermined position.

Abstract: An extender and a method for making an extender for an electrical box is provided. The extender includes: a side wall having a length with first and second ends and a width with first and second edges, wherein the side wall is configured so that the first and second ends are in contact with each other. The extender also includes: a first member extending from the first end; a first embossed area on the first end; a second member extending from the second end; and a second embossed area on the second end. The first member is bent so that it contacts the second embossed area and the second member is bent so that it contacts the first embossed area to connect the first and second ends. The extender can have a pair of tabs extending from the first edge on opposing wall sections and each tab can have a mounting screw aperture.

Abstract: An air-cooled electronic device includes a device housing having a bottom surface, and a motorized fan having a fan housing having a mounting hole, and having a hook projection secured to the bottom surface, the hook projection shaped and dimensioned to engage the mounting hole, and having an abutment, with the abutment, the hook and the mounting hole being arranged to secure the fan housing in a position without screws, rivets, or other hardware.

Abstract: A spinal implant of hybrid construction. The implant includes both porous and radiolucent elements. In this manner, the implant allows for substantial fusing of vertebrae while simultaneously allowing for useful follow-on evaluations through imaging. Furthermore, in spite of the potentially differing material character of the porous and radiolucent elements, they may nevertheless be coupled together in an interlocking configuration such that the implant exhibits the behavior of a single unitary device.

Abstract: Housings are described that include snap fittings or connections hat can be placed on portions of the housing to allow assembly of the housing in the field, without the need for assembly tools or welding. Reduced assembly time and cost, as well as the reduction/elimination of tooling costs for assembly tools and/or associated hardware can therefore be realized Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include a snap fitting with first and second portions, e.g., male and female portions, including a portion having a tab or clip punched out of a sheet and including a holding protrusion or portion, and another portion having an aperture or depression configured and arranged to receive and be held by the holding portion. Preferred embodiments can be utilized as light pole base covers.

Abstract: An apparatus for making differently configured vehicle headliner/overhead systems as desired includes a plurality of stations for assembly operations in which components are attached to a preshaped headliner/overhead system core, parts nests for the components, presses for holding the headliner/overhead system core between a loaded parts nest and the presses, sensors for determining that the appropriate components have been loaded in the parts nests and that the core has been correctly positioned at an assembly station, an applicator for attaching the components to the core, a reader for reading indicia from the core indicating required assembly operations for the core, and a controller for effecting the appropriate assembly operations conforming with the information read by the reader.

Abstract: An collet and lock nut assembly includes a collet for receiving a cutting tool shank and a lock nut for creating a gripping force between the collet and the shank. The collet has a nose portion and a body portion separated by an annular groove. The lock nut has a plurality of retention tabs and a corresponding number of clear portions. The collet and lock nut assembly can be easily assembled by inserting at least one retention tab within the groove of the collet, and then applying pressure to the collet such that the remaining retention tabs of the lock nut are received within the groove of the collet to place the assembly in a locked position. The collet and cutting tool shank can be drawn from the tool holder by applying rotational torque to the lock nut. The collet is easily removed from the lock nut by applying pressure in any circumferential, lateral direction against the collet.

Abstract: The invention refers to a production process for producing a container for loosely stored products, characterized in that a flow-limiting device (12) is provided with a seal (50, 52) and inserted into a container cap (56), and that the combination of sealed flow-limiting device (12) and container cap (56) is put on and/or into a container body (10), and that said seal (50, 52) is sealed against said container body (10), preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: A condensing unit is provided and may include a support base having a first retention feature and a second retention feature and a shroud having a first locking feature receiving one of the first retention feature and the second retention feature to automatically attach the shroud to the support base when the shroud is moved a first predetermined distance relative to the support base. A heat exchanger may include at least one second locking feature receiving the other of the first locking feature and the second locking feature to automatically attach the heat exchanger to the support base when the heat exchanger is moved a second predetermined distance relative to the support base.

Abstract: A method of assembling a container including an inner tube contained within an outer tube. The method includes providing an outer tube, providing a spacing element adjacent the open top of the outer tube and inserting an inner tube within the outer tube. The spacing element provides for venting of air from between the inner and outer tubes through the top of the container during assembly thereof.

Abstract: A skylight is provided for mounting to a wall of a vehicle to allow passage of light through the wall. The skylight may include a frame having a window that is configured to allow passage of light through at least a portion of the frame, and the frame may define an inner periphery about the window. A wall member may extend away from the frame adjacent to and about the inner periphery of the frame. A plurality of spaced apart gripping arms may extend away from one of the wall member and the frame adjacent to the inner periphery of the frame with the plurality of gripping arms extending beyond the wall member. Each of the plurality of gripping arms may be configured to engage the wall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle includes a housing bottom (30) coupled to an essentially tubular fastening flange (20), which module is mounted on the steering column jacket (10) of a steering spindle. The fastening flange (20) has at least one radially movable arresting block (40, 40?), which, in a fastening position of the fastening flange (20), engages in a corresponding radial recess (12, 12?) of the steering column jacket (10).

Abstract: A telecommunications cable management system includes trough elements including a planar top surface and sides for cable routing and management. The trough elements are made from separate parts assembled together with a mating arrangement. The mating arrangement allows assembly of the system on site, such as by snapping the parts together. The trough elements are then assembled together to form the cable management system.

Abstract: An existing disk drive storage enclosure is converted into a standalone network storage system by removing one or more input/output (I/O) modules from the enclosure and installing in place thereof one or more server modules (“heads”), each implemented on a single circuit board. Each head contains the electronics, firmware and software along with built-in I/O connections to allow the disks in the enclosure to be used as a Network-Attached file Server (NAS) or a Storage Area Network (SAN) storage device. An end user can also remove the built-in head and replace it with a standard I/O module to convert the enclosure back into a standard disk drive storage enclosure. Two internal heads can communicate over a passive backplane in the enclosure to provide full cluster failover (CFO) capability.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within the belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The sealing gasket has a body formed of resilient material and has a retainer ring embedded therein which circumscribes the gasket body. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during the manufacture of the plastic pipe and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. The retainer ring is placed within the body of the sealing gasket at a precisely determined location which most effectively retains the ring in position while withstanding the forces of the assembly of the pipe joint.

Abstract: A covering memeber (1) for mounting on a fastener ring (2), the ring and the covering member co-operating with each other to form a fastener system for fastening a dispenser member (3), such as a pump or a valve, on a recepacle neck (40), the covering member presenting a general configuration that is substantialy cylindrical, and comprising a top end (12), a bottom end (11), an outside wall (14), and an inside wall (15) for coming into clamping contact around the ring (2), the inside wall (15), at the bottom end (11), forming a fastener profile (111) that projects inwards, the covering member being characterized in that said profile defines a sharp catch (112) that is directed inwards and upwards, the profile being formed in direct proximity to the bottom end of the covering member so as to be able to engage said covering member under a fastner ring having a bottom end that comes practically into contact with the receptacle.

Abstract: A modular cab/sleeper/roof structural assembly for a truck-tractor vehicle according to the present invention provides greater manufacturing flexibility and unrestricted access between a cab/sleeper unit. The structural assembly includes a top-free cab unit having a front wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion. A top-free sleeper unit positioned behind the cab unit has a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion. Fasteners couple the cab unit and the sleeper unit such that an upwardly opened carriage assembly is formed. A unitary roof member fixedly encloses the opened carriage assembly and forms an integral modular unit. The unitary roof member has a front portion connected to the front wall of the cab unit, a rear portion connected to the rear wall of the sleeper unit, and opposing side portions connected to the opposing side walls of the cab and sleeper units.

Abstract: A method of fixing a first component to a second component. The method includes the step of arranging the first component adjacent the second component. Aligning a tab of the first component for selective engagement with a tongue of the second component. Sliding the first component longitudinally against the second component. Flexing the tongue of the second component by sliding the tab of the first component longitudinally along a conical projection of the second component. Overlapping the tongue and the tab until the conical projection is axially aligned with and matingly received and retained in a conical hole in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal sliding movement thereby selectively fixing the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within the belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The sealing gasket has a body formed of resilient material and has a retainer ring embedded therein which circumscribes the gasket body. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during the manufacture of the plastic pipe and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. The retainer ring is placed within the body of the sealing gasket at a precisely determined location which most effectively retains the ring in position while withstanding the forces of the assembly of the pipe joint.

Abstract: A multistage baglet system for a pacifier and a multistage nipple system. Baglets and nipples with bumps thereon are initially provided to accustom a baby to the use of such baglets and nipples. Subsequently, baglets and nipples with bumps are provided to assist the baby with teething.

Abstract: A safety bumper, and method for covering edges and corners of a street sign, has an elongate bumper element and a clip element. The elongate bumper element has a pliable body, a generally U-shaped cross-section for fitting around the edges and corners of the street sign, and two ends. The pliable body has a thickness for preventing the street sign from causing injuries, while the pliable body is still pliant enough to wrap closely around the corners of the sign without bulging away from the street sign, enabling the elongate bumper to cover substantially all of the edges and corners. The clip element functions to clip together or otherwise fasten the two ends of the elongate bumper element.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a belled, socket end of a plastic pipe. The groove in the plastic pipe is preformed during manufacture and the gasket is installed thereafter. The gasket nominal diameter exceeds the internal diameter of the belled pipe end. A special installation tool is used to pull the gasket from an initially deformed, elliptical shape to a normal cylindrical shape. The installation tool uses only one fluid cylinder for power and can be hand installed and operated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining pipe against both internal and external forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining and sealing mechanism. The restraining and sealing mechanism includes a circumferential housing and a companion sealing ring which are received within a mating groove provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The circumferential housing has an interior region which contains a gripping ring insert. The sealing ring and housing are integrally located within a belled pipe end during belling operations.

Abstract: A reclosable lid 310 for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover 312 and a rotatable element 50 rotatably supported by the cover 312. The cover 312 has an opening 28 and a slot 30 located in a top wall 14 of the cover 312. The cover 312 also has a tab 323 extending outward from a portion of the cover 312. The rotatable element 50 has at least one aperture 78 and an actuator 54 that is accessible through the slot 30. The element 50 is moveable by manipulation of the actuator 54 between a first position wherein the aperture 78 is misaligned with the opening 28, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28. The cover 312 has at least one support member 102 extending radially inward from an inner surface 100 of the cover 312, wherein the support member 102 rotatably supports the element 50.

Abstract: A connecting structure is provided. The structure includes a post with a first end, middle portion, and a second end, a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to the first end, extending toward the second end in a V-shape.

Abstract: A method of assembling a captive panel fastener to a printed circuit board comprises the steps of placing an axially-extending shank of a captive fastener retainer through a mounting hole in a printed circuit board, soldering the retainer to the printed circuit board, cooling the retainer, and then affixing a retractable screw assembly including a plastic screw cap to the retainer by snap attachment of the screw cap to an outside surface of the retainer.

Abstract: A process for forming an elongate strip defined by a plurality of adjacent but sidewardly spaced pressure caps used for securing an underlayment to a substrate. A plurality of essentially identical strip segments, each containing a plurality of substantially identical pressure caps disposed in sidewardly spaced relationship along a row, are molded of a plastics material, with the endmost cap of each strip being molded with an outwardly cantilevered securing tab. A plurality of strip segments, after removal from the mold, are positioned in adjacent end-to-end relationship and the connecting tab on the end of one strip is mechanically joined to the endmost cap associated with a second strip, with a plurality of such strips being joined in aligned end-to-end relationship to define the elongate strip, which strip can be suitably packaged as a coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding a hinged molded part in a molding machine. As a part-removal apparatus, preferably a swing arm mechanism, grips one of the lid portion or the base portion of the molded part and moves the molded part out of the mold, a deflector connected to a portion of the mold engages the other portion of the part and initiates folding of the lid portion to the base portion at the hinge. The deflector further folds the part as the mold closes. The portions of the part are pushed together and latched in one embodiment by the swing arm mechanism that grips and moves the molded part against the deflector, and in another embodiment by a closing actuator operated separately from the swing arm mechanism.

Abstract: The combination of an injection-molded, snap-on cap and a blow-molded, plastic container are designed to act together to provide a seal that prevents a loss of freshness to the porous product stored within, regardless of variations in the manufacturing process. Instead of a rounded ridge on the container, the ridge has a flattened section on its lower half. On the inside of the snap-on cap, the ridge has two flat surfaces. A first flat surface is designed to fit snugly against the flat surface on the ridge of the container, even at the extreme range of small container/large cap. The design has been shown to dramatically reduce the absorption of moisture by an enclosed product, demonstrating that a desirable seal is formed.

Abstract: A surgical blade package facilitates the mounting of a surgical blade on to the forwardly-projecting cleat on a scalpel handle; and following use in the O.R., the surgical blade package facilitates stripping the used blade off the scalpel for disposal in a sharps container. The cleat is inserted beneath the rear end portion of the blade, and between the blade and the bottom wall of the blade package; and forward and upward movement of the scalpel snaps the blade on to the scalpel in a continuous movement. The opposite procedure is used to demount the used blade from the scalpel and encase it in the original blade package for disposal in a sharps container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a clutch release bearing comprising an axially mobile piston (14), and a ring (26I), integral with a raceway (C1), hooked on the piston (14) with axial-effect squeezing elastic means (38, 40). The ring (26I) is provided with a proximal surface (F1, 62) and a distal surface (F2, 70) arranged axially behind the proximal surface (F1, 62). The proximal surface (F1, 62) is supported on a first hooking surface (A1, 64) provided in the piston (14). The squeezing means (38, 40) are supported on the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) and a second hooking surface (A2, 76) provided in the piston (14). The first (A1, 64) and second (A2, 76) hooking surfaces provided in the piston (14) are arranged axially in front of the distal surface (F2, 70) of the ring (26I) The invention also concerns a method for assembling the elements of said clutch release bearing.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load-bearing fabric including an expandable carrier secured to an un-stretched load-bearing fabric. To attach the carrier to a support frame, the carrier and fabric are stretched together to desired shape and secured to the frame. An indexing system registers the carrier and frame and optionally stretches the fabric a predetermined amount. The present invention also provides a lip that flexes in one direction and maintains the fabric in a stretched condition in another. A tool that joins the carrier and frame generally includes a drive roller and a primary roller adapted to move toward one another and join a carrier and the support frame disposed therebetween. The tool may include alignment rollers near the primary and drive rollers to track along and align the carrier and frame.

Abstract: An axial flow fan motor having an impeller molded integrally with a shaft from a synthetic resin. The shaft is easily assembled with a bearing arrangement by being brought into tight contact with the inner ring of the bearing arrangement and is reliably fixed thereto in the elastic region of the shaft. A through hole is formed in the shaft along its central axis. After the shaft is fit into the inner ring of the bearing arrangement, a metal pin is pressed into the axial through hole. Because the pin is pressed in, the shaft is elastically expanded and brought into tight contact with the inner ring and fixed thereto in the elastic region of the shaft. Furthermore, the distal end portion of the shaft elastically outwardly expands and is pressed against the end surface of the inner ring, thereby preventing the bearing arrangement from coming off the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing the gripping member of the handle of a bucket. The replacement gripping member includes a plurality of interfitting pieces which can be installed on the handle of a bucket without requiring that the handle be removed from the bucket.

Abstract: A jigging device, for example, for positioning parts to facilitate assembly line procedures. The jigging device maintains a first element (10) in a desired spatial relationship with a second element (12). The jigging device has a first fastening means comprising fastener (20) which is connected to the first element (10). The jigging device also has a second fastening means comprising fastener insert (14) together with adjustable capsule (18). Locking pin (22) locks fastener (20) to the adjustable capsule (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting accessories to a panel surface includes at least one accessory interface on the panel surface. An elongate engaging section is recessed within and lies generally parallel to a part of the panel surface. An accessory device has a utility part and an elongate engaging part that is coupled to the utility part. A plurality of the accessory devices and/or accessory interfaces can be provided. An appropriate device and interface are selected. The engaging part is inserted into a portion of the panel interface. The accessory device is slid to an installed position with the engaging part received in the engaging section of the accessory interface.

Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods and apparatus for provision of an efficient, effective, and/or flexible removable HDD cartridge. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding a removable assembly (3) is disclosed. The apparatus comprising: a cage (2) to hold the assembly, a cage bracket (1) slideably engaging the cage (2), and a latch (6) coupled to the cage. The cage may include a plurality of slide receptacles (20). The assembly may include a plurality of slides (19) slideably engaging the plurality of slide receptacles (20). The cage bracket may be mountable on an external device. The latch may include a latch cap (9) and a locking lip (11). The locking lip may engage a receptacle (12) on the cage bracket to lock together the cage bracket and the cage.

Abstract: In a process of molding and assembling a three-dimensional ornament, a mold having a recess in which is formed an opening is provided. A molding pattern is located inside the opening. A first material fills in the molding pattern to form a plurality of protruded decoration patterns. Then, a second material is charged in the opening and the recess of the mold over the first material to respectively form a projection and a contact wall which together form an embossment. The embossment then is removed from the mold. The embossment then is mounted inside a hollow pen tube in a manner that the projection fits in a sidewall opening of the pen tube and the protruded decoration patterns protrude from the sidewall opening. A sleeve is inserted in the hollow pen tube to urge the contact wall of the embossment against the wall of the hollow pen tube.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.

Abstract: A universal snap-fit system for interconnecting multiple circuit boards in a stacked relationship is provided. The system allows circuit boards to be stacked with a minimum of assembly time. In addition, the system allows circuit boards of varying thicknesses to be stacked, without requiring the provision of system components in a multitude of sizes. The provided system also allows more than two circuit boards to be interconnected to one another in a stacked relationship without requiring multiple sets of attachment holes in interior circuit boards. In addition, more than two circuit boards can be stacked quickly and easily.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention features a method for inserting a disk drive into peripheral bay chassis. A disk drive is received into a base of a disk drive carrier, the base having an uppermost surface and being rotatably attached to a latching mechanism. A lever can rotate between an open position and a closed position, the lever having comprising a lower engagement point and an upper engagement point. The carrier is inserted into a peripheral bay chassis slot while the lever is in an open position. The carrier is secured to the peripheral bay chassis by rotating the lever to the closed position to extend the upper engagement point beyond the uppermost surface of the base and engage the peripheral bay chassis with and to extend the lower engagement point to engage the peripheral bay chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) and method for inserting a gasket (32) Into a channel (28) of a mating part (20). The apparatus includes a gasket carrier (66) having a convexly carved surface with a groove (78) therein for receiving a base (34) of the gasket. The groove registers with the channel to feed the gasket into the channel in response to relative rocking movement between the part and the surface. According to the method, a gasket is placed in the groove and the gasket carrier it juxtaposed with the part to align the gasket with the channel. The part and the gasket carrier are moved toward each other for a portion of the gasket to enter the channel. A relative rocking movement is caused between the part and the gasket carrier to transfer the remainder or the gasket to the channel.

Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: An appliance knob has a polymeric body, which is molded, and a metal cup, which is made by stamping and drawing a metal sheet or a metal strip. The polymeric body has a central boss, which has an end face, a cylindrical wall, and an annular recess encompassing the central boss and having an annular floor. The cylindrical wall adjoins the annular floor. The metal cup, which is adapted to fit over the central boss, has a circular plate covering the end face top of the central boss and a cylindrical skirt encompassing the cylindrical wall of the central boss. The cylindrical skirt is unitary with the circular plate. The metal cup is secured to the polymeric body via two unitary tabs, which project through associated slots in the annular floor and coact with the polymeric body, as well as adhesively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for replacing the gripping member of the handle of a bucket. The replacement gripping member includes a plurality of interfitting pieces which can be installed on the handle of a bucket without requiring that the handle be removed from the bucket.

Abstract: A screwless clip mounted computer drive.