Abstract: An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask, the cavity of the transfer cask, the hole, and the cavity of the storage cask are substantially aligned; and means for moving the bottom lid in a horizontal direction once the bottom lid is unfastened from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A sliding contact guide for a chain, or other flexible transmission medium comprises a synthetic resin guide body having a shoe on which the transmission medium slides, and a slotted, plate-receiving portion on the back side of the shoe for receiving a reinforcing plate. The plate-receiving portion is composed of a pair of opposed, longitudinally extending, slot-defining walls. Raised ribs, for sandwiching the reinforcing plate, are disposed on opposed inner surfaces of the walls, and are oriented in the direction of insertion of the reinforcing plate into the slot. The guide suppresses shock noises due to wobbling of the guide during operation, and molding and assembly of the guide are enhanced.

Abstract: A fastening member which is designed to receive a downwardly directed component force on the occasion of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame, thereby preventing it from being inadvertently floated up, thus ensuring always a stably fastened state of the building board. This fastening member is featured in that the inner wall of the concave portion formed in the substrate of the fastening member is provided at a lower wall portion thereof with an obliquely projected portion which enables a downwardly directed component force to be acted on the fastening member by allowing the projected portion to be contacted with a large head portion of the fixing member at a final stage of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame through an opening formed in the bottom of the concave portion.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a drive shaft in axial alignment with a motor shaft includes a coupling sleeve configured to engage an end portion of each of the motor shaft and the drive shaft. The coupling sleeve extends in the axial direction from a forward end proximate to the motor to a distal rearward end which is remote therefrom. A central bore extends through the coupling sleeve and includes a first end portion extending into the forward end of the sleeve having a size complementary to that of the end portion of the motor shaft. A second other end portion of the bore extends axially into the rearward end of the sleeve and has a size which is complementary to that of an end portion of the drive shaft. The sleeve is secured to the motor shaft and a jack or lifting ring is coupled to the drive shaft adjacent to the sleeve. The lifting ring includes an aperture sized to receive therein a connector which is movable into engagement with the coupling sleeve.

Abstract: A device for attaching two units (17,18) provided for rotation in unison about an axis, having axial and radial attachment of the units relative to each other. The attaching involves first engagement members (28,29) engageable with each other and provided on the first and second units, the engagement members being arranged to cause engagement with each other by radial relative moment between the units (17,18).

Abstract: A self-alignment structure inside a cradle set for accommodating a personal digital assistant (PDA) module is provided. The cradle set has a circuit board (206) and a connector (204) therein. The alignment structure comprises a base plate (208), at least a sectional bolt (210) and an elastic body (220). The base plate has at least a threaded hole (208a). The sectional bolt has a cap piece (216) at the top end and a threaded section (212) at the bottom end. The threaded section of the sectional bolt passes through the circuit board and screwed into the threaded hole in the base plate so that the circuit board and the base plate are locked together. In addition, there is a space between the sectional bolt and the circuit board for accommodating the elastic body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure. The surgical arm includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.

Abstract: Proposed is a connecting point between two tool parts with a device, comprising an elastic element, for effecting a defined angular position of rotation between the tool parts. Said connecting point is characterized in that the elastic element (23) in a first area (43) is clamped to the first tool part (3) in such a manner that in connecting the tool parts (3, 7) a second area (25) projects into the path of motion of the second tool part (7) so that it is deflected by said tool part and is deformed reversibly.

Abstract: A separable connector assembly includes a connecting member having a threaded end, and a hollow housing having a cylindrical wall that contains a body rotatably mounted therein. This body is threadably engageable with the threaded end of the connecting member. A first mechanism releasably restrains the body from rotating, and a second mechanism is included for winding a spring about the cylindrical wall of the housing. A third mechanism is included for releasing the spring. A fourth mechanism is included for restraining the threaded end from rotating. A fifth mechanism is included for applying a selected tensile load. When the load is applied, a thread geometry of the connecting member causes the load to be resolved as a torque applied to the body sufficient to cause the body to rotate enabling the connecting member to translate out of engagement with the body and subsequently separate from the body.

Abstract: A connecting device of a ceiling fan includes a base plate securely attached to a connecting portion of a bracket of the ceiling. An oval connecting block is selectively attached to the base plate by a fixing member and received in the blade of the ceiling fan. The oval connecting block has an axis parallel to that of the blade. The oval connecting block includes two opposite ends each having a knob laterally extending from the oval connecting block. A press plate is rotatably mounted on a top of the oval connecting block. The press plate having two opposite ends each bent to abut a top surface of the blade. The knob abuts a bottom surface of the blade and the press plate abuts the top surface of the blade so that the blade is clamped between the knob and the press plate.

Abstract: An adjustable kinematic coupling for accurate and precision coupling of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable coupling are desired. The coupling may be used in applications that require high precision coupling and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. Kinematic interfaces employ convex members assembled to a first component that mate with corresponding concave elements or concave grooves in a second component so that the six relative degrees of freedom (or fewer if desired) between the two components are deterministically constrained. Kinematic elements are attached to the coupled component via a connection that may experience controlled rotation with respect to the component. In addition to rotation, kinematic elements may undergo controlled translation parallel to the mating direction of the coupling.

Abstract: A connection element for at least two mounting rails (1, 2, 30, 33, 38) and including a base member (4, 20, 28, 34) at least one attachment member having at least one connection opening (6, 39), and connection elements (7, 35, 36) for reasonably connecting the attachment member (5, 25, 31, 32, 37) with the base member (4, 20, 28, 34).

Abstract: A fitting member is provided with a base having a flat portion, a stopper protruding forward from the base, and a through hole provided in a flat portion, wherein a knob has a plurality of projections positioned on the same circle. In fitting the knob to the fitting member, when the knob is rotated while being pressed backward in a state in which the projections are kept in contact with the flat portion, the projections slice on and in friction with a flat face, and when the projections hit against the stopper and the rotation of the knob is stopped, the projections and the through hole become opposite each other. After the projections are fitted into the through hole, the knob and the fitting member are enabled to be coupled to each other.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a sensor body with a sensor tip at one end. A sensor housing having a cavity for receiving the sensor component is disposed in a substrate and is aligned with an object to be sensed. The housing further includes a snap-fit interface with the sensor component that is configured to admit and secure the sensor tip during assembly thereof. A bracket is mechanically fixable to the substrate at a first end and is in operable communication with the sensor tip at a second end. The bracket is configured to bias the sensor tip towards the object to be sensed for elimination of an internal air gap between the sensor tip and housing formed during assembly thereof.

Abstract: A unitary connector made from thin sheet metal is provided that forms a substantially concealed connection between a held member (especially a joist) at the end face thereof to a holding member (especially a header). The connector has a first flange to be applied against the end face of the held member to be connected and a second flange extending away therefrom and which is applied against the holding member, wherein these flanges or fastening flanges cam each be provided with fastener openings (generally round), through which fasteners, such as nails, dowel pins, screws or bolts, can be driven into the members to be joined to one another. The second flange is folded over itself to give it strength. A third flange can extend from the second flange over the held member to strengthen the connection.

Abstract: A coupler includes one or more pairs of ears each having an orifice, a lever having one end engaged between the ears and having an aperture aligned with the orifices of the ears for receiving a locking pin. The locking pin includes a head formed on one end and having an inner flat peripheral surface for solidly engaging with the ears, and includes an opening formed in a peripheral wall which may be expanded radially outward to engage with the ears, for solidly securing the locking pin to the ears. A retaining ring may solidly secure the locking pin to the ears.

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion, the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: A platform topsides can be transferred from a substructure to a transporter by ballasting the transporter, locating the transporter underneath the topsides and deballasting the transporter, causing load transfer units of the transporter to lift the topsides off the substructure. Each load transfer unit comprises a compression spring which rests on a layer of particulate material located in a drum, the particulate material in turn rests on a releasable hatch-cover. The springs provide a flexible connection between the transporter and the topsides. During the deballasting of the transporter, the hatch-covers are released to suddenly let out the particulate material from the drums, thereby lowering and relieving the springs, causing a direct contact and a stiff connection between the transporter and the topsides.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: A truss union connector for releasably coupling the ends of two axially aligned pipes, where the connector has simple construction and is operable easily and quickly by actuating a simple knob. This truss union connector is optionally combined with a truss mount where one of the coupled pipes is mounted to a truss. The connector includes a set of split cylindrical shell segments that engage outer surfaces of the ends of the coupled pipes by dimples extending radially inward from the split shell segments into holes in the walls of the pipe surfaces, resulting in a secure but rapid coupling and de-coupling assembly.

Abstract: A leg structure of a desk constructed to provide a stronger durability at places such as kindergarten, children's house and the like and to conform to body shape of a user such as child, thereby facilitating to easily adjust height of an upper plate, which comprises a plurality of leg members; a male screw part screwed to one end of the leg members with a bolt part externally protruded at the center thereof; a female screw part screwed to the other end of the leg members with a nut part at the center thereof to be coupled with the bolt part of the male screw part, so that a plurality of leg members with the male and female screw parts coupled at both sides thereof are sequentially connected to form a leg of a desk; a coupling unit having a bottom side coupled with an upper end of the leg, a flange part formed at an upper side to be coupled to an upper plate with a plurality of screws and a fitting protruder formed at the top center of the flange part; and a fitting groove formed at the bottom surface of

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device having two coupling parts and clamping means for releasably axially clamping both coupling parts. A plurality of circumferentially spaced non parallel grooves are cut into the surface of one of both coupling parts for having a reference in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction. Pins project from the surface of the other coupling part each pin having two opposing parallel lateral surfaces for obtaining alignment of the grooves with the pins upon clamping. At least one of the lateral surfaces of each pin forms an angle with the associated flank of each groove upon axial alignment of the coupling parts. For improving the repeated precision of the positioning of one of the coupling parts relative to the other coupling part even upon high stress on one of the coupling parts in circumferential direction a clamping plate is provided between the lateral surface and the associated flank which is axially elastic and is mounted to one of the coupling parts.

Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly is provided for quickly and easily mounting an electrical fixture to a brace assembly. The electrical fixture mounting assembly includes an electrical box, a brace assembly and a bracket. The brace assembly is mounted between joists located above an aperture in a ceiling. A bracket is snap-fitted onto the brace assembly. Protrusions on the bracket prevent substantial movement of the bracket during installation of the electrical box. Tabs on the bracket engage openings in the electrical box, thereby facilitating alignment of the electrical box with the bracket. An electrical box is secured to the brace assembly by the bracket and fasteners.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism having a first attachment member supported by a first body. The first attachment member includes an engaging portion. A plurality of second attachment members is also provided and is supported by a second body. Each of the plurality of second attachment members includes an engaging portion selectively engageable with the engaging portion of the first attachment member. An actuating device is further provided and coupled with the plurality of second attachment members. The actuation device is operable to selectively actuate the plurality of second attachment members relative to the first attachment member to positionally manipulate the first body relative to the second body while the plurality of second attachment members is engaged with the first attachment member.

Abstract: An adjustment system for a plate-like member includes a cam member formed with an appropriate cam curve in contact with front or rear surface of, for example, a reflector installed in an optical scanner to reflect a scanning beam of an optical scanner so that a reflecting direction of this reflector may be adjustably varied by rotating the cam member and optical and scanning characteristics of the optical scanner may be ensured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical arm system for holding and positioning one or more instruments during a surgical procedure. The surgical arm includes at least one quick connect mechanism that beneficially allows for simple and expeditious, yet reliable disassembly and reassembly of the arm by any member of a surgical team without difficulty and without requiring additional tools, but while still ensuring that, following reassembly, the arm is structurally sound, properly dimensioned, and capable of functioning in a highly reliable manner.

Abstract: An adjustable kinematic coupling for accurate and precision coupling of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable coupling are desired. The coupling may be used in applications that require high precision coupling and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. Kinematic interfaces employ convex members assembled to a first component that mate with corresponding concave elements or concave grooves in a second component so that the six relative degrees of freedom (or fewer if desired) between the two components are deterministically constrained. Kinematic elements are attached to the coupled component via a connection that may experience controlled rotation with respect to the component. In addition to rotation, kinematic elements may undergo controlled translation parallel to the mating direction of the coupling.

Abstract: A retaining plate is provided for use in the assembly of a chair to couple a J-back to a tilt mechanism. The J-back is provided with a number of mounting holes. Similarly, the tilt mechanism is provided with a number mounting holes that can be aligned with the mounting holes in the J-back. The retaining plate has a number of mounting holes disposed therethrough that are located to align with the mounting holes of the J-back and the tilt mechanism. The plate also includes a nut-retaining wall that is formed around the mounting holes and that is dimensioned to hold a threaded nut. The plate has a mechanism that is used to couple the plate to the tilt mechanism. In use, nuts may be placed within and held by the nut-retaining wall, and the plate may be coupled to the tilt mechanism so that the J-back may be coupled to the tilt mechanism by threading bolts into the nuts, the nuts being held in place by the nut-retaining walls.

Abstract: An extension pole for tools provides nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of different tool heads or components, for painting, cleaning, and other tasks which may require a long reach to access otherwise inaccessible areas. The present extension essentially comprises a tubular base or handle component and a tubular extension component. The extension tube telescopes within the base tube and may be locked at the desired extended length by a pull release pin which extends through a selected one of several holes in a keyway in the extension tube. The distal end of the handle tube includes a folded down tab which engages the extension tube keyway, to preclude axial rotation of the extension tube within the base tube. The distal end of the extension tube includes a threaded attachment, preferably having an Acme threaded configuration to provide nearly universal attachment of a wide variety of devices.

Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.

Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.

Abstract: A connector system substantially rigidly connects a carriage guide rod to a base support structure of a hardcopy apparatus and includes a connector element rigidly fixable to the base support structure. The connector system has a pin which is held in a first bore in the guide rod by a retaining screw in a second bore of the guide rod. The connector system can be adjusted with six degrees of freedom before final fixing. The introduction of a further screw in a threaded part of the first bore permits vertical adjustment of the pin. The connector system can alternatively be used to rigidly secure a printer platen.

Abstract: A boot support includes a disc solidly secured on a ski board and engaged with a bracket for rotatably securing the bracket to the ski board. One or more pawls are disposed between the disc and the ski board and are forced to to engage with the bracket and to secure the bracket to the disc and the ski board. The pawls may be solidly retained between the disc and the ski board and may be solidly forced to engage with the bracket for securing the bracket to the ski board after the bracket has been rotated relative to the ski board to the required suitable angular position.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for joining a first part (e.g., a part constituted by a cylinder head and a front cover of an automotive internal combustion engine) having a pair of first and second internal joining surfaces meeting at right angles and a second part (e.g., a part constituted by a cam bracket of the engine) having a pair of first and second external joining surfaces meeting at right angles in such a manner that the first and second internal joining surfaces are respectively joined with the first and second external joining surfaces by interposing therebetween sealant for thereby providing a seal between the first internal joining surface and the first external joining surface and between the second internal joining surface and the second external joining surface. A pair of depressions are provided to the first external joining surface.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement (20) comprises a first article defining an elongate recess (26), and a second article having an elongate projection (27). The recess (26) and the projection (27) have opposite tapering faces (28, 30, 36, 38). When the projection (27) is received in the recess (26), the corresponding faces of the projection (27) and the recess (26) engage each other in co-operative coupling engagement. The arrangement further includes securing means (44, 46) to secure the first and second articles to each other in said co-operative coupling engagement. In the preferred embodiment, the projection (27) and the recess (26) are generally circular, and the faces (28, 30, 36, 38) are frustoconical.

Abstract: A coupling device with two coupling members, which are to be connected coaxially together, and a tension rod, which penetrates the first coupling member and is to be coupled with the second coupling member. To minimize the effect of the cross forces on the positioning of the second coupling member, it is provided that the end, facing the head of the tension rod, penetrates into a passage borehole of the second coupling member with a radial clearance; and a connector, resting against a shoulder of the second coupling member, can be attached to the end, thus resulting in radial clearance between connector and second coupling member. Furthermore, a connector is described whose periphery has a contour, which prevents a turning action inside the coupling member, whereby the connector can also be moved in the coupling member and exhibits an axial contact surface, which is adequately small to enable a swivelling motion without generating a counteracting moment of flexion.

Abstract: A symmetrical joint structure for integrally joining a first joint element and a second joint element together, wherein the first joint element has a first joint portion and the second joint element has a second joint portion for intercrossedly joined with the first joint portion. Each of the first and second joint portion has two semi-conical engagement tongues fittingly engaged in two semi-conical engagement grooves of the other joint portion respectively, so as to integrally united the first joint portion and the second joint portion together to form the symmetrical joint structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus permitting single handed extension of a telescoped net handle such that the fisherman grasps the net handle, steps on the most distal portion of the net frame and draws the net handle through a handle guide aperture and counter bore in the handle guide and locking apparatus and toward the extended position. A locking pin assembly presents a spring extended locking pin positioned proximal the handle first end which encounters a chamfer at the fish net handle guide and locking apparatus top side; the chamfer causing the locking pin to depress and enter a locating counterbore which terminates at a locating shoulder. As the net handle is extended further the depressed locking pin terminates extension of the net handle when it encounters the locating shoulder at which point the fisherman's rotation of the handle will cause the locking pin to encounter and enter a locking aperture in the locking assembly thus placing the fish net in condition for secure operation.

Abstract: An upper lid alignment apparatus for hatchback reaction cabin includes at least three sets of mating members. Each mating member has a protruding active member located on a side wall of an upper lid and a receiving member located on a side wall of a table. The receiving member has a guide slope to guide the active member to slide and reset on an anchor spot on the receiving member. The upper lid hence may make closed contact with the table to form a sealed cabin for reaction process.

Abstract: Self aligning, blind mating connector bodies are provided for connecting to mating connector bodies. One embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two slots disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the slots in the annular housing. A compliant O-ring is disposed between and is resiliently coupled to the inner body and the annular housing. The inner body is free to rotate relative to the annular housing about an axis defined by the dowel pins to provide single axis gimbal motion. Another embodiment of the connector body has an annular housing with two holes disposed 180 degrees apart. An inner body has two dowel pins disposed at locations corresponding to the holes in the annular housing. An external housing ring is connected to the annular housing using a second pair of dowel pins located 180 degrees apart that are disposed at 90 degrees with respect to the first set of dowel pins.

Abstract: A fan body assembly having a housing assembly and an electric motor mounted to the housing is disclosed. The housing includes two grill members each having a vented wall and a peripheral side wall. The grill members are secured to one another by a fastener assembly which has a projection extending from the inner surface of one of the side walls which engages a mating receiver attached to the other sidewall. Spaced securing members are positioned from the inner surface of the first sidewall and include a sloped surface to guide the mating receiver into engagement with the projection. A lip extends from one of the sidewalls and mates with the inner surface of the other sidewall such that the sidewalls abut to form a substantially smooth transition. Unidirectional foot members are easily inserted into the base of the fan assembly to provide support.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: An implement support frame or holder is mounted to an end of a boom for swinging about a horizontal, transverse axis. A pair of transversely spaced, tapered locating pins are mounted to a horizontal, transverse member of the support frame. The pins are each provided with a front surface that is curved on a radius about the transverse pivot axis and a gradually tapering rear surface. The pins are symmetrical about a fore-and-aft extending vertical plane with the curved forward surface acting to aid in guiding the pins into circular receptacles provided in an upper rear horizontal member of the implement.

Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is disclosed which allows a single positioning element to be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. The motion module includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface on which a first interconnector is located. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is rotary or linearly positionable with respect to the base The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage, The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable With second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A holding connector system is provided for connecting a microdevice feeder to an assembly line table having a plurality of alignment pins. A connector body having a slot provided therein engages one of the plurality of alignment pins and a table recess in the connector body holds it to the assembly line table. A threaded knob secures the connector body to the assembly line table. The microdevice feeder is provided with an alignment plate, which has fingers engaging the alignment pins to cause the microdevice feeder to be properly aligned with the assembly line table. A clamping plate on the microdevice feeder engages a portion of the connector body, which holds down the microdevice feeder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for quickly fastening and releasing a mechanical part that bears on a support base, the device comprising a latching mechanism of the bayonet type and an associated clamping mechanism of the screw-and-nut type that is organized coaxially therewith, the mechanisms being actuated one after the other by actuating a common rotary drive member in the same direction, and the device having a temporary coupling means interposed between that member and the mechanisms so that over a first angle of rotation of the drive member said drive member actuates the latching mechanism, and then over a second angle of rotation, said drive member is uncoupled from the latching mechanism and actuates the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: Described is a coupling device with two coupling members, which are to be connected coaxially together, and a tension rod, which penetrates the first coupling member and is to be coupled with the second coupling member. To minimize the effect of the cross forces on the positioning of the second coupling member, it is provided that the end, facing the head of the tension rod, penetrates into a passage borehole of the second coupling member with radial clearance; and a connector, resting against a shoulder of the second coupling member, can be attached to the end, thus resulting in radial clearance between connector and second coupling member. Furthermore, a connector is described whose periphery has a contour, which prevents a turning action inside the coupling member, whereby the connector can also be moved in the coupling member and exhibits an axial contact surface, which is adequately small to enable a swivelling motion without generating a counteracting moment of flexion.

Abstract: The rod end clip includes a detent head with an aperture therethrough. The aperture provides a pivot point with respect to a rod end onto which the rod end clip is being installed. The detent head subsequently provides a pivot point for the rod with respect to an aperture in a panel into which the detent head is inserted. The rod end clip further includes an arm assembly with a semi-circular seat and a flexible finger. As the rod is pivoted into the arm assembly to be engaged by the semi-circular seat, the flexible finger is urged from an unflexed position to a flexed position. The flexible finger thereafter generates an audible clicking sound as the rod passes from contact with the flexible finger and into the semi-circular seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting unit for the transmission of pulling movements to one end of at least one bowden cable, in particular for a parking brake of a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a method for establishing a connection between a bowden cable and a pulling element for the transmission of pulling movements, as it is preferably used during the assembly of parking brakes in vehicles. The connecting unit comprises a support with at least one opening for the mounting of the connecting unit, a pulling element with at least one receptacle for the end of the at least one bowden cable and a guiding element, where the end of the at least one bowden cable can engage the receptacle, and the guiding element is arranged between the at least one opening of the support and the at least one receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.