Abstract: The present invention is self-aligning connector having first and second support structures and a collar. In some embodiments the first support structure has a wedge, the second support structure has a wedge receiving structure, and the collar has a pointed lock. In other embodiments a lateral support structure is supported by a first support structure by means of an L-shaped support structure and a plurality of tubes. In these embodiments the L-shaped support structure has a triangular support piece designed and configured to be received by said lateral support structure. Slidable tubes with pins or receivers lock the structures together.

Abstract: A refill head (100), and oral care implement incorporating the same, wherein the refill head (100) can be uncoupled from a stem (220) of a handle (200) by withdrawing the refill head (100) from the stem of a handle (200) along the longitudinal axis of the oral care implement, which results in locking members (134) on the refill head (100) disengaging from an engagement rib (230) on the stem (220). The locking members (134) and engagement rib (230) may be aligned with or angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the oral care implement. A portion of the stem may be visible through a portion of the refill head to reinforce the proper connection between the refill head and the handle.

Abstract: A brazed part includes two or more components that are brazed together and has related method of making. Using a method of locating parts relative to one another, an inter-component gap between the components may be formed. Subsequently, during brazing, flow control features formed along the inter-component gap may then be used to assist in the retention of the braze material between the components during brazing.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly retains a shaft end in a coupling element channel using a fastener inserted through a coupling element bore and a recess in an engagement segment of the shaft end to engage the coupling element to exert a clamping force on a shaft interface of the engagement segment. A projection having a smaller cross section than that of the shaft interface extends axially from the engagement segment and has sufficient length to protrude into the bore to interfere with fastener engagement prior to engagement of the shaft interface in the channel. A projection upper surface further interferes with the fastener bore to prevent engagement of the fastener when the shaft end has been engaged to the channel but not inserted to an installed position. The upper surface may be defined by an arcuate portion of the projection which may have a teardrop shaped cross section.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a rotary misalignment-compensation bushing connection system that may be used in large-scale operations where several components are mounted in alignment on a single pin. For example, the misalignment-compensation system may be used in preloaded connection of a male lug rotatably mounted between a first lug and a second lug, on heavy equipment, for example, oil field exploration and production equipment. The misalignment-compensation system includes tapered cone bushings and surrounding counter-tapered cup bushings that expand in diameter and align the connection system as it is torqued together assembling the components to the pin.

Abstract: A connector system for attaching accessories to a bicycle or other sporting good includes a base and a platform. The base is attached to a bicycle and the platform is attached to the accessory, and the base and the platform are held together by mechanical or magnetic forces.

Abstract: When a battery pack is mounted to a battery attachment part, the battery pack is slid in a horizontal direction (a direction substantially perpendicular to an upper-lower direction) with respect to the housing, e.g., along a long longitudinal direction of a battery-side rail part, such that tool-side rail parts of the battery attachment part are introduced into engaging recess portions of the battery pack. Thereby, the elastic members are fitted and compressed in the battery-side rail parts and the tool-side rail parts, so that the elastic members press upwards the battery-side rail part (e.g., the battery pack) and press downwards the tool-side rail parts (e.g., the housing). That is, the elastic members press the battery pack and the housing such that they come close to each other.

Abstract: A system for connecting and aligning pieces of a catwalk trough that prevents sagging of the catwalk trough at a connection point between at least two pieces of the catwalk trough by applying a force to the pieces to counteract any separation forces.

Abstract: A number of racks which are configured to allow a number of devices to couple thereto are provided. In some embodiments, the racks are for use with a number of medical devices. Devices may be coupled to a rack by clamps. The racks may include a number of connectors which provide power and/or a network connection to devices coupled thereto. The racks may include a clamp which allows the racks to couple to a supporting structure such as a pole.

Abstract: A recording medium insertion and ejection device which realizes reliable insertion and ejection by simple constitution is provided. The device has a first frame, a second frame, and a latch member provided between the first frame and the second frame. The first frame is inserted in the second frame. Insertion and removal of the medium are performed to the first frame. The latch member guides the first frame to a first position where the recording medium is inserted and removed and a second position where the recording medium is used. If the medium is pushed and inserted in the first frame at the first position, the latch member will guide the first frame to the second position and maintain the first frame at the second position. If the medium is pushed again at this state, the latch member will return the first frame to the first position.

Abstract: A device for aligning mounting parts on a vehicle body having a mounting structure extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, having a holding unit fastened to the mounting structure, to which holding unit at least one mounting part can be attached via fastening means and can be aligned via aligning means relative to a further mounting part in an adjustment direction, wherein as alignment means a linear control element is provided which is connected to the mounting structure in an axially-secure manner and is adjustable in the adjustment direction relative to a holding body of the holding unit engaged with the linear control element, and that the fastening means is arranged at a location remote from the alignment means.

Abstract: A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.

Abstract: A guiding module suitable for guiding an object to pass through an opening of the guiding module and an electronic device using the same are provided. The guiding module includes a body having the opening, a pair of sliding rails and a guiding component. The object passes through the opening along an embedding direction and is embedded therewith. The sliding rails are disposed at the body, extend along the embedding direction, and are respectively located at two opposite sides of the opening. The guiding component is slidably disposed at the sliding rails and has an alignment region which includes at least one first magnetic component. When the object approaches the opening, the object located at the alignment region is magnetically attracted by the first magnetic component, and the object is embedded to the body through the opening.

Abstract: A constraint mechanism includes a constraint component disposed on a second housing, and a flexible component disposed on a first housing. The constraint component includes a guide slot and an engaging portion. The flexible component includes a main body, a bending portion and a contacting portion. A first edge of the main body is fixed by a side of an opening on the first housing. A first side of the bending portion is connected to the main body, and is located at a position adjacent to a second edge of the main body. The contacting portion is disposed on a second side of the bending portion. A rim of the contacting portion is an arc structure. The contacting portion moves along the guide slot, so that the arc structure can be constrained by the engaging portion, to constrain a movement of the first housing relative to the second housing.

Abstract: A fastening structure includes a first main body, a second main body, a first fixing member protruding from the first main body, and a second fixing member protruding from the second main body. The first fixing member includes a first clamping element and a second clamping element. The second fixing member includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element. The first positioning element is limited by the first clamping element to prevent the first main body from moving with respect to the second main body in first directions, the second positioning element is limited by the second clamping element to prevent the first main body from moving with respect to the second main body in second directions cooperating with the first the directions to contain all directions in the reference plane.

Abstract: A mounting and alignment system for selectively securing and accurately aligning a first plate relative to a second plate, the mounting system including a shank and a receiver arrangement with an annular locking ring and an annular receiver bushing. The bushing having an inner passage and an oppositely facing outer bushing surface. The outer bushing surface having at least one receiver bearing surface shaped to engage a bearing surface of an associated mounting opening in one of the plates to align the receiver bushing laterally within the opening. The inner passage of the bushing being shaped to receive and align with a shaft portion of the shank. The locking ring configured to secure the bushing axially within the mounting opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate element for the arrangement of a probe pin with respect to the probe pin carrier of a coordinate measuring machine, having a single-piece base body with a probe pin end and a machine end. It is provided here that the machine end is provided with a coupling element and with a means for ensuring a reproducible rotational alignment, and the probe pin end has a bearing face which is inclined in a fixed manner with respect to the axis of the coupling element, is provided on a general ball segment form which is flattened by the bearing face, and is configured with a positively locking means and/or frictional means for the positively locking and/or frictional engagement with a fastening end of the probe pin in contact with the bearing face.

Abstract: At least one slide block is installed on the saddle pole for optimal guiding, as far as possible free of play, of a saddle pole in a cladding tube, at the lower end of the saddle pole. The slide block(s) engage in a groove-shaped recess in the cladding tube, said groove-shaped recess of the cladding tube having at least one length, which corresponds to the requested adjustment stroke of the saddle pole. At least one contact surface of the saddle pole, on which a planar slide block is installed, is planar and the side of the planar slide block, which is installed on the saddle pole with the planar contact surface, also has a planar surface.

Abstract: A shaft support structure for a vehicle, capable of enhancing a degree of freedom for setting an assembly process of a to-be-supported member without the necessity of a dedicated tool. A collar is screwed in an internally threaded hole of one of pivot plates attached to a body frame with the collar being tightened using cut grooves formed at one end thereof. A gap is formed between the pivot plates and a pivot pipe as a to-be-supported member is adjusted. The pivot pipe is supported by the body frame via the support bolt with a washer being provided on the seating surface of the head section of the support bolt in the pivot plate. The washer is provided with projecting portions to be engaged with the cut grooves of the collar and is formed with outer circumferential cut grooves to be engaged with a given rotary tool.

Abstract: An assembly error prevention member includes a first plate portion that is attached to a first tab and a third plate portion that is inserted into a slit. The third plate portion has a blocking portion that inhibits a bolt from being tightened into a bolt hole and a driven portion that moves the blocking portion. The second plate portion has a first end portion connected to the first plate portion and a second end portion connected to the third plate portion. The second end portion is wider than the first end portion.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly is disclosed that includes a nipple section for retaining a flexible hose where the hose is crimped between the nipple section and a socket. A tubular sleeve covers a portion of the nipple section known as the nipple extension section and the sleeve is attached to the nipple section so as to cover at least one aperture formed in the nipple section such that the sleeve is forced outward towards the socket when pressurized fluid is introduced into the hose coupling assembly which increases the compression force on the hose and thereby increases the operational pressure limit of the hose coupling assembly.

Abstract: A device for coupling a universal joint shaft to a power take-off shaft (1) of a tractor has a first coupling mechanism (48) that is non-rotatably arranged on the universal joint shaft. A second coupling mechanism (17) is non-rotatably arranged on the power take-off shaft (1) of the tractor. The first and second coupling mechanisms can be non-rotatably coupled to transmit torque. A coupling shield (7) is provided to couple the coupling mechanism (17, 48). The first coupling mechanism (48) is at least indirectly rotationally supported on the coupling shield (7). A locking mechanism (58, 58?) projects from the coupling shield (7). A bracket (2) is attachable on the rear of the tractor. The bracket (2) has at least one locking device (5, 5?) that is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking device (5, 5?) is displaced from the unlocked position into the locked position.

Abstract: A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.

Abstract: A pipe flange shroud may have a body with an opening; a first rim having a rib; and, a second rim having a rib. The first rim may guide a first pipe connector into the pipe flange shroud and the second rim may guide a second pipe connector into the pipe flange shroud. The pipe flange shroud may thus align the first pipe connector to the second pipe connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring torque from a crankshaft to a dual input transmission includes: a flywheel connected at one end to the crankshaft and at the opposite end to a torque transmitting device or dual clutch. The flywheel has a first coupling member that is configured to engage a second coupling member attached to a center plate of the dual clutch. The first coupling member is fixedly secured to the second coupling member by a fastening means. A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch.

Abstract: An end effector operatively coupled to an extendable tensile element extended from a first vehicle engages a primary receptacle of a second vehicle. The first and second vehicles are drawn together by retracting the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle until contact therebetween, after which roll axes of the first and second vehicles become substantially aligned responsive to a further retraction of the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle and a resulting tension in the extendable tensile element. At least one alignment post of at least one of the first and second vehicles engages with at least one surface of at least one corresponding secondary receptacle so as to at least substantially align the first and second vehicles in roll responsive to the tension in the extendable tensile element.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between a flywheel rotatably connected to an engine and a dual clutch transmission. The device includes a first substantially u-shaped member fixed to a perimeter of a dual clutch of the dual clutch transmission. The first substantially u-shaped member defines a slot having an open end. The second substantially u-shaped member is attached to a perimeter of the flywheel. The second substantially u-shaped member includes a support member for supporting an engagement member. The first substantially u-shaped member fits at least partially within the second substantially u-shaped member. The pair of bushings disposed proximate the engagement member between the first and second coupling members.

Abstract: A connection between a shaft and a coupling that preferably involves involute shaped splines is designed to reduce stress from torque applied to the shaft by a drive motor. To avoid stress concentration at the mouth of the coupling on startup, the shaft splines are made to taper from the shaft end down to the spline end. As a result, the initial contact with the coupling splines occurs within the coupling and removed from it mouth. The shaft is allowed to elastically twist in response to the applied torque as the contact area increases with shaft twisting and the contact line moves toward the mouth of the coupling. Stress concentration that formerly occurred at the coupling mouth is alleviated as some shaft elastic twist occurs without adding stress to the shaft splines until coupling contact is made.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting an operator mechanism and a base plate of a motor operator assembly includes a first apparatus secured to the operator mechanism, and a second apparatus secured to the base plate, the second apparatus having one or more apertures configured for engagement with the first apparatus to form a rigid coupling between the base plate and the operator mechanism.

Abstract: An end ring for a rotor assembly in a vehicular electric machine is provided, wherein the rotor assembly has a first end and is configured to rotate on a shaft. The end ring comprises an annulus circumscribing the shaft and engaging the end of the rotor assembly, and a sleeve coupled to the annulus and circumferentially coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupler for a corrugated pipe in which several elements thereof can be handled as a single assembly body, and which can be coupled to the corrugated pipe through a simple process. The coupler includes a coupling base, a guide member, a compression ring, a force-fitting member, a sleeve and a cap nut. A through hole, a compression hole and an insert hole are continuously formed through the coupling base. The guide member is inserted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The compression ring has an opening such that the compression ring is elastically expanded or contracted in diameter. The compression ring is fitted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The force-fitting member is fitted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The sleeve is inserted into the insert hole of the coupling base. A passing hole having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the peak portion of the corrugated pipe is formed through the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crimp die holder. The crimp die holder includes a main body portion, a pin, and a spring. The main body portion includes a first recess, a second recess, and an opening. The first recess extends from a first side of the main body portion to a middle section of the main body portion. The second recess extends from a second side of the main body portion to the middle section. The opening extends from a third side of the main body portion and through a section of the second recess. The pin is disposed within the opening. The pin includes a first portion along a length of the pin. The first portion of the pin is configured to engage with a portion of a crimp die at the section of the second recess. The spring is between the main body portion and the pin.

Abstract: A novel connector is provided, in one embodiment, the connector includes a collar (16) configured to receive first and second components (12,14). In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring (50) configured to be received in a groove (46) of the second component (12) and to move into and out of engagement with the collar (16) when the second component (12) is received by the collar (16). The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a locking ring (62) configured to inhibit disengagement of the load ring (50) from the. collar (16). In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring (50) and the collar (16) effects securing of the first and second components (12, 14) to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to such connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for compression buckling strength and a method of fastening the same are disclosed. The reinforcement device includes a member seating body surrounding an angle-type steel-frame member, first and second securing couplers securing opposite ends of the angle-type steel-frame member and opposite ends of the member seating body and adjustable to meet a standard of the angle-type steel-frame member, a horizontal engaging element connecting the first and second securing couplers with each other, a supporter positioned in a space where the angle-type steel-frame to member forms a right angle and supporting the angle-type steel-frame member, and a reinforcing bar connecting the supporter and the horizontal engaging element.

Abstract: A molded plastic insert having a socket and groove formed on an outer surface to cooperate with spring loaded plungers on one of a pair of mating parts to couple the mating parts. A pair of indentations formed on the outer edge of the insert to accommodate any electrical leads between the mating parts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing seats and other components to a seat track that may be implemented to provide flush symmetric and asymmetric seat track fitting assemblies that accommodate variances in the height of seat track extrusions. A component may be secured to mate directly with a seat track fitting surface and uppermost surface (flange) of a seat track, and with a fitting securing component (retainer or capture component) that provides additional load path in the lateral shear plane (X axis) while optimizing length of thread engagement of the component fastener.

Abstract: A pulley having an axis of rotation includes a flexible projection portion configured for rotatable snap-lock engagement with an object having an aperture.

Abstract: A conduit connector assembly for attachments on a loader includes a mounting plate with at least one coupler section mounted on the plate and secured rigidly to a forward end of one of the lift arms of a loader. The coupler section or sections are connected with conduits to power or electrical signal sources on the loader. The coupler section or sections on the lift arm are connectable to mating coupler sections attached to conduits from an attachment that requires power and/or control signals for operation. The coupler sections are supported to one side of the lines of vision that an operator in an operator's cab of the loader needs for watching the attachment.

Abstract: A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.

Abstract: A ringpost is disclosed. The ringpost includes an outer member and an inner member secured within the outer member. The outer member has a rib along an interior surface, and the inner member has a groove along an exterior surface that receives the rib. The outer member rotates about the inner member after the inner member is secured within the outer member. A ringpost assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for installing a hatrack on a substructure of a means of locomotion, wherein the fastening device comprises a pre-locking device and a main locking device. In this arrangement the pre-locking device is designed for automatic provisional affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device when the hatrack during an installation movement of the hatrack is moved in the direction to the fastening device. The main locking device is designed for final affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a component, the arrangement including a bolt (10) with a head (14), shank (16) and an underhead blend portion (18) therebetween, and a substantially cylindrical hole (24) in a face of the component (12) into which hole (24) the bolt shank (16) is locatable, the hole (24) having a diameter such that the bolt shank (16) is slideably locatable therein and the underhead blend portion (18) can be wholly contained therein. Three or more spaced projections (26) are provided extending generally radially into the hole (24) from the circumference thereof, the projections (26) being configured such that the underhead blend portion (18) is engageable therewith when the shank (16) is fully located in the hole (24).

Abstract: A link-fuse joint resists bending moments and shears generated by seismic loading. A joint connection includes a first plate assembly having a first connection plate including a first diagonal slot formed therethrough. A second plate assembly has a second connection plate including a second diagonal slot formed therethrough. The second diagonal slot is diagonally opposed to the first diagonal slot. The second connection plate is position such that at least a portion of the second diagonal slot aligns with a portion of the first diagonal slot. A pin is positioned through the first diagonal slot and the second diagonal slot. The joint connection accommodates a slippage of at least one of the first and second plate assemblies relative to each other when the joint connection is subject to a seismic load and without significant loss of clamping force.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastener (10) for a screen panel (20), the fastener including a base section (12) at least two outer engagement means (14) extending from opposite side zones of the base section, the two outer engagement means at least partially opposing one another; and at least one inner engagement means (16) located between the outer engagement means; the inner and outer engagement means including retaining formations (14.2,16.2) adapted to engage a complementary receiving formation in a screen panel (20) in a snap fit configuration.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly having a female terminal exhibiting an interior passage communicating with a connecting end. The passage is defined by inwardly facing surfaces associated with a plurality of linearly extending and peripherally arrayed beams, the passage exhibiting an enlarged profile an inwardly recessed distance from the connecting end. A male terminal includes a projecting portion generally matching the enlarged profile. The male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, causing the beams to outwardly deflect, following which the beams inwardly retract concurrent with the projecting portion seating within the inner profile. A linearly displaceable and sleeve shaped covering cap is spring supported upon the male terminal and displaceable between a first anti-biased position permitting outward deflection of the beams and a second biased position seating over projecting ends of the beams to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing incorrect installation of machinery components together includes a tab, pin and pin-receiving hole. The tab on the seal plate protrudes angularly from its periphery and laterally beyond it so as to prevent incorrect installation of two seal plates together in a faulty sealing relationship with machinery components by their tabs making interfering contact with one another producing a visible gap between the two seal plates. The pin is mounted on and protrudes axially from a surface of one machinery component facing the seal plate and prevents incorrect installation of the machinery components together in a faulty sealing relationship without the seal plate between them by the pin contacting the surface of the other machinery component and producing a gap between the machinery components. The hole extends through the seal plate to receive the pin within it when one seal plate is correctly installed between the machinery components.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably coupling an elongate member to a support member, comprising: a first coupling part for attachment to an elongate member; a second coupling part for attachment to a support member, the first and second coupling parts having interengageable profiles; a releasable locking mechanism for locking the first and second coupling parts together to resist relative movement therebetween once their respective profiles are interengaged; wherein the first and second coupling parts and the releasable locking mechanism are configured such that the first coupling part is lockable relative to the second coupling part in one of two predetermined configurations which are angularly spaced about a central axis.

Abstract: A multi-port connector includes a plate employing a plurality of coupling retention mechanisms used to hold a plurality of fluid connectors in alignment for deployment with a respective plurality of fluid ports defined in a structure. The couplings may be loosely retained in the plate to facilitate alignment with the ports and ultimately insertion of the connectors into the ports. Each of the coupling retention mechanisms might be an opening through the plate with engagement mechanism defined within, or in conjunction with, the opening. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention a (central) fastener may pass through the plate to selectively draw and secure the plurality of fluid connectors into engagement with the respective plurality of ports.

Abstract: A sterile connector assembly for mounting on a fluid system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a stem defining a fluid passage therethrough, a first housing surrounding the stem and defining a first aperture, and a first valve disposed over the first aperture. The second connector includes a second housing configured to matingly engage the first housing. The second housing defines a second aperture and defines a seal structure. The seal structure is configured to engage the stem. The second connector also includes a second valve disposed over the second aperture. The second valve is configured to engage the first valve when the first housing engages the second housing.