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 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 system including a retaining member passing through an element and connected at one end to a structure and bearing at the other end on an external side of the element; a separating mechanism for separating the member from the structure to move the element from a folded position to a deployed position; and a drive mechanism for pulling the corresponding part of the retaining member outwards after actuation of the separator mechanism. The system has a device which includes a barrel receiving the retaining member concentrically, cut-outs in the wall of the barrel forming spring tongues adapted to be bent wholly or partially towards the inside of the barrel in order to come into contact with the part, an enlargement of which is adapted to cooperate with the tongues to hold the member after actuation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine 10 has a movable head 20. A probe 12 and arm 14 are attached via a disconnectable joint to the head. An exchange rack 30 is provided for exchanging one probe/arm, for another. A plate 50 acts to disconnect and reconnect the joint and also to support the probe/arm whilst disconnected. Plate 50 actuates a toggle mechanism 42 when the head is moved relative to the plate and causes a plunger 26 to engage/disengage with a peg 24 thereby securing or releasing the joint during the said movement.

Abstract: In an automobile steering device, a mounting structure is provided for attaching a locking collar having a cancel cam to the hub of a cable reel rotor. The cancel cam is used to automatically deactivate a turn signal switch while it is blinking. The cable reel provides a housing for cable. The cable reel includes a casing attached to a rotor having an inner hub. In an annular hollow area between the casing and the rotor, a flat cable is spirally housed, and the flat cable is wound or rewound in the hollow area in accordance with reciprocal rotation of the rotor which corresponds to steering wheel movement. During the assembly process (i.e. attachment of locking collar to the rotor), it is important that the cancel cam is aligned, or clocked, to a specific radial position with respect to the rotor. There is provided a mounting structure which positively prevents erroneous connections between the locking collar and rotor.

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: A positioning device is provided for securing an object to a fixing plate having a plurality of positioning holes. The positioning device includes a cover plate having a side with a plurality of engaging posts extended from the side. Each engaging post includes a conic distal end with an enlarged annular shoulder, each engaging post including a transverse slot that extends over the annular shoulder. The annular shoulder is compressed and passed through an associated positioning hole and then expands into its original shape so as to be retained to an underside of the fixing plate in an area surrounding the associated positioning hole, thereby securing the object between the cover plate and the fixing plate.

Abstract: A device for mounting a distance sensor, in particular a proximity radar device, on a motor vehicle, the distance sensor being accommodated in a closed housing, the housing being moveably attached to a support and the support being attachable in an immoveable manner to the motor vehicle. The device is characterized in that the housing is attachable to the support by at least three screws arranged in an L-shape relative to each other, that the screws, in the installed state of the distance sensor, are able to be screwed from its front side, and that a screw-out protection is provided for at least two of the screws.

Abstract: A swinger clamp is clamped onto a horizontal guide rail and supports a vertical bar to hold various devices during surgical procedures. The clamp has a damper jaw that abuts a rim. To prevent the rim from drifting in its rotational position relative to the clamping jaw, a groove is formed in the rim to engage with the damper jaw.

Abstract: A connection is provided for the sections of a separable guide tube and of a drive shaft disposed therein. Shaft sections of the drive shaft are interlockingly coupled together, wherein the ends of the shaft sections interengage one another. One of the shaft sections has an insertion end having a rotationally symmetrical non-circular cross-sectional configuration. A drive sleeve is coaxially secured to the other shaft section and has a coupling cross-sectional configuration that corresponds to the insertion end. Which is introduceable into the driving sleeve. An axial introduction adapter is provided on the driving sleeve and has at least one inwardly projecting introduction ramp, which extends over an angle of curvature between two adjacent large diameters of the coupling cross-sectional configuration of the driving sleeve. The introduction ramp includes an axially decreasing ramp surface that forms a shoulder for the insertion end.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a measuring tool to a measuring head moved by a measuring robot and having an output member rotating at least about one axis; the assembly having three supports located peripherally with respect to the axis and defining an isostatic constraint between the output member and a connecting portion for connecting the tool to the head; the assembly having releasable locking means interposed between the connecting portion of the tool and the output member; and the releasable locking means having engaging means located substantially along the axis, and a pneumatic actuating member cooperating with and for controlling release of the engaging means.

Abstract: A joint pin lock system or mechanism for a pivotal pin joint which connects one mechanical structural member between a pair of bracket portions of another mechanical structural member pivotally relative to each other by means of a joint pin passed through a connecting end portion of one mechanical structural member and the bracket portions of the other mechanical structural member.

Abstract: An improved joint socket structure used in artificial Christmas trees has enhanced safety, avoiding electrical wires from being squeezed and damaged by rotary branches. The main improvement is an arcuate shield disposed on each pivotal joint socket that connects the branches to the main trunk. The shield covers the space above the joint socket so that electrical wires wound around the Christmas trees will not get into the movement space of rotary branches. By way of this, the joint socket structure according to the invention can prevent electrical current leakage and electrical shocks caused by broken electrical wires.

Abstract: A latching assembly includes a first mating portion and a second mating portion disposed adjacent and rotationally restrained relative to the first mating portion. A first cam member having a first cam profile is mounted on the first mating portion. A second cam member having a second cam profile is mounted on the second mating portion. The second cam profile is adapted to inter-fit with the first cam profile. Torque induced by the cam members when the cam profiles are engaging rotates the first cam member until the first cam profile is inter-fitted with the second cam profile.

Abstract: A modular drive system, includes a plurality of assemblies connectable to one another in series, wherein immediately adjoining two assemblies form, in the flow direction of power, a leading assembly having a case and a rotatably supported driving shaft set within the case, and a trailing assembly having a case and an driven shaft in operative communication with the driving shaft.

Abstract: A deflection slide clip for use in metal curtain wall construction or metal frame wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while accommodating vertical slip and/or vertical and horizontal slip of the primary frame.

Abstract: A calibrated gusset plate for joining a pair of abutting wooden members in the construction of roof trusses, floor or ceiling joists and the like. In a preferred embodiment the calibrated gusset plate is characterized by a rectangular sheet metal gusset plate stock having multiple prongs which are struck from the gusset plate stock and projected to one side thereof in a series of longitudinally-extending rows. A calibrating mark such as a notch is formed in the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and each transverse edge of the gusset plate for alignment with the abutting surfaces of a pair of wooden truss members which are to be joined by the calibrated gusset plate. In another embodiment, a calibrating bead projects from the gusset plate on the side of the prongs at the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and at the mid-point of each transverse edge of the gusset plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing elevator car and counterweight guide rails within an elevator hoistway of a building that requires no welding operations to be performed in order to connect the brackets together. The connector brackets of the invention include cooperating support and connector brackets each having a plurality of strategically arranged, indexable connector holes that permit the necessary degree of adjustment of the brackets to properly position the guide rails within the hoistway. Specially configured connector bolts are provided which impart substantial structural integrity to the interconnected bracket and positively preclude shifting of the interconnected brackets even as a result of projected seismic loading.

Abstract: A quasi-kinematic coupling for mating components (mechanical parts, surfaces, assemblies and the like) employing mating sets of surface of revolution, (conical) grooves and cooperative surface of revolution (spherical/conical) protrusions for establishing six lines (not just prior points) of contact at the kinematic interfaces, and with elastic compliance therebetween and preferably with relief features to define the effective orientation as a clamping force seats the protrusions in the grooves and seals the component mating surfaces into contact.

Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is provided. Thus, a single positioning element can be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. In an embodiment of the invention a motion module is disclosed which includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface and a first interconnector located on the exterior surface. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is 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 in releasable frictional engagement with second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly connectable to an operating arm of a machine for performing work functions comprising of an implement having a wall provided with an opening therein and a coupler including apparatus for detachably securing the coupler to the operating arm, apparatus insertable into the implement wall opening to an operative position having a selected angular relationship with the implement relative to a given axis and apparatus for securing the insertable apparatus in the operative position.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump or compressor has an alignment adapter for providing a self-aligning piston rod. The alignment adapter and a clamp couple the piston rod to a crosshead extension rod. The alignment adapter provides compensation for misalignment of the longitudinal axis of the crosshead extension rod with the longitudinal axis of the piston rod. The alignment adapter has a hemispherical cavity, and the piston rod has a hemispherical projection that matingly fits within the hemispherical cavity. A split ring is received in a groove in the piston rod, and the piston rod and the split ring are received in the cavity in the alignment adapter for use in coupling the piston rod to the alignment adapter. A piston head has a hemispherical cavity for receiving a hemispherical projection on a piston rod. The piston head has a longitudinal midpoint, and the hemispherical projection has a focal point for a radius of curvature.

Abstract: A novel elastic bumper assembly put on an automotive vehicle or the like which includes an elastic bumper member adapted for repetitive cushioning against impacts, wherein the elastic bumper member is formed of a material selected from at least one of the group consisting of solid and foamed elastomeric materials. The elastic bumper member assembly further includes an insert member generally having a cup shape, the insert member having locking holes and dimples. The insert member is molded within the elastic bumper member. The insert member includes a locator projection which extends from the elastic bumper member. A fastener extends from the insert member through the elastic bumper assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable solenoid assembly having a solenoid manifold and a first pair of rods mounted to the solenoid manifold. The solenoid assembly further includes a plate member having a pair of slots for receiving the first pair of rods. The pair of slots cooperates with the pair of rods to enable the solenoid manifold to be translated to a fixed position relative to the plate member and enable dimensional variations between the first pair of rods to be accommodated.

Abstract: A compliant connector for a connection system in an internal combustion engine includes a cylindrical connector housing and a plurality of constant strain beam springs at one end of the connector housing to act as a self-centering/self-aligning mechanism in the connection system.

Abstract: A horizontal-mount bracket system for holding sensor position with respect to a horizontal-mount bracket, wherein facial interaction between the bracket and the sensor body provides automatic setting of the air gap which setting is preserved such that if the sensor is ever reinstalled, the air gap is precisely reset to its original value. A multi-component bracket has first and second bracket components which lay juxtaposed, one atop the other. The first bracket component has a first sensor opening and the second bracket component has a second sensor opening wherein initially the first and second sensor openings are mutually communicating and aligned just sufficiently so that the sensor body is free to vertically move therein. The sensor body is placed into a sensor port of an engine block so that the tip of the sensor body rests upon a surface of a reluctor.

Abstract: A driving apparatus comprises a rotation member, a shaft and a restriction member. The rotation member has a shaft-receiving portion. The shaft is fitted into the shaft-receiving portion so as to permit rotation of the rotation member relative to the shaft. The shaft has a protrusion projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the shaft. The restriction member prevents the rotation member from deviating in a projecting direction of the protrusion.

Abstract: This invention provides a gas lighter (1) in which a cap (7) can be surely and easily mounted on the lighter body. A chamfer (17) having an inclined surface is formed on one side of a recess (15) on a support post (16) of the lighter body. A trapezoidal resilient tongue (11) projecting inward of the cap (7) is formed at the hook portion (6) of the cap (7). The resilient tongue (11) slides on the inclined surface of the chamfer (17) into the recess (15), whereby the hook portion (6) is brought into engagement with the recess (15).

Abstract: A locking device for tent poles capable of achieving a firm and easy coupling to poles and easily and conveniently replacing a broken pole piece without replacing the entire pole including the broken pole piece. The locking device includes a mushroom tip member having a fitting portion fitted in one end of a tent pole, a V-shaped longitudinal groove formed on a peripheral surface of the fitting portion of the mushroom tip member, a guide groove formed on the peripheral surface of the fitting portion of the mushroom tip member in such a manner that it crosses the longitudinal groove, and a protrusion radially inwardly protruded from an inner surface of the pole piece corresponding to the end of the tent pole. The protrusion is engagable in both the longitudinal groove and guide groove at the cross point between the longitudinal groove and guide groove.

Abstract: This is invention is directed to a shaft coupling for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft. The shaft coupling includes an outer ring for encasing one end of the first shaft and one end of the second shaft; a first pin provided in the outer ring and the first pin extending in a first direction; and a second pin provided in the outer ring and the second pin extending in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction; wherein the first shaft and the first pin are so set such that the end of the first shaft is movable along the first pin and the second shaft and the second pin are so set that the end of the second shaft is displaceable along the second pin.

Abstract: An adapter for the coupling of two shaft ends in a defined angular orientation with respect to the longitudinal shaft axes. The adapter is mounted in a defined angular orientation on a first shaft, and on the side associated with a second shaft it has a receptacle for receiving the second shaft. The second shaft has an end that is partially flattened The receptacle is surrounded by a flange in one partial segment of which is at least one projection having inclined surfaces of such dimensions, that the projection fits interlockingly into the flattened part of the second shaft upon reaching the desired angular orientation of the two shafts. The adapter according to the invention is particularly suited for the connection of the shaft of a drive unit with the shaft of an rotary encoder.

Abstract: A coupler that provides a selectively releasable connection between first and second relatively movable members. Such a coupler has a receiver that is secured to the first relatively movable member. The receiver is bifurcated to present a gudgeon having laterally spaced, generally parallel, side walls. A socket is located in each side wall to be disposed in spaced opposition. Each socket has guide surfaces that flare outwardly from a first race to terminate in an entrance. The second relatively movable member presents a transversely oriented trunnion. The trunnion has bearing surfaces that are selectively insertable within the opposed sockets operatively to engage said first races. A generally U-shaped locking verification clip has a base wall and laterally spaced first and second side walls. A pair of pedestals extend from the base wall in laterally spaced, substantially parallel, disposition between the side walls. Each pedestal terminates in a second race.

Abstract: An interchangeable fan blade system for a ceiling fan, made up of a set of adapters having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures that allow the adapter to be threadably fitted to virtually any type of fan support arm, and a complimentary set of interchangeable fan blades. The adapters include one of a variety of connectors for attaching one end of the fan blades to the support arm. The one end of the fan blade is configured and adapted, or otherwise provided with mating connector elements adapted to engage the connectors of the adapters, thereby allowing the fan blades to be removably attached to the adapters. A second embodiment of the interchangeable fan blade system is a set of interchangeable fan blades having a plurality of elongated attachment apertures which allow the fan blades to be secured to virtually any type of fan arm, by threading a plurality of shoulder cap screws and a plurality of male-female connectors though the plurality of attachment apertures.

Abstract: A frame structure assembled from frame limbs for a switch gear cabinet, in which the frame limbs are preferably designed in mirror-image like manner in relation to their cross-sectional diagonals and in the interior region of the frame structure comprise two receiving formations, having fastening rebates for fastening mounting rails. The receiving formations are orientated parallel to associated exterior sides of the frame structure. The interconnection of frame limbs and mounting rails is simplified and improved because the receiving formations pass into terminal sections, bent over once or twice, forming an open dovetail groove or a closed dovetail groove for fixing the mounting rails that have appropriate engagement formations.

Abstract: A die coater for applying a material to a web is provided including a die for applying the material to the web in an application region; and a plurality of interconnected rolls selectably positionable in the application region to serve as a backup roll for the web for the application of the material. In addition, or in the alternative, the die coater includes a plurality of interconnected dies selectably positionable in the application region for applying the material to the web; and a backup roll for the web in the application region, wherein a selected one of said interconnected dies selectably positioned in said application region is adjustable to adjust an angle at which said material is applied to said web through said selected die.

Abstract: Repair assemblies and methods for a jet pump diffuser in a nuclear reactor are described. In one particular embodiment, the diffuser has a substantially conical shape, and the larger diameter end of the diffuser is engaged to a shroud support plate of the reactor. The diffuser further has at least a first portion and a second portion welded together at a weld joint. The assembly, in one embodiment, includes a first c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion, and a second c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion. The first and second c-rings are configured, in the one embodiment, so that when the first and second c-rings are operatively positioned, first and second openings in the first c-ring are substantially aligned with first and second openings in the second c-ring, respectively.

Abstract: A bonding construction for bonding a rotary shaft made of a resin material to a lever made of a resin material. The lever is formed with a fitting hole therein into which the rotary shaft is fitted. The rotary shaft has projections formed on its outer surface. The inner surface of the fitting hole of the lever is formed with grooves into which the projections of the rotary shaft are fitted. The rotary shaft and the lever are melted together at their interface between the projections and the grooves by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A shifter having a base and a shift lever assembly pivotally mounted on the base by a separate pivot member. The pivot member includes a device for keying it to the shift lever assembly and the base includes an opening device configured for receiving the pivot member which includes a radially extending tab at its extreme end. After being inserted in the opening device of the base, the tab prohibits the pivot member from being withdrawn from the base.

Abstract: A connecting device or coupling between two coupled tool parts including a first tool part (3) which has a driver (5) and a second tool part (7) which has a groove (9) includes a connecting place or location (1) which is characterized by the fact that it includes a device (15) which compels a well-defined angle-of-rotation position or orientation between the first tool part and the second tool part.

Abstract: This invention provides a connector which prevents female and male terminals from coupling partially to each other upon coupling and detaching of female and male connectors. In the assembly, the male connector is provided with a guide rod which projects in a coupling direction. The female connector is provided with a guide hole through which the guide rod passes. Upon coupling of both connectors, the guide rod passes through the guide hole to position an insertion direction. The male terminal enters the female terminal without inclining and partially contacting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated joint structure for joining an essentially wooden elongated beam (2) or similar to at least one other beam (2) over a predetermined length (A) of a relatively short joint portion (4) in the beam, the joint (1) being accomplished by pins, bolts or the like (5) penetrating the beam or beams. In each joint there are at least two jointing in a direction transverse to the main gain of the beam. The joint structure further comprises a metal nail plate (6), having a plate plane transverse to the length (T) of the jointing and whose nails (7) protrude from the plate plane and are embedded in the beam wood.

Abstract: A locating feature comprises a plate and a protrusion extending outwardly from the plate. The protrusion includes a substantially linear portion extending from the plate and a dome shaped portion extending from the linear portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of a first panel formed with at least one insertion notch extending inwardly from at least one panel edge and a second panel carrying at least one projecting tab extending outwardly of at least one of its edge and fitting in one of the notches. The tab has on at least one of its sides a shoulder defining an edge which is located along the projecting length of the tab at a position intermediate the free edge of the tab and its base, which usually coincides with the edge of the panel from which it projects. The shoulder edge is in abutting contact with a region of the first panel adjacent the insertion notch in the first panel in which the tab fits and functions to maintain the associated edge of the second panel out of contact with the first panel so that the relative positions of the panels is determined by such abutting contact and is independent of other factors, such as the precise linearity of the panel edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of a first panel formed with at least one insertion slot and a second panel carrying at least one projecting tab extending outwardly of at least one of its edges and fitting in the slot. The tab has on at least one of its sides a shoulder defining an edge which is located along the projecting length of the tab at a position intermediate the free edge of the tab and its base. The shoulder edge is in abutting contact with a region of the first panel adjacent one of the insertion slot and thus maintains the associated edge of the second panel out of contact with the first panel so that the relative positions of the panels is determined by such abutting contact. The first and second panels can be positively secured together by means of an interconnection element, preferably in the form of an integral flange bent up from one of the panels, which is attached to one or both other panel by screws, bolts and nuts or similar attachment devices.

Abstract: An adapter for rapid attachment and removal of a flanged motor on a power driven appliance. A bracket attaches to the appliance and cooperatively receives the motor flange. Pins incorporating clips or expanding projections then secure the motor to the appliance. A shaft-to-shaft connector is then secured in place on the shafts, thus coupling the motor output shaft and appliance power input shaft. The connector may include pins inserted through aligned bores in the connector and the shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the connector may comprise mating forward and rear components sandwiching a resilient member therebetween, which arrangement accommodates minor angular and parallel misalignment. In other alternative embodiments, the connector comprises a splined collar slidable over splined output and input shafts, and a clutch and drum arrangement. For belt driven appliances, the motor output shaft terminates in a pulley, or is coupled to a shaft having a pulley and attached to the appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to mount a machine component, e.g., an electric motor, in alignment with another component such as a gear shaft of a gear transmission. The apparatus includes a bolt-attached U-shaped clamp device straddling a "foot-like" transmission mounting base. The legs are spaced greater than the horizontal thickness of the base to permit slight base movement during mounting. The clamp device has an interior height somewhat less than the vertical height of the base. The base is shimmed so that the motor shaft is vertically aligned with the gear shaft, horizontal and angular alignment is performed and then the clamp legs are shimmed. Leg shimming is to a height such that when the clamp bolts are tightened, the base shims are under substantial compressive force and the leg shims are under only somewhat less compressive force. One or more chock blocks are welded to the machine deck to help maintain base position.

Abstract: A self-adjusting shim includes an inner element and an outer element. The outer element defines an internal threaded bore and a projecting tab that limits rotation of the outer element. The inner element includes a threaded outer surface and an inner opening. The threaded outer surface is received in the threaded internal bore such that relative rotation between the inner and outer element results in relative axial movement therebetween. The inner opening includes a torque transmitting feature such as an out-of-round surface or an internally projecting element that is directed radially inwardly so as to couple the inner element to a bolt for rotation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-aligning coupling structure for releasably connecting a rear end of a feeder assembly to a frame of an agricultural harvester such as a combine and the like. The self-aligning coupling structure includes a pair of releasable couplings laterally spaced from each other on opposite sides of the feeder assembly and combine frame. Each releasable coupling includes first and second apertured coupling elements. One of the apertured coupling elements is provided on and extends from the combine frame while the other apertured coupling element is provided on and extends from a housing of the feeder assembly. The coupling elements each have complementary guide surfaces provided thereon.

Abstract: A novel elastic bumper assembly for an automotive vehicle or the like, which comprises an elastic bumper member adapted for repetitive cushioning impact, the elastic bumper member being formed of an elastomeric material, which contains imbedded therein a relatively stiff high strength insert member, with the insert member having a fastener device extending outwardly therefrom, and a cup-like holder member adapted to receive and hold one end of the bumper member which has the insert member and fastener protruding therefrom, such that the fastener member protrudes through the holder member and is then securely attached to a supporting position on the automotive vehicle axle or frame.

Abstract: An improved sleeve for facilitating joining and aligning two modules that form a single, unitary hazardous material container storage building. The sleeve has a central tube having an outer surface, an inner surface and a pair of ends and at least one guiding plate secured to the central tube. The guiding plate extends from each of the ends of the central tube for engaging into both the tubes of the first module and the second module. A hazardous material container storage building having the improved sleeve of the invention and a related method are also disclosed.