Abstract: A parachute system includes a payload support configured to operably support a payload below a parachute and an azimuth control device mounted to the payload support and/or the payload. The azimuth control device is configured to operably impart a yaw rotation to the payload in order to adjust an azimuth of the payload. The azimuth control device may include a thrust producing fluid jet device, a thrust producing propeller device, and/or a manipulatable control surface, among others.

Abstract: A lane divider system includes a guide rail and a bracket for connecting the guide rail to a flow bed. The guide rail can be tubular, with a proximal end of a bracket inserted into each end of the tube. A flexible, compressible sleeve can be installed at each end of the tube where the proximal end of the bracket, are inserted into the tube. The tube and bracket being inserted should be closely dimensioned to fit securely. By providing a compliant sleeve, the security of the connection with the tube can be enhanced.

Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine can include an elongated and curved sheet having a root, a tip positioned opposite the root, a leading edge spanning between the root and the tip along a length of the blade, and a trailing edge spanning between the root and the tip opposite the leading edge. The blade can include a generally concave surface formed by curvature of the blade about a longitudinal axis. The blade can further include one or more air dams, which can be in the form of strip elements oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis and extending away from the concave surface. The air dams improve torque and efficiency of the blade. In some embodiments, an edge of the root can include a plurality of curved projections distributed thereon. A wind turbine system can include a generator and a wind turbine having a mounting element to support turbine blades.

Abstract: A blade mounting assembly is used to produce a completed windmill ceiling fan having fan blades that extend out from a fan motor body that rotates about a motor shaft. The blades are mounted using an inner and outer support ring. The inner support ring includes a series of blade receiving pockets. The outer support ring is initially shipped as a series of separable segments which are subsequently locked together to form the complete ring. Each of the outer ring segments also carries a gusset which receives a portion of a fan blade for further supporting the fan blade.

Abstract: A system can include a head connector, a stress member connector, and a tail connector. The system can include a first plurality of stress members coupled to the head connector and to the stress member connector. The first plurality of stress members can enter through a first side of the stress member connector. The system can include a second plurality of stress members coupled to the tail connector and to the stress member connector. The second plurality of stress members can exit through a second side of the stress member connector. The second plurality of stress members can be axially nonaligned with the first plurality of stress member connectors.

Abstract: An interface component for engaging an arrow tip to the leading end of an arrow shaft. The device directs impact forces axially and eliminates the shearing and wall collapse of arrow shafts caused by conventional collared arrow head engagement devices which tend to collapse and cut the leading edge of arrow shafts on hard impacts. Engagement to the arrow shaft leading end is provided by an elongated member axially engaged with the bore of the arrow shaft. The exterior surface of the device can be surfaced to interact with passing air during flight of the arrow and increase spin for better accuracy.

Abstract: A flexible conduit having a rigid portion, a flexible portion and a releasable connector secured to the rigid portion to support the flexible conduit. The releasable connector includes a male member and a female member. One of the two members includes at least one biased plungers and the other includes at least one detent. The plungers and detents are vertically spaced along the longitudinal axes of the members. A clevis may be used to secure the releasable connector to the rigid portion of the flexible conduit. A second support connected to the male and female members may be used. Also a method of supporting a flexible conduit with a releasable connector.

Abstract: A hoisting device and, more particularly, an intelligent hoist ring that is capable of monitoring, recording and/or communicating the use of the hoist ring including monitoring, recording and/or communicating the loads on the hoist ring that can be used, inter alia, to determine condition of the hoist ring and whether it can remain in active service and monitoring tightening loads independently of applied loads.

Abstract: A security system for securing a device by rotatably joining the device with a first object. The device may be protected from damage, yet still accessible while joined with the first object. The device includes electronic devices that function while joined with the first object. The device includes a device connection portion. The first object includes an object connection portion that joins with the device connection portion, often through a snapping mechanism. The device connection portion is circular to enable 360 degrees of rotation. A supporting body supports the device connection portion and includes a track for laterally carrying the device. A security portion, such as a band, joins the device to an object, such as a Forearm. A hook and a receiver on the security portion fasten the security portion around the object. A casing enables the first object to connect to the device.

Abstract: An apparatus adapter, including a first adapter member having an internal cavity with an opening thereinto, and a slot spaced away from the opening and oriented transverse of the internal cavity and communicating therewith. A second adapted member has an adaptation extension that is sized to be received into the internal cavity of the first adapter member, the adaptation extension having an interlock relief formed in an outer surface thereof and juxtapositionable with the transverse slot. A plunger has an elongated open band that is positionable about the first adapter member and movable transversely of the internal cavity, an interlock member that is projected into an interior of the band and sized to slidably extend through the slot of the receiver post and enter into the internal cavity, and a biasing member for biasing the interlock member into the internal cavity for occluding a portion thereof.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a link structure for a cable carrier that can be easily assembled and disassembled for higher productivity and convenient maintenance and the track curvature of which can be adjusted conveniently. To achieve the above described object, the link comprises a first circular portion and a second circular portion, wherein the first circular portion is rotationally connected to the adjacent second circular portion of the link and the second circular portion is rotationally connected to the adjacent first circular portion of the link so as to constitute the entire cable carrier. The present invention further comprises a connection member in which an adjustment member is formed so as to be fixedly connected via the front surface of the first circular portion of the link and limit the angle of rotation of the adjacent second circular portion of the link.

Abstract: An engaging member moved upward by an urging force of a spring member built in a bottom part of a rotatable-side member has a fitting groove for allowing a top end of the spring member to be fit thereto; and engaging parts of the engaging member and engageable parts of a fixed-side member, which are engaged with each other to provisionally fix the rotatable-side member, are formed at one neutral position and at an opposite position opposite thereto.

Abstract: A hoisting device and method of making the same including a hoist body having an inwardly extending post pocket that includes an inwardly facing body groove extending about a post pocket axis. The hoist body further includes an access opening in communication with the body groove. The hoisting device further including a post having a post head that has an outwardly extending post groove configured to functionally align with the body groove of the body such that the two groove are in functional alignment with one another when in an assembled position. The access opening allowing a plurality of bearings to be directed into the bearing groove when the post is in assembled position within the bearing pocket. The hoist device further includes a plug to selectively close the access opening thereby maintaining the plurality of bearings in the bearing grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attaching device for attaching stopping or lashing means to objects that are to be transported or tied down, comprising a fixing element (1), an attaching element (16), and a connecting element (15) which is rotatably mounted on a socket (4) wrapped around the fixing element (1) and connects the attaching element (16) to the fixing element (1). The connecting element (15) leans against ring flanges (6, 7) placed at the ends of the socket (4) via series of rolling bodies (12, 13) so as to allow said connecting element (15) to rotate without jerking and make it sufficiently tilt-proof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement related to a rotator, especially for a work tool supported by an arm, whereby the rotator (10) comprises a stator (20) and a rotor (30). A fastening ring (50) for the attaching of a work tool is separately journalled (D) relative to the stator (20) independently of a bearing (B, C) between the stator (20) and the rotor (30). A driver (80; 180; 280) is used to transfer the rotational movement of the rotor (30) to the fastening ring (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for swiveling an implement, such as a bucket, relative to a device, such as an excavator boom, includes a rotary union and a bearing disc mounted in a housing. The bearing disc rotates relative to the housing so that the implement can be rotated relative to the device. A gear or geared bearing assembly is located between the bearing disc and top and bottom housing portions for bearing loads transverse to the axis about which the implement is rotated relative to the device. The rotary union has fluid passages extending from the top to the bottom of a central shaft, which is affixed to the bearing disc, and the shaft and disc can comprise a one piece combination rotary union and bearing disc.

Abstract: A hoist ring assembly includes an anchor subassembly with bushing, retainer and threaded fastener elements, and a loop subassembly with a lifting loop and pair of pin elements. The assembly is adapted such that the lifting loop is rotatable through a 360-degree angle about a major axis, and pivotable through at least 180-degree angle about a minor axis. The assembly can be rapidly assembled or disassembled, and incorporates one or more components which may be substantially fabricated by way of forging operation, particularly the retainer member.

Abstract: A locking collar capable of coupling a hub-and-axle subassembly to a fork dropout of a bicycle for locking an antifriction bearing in place includes an outward pressed surface adapted to confront a pressing surface of the fork dropout, an inward abutting surface adapted to confront the antifriction bearing, an axially extending female threaded surface adapted to be screwed on a threaded end segment of an axle, a tubular extension extending from the outward pressed surface to be insertable into the fork dropout, and a plurality of circumferentially extending rib segments which are disposed on the outward pressed surface to be in pressing engagement with the pressing surface of the fork dropout in a tightened state.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a flexible joint for attachment to a suspension link. The flexible joint includes a housing. The housing includes an external surface and an internal surface. The flexible joint also includes a flexible joint insert. The flexible joint insert includes an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve includes a channel, where the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of an external device, and an external surface. The flexible joint insert also includes an elastomer. The elastomer is fused to at least a portion of the external surface of the inner sleeve. A portion of the elastomer is in contact with the internal surface of the housing. The elastomer is not permanently attached to the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotatably mounting a stem deflector to a toolbar. The apparatus includes a base that attaches to the toolbar. The apparatus also includes a rotatable member that attaches to the stem deflector. A position of the rotatable member is adjustable relative to the base.

Abstract: A mannequin neck connection fitting component for interconnecting a mannequin head on a mannequin body is disclosed. The component includes a mannequin head engaging tubular part adapted to be affixed to and depend from a mannequin head. A mannequin body engaging tubular part is adapted to be affixed within an opening in an upper portion of a mannequin body. The component parts inter-engage telescopically to support the mannequin head on top of the mannequin body in a removable manner.

Abstract: In a quick-release fixing structure for an electronic equipment, the electronic equipment includes a plurality of holes and a snap slot, and the quick-release fixing structure includes a substrate, a turning element and a plurality of fixing elements. The substrate includes a plurality of grooves and a port, and each groove includes a first groove hole and a second groove hole interconnected to the first groove hole, and the second groove hole is greater than the first groove hole. The turning element is coupled to the substrate and includes a bump exposed from the port and snapped into the snap slot. Each fixing element is passed through each first groove hole and fixed to each hole. The turning element can be turned to push the electronic equipment to move each fixing element into each second groove hole, and separate the electronic equipment from the substrate.

Abstract: In a shaft coupling structure, a lower joint yoke has a slit that axially extends from its open end portion, and a guide cover is fitted around an input shaft so as to be rotatable together with the input shaft. The guide cover is formed of a guide portion that protrudes radially outward from the input shaft and that is engageable with the slit of the lower joint yoke, and a cover portion that covers an opening portion of a valve housing and that is fitted around the input shaft. The guide portion and the cover portion are formed integrally with each other.

Abstract: A swiveling cuff-like device which connects flotation noodles that are used in swimming pools for recreation and physical therapy. Two sponge-rubber rings, connected with a single snap-rivet, slide onto flotation noodles to connect them together. The locking snap rivet allows the two rings to rotate independent of each other, creating an articulating connection between the flotation noodles.

Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.

Abstract: A hose reel that may be assembled substantially without coupling hardware is provided. That is, the hose reel uses other types of coupling devices, notably snap-fit couplings for substantially all connections. This concept requires new components, such as a rotational coupling disposed between the hose reel frame assembly and the rotating basket assembly.

Abstract: A rotary connector includes a stationary housing that includes an outer cylindrical body, and a movable housing that is disposed coaxially with the stationary housing and includes an inner cylindrical body facing the outer cylindrical body. An annular space portion is formed between the inner and outer cylindrical bodies facing each other and flat cables are wound and received in the annular space portion. An internal gear is provided on the outer cylindrical body of the stationary housing. A sun gear is provided on the inner cylindrical body of the movable housing. A planetary gear, which meshes with both the sun gear and the internal gear and is movable along the inner surface of a bottom plate portion of the stationary housing, is provided between the sun gear and the internal gear. The planetary gear and the sun gear include a plurality of void portions in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotatable joint (1) comprising: a first joint member (10) for connection to a reference frame; a second joint member (20) connected with the first joint member (10) and configured for rotation relative to the first joint member (10) about an axis (13); and an adjustable stop mechanism (30) for defining limits of rotation of the second joint member (20) relative to the first joint member (10). The adjustable stop mechanism (30) comprises: a first part (40) provided on the first joint member (10) having at least a first stop (41) defining at least a first limit of rotation of the second joint member (20) about said axis (13) relative to the first joint member (10), wherein the first part (40) is adapted to be selectively positioned with respect to the first joint member (10) to set or define a limit or range of rotation of the second joint member (20) relative to the first joint member (10).

Abstract: A rotating apparatus including a base and a rotating element is provided. The base has first and second concave spherical surfaces. The rotating element includes first and second universally-jointing portions. The first universally-jointing portion has a first convex spherical surface. The first convex spherical surface is universally jointed to the first concave spherical surface. The second universally-jointing portion is fixed on the bottom of the first universally-jointing portion and has a second convex spherical surface. A curvature radius of the second convex spherical surface is smaller than a curvature radius of the first convex spherical surface. The first and second convex spherical surfaces have the same curvature center. The second convex spherical surface is universally jointed to the second concave spherical surface and the rotating element is supported on the second concave spherical surface of the base by the second universally-jointing portion.

Abstract: An outer joint portion (42) for an articulating joint (26) is provided, the outer joint portion (42 including a first outer joint diameter section (DO1), a second outer joint diameter section (DO2), a main portion (86), and an inner bore (76). The first outer joint diameter section (DO1) is defined by a first portion of an outer surface (88) of the outer joint portion (42). The second outer joint diameter section (D02) is defined by a second portion of the outer surface (88) of the outer joint portion (42). The main portion (86) is configured for housing inner components (44, 46) of an articulating joint (26). The inner bore (76) is located at the second portion of the outer surface (88). The outer joint portion (42) is selectively compressible at the second portion of the outer surface (88), and the inner bore (76) configured for selectively receiving and securing to a shaft (30) when the outer joint portion (42) is compressed.

Abstract: An attachment point apparatus and system for photovoltaic arrays is disclosed. One embodiment provides a rail system for receiving a PV module, including a first rail, a second rail, a substantially rectilinear double male connector adapted for coupling an end of the first rail to an end of the second rail, and a connector adapted to attach a PV module to the first rail. Another embodiment provides a PV module including a PV laminate, a frame integral with and supporting the PV laminate, and a spanner bar adapted to solely span a width of the PV module, orthogonally connect at various locations along the frame, and attach to a support structure. A further embodiment provides a coupling device for a PV module comprising a first coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a PV module, and a second coupling portion adapted to rotatably engage a rail.

Abstract: An omni-positional hoist ring assembly including a bushing element that includes a sleeve with an axial length, a proximal end and a distal end. A load bearing flange is radially disposed about the proximal end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal thread extending at least part way of the axial length of the sleeve. A mounting screw element has a major axis, a head, and a shank disposed generally co-axially around the major axis. The shank includes a threaded shank portion and a bearing portion. The bearing portion is a generally cylindrical axially extending portion of the shank that has a diameter approximately equal to the minor diameter of the thread in the threaded shank portion. A thrust washer element is provided between the head and the distal end of the sleeve. A body element receives the in-turned opposed ends of the legs of a lifting loop element in sockets. The lifting loop is free to pivot.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rotating adaptor for a sign are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotator adaptor rotationally attaches a secondary sign to a primary sign having a rigid frame. The rotator adaptor has a main body defining a notch therein bounded by three contiguous walls. A fastener is configured to couple the main body to the rigid frame of the primary sign. A bearing is coupled to a top surface of the main body. A shaft is coupled to the bearing and configured to rotate within the bearing and with respect to the primary sign, and to receive and couple with a secondary sign. The rotation of the shaft causes the secondary sign to rotate with respect to the primary sign.

Abstract: A seal and fixation assembly includes a cylindrical target having an inside surface with a shoulder that forms a stop within the target. A target retaining ring is disposed about the target. A seal plate is disposed within the target and engages the stop and the inside surface of the target. An end cap is disposed on the end of the target and includes a portion with a beveled surface within the target. A sealing element is disposed between the inside surface of the target, the seal plate, and the beveled surface of the end cap. A clamp is disposed over the end cap and the target retaining ring. Engagement of the end cap and the target retaining ring with the clamp causes the end cap to move within the target toward the stop to compress the sealing element between the target, the seal plate, and the beveled surface.

Abstract: An adjustable arm supports a device housing with respect to a base and allows the position of the device housing to be adjusted as desired. The adjustable arm has rigid segments joined by pivot joints, with passages therethrough to allow wires to be strung through the arm segments and joints so as to be shielded by the arm. At least one joint is a dual-pivot joint having two joint elements that rotate with respect to each other about a joint pivot axis, each joint element in turn being pivotably attached to an adjacent arm segment.

Abstract: A swivel coupling is provided for connecting a multi-piece restraint having two trapezoidally shaped segments capable of rotating with respect to each other. Each segment includes rectangular and multiple cylindrical portions with one being orthogonal to the segment and having an orifice for receiving a connecting means to join the segments. In another embodiment, one segment is joined to an attachment having a hook that includes a base portion and a hook portion where the base portion includes an orthogonal cylindrical portion having an orifice for receiving a connecting means that extends through the orifice and through the second orifice of the segment.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding an integral joint including a stationary member and an enclosure rotatable about the stationary member. The method utilizes a joint formation assembly defining an inner cavity, a first passageway connected to the inner cavity, an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity, and a second passageway connected to the outer cavity. The method includes the steps of: introducing moldable material into the inner cavity from the first passageway to form the stationary member; introducing moldable material into the outer cavity from the second passageway to form the enclosure; and divorcing the inner cavity from the outer cavity for separately and independently forming the enclosure around the stationary member to allow rotatable movement of the enclosure about the stationary member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting at least one external functional device to an arrangement, wherein the device includes at least one first contact portion and at least one second contact portion for receiving the external functional device between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and at least the first contact portion or the second contact portion is movable. It further relates to a method for connecting at least one external functional device to an arrangement by using the device of the present invention, as well as an arrangement which includes at least one device of the present invention.

Abstract: An end-connector of a select cable for a manual transmission is configured to allow a driver to perform a sufficiently smooth selecting operation even with small force by ball joint type combination between a rear protrusion of a fastener and a ball portion of a connector pin. The end-connector includes a connector housing integrally connected with both ends of a select cable and having a housing hole formed through the left and right sides, a fastener inserted in the housing hole of the connector housing, with one end protruding through the housing hole, an elastic clip member fixed to the connector housing and restraining the end of fastener which protrudes from the housing hole to prevent the fastener from separating from the housing hole, and a connector pin assembled with the fastener to freely rotate with the other end of the fastener in the housing hole.

Abstract: An exemplary support structure includes a support body, a connecting body, and a rear board. The connecting body is fixed on the support body. The rear board is rotatable relative to the support body. The rear board defines a through hole therein. The connecting body forms a latch protrusion. When the support body is located at a first position, the latch protrusion is capable of passing the through hole of the rear board. When the support body and the latch protrusion are located at opposite sides of the rear board, and the support body rotates past the first position, the latch protrusion resists the rear board and prevents the support body detaching from the rear board.

Abstract: A device for axially fixing a rotatable part of a wheel bearing to a rotatable drive part of a drive shaft. The device provides a mounting auxiliary which enables inspection of the tooth position of a spur gearing. The device has a substantially cylindrical or ring-shaped attachment part and a locking element. Either the substantially cylindrical or ring-shaped attachment part is provided for attachment on the rotatable drive part, and the locking element is provided for locking to the rotatable wheel bearing part, or the substantially cylindrical or ring-shaped attachment part is provided for attachment to the rotatable wheel bearing part and the locking element is provided for locking to the rotatable drive part.

Abstract: An exemplary rotatable positioning structure includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a positioning track portion and defining a hole therein. The second element includes a pivot shaft engaging in the hole. The pivot shaft includes a through hole defined therethrough, a restriction portion and a positioning portion. The first element is restricted by the restriction portion of the pivot shaft. The positioning portion and the positioning track portion are capable of making the first element and the second element maintain a fixed position after relatively rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: A rotary arch kite kit may include a rotary arch kite and a system for connecting various segments of the kite. The connecting system may include ground swivels, aerial swivel connectors and static connectors. The ground swivels may be single independent swivels for attaching a handle to the rotary arch kite. The aerial swivel connectors may be double independent swivels for, for example, attaching two lengths of rotary arch kite together. The static connectors may also be used for joining two lengths of rotary arch kite together. The rotary arch kite of the present may include a unique folding and stitching design to permit enhanced rotation and lift.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for coupling a support flange to a load, comprising a housing having a bushing and a holder for the support flange twistable about the bushing, the support flange swivelable about a rotation axis perpendicularly to the rotation axis of the holder. A bolt rotatably extends through the bushing with an upper head part, protruding axially, its axial end exposed for receiving a load, and held in an interlocking manner against axial withdrawal. The supporting bolt comprises a shank region at an axial distance (a) with a radially enlarged shank diameter whose radial excess portion is partly covered from the outside under axial play within said axial distance by a bushing section with a reduced inside diameter.

Abstract: A furniture swivel of the thrust bearing type is taught herein having a top plate and bottom plate made entirely of an internally-lubricated polymer. A central top hole surface projects upwardly and integrally from the top plate, and a central top annular surface projects upwardly and integrally from the same plate wherein two flat, raised annular surfaces are integrally defined on the top inside surface of the top plate made of the polymer. The bottom plate is substantially similar to the top plate made entirely of the polymer and has a raised central bottom hole surface in face-to-face relation with the central top hole surface and a raised bottom annular surface in face-to-face relation with the top annular surface, wherein load support and low-friction rotation is maintained without overlain metal components.

Abstract: A joint includes at least one joint bushing and a joint bolt or pipe that is rotatably mounted with radial play in the joint bushing, forming an annular bearing gap. The joint has a play compensation element having several spring-loaded sections that engage in the annular bearing gap. The radii of the spring-loaded sections are shorter than the radius of the annular bearing gap. The spring-loaded sections project beyond a base body of the play compensation element at an acute angle to the joint axis. If the play compensation element is designed both to compensate the play and to axially secure the joint, it includes at least one clamping section, which is/are supported on the joint bolt and project(s) beyond the opposite side of the base body of the play compensation element to the spring-loaded sections. The play compensation element can be used in particular for joints of adjusting devices in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for suppressing vortex induced vibration of a submerged elongate member such as a marine riser. Also disclosed is a marine riser having VTV suppression features. The VIV suppression features comprise multiple circumferential de-correlation rings at intervals along the member's length, each ring comprising multiple vortex tripping features at intervals around the member. The ring may for example take the form of a clamp (10) used to locate fairing units (108). However it may alternatively be a loose ring mounted on the member, or may comprise discrete features at intervals around the circumference of the member. By reducing correlation between shed vortices at different locations on the pipe, embodiments of the invention serve to prevent or reduce the coherent action of shed vortices which lead to VIV.

Abstract: A fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) which is rotatable about an axis (A) relative to the first fitting part (11), and with a ring (13) which keeps the two fitting parts (11, 12) together in the axial direction. The fitting (5) forms a disc-shaped unit, wherein an adaptor (21) is provided. The adaptor (21) bears against the first fitting part (11), in particular in an abutting manner, and, with the bearing contact, defines a connecting surface (F). The adapter (21) IS connected to the first fitting part (11) and/or the ring (13) by a weld seam (23). The weld seam (23) is produced from a direction (S) which runs within the connecting surface (F) or at a shallow angle (f) to the connecting surface (F).