Abstract: An intake manifold flange system prevents leakage between joining portions of an intake manifold and a cylinder head while permitting stress relief. A flange body has an opening for receiving a distal end of the intake manifold and fastener hole openings for fixing the flange body to the cylinder head. Spaced annular grooves are arranged in an axial direction of the intake manifold. O-rings of a dimension to extend from the annular grooves and provide a pressurized contact with the distal end of an intake manifold. An annular groove is formed at a surface opposite a mounting portion of the cylinder head and an O-ring seal enables offsetting of the flange body from the cylinder head surface.

Abstract: A retaining device for a component of an aircraft or spacecraft. The retaining device comprises a fuselage cell portion and a component portion, which portions are interconnected via at least one fastener. A gap is formed between the fastener and the component portion, of such a type that the fuselage cell portion and the component portion are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pivotal member and two connecting assemblies. The two connecting assemblies are assembled to two ends of the pivotal member, respectively, such that the two connecting assemblies are rotatably assembled together via the pivotal member. The pivotal member defines four arc-shaped pivotal slots spaced to each other at an outer periphery thereof. Each connecting assembly includes two connecting members respectively assembled to the two symmetrical pivotal slots of the pivotal member, and are positioned at a same end of the pivotal member.

Abstract: A vibration isolator device securing a nonmetal panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle includes a metal member affixed to a surface of the nonmetal panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. An isolator mount plate is secured to the frame in a manner permitting a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the frame in each of two directions. A vibration isolator is positioned between the metal member and the frame. A region of the isolator mount plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between the region of the isolator mount plate and the metal member, the region of the isolator mount plate providing a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the metal member in a third direction.

Abstract: Self-supporting structures are assembled from hollow construction members, particularly inflatable balls made of a durable resilient material.

Abstract: A mounting structure wherein a buffer member has a body portion, and a leg portion which is extended from the body portion and engaged with a recess, wherein the body portion has a plurality of first convex portions which are arranged around a center axis of the body portion at regular intervals and abut against a vehicle body, a plurality of first concave portions each of which is formed between the adjacent first convex portions, a plurality of second convex portions which are arranged around the center axis of the body portion 61 at regular intervals and abut the fuel tank, and a plurality of second concave portions each of which is formed between the adjacent second convex portions, and wherein the first convex portion is formed corresponding to the second concave portion, and the second convex portion is formed corresponding to the first concave portion, is provided.

Abstract: A flexure for tilting having a neck which lies between a pair of cylindrical openings, each of which has a cross-sectional shape which is curved and elongated. A gimbal capable of tilting around mutually perpendicular axes which incorporates the flexure.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a position arrangement device includes at least one joint module between a first base and a second base. The at least one joint module is configured to adjust a position of the second base relative to the first base based on elastic flexion in the joint module.

Abstract: An inertial navigation device for fitting to an article that bears intermittently against a surface, the device comprising an inertial unit having at least one inertial sensor, and mechanical connection means connecting the inertial unit to the article, wherein the connection means are arranged to provide mechanical coupling between the inertial unit and the article when the article is not bearing against the surface and to provide mechanical decoupling therebetween when the article is bearing against the surface, in such a manner that the inertial unit is substantially stationary relative to the surface when the article is bearing against the surface. A shoe and equipment provided with such a device.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a floating module to a beached module of a modular wharf, the connector comprising: a resilient member adapted for resiliently opposing movement of the floating module toward the beached module; a sliding connector for slidably connecting said floating module to said beached module to allow vertical movement of the floating module relative to the beached module during tides of said body of water while restricting horizontal and lateral movement of said floating module.

Abstract: A self-retaining structural support fastener that grips a portion of rigid tile material and aligns the tile material in a planar direction to form structures. The invention more specifically relates to a plastic, acrylic, rubber or polymeric clip that is formed in U, T, X, I or L shapes and provides for an attachment of one or more clips together to form fasteners of various shapes in various planar directions, the fasteners to be used to fabricate multi-dimensional representative environmental constructs that simulate modular, multilevel structures and man-made and natural environments.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, the metal joint comprising: multiple first attachment portions attached to one of the subject members; a second attachment portion attached to an other of the subject members; and multiple plate portions connecting between the first attachment portions and the second attachment portion to each other, wherein an attachment direction of each of the first attachment portions with respect to one subject member and an attachment direction of the second attachment portion with respect to the other subject member are set so that a surfaces of the plate portions follow a direction of the relative displacement.

Abstract: A fastening structure of a resin roof panel is disclosed for fastening a sunshade housing thereto. The sunshade housing includes an attaching portion. The roof panel includes coupling portions. The attaching portion and the coupling portions are fastened to each other by combined members. Each combined member is formed by combining a fastening bolt and a plate spring, and is inserted in an elongated hole. Each combined member permits the attaching portion and the associated coupling portion to be relatively displaced along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, and permits the attaching portion and the associated coupling portion to be relatively displaced along the axial direction of the fastening bolt through elastic deformation of the associated plate spring.

Abstract: In general, implementations of the present invention include devices, systems, and components for attaching a modular element to a lateral surface at a variety of different angles. In particular, implementations of the present invention comprise a connector module having a modular element interface on one end and a lateral surface interface on an opposing end. A flexible tip seal is located at the lateral surface interface of the connector module. The flexible tip seal enables an assembler to attach a modular element to a desired lateral structure at a variety of different angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment feature for attaching a molded shell to another part, and a method of forming the same. More specifically, it relates to the formation of a molded attachment feature for attaching a molded shell, such as an engine cover, an air duct, or an electrical unit, to a supporting part, such as an engine block, a vehicle frame, or a battery tray. The attachment feature includes a first pocket defined in the molding process by a primary core and a second pocket defined in the molding process by a secondary core.

Abstract: A fixing element (470) that enables an electronic unit (440) to be fixed on the inside of a tire-wheel assembly, on the tubular insert (433) of an inflation valve (430) of the tire-wheel assembly, the fixing element comprising: an interface piece (471) comprising means to establish a connection with the tubular insert of the valve and a housing (488) for a seal (460); at least one container (473) holding or designed to hold the electronic unit; and at least one attachment piece(472) that enables elastic coupling between the interface piece and the container. A method for mounting an electronic unit (440) on a tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint includes a first retaining base, a connecting rod, a positioning plate, and at least two elastic members. The connecting rod is movably connected to the first retaining base. The positioning plate is fixed to the connecting rod. The at least two elastic members are disposed between the first retaining base and the positioning plate. The at least two elastic members are arranged along a circumference of the connecting rod.

Abstract: A securement device is provided for securing articles such as collapsed shipping racks together for maintaining their stability and alignment. The device includes a tether that is connectable between adjacent shipping racks to secure the racks together, and that provides a clear visual indication that the racks are secured. A securement device affixed to a collapsible shipping rack may further comprise a bracket member and upper and lower pin members coupled to the bracket member, with the tether having first and second opposite end portions and the first end portion of the tether being coupled to one of the upper and lower pin members, and the second end portion being releasably attachable to another securement device of another collapsible shipping rack adjacently stacked relative to the first collapsible shipping rack.

Abstract: Windshield wiper device (400) for a motor vehicle with at least one wiper bearing (42) and a fastening element (44) that is connected to a vehicle body, wherein a decoupling element (43) for decoupling noise is arranged between the at least one wiper bearing (42) and the fastening element (44), wherein the decoupling element (43) and/or the wiper bearing (42) is detachably connected to the fastening element (44).

Abstract: A medical supply unit including a carrier with longitudinal edges and longitudinal faces is provided such that the longitudinal faces are provided with openings at the faces of which resilient fastener elements are provided. These resilient fastener elements engage in built-in modules forming a part of one of the longitudinal faces in order to form a positive connection with the built-in modules.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention relates to a pump unit comprising a discharge connection (3) and a pump, the pump comprising a pump housing (7), and a claw (6) connectable to the pump housing (7), the pump unit having at least two contact interfaces, a first contact interface between an outlet of the pump housing (7) and an inlet of the discharge connection (3) and a second contact interface between the claw (6) and the exterior of the discharge connection (3). Furthermore, the at least one energy absorbing element (8, 9) is disposed at, at least, one of the contact interfaces, and wherein the pump and the discharge connection. (3) at said at least one contact interface are spaced apart by means of said energy absorbing element (8, 9). The invention also relates to a pump and a discharge connection (3).

Abstract: A flexible spinal fixation device having a flexible metallic connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes at least two securing members configured to be inserted into respective adjacent spinal pedicles, each securing member each including a coupling assembly. The fixation device further includes a flexible metal connection unit configured to be received and secured within the coupling assemblies of each securing member so as to flexibly stabilize the affected area of the spine.

Abstract: A device for fastening an add-on part, which is formed with tongue-like projections, to a support part has members (1, 2) which are connected to one another. At least a number of the members (1, 2) has a cage wall (3) which surrounds a receiving space (14) and on which is formed a ramp structure (13) which projects into the receiving space (14) and has an inclined piece, which rises obliquely from an inlet side to an outlet side of the respective member (1, 2), and a stop piece. The stop piece has a greater spacing from a contact side of the cage wall (3) than that region of the inclined piece which is adjacent to the inlet side. In this way, when the ramp structure (13) is in engagement with pins which are attached to the support part, the members (1, 2) press against the tongue-like projections and fasten the add-on part to the support part.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for transferring a reciprocating movement from one element to another element releasably mountable thereto. The interface comprises at least three interface points, at least two of which being laterally spaced apart, and at least two of which being longitudinally spaced apart. Motion means provides a reciprocating movement, which is transferred from the one element to the other element via at least one of the interface points. The interface point(s) transferring the movement comprises contact portions having curved contact surfaces, such that the curved contact surfaces are in abutment with opposing contact surfaces of the interface point when the elements are mounted, thereby transferring the reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A vertical spring wedge restores a tight fitup against an adjacent structure, such as between an inlet mixer and an adjacent restrainer bracket in a boiling water nuclear reactor jet pump. The vertical spring wedge includes a U-shaped bracket including a pair of guiding portions and a pair of bracket holes. A pair of wedge assemblies are coupled with the bracket, each of the wedge assemblies including a wedge segment attached to a spring-loaded guide rod. The guide rods are displaceable in the bracket holes between a retracted position and an extended position. The wedge segments engage the guiding portions, and a combination of the bracket and wedge assemblies have a first width when the guide rods are in the retracted position and have a second width wider than the first width when the guide rods are in the extended position.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (20) of the type for transmitting motion in a curved path by a flexible core element (22) in a conduit (24) is secured to a support structure (76) having a U-shaped slot. A coupling body (36) surrounds the core element (22) and is surrounded by a support body (66) for attachment to the support structure (76). A flange (42) extends radially about the coupling body (36) and is disposed axially between a first and second ends (38, 40) of the coupling body (36). First and second isolators (52, 54) surround the coupling body (36) on opposite sides of the flange (42) and include first and second ribs (63, 64) projecting radially from first and second head portions (61, 62) of the isolators (52, 54). The first and second ribs (63, 64) contact an inner radial surface (122) of the support body (66) thereby spacing the first and second head portions (61, 62) from the support body (66).

Abstract: A rotation supporting mechanism for rotating a main body and a cover in a plane direction while overlapping the cover from a closed position at which the main body and the cover are overlapped and closed, includes a pivot portion forming an axis of a rotation of the plane direction, an eccentric cam pivoted to the pivot portion and rotated eccentrically in the plane direction, and a pressing means brought into contact with the eccentric cam so as to press the eccentric cam. A rotation smoothening member smoothening a rotation is interposed between the pivot portion and the eccentric cam.

Abstract: The present invention provides attachment devices and methods based upon the concept of vertical, instead of horizontal, locking forces for attachment of a device to an object. In some embodiments, spring force is employed as the actual locking mechanism, and insertion and desertion forces are designed into the spring. The spring may be designed so that the insertion force is less than the desertion force.

Abstract: A linear guide, in particular for a device for electrochemical metal machining, that guides a linear movement of a quill that is moved periodically in a machine frame in order to periodically modify a working gap between a cathode situated on the quill and a workpiece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the quill, the quill being connected to the machine frame by a plurality of connecting rods, the connecting rods being situated, in the no-load, non-deflected state, essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the quill , and the connecting rods having at the point of connection to the quill, as well as at the point of connection to the machine frame, a notch hinge in order to enable, via the hinge, the periodic linear movement of the quill, and the flexibilities of these notch hinges being based on elasticities in their structures formed by targeted thinning of the material.

Abstract: A specialized coupling device and method for connecting a rigid coupling terminal to specialized composite tubing having a semi-rigid outer tubing combined with an expandable flexible inner tubing with fluid pressure integrity, in a manner which combines fluid pressure integrity with vertical and horizontal load support capability. The end portion of the outer shell of the composite tubing is tapered, with a short portion of the inner tubing extending beyond the taper, both being compatible with the interior of the coupling terminal, together with one or more o-rings positioned within the coupling terminal and around the exposed end of the inner tubing, in combination with an adhesive. An optional interior retaining collet may be inserted from the terminal end within the composite tubing, positioned within the interior circumference of the composite tubing.

Abstract: A mechanical wedge mechanism comprising base member, output member, and movable wedge member in which frictional connections between mutually movable mechanical members are replaced with shear deformations in elastomeric shims connecting respective surfaces of the members, thus effectively reducing frictional losses in the mechanism.

Abstract: A flexure based linear bearing includes top and bottom parallel rigid plates; first and second flexures connecting the top and bottom plates and constraining exactly four degrees of freedom of relative motion of the plates, the four degrees of freedom being X and Y axis translation and rotation about the X and Y axes; and a strut connecting the top and bottom plates and further constraining exactly one degree of freedom of the plates, the one degree of freedom being one of Z axis translation and rotation about the Z axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable rod and a tent made from the rod. The retractable rod comprises a multitude of rigid skeleton joints having two axial end surfaces and side surfaces. The joints are connected through the convex-concave connection by two flexible ropes passing through the holes of the joints to form a rod. There is a storage compartment locating at one end of the rod which winds and stores the rod therein. The storage compartment comprises a shaft, a rod storage sleeve which is in an intermittent drive mode fixed to the shaft; one end of the two flexible ropes passes through the rod storage sleeve and is fixed to the shaft. The rod storage sleeve is supported and rotates between two rope-protecting boards. A tension part locates at the other end of the rod and the other end of the two flexible ropes is fixed to the tension part. The advantage of the invention is that the tent made from the retractable rod occupies a small storage space.

Abstract: A resilient flexure has one end attached within a cavity in a rigid member, and the other end attached within a cavity in a structural mode. The cavities are shaped to limit the flexure's bend radius. The member and the node have mating surfaces that abut to constrain the amount of rotation of the member. The aforementioned elements are shaped to prevent the strain in the flexure from exceeding its design limit when the joint is at its maximum angular deflection and the attached member is fully collapsed.

Abstract: A seismic joint, for covering a gap (4) defined between a first (2) and a second (3) structural element, comprises: a first anchoring portion (6a) to be steadily associated with the first structural element (2); a first interconnecting portion (6b) rotatably connected to the first anchoring portion (6a); a covering element (5) having a first end (5a) rotatably in engagement with the interconnecting element (6b) and a second end (5b) able to be engaged in a slidably supported relationship on the second structural element (3).

Abstract: A rotation support mechanism and a portable terminal having a rotation support function that allows a cover to semi-automatically open from a closed position to an open position in a horizontal or a vertical position, enabling a user to open the cover to a desired open position by one hand and one-touch operation. The rotation support mechanism allows the cover to rotate from the closed position at which a vertically long body and the cover are closed in a superposed manner to the open position at which the cover is stopped after it is rotated by a certain angle in a plane in which the body and the cover are superposed on each other. The rotation of the cover integral with an eccentric cam can be stopped at rotation positions of multiple stages in the horizontal or the vertical position by a pressing means that presses, in the plane, the cam surface of the eccentric cam.

Abstract: A pin assembly for releasably maintaining an adapter and replaceable part or tool of a two-part digging system in operable combination relative to each other. The pin assembly includes a pair of axially aligned retaining pins whose opposed ends are arranged in operable combination relative to each other. Each retaining pin has an enlarged head portion configured to fit within one of the openings defined by the tool, and a shank portion. An axially arranged and rotatable fastener maintains the opposed distal ends of the pins in releasably secured relation relative to each other. A method for releasably maintaining the digging tooth/tool and adapter is operable combination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radial-hinge mechanism includes one or more elongated members arranged and interconnected into a unique, geometry-based, closed-loop assembly often resembling a multi-point star when in its fully-closed mode. The mechanism's signature function is its variable nature of pivoting open from a centralized hinge-core as its substantially circular inner-aperture concurrently contracts in its own circular dimensions. Additionally, the mechanism has a natural susceptibility to spring-biasing techniques to further modify its versatility and performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard connector assembly for a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey or lacrosse helmet. The face guard includes a plurality of elongated bar members that intersect to define a grid. The connector assembly removably connects the face guard to the helmet shell. The connector assembly includes a bracket having at least one channel configured to receive a portion of the face guard. The connector assembly further includes a shock absorber assembly that distributes an impact force at the face guard to the shell in an omni-directional manner. The shock absorber assembly includes an elastomeric grommet, a bushing, and a nut, each have an opening. When aligned, the openings collectively define a passageway configured to receive a fastener that secures the connector assembly to the sports helmet. The helmet shell has opposed side portions with each side portion having a mounting aperture that receives an extent of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: A wearable book. A wearable book, comprising a plurality of pages and a loop adapted for encircling a body portion for attaching said pages to the body, is provided. The pages are preferably bound together at one edge and preferably are of substantially the same size. The loop preferably has at least about 50% elasticity for stretching the loop over a second body portion such as a hand having a substantially larger circumference than a first body portion such as a wrist, and thereafter snugly circumferentially contacting the first body portion to secure the book in place.

Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.

Abstract: A tubular assembly that includes a plug (45) residing within at least a portion of each of a first tube (12) and a second tube (30), is described. Each of the first and second tubes have perforations (21 and 39) that are separately aligned with cavities (51) in the exterior surface (48) of the plug (45). Plastic material (54) is molded separately through the perforations (21 and 39) of the first and second tubes (12 and 30) and at least partially fills the cavities (51) of the plug (45). The edges (24) of the perforations (21) of the first tube (12), and the edges (42) of the perforations (39) of the second tube (30) are embedded in the plastic material (54) extending therethrough, thereby fixedly attaching the first and second tubes to the plug therein.

Abstract: A flexible strap restraint assembly including a hollow tubular strap, a connector pin device for connecting the end of the strap to a suction cup base assembly. The connector pin includes an extent of reduced cross sectional area between the suction cup and the strap end providing a living hinge to allow the strap to be directed in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: A system for precisely positioning and moving a platform relative to a support structure is disclosed herein. The platform is particularly suitable for carrying wafers. Charged particle optics can be attached to the support structure. The platform positioning system comprises a stage, comprising a base, a platform and stage actuators, the stage actuators being coupled to the platform and the platform being coupled to the base; a frame attached to the base; a support structure mechanically coupled to the frame; stage sensors attached to the support structure, for sensing the position of the platform relative to the support structure; and a current control system coupled to the stage sensors and the stage actuators. The current control system may include a predictor for generating an ouptut signal anticipating the actual position of the platform relative to the support structure in real time.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to connecting elements for mechanically connecting constructive elements (2, 3). It is proposed to use an elastically deformable tensioning element (10), comprising a spring material consisting of a superelastic shape memory alloy, in particular a nickel-titanium alloy, elastically expanded in the tensioning element (10).

Abstract: A hermetic seal (10) for a limited rotation device (12) includes a plurality of vertical convolutes (18) bonded to a device housing (16) at their respective first ends (19). At their respective second ends (21), plurality of the vertical convolutes (18) are bonded to a plurality of horizontal convolutes (20). The plurality of horizontal convolutes (20) are bonded to a device shaft (14) at an end opposite of the plurality of vertical convolutes (18). The plurality of vertical convolutes (18) stretch in order to provide limited rotation and the horizontal convolutes (20) expand or contract to accommodate length changes of the plurality of vertical convolutes (18). The hermetic seal (10) permits limited rotation while defining a barrier (26) and preventing viscous fluid leakage to an external environment.

Abstract: A projecting portion 52 which becomes convex in radial direction is formed in a rubber elastic body 5 for connecting together an inner cylindrical body 3 mounted to a shaft portion 21a of a lower shift lever member 21 by external interfit and an outer cylindrical body 4 mounted to a cylindrical portion 22a of an upper shift lever member 22 by internal interfit. Formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 4 is a recessed portion 42 which becomes concave with clearances C1 and C2 of respective given amounts left between the recessed portion 42 and the projecting portion 52. This makes it possible to manufacture a shift lever bush 1 having a two-stage spring characteristic at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a liquid crystal polymer molded article which has an excellent low warpage and is able to be suitably used particularly as a connector or the like. That is, a molded article of a liquid crystal composition in which 100 parts by weight of a liquid crystal polymer (A) and 5-100 parts by weight of a non-fibrous filler (B) are compounded where the non-fibrous filler is so dispersed that, when a diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler is measured by a transmission method and a reflection method by means of a wide-angle X-ray diffraction, the diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler which can be confirmed by the reflection method is not confirmed by the transmission method.

Abstract: A lightweight spacer for mounting a vacuum brake booster on a panel provides integral flexible sealing lips to seal the interfaces between the panel, spacer, and booster. Integral retaining tabs are provided for holding the spacer in place on the booster during shipping and installation of the booster. Tubular inserts within the spacer are retained and cushioned against rattling by a thin web of material extending over the end of the insert.