Abstract: A modular elongated element (1), an intramodule tensile device (11), a pair of securing and linking devices (12), and an intermodule connector device (13), interconnected using the devices and methods disclosed herein, are used to construct a virtually limitless variety of inherently-tensile constructs. In the most elemental module, the intramodule tensile device (11) connects a pair of securing and linking devices (12) which are in turn secured to two ends (14) of the modular elongated element (1).

Abstract: A fastener for securing a tether of a curtain airbag to a vehicle. The fastener includes a border projecting essentiallly from the side of the fastener for locking the fastener to the vehicle. The fastener also has a vertically extending recess in one of the side walls for receiving the tether of the curtain airbag.

Abstract: A three-degree of motion joint comprising a translational joint, a first support member, a first rotational joint, and a second rotational joint. The translational joint allows a first component and a second component to move with respect to each other along the z-axis. The translational joint includes a first translational flexural member that connects a first member and a base member. The first support member is attached to the base member. The first rotational joint allows the first component and the second component to be moved with respect to each other in the &THgr;x direction. The first rotational joint includes a first rotational flexural member that is attached to the first member. The second rotational joint allows the first component and second component to move with respect to each other in the &THgr;y direction. The second rotational joint includes a second rotational flexural member attached to the first support member.

Abstract: A length-adjusting device for an elastic cord member is formed of a block body for the fastening of the elastic cord member. The block body has a first tunnel, a second tunnel and a third tunnel for enabling the elastic cord member to be inserted with one end thereof through the first tunnel and then detoured and inserted through the second tunnel and then detoured and inserted through the third tunnel and extended out of the third tunnel at a distance.

Abstract: A connector to attach cable or line to an article of gear whereby the cable or line is protected from fatigue through the use of a strain relief system and incorporates the ability to easily connect or disconnect the gear from the cable. The cable/line is permanently attached to the cable connection device with a knot or cable crimp. A strain relief for the cable/line is provided by a spring wrapped around the cable/line to prevent bending at the connection point, a heavy material coating around the cable/line again to prevent bending at the connection point, or a pivoting ball connection to allow the cable/line to move without bending the cable/line at the joint. A disconnect method is provided by a clipping system that allows the cable connection device to be connected or disconnected from the gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic shaft coupling having at least one torsion element (1) which comprises at least one elastomer body (5) serving as a transmission element. Axial metallic connecting flanges (2) are mounted in a fixed manner, preferably by vulcanization, on the input and output sides of the elastomer body. In order to increase the transmittable power density and to improve the rubber-metal connection in the edge areas of the connecting flanges (2), the invention provides that the connecting flanges (2) axially project outward with regard to the elastomer body (5) from the plane of the connecting flange while forming an arch at least on the radially extending edges (2a, 3a) of the connecting flanges between the elastomer body (5) and the connecting flanges (2), the edges being formed on the outer edges of connecting flange segments (2) and/or on the inner edges of passages (3) in the connecting flange (2).

Abstract: A brake wire connecting device for a stunt bike has an upper shell and a lower shell threadingly connected together to form a housing. A connector disposed inside the housing has two branch wires attached on the bottom portion of the connector and each of the branch wires extends out of the housing through two stepped bores defined inside the lower shell. A main wire has a first end mounted with a stub and a second end mounted with a stopper. The second end extends into the upper shell and is pivotally received in a slot defined in the connector. The upper shell and the lower shell are detachable which allows inspection and maintenance inside the housing, and also the main wire pivotally received is detachable from the connector such that replacing the main wire and the branch wires is possible.

Abstract: A fastener clip for securing a rubberized molding in a vehicle interior, the vehicle interior including a windshield and a spaced apart and extending edge of a dashboard assembly. The clip includes a body constructed of a spring steel stamping and having a specified three dimensional and substantially “U” shape with a base, first side and second side. A first pair of inwardly directed prongs extend from the first side and engage a first portion of the rubberized molding and a first location of the dashboard. A second pair of inwardly directed prongs extend from the second side and engage a second location of the dashboard. The fastener clip body affixes the first molding portion of the molding to the extending edge of the dashboard and so that a second extending portion of the molding extends in abutting fashion against a corresponding inner surface of the windshield.

Abstract: A flexural joint, in particular a flexural thrust joint suitable for precision stages and application requiring vacuum is disclosed herein. A two degree of freedom joint comprises: two joint elements, each with a load bearing surface; two flexures attached between the elements, such that the flexures are under tension when the joint is subject to a compressive load. The flexures are long and thin, such that they can twist and bend, giving the joint two degrees of freedom. A three degree of freedom joint comprises: a first joint element with a load bearing surface; a second joint element with a second load bearing surface; a third joint element; two first flexures attached between the second and third elements; two second flexures attached between the third and first elements, such that both the first and second flexures are under tension when the joint is subject to a compressive load.

Abstract: A system for precisely positioning and moving a platform, with at least four and preferably six degrees of freedom, relative to a frame is disclosed herein. The platform is particularly suitable for carrying wafers. Charged particle optics can be attached to the frame, in which case any point on the wafer can be positioned to within at least one micron relative to the charged particle optics. The charged particle optics may comprise multiple columns, each column generating at least one charged particle beam. The platform positioning system comprises a base; a frame attached to the base; a stage, comprising a platform and stage actuators, coupled to the base and the frame; stage sensors, for sensing the position of the stage relative to the frame, rigidly coupled to the frame; and a current control system coupled to the stage sensors and the stage actuators.

Abstract: In order to provide watertight properties between a spring socket (1) and a release socket (2) for a plug of a push-pull connector, a bellows expansion joint (5) is provided between the spring and release sockets. When the two sockets are spaced apart, the bellows expansion joint is in the rest (non-stressed) position. When the release socket is driven closer to the spring socket, a stress is exerted on the bellows expansion joint (6, 7). This helps to force back the release socket. By this structure, improvements are shown in the vibration resistance and, at the same time, in the watertightness of the plug of a push-pull connector.

Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and an outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.

Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a seismic brace to a support rod, such as for a cable tray, to inhibit movement of the rod during seismic activity. The connector comprises a metal connecting member having an upper portion and a lower portion joined at a juncture. Openings in the juncture, upper portion and lower portion define a slot for entry of the support rod into the slot. The connector further comprises a retainer inserted in a gap between the upper and lower portions. The retainer bridges the slot to retain the support rod in the slot. The connector permits bracing to be added without removal of the support rod from the tray and ensures that the brace remains attached during seismic activity, even where a retaining nut holding the connector to the support has become loosened.

Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement, especially for connecting a pressure plate to a housing, comprises a plurality of adjacent leaf spring elements, where each leaf spring element has a first attachment area for establishing the connection the pressure plate, a second attachment area for establishing the connection to the housing, and a connecting area extending between the first attachment area and the second attachment area. At least certain areas of at least two of the leaf spring elements are spaced apart between their first attachment area and their second attachment area.

Abstract: A position adjustment member of a sunshade includes two connecting holders and an adjusting part. The connecting holders are connected to a lower end of an upper part of a shank and an upper end of lower part of a shank of the sunshade respectively. The connecting holders each has a nut fixed thereto. The adjusting part has a covering part, a metallic part and two bolts. The bolts are connected to two ends of the covering part. The covering part is made of plastic or rubber. The metallic part has plasticity and is received in the covering part. The bolts are screwed into a respective one of the nuts. The adjustment part is bent for the sunshade to be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the sun.

Abstract: A load-sensing, multi-axis connector is disclosed which comprises a series of complimentary leaf springs, which are connected by load cells through spherical bearings. These leaf springs resist the axial displacement of their attached load cells, but are isolated from non-axial displacements and moments due to the spherical bearings. These leaf springs are attached to a first end connector and a second end connector, which are in turn attached to the two objects that are to be connected. Using the load-sensing, multi-axis connector, two objects can be connected, even where the two objects are undergoing high displacements, and the stresses caused by the relative displacement of the two objects can be monitored.

Abstract: A device for eliminating vibrations in motor vehicles, more particularly vibrations occurring in the steering wheel rim, includes a fastening plate and a vibratory body which is elastically connected to the fastening plate. An element is provided for limiting the amplitudes of vibration of the vibratory body, this element being coated with a vibration-damping material and being able to abut at a counter clement. The counter element is provided with a rough surface in a region of contact with the element.

Abstract: The planar flexible pivot is constituted by an axial stacking of unitary modules each forming a monolithic unit comprising two coplanar, rigid linking elements positioned substantially so as to face each other and being connected diagonally by an essentially rectilinear flexible band. Application to elastic hinges, especially cross-band pivots.

Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly 10 for use with a vehicle having a wheel 11. Assembly 10 includes a tie rod 12, a knuckle 14 having an integrally formed knuckle arm 16, and a ball joint 18 which rotatably couples the tie rod 12 to the knuckle arm 16. Tie rod 12 includes an outer end 24 having an integrally formed ball socket 26 and a pair of opposed and outwardly extending members 28, 30, which include a pair of orthogonally projecting foot members or “feet” 32, 34. Knuckle arm 16 includes an end portion 40 which is attached to a ball stud 44. Ball stud 44 is mated with socket 26 and cooperatively forms ball joint 18. End portion 40 includes a generally circular bottom surface 52 disposed in a substantially parallel relationship to “feet” 32, 34. Two resilient elements or “pads” 62, 64 are abuttingly disposed between “feet” 32, 34 and surface 52.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for connecting a blade (7) to the lower edge (6) of a snow-clearing device, such that the blade is given an acute, cutting angle to the base and can be folded backwards, thereby avoiding damage when running into an obstacle, and automatically resume its cutting angle after passing the obstacle. The holder comprises a trilateral hollow beam (1), the three sides of the beam forming respectively: a first fixing element (3) which is adapted to be fixed to the lower edge (6) of the snow-clearing device; a second fixing element (4) which is adapted to engage the back of the blade (7), and a support element (5) connecting the other two elements (3, 4). At least the second fixing element (4) and the support element (5) are made of an elastic polymer material.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°). The base bracket is bent at an angle of 45° from the horizontal which provides extra strength and resistance to lifting from the horizontal according to I.C.B.O. tests. The locking bracket has a conforming bend.

Abstract: A sticker transfer mechanism for a lumber stacker has a swing-away transfer arm for transferring stickers from a sticker conveyor to pans on stacking forks. An arm segment is pivotally mounted to a base section to form the swing-away transfer arm. The pivotal mounting of the arm segment permits the arm segment to pivot when encountering an obstruction.

Abstract: A shaft coupling (1) has at least one elastic torque transmission element (4) in a single piece to which connecting elements (3) are fixed at the driving and driven sides. In order to increase the stressability due to the thermal stresses on the elastic transmission elements (4) and thus to ensure higher power densities with smaller volumes, at least one cooling element (6) made of a good heat-conducting material is non-detachably embedded in the transmission element (4). The cooling element (6) extends through a core zone of maximum heat generation and through a relatively cooler outer zone of the transmission element (4).

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting a pair of rotating elements, comprising a body part (10) adapted at each end to receive part of the rotating elements, and comprising four slits (20a) each slit being longitudinally and angularly spaced from the other slits, each slit terminating in a concave face (24). The invention provides advantages over known flexible couplings since the provision of arcuate and concave end faces on each slit produces an increased material overlap with adjacent slits which decreases variations in torsional stiffness but does not affect the flexibility of the coupling.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for flexibly connecting two rotary drive shafts includes a first coupling flange connected to the first shaft, a second coupling flange connected to the second shaft, a flexible disk arranged between the two coupling flanges, and four connector bolts that respectively connect the two flanges to the flexible disk. A first pair of the bolts is securely connected to the first flange and to the flexible disk, while passing with free play through a clearance hole in the second flange. A second pair of the bolts is securely connected to the second flange and to the flexible disk, while passing with free play through a clearance hole in the first flange. In ordinary operation, the connection and force transmission between the coupling flanges is carried out through the flexible disk.

Abstract: A toilet brush is provided which includes an elongated handle having a first axis, a brush head having a second axis, and a flexible joint flexibly connecting the handle to the brush head. The joint is threadedly connected to at least one of the brush head and the handle, whereby the joint allows the second axis of the brush head to be deflected with respect to the first axis of the handle. The brush head may also include first and second sets of segregated bristles. The second set of bristles being longer, stiffer and disposed closer to the handle than the first set of bristles.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing walking stick includes a longitudinally elongated body having two separate coaxial sections. A first or lower section is connected to a second or upper section which has a handle attached thereto. A tubular connecting element is utilized to connect the first section to the second section. The tubular connecting element formed of two members each having a bifurcated tubular portion with a flange encircling the tubular portion. An elastic tubular element is inserted between the opposing flanges of the two members. This arrangement allowing for a cushioning effect permitting relative movement between the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: An end effector has a base on one end for mounting to an end of a robot. A mount plate is fastened to the base. The end effector also has a cylindrical body to which is mounted a mating plate. Each of these components have axial holes which align with one another. The mount plate has a pair of precision-ground bumps which mate with a pair of dimples in the mating plate. One matched bump and dimple pair is smaller in diameter than the other pair to facilitate alignment between the base and the body. The end effector also has a retaining extension spring which extends between the base and the body in tension. During routine operation, the robot moves the end effector and a tool fixture at its distal end to assemble components such as in a pick-and-place tasks. In the event that the end effector crashes into an object, the body will rotate away from the base and the bumps slide out of the dimples. The spring keeps the parts together as the base remains rigidly mounted to the robot arm and the body deflect away.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint of the present invention comprises an elastic member, a slide sleeve and a stopper. The elastic member is composed of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer etc and held on an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion fixedly provided on the cylindrical member. The slide sleeve is made using a low-friction material such as a synthetic resin, an oil-impregnated metal etc, held on an inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and elastically pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the shaft by an elasticity of the elastic member. The stopper is provided between the shaft and the cylindrical member, permits the shaft and the cylindrical member to slightly displace in the axial and rotating directions, and hinders the displacement in the rotating direction beyond a predetermined angle enough to damage the elastic member and the slide sleeve.

Abstract: Two composite parts, such as sheet and a hollow gas turbine liner tile, are fastened together using a fastening system that includes a journal bearing that fits in a bore in the sheet and springs to support a bolt fastener that is tightened to hold the parts together. Resilient spacers are placed between the sheet and the liner. The springs may comprise a stack of rings, each ring being a tightly wound helical spring, giving the ring a hollow cross section and resilient qualities.

Abstract: A flexible joint for a vehicle frame having at least two (2) frame members. The flexible joint comprises a resilient, flexible member defining a longitudinal axis. Attached to the flexible member is a pair of adaptor members. The adaptor members are attachable to respective ones of the frame members such that the flexible member extends between and interconnects the frame members in a manner wherein the resilient bending of the flexible member along its longitudinal axis facilitates the pivotal movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members. The flexible member is further adapted to resist torsional movement along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for the guidance, in rectilinear translation in a given direction, of an object that is mobile in relation to a fixed object, comprises a first parallelogram, called an intermediate parallelogram, and a second parallelogram, called a guidance parallelogram, opposite the first parallelogram. The guidance device comprises a motion reduction lever that is fixed at a first end to the fixed base by a first flexible reduction band; at a second end to the rigid guidance element by a second flexible reduction band; in its middle to the intermediate rigid element by a third flexible reduction band. The disclosed device can be applied to objects in rectilinear translation.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90.degree.).

Abstract: A yoke of a universal joint for a steering apparatus, the yoke including a coupling member made by press-shaping a metallic plate and formed into the shape of a tube having a split in a circumferential portion thereof and a serration on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The coupling member has one end portion, having a partially cylindrical portion and a pair of flange portions integral with the partially cylindrical portion with the split interposed therebetween, and a substantially cylindrical coupling portion at another end portion thereof. Notably, the substantially cylindrical coupling portion has a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the partially cylindrical portion. The coupling member further includes a threaded hole formed in one of the flange portions, and a through hole formed in the other of the flange portions and coaxial with the threaded hole for passing a bolt to be threadably engaged with the threaded hole.

Abstract: A bracket for joining tables and/or table tops, includes a first bracket member adapted for attachment to one table or table top and having at least one hook-like projection, a second bracket member adapted for attachment to another table or table top to be joined and having at least two hook-like projections for so cooperating with the first bracket member that the projection of the first bracket member interlocks between the projections of the second bracket member. A connection element made of elastic and deformable material is placed between the projections of the first and second bracket members such that the projections of the first and second bracket members partially encompass the connection element, with the connection element generating a clamping force acting upon the projections of the first and second bracket members while being subject to an elastic deformation, thereby bracing the first and second bracket members with one another.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved thermal printer with a rigid frame made from a main frame plate with compound bends and a base plate, record member supply roll mounting and guide devices, an ink ribbon and record member web feed control system, a print head assembly, and improved ink ribbon cores and spindles.

Abstract: A molten metal pumping device is disclosed that comprises a pump base including at least one input port, a pump chamber, and a discharge leading to an output port. A rotor is retained within the chamber and is connected to a rotor shaft. The device further includes a superstructure attached to and positioned above the pump housing, a motor on the superstructure, a drive shaft connected to the motor and a coupling connecting the drive shaft to the rotor shaft. The rotor extends beyond the input port to deflect solid particles thereby reducing jams and preferably is a dual-flow rotor, directing molten metal both into the chamber and out through the discharge. The coupling is flexible and has two coupling members with a flexible disc disposed therebetween. Another aspect of the invention is a housing for a transfer pump that includes a discharge leading to an output port and a button adaptor extending from the discharge.

Abstract: In an apparatus known as a wire bonder, a new type of one-piece joint element (20) is used as the articulated link (G) between a support unit (pivoting rocker 30) and a bonding unit (10) that carries a capillary (12). One or more such joint elements (20) define a virtual pivot axis (A2) for the unit (10), which lies outside the unit and thus provides a passage in the apparatus wide enough for relatively wide workpieces (chips 1 on substrate 2). A joint element (20a) is made in one piece and has at least two elastically flexible blades (22a) converging toward each other relative to a symmetry plane (S), and the blades are connected to each other by two rigid sections (23a, 24a). One of the rigid sections (23a) is attached to (and removable from) the support unit (30), the other (24a) is attached to (and removable from) the bonding unit (10), so that the joint element (20) is easy to fit or exchange.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a frame member on one side of a vehicle chassis on the adjacent end of an axle includes first and second frame brackets, a single-leaf leaf spring, a leaf spring attachment member and a wear plate. The first and second frame brackets are mounted to the frame member on the outer sides thereof. The front end of the single-leaf leaf spring is pivotally connected to the frame member at the first frame bracket and the rear end thereof is connected to the frame member at the second frame bracket. The leaf spring attachment member mounts to the rear end of the leaf spring and connects the leaf spring with the second frame bracket. The leaf spring attachment member includes an arcuate upper surface and a bottom surface. A rebound bolt connects the rear end of the leaf spring and the leaf spring attachment member with the second frame bracket and restricts the movement of the leaf spring to a controlled range.

Abstract: A toilet brush having a handle portion and a scrubbing portion is provided. A flexible connection is provided between the handle portion and the scrubbing portion. A deflection limiter is located in proximity to the connection which limits deflection of the scrubbing portion in a first direction relative to the handle portion.

Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member at a bending site which is surrounded by a longitudinally flexible, substantially non-twistable encasement. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body and substantially without torsion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved thermal printer with a rigid frame made from a main frame plate with compound bends and a base plate, record member supply roll mounting and guide devices, an ink ribbon and record member web feed control system, a print head assembly, and improved ink ribbon cores and spindles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife ring joint, the purpose whereof is to reduce mechanical friction and to increase weighing accuracy in a scale which is used in the casting of molten material. The knife ring is designed to be pressed in a ring-like fashion against a cylinder surface serving as the countersurface, and any motion in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the cylinder surface is prevented by of a flexible element.

Abstract: An attachment for a noise-and-vibration dampening fixing of a windshield wiper system to a vehicle body comprises a fastening eye with a circular aperture for receiving a rubber-elastic, hollow, cylindrical, noise-and-vibration dampening element with circumferential annular groove on its outside surface. Good stability of the attachment and its easy assembling are achieved in that, proceeding from the circular aperture, an open break extends through an edge, raised in an approximately perpendicular manner, so that a web is fastened on yoke tongues of a resulting yoke opening and bridges the yoke opening. The dampening element is insertable sideways through the yoke opening as far as into the aperture.

Abstract: A handrail connector for a pair of longitudinally spaced apart handrails having ends defining openings, the connector including a flexible bar having ends sized to be fitted within opposing openings of the handrails and being adapted to be retained with the openings upon movement of either of the handrails. The flexible bar includes a stop secured at its center and two biasing members placed on opposite sides of the stop. The biasing members provide a pushing force between the stop and each of the handrail ends to center the handrail connector between the handrail ends.

Abstract: A flexible corner connector is provided for use in holding frame members of a structure together. The flexible connector includes a first rigid end portion having threaded surfaces adapted for receiving a threaded nut. A second rigid end portion has an enlarged head at a distal end thereof. An elongated flexible member is attached to and extends between the first and second rigid end portions. A spike washer is engageable on the first rigid end portion. The first rigid end portion and spike washer are shaped and configured for mated engagement with one another to prevent rotation of the first rigid end portion. The spike washer has at least two projections outwardly extending for engagement into a frame member.

Abstract: A flex joint for a vehicle frame has a flexible member fabricated of a durable material and a body formed upon the flexible member. The body is configured to define a desired bending of the flexible member. Either the flexible member or the body is configured for attachment to two vehicle frame members so as to interconnect the frame members relative to each other and so as to facilitate movement of one of the frame members relative to the other of the frame members substantially according to the desired bending defined by the body.

Abstract: A coupling includes a metal body having a cavity for receiving the end of a tube. The coupling has an electrically conductive, resilient member which is in electrical contact with the metal body and one part of which is intended to exert a resilient force on the outer surface of the tube so as to establish electrical contact with the tube.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°).