Abstract: To facilitate the casting of stronger and more precise steel reinforced concrete members and also to facilitate the formation and field joining of such members there is provided a bar splice which comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve open at one end to form an axially elongated chamber to receive a steel reinforcing bar telescoped therein, and provided with internal threads at the other end whereby a threaded bar end may be secured to the other end, and when secured sealing the other end of the chamber. The threads are preferably tapered and the chamber includes inwardly extending axially spaced annular ribs. Lateral ports are provided at each end of the chamber. The wall thickness of the chamber adjacent the threaded end of the sleeve may be increased to improve tensile capabilities. The length of the chamber is most of the splice sleeve since the threaded connection occupies little axial space.

Abstract: A variable length shaft assembly suitable for motor vehicle steering systems including a tubular outer shaft of non-circular cross section and a solid inner shaft of corresponding non-circular cross section telescoped inside of the outer shaft. A U-shaped metal spring is disposed over the solid shaft adjacent an outboard end of the tubular shaft with opposite legs of the spring in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft. A monolithic plastic sleeve is in situ molded on the tubular shaft and includes an integral lip closely surrounding the solid shaft. The integral lip captures the relative angular positions of the shafts about a longitudinal centerline of the assembly, i.e. delashes the shafts, defines a slide bearing between the shafts, and rigidly encases the spring. The surfaces of the legs of the spring which bear against the solid shaft are exposed after the sleeve is in situ molded and define wear plates on the integral plastic lip which protect the lip against abrasion.

Abstract: A street identification sign and supporting post assembly designed to be essentially theftproof and vandalproof. The sign boards are preferably made of cast aluminum and contain an integrally cast elongated rod that is also cast into the open top of the supporting post. The various components of the assembly are all integrally joined together with cast metal into a unitary street sign structure or assembly. Also disclosed is a method for producing the unitary structure or assembly using aluminum castings.

Abstract: An air bag device for a driver seat is formed of a retainer composed of a main plate portion having an opening for mounting an inflator and mounting pieces extending uprightly from peripheral edges of the main plate portion, an air bag having a rear end connected to the retainer, an inflator mounted on the retainer, and a module cover for covering the air bag, the retainer being made of a synthetic resin, and the rear end of the air bag being secured to the retainer by embedding the rear end in the retainer. In an air bag for a passenger seat, a container for the air bag is made of a synthetic resin to secure the rear end of the air bag to the container.

Abstract: A bicycle frame is made of frame tubes interconnected together by metal connectors at opposite ends of the frame tubes. The frame tubes each consist of a carbon fiber tube and metal connecting members at opposite ends of the carbon fiber tube. The metal connecting members are threaded onto sockets on the connectors. The carbon fiber tubes and the metal connecting members are interengaged by annular grooves on the connecting members and interfitting annular flanges on the carbon fiber tubes. The connecting members may be welded to the connectors through end notches in the connecting members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable fastening device e.g. for an axially-shaped, tubular, flat or spherical tool or working piece or machine part or a like of a desired shape. The device includes: a body section (1), a clamping means (2), mounted within the body section (1) and at least partly pressable/squeezable indirectly or directly against a piece (10) to be fastened. Between the body section (1) and the clamping is provided a space (3), which is pregreased for a medium effecting said pressing/squeezing. The medium comprises in situ cast elastomer (5) whereby, upon the application of pressure on elastomer by means of a screw, a piston or the like, said elastomer (5) delivers by way of its displacement and/or deformation said pressure to clamping means (2) which thus presses/squeezes against a piece (10) to be fastened and, upon releasing said pressure, the elastomer (5) returns to its initial state.

Abstract: A method for forming an fixing end portion of a composite rope comprises the steps of mounting a mold on an end portion of the rope, pouring a molten metal in a cavity defined between the end portion of the rope and the mold under pressure, covering a predetermined part of the end portion of the rope with a cast metal formed from the molten metal, cold-pressing the cast metal and fixing the portion coated with the cast metal to a fixing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable fastening device e.g. for an axially-shaped, tubular, flat or spherical tool or working piece or machine part or a like of a desired shape. The device includes: a body section (1), a clamping means (2), mounted within the body section (1) and at least partly pressable/squeezable indirectly or directly against a piece (10) to be fastened. Between the body section (1) and the clamping is provided a space (3), which is pregreased for a medium effecting said pressing/squeezing. The medium comprises in situ cast elastomer (5) whereby, upon the application of pressure on elastomer by means of a screw, a piston or the like, said elastomer (5) delivers by way of its displacement and/or deformation said pressure to clamping means (2) which thus presses/squeezes against a piece (10) to be fastened and, upon releasing said pressure, the elastomer (5) returns to its initial state.

Abstract: A motion transmitting coupling link comprises a metal base element having a flattened end portion having a through hole in which a ball socket is anchored. The ball socket is moulded in position and is made of a plastics material.Radial slits extend outwardly from the edge of the hole, so as to define tongues which are bent out from the plane of the end portion. The invention is especially applicable to use in windshield wiper linkages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a lanyard to a handle of the type used with inflators. The lanyard is captured in sandwiched relation between the opposite halves of the handle at the time the handle is molded. A pair of confronting lanyard-receiving members are positioned along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the handle, and the lanyard is placed between them. Plugs that force the lanyard to follow a serpentine path of travel are positioned along the length of each lanyard-receiving member when the molding process begins and the plugs are removed when the handle is completed.

Abstract: A method for forming an fixing end portion of a composite rope comprises the steps of mounting a mold on an end portion of the rope, pouring a molten metal in a cavity defined between the end portion of the rope and the mold under pressure, covering a predetermined part of the end portion of the rope with a cast metal formed from the molten metal, cold-pressing the cast metal and fixing the portion coated with the cast metal to a fixing member.

Abstract: A rotor for fluidic apparatus such as, blowers, compressors, fluidic motors and vacuum pumps includes a drive shaft having concaved portions on its periphery and a rotatable member cast around the concaved portions of the drive shaft. The rotor according to the present invention is manufactured through the steps of forming the drive shaft, disposing the formed drive shaft into the cavity of a molding die, and then pouring the molten metal into the cavity while disposing the drive shaft therein. The resulted rotor has no play in the direction of its rotation of its rotatable member.

Abstract: A movable window glass arrangement in use for a window of an automobile, made up of a plate glass a part of which is inserted in an injection-molded plastic holder member. The plate glass is formed at its bottom peripheral section with projections which project into the plastic holder member, thereby accomplishing secure connection between the plate glass and the holder member without using adhesive or metallic fastening members.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably securing a steering column of a motor vehicle to the chassis of the vehicle includes a bracket attached to the steering column, with the bracket having a plurality of rearwardly opening primary apertures therein, and a plurality of modules molded in place upon the bracket, with each of the modules registered with one of the rearwardly opening apertures, and with each of the modules including a solid body having an annular groove which (i) is formed during the molding of the module; (ii) which circumscribes a portion of the module and (iii) which is in contact with the bracket. Each module has an aperture through which a fastener may be inserted so as to secure the bracket to the chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A preloaded steering ball joint assembly provides a system wherein relatively constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the joint. In a preferred form, the joint assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, and a ball and a shaft integral with the ball. Top and bottom bearing seats are disposed for positioning and retaining the ball within the housing. The bottom seat includes an aperture for permitting passage of the shaft, while the top seat includes both an aperture as well as radial passageways for permitting access of lubricant into a lubricant chamber portion of the socket cavity. A preferred method of manufacture includes insert molding an elastomer disc over the top bearing seat by a pre-measured amount of overfill, then after its formation compressing the elastomer disc by means of a second disc made of metal by peening the latter metallic disc over the elastomer disc.

Abstract: A bicycle frame of the present invention is formed as follows.First, the worker puts and bonds a pipe made by fibre reinforced plastics around a cylindrical projecting part of a lug made by thin wall thickness light alloy.Next, the worker covers a joining part of the said projecting part of a lug and pipe made by fibrer reinforced plastics by sheet molding compound, (hereinafter it is called "SMC").Last, the joining part of the projecting part of a lug and the pipe covered by said SMC is put in a molds for compression molding.As the SMC consists of required quantity of plastics and chopped fibre same as filament comprised in the pipe made by fibre reinforced plastics, bonding of the pipe made by fibre reinforced plastics and said SMC is very good. Consequently, the joining strength of the pipe and lug is very strong in the present invention.

Abstract: The sliding roof portion of a motor vehicle is connected to two shoes, each of which is made of synthetic resin and slidably fitted in a guide groove of the lateral rail of the fixed portion of the vehicle roof. Two toothed coils are provided to be driven by a driving toothed wheel interposed between each of the coils in axially opposite directions. The connection between the toothed coil and the shoe is completed simultaneously with the insert formation or molding of the shoe so that the coil may be secured to the shoe.

Abstract: A shaft assembly comprises a shaft having at least one small diameter portion located on the way in the axial direction thereof, and at least one member mounted to the outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the shaft rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction. The shaft assembly is produced by first forming the member on a large diameter portion of the shaft and then moving the member from the large diameter portion to the small diameter portion. The member moved to the small diameter portion is mounted to the small diameter portion rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction by the shrinkage thereof.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an alternating current motor has a stator to cooperate with the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a magnetically permeable rotor mass of a stack of rotor laminations which are mounted on a hub, and the hub is secured to a shaft which rotates in a stationary bearing fixed to the motor frame. The rotor mass includes apertures which extend longitudinally and die cast squirrel cage conductor bars extend through these apertures. Integral with the rotor assembly is a die cast extension on the rotor mass coaxially on one end thereof. This coaxial die cast extension surrounds one end of the shaft and is adapted to be connected directly to a load to transmit torque directly from the conductor bars of the squirrel cage winding from the load without the necessity of the torque passing through the shaft. The die cast extension may also have a non-circular configuration for readily transmitting torque to the load.

Abstract: A polymeric component (1) having a bore (2) to receive a shaft (3), the component (1) having, in the zone (4) around the bore (2), substantially plane and parallel end faces disposed perpendicular to the bore axis, the component being clamped between substantially radial abutment surfaces (5,6) of the shaft (3), characterized in that a number of axially continuous metal pins (7) distributed over the periphery are disposed in the zone (4) around the bore (2) and bear by their ends on the abutment surfaces (5,6) and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: A connection between at least one first tube and a second tube of a bicycle frame includes a flared terminus forming part of an end portion of the first tube. The flared terminus is in engagement with an outer surface of the second tube. An injection-molded one-piece plastic casing fully surrounds the end portion of the first tube and fully surrounds a circumferential portion of the outer surface of the second tube in a zone of the flared terminus.

Abstract: An optical cable with an axial tensile strength member extending from one cable end beyond the cable jacket, and a pulling attachment secured to the extension of the strength member and does not seal directly around the cable jacket. A moulded plastic encapsulation encapsulates the cable end, an end portion of the jacket and the extension of the strength member to prevent fluid leakage between the exterior and interior of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an insulated connection between a pair of insulated electrical cables by means of curing uncured insulation wrapped around joined conductors in the cables. The apparatus comprises a multiple part mold assembly having a cylindrical cavity, mechanisms for heating and cooling the mold parts and an assembly for creating a radially inwardly directed, substantially constant pressure on the curing insulation while allowing radial expansion and contraction of the insulation and mold parts during heating and cooling. The pressure-creating assembly comprises a pair of rectilinear power devices and a pair of cables wrapped around the mold parts and tensioned by the power devices, this assembly applying a radially inwardly directed, equal and substantially constant force to the mold parts. Preferably, the mold assembly comprises three equal parts, each defining one-third of a cylindrical body and each having rollers on the outer surface for receiving the cables therein.

Abstract: A simple, adjustable shaft coupling employed for accurately advancing or retarding the timing of shafts, sprockets, cams, gears, levers and the like made up of a pair of annular disks, each fixed to a hub member by injection molding or a similar process to effect integration of parts, each disk having a plurality of openings therethrough with the number of openings in the two disks differing. Alignment of matching sets of openings in the two disks provides desired rotational adjustment therebetween. In the particular model described a total of 544 locking positions, producing adjustment accuracy in the order of 1/6 or 1.degree., is available. The hub members are interferingly anchored to the disks and are capable of attachment to input or output shafts and provide for optional face mounting thereto of gears, sprockets, cams and the like.

Abstract: A method of providing a secure, long-lasting electrical connection between the concentric neutral wires of a Underground Residential Distribution (URD) cable and a sacrificial anode. The invention provides for the prevention of corrosion of the neutral wires of the URD cable. The method comprises: securing a mold around the URD cable and the concentric neutral wires over the area of contact with the anode connecting wire; pouring a low-melt alloy into the mold to surround the URD cable so as to contact at least 50% of the surface area of each of the neutral wires and the anode connecting wire in the area of contact; and cooling the low-melt alloy to form a solid casting around the concentric neutral wires and the area of contact with the anode connecting wire, whereby a secure, long-lasting electrical connection is provided between the neutral wires and the anode.

Abstract: A method for bonding a tubular shaft to an end fitting to produce an assembly wherein the shaft and the end fitting are in axial alignment and which is capable of transmitting high torque, said method employing an end fitting provided with a mating section having two concentric cylindrical walls which describe an annular cavity or socket adapted to receive the tubular shaft therein. The high torque carrying capacity of the joint produced in accordance with the invention results from the fact that the shaft is bonded to the mating section of the end fitting on both its interior and exterior surfaces and is in axial alignment with the end fitting. Such axial alignment results from the presence of a resilient sealing ring and an annular shoulder, positioned near the top and base of the inner cylindrical wall of the mating section, which contact the inner surface of the tubular shaft and center the shaft around said wall when the shaft is inserted into the bonding socket of the end fitting.

Abstract: A composite part having freely movable components is manufactured by casting one component around the other to form an essentially locked unit and then freeing the components by thermal treatment.

Abstract: In mounting a part or parts, for example, of a tape recorder or other appearance, on a chassis or metal base plate, the metal base plate is provided with a circular hole, and a synthetic resin mounting member is molded through such hole so as to include a support portion molded against one surface of the base plate, a root portion molded against the other surface of the base plate and a connecting portion molded in the circular hole simultaneously with the support and root portions so as to be integral therewith and to permit turning of the mounting member about the axis of its connecting portion between an initial molded position in which all portions of the mounting member are fully located within the perimeter of the base plate and an active position angularly spaced from the initial molded position and in which the support portion of the mounting member is operative to mount a respective part on the base plate.

Abstract: A bicycle frame comprises tubes closed at their ends and lugs for connecting the tubes to form the frame, which lugs are formed by die casting in dies in which the tubes are arranged so as to integrally surround the closed ends of the tubes by the die-cast lugs. The tubes are previously formed at their ends with tapered portions each extending from that corresponding to an extreme end of a boss of the lug surrounding the end of the tube toward an extreme end of the tube. The outer surfaces of the bosses of the die-cast lugs are in substantially constant outer diameter or slightly tapered, thereby, in conjunction with the tapered portions of the tube, eliminating stress concentrations at the extreme ends of the bosses of the lugs, and saving the amount of the die-cast metal resulting in light weight bicycles which can save driving power and cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A pivot pin construction for pivot joints, particularly universal joints wherein an inner and an outer member are provided in the construction. A spacing is provided between the inner and outer members and a resilient mass is secured in the spacing. The spacing between the inner and outer members is enlarged at the axial ends thereof so that when the pivot pin is displaced, the volume of the displaced resilient mass in one plane plus the volume of the displaced resilient mass in an adjacent plane is absorbed by the volume between the two surfaces in the respective plane.

Abstract: A device for use in tensioning the lines, ropes or cables used to tie down cargo during transport aboard a ship or other means of transportation is disclosed. An embodiment of the device is described which comprises a rigid body defining an open ended, open top channel tapering from minimum transverse dimensions at the bottom to larger transverse dimensions at the open top thereof wth a hook rigidly fixed to the body at one end of the channel, a bracket rigidly fixed to the body at the other end of the channel and an opening through the body at one end of the channel having cross-sectional dimensions larger than the minimum transverse dimensions of the channel. The provisions of a plurality of elongated ridges on each of the sides of the channel is disclosed which ridges extend from the bottom of the channel to the top thereof with the bottom end of each ridge spaced a lesser distance along the channel from the opening than the top end thereof.

Abstract: In a cable termination, preformed cable wires are unlaid so that they form an unstressed envelope with a bulge and a flare. The cable end is positioned in a sleeve having a tapered bore that is coextensive with the envelope. Resin that forms an incompressible plug inside the sleeve is forced into the bore by a fitting screwed onto the sleeve at the larger end of the bore.

Abstract: In the attachment of a tension rod to an open end of a cable, one end of a tension rod is axially inserted into the core of the cable and the combination vertically positioned with the other end of the tension rod extending downward. A heat shrinkable plastic cap including a casting resin is moved up from below the tension rod until the inside bottom surface of the plastic cap comes proximate to the bottom of the tension rod, and the upper open portion of the plastic cap encompasses a section of the cable jacket. Heat is then applied to the upper portion of the plastic cap so as to shrink the upper portion to form a hermetic seal with the cable jacket, and then to the lower portion of the plastic cap so as to shrink that portion of the plastic cap toward the portion of the tension rod extending from the open end of the cable, so as to form a closed volume within the cap that decreases upon shrinkage to uniformly press the casting resin contained therein into the cable core.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint of the type having a plastic ball portion which would interfere with the socket on assembly, has the ball portion molded to an arm concentric with the socket. In making the ball and socket joint, the arm is positioned in a mold and concentrically referenced to the socket. Then the plastic ball portion is molded on the arm using the inside of the socket as the outside spherical surface of the mold. Upon shrinkage of the molded plastic ball, a perfect bearing clearance is obtained, all of the socket inside surface is used as a bearing area and burrs from cuts on the socket to accommodate the interference fit are eliminated.

Abstract: Fittings are provided for use in terminating parallel yarn ropes containing one or more electrical conductors, and methods are disclosed for securing the fittings to the ropes to afford separation of the conductors from the rope and connection to electrical apparatus. One fitting has a frusto-conical body portion providing a tapered peripheral surface with an axial bore and a bail extending beyond the base of the body. The rope yarns are inserted into the bore at the narrow end of the fitting and divided into two pairs of bundles with each pair being splayed outward diametrically of the bore and returned along the outside of the fitting for wrapping helically in opposite directions for a predetermined distance about the periphery of the rope. The ends of the bundles are secured to the rope, so that when tension is applied between the bail and the rope, the wrapped bundles grip the outside of the rope to mount the fitting securely to the rope.