Abstract: A coupling apparatus where two coaxially held coupling halves are connected by a tensioning member provided with a predetermined breaking point. The tensioning member secured at one end to its associated coupling half, is radially and tangentially displaced with respect to the end of the tensioning member secured to the other coupling half. At the overload condition, one coupling half makes a complete rotation, after breaking, with respect to the other coupling half. A rotary escapement is provided as a holding structure so that when one element of the tensioning member swings, it does so out of the path of the other.

Abstract: A rotational energy absorbing coupling for shaft-to-shaft and shaft-to-crank applications such as a tiller arm for a steerable strut for hydrofoil ship using a plurality of shear pins spaced in a circular pattern. A first, inner disc is affixed to one shaft and has a circular repeating sequential pattern of a round hole, and a plurality of slots of increasing length all chamfered at the edges. At least a second disc or outer disc are connected to the other coaxial shaft or crank with extended arms and, when more than one is used are sandwiched over the first disc. These discs have a circular pattern of round holes chamfered at the edges and in register with the holes and the center of the slots of the inner disc. A plurality of axially aligned shear pins pass through all the aligned holes thus providing progressive bending of the shear pins due to the chamfered holes, then the shearing of the pins when an overload occurs.

Abstract: A split nut structure provides the holding power of an ordinary nut on a bolt while allowing for quick release through removal of a retaining sleeve from containment alignment around the segments of the split nut. What could be in many respects like an ordinary hex nut is in three segments, with cuts in three faces of the hex nut to the center, put around a bolt in the same manner as though they were connected and retained in this state by a hexagonal sleeve, the hex inside of which snuggly fits the nut itself. The outside hexagon of the sleeve provides for a wrenching surface by which the nut may be adjusted and tightened much the same as any ordinary hex nut -- however, for quick release the sleeve is merely pulled straight up along the axis of the nut and the bolt.

Abstract: An outrigger arm assembly to prevent a would-be intruder from successfully climbing over a fence. The outrigger arm assembly is mounted on top of the fence. Each hollow fence post is interconnected to a hollow outrigger arm by a replaceable collar which breaks when a load in the range of 20 to 30 pounds is applied to the outrigger arm, resulting in the downward movement of the outrigger arm, and the fall of the climber. The assembly also includes a movement sensor, within the hollow arm, which is activated and provides an alarm signal, when the outrigger arm is moved more than a predetermined number of degrees, such as the downward movement of the outrigger arm. The assembly further includes a coiled spring, positioned within the hollow fence post and extending into the hollow outrigger arm, by which the arm is automatically returned to its original defensive position, after the load is removed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus that absorbs impact energy due to the collision of a vehicle by drawing a drawable member, in such a manner as to subject said drawable member to plastic deformation based on the relative movement between the vehicle's body and frame. The drawable member is supported rotatably by brackets between the vehicle's body and frame, and the large diameter portion of the drawable member is drawably passed through a die mounted on the brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: An integral hinge is described which is adapted to be used in conjunction with a roadside post safety breakaway system for sign panels and the like. The integral hinge plate is generally rectangular in configuration and planar and is provided with a notch or groove extending thereacross which represents a weakened line portion about which the two halves of the hinge may bend or at which point the hinge may be severed in tension. The hinge plates are fixedly mounted on opposite sides of each of the posts supporting the sign panel or the like. The material and configuration of the hinge plates and the notches or weakened line portions are selected to cause the hinge plates mounted on the impact side of the posts to rupture at the notches or weakened line portions while causing the hinge plates mounted on the side of the post opposite to the impact side to bend.

Abstract: A fastening device for the connection of two bodies having aligned openings therein utilizing two members having facing inclined surfaces and projections engaging the lip of an opening such that an impact force creates a wedging action resulting in firmly securing the two bodies.

Abstract: A reusable device is presented for effecting a mechanical connection between two elements that are substantially coaxial, the elements subject to traction stresses with reference to each other, and the elements disconnectable beyond a specific traction threshold. The device includes a casing, with a first half and a second half, integrally connected to one of the elements, the casing having a cavity formed between said halves, and said casing comprising elastic material. The other element includes a bulge comprising, for example, a spherical swivel joint that is received in the cavity, the portion of said halves adjacent said cavity separable as the bulge passes into the cavity.

Abstract: A preloaded tie rod end assembly for a motor vehicle steering system and a method for making the assembly is disclosed. The tie rod end is made by positioning the ball of a ball stud against a pair of frangible bearings within the socket portion of a tie rod end housing. A plastically deformable element is also situated within the housing. A closure member for the housing exerts a force against the bearings during the assembly operation and causes each bearing to fracture into circumferentially spaced bearing pieces. After the tie rod end is assembled, an axial load is placed upon the ball stud which is transferred to the deformable element thereby causing it to deform. The element is deformed to the extent necessary to bring the frictional resistance to rotation of the ball stud about its own axis within a prescribed torque range.

Abstract: An upright standard assembly for failing when subjected to horizontal impact forces while solidly supporting an upright standard under normal conditions. The assembly includes a generally vertical standard, a base member, a connection member to releasably attach the standard to the base member, at least one fracture initiating slot formed in the coupling body, and a washer having one or more teeth formed therein for receipt by the fracture-initiating slot(s) of the coupling body. The washer is made of harder material than the coupling body, and has a smooth bore extending therethrough so that no positive holding action is provided between it and the connection member extending therethrough. The coupling body also does not have any threads formed on the portion thereof between the longitudinal termination of the slot(s) and the connection member receiving end thereof.

Abstract: A fluid supply distributor communicates fluid from a stationary fluid source to a rotating hydraulic motor. The distributor includes a housing with main ports for connection to high and low pressure at the source. A shaft rotating in the housing is attached to the motor and includes motor ports for connection to the rotating motor. A sleeve in the housing surrounds the shaft, and the sleeve and shaft define interfacing sealing surfaces. The housing, the sleeve, and the shaft include passages for communicating fluid between the main ports and the motor ports. The sleeve is normally retained in a stationary position, but is released to rotate within the housing should the shaft seize within the housing. The passages include spaced supply grooves at the sealing surfaces connected to the main ports and thus maintained at different pressures.

Abstract: A weak link for securing a life raft painter to a vessel in such a manner that, upon sinking of the vessel, the life raft in its container floats toward the surface to extend the painter its full length. The buoyant force of the raft and container activate a raft inflation mechanism and the increased buoyant force of the inflated raft breaks the weak link and frees the raft from the vessel. In addition, the dual strength weak link can, with a force significantly less than the buoyant force of the inflated raft, be broken manually such that the raft may be freed from the vessel prior to its actual sinking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: A yieldable joint between two elements such that the adjacent lapped edges of the elements will shift relative to each other. The joint comprises a pair of plates to be joined by lapping adjacent edges thereof, pairs of corresponding perforations in the lapped plate edges, and a bolt passing through each of the pairs of corresponding perforations. At least one perforation of each pair of corresponding perforations comprises a keyhole elongated in the direction along the line of relative movement of the pair of plates, with one end of the keyhole being of such size as to freely receive the shank of the bolt and the remaining elongated portion thereof being of a width less than the diameter of the shank of the bolt.

Abstract: A union for connecting cylindrical members has mating concentric truncated conical surfaces on annular flanges. Tubular spring pins driven into aligned assembly holes passing through the two flanges secure the union together. An alternate embodiment includes an intermediate body which may be flexible. TOGETHERThe present invention relates to coupling means designed to connect members together The term "member" here being considered in its broadest sense.To ensure the coupling between two members, connecting means are used which bring into action assembling members of the screw or bolt type intended to connect the members together directly or to connect said members and an intermediate element which may or may not be subjected to one or more elastic deformations.

Abstract: A break-away retention device for restraining a missile against launching rust until a predetermined thrust level has been attained is disclosed which employs a preweakened tensile link within a compression barrel. The barrel supplies flexural rigidity and physical protection to the preloaded portion of the tensile link. Tensile preload is adjustable to any predetermined level less than the ultimate strength of the tensile link.

Abstract: An improved breakaway coupling is provided which is particularly suitable for use in assemblies which are subject to impact such as roadway lamp standards, highway signs and the like. A number of longitudinal grooves provide fracture-initiating regions which provide relatively high compressive and tensile strength in a fracturable coupling.

Abstract: A unitary tubular fitting body and cooperating mandrel for installation on a blind wall. The body includes an axially collapsible tube portion which during installation draws up the body into alignment with the wall. The body includes a frangible ring dimensioned to fail after adequate compression force is applied on the collapsing tube portion for full sealing engagement with the wall. Failure of the ring releases the mandrel and prevents overtightening of the fitting.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a tubular fitting and method for its installation, and, more specifically, to a fitting and method particularly suited for use where access to only one side of a wall is available.PRIOR ARTIt is often desirable to mechanically secure a tubular fitting in fluid-tight relation to a hole in an otherwise imperforate wall to provide communication between zones on opposite sides of the wall.

Abstract: In a water wheel turbine or pump in which a guide vane arm is connected to a link through a fracturable pin, a plurality of recesses are provided in the cover of the water wheel turbine or pump along the path of movement of the pin for receiving the fractured portion of the pin thereby locking the guide vane arm to the cover.

Abstract: Concentric driving and driven clutch rings have teeth in a common radial plane on one end of the rings. The clutch rings are normally coupled together by a coupler ring having teeth engaging the teeth of both clutch rings, this engagement being maintained by an axial clamp bolt. In the event of dangerous overspeed the clamp bolt is broken and the coupler ring is disengaged from the clutch rings by an explosive charge acting on an axial piston. The explosive charge is detonated by a firing pin actuated by a steel ball impelled by centrifugal force. The ball is retained by a magnet until centrifugal force exceeds the magnetic force holding the ball.

Abstract: An overload control coupling between two rotating machine elements, particularly the driving part and the driven part of a coaxial shaft mechanism with at least two essentially semi-cylindrical extensions radially arranged at the interface of the coupled machine elements and uniformly distributed over the circumference, the extensions each comprising portions from the coupled machine elements, which portions form cylinders having a separation plane or interface parallel with the rotation plane of the machine elements, the extensions being embraced by annular power-transmitting carrier links connecting the machine elements. In the case of overload, the machine elements may separate and disrupt the connection by the breaking of the carrier links at predetermined excessive stress levels.

Abstract: A fastening device for the connection of two bodies having aligned openings therein utilizing two members having facing inclined surfaces and projections engaging the lip of an opening such that an impact force creates a wedging action resulting in firmly securing the two bodies.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a sign post or the like which releases the same upon impact by a vehicle includes a lower support member connected to a stationary footing and an upper support member fixedly connected to the post. The upper support member is releasably connected to the lower support member by means of breakaway coupling members which have weakened portions between the support members. Each coupling member is adapted to be severed upon application of a combination of excessive bending moments and axial forces thereto. The upper support member has load concentrating elements projecting therefrom which cooperate with the coupling members to equalize the bending moment produced thereto only upon application of wind load or the like to the signpost or the like at a point remote from the upper support member.

Abstract: A fire hydrant is designed to break away at the point of the coupling between the upper and lower standpipes when hit by a moving vehicle or the like, to reduce the chance for damage to the hydrant, the vehicle and possibly to the occupants of the vehicle. A valve push rod extends from a valve operating nut at the top of the hydrant down to operable connection with a hydrant valve so that the valve can be opened when water is to be delivered through the hydrant. To provide a breakaway connection for the push rod, a semi-cylindrical frangible coupling sleeve connects an upper valve rod section to a lower valve rod section in about the same horizontal plane as the upper and lower standpipes are coupled to each other. Then when the upper standpipe is broken away from the lower standpipe, the frangible coupling sleeve will also break, allowing separation of the upper valve rod section from the lower valve rod section without substantial danger of damage to the hydrant.

Abstract: A shear pin is provided with a longitudinal hole such that any internal deformations caused by fatigue or over stressing of the shear pin may be detected by the condition of the surface within the hole therefore giving warning of failure of the shear pin before the shear pin fails.

Abstract: My assembly for mounting a sign post or the like on a stationary base or footing includes, in a presently preferred embodiment, a platform attached to the post near the bottom thereof and connected to the stationary base by breakaway coupling members spaced radially from the vertical axis of the post. The platform secured to the post has load concentrating elements associated therewith and located thereon, such as being formed integral therewith, and operable to equalize the load applied to the coupling members upon application of a wind load or the like to the sign at a point on the post remote from the platform whereas the coupling members will be readily broken upon impact of a vehicle with the lower portion of the post.

Abstract: A tie-back device restrains full extension of an evacuation slide until a predetermined inflation is attained. Inflation of the slide causes tension to be applied to the device. The device comprises two attachment rings and two components which are coupled by a shear pin. A transparent cover is permanently attached to one component. This cover makes the device tamperproof and nonreusable. The cover, in conjunction with the attachment rings and the two components, allows tensile forces to be applied to the shear pin from only one direction.

Abstract: A steering wheel supporting assembly including first and second hubs secured on the upper end of a steering shaft and on the central portion of the spokes of the steering wheel, respectively, and a shearable connecting means collapsibly connecting the hub members to each other whereby a forward impact energy exerted on the steering column supporting assembly is at least partially absorbed by means of the collapsible connection; the hub members and collapsible connecting means are molded integrally with synthetic resin.