Abstract: This invention relates to a drive unit for driving a ring gear, comprising a motor, a transmission and a drive shaft, on which a pinion is arranged for driving the ring gear, wherein the drive unit includes a mechanical overload protection. In accordance with the invention the overload protection is arranged between the transmission and the pinion.

Abstract: A mechanical fuse device having a weakened central portion and end portions that clamp to a cable having a slack portion located between the end portions. The device bends or breaks at the weakened central portion at loads less than the breaking load of the cable. The bending of the weakened central portion of the device provides measurable data relevant to the loads experienced by the cable.

Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.

Abstract: A bendable mailbox or sign post comprises a foundation defined at one of a dirt, a concrete, and an asphalt surface. A top assembly releasably couples with the foundation and has a plate and a stub extending upward from the plate. The elongated post extends vertically from a bottom end connected with the top assembly. A resilient interconnection is provided between the post and the top assembly, whereby the post pivots about the bottom end and deflects from its vertical orientation when a lateral force is applied to the post and the post returns to the vertical orientation when no lateral force is applied. A frangible interconnection may be provided between the resilient interconnection member and one of the post and the stub.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a cylindrical member, and a shaft member which is fitted rotatably in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a main body portion having in an interior thereof an oil pressure expansion chamber for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member against an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and an oil release passage which is opened to the oil pressure expansion chamber at one end portion while being closed tightly at the other end portion and which is positioned further radially outwards than an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion. When the cylindrical member stays still relative to the shaft member, the other end portion of the oil release passage is accommodated within a cap member which is screwed to be fixed in a threaded hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.

Abstract: An affixation and release arrangement includes a first component having a fluid pressure chamber; a piston mounted in the first component and exposed to the fluid pressure chamber; a second component affixed to the first component through the piston, the piston responsive to fluid pressure increase within the chamber to unaffix the second component from the first component. Methods are included.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating loading in a structure having exceeded a predetermined threshold is disclosed in which deformation of a structural element is identified by the torque required to rotate a gauge assembly integrated in the structure.

Abstract: A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a housing attached to a vehicle structure, a bracket pivotally mounted on the housing, a tow loop attached to the bracket and adapted to receive a tow cable that pulls on the tow loop in a towing direction. An interlocking structure acts between the bracket and the housing to normally support the bracket against pivotal movement but is yieldable to permit pivotal movement of the bracket relative the housing upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.

Abstract: A power transmission interconnects a drive body and a driven body by a coupling member, transmits torque of the drive body to the driven body, and interrupts the torque when a drive load of the driven body exceeds a predetermined value. The coupling member has, as separate sections in the coupling member, both of a positive torque transmission section and a negative torque transmission section. The positive torque transmission section holds torque in the forward rotational direction and, when a drive load of the driven body exceeds the predetermined value, interrupts transmission of torque from the drive body by its own fracture. The negative torque transmission section holds torque in the reverse rotational direction. Even if there is a torque fluctuation on the drive body, its influence can be suppressed as little as possible, and interruption of torque can be performed properly at a target interruption torque value.

Abstract: A security pin includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve and a core. An end surface of the first sleeve contacts with an end surface of the second sleeve, and the core is positioned in the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The breakpoint of security pin is determined by the material and the size of the core. The core is not easily broken when applied by an external force. The security pin also has a relatively precise breakpoint.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier (12) for fixing to a first part (52), especially to the body of the motor vehicle. A locking element (40) having a predetermined breaking point (41) is also provided in order to enable the carrier (12) to be fixed to the first part (52) by a rotational connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system for rod segments for use in horizontal earth boring, wherein the ends of the rod segments are interlinked via a separate sacrificial element which can be used as a predetermined breaking point or which allows the rod segments to be pivoted relative each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tubular body with a channel and a number of stiffeners that allow the tubular body to absorb additional mechanical energy through axial compression. The number of stiffeners is located on a number of locations for the tubular body.

Abstract: A device for connecting micro-pumps to bottles includes a ring nut (2) able to be associated to a micro-pump and engageable to a neck of a bottle, and a collar (8) connected to the ring nut (2) through one or more breakable connecting elements (9). The collar (8) is movable, as a result of the breakage of the connecting elements (9), from a non operative position to an operative position in which the collar (8) maintains the ring nut (2) engaged to the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing inserts, such as lift inserts and step inserts, in cast members. The inserts have breakaway tabs mounted in receiving slots in either a reusable holder or disk-shaped member. The assembled insert and holder are inserted through a collar on the outer jacket of a mold assembly and a locking pin passes through cooperating openings in the holder and collar to retain the lift insert/holder in place during the casting operation. The disk-shaped member is fixed to a jacket of the mold assembly. The breakaway tabs break away from the insert when the cast member is separated from the mold assembly, the breakaway tabs being discarded and the holder (disk-shaped member) being reusable many times for subsequent casting operations. The slots, in one embodiment, have a locking shoulder to lock the tabs in their slots. In another embodiment, a cam surface on the tabs lock the tabs in the slots.

Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A redundant release apparatus having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. Two tensioned tapes are overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. Overlapping winding design of each of the tapes provide predictable unwinding dynamics upon release. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A nonconductive bridge element is secured to a pair of end plates in a conduit retainer apparatus in a trench. The pair of end plates are secured to a trench wall by dowels extending through holes in the end plates and the bridge element is disposed in the trench on top of conduits. The end plates are two piece elements, a plate and an insert pin extending through the plate. The center bridge element comprises a nonconductive tube, the ends of which receive the insert pins.

Abstract: Load-bearing devices, each including an overload indicator of the present invention interconnecting load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors are provided. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The overload indicator includes a link having a strand of wire form material. The strand of wire form material having first and second portions, the first portion having a first strength; the second portion including a weaker segment having a second strength which is less than the first strength. The weaker segment preferably has a generally predetermined load bearing capacity or capability and is calibrated to reduce the load bearing capacity or capability of the overload indicator. Methods of making an overload indicator and a load bearing device including an overload indicators of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle component is configured with an axle fixing structure. In the preferred embodiment, the bicycle component is an electric derailleur. The bicycle component has a base member rotatably supported on an axle. Preferably, the axle includes a shaft portion with a head portion disposed adjacent a first end of the shaft portion for limiting axial movement of the base member in a first axial direction of the shaft portion, and a threaded portion disposed adjacent a second end of the shaft portion with external threads. A first locking member is threaded onto the external threads and configured to limit axial movement of the base member in a second axial direction of the shaft portion. Preferably, a second locking member is threaded into the internal threads of the second end of the shaft portion to secure the first locking member on the fastening portion of the axle.

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly adapted to steer a pair of wheels of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle steering linkage assembly comprising a first tie rod element having a first end operatively connected to a first wheel of the vehicle and a second end. A second tie rod element has a first end operatively connected to a second wheel of the vehicle and a second end. A tubular portion extends between the first and second tie rod elements, and has a first end that is operatively connected to the second end of the first tie rod element. A second end is operatively connected to the second end of the second tie rod element. The first end of the tubular portion defines a first end centerline and the second end of the tubular portion defines a second end centerline. The tubular portion includes a contoured section preferably adjacent to the tubular portion second end.

Abstract: A fastener for removably securing a protective panel to a structure includes a shaft having a first portion and a second portion. The shaft includes a first opening extending through the second portion of the shaft. The fastener also includes a sleeve sized to fit over the second portion of the shaft. The sleeve includes second and third openings extending through the sleeve that are spaced apart by a distance greater than a thickness of the protective panel to be secured to the structure. The second opening corresponds to the first opening in the shaft and the third opening is located in the sleeve beyond an end of the second portion of the shaft when the first and second openings are aligned. The fastener also includes a first pin that is insertable into the first and second openings and a second pin that is insertable into the third opening.

Abstract: An improved cable-barrier system includes an anchor-body and terminal post which receive and retain one or more anchor-cables and are anchored to counter balance the force applied to the anchor body by one or more barrier-cable(s). The system also allows for the release of the anchor-cables during a collision with a vehicle. The release of the cables is particularly important in situations where the cable-barrier is capable of acting as a ramp and/or snag during the collision.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting two objects comprises: a housing formed as a hollow type, and having one closed end to which a first object is connected and another opened end; a coupling portion mounted in the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction of the housing, and to which a second object is connected; a clamping portion coupled to the housing for clamping the coupling portion; a cylinder disposed in the housing for pressurizing the clamping portion so that a clamped state of the coupling portion by the clamping portion can be maintained; and a gas generator integrally coupled to an outer surface of the housing so as to be in communication with inside of the housing for generating gas of a high pressure thereby releasing a clamped state of the coupling portion and separating the coupling portion from the housing. Two objects are easily connected or disconnected to/from each other by the simple construction.

Abstract: A signpost, sign and a coupling mechanism for connecting the sign and signpost. The coupling mechanism incorporates a replaceable shear pin of appropriate material and strength so as to facilitate shearing of the pin in high wind conditions, thereby unlocking the coupling mechanism and allowing the sign to rotate freely about the axis of the signpost. The invention, as described, safely contains a sign attached to a signpost while reducing the possibility of wind forces damaging the sign and/or sign and signpost combination.

Abstract: A pulse generator has a sealing device, wherein the cylindrically shaped pulse generator has at one end a thread for screwing it in a threaded bore of a wall element until contact is made with a flange region on the wall element. At the other end, the pulse generator has a plug connector for electrically contacting a sensor element arranged with the pulse generator. The pulse generator further has first spanner surfaces in the center region. The pulse generator is surrounded in the region of the first spanner surfaces by a sleeve-like sealing cap, which is secured in the position thereof surrounding the region of the first spanner surfaces when the threaded bore of the wall element is screwed into the pulse generator. The sealing cap has second spanner surfaces at the outside thereof and is connected to the pulse generator via a target breaking point.

Abstract: In a joint arrangement and/or bearing arrangement (1; 101; 201; 301) to be pressed into a surrounding sleeve body, especially an edge area of a wheel carrier or spring strut, wherein the joint arrangement and/or bearing arrangement (1; 101; 201; 301) comprises a joint body (2) mobile in relation to a joint shell (4; 104; 204; 304) and a joint housing holding the joint shell (4; 104; 204; 304), at least one force-equalizing element (11, 12; 111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 412; 512; 612) is provided, which keeps a force acting with a radial component on the joint housing (9) during pressing in away from the joint shell (4; 104; 204; 304) while at least a partial area (13; 14; 412a; 514; 614) undergoes deformation.

Abstract: A coupling device with a breakaway tab and methods of using the same for operably coupling an ornament to a joint or hinge. The coupling device comprises an elongated body having openings at each end. One opening has been adapted to receive a screw of a joint or hinge, the other to receive an ornamental fastener. A breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem is provided to manipulate the screw and coupling device so the coupling device may be inserted between a head of the screw and a first surface of the joint or hinge. After engaging the threads in the hollow threaded channel of the hinge, and the screw has been essentially completely inserted into the hollow threaded channel of the hinge, the breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a windshield wiper arm to an element of a support structure element of a wiper blade unit includes two parallel vertical side cheek plates interconnected by a body. A first transverse hinge pin can be inserted radially into a first recess in the body. An outside convex cylindrical face portion of the body and two inside vertical longitudinal faces of the side cheek plates are configured to receive an inside wall of the end of an arm that belongs to a first category of arm. A second cylindrical recess of the body is capable of receiving a second transverse pin of an arm that belongs to a second category of arm. The connector is also internally configured for receiving the end of an arm that belongs to a third category of arm.

Abstract: A safety connection intended for suspending objects, for instance curtain rails, rods, towel racks and the like, the safety connection (2) comprising at least one first (3) and one second (4) retaining element, the one retaining element (3; 4), after mounting, being coupled to the object to be suspended, while the other retaining element (4; 3), after mounting, is connected to an environment, the first (3) and second (4) retaining element being detachably coupled to each other such that, under the influence of a particular tensile force (F) applied to those elements (3, 4), these retaining elements (3, 4) disconnect, characterized in that the second retaining element (4) is provided with at least one resilient lip (5), while the first and second retaining elements (3, 4) are arranged to cooperate via that at least one resilient lip (5) for effecting said detachable coupling of the retaining elements (3, 4).

Abstract: A tension decoupler includes first rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other, and second rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other and parallel to the first rupture members. The first rupture members and the second rupture members are designed to break only when the load applied to the decoupler device reaches or exceeds a predetermined load value, and the second rupture members are designed to have sufficient fatigue strength as long as the applied load does not reach the predetermined load value.

Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector enables a sign support member to be fastened to an anchor member. The connector includes at least one shear member and a coupler assembly. The shear member has a first end, a second end, and a necked down section between the first and second ends. The coupler assembly surrounds the shear member and includes a first opening and a second opening. The shear member first end extends through the first opening, and the shear member second end extends through the second opening.

Abstract: A plastic component is attached to a mounting structure by a fastener that extends at least into a mounting hole in the plastic component. The mounting hole is located near an edge corner of a cantilevered mounting tab that forms part of the plastic component. The mounting tab comprises a generally flat plate that has a depending flange that extends around a rounded comer near which the mounting hole is located and a depending sleeve that is contiguous with the mounting hole. The mounting tab has a break away portion so that the plastic component can be removed for recycling easily. Three variations of the breakaway portion are disclosed.

Abstract: A wire rope pre-failure indicating device that can be installed at any location along a length of conventional wire rope of the character used in many industrial applications. The indicating device reliably functions to provide a pre-failure warning that the wire rope has been loaded beyond a specified magnitude. The indicating device also provides a pre-failure warning that the swaged fittings, which interconnect the indicator to the wire rope, have undesirably slipped.

Abstract: A sectional I-beam post for use along a roadside in which the post has a first elongate lower section securable via a first slip type coupling to a base anchored in the ground. Slip movement of such coupling is in a direction across the length of the post. The first coupling includes L-shaped brackets with one leg thereof attached to the post by bolts so as to be detachable therefrom and notches in the outer end of the other leg which projects outwardly from the post. A second elongate upper post section has the lower end thereof connected to the upper end of the first post section by a second slip type coupling. Slip movement of the second coupling is in a direction lengthwise of the post. The second coupling includes plates bolted to one post section and having notches that provide a slip connection with the other post section.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably securing or connecting together at least two components includes a securing element that interconnects the components and that can be melted, thermally decomposed or otherwise separated by applying heat thereto. The securing element is preferably a monofilament or multifilament thread of natural or synthetic material, such as high strength polymer material. The arrangement further preferably includes a compression bracing structure such as a housing that bears compression forces between the components, while the securing element bears tension forces. The arrangement further preferably includes an electric resistance heating element that can be electrically energized and is arranged to apply heat to the thread, so as to melt or decompose and separate the thread and thereby release and separate the two interconnected components.

Abstract: A signpost connector for use in coupling a sign support to an anchor includes at least one bolt having a plurality of bolt heads, wherein at least one of the plurality of bolt heads is configured to break away from the bolt when a pre-determined torque load is induced to the one bolt head.

Abstract: A tension decoupler includes first frangible rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other, and second structural rupture members, arranged in parallel to each other and parallel to the first rupture members. The frangible rupture members and the structural rupture members are designed to break only when the load applied to the decoupler device reaches or exceeds a predetermined load value, and the structural rupture members are designed to have sufficient fatigue strength as long as the applied load does not reach the predetermined load value.

Abstract: A fastener is provided particularly useful for securing automobile headliners to automobile roofs. The fastener includes a clip connectable to the headliner and a magnet assembly that can be secured to the roof. The magnet assembly can tilt relative to the clip.

Abstract: A device includes first and second elements. The first element includes a cross-linked thermoplastic. The second element is configured to engage and to strain the first element by a predetermined amount. The first and second elements are configured to move relative to each other and such that movement of the first and second elements produces a substantially repeatable shearing force between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A locking device is provided in order to prevent a ceiling-mounted stand comprising one or two arms and one stand head and being part of a ceiling-mounted medical supply unit from falling down should a pivot connection of two arms tear apart. The locking device comprises at least two shell segments (1) that reach around the pivot connection and are provided with a first and a second segment end (3, 4) and with an upper and a lower edge (5, 6) adjacent to each of which an engaging section (7, 8) facing the pivot connection is provided, as well as an upper and a lower washer (9, 29) that is assembled of at least first and second washer segments (11, 12) that are, in the installed state, connected to the pivot connection above and below said pivot connection, whereby the washer segments each comprise engaging sections (13, 14) that are associated with the engaging sections (7, 8) of the shell segments.

Abstract: Tubulation tubing of a display panel includes a flange at one end and a ring-shape adhesive member placed on a display panel to align a vent hole of the display with an opening of the tubulation tubing and the flange of the tubulation tubing is bonded to the display panel via the adhesive member.

Abstract: A retaining device is designed to retain a portion of an assembly device. The portion of the assembly device is released during failure of the assembly device. The retaining device includes a fixed part, a mobile part capable of sliding with respect to the fixed part, a housing, formed with both the fixed part and the mobile part, a return device, which can be compressed during a parts assembly operation. The return device can be relaxed when the assembly device fails, which causes sliding of the mobile part with respect to the fixed part, such that the portion of the assembly device is retained in the housing.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle window has a wiper arm pivot rotatably mounted in a pivot holder fixedly securable to vehicle structure. An end portion of the wiper arm pivot normally extends exteriorly of an impact line defined by vehicle structure. The wiper arm pivot includes an inner pivot shaft telescopingly displacable with respect to an outer pivot shaft upon the imposition of an impact load on the exterior end of the wiper arm pivot. A first pin separably holds the inner pivot shaft to the outer pivot shaft at a first position. An energy absorption material mass is disposed between the inner pivot shaft and the outer pivot shaft to control the telescoping movement of the inner pivot shaft in the outer pivot shaft and to absorb impact forces acting on the inner pivot shaft. A second fixed pin is carried by the outer pivot shaft and limits movement of the inner pivot shaft to a second position adapted for temporary operation of the wiper apparatus.

Abstract: A towline fuse device for use in a towing system with a towing vehicle and a towline is provided. The towline fuse device comprises a fuse mechanism for failing at a predetermined level of tensile force, the fuse mechanism mounted between the towing vehicle and the towline wherein the predetermined level of failure of the fuse mechanism is less than the towing ratings of the towing system. The strain energy in the towline is then harmlessly dissipated in the towline fuse device.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a bumper rail of a front end module carrier for a vehicle includes an upper horizontal member that supports an upper portion of the carrier; a lower horizontal member that supports a lower portion of the carrier; left and right vertical members and that are formed with fastening holes and connect respective left and right sides of the upper and lower horizontal members to each other to support side portions of the carrier; and a bumper rail formed to be convexly curved forward and fixedly fastened to side rail members located at rear ends of the left and right vertical members and by bolts through the fastening holes. Each of the fastening holes includes a seating hole portion that receives and confines the bolt therein and a guide hole portion laterally extending from the seating hole portion.

Abstract: A torque limiter to be operatively coupled to an engine is secured to the outer periphery of a driving shaft through screwing-engagement. The driving shaft and the torque limiter are screw-engaged and fixed to each other so that the torque limiter is pushed or urged against a seating face formed at the outer periphery of the driving shaft. The seating face abuts against the torque limiter restricting the screwing-movement of the driving shaft. Rotation force is transmitted between the driving shaft and the torque limiter via the seating face. A cylindrical member is disposed between the torque limiter and the seating face of the driving shaft. The cylindrical member is press-fitted and fixed to the outer periphery of the driving shaft, so that the power transmission between the driving shaft and the torque limiter is also performed through the press-fit portion between the cylindrical member and the driving shaft.