Abstract: An intermediate shaft consisting of a solid inner shaft member slidable within a tube member. A C-shaped connecting member or clip is inserted into a pair of opposed holes in tube member. The ends of connecting member engage a shoulder on the shaft member to prevent the two portions (the shaft member and the tube member) of the intermediate member from disengaging. The shaft member and the tube member are slidable relative to one another to accommodate movement of the front axle and the steering gear mechanism.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system including a tabular outer shaft, a tubular center shaft slidably telescoped in the outer shaft, and a solid inner shaft slidably telescoped in the center shaft and all coupled for unitary rotation by respective pairs of flat sides on each. Each of the flat sides of the tubular center shaft is interrupted by a pair of outward facing shallow grooves always concealed in the overlap between the tubular outer and center shafts. One of the flat sides in the tubular center shaft is further interrupted by an exposed shallow groove located near a distal end of the outer shaft in an extended or normal position of the tubular center shaft.

Abstract: Any improved break-away banner rod assembly (10) is provided which includes a fixture (12) adapted for coupling to an upright support surface (14) and having a laterally extending, slotted body (30), and a coupler (16) supported by the fixture (12) with a zone of weakness (42) therein. An elongated banner rod (18) is connected with coupler (16) and extends through the slot (34) of body (30). The body (30) captively retains the inner end (44) of rod (18) in the event of load-induced fracture of the coupler (16) at zone (42), and prevents significant downward movement of the rod (18). Preferably, the slot (34) permits movement of rod (18) through a restricted arc upon fracture of the coupler (16).

Abstract: Fastening plug (10) made of plastic for fastening in a corresponding bore, especially for fastening furniture hardware on furniture, with an elongate stem portion (14) which can be releasably fastened on the associated hardware piece, from whose outer circumferential surface a number of annular projections (16) offset lengthwise on the stem having a triangular cross section tapering outwardly, each forming a knife-edge-like holding burr (18). The outside diameter of the holding burr is greater than the diameter of the corresponding bore, while the stem portion (14) has between the first annular projection (16) on the hardware end and the end facing the hardware a neck (20) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding bore.

Abstract: A device designed to replace the existing mounting bolt and snap-ring on most derailleurs. A head and barrel are connected to retain the spring and tension adjusting components of the derailleur and to serve as a receptacle for a pin. The pin attaches directly to the derailleur hanger of the bicycle and is designed to withstand normal pedaling forces, while assuring separation prior to excessive yielding of the derailleur. The pin is manufactured with an opening so that a tool can be inserted in it to easily remove the separated pieces. As a result, damage to the frame and derailleur is prevented and the bicycle can be easily repaired by replacement of the pin.

Abstract: A clutch/brake assembly for selectively connecting a source of rotational power to a driven device includes an input hub and a flange secured to the input hub for rotation therewith. An output hub is journalled within the clutch/brake assembly for rotation relative to the input hub. One or more outwardly extending bosses are formed on the outer surface of the output hub. A friction plate is disposed about the input hub between the lower surface of the flange and the upper surface of the output hub. A ring of friction material is secured to the upper surface of the friction plate adjacent to the lower surface of the flange. The friction plate is connected to the output hub for rotation therewith and for axial movement relative thereto. To accomplish this, the peripheral edge of the friction plate has one or more axially extending finger portions formed integrally therewith.

Abstract: A torque limiting valve handle for rotating a shaft of a valve is provided. The valve handle includes an elongated arm having a first opening therein adjacent to one end thereof forming an inner surface and a first channel formed in the inner surface. The handle also includes a hub disposed in the first opening and engagable with the shaft. The hub has an exterior surface and a second channel formed in the exterior surface and a drive position relative to the arm wherein the first and second channels cooperate to define a pocket. The handle further includes a shear pin disposed in the pocket for preventing rotation of the hub relative to the arm so that the hub rotates in response to rotation of the arm to apply torque to the shaft to rotate the shaft. The pin is frangible in response to application thereto of a force in excess of a predetermined force to allow relative rotation of the hub and the arm and prevent application to the shaft of a torque greater than a predetermined torque.

Abstract: There is disclosed a structure, in which a bracket for supporting a pivotal shaft portion of an arm of a sun visor is mounted on a panel of a vehicle body. The panel has a hole allowing for the insertion of the pivotal shaft portion, and four slits radially extending from the hole.

Abstract: A breakaway post coupling with a hollow, tubular sleeve which accomodates a ground-mounted stub post and a top, sign-supporting post. The sleeve is held onto the posts by a plurality of pins which engage a corresponding plurality of slots in the sleeve. Collars slidably engage the sleeve and force the pins into the post material as the collars are drawn over the sleeve and pins. A plurality of cutouts in the sleeve define a shear point in the coupling. When the top post is struck by a vehicle, the coupling breaks at the shear point, leaving an intact stub post upon which a new top post can be joined.

Abstract: A sacrificial link is disclosed for the shaft of a vehicle-cleaning brush unit, which link is pre-engineered to fail prior to the remainder of the shaft in response to bending forces exerted on the brush by a vehicle, for example. The shaft itself is therefore protected from permanent deformation or breakage, while the sacrificial link is easily removed and replaced with relatively little downtime and expense. In a preferred form the sacrificial link comprises a sacrificial shaft section having socket ends for removable connection to the upper portion of a brush shaft depending from a motor drive unit and the lower portion of the brush shaft connected to the brush, and a center region pre-engineered to fail before the upper and lower brush shaft sections. Novel clamping and release structure associated with the socket ends of the sacrificial shaft section is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fail-safe linkage for a reciprocating pump and a method for repairing the pump following failure of the linkage. The pump linkage includes a break rod inserted between the crosshead and piston rod so that an inevitable failure of the linkage occurs predictably in the break rod. In such a manner, pump downtime can be reduced following failure since the break rod can be easily replaced without extensive disassembly of the pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a double wrap brake band consisting of three band segments which are held together by tie members designed to break-away under shear forces applied by the apply pin and reaction or anchor member during operation of the transmission assembly. The break-away tie members hold the three band segments together to form a structurally sound cylindrical band during assembly of the transmission. The tie segments are then sheared the first time the band is actuated by the apply and reaction pins.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for the steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises a pair of generally U-shaped straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to a bracket affixed to vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. In a collision, the straps resist movement of the steering column and gradually absorb energy to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver. A connection between the steering column and the bracket prevents vibration of the steering column during normal operation of the vehicle. This connection is releasable in response to initial vehicle impact to allow controlled movement of the steering column under the restraining influence of the straps.

Abstract: A protective cover for a threaded stud of a ball joint assembly includes retaining elements for engaging a stud of the ball joint assembly. The retaining elements are movable from a position engaging the stud to prevent removal of the cover from the ball joint assembly to a position in which the retaining elements are spaced from the stud to permit removal of the cover from the ball joint. A removable cap prevents the retaining elements from moving from the position in which they engage the stud. The cap is removable from the cover in response to axial movement of the cover relative to the ball joint. Once the cap is removed, deformable wall portions which interconnect the retaining elements can be pressed toward each other to move the retaining elements out of engagement with the stud to permit removal of the cover from the ball joint.

Abstract: A restorable breakaway post having a base post and a breakaway post which are connected with a breakable splice plate. The position of the base post is fixed with respect to ground or another suitable structure. A flexible member has opposing ends secured with respect to the base post and the breakaway post. Upon an impact force applied to the breakaway post, the splice plate shears and thus allows the breakaway post to move away from the base post. Under such impact force, the flexible member retains the breakaway post in a relatively close position to the base post. The broken splice plate can be easily replaced to restore the breakaway post to its initial condition.

Abstract: A breakaway base and upper-separation joint for use with highway luminaire supports. The breakaway base, circular in cross section, has a lower-base section with a first rim, an upper-base section with a second rim, a split-ring retainer, and a perimeter band. The split-ring retainer captures the first rim of the lower-base section and the second rim of the upper-base section. The perimeter band encircles the split-ring retainer. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the perimeter band fractures, causing disjunction of the split-ring retainer and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. Alternatively, the breakaway base is radial-spoked when viewed from above and has a first plurality of rims on the lower-base section, a second plurality of rims on the upper-base section, a plurality of retainer segments to engage and capture the first and second plurality of rims, and a plurality of fasteners to secure the retainer segments against the rims.

Abstract: A break-way connector for a sign post having a stud rigidly welded to two spaced-apart channel members, with a central portion of the stud between the channel members having a groove and a pair of radial bores centered on the groove to define an area for shearing upon sudden impact, the break-away connector joining together an in-ground post and an above-ground post for holding a sign.

Abstract: A break-way coupling with spaced weakened sections includes a central controlled breaking region and rigid threaded bolts at each end for connection to a base at one end and to a pole or the like at the other end. The controlled breaking region includes two axially spaced necked-down portions of smaller diameter and solid cross-section. Where the axil length of the controlled breaking region is L and the necked-down portions have a diameter D, the dimensions D and L are selected so that the ratio D/L is within the range D/L.ltoreq.0.3. The necked-down portions have conical tapered surfaces to insure that at least one of the necked-down portions break upon bending prior to contact between any surfaces forming or defining the necked-down portions.

Abstract: An electrical initiator (10) includes spool halves (12,14) releasably held together by a coiled retaining wire (42). A link wire (42) also holds a spool (46) fixed to spool half (12) against connector body 16 and the other spool half (16). A cavity on the interior of the two spools physically retain a tensilely loaded shaft (18). An electric current passing through the link wire (42) causes it to become brittle and break releasing the spool halves and contained shaft (18).

Abstract: A shear device for a well service tool which is suspended from a sandline into a producing well and which device includes a plurality of shear rods which can be interchangeably connected between coupling members at opposite ends of the shear device and an outer stabilizing sleeve disposed in sealed relation between the coupling members in such a way as to stabilize the rod and assure that tensile loads are applied directly to the shear rod. Each shear rod is weakened along a shear section intermediately of the rod, or which is offset toward the upper end of the rod in order to reduce the overall length of the rod.

Abstract: A linear in-line safety shackle device includes a first connecting member engaging a first cable, a second connecting member engaging a second cable, and a device for releasibly securing the first connecting member with the second connecting member. Further provided is at least one safety cable which prevents premature complete separation of the first connecting member from the second connecting member.

Abstract: A clamping device that can be anchored in a hollow profile member (2) by expansion in force-derived fashion comprises two wedge-like wedge sleeve halves (5.1, 5.2). A surface responsible for the force-derived connection is constituted at least in part by a coating (8.1, 8.2) of granulated hard material.

Abstract: A cantilever mounting system for mounting a tube to a post to extend at approximately a right angle from the post that is maintained in a vertical attitude to the ground. The erected post can be utilized as a fences post, sign post, mail box post, or the like, and can be used for mounting the tube, or the like, that may be intended for receiving delivered items, such as mail and/or newspapers, and the tube includes at least one tab extending from one tube end that is for fitting into a slot that includes at least one hole formed therethrough. The tab hole is for receiving a peg type fastener that is fitted through the hole and blocks withdrawal of the tab from the slot to provide the tube cantilever mounting.

Abstract: A door lever assembly for disengaging an unlocked latch of a lockable door latch assembly includes a lever handle rotatably connected to a trim housing and a cam operably connected to the lever handle. The cam is positioned to rotate in response to rotation of the lever handle, converting its rotational movement to linear movement of a movable slider positioned adjacent to the cam. A lift arm is operably connected to vertical rods of the door latch assembly and an over-ride spring is connected between the slider and the lift arm. The over-ride spring transmits motion of the slider to the lift arm to lift the lift arm and the connected vertical rods when the door latch assembly is in an unlocked position. The over-ride spring compresses in response to slider movement when the blocking slide is positioned to block movement of the lift arm when the door latch assembly is in its locked position, preventing damage to components of the door lever assembly.

Abstract: A hanger for articles having a rectangular recess, for example, sockets for a socket wrench, has a connecting element which entrains a locking element into the recess in the goods and ruptures a web connecting opposite bars of the locking element. When the hanger is withdrawn from the recess, the bars fall out and limit reuse of the hanger.

Abstract: A self-aligning adapter used for attaching a booster to a missile includes a hollow tapered receptacle positioned on the missile. A tapered member sized and shaped to fit into and mate with the receptacle is positioned on the booster. The tapered member fits into the tapered receptacle to align and attach the booster to the missile. A linear explosive charge is positioned on the booster around where the tapered member is joined to the booster. Explosion of the charge severs the tapered member from the booster releasing the booster from the missile.

Abstract: An improved explosively operated separation joint as well as a process for manufacturing it are disclosed. In the present invention, a hollow-form extrusion is used to provide both sides of a separation joint, each side being attached to both of the two structures. Each end of the joint is attached to a respective one of the two structures. A stainless steel tube is inserted into the hollow portion of the extrusion. The extrusion then is rolled to form a portion of a ring. An explosive core covered by an elastomeric sheath is inserted into the length of the tube. The ends of the ring then are connected to and sealed by an initiation manifold. The manifold provides an interface between each of two flexible confined detonating cords ("FCDCs") with a respective end of the explosive core. The manifold includes a barrier between the ends of the explosive core and the two FCDCs that prevents sympathetic damage to either end of the explosive core and the associated FCDC by the detonation of the other.

Abstract: Safety assembly for a separable coupling device, particularly for a motor vehicle steering column having two coaxially arranged shaft sections whose end portions are offset with respect to their common geometric axis and which overlap. Each shaft section carries a plate. Each plate is connected to the other plate by separable link pins.

Abstract: A drawer front attachment system for securing the drawer face panel to the drawer body in proper orientation. The attachment system includes a tightening fastener rotatably mounted in a perpendicular bore of the drawer body and a connector assembly secured to the drawer front and selectively engageable with the tightening fastener. The connector assembly has a base housing inserted into a blind bore on the rear of the drawer front and a fastener rod threadably connected to the box housing. The fastener rod includes a head which is lockingly received within the tightening fastener. As the tightening bolt is rotated the fastener rod is cammingly pulled firmly joining the drawer front to the drawer body. The base housing includes a positionally captured fastener nut which facilitates adjustment of the drawer front relative to the drawer body for proper orientation.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle including three calculated break points is provided. The first break point is provided in the spout which is calculated to fracture upon application of a force orthogonal to the axial direction of the spout. The nozzle comprises a housing having at least one opening for a dispensing valve to be selectively removably received within. A coupling or maintaining member is provided for maintaining the dispensing valve within the housing. The maintaining member is adapted to withstand application of a pre-determined force tending to separate the dispensing valve from the housing. The maintaining member allows separation of the housing and dispensing valve when the pre-determined force is exceeded. This maintaining member is the second break point. The third breakaway feature is provided in the construction of the housing which is designed to fracture prior to fracture of the gas pump or hose if the first or second break points do not fracture.

Abstract: In cooperating cylinders, in particular cylinders of a printing mechanism which are in a drive connection via gear wheels and form a feed gap, at least one of the gear wheels is formed by a toothed rim and a wheel body which are connected with one another in a positive engagement via an overload coupling.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A heat sensitive case/nozzle interface is provided for an insensitive propellant-loaded munition such that the interface loses its structural integrity when high external heat is applied. The joint between a rocket case housing a rocket motor and nozzle forming the interface is received by an internal spring retainer positioned in a first groove in the case or nozzle in cooperation with a fusible material housed in an aligned second groove in the nozzle or case, respectively. A plurality of aligned openings extend into said first and second grooves. When the rocket is exposed to a high ambient temperature greater than melt temperature of the fusible material but lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the rocket, the fusible material melts and is forced through said holes by the spring retainer permitting the nozzle to separate from the case rendering the rocket motor safe if it auto-ignites.

Abstract: A novel ski glove/grip interlock system is disclosed in which the ski pole grip is releasably attached to the glove in a manner to maintain it in proper reflexive grasping position with a preferred swing angle relative to the skier's hand. In one embodiment, a transverse lock bar is positioned immediately adjacent the intersection of the V between thumb and forefinger on the glove for pivotal connection to a clip formed on the ski pole grip. The position and tension of the lock bar on the glove can be adjusted with a series of straps. The connection between glove and ski pole grip permits pivoting of the grip and ski pole relative to the hand at a preferred swing angle while maintaining proper position of the ski pole grip relative to the glove.

Abstract: A unitary construction device for temporarily attaching an object to a support of generally elongate shape along a reference axis, has a first part attached to the support and a second part attached to the object and joined to the first part by a coupling portion flexible in bending. This coupling portion includes a pair of identical axial tangs aligned on a first line transverse to the reference axis and coplanar therewith, flexible parallel to a second line transverse to the reference axis and perpendicular to the first transverse line, and requiring the same energy to fracture in tension parallel to the axis. The coupling portion further includes at least one pair of first feet attached to the first part, one on each side of the first transverse line and extending axially towards the second part, and at least one pair of second feet attached to the second part and extending axially towards the pair of first feet and separated therefrom by the same predetermined axial distance.

Abstract: A driven disk assembly includes a hub assembly and a support plate assembly to which friction pads are attached. If the driven disk assembly includes a free travel feature wherein the hub assembly is free to rotate slightly with respect to the support plate assembly, it is difficult to align splines of the hub assembly with cooperating splines of a transmission input shaft upon installing a clutch including the driven disk assembly within a drive train. In order to negate free travel prior to installation, a small quantity of rupturable material is disposed within a slot that accommodates lost notion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly. Upon initially rotating the support plate assembly, the material ruptures, allowing relative motion between the support plate assembly and hub assembly so that the free travel feature and damping springs disposed between the assemblies function as intended.

Abstract: A connector assembly in which a first connector housing is secured to a second connector housing using a bolt and nut arrangement. The assembly includes a bolt which extends through the first connector housing and is threadably engaged with a nut disposed in the second connector housing; and a depressing flange formed on the shank of the bolt for abutting against the first connector housing. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a bolt holder is mounted on the bolt between the bolt head and the depressing flange to retain the bolt to the first connector housing. The bolt holder includes either a single member having a bolt hole, and a bolt inserting slot communicated with the bolt hole and having a width smaller than the diameter of the bolt, or two individual members which define a bolt hole when combined together to retain the bolt therein.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a multi-layer panel having a first surface adapted to be secured to a substructure, a second surface awash in a fluid flowing thereacross, and a plurality of spaced fastener-receiving holes arranged in a predetermined array in the second surface. Each fastener includes a threaded shank having a diameter smaller than any of the fastener-receiving holes, a load-bearing flange located adjacent the shank having a diameter greater than the shank diameter for pressing the first surface of the panel against the substructure, an unthreaded shank extending away from the load-bearing flange and having a diameter smaller than the threaded shank diameter, and a second flange having a diameter greater than the diameter of the load-bearing flange. The second flange is located on the side of the unthreaded shank opposite the load-bearing flange, and functions to seat against a recessed region of the second surface of the panel.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A winding tape for winding up printed products with a fastener having two fastening parts is described, one part of the fastener being the tape-like material and being made from a first polymer of a material pair and the other part of the fastener is an end piece on the tape-like material and at least partly is made from a second polymer of the material pair, the first polymer being chosen from among polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyterephthalates and polycarbonates and the second polymer is a hot-melt adhesive based on polyamide-6, polyamide copolymers, polyolefins or polyvinyl alcohol and has at one end a tape-like support material onto which is drawn a hot-melt adhesive film of the second polymer, which is heated for joining together the tape and the tape end and is pressed onto the winding tape.

Abstract: A breakaway connection is mounted between a lower and an upper post section for upstandingly supporting the upper section on the lower section. The breakaway connection has a U-shape cross-section with lateral flanges. A weakened linear section extends horizontally on the flanges and partly on the U-shaped portion and is adapted to break upon a lateral impact. The linear section extending downwardly into folds between the flanges and the U-shaped portion of the connection for allowing the upper part of the connection to tilt backwardly while both the upper and lower parts of the connection remain linked together.

Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for mounting and replacing fire hydrants including a hollow, box-like structure comprising a plastic cylinder which can enclose the hydrant-mounting flange to protect the flange, yet which can quickly and easily be removed and replaced, even by unskilled workmen, to provide access to the hydrant-mounting flange and the break-away bolts without requiring expensive and time-consuming cement work.

Abstract: An adapter device is provided for varying the length of a ball point pen refill cartridge to enable the cartridge to be used in a variety of ball point pen housings. The adapter consists of a barrel which slips over the distal end of a refill cartridge and is securely connected to the cartridge by a channel formed in the barrel. The barrel comprises detachable sections which are removed as necessary so that the cartridge with the adapter attached barrel sections is substantially equal in length to the exhausted refill cartridge. The channel permits air to flow to the ink cartridge, enabling ink to be flow easily from the cartridge.

Abstract: A fire hydrant locking arrangement which is intended for utilization on a conventional fire hydrant. Moreover, also disclosed is a method of producing a fire hydrant locking arrangement through a heat-meltable locking ring which will inhibit the unauthorized opening of fire hydrants while facilitating the ready servicing of the internal components of the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles includes at least two shaft portions which are movable relative to each other in order to reduce the length of the steering shaft in case of an axial load due to an accident. The end portions of the shaft portions face each other and are located next to each other and are preferably angled or bent. Overlapping flanges are mounted on the end portions. In the overlapping areas, one of the flanges has bores which are equipped with sleeves of macromolecular materials. Guide bolts fastened to another flange extend into the bores. The free ends of the guide bolts project beyond the flange with the bores. Tearable stops are provided at the free ends of the guide bolts. The stops may be in the form of disks.

Abstract: A washer is positioned beneath a superimposed assembly of two or more flat thin objects (e.g. resin sheets) which is horizontally supported. A hollow joining pin is fitted about a metal pin supported vertically and coaxially with the washer. The joining pin has a head, a shank and a tapered end portion which is severable from the shank. The metal pin has a pointed end about which the tapered end portion of the joining pin is positioned. The metal pin is vertically movable with the joining pin, or independently of it. The metal pin and the joining pin are moved down to drive its pointed end and its tapered end portion, respectively, into the assembly to make a hole therein and force the shank through the hole until the shank is engaged with the washer, whereby the objects are secured together between the head of the joining pin and the washer. The metal pin is moved down through the joining pin to sever its tapered end portion from its shank. The objects, washer, and joining pin are all of the same material.

Abstract: A soil penetrating tool assembly for mounting to a tool bar of a soil penetrating implement including a shank member which has an elongate body, a soil penetrating tool which is located on the first end of the body and a facing plate located on a second end of the body. The facing plate engages one side of the tool bar, and has a first end and a second end which has an opening. A clamping plate engages the other side of the tool bar, and has a first end and a forked second end which has two prongs each having openings including two sections, generally oblong in cross-section, offset from one another with different centerlines. The facing plate first end and clamping plate first end include facing flanges each having a through hole and a bolt secures the flanges together with a clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A fastening which allows a bolted-on cap to part from a body when excessive pressures develop in a cavity in the body, comprises a nut and bolt arrangement, and includes a weakened tubular spacer surrounding each bolt, between the bolt head and the cap. The wall of the spacer is drilled or scored in its mid-length area. The material and proportions of the spacer, and the proportions of the score or drilling, are so matched in relation to a particular pressure environment, that on excessive pressure developing, the load exerted on the cap causes the spacer to collapse in controlled manner, rather than merely crushing or breaking.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a rock catchment barrier comprising a plurality of modules. Each module comprises a concrete base having a top surface, a post, a concrete barrier, an aperture for connecting the post to the top surface of the concrete base, a connector for connecting the concrete barrier to either side of the concrete base, and a fence panel for catching rocks, the fence panel being attachable to the post, wherein when the concrete base is connected to the concrete barrier, and the post is connected to the concrete base and the fence panel for catching rocks, a resulting module is formed. The rock catchment barrier provides protection for use in a rock excavation or scaling site where there is a need to stop rocks which are projected away from the site, such as when the rock excavation or scaling site is adjacent to a flow to traffic.

Abstract: A torque fuse for a vehicle driveline has a sleeve splined at one end to the vehicle power transmission output shaft with the other end clip-splined to the driveshaft yoke. An intermediate pre-weakened frangible area of the sleeve is designed to rupture at a torque level less than the critical torque level of the driveshaft. A washer swaged into the sleeve enables the sleeve to be bolted to the end of the transmission output shaft. An auxiliary tailstick bolted to the transmission case has an auxiliary bearing to support transverse loads on the sleeve at the yoke end thereof.