Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a first interface surface with a plurality of apertures defined therein; a plurality of interface modules, wherein each interface module includes a first portion which releasably engages one of said apertures, and a second portion which protrudes from said first interface surface; a second interface surface which releasably mates with said first interface surface; and a gear train which rotates said first interface surface about an axis.

Abstract: A weld-less compactor includes a side wall formed by a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first and second panels includes an L-shaped extension having an opening therethrough. The weld-less compactor also includes a fastener assembly for securing the first panel to the second panel. The fastener assembly includes a bolt and a collar. The bolt has a head and a pintail. The collar is configured to fit around the pintail of the bolt. The first panel and the second panel are secured together by engaging the openings of the first panel and the second panel with the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic power take-off, PTO, is provided for use with industrial drives. The hydraulic power take-off has a multi-position adapter that allows the PTO to be attached to a prime mover in a multitude of angularly indexed positions while maintaining a gravity-assisted drain and sump for the hydraulic fluid. The multi-position adapter is indexable to selectively block and allow for passage of oil from a tower housing to a clutch housing thus ensuring the hydraulic oil properly drains. As a result, the tower housing is also indexable which allows the PTO unit to be installed in a number of different configurations to meet the demands of the prime mover and the final application of the industrial machine.

Abstract: A flanged component for a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The flanged component includes a flange body with a flange mating surface and a plurality of threaded features. Each threaded feature includes a threaded portion and a relief portion. The threaded portion has threads and extends into the flange body from the flange mating surface. The relief portion extends into the flange body from the flange mating surface located outward from the threaded portion forming a rim portion therebetween. The rim portion includes an upper rim surface having an annular shape. The relief portion includes an inner surface extending from the rim and tapering outward from the upper rim surface.

Abstract: A section of concrete intended to form a mast for a windmill, the section including a first portion including a first flange, a second portion including a second flange, a prestressing device including at least one visible part located between the first flange and the second flange, a first attaching device arranged to be connected to the first flange, and/or a second attaching device arranged to be connected to the second flange.

Abstract: A coating arrangement has the following characteristics: —particles having a scratch hardness greater than or equal to 9 and a median grain size that can be determined, —a coating having a thickness equaling approximately half the median grain size, —a coating carrier with a surface comprising recesses, wherein a portion greater than 85% of the recesses compared to a surface surrounding the associated recess is designed with a depth smaller than approximately 10% and/or a opening width smaller than or equal to approximately 15% of the coating thickness, and —the coating is applied to the surface of the coating carrier and surrounds the particles at least at a lower region oriented toward the coating carrier.

Abstract: A transmission includes an output shaft. The output shaft is configured to transmit torque from the transmission through an output shaft flange to a driveshaft. The transmission further includes an adapter having a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion, and a journal. The first threaded portion is received by the output shaft. The journal extends from the second threaded portion and is configured to align the driveshaft with the output shaft.

Abstract: A planetary gear reducer has a planetary carrier supported by an input-side main bearing and an output-side main bearing. An angular contact ball bearing or a deep groove ball bearing which requires less installation space and is inexpensive is used for the input-side main bearing. A tapered roller bearing having a large capacity is used for the output-side main bearing. A compact, flat and inexpensive planetary gear reducer can be realized in comparison with a case in which the both main bearings are tapered roller bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for allocating torque, supplied in one embodiment by an engine, to multiple variable and fixed displacement pumps coupled together in a series by coupling elements interspersed between the pumps. A controller is included which monitors the torque applied to each coupling element. The controller automatically varies displacement in one or more of the variable displacement pumps to prioritize and allocate torque to optimize available torque while keeping the torque applied to each coupling element within the torque limit for that particular coupling element.

Abstract: Dynamical flange clamp for strengthening flange couplings or taking over the bolt forces in a loaded flange coupling, where opposite clamps (1, 2) are preloaded towards each other, contraholders (3) are fitted on one of the clamps (2), functioning as back stop to absorb the preload. When installed on a flange connection the gasket stress is kept virtually constant during the transfer of forces between the flange coupling bolts and the flange clamp. This is done without any further adjustments to the dynamical flange clamp. The dynamic flange clamp is particularly useful during bolt changes in a Hot Bolting operation.

Abstract: A radar level gauge using comprising a transceiver, processing circuitry, a signal propagating device, and a wave guide arrangement connecting the transceiver with the signal propagation device. The wave guide arrangement includes a hollow wave guide, a first filling member made of a first dielectric material, which first filling member is arranged inside the hollow wave guide, and a second filling member made of a second dielectric material, which second filling member is arranged inside the hollow wave guide outside the first filling member with respect to the tank. The second filling member is fixed in the wave guide at least in a direction out from the tank, and is configured to withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. During conditions of temperatures sufficiently high to soften the inner filling member, the outer filling member will thus serve to prevent the first filling member from being forced out of the wave guide.

Abstract: An arrangement of components (12, 13, 30) for a wind power plant. A first component (12, 13) has a flange (15, 130) having a flange contact surface (121, 122, 133). A second component (30) has a flange-mounting surface (131, 132) for a flange (15, 130) of the first component (12, 13). Alternatively, the second component (12, 13) has a flange (15, 130) having a flange contact surface (122, 133) and the flange contact surface (122, 133) of the first component (12, 13) and the flange-mounting surface (131, 132) of the second component (30) are arranged opposite each other, or the flange contact surfaces (122, 121) of the components are arranged opposite each other. At least one flange contact surface (121, 122, 133) of a flange (15, 130) and/or the flange-mounting surface (131, 132) of the second component (30) has an outer coating made of a chrome-steel alloy.

Abstract: A disclosed fan containment case includes a fan case fabricated from a plurality of non-metallic composite layers with an attachment flange formed of both a composite portion and a metallic backing. The disclosed metallic backing is mounted on a rearward facing surface of a composite portion of the attachment flange.

Abstract: The invention provides a fan casing for a gas turbine engine, the casing having a substantially cylindrical portion that terminates at one end in an annular flange made of composite material. The flange includes at least one setback in a fraction of its thickness and at least one bolt for fastening pieces of equipment passing right through the flange in the axial direction, the bolt for fastening pieces of equipment having a head that presents a flat that is to bear flat against a rim of the setback, and a shank forming a stud for fastening pieces of equipment on the casing.

Abstract: A shaft for transmitting torques includes a hollow shaft made of fiber-reinforced plastic. A flange which can be used to connect the hollow shaft to a driving or driven machine part is fastened at least to one end of the hollow shaft. The flange is fastened to the hollow shaft via a number of screw connections. Each screw connection includes a screw and a nut. The shank of the screw projects in the direction of the hollow shaft through an opening in the flange that is arranged in the connection region between the end edge of the hollow shaft and the flange. The shank extends at least partially inside the shell of the hollow shaft and engages with the nut arranged on the hollow shaft. The head of the screw is supported on that side of the flange opposed to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A dowel element is provided and includes a shank portion including first and second mating parts. One of the first and second mating parts includes a first exterior surface and is formed to define an anti-fretting relief including a second exterior surface recessed from the first exterior surface in a radial dimension.

Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly for connecting two shafts. A first shaft includes an outward flange on one end thereof with a plurality of first holes extending through the outward flange around an axis of the first shaft. A second shaft is a hollow shaft including an inward flange on one end thereof with a plurality of second holes extending through the inward flange with same diameter of the first holes and aligning with the respective first holes. The coupling assembly includes: a coupling bolt with thread on a first end and a second end thereof, which is inserted in the first hole and the second hole. A first nut is engaged with the first end of the coupling bolt. A second nut engaged with the second end of the coupling bolt. An expansion sleeve is with its inner hole tapering from one end to another end thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling includes an inner rotor and an outer rotor between which a split case is disposed. The split case has a flange which can be fixed with a counter-flange on a coupling component. The split case is made of a ceramic, whereas the coupling component and the counter-flange are formed from a metal material. Provided on the flange is a spherical elevation which engages in a corresponding, spherical indentation. A compensating element is arranged between the flange and the counter-flange and can have a spherical indentation corresponding to the spherical elevation on one of its front sides.

Abstract: A high capacity radial-fit coupling bolt (or “expanding sleeve bolt”) has a pair of tapered sleeves about a shank of a bolt to which can be applied a tensioning load. An extrudable ring, or a compression ring, is interposed between a head nut or head flange at one end of the shank, and one end of an inner sleeve. A tensioning load is applied to the shank, the inner sleeve causing the outer sleeve to expand diametrically. At a preset load limit, the extrudable ring is extruded through at least one bore in a drive piston between the head nut and the extrudable ring, to allow shank to move relative to the inner sleeve until the tensioning load is fully applied. Alternatively, a drive member is provided between the head nut or head flange and the compression ring, and at a preset limit, the compression ring allows the shank to move relative to inner sleeve until the tensioning load is fully applied. The preset limit will typically correspond to the force required to fully expand the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A load coupling for adjusting torsional natural frequency of a power train includes a first flange having a plurality of annularly arranged connecting holes, a second flange having a plurality of annularly arranged connecting holes and a shaft that extends between the first flange and the second flange. A threaded bore hole is defined within one of the first flange or the second flange radially outward from the plurality of connecting holes. A first threaded plug is seated within the threaded bore hole. The first threaded plug includes a turning end that is axially separated from a contact end. A second threaded plug is seated within the threaded bore hole. The second threaded plug includes a turning end that is axially separated from a contact end. The contact end of the first threaded plug is axially loaded against the contact end of the second threaded plug.

Abstract: A component is provided. The component is configured to bear on a complementary surface. The component includes a flange located on a periphery of the component. The flange of the component defines an extended provided therein. The flange of the component also defines a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures extended through the flange and are structured and arranged to receive fasteners therethrough. Further, the groove on the flange includes first portions and second portions. The first portions of the groove extend between adjoining apertures of the plurality of apertures and the second portions of the groove are detour portions in proximity to the apertures of the plurality of apertures. The groove is structured and arranged to receive a sealant therein. The sealant forms continuous seal along the periphery of the component in response to the flange being pressed against the complementary surface.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes that can be configured to allow the cylindrical body of one torque tube to nest with projections extending from an adjacent torque tube. The torque tubes can be formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The torque tubes may be connected with coupling flanges, shaped with a plurality of radially extending lobes. The coupling flanges can include a plurality of concave portions disposed between adjacent lobes. The rotatable shafts can be round and the concave portions can be curved with a radius of curvature that is about the same as a radius of curvature of outer surface of the rotatable shafts. The torque tubes can also have saddle mounts which can include a concave portion configured to nest with an adjacent torque tube.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first component with a flange containing a plurality of spaced through-holes; a second component with a joining portion having an end surface which faces the flange and containing a plurality of spaced elongate cavities; and a plurality of fixation devices. Each cavity extends into the joining portion from the end surface in alignment with one of the through-holes. Each fixation device includes: a bolt which extends through a respective through-hole and the corresponding cavity, and includes a nut which is embedded within the joining portion at the corresponding cavity to receive the bolt such that on tightening the nut and bolt a clamping force is exerted across the flange and the end surface to join the first and second components together. Under axial loads less than that causing bolt failure, each fixation device is deformable to remove the clamping force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump connection device for electrical submersible pump unit; two or more centrifugal pumps are fixedly connected successively from top to bottom, the lower end of a centrifugal pump body being a connecting flange and a rabbet at the lower end of the connecting flange inserting in the upper inner bore of an adjacent centrifugal pump body, the contact surface between the connecting flange and the centrifugal pump body is a spherical surface, and the used washer of a bolt is a disc washer; the spherical surface of the connecting flange is a convex spherical surface, and the spherical surface of the upper end of the centrifugal pump body is a concave spherical surface.

Abstract: A pressure casing has a plurality of casing shells (10a, b) which can be connected in a pressure-tight manner in a parting plane (11) by a flange (13). The casing shells (10a, b) are pressed together with sealing effect in the parting plane (11) in the region of the flange (13) by at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) which extends through the flange (13) perpendicularly to the parting plane (11). A reduced thermal loading of the threaded bolts (19; 19a-d) of the flanged joint is achieved by the at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) being exposed over a part of its length towards the inner side of the casing (10).

Abstract: A force-fitting clamping connection includes a first metal clamping surface, a second metal clamping surface, and a clamping element for clamping the clamping surfaces against one another. The first clamping surface forms a hardened fine surface structure with microreliefs and microdepressions. The second clamping surface has a lower hardness than the first clamping surface. Preferably, the first clamping surface is surface-treated by sand-blasting, shot-blasting or embossing before the hardening operation. This allows permanently high friction coefficient values between the clamping surfaces. A flange connection includes such a clamping connection for transmitting high torques.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for fixing a cargo insulation panel to a hull is provided. The fixing apparatus includes a fixing plate adhered to one face of the insulation panel, a plurality of fixing brackets protruded to the outside of the fixing plate, protruded portions of the fixing brackets being fixed by stud bolts arranged on the hull, and a coupling device configured to couple the fixing brackets to the fixing plate.

Abstract: A component includes a first member, a second member and a device for fastening the first member to the second member. A first hole extends through a portion of the first member and a second hole extends through a portion of the second member. The first member and the second member are positioned such that the first hole and the second hole coincide. The fastening device includes an elongated fastening element arranged in the coinciding holes and a bushing arrangement arranged around the fastening element and adapted to establish a load transmission path between the first member and the second member. A first part of the bushing arrangement is arranged such that an inner surface thereof is positioned at a distance from an exterior surface of the fastening element for establishing a first load transmission path via the bushing arrangement and bypassing the fastening element in a first load condition.

Abstract: A ladder rack for a vehicle having a cab and a cargo area behind the cab. The rack has two front and two rear upwardly extending legs affixed to the cargo area proximally to and distally from the cab, respectively. Two side sections extending between longitudinally adjacent front and rear legs, respectively; and front overhang sections extending from the front legs, respectively, over and displaced above the cab. The sections each including an upper bar assembly, a lower bar and an attachment for attaching the sections to an adjacent leg. Each of the attachments has a plate and fasteners, the upper bar assemblies and lower bars being end abutting against one or more plates, being fixed to the plates and being displaced from one another at the plates. The plates extend between the upper bar assemblies and the lower bars and outwardly beyond each. The fasteners of the attachments are received by a plate and an adjacent leg beyond the upper bar assembly and the lower bars.

Abstract: A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board.

Abstract: Fastening system for wind turbines characterized by comprising a front flange (9) and a rear flange (8), which are joined together and supported on the hollow rotary shaft (2), and coupled to the pitch system comprising the bearings (6) for the shaft and the star-shaped part (4). The fastening method couples the rear flange (8) to the hollow shaft (2) with a tapered collar (10) and also to the front flange (9) through some spacer bushings (11). The collar (10) uses friction to transfer significant moments and axial stresses so as to improve the fastening system, and the direction of the bolts on the collar (10) and the bolts (12) on the spacer bushings (11) simplify inspection and maintenance tasks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a drive shaft end to a vehicle drive flange of the type that has six equally spaced, axially directed threaded bores. The apparatus includes a yoke member defining a pair of ears for receiving pin members defined by the drive shaft. The yoke member has at least four equally spaced apart axial through bores that are alignable with four of the bores in the drive flange. Fasteners extending through the through bores are threadably received by the aligned drive flange bores and clamp the yoke member to the drive flange. At least one, but preferably two, drive pins are threadably received by two of the six drive flange bores and include portions that are received by associated bores in the yoke member and are preferably sized to tightly fit the bores in a torque transmitting relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle-use propeller shaft includes a yoke having four arm portions to disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, each arm portion extending outward in the radial direction. One pair of arm portions and that extend in opposite directions and the other pair of arm portions and that extend in opposite directions have mutually different shapes.

Abstract: A method or arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second component to each other with a connection by force on all sides is disclosed. The connecting arrangement comprises a bolt extending from a first component through a through opening in a second component, a clamping nut which is screwed on the bolt for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising an inner cone with a split and an outer cone. One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical clamping element, which is arranged and axially moveable for radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping nut. A locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping element and clampable against an abutment surface of the second component to limit moveability of the clamping element.

Abstract: Bolted together first and second flanges include bolts disposed through first bolt holes in the first flange. The bolts extend at least partially through second holes in the second flange. Bolt include bolt heads, threads, and shanks therebetween. Crushable spacers disposed around the shanks of a first plurality of the bolts and contacting and axially extending between the bolt heads and the first flange. Bushings disposed around a second plurality of the bolts and contacting and axially extending between the bolt heads and the second flange. A shank outer diameter may be smaller than a thread diameter and heat shrink tubing may be disposed around the bolt shanks of at least some of the spacers. First bolt holes may extend into an open annular slot on first flange and second holes may extend partially through a forward extending annular rail of second flange with rail received within slot.

Abstract: A mechanical joint for a gas turbine engine includes:(a) an annular first component having an annular, radially-extending first flange; (b) an annular second component having an annular, radially-extending second flange abutting the first flange; (c) a plurality of generally radially-extending radial channels passing through at least one of the first and second flanges; (d) a plurality of generally axially-extending channels extending through the first flange and communicating with respective ones of the radial channels; and (e) a plurality of fasteners clamping the first and second flanges together.

Abstract: A structural joint includes a first flange, a second flange and a fastener with a head and a shaft. The first flange extends out from a first component to a distal first flange end. The second flange extends out from a segmented second component to a distal second flange end. The second flange includes a first lateral flange segment that extends laterally to a first flange sidewall, and a second lateral flange segment that extends laterally to a second flange sidewall, which is engaged with the first flange sidewall. The head is encased in the second flange and extends laterally into the first flange sidewall and the second flange sidewall. The shaft extends longitudinally out from the second flange and through the first flange.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first portion configured for connection to a first shaft and having a first portion flange and a second portion configured for connection to a second shaft and having a second portion flange. The coupling also includes an isolating member disposed between the first portion flange and the second portion flange and that is formed of ceramic and electrically isolates the first portion from the second portion. The coupling also includes one or more connecting members passing through the first portion flange, the second portion flange, and the isolating member and holding the first portion flange and the second portion flange in a fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: A quick release coupling has a first component with an axial portion terminating in a shoulder defining an abutment surface. A second component has a collar with a cavity defining an internal abutment surface and having a lateral opening to permit the collar to be laterally slid onto the axial portion such that the internal abutment surface engages the abutment surface of the shoulder to inhibit axial separation of said first and second components. An axial bolt is displaceable into a position extending between the axial portion and the collar so as to inhibit lateral movement of the collar when the collar is positioned on the axial portion. In order to release the coupling, the bolt is retracted to permit lateral displacement of the collar and thereby release of the coupling.

Abstract: A pressure casing has a plurality of casing shells (10a, b) which can be connected in a pressure-tight manner in a parting plane (11) by a flange (13). The casing shells (10a, b) are pressed together with sealing effect in the parting plane (11) in the region of the flange (13) by at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) which extends through the flange (13) perpendicularly to the parting plane (11). A reduced thermal loading of the threaded bolts (19; 19a-d) of the flanged joint is achieved by the at least one threaded bolt (19; 19a-d) being exposed over a part of its length towards the inner side of the casing (10).

Abstract: A thermal coupling includes a first structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second structure having a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; a plurality of thermal expansion fingers provided in the first structure; a plurality of thermal expansion flanges extending from the plurality of thermal expansion fingers, respectively; and a flange extending from the second structure and attached to the plurality of thermal expansion flanges.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first component with a flange containing a plurality of spaced through-holes; a second component with a joining portion having an end surface which faces the flange and containing a plurality of spaced elongate cavities; and a plurality of fixation devices. Each cavity extends into the joining portion from the end surface in alignment with one of the through-holes. Each fixation device includes: a bolt which extends through a respective through-hole and the corresponding cavity, and includes a nut which is embedded within the joining portion at the corresponding cavity to receive the bolt such that on tightening the nut and bolt a clamping force is exerted across the flange and the end surface to join the first and second components together. Under axial loads less than that causing bolt failure, each fixation device is deformable to remove the clamping force.

Abstract: A flanged member (1), intended to be included as a component in a flanged joint, for installation in a pressure equipment device, and having a first flanged end (3) having a first end surface (10) intended to be assembled together with another end surface (4) of a flanged end (11) on another, second flanged member (2) constituting a second component in the flanged joint. The first end surface is slightly concave in the radial direction over at least a part of the extension thereof in the radial direction.

Abstract: A modular construction system includes an elongate construction element. The element has an elongate body including a longitudinal web, defining opposite first and second edges and a longitudinal first centerline, and a longitudinal first flange transverse to the web along the first edge, the elongate body defining opposite first and second ends. At the first end, a first end plate is provided that is orthogonal to the first centerline. Defined through the first end plate are a first hole on the first centerline, a second hole intermediate the first hole and the first edge, and a third hole intermediate the first hole and the second edge. The holes are preferably equispaced. For each of the holes, a cut-out is provided in the web. The cut-out allows insertion of a shaft of a bolt through the hole while accommodating the head of the bolt. First and second types of jointing element for coupling a number of elongate construction elements thereto to form a permanent or temporary structure are also described.

Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling a first rotating part and a second rotating part includes a first rotating part comprising a first mounting flange having a first shoulder and a first axis and a second rotating part comprising a second mounting flange having a second shoulder and a second axis, the first flange and the second flange configured to secure the joint assembly. It also includes a cylindrical inner surface disposed in the second shoulder. It further includes a centering flange disposed on the first shoulder, the centering flange having a first length and disposed about the first axis; the centering flange having an axially extending non-contact section and an axially coextending contact section that is disposed within and extends radially outwardly from the noncontact section, the contact section having an annular convexly curved outer surface disposed about the first axis and a second length substantially smaller than the first length.

Abstract: A joint assembly for securing flanges of two casings comprising a plurality of bolts, a plurality of collars and a plurality of nuts. Each bolt extends through an aperture in the first flange and an aperture in the second flange, each collar being arranged around a shank of a respective bolt and each nut being secured on a respective one of the bolts. Each collar being arranged between one of the flanges and a nut or a head of a bolt. Each collar comprises a first member and a second member, the second member being arranged at a first end of the first member. The second member being substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the second member having first and second radially inner ends and a radially outer mid portion and an axial space is defined between the first radially inner end and the second radially inner end of the second member.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a first portion having a first portion flange and a second portion having a second portion flange. The device also includes one or more isolating members disposed at least partially within the second portion flange and at least partially between the first portion flange and the second portion flange, the one or more isolating members electrically isolating the first portion from the second portion. The device also includes a fastener passing through one of the one or more isolating members, the first portion flange and the second portion flange and holding the first portion flange and the second portion flange in a fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine engine casing. A first casing section is positioned radially outward from a turbine engine. The first casing includes a first flange having an outer end portion, an inner end portion, and a body therebetween. At least a portion of the outer end portion has a partial frusto-conical cross-sectional profile. A second casing section including a second flange is positioned adjacent the first casing section such that a mating surface of the second flange is positioned substantially flush against a first flange mating surface. Each respective mating surface is opposite a respective load-bearing surface. A fastener is inserted through an opening in the first and second flanges to couple casing sections together such that a portion of a load-bearing surface extending over the first flange outer end portion facilitates distributing loading induced therein substantially equally across the load bearing surface.

Abstract: A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.

Abstract: A fastener system with a coaxial annular flange (14) having through holes (16), each serving to pass a screw (17) for screwing into an associated tapped hole (16) in the wall (2) of a stationary structure. Each through hole (16) has a circularly cylindrical distal segment (16a) followed by an enlarged proximal segment (16b) adjacent to the wall (2) of the stationary structure, allowing the shank (19) of the screw to bend and enabling a corresponding lateral offset (D). This prevents the screw (17) rupturing under high shear forces due to accidental destruction of a vacuum pump rotor while rotating at full speed.