Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanical coupling for two rebars. The coupling includes a first extremity disposed on a first of the two rebars, and a second extremity disposed on a second of the two rebars. Each of the first and second extremities are machined to effect an interlocking, form-fit connection between the two rebars, wherein the form-fit connection prevents separation of the extremities and inhibits axial displacement of the two rebars with respect to each other. The coupling further includes a covering disposed about the two extremities when the extremities are interconnected via the interlocking, form-fit connection. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle that includes a first roof beam that has a first cross-sectional area. The first roof beam includes an end and an indentation at the end. The vehicle includes a second beam that has a second cross-sectional area and is coupled to the first roof beam at the indentation, such that the second cross-sectional area is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A manipulator command handle (147, 230, 330) comprising a handle framework (232, 332), a first cable (250, 350) having a first end (252, 352) and a second end, wherein the second end of the first cable is coupled to the handle framework, a first coupler block (241, 341) coupled to the first end of the first cable and a connector configured to reversibly couple to an output shaft (224, 322) of a manipulator wrist joint.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided including one or more connecting elements arranged on at least one connectable part. At least one connecting element includes non-self-cutting retaining projections having a curved supporting surface in the form of an arc of a circle in longitudinal section. A groove is provided in one of the connectable parts, the groove having a curved undercut surface in the form of an arc of a circle in longitudinal section and including a base section and two undercut sections which extend away from the base section in a thickness direction. The retaining projections are engageable with the undercut sections of the groove. One or more connecting elements include or are in the form of one or more screw elements, and one or more connecting elements include one or more moveable retaining elements by means of which the parts can be drawn towards and/or pressed against each other.

Abstract: In order to create a connecting device for fixing and/or connecting objects or components, in particular for connecting furniture or machine parts, which connecting device comprises one or more connecting elements which are easily and reliably fixable in or to one or more components, it is proposed that the connecting device comprise at least one connecting element which is fixable in or to a component and comprises the following: a main body and one or more securing elements, wherein the one or more securing elements are formed in one piece with the main body in an initial position of the connecting device, wherein the one or more securing elements are detachable from the main body by destroying a predetermined break-away region between the main body and the one or the plurality of securing elements and wherein the one or the plurality of securing elements are moveable from the initial position into a securing position for the purposes of fixing the main body in or to the component.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system having a base plate having a plurality of screw holes and a plurality of corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The present invention also provides an extension plate having a plurality of screw holes and corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The extension plate is dimensioned and configured with an extension portion, the extension portion having a screw hole and a screw locking mechanism and a finger portion having a connection element and to contact and connect with the base plate. The base plate is provided a graft window having edges, wherein at least one of the edges being configured to receive and connect with the connection element.

Abstract: A downhole coupling has a first part with a sleeve end and a first connector end, and a second part with a pin end and a second connector end. The sleeve end and pin end are secured together via an interference fit. A second downhole coupling has a first part with a sleeve end and a first connector end, and a second part with a pin end and a second connector end. One or more shear pins may be present, each shear pin positioned within a shear pin bore that extends through the sleeve end and partially into the pin end. Related methods and combinations are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum pump comprises an exhaust portion having a plurality of rotating blade portions arranged in multiple stages, each of the rotating blade portions having a plurality of rotor blades, and a plurality of stationary blade portions arranged between the rotating blade portions, in which outer circumferential rims are supported via spacers, each of the stationary blade portions having a plurality of stator blades. In at least one stationary blade portion among the plurality of stationary blade portions, a blade height on the inner circumferential side of the plurality of stator blades provided in the stationary blade portion is set to be smaller than a blade height on the outer circumferential side, and the stationary blade portion is supported by the spacers in such a manner that the inner circumferential side of the stationary blade portion is floated up toward an intake port side.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system having a base plate having a plurality of screw holes and a plurality of corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The present invention also provides an extension plate having a plurality of screw holes and corresponding screw locking mechanisms. The extension plate is dimensioned and configured with an extension portion, the extension portion having a screw hole and a screw locking mechanism and a finger portion having a connection element and to contact and connect with the base plate. The base plate is provided a graft window having edges, wherein at least one of the edges being configured to receive and connect with the connection element.

Abstract: A longitudinal connection is formed for wooden components and a corresponding wooden component. A fitting piece is glued in a recess to the outer or bottom sides of the at least two glued laminated girders to be connected in such a way that a scarf joint is created at least in a partial length of the fitting piece between the fitting piece and the respective glued laminated girder originating from the tapered and transition regions of the fitting piece in the direction of the end of the associated glued laminated girder.

Abstract: An agricultural implement frame having at least one beam welded to additional components is formed by cutting the beam into a first tube member and a second tube member having an overlaying portion formed by overlaying ends of the first and second tube members. Each overlaying end has an overlaying wall and a base wall connected by opposing interface side walls. The laser cut forms interface surfaces in the interface side walls. The cut forms a plurality of interlocking load transfer teeth in the interface surfaces. Micro tabs are left uncut in the interface side walls to keep the first and second tube members aligned. The beam is then welded to other components of the implement frame. The micro tabs are broken to separate the first and second tube members so the frame may be folded. When joined, the interface surfaces contact and the interlocking load transfer teeth mesh.

Abstract: A reinforcing is disclosed that comprising a reinforcing bar extending along a portion of the length of the reinforcing and a termination extending along an end portion of the reinforcing. The termination is disclosed as being permanently bonded to the reinforcing bar preferably by a friction welding process so as to form an integral connection. The termination has a body extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a lateral engagement face formed on the body. In use the first end is joined to an end the reinforcing bar, and the engagement face incorporates locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device which can slide up and down on a chain or cable, can be loosened to attach to the chain or cable, but does not have any parts that come free when the part is loosened. The device includes first and second pieces, each made of structural material, the first and second pieces fitting together at concave and convex surfaces, to form an interlock forms inner surfaces with a through hole of a first shape that can slide along either a cable or a chain.

Abstract: A device which can slide up and down on a chain or cable, can be loosened to attach to the chain or cable, but does not have any parts that come free when the part is loosened.

Abstract: A panel fastening system, especially floor panels, whose narrow sides are fitted with retaining profiles. The retaining profile of a front narrow side, the retaining profile of the opposite back narrow side, the retaining profile of a left narrow side and the retaining profile of the opposite right narrow side of a panel match each other in such a way that similar panels can be fixed to one another. The mutually matching retaining profiles have complementary hook elements that can be hooked into one another and the hook elements have retaining surfaces which hold the panels against each other when the panels are mounted in such a way that a gap-free surface is obtained.

Abstract: A technique to extensively increase the efficiency of the construction of large-size wooden building and to effectively use the loading space when materials for construction are transported fixes a basic hardware on a lateral surface of a longitudinal member with a subsidiary hardware on an end surface of a lateral member. The basic hardware has an upper tapered portion and a lower receiving portion and is affixed to the longitudinal member. The subsidiary hardware is affixed to the lateral member and has a lower tapered portion and an upper receiving portion that engage with the upper tapered portion and the lower receiving portion, respectively, of the basic hardware to join the longitudinal member and the lateral member together.

Abstract: A panel fastening system, especially for floor panels. The floor panels are fitted with retaining profiles on their edges, whereby the retaining profile of a front edge and the retaining profile of the opposite back edge and the retaining profile of a left edge and the retaining profile of the opposite right edge of a panel match each other in such a way that similar panels can be fixed to one another. The mutually matching retaining profiles have complementary hook elements that can be hooked into one another and the hook elements have retaining surfaces by means of which the panels are held against each other when mounted in such a way that a gap-free surface is obtained.

Abstract: A universal coupler for coupling multiple orthopedic instruments is disclosed. The universal coupler includes a body having a boss and an internal bore, a locking shaft having a first portion and a second portion, a trigger including a trigger bore, and a connection portion. The trigger is operable between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the first portion and boss are misaligned and in the second position the first portion and the boss are aligned.

Abstract: A main beam of a container semi-trailer provided with the joint, and the connecting method thereof. The joint is used to connect a main beam and has a first connecting plate connected to the main beam; a second and a third connecting plate secured to the same side of the first connecting plate and spaced apart to each other; and a fourth connecting plate slantingly connected between the second and third connecting plates.

Abstract: A joint for flat rigid parts comprises projections, which are embodied on the mating sides of the parts in the form of bulbous breadths at the edge thereof and necks at the basis thereof, and complementary joggles, which are embodied in the form of bulbous slots corresponding to the bulbous breadths of the projections and gradually changing into grooves corresponding to the projections necks. The surfaces of the projections edges and the surfaces of the slots bottoms mating therewith are embodied in the form of cones, wherein the peaks of the conical surfaces of the projections edges and of the slats bottoms are arranged an the opposite sides with respect to the connecting parts. The radius of curvature of the guiding lines of the conical surfaces of the projections edges and of the slots bottoms can be embodied in such a way that they tend to infinity; at least one connecting part can be embodied in the form of a through-thickness composite part.

Abstract: A joint includes a plurality of plates each including a first portion and a second portion for overlapping the first portion of the next one of the plates. Each of the plates may define a plurality of apertures each for receiving a fastener. Each of the plates may include a tab formed thereon for connection with an article.

Abstract: This invention is related to a knock down frame attachment system. The knock down frame attachment system includes a seating portion, a pair of side panels and a plurality of sets of mounting brackets. A set includes both a left and a right mounting bracket. A set of brackets are coupled to each side of the seating portion and to both side panels. Thus, two sets of brackets are required to attach a side panel to the seating portion.

Abstract: This invention is related to a knock down frame attachment system. The knock down frame attachment system includes a seating portion, a pair of side panels and a plurality of sets of mounting brackets. A set includes both a left and a right mounting bracket. A set of brackets are coupled to each side of the seating portion and to both side panels. Thus, two sets of brackets are required to attach a side panel to the seating portion.

Abstract: A clamping device of a rotating tool includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate includes a snap groove disposed at the center of the first clamping plate and having a bored hole disposed at a center of the snap groove and a plurality of first fixing grooves disposed on the circumference of the first clamping plate. The second clamping plate includes a snap protrusion disposed at the center of the second clamping plate, corresponding to the snap groove, and having a bored hole disposed at a center of the snap protrusion, and a plurality of fixing protrusions disposed on the circumference of the second clamping plate and corresponding to the first fixing grooves, wherein one of the first and second clamping plates includes a plurality of union protrusions integrally formed thereon and the other one includes a plurality of second fixing grooves corresponding to the union protrusions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line connector having a line attachment portion, a snap-in portion, a snap-on portion, wherein the snap-in and snap-on portions disposed such that the snap-on portions of first and second line connectors will simultaneously attach onto the snap-in portions of one another along a direction of attachment, and wherein an angle between a direction of attachment is no more than about ninety degrees to an axis of line tension.

Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line connector having a line attachment portion, a snap-in portion, a snap-on portion, wherein the snap-in and snap-on portions disposed such that the snap-on portions of first and second line connectors will simultaneously attach onto the snap-in portions of one another along a direction of attachment, and wherein an angle between a direction of attachment is no more than about ninety degrees to an axis of line tension.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for a driveshaft, includes an end toothing at a first component and an end toothing at a second component, wherein the end toothings have teeth and gaps. In an end view, the image of the teeth and gaps at both components, are identical and wherein, starting from corresponding images of the teeth and gaps at both components, there are obtained matching complementary images of the teeth and gaps at the two components in an end view when the components are rotated relative to one another by 90° or 180°.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a component to a hanger including a first member and a second member. The coupling includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a pair of extending portions and a pair of extending tabs. The second member includes a pair of circumferential openings and a pair of opposed notches. The openings and notches receive the extending portions and tabs. The component is supportable from the hanger and is substantially restricted from independent movement relative to the hanger when the first member is connected to the second member.

Abstract: A hub assembly for pivotally connecting the ends of support rods of a portable self-supporting display structure configured for a collapsed storage position and an expanded display position. The hub assembly may include first and second members and a connector. The first and second members are mated to provide bearing surfaces and to accommodate pivot pins affixed to the support rods. The connector secures the mated first and second members together by being extended through bores in the mated first and second members.

Abstract: A bearing shell for ball-and-socket joints or ball sleeve joints is provided with an inner hollow spherically designed bearing surface (3). The bearing shell has an outer cylindrically designed support surface with which the bearing shell can be inserted into a joint housing. The bearing shell has a multipart design with at least two shell parts (1, 2), which can be detachably coupled with one another by a clamping device (6, 8). The parting plane between the half shells extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (10) of the bearing shell.

Abstract: A flange yoke for a universal joint, two joint fork halves, each comprising a base component and a bearing component. The joint fork halves can be connected in a form-locking manner to one another in the region of their base component to form a flange. The base components have mutually complementary toothing in the region of the outer circumference on their coupling face, wherein the extension of a tooth trace of the toothing on the coupling face forms an angle of from >0 degrees to <180 degrees with a plane formed by the pin axis of a pin supported in a joint fork half and a joint fork axis coinciding with an axis of rotation of the joint fork. A second set of toothing is formed in the region of the joint fork axis on the mutually facing coupling faces of the base components. Extensions of these tooth traces are arranged at an angle of between 70 degrees and 110 degrees inclusive to the extension of a tooth trace of the first set of toothing.

Abstract: A furniture component arrangement includes a ganging bracket useful for securing a pair of adjacent flanges of adjacent office furniture components in a workstation. The ganging bracket includes ganging parts that are designed for positioning about flanges projecting outwardly from a back wall extending along a length of an office furniture component. The ganging parts each include a male section including a flange slot, a female section forming a female slot, and a vertical offset joining the male section and the female section. The ganging parts also include a substantially identical second ganging part. Each of the ganging parts also includes a channel, aligned with the vertical offset and extending along a portion of the ganging part.

Abstract: A bracket system for attachment to a rail is disclosed. The bracket system includes a first bracket having a front portion, a first side portion, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and a top portion. Each of the first and second side portions of the first bracket have a notch for securing the first bracket to the rail. The bracket system also includes a second bracket having a front portion, a first side portion, a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and a top portion. Each of the first and second side portions of the second bracket have a notch for securing the second bracket to the rail. The first side portion of the first and second brackets each have at least one slot, and the second side portion of the first and second brackets each have a tab. The at least one slot of the first bracket is configured to receive the tab of the second bracket when the second bracket is inverted and attached to the first bracket.

Abstract: A structural framework system for the construction of exhibition display stands and the like makes use of a beam extrusions having dovetail shaped edge formations which enable panel frames to be hung therefrom and locked in position by virtue of coupling frames incorporating therein a locking element which can be retracted into a recess of the coupling frame for initial location of the coupling frame relative to a beam and can then be moved to project from the recess and to clamp the beam dovetail by insertion of actuating pins into bores provide in the coupling frame and communicating with the recess. A beam end fitting enables a beam to be secured to a transversely-extending second beam by a similar process and a 4-way node fitting enable nodes to be formed at the intersection of a plurality of orthogonal beams. A leg length adjustment provides for the adjustment of the lengths of structural support legs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a joint, the ends of which (330) comprise means (333) which can be removably fitted into one another so that they can be mutually attached to or detached.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a computer comprises a first supporting member and a second supporting member coupled together. The first supporting member includes a first base and a first ledge extending from the first base. The first base forms a first coupling wall and a first protrusion extending from the first coupling wall. A first recess is defined in the first base and exposed to the first coupling wall. The second supporting member includes a second base and a second ledge extending from the second base. The second base forms a second coupling wall for coupling to the first coupling wall and a second protrusion extending from the second coupling wall to be engagingly received in the first recess of the first supporting member. A second recess is defined in the base and exposed to the second coupling wall for engagingly receiving the first protrusion of the first supporting member. The second ledge is spaced from the first ledge to cooperatingly receive a computer therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides the combination of a seat frame, a cover, having a seam, covering the seat frame. An air bag unit is disposed inside the cover and is mounted to the frame. A pair of intensifier sheets sandwich the air bag unit there between. Each of the sheets has a first edge connected to the seam and a second edge supported by the seat frame. The combination is characterized by an interlocking fastener having outboard and inboard portions mechanically interlocked with the outboard portion connected to one of the second edges and the inboard portion connected to the other of the second edges. Each of the outboard and inboard portions includes a back panel extending in a strip between opposite ends. A plurality of J-shaped hooks are disposed in side by side relationship between the opposite ends. A plurality of slots separate adjacent J-shaped hooks and support ribs extend from the back panel and support each of the J-shaped hooks.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connector that comprises a coupling comprising a first portion, a second portion that is located adjacent the first portion, a top surface, and a bottom planar surface that is located opposite the top surface. The bottom planar surface is continuous through the first portion and the second portion. The top surface is substantially planar through the first portion while defining a shape through the second portion that is asymmetrical in two dimensions about a set of perpendicular axes centered in the second portion. The present invention also provides a connection system, a portable assembly, and a method of assembling a portable structure that utilizes the coupling.

Abstract: A building element for use as a column or a beam includes a profile of substantially uniform cross-section extending lengthwise between first and second ends. The profile is defined by a web, a pair of side flanges perpendicular to the web, and curved outer corners joining the side flanges, respectively, to the web. The web includes at least one constriction extending in the same direction as the side flanges and having a pair of arms extending angularly inwardly toward one another from curved inner corners of the web to a curved base having an apex. The side flanges extend from the outer corners to tips, respectively, terminating at side edges, respectively. The building element has an overall width between the web and the tips. The at least one constriction has a width between the web and the apex about ⅓ the overall width.

Abstract: An adjustable adaptor for fitting about various diameters of shafts thereby eliminating the need for various sized adaptors. The inventive device includes a first adaptor portion and a second adaptor portion that are adjustably connectable with one another forming an adjustable adaptor for fitting about various diameter shafts such as an axle shaft of vehicle. The first adaptor portion has a first brace member and a plurality of staggered first ribs extending from the first brace member. The second adaptor portion has a second brace member and a plurality of staggered second ribs extending from the second brace member for adjustably mating with the plurality of first ribs for fitting about various diameters of shafts. The ribs preferably have an undercut for allowing a boot or other object to catchably attach and retain the adjustable adaptor. The adjustable adaptor may be utilized with boots, as a bushing or as a seal.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing walking stick includes a longitudinally elongated body having two separate coaxial sections. A first or lower section is connected to a second or upper section which has a handle attached thereto. A tubular connecting element is utilized to connect the first section to the second section. The tubular connecting element formed of two members each having a bifurcated tubular portion with a flange encircling the tubular portion. An elastic tubular element is inserted between the opposing flanges of the two members. This arrangement allowing for a cushioning effect permitting relative movement between the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: A coupling includes a sleeve (E) engaged to a lead screw .COPYRGT. on one end and to a power take-off shaft from an electric motor (D) on the other end. The lead screw (C) extends into an elongated housing (A) and is threadably received for rotation within a piston (B). An insert (F) is mounted in the sleeve (E) for maintaining respective opposite overlapping ends (G) of the lead screw and the power take-off shaft. The insert is constructed of machinable plastic capable of compensating for slight misalignment while providing resiliency and reduced problems resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the parts.

Abstract: A three tooth kinematic coupling based on having three theoretical line contacts formed by mating teeth rather than six theoretical point contacts. The geometry requires one coupling half to have curved teeth and the other coupling half to have flat teeth. Each coupling half has a relieved center portion which does not effect the kinematics, but in the limit as the face width approaches zero, three line contacts become six point contacts. As a result of having line contact, a three tooth coupling has greater load capacity and stiffness. The kinematic coupling has application for use in precision fixturing for tools or workpieces, and as a registration device for a work or tool changer or for optics in various products.

Abstract: A furniture system is which disclosed comprises a first and second structures 2, 5 each having a horizontal member 3, 6 and a number of vertical members 4, 7 that support the first horizontal member 3, 6. A releasable connection device 10 is included for each of the structures 2, 5. Each releasable connection device 10 has an attachment portion 15 configured to engage to one of the support members 4, 7 of one of the structures 2, 5. The connection device 10 further comprises an elongated connection portion 24 that projects from the attachment portion 15. A female fastener 30 is defined on a surface 29 of the connection portion 20, and a male fastener 40 projects from the surface 29 adjacent the female fastener 30. The male and female fasteners 40, 30 are snap engageable with respective female and male fastener 30, 40 of the other of the releasable connection device 10 engaged to one of the support members of the other of the structures.

Abstract: A post support frame is provided comprising brackets, a top plate, and a bottom plate. In one embodiment, the brackets are identical and generally H-shaped. The crossbar of the H includes a slot substantially perpendicular to the crossbar, and the ends of the legs of the H each have a tab. Each leg also includes a part which tapers inward toward the adjacent leg. The top plate includes a series of notches around its periphery, which accommodate the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs. The bottom plate includes two sets of holes therethrough. One set of holes accommodates the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs, while the other is used for attaching the completed post support frame to a flat surface.The support frame is assembled by interengaging the slots of the brackets. The interengaged brackets are coupled with the bottom and top plates by fitting the tabs at the ends of the brackets into one set of the holes in the bottom plate and the notches in the top plate.

Abstract: A novel bracket assembly for slidably mounting beams such as rails upon a column such as posts and for interconnecting abutting beams is disclosed for forming a continuous support frame for fencing and fence-like systems. The bracket assembly comprises identical first and second bracket components each having a pair of opposed, spaced-apart side walls joined by a web defining a collar for slidably engaging the post therebetween, opposed sleeve side walls defining a split sleeve for receiving an end of a beam therein, each collar having a recess extending from the center-line of the sleeve, and clamping and securing the sleeve side walls and collar side walls towards each other to secure the beam to the bracket and to clamp the bracket to the rail, whereby inversion of the second bracket component relative to the first bracket component on a column will nest the recesses of the bracket components together and align the sleeves at about the same height on a column.

Abstract: A construction system where elements have connection components for a ball-to-socket or socket-to-socket connection. The ball-to-socket connection "locks" at orientations when one or more detents in the interior of the socket protrude into one or more of a plurality of dimples on the ball. The construction elements generally have an elongated body with a dimpled ball at one end and a socket at the other end, or dimpled balls at both ends, or sockets at both ends. In addition to the ball-and-socket connection, elements may connect in a socket-to-body connection, or a number of different types of socket-to-socket connections. The socket has at least two petals with a lip contour such that in one type of socket-to-socket connection the pair of sockets interlock to form a sphere. The irregular shape of the lip of the socket allows a ball to be leveraged out of a socket, and make orientations over at least 2.pi. steradians available in a ball-to-socket interconnection.

Abstract: A pair of steel counterpart pieces, of steel, each being integral, and including a backing element, a side blade element, and a hook element. The side elements are on opposite side edges respectively of the backing elements. The pieces are mounted on frame members to be connected that have flat surfaces that interengage. Upon camming action between the pieces of the connector the frame members are brought toward each other with their flat surfaces interengaging.

Abstract: The linear traversing apparatus includes a lead screw formed from a plurality of lead screw segments which are supported at regular intervals, that is, at the intersection of adjacent lead screw segments, along a span by fixed hollow cylindrical splice points. The lead screw segments include external threading which engages the internal threading of a C-shaped spanning nut. The C-shaped spanning nut has a circumferential portion removed so that the spanning nut can clear the fixed hollow cylindrical splice points and associated support structure as the spanning nut traverses the lead screw in response to the rotation of the lead screw and the inhibition of rotation of the spanning nut. The rotation of the spanning nut is inhibited typically by mechanical communication with an instrument or other device which is engaged by a rail or slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the lead screw.