Abstract: A gun safety lock uses a turnbuckle mechanism and a locking mechanism to lock a breach end of the turnbuckle mechanism in the breach of a gun and lock a barrel end of the turnbuckle mechanism in a barrel of the gun. The gun safety lock is removed from the gun by unlocking the locking mechanism to allow the turnbuckle mechanism to be rotated so that its breach and barrel ends can be removed from the gun.

Abstract: A disconnect sub is connected at one end to a pipe for deployment into a well, where the disconnect sub is then connected to a downhole sealing device such as a plug. The disconnect sub comprises a disconnection point that has a lower tensile break value than the rest of the plug, and has a predetermined tensile break value such that the disconnection point will fail when a threshold value of axial tensile load is applied to the disconnect sub. This offers two methods of disconnection of the pipe from the plug after the plug has set—firstly, rotation of the pipe, or if rotation is not possible, overpull of the pipe in excess of the threshold will cause failure of the disconnection point and separation of the pipe from the plug.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bolt connector that enables a bolt to be inserted into a high nut, and is capable of easily maintaining a connection state between the bolt and the nut. The bolt connector connects two bolts and is configured by: a high nut that has a female screw portion; and a spring that is partially inserted into the female screw portion. The female screw portion is formed having a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the bolt. The spring is formed into a shape in which the spring is in contact with threads of the female screw portion and a male screw portion of the bolt, in a state in which the bolt or the high nut is rotated and fastened.

Abstract: An exemplary length adjustable link includes a tube having an internal bore and internal surface, a first rod end having a first shaft disposed in a first end of the internal bore, a second rod end having a second shaft disposed in a second end of the internal bore, and a member threadably connecting the first rod end to the second rod end.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; a linkage carried by the chassis; a turnbuckle connected to the linkage and having a frame which includes a threaded hole formed therein and a non-circular region; and a latch pivotable about a fulcrum carried above the frame. The latch has a notch formed therein which is shaped to prevent substantial rotation of the frame when engaged with the non-circular region of the frame.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a tubular sleeve member adapted to be sleeved around a tube. The sleeve member defines a space for receiving the tube therein and a notch. The sleeve member further has first and second through holes aligned with the notch and a nut reception space defined in the first through hole. A fixing element includes a fixing nut disposed within the nut reception space, a fixing bolt extending through the through holes to fasten the fixing nut threadedly and a tightening-enforcing element disposed exterior of the nut reception space and mounted on the fixing bolt such that tightening of the fixing element relative to the fixing nut in a first section and further tightening of the tightening-enforcing element relative to the fixing bolt in a second section results in pressing of the sleeve member against the tube, thereby immobilizing the sleeve member and the tube relative to each other.

Abstract: A system of folding toolbars on an agricultural implement having a base toolbar, two articulating toolbars, multiple attachments to the toolbar, and a pair of hinges, with each toolbar connected to attachments. The base toolbar is located orthogonally to the direction of travel of the agricultural implement and connected to a hinge at each end, the hinges are each further connected to an articulating toolbar. Each of the toolbars is connected to a set of attachments. Each articulating toolbar rotates about the base on a pivot axis along the direction of travel of the agricultural implement and tilted relative to the ground plane, such that the center of gravity (CG) moves forward in the transport position and a normal force is applied to the articulating toolbars to resist vertical movement when in field position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus useful for utilizing, for example, as tie-downs for heavy equipment on the decks of railcars, trucks, or other vehicles, although the invention should not be limited to its preferred application. More specifically, the present invention relates to a chain telescoping ratchet load binder tensioner apparatus for tensioning and holding a chain, such as a ½? chain, and for tensioning the chain for the afore-mentioned tie-down applications. In addition, the present invention comprises a ratchet load binder tie down anchor apparatus comprises an end link and a swivel allowing the ratchet load binder to swivel about a central axis. Methods of use are further provided.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a mount member, a base member with threaded openings, a coupling member, and an output member with threaded openings. The manipulator also includes three motors mounted to the mount member and three drive trains connected to the motors, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable and lockable turnbuckle may include an elongated body having internal threading within a first end thereof. The turnbuckle may include a first extension rod having external threading configured to mate with the internal threading at the first end of the elongated body. The turnbuckle may include a first jam nut having internal threading and a skirt. The internal threading of the first jam nut may be configured to mate with the external threading of the first extension rod to tighten the first jam nut against the first end of the elongated body so that the skirt of the first jam nut is positionable about the first end of the elongated body. A first aperture may extend through the elongated body, the first extension rod, and the skirt of the first jam nut. Moreover, a first pin may be positioned within the first aperture.

Abstract: A telescopic rod includes a large-diameter rod segment, a small-diameter rod segment, and a clamping unit. The large-diameter rod segment is telescopically joinable to the small-diameter rod segment, and includes a uniform-dimension main region, a marginal region, and a dimension reducible region which has left and right grip areas defined by an elongated gap and proximate and distal transverse slots communicated with the elongated gap. The clamping unit is displaceable between an untightened state and a tightened state, where the dimension reducible region is squeezed by the clamping unit such that the left and right grip areas tightly and evenly grip the small-diameter rod segment.

Abstract: Actuator stem and rod end bearings having locking mechanisms are described. An example apparatus for use with a control valve actuator includes a rod end bearing having a bearing retainer and a shaft portion extending from the bearing retainer. The apparatus also includes an actuator stem having a first end to be operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate of the control valve actuator and a second end to be coupled to the rod end bearing. A locking mechanism coupled to the actuator stem or the rod end bearing prevents the actuator stem and the rod end bearing from decoupling when the actuator stem is coupled or de-coupled to the diaphragm plate.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises inner and outer tubes, an elongate slot in the outer tube closed by applying a load to either side of the slot to reduce the internal diameter of the tube, a pair of flanges fixed to the tube on opposing sides of the slot, and a clamp mechanism which connects one flange to the other, the clamp mechanism movable between a clamped position which applies a clamping force to the flanges to reduce the slot width and tighten the outer tube around the inner tube, and an unclamped position which permits the flanges to move away from one another, and a catch secured at one end to one of the flanges and catches a part of the other flange at its other end, to prevent movement of the flanges beyond a position wherein the inner diameter of the outer tube is equal to a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A locking quick connect fitting allows for the easy attachment and detachment of stays and rigging on sailboats and other related applications. The invention eliminates the need to handle clevis pins and cotter pins when setting up or tearing down the rigging of a sailboat, and especially for the standing rigging of a trailer able sailboat. A more secure lockable device is provided that is less susceptible of being dislodged by the rubbing action of passing lines and sheets. Further, it can be tightened by wrench for even more security. In addition, the fitting helps keep the connection secure even if in the unlocked state and resists the snagging of passing lines. The presented invention is also designed to be modular and readily connectable to the rigging or fittings on existing sailboats.

Abstract: An adjustable and lockable turnbuckle is disclosed herein. The turnbuckle may include an elongated body having internal threading within a first end thereof. The turnbuckle may include a first extension rod having external threading configured to mate with the internal threading at the first end of the elongated body. The turnbuckle may include a first jam nut having internal threading and a skirt. The internal threading of the first jam nut may be configured to mate with the external threading of the first extension rod to tighten the first jam nut against the first end of the elongated body so that the skirt of the first jam nut is positionable about the first end of the elongated body. A first aperture may extend through the elongated body, the first extension rod, and the skirt of the first jam nut. Moreover, a first pin may be positioned within the first aperture.

Abstract: A structural unit having a tube (2) which is provided on at least one end with an internal thread (1) which is formed in a first direction of rotation. An adjustment sleeve (3) is screwed into the first end of the internal thread (1) of the tube (2), and the adjustment sleeve (3) has an internal thread (4) which is formed in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation, and a shank (5) is screwed into the adjustment sleeve (3) and an adjustment travel of the shank (5) is limited by a blocking element (6). The adjustment sleeve (3) supports the blocking element (6) which is located within a groove (7), formed on the outer lateral surface of the shank (5), so as to limit adjustment travel over a range of motion.

Abstract: A threaded device is embodied in the form of an anti-twisting stop which is rotatably connected to a traction-pressure rod. Two oppositely located ratchet devices are connected by a body to stop the traction-pressure rod in several rotational positions with a predetermined locking force and, afterwards, to release it each time. The threaded device facilitates the mounting of the traction-pressure rod by the fact that the twisting should not be locked by additional handling, thereby making it possible to carry out a fine adjustment without additional measures. The ratchet device comprises, for example, two ratchet elements provided with one or several catch lugs or a metal or plastic ring part on one side and a gear rim on the other side. In addition, the threaded device can be provided with a spring element and a second anti-noise threaded device.

Abstract: A lock for an implement turnbuckle includes an apertured plate attached directly to the turnbuckle. The plate receives the pin or linkage connecting structure that attaches to the threaded eyebolt of the turnbuckle. The mounting end of the plate opposite the slot is secured against a flat on the internally threaded member of the turnbuckle by a U-bolt. The plate prevents relative rotation between the eyebolt and an internally threaded member receiving the eyebolt to thereby maintain the desired turnbuckle length adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push/pull rod (1), comprising at least one fastening device (2, 3), a connecting piece (4) having end faces (16, 17) distanced from each other in the axial direction, and a locking device (5) having first and second locking elements (10, 11) that face each other when viewed in the axial direction and that interact and that are pressed against each other by means of a spring element (12). The spring element (12) is supported at the first end (22) thereof on a support shoulder (23) formed on the connecting piece (4) and at the second end (24) thereof on the second locking element (11). The rotational motion of the fastening device (2) relative to the connecting piece (4) is releasably blocked at a predetermined locking force by the locking elements (10, 11) in a plurality of rotational positions.

Abstract: A screened panel spans at least a portion of an opening of a building in order to shade occupants thereat. The panel has hems on all sides that overlap at the corners whereat grommets are located. Tensioning members attach at least two of the corners in order to provide a tight fit of the panel within the opening, the tensioning members being turnbuckles with carabiners on the distal ends thereof. Spring-locks are used to prevent rotation of the turnbuckles once the appropriate tension is achieved. Reinforcement bars within the upper and lower hems and a strong flexible webbing within the side hems provide for a strong panel periphery which adds rigidity and stability to the overall panel.

Abstract: A structural unit, e.g., a tie rod, that has a tube which is provided with an internal thread, on at least one surface thereof, which is threaded in a first rotational direction, and into the end of which a threaded sleeve is screwed. The threaded sleeve has an internal thread which is threaded in a second direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, and has a shank screwed into the sleeve. The entire threaded sleeve is accommodated within the tube, and the threaded sleeve has a coupling contour on the opening side of the tube. A method of applying the structural unit such that, by rotating the threaded sleeve within the tube, the shank and the tube are moved in opposite directions. In the method, the coupling contour of the threaded sleeve serves to introduce the torque required for rotational motion of the threaded sleeve by way of a tool or an adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly for releasably connecting an end effector in the form of a robotic tool or component to a robotic arm. The connection is manually operated and formed of a first and second joint member including a cylindrical body, a locking collar, and a locking wall extending from the cylindrical body. The locking collar is coaxially aligned with and rotatably connected to the first joint member. The second joint member has a cylindrical mating body and a coupler, and engages the first joint member. The coupler also includes key pins, the pins being engageable in keyed relationship with the locking wall, the coupler and locking collar further includes intervening circumferentially spaced teeth, wherein the collar is rotatable to releasably engage the first joint member with the second joint member.

Abstract: An adjuster for use with a sailboat which permits rapid movement of a movable end with respect to an opposite fixed end. A threaded shaft extends through the adjuster and a rotating barrel in fixed to a nut engaging the shaft. A lock is positioned about a lower body of the adjuster and releasably engages the barrel. Engagement of the lock and the barrel permits barrel to be turned to change the length between the fixed and movable ends. Releasing engagement of the lock and the barrel permits the barrel to rotate freely about the shaft and permit rapid movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end.

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

Abstract: The invention is a framed opening bracing system. The invention features frame bracing devices which attach to the framed opening and to the flooring or other surface of a construction job site. The devices attach to the frame via a versatile clamp unit or a corner support unit and extend to the floor via bracing arms. The corner support unit attaches via pressure applied at an angle to the frames corner and the versatile clamp unit attaches via pressure applied to the facings of the frame. The arms feature two levels of adjustment, a relative distance adjustment and a fine tune distance adjustment, which can be manipulated to set a framed opening to plumb and to keep the frame securely in place during wall construction.

Abstract: A turnbuckle head assembly. The device includes a pivot housing to which is secured a pivotable handle. An upper attachment feature is pivotably affixed to the pivotable handle. At the bottom portion of the pivot housing, an attachment feature such as a threaded nut is provided for securely accepting a tensionable member such as a threaded rod. Alignable apertures are provided in frame members of the pivoting housing and in the pivotable handle, for locking the device via pin or lock.

Abstract: A spring loaded tensioning device. The device includes an elongated tubular member containing a spring loaded rod which extends through a lower stop on the tubular member to an attachment feature such as a hook. At the upper end of the tubular member, a pivot housing is provided to secure a pivotable handle, as well as to provide apertures for locking the device via pin, or a padlock or similar device.

Abstract: A load indicator for a spring loaded tensioning device. The indicator comprises an o-ring displaceable along a spring loaded tensionable shaft in a turnbuckle device. When the turnbuckle is unloaded, the indicator device is placed in a known position relative to an indicating mark. When the turnbuckle is loaded, the load causes the load indicator to be displaced a known distance for a known load on the spring loaded turnbuckle. For camper tie-downs, a displacement of about one-quarter inch is desirable for a load of about 300 pounds tension.

Abstract: A tie rod jam nut includes a tubular body having an axial bore for receiving a tie rod. A locking portion at a first end of the body can engage the tie rod and a threaded portion of a connecting component attached to the tie rod to lock the connecting component to the tie rod as the locking portion is rotated in one direction and disengage the tie rod to unlock the connecting component when rotated in an opposite direction. An engagement portion is spaced distally from the locking portion toward a second end of the tubular body. The engagement portion can be rotated to remotely rotate the locking portion between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly (20) includes a first one-piece sleeve (30) having first and second axial ends (32, 34). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) has an internally threaded portion (35) which threadably engages a first threaded part (120). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) includes an integrally formed clamp (38) which clamps the first axial end (32) to the first threaded part (120). A second one-piece sleeve (60) has first and second axial ends (62, 64). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) has an internally threaded portion (65) which threadably engages a second threaded part (122). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) includes an integrally formed clamp (68) which clamps the first axial end (62) to the second threaded part (122). A connector member (90) interconnects the first and second sleeves(30, 60).

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: A link mechanism to establish the position of a spherical bearing and the direction of an arm extending from the bearing is provided, which mechanism has a high precision of position and direction determination, does not require strong actuators, and is mechanically easy to accommodate MR compatibility, to be cleanable and to be sterilizable. The link mechanism has: an axial rod; and two spherical bearings to support the axial rod, the two spherical bearings being capable of changing relative positions, wherein the motion of one of the two spherical bearings relative to the axial rod along the axis is constrained, and the other of the spherical bearings can travel along the axial rod.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly includes a pair of coupling yokes, each having a threaded rod projecting therefrom. First and second lock members projecting from the corresponding first and second yokes. The first and second yokes are threadably coupled to opposite ends of a threaded central body. The body has a central non-cylindrical adjusting portion located between first and second indexing portions. A bracket is slidable over the body. The bracket is rotatable with respect to the body when the bracket is positioned over the indexing portions and being non-rotatably coupled to the body when the bracket is positioned over the central adjusting portion. A lever is pivotally coupled to the bracket so that an end of the lever may be coupled to either of the lock members to prevent rotation of the central body relative to the yokes.

Abstract: A length adjustment system for a torque rod assembly includes a tubular rod attached to one joint assembly and a solid rod attached to another joint assembly. The solid rod extends into the tubular rod. An adjustment nut attached to the tubular rod threadingly receives the solid rod and rotation of the adjustment nut adjusts the length of the torque rod assembly. The length adjustment system can be incorporated into a straight torque rod assembly or into a V-configuration torque rod assembly.

Abstract: A stem connector assembly includes a connector body formed from a single piece of metal, and having a frame portion and a valve stem passageway extending through the frame portion. In one aspect, the connector body also includes an actuator stem passageway extending through the frame portion, and has a locking unit. The locking unit couples an actuator stem and a valve stem to the connector body. In operation, the stem connector assembly provides for unified movement of the actuator stem and valve stem, permits some misalignment between the two, thus reducing wear of the associated rod and stem components. The stem connector assembly further includes at least one mounting assembly, such as among others at least one NAMUR standard mounting assembly, to facilitate ready mounting of component elements associated with a stem connector assembly, such as a positioner, for example.

Abstract: A bulldozer blade pitch adjuster is disclosed having an adjustable length member with a body and two threaded members threaded into opposing ends of the body, and a cover that can be attached to the body to cover the body and the two threaded members, that can be removed from the body and engaged with the body in a second adjusting position where the cover acts as a wrench to rotate the body, thereby changing the length of the adjustable length member. Once the member is adjusted, the cover can be secured to the body in its first covering position.

Abstract: An aircraft control surface actuator assembly 12 is provided, including a flight control surface 14. A mechanical drive mechanism 18 is in communication with the flight control surface 14. An actuator rod assembly 24 is mounted to the mechanical drive mechanism 18 and includes a first segment 26 having a first segment outer diameter 34 with a plurality of first segment outer threads 36. A second segment 38 has a split sleeve passage 50, a second segment inner diameter 40 with plurality of second segment inner threads 42, and a second segment outer diameter 44 a plurality of second segment outer threads 46. The second segment inner threads 42 engage the first segment outer threads 36. A third segment 52 includes a third segment split sleeve passage 60 as well as a plurality of third segment inner threads 58 engaging the second segment outer threads 46. Rotation of the second segment 38 causes the first segment 26 and third segment 52 to move in opposing lateral directions.

Abstract: A device for attaching farm implements to a tractor incorporates a top link having a central body inserted inside a sleeve. Two handles are integral with the sleeve on opposing sides and having respective projecting ends. A hook is provided on the top link for attachment to a farm implement with the hook being fixed to the central body. A joint, fixed to the central body, connects the top crossbar. A lock device locks the projecting ends of the handles inside respective seats.

Abstract: The invention concerns fail-safe devices for use in reinforced concrete structures. The device (1) comprises a link (8) of high tensile strength material and first (2) and second (3) end regions. The end regions (2, 3) and the link (8) joining them are formed from a single piece of material. The link (8) is waisted such a portion thereof is of a reduced cross section. The device is designed to yield at a given loading to within close tolerances and enables the design and construction of buildings which will react in a safe way under earthquake conditions.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly is provided that includes a first and a second rod each threadably engaging a bore of a body portion. A locking mechanism is slidably disposed about generally the entire length of the body portion. Locking mechanism includes an engagement portion and a lever. The lever has an eye that engages a post on the first rod to deter relative motion between the body portion and the first and second rods.

Abstract: A steering tie rod for motor vehicles with a pipe, which is provided with an internal thread in a first direction of rotation on at least one side and is slotted at least in some areas, is presented, into which an adjusting sleeve is screwed at its end, where a ball-and-socket joint housing shaft of a ball-and-socket joint present at the end of the steering tie rod is screwed into the internal thread of the adjusting sleeve, which latter internal thread has a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation. An axial adjusting movement of the pipe relative to the ball-and-socket joint is made possible by a wrench contact surface made in one piece with the adjusting sleeve. The adjusting sleeve (1) has at least one recessed slot (2) and a collar band (4), which is fixed on the outer jacket surface of the pipe (3) and fixes the components in their position in relation to one another.

Abstract: Two structural parts are interconnected by a distance holder disposed therebetween. The distance holder includes two supporting bodies and a control element. The supporting bodies are connected to the control element such than an axial spreading-out of the supporting bodies occurs in response to rotation of the control element, whereby the supporting bodies engage respective ones of the structural parts. The supporting bodies are held against rotation about the axis, whereby the structural parts do not become scratched by the supporting bodies.

Abstract: A latch for a link assembly is disclosed. The link assembly has (i) an internally threaded sleeve and (ii) an externally threaded rod positioned within the internally threaded sleeve so that the externally threaded rod is meshingly engaged with the internally threaded sleeve. The latch includes a handle portion operable between a lock mode and an unlock mode, wherein when the handle portion is (i) in the lock mode relative rotation between the internally threaded sleeve and the externally threaded rod is prevented and (ii) in the unlock mode relative rotation between the internally threaded sleeve and the externally threaded rod is allowed. The latch also includes an engagement portion secured to the handle portion.

Abstract: A short in-line turnbuckle having telescoping threaded parts and including grip screw locking structure to apply frictional forces to prevent relative rotation of the turnbuckle parts once the turnbuckle is adjusted to the desired length. In one embodiment a swivel connector element is provided for the turnbuckle. In another embodiment, a set screw acts against a threaded bolt of the turnbuckle structure while a separate lock screw provides a frictional force on separated sidewall portions of the turnbuckle to selectively prevent relative rotation of the threaded turnbuckle parts.

Abstract: In a reflector holding structure for a liquid crystal module of a device, first and second lock portions and a positioning hole are formed on a board on which a driving circuit is mounted, and first and second pawls and a positioning pin are formed on a reflector. The first and second pawls are locked to the first and second lock portions, and the positioning pin is fitted in the positioning hole, thereby holding the reflector on the board. The first lock portion is formed in the middle of one end side of the board, and the second lock portion and the positioning hole are formed near two corner portions, on the other end side, which define a triangle together with the first lock portion.In assembling the liquid crystal module, the first pawl is locked to the first lock portion, the second pawl is inserted into the second lock portion, and the positioning pin is fitted in the positioning hole while the reflector is rotated/moved about the first pawl as a fulcrum with the second pawl being locked to the board.

Abstract: A link for supporting a core engine within an outer shell of a gas turbine engine is described. The link, in one form, includes an elongate rod having a first end and a second end, and first and second rod end bearings are secured at the first second ends, respectively. Each end bearing includes a bearing head and a threaded stud extending from the head. The elongate rod includes a first threaded socket located at first rod end and sized to be engaged to the first rod end bearing stud, and a second threaded socket located at second rod end and sized to be engaged to the second rod end bearing stud. The first and second tapered jam nuts are located at the first and second ends of rod. Each tapered jam nut includes a nut end having, for example, a hexagonal head and a tapered portion extending from the nut end. A bore extends through each tapered jam nut, and the bore is sized to have the stud extend therethrough. The bore has internal threads at least at the location of nut end.

Abstract: A lockable turnbuckle assembly having a locking mechanism that can be used in limited space applications. The present invention pertains to a turnbuckle that is adjustable and lockable using a single hand and does not require the use of tools.

Abstract: An improved adjusting sleeve for connecting together a pair of opposite, generally-collinear threaded rods, as may be found in automotive front-end suspensions, includes an elongate, tubular body. While the sleeve may comprise differing numbers of surfaces prior to and subsequent to a longitudinally-nonuniform crimping operation performed on each of its longitudinal ends, in a preferred embodiment the sleeve forms a modified octagon when viewed in lateral cross-section, including six wrenching flats extending along its entire length. A longitudinally-nonuniform crimping operation serves to radially inwardly displace the longitudinal end portions of each of the full-length diametrical crimping flats which otherwise complete the body's octagonal shape in lateral cross-section. The resulting localized deformation of the bore formed in each of the body's longitudinal ends achieves a consistent a prevailing torque without inducing connector "wobble.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly (10) comprising first and second axially aligned rods (12 and 14) and a turnbuckle (16) having a first end (18) threadedly engaging the first rod (12) and a second end (20) threadedly engaging the second rod (14) for axially adjusting the rods (12 and 14) relative to one another upon rotation of the turnbuckle (16). An adjustment sleeve (22) has first and second ends (24 and 26) and is in sliding and nonrotatable relationship with the turnbuckle (16).

Abstract: An adjustable tie rod assembly for a vehicle steering system (10) comprises first and second rod members (22, 24) having left hand and right hand threaded portions (30, 34), respectively. A tubular sleeve (20) includes first and second threaded portions (38, 40) for threadably receiving the threaded portions (30, 34) of the first and second rods (22, 24), respectively. A longitudinal slot (46) extends along the length of sleeve (20), but stops short of the distal ends (37, 39) of sleeve (20). The sleeve (20) further includes first and second radially aligned apertures (56, 58). A fastener means (26) extends through the apertures (56, 58) and, when tightened, applies compressive force on the engaged threads of the sleeve (20) and the rod members (22, 24) to restrict relative rotation of the rod members (22, 24) and the sleeve (20).