Abstract: A method of installing a fastener into a surface without defacement of the surface utilizes an annular washer of a viscoelastic material placed about the shank of the fastener such that, upon driving the fastener into the surface via a driving tool, the fastener head clamps against the washer to cause it to viscoelastically expand radially outwardly from the fastener shank until the inner opening of the washer expands to approximately the diametric dimension of the enlarged head of the fastener, whereupon the washer can be removed from the fastener. The interposition of the washer between the driving tool and the surface protects the surface against defacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixed or sliding screw with a screw head and a screw shaft which has a threaded section. The screw head has a torque transmitting section for rotating the fixed or sliding screw about a screw axis which is concentric to the screw head and the screw shaft. The screw head has a collar section at the screw head end facing the threaded section. A buffer element made of an elastic plastic is arranged on the collar section side facing away from the torque transmitting section, and a sliding disk is arranged on the buffer element side facing away from the collar section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic washer structure and a fastener, including: an elastic washer (1) and one or more tongues (2), where the elastic washer (1) is a sheet object with an inner hole (3), one surface of the elastic washer (1) is a convex surface, the other surface is a concave surface, a tongue (2) is disposed towards a side of the convex surface on an outer edge of the elastic washer, an angle between the tongue (2) and a surface (5) on which the outer edge of the elastic washer is located is a first angle (6), and when the convex surface of the elastic washer bears pressure, there is a negative correlation between the first angle (6) and the pressure borne by the elastic washer.

Abstract: A device including an implantable assembly. The assembly includes a bone fixture configured to anchor to bone of a recipient, and a vibratory apparatus configured to be completely implanted beneath the skin of a recipient, wherein the implantable assembly is configured such that the vibratory apparatus can move relative to the bone fixture while implanted in a recipient.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including an annular body with a central hole, one or more protuberances, and one or more indentations. The one or more protuberances are integral with the annular body, and struck and partially sheared from the annular body to project from a first face of the annular body and leave the one or more corresponding indentations in a second face of the annular body opposite the first face. The one or more indentations are offset from the one or more protuberances and located farther from the central hole of the annular body than the one or more protuberances. By offsetting the protuberances and indentations, the washer is strengthened and is more suitable for use in joint assemblies having enlarged or oversized holes.

Abstract: A direct tension indicator (2), including a base element (11) and a cover element (13) that is arranged on the base element (11) and at least one indicator element (4) that is arranged between the base element (11) and the cover element (13) in order to display an axial force acting between the base element and the cover element. The indicator element (4) includes a dilatant material.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) light engine is described. The light emitting diode includes one or more LED devices disposed on a front side of an LED light engine substrate. A heat sink having a mating receptacle for the LED light engine is also provided. The LED light engine substrate and the mating receptacle of the heat sink define a tapered fitting by which the LED light engine is retained in the mating receptacle of the heat sink.

Abstract: A direct load indicating fastener assembly includes a flange fastener of one-piece construction having a head with an integral flange. A load indicator has a flat base, a plurality of protuberances on the base and a peripheral rim. At least a portion of the peripheral rim overlies the fastener flange and captures the fastener in assembly with the load indicator while permitting free rotation of the fastener with respect to the indicator. The fastener preferably is a flange nut or a flange bolt. A hardened metal washer may be disposed between the load-indicating protuberances on the base and an undersurface of the fastener head.

Abstract: A washer for tightening and loosening threaded connectors includes an outer body having a radially inner opening larger than a diameter of a bolt and a radially outer surface adapted to absorb a reaction force of the bolt; and optionally a radially inner segment, and a spacer locatable between the radially inner segment and the nut, so that when only the radially outer body is interposed between the nut and the object for regular applications the washer functions as a reaction washer, when the radially outer body and the radially inner segment are interposed together between the nut and the object for applications when even and accurate bolt elongation is necessary the washer functions as a tension washer, and when the radially outer body, the radially inner segment, and the spacer are interposed between the nut and the object for applications when a precise bolt elongation is needed and a bolt elongation must be controlled the washer functions as a high precision washer.

Abstract: A device (1) for displaying the correct tightening force for a nut (7) intended for assembling two elements (2, 3) of a structure (4) by co-action with a threaded rod (60), assembly being effected, for example, by way of a bolt (5) constituted by a screw (6), a nut (7), at least one nondeformable washer, and a display washer made of elastically deformable material such as a synthetic rubber, a natural rubber, an elastomer, or a polyurethane plastic material, wherein at least one of the nondeformable washers has on its inner face a projection (103) whose inner face (101) is intended, after tightening, to abut against the inner face of another washer or against the element to be assembled; and the deformable washer protrudes peripherally as it is crushed, constituting an indicator of proper tightening.

Abstract: A friction reducing device comprises a stretchable thin film of elastomeric material impregnated or dusted with lubricating material. The thin film adheres to an annular member through which a fastener element having external threads can pass.

Abstract: A chassis bushing assembly is provided. The chassis bushing assembly includes an outer disc and an inner disc. The outer disc includes a lip and has first face and a second face. The inner disc includes a shoulder and has a third face and a fourth face. In addition, the inner disc coaxially mates with the outer disc. The chassis bushing assembly further includes a first aperture extending through the first and second faces of the outer disc and a second aperture, coaxially located with respect to the first aperture, extending through the third and fourth faces of the inner disc. The chassis bushing assembly is symmetrical so that each chassis bushing location within a chassis utilizes the same chassis bushing assembly. In addition, the chassis bushing assembly is common across different chassis types and backwards compatibly with previous chassis designs.

Abstract: A multi-part vibration isolating fastener assembly includes a bolt having a threaded shank and a head about which a sleeve and resilient grommet are disposed. A cup washer is disposed about and captured axially on the grommet to provide a unitized assembly. The integrated cup washer defines a self-contained cup-shaped socket to provide proper support and containment for the grommet in applications where the usual cup-shaped grommet wall is lacking in the components to be assembled, such as a valve cover, and cylinder head.

Abstract: A blind fastener for compressively connecting at least two overlapping workpieces including a threaded core bolt and a pull-up nut at least partially positioned within an aperture of a hollow bolt. The nut includes a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion. The hollow bolt is sized to be received within aligned apertures in the workpieces and includes an enlarged head portion and a body portion extending from the head portion. The core bolt and the smaller diameter portion of the nut are positioned in the aperture in the hollow bolt such that when the core bolt is rotated with respect to the nut the larger diameter portion of the nut disrupts the body portion of the hollow bolt and the smaller diameter portion of the nut fills the space between the core bolt and the disrupted body portion of the hollow bolt to increase the shear and tensile load capabilities of the fastener.

Abstract: A direct tension indicating washer including a body having an internal opening formed therein and at least one arched tab connected to the body. The arched tab has a fixed end integral with the body and a distal end movable with respect to the body. Indicia is formed on the arched tab and when the direct tension indicating washer is tensioned, the arched tab moves away from the body. Alignment of the indicia with a reference indicates proper tension. Another embodiment of the invention is a direct tension indicating washer having a body having an internal opening formed therein and at least one arch connected to the body. The arch has a first end integral with the body, a second end integral with the body and an intermediate portion between the first end and second end. The intermediate portion is positioned above a top surface of the body.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor for use with bolts, nuts, eye bolts and other fasteners is provided to sense fastener tension and to mechanically indicate that tension and changes therein by mechanically measuring deformation of the substrate being clamped by the fastener relative to the distortion or lack thereof in the substrate immediately adjacent the deformed substrate. The differential substrate deformation produces measurable and often clearly visible movement of a portion of the sensor. Such movement may be interrogated through utilization of visual, optical, electro-optical means as desired.

Abstract: There is provided a fastening device which includes a nut having a body. The body has a top face and a bottom face. The body further has an orifice extending therethrough. The system also includes a clamp-force indicating insert for use with the nut. The insert includes a portion extrudable across the top face of the nut. The nut further includes at least one insert-engaging portion.

Abstract: An electroconductive composite material composed of a three-dimensional continuum of a porous metal with the pores filled with graphite and a resin, having a good heat resistance, wear resistance, strength and thermal conductivity, having a light weight, and particularly useful as electric armature brushes and other electric sliding elements.A process of producing the composite material comprises the steps of: filling pores of a three-dimensional continuum of a porous metal with a pasty mixture composed of graphite, a binder, and a solvent; treating the continuum for volatilization of the solvent; and then, forming and heating the continuum.

Abstract: An annularly configured device for use on each earthquake restrainer cable of a bridge, which device, will deform due to its internal configuration upon the occurrence of an earthquake, if the earthquake stresses the bridge cable with which the device is associated excessively. The result of the stress is a visual indication of the cable's elongation as manifested by a "crowning" of the annular indicator and a shortening of its length. The specific configuration required of the annular member is one of a reduced thickness section of the interior wall, with tapered edges leading to the main cross section of the annular member.

Abstract: A self-tensioning, disc spring assembly is provided. The assembly has a circular disc spring with an outer diameter and an inner diameter defining a center hole. The disc spring has a height greater at the inner diameter than at the outer diameter. The disc spring is also resiliently compressible such that it can be flattened. A zinc element, being zinc or a zinc alloy, is provided in the form of a ring or other shape, or a surface deposit on the disc spring or nut, to prevent rusting of the lug bolt. In addition a method of fastening a rim to a hub is also provided. The method has the steps of: positioning the rim on the hub so that the at least one lug bolt passes through the at least one mounting hole of the rim; providing a tensioning disc spring assembly on the at least one lug bolt; screwing a nut onto the at least one lug bolt to a preselected torque so that the disc spring flattens when a preselected torque amount is achieved.

Abstract: An improved fastener assembly is disclosed comprising a threaded fastener combined with two disc shaped washer components wherein one disc component is resilient and mounted to relatively rotate with respect to the threaded fastener and other disc component. A dry lubricant material is provided between the disc components to facilitate the relative rotation.

Abstract: A compression system for joining structural components under tension utilizing a bolt with a shank, an end and a head, one or more flat washers and one or more compression springs. One of the structural components, the bolt end and the nut carry indicia means that form a linear relationship with each other when the system is in an initial tensioned and starting condition and form a selectably angular relationship when the nut is tightened on the bolt a predetermined amount. The system enables the consistent uniform tightening of the system elements to combine structural components and provide consistent spring loading throughout.

Abstract: An assembly for inserting an attachment coil in concrete with a screw having a releasable spacer and an expandable coil mounted thereon. The spacer initially positions the screw in a hole for location of the coil and has a slot to permit the spacer to pop off the screw as the screw is screwed into the coil in the hole. The spacer may have longitudinal ribs to bridge any lateral space between the screw and the hole. The coil has an exterior diameter less than the interior diameter of the hole for free movement of unexpanded loops without creating cross threading during insertion. A second coil can be inserted closer to the surface by assembling two spacers on a screw for location of the second coil, with both spacers popping off the screw as the screw advances into both coils. The use of two coils in a hole allows positioning of coils in both compression and tension zones on opposite sides of a neutral axis of the structure.

Abstract: The mechanical stress indicator includes two stress indicating rings disposed between engagable fasteners. The stress indicating rings can assume three distinct cooperative positions, corresponding to a less than optimally tight condition of the fastener, an optimum tightness condition and an overtight condition. When the fastener arrangement is in the less than optimally tight condition the mos visually predominant surfaces are of a first code, which can be a first color. When the fastener arrangement is tightened to an optimum tightness condition the stress indicator is deflected and the most visually predominant surfaces, which differ from those of the less than optimally tight condition, are of a second code, which can be a second color that corresponds with the optimum torque condition.

Abstract: A bolt tension indicator having an annular washer part of concave cross section for fitment beneath the head of a bolt or beneath a nut, the indicator being made of spring steel and having at least one projecting tab element continuous with the annular washer part so that the lying flat of the tab element against a clamping face indicates a tension in the bolt.

Abstract: A live-load device for applying a compressive force to packing or gasket material in a valve or pipe conduit junction. The device incorporates spring-washers having resilient blades for imparting a spring force. The spring force is transmitted from each blade through a ball-bearing seated at a selected one of a plurality of contact points along the blade tip. The spring constant of the device is selected by positioning the ball-bearing at a particular one of the contact points. This adjustment capability makes the spring device universally adaptable to a wide variety of valves and conduit junctions.

Abstract: A water safety system to be carried on the person of a water skier. The water safety system occupies a minimal packing envelope and includes a signal flag borne by an extendable flag pole. The flag and flag pole assembly are readily accessible to the skier and permit rapid display of the signal flag when a skier enters the water. Weighted floatation devices maintain the signal flag displayed above the water when the pole is unattended.

Abstract: An assembly and methods of installation thereof for supporting and stabilizing a rock structure adjacent a mine tunnel or other underground passageway. The assembly includes an elongated bolt, threaded from both ends for at least a portion of its length. A conventional, mechanical expansion anchor is threaded on one end of the bolt, within a drill hole in the rock structure, and a bearing plate, washer, jam nut and tensioning nut are carried on the other end, outside the drill hole. The tensioning nut is threaded into firm engagement with the jam nut to prevent further threaded advance of the tensioning nut a substantial distance from the termination of the threads. A torque applied to the tensioning nut thus rotates the bolt and expands the anchor shell into gripping engagement with the bore hole wall; torque producing an axial load on the jam nut in excess of its strength causes it to fracture or strip from threaded engagement with the bolt, permitting travel of the tensioning nut.

Abstract: A controlled-torque fastener limits the torque which may be applied to it for the delivery (screwing-in) of the fastener into a threaded bore of a workpiece or the like. The fastener has a threaded shaft and a tool seat which is configured to be engaged by a driving tool such as a conventional wrench. The tool seat is movable between a driving position in which the tool seat is in driving engagement with the shaft and a non-driving position in which the tool seat effectively disengages the driving tool from driving engagement with the shaft. Resilient biasing means urge the tool seat into the driving position, and driving torque applied to the tool seat urges the tool seat against the biasing force towards the non-driving position. When the driving torque applied to the tool seat exceeds a pre-selected maximum torque, the biasing force is overcome, thereby disengaging the driving tool from effective driving engagement with the shaft, and discontinuing delivery of the fastener.

Abstract: A two-piece mount is provided that is adapted to have the two pieces scre together and has a central bore through one of the two pieces for mounting an insert therein. Each of the two pieces of the mount has means for containing adhesive to allow the two mount pieces to be bonded to a composite structure when the two pieces have been mounted relative to the composite structure.

Abstract: A cantilevered washer for a male or female threaded fastener having a conical seat portion including an conically-shaped seat for receiving the threaded fastener in such maner as to load the washer at an angle and relieve hoop-stress on the threaded fastener. The washer further has an annular ring portion including a flat annular base for mating with a surface of a part being fastened. The annular ring portion and the conical seat portion are connected by a cantilever portion which is inclined at an angle of substantially 45.degree. to the flat bearing portion in order to provide a low profile vertical displacement between the conical seat portion and the flat bearing portion, as well as provide a location for deflection of variable bearing loads.

Abstract: Torque verification apparatus and methods for verifying that an amount of torque applied to the nut of a fastener of the type comprising a threaded nut and a bolt having a threaded body portion and a head portion is equal to or greater than a predetermined torque value are provided. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful for verifying that the amount of torque applied to the lug nuts used to mount a wheel to a wheel hub of a vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined torque value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-retracting, captive fastener assembly which allows the application of a controlled preload not requiring separate measurement during or after application. The assembly includes the use of a hold-out spring (31) which is isolated and fully retracts the assembly when the installed assembly is not engaged with a substructure. A housing (32) is provided for the hold-out spring (31) and contains the spring (31) when it is fully compressed. For the controlled preload, disc springs (40) are used. The shoulder (60) of the bolt shank portion (24) is staked so as to form protrusions (61,62,63,64) for captivating these mentioned elements upon the bolt. A removable, retaining element or stop-nut (50) is also provided for securement of the fastener to a first structure 65. The stop-nut (50) is constructed so that it must be seated against substructure (70) in order to achieve the controlled deflection of the disc springs (40) and thereby achieve the desired preload application.

Abstract: A wheel nut is formed of a nut body and a seating washer, each having a cooperating engagement surface. The washer engagement surface is spheroidal and of non-constant spherical radius of curvature, and the washer additionally includes a flat bearing surface for engagement with a flat work surface. The washer is formed of a softer material than is the nut body so that, when the wheel nut is tightened against the work surface and about a substantially perpendicular stud projecting therefrom, the spheroidal surface of the seating washer deforms from its initial contact with the nut body surface at only the outer periphery of the washer to contact with the nut body along the entirety of the washer engagement surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a bolt in a bore hole in a rock formation is disclosed. A tensioning assembly, which comprises a tensioning plug and expandable sheath, is threadedly engaged to the end of an elongated bolt. A ring is securely affixed to the inner wall of the plug at a predetermined point adjacent the plug's threaded portion. The end of the bolt abuts the ring upon assembly, thereby causing the bolt and the tensioning assembly to rotate together upon application of a torque to the bolt. This rotational movement effects mixing of bonding material which is placed in the bore hole ahead of the tensioning assembly. As the mixed bonding material begins to harden, rotation of the tensioning assembly is resisted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a bolt in a rock formation is disclosed, and includes a rebar assembly adapted for use in a bore hole and an elongated bolt threadedly engaged to the end of the rebar. A threadable sleeve is securely affixed in an orifice, forged in the end of the rebar, at a predetermined point adjacent the orifice threaded portion. The end of the bolt abuts the sleeve upon assembly, thereby causing the bolt and the rebar assembly to rotate together upon application of a torque to the bolt. This rotational movement effects mixing of bonding material which is placed in the bore hole ahead of the rebar assembly. As the mixed bonding material begins to harden, rotation of the rebar assembly is resisted. Upon application to the bolt of a torque in excess of a predetermined torque, the bolt will thread the sleeve located in the rebar orifice by cutting threads therein, thereby causing relative rotational movement between the rebar and the bolt.

Abstract: A tension indicating device which includes at least one indicating arm and reference means carried by a stamped generally frustoconical spring washer. A relieved area in the bearing surface of the washer prevents work surface irregularities from producing erroneous tension indications. The arm and reference means may mechanically engage one another and the arm may be made separately and attached to the washer. Indications made by the arm are designed to be visually discernable from a distance.

Abstract: A loading washer assembly includes an annular first washer provided with spaced apart ears on its outer peripheral edge with each of the ears having a return bent portion at its free end, an annular second washer provided with spaced apart notches on its outer peripheral edge for slidably receiving the ears whereby to prevent relative rotation of said washers, the return bent portions of the ears limiting the axial extent of separation of these washers. Each of the washers on their opposed surfaces have circumferentially spaced apart, radial extending raised ribs with the ribs on the first washer rotatively offset from the ribs on the second washer. A normally flat spring ring is interposed between the first washer and the second washer in position so as to be engaged by the opposed sets of ribs whereby the spring ring will be deformed into a wave-like spring upon axial displacement of the first washer toward the second washer.

Abstract: A tension indicating device which includes at least one indicating arm and reference means carried by a stamped generally frustoconical spring washer. A relieved area in the bearing surface of the washer prevents work surface irregularities from producing erroneous tension indications. The arm and reference means may mechanically engage one another and the arm may be made separately and attached to the washer. Indications made by the arm are designed to be visually discernable from a distance.

Abstract: A load indicating flange is provided either separately or on a nut or a bolt head. This load indicating flange has an axially directed face which has a wavy surface on which a plurality of crests are disposed for initial engagement with a work surface. A plurality of troughs are provided on the wavy surface one each between two of the crests. A gauge groove is provided at each trough and when the bolt and nut combination is properly tightened on a workpiece, the troughs are flattened toward the work surface to such an extent that a relatively thick gauge cannot enter the gauge groove. If the bolt and nut are improperly tightened, then the gauge will enter the gauge groove. A narrow band peripheral bearing surface is provided on the outer periphery of the face to prevent defacing the work surface.

Abstract: An improved fastener assembly may be used to mount a vehicle wheel on a hub. The fastener assembly includes a nut which is rotatable relative to a washer to enable the fastener assembly to be tightened without marring the wheel. The washer has an annular collar which is loosely connected with the nut by a retainer section which extends from one axial end portion of the nut. The nut and washer collar have abutting annular load transmitting surface areas. The washer also has an annular load transmitting and indicating section which extends radially outwardly from the collar. The load transmitting and indicating section includes a bearing section and a spring section. The spring section flares radially and axially outwardly from the bearing section. When the fastener assembly is tightened with a predetermined preload, the spring section is flattened to provide a visual indication that the desired preload has been applied.

Abstract: A tension indicating and cone lock washer (10) for use in connection with a headed fastener (B) and a bearing surface (S) is provided. The washer has a generally annular body (12) with an aperture (14) therethrough. The body is of a generally frustoconical cross-section. A generally radially extending through slot (22) is provided and the remaining material aligned with the slots define at least one web (24 or 26). The washer is intended to crack along the webs at a first compression force and to act as a lock washer and not completely flatten until a second compression force, greater than the first compression force, is applied thereto.

Abstract: A tension gauge for indicating the tension on a fastener such as a mine roof bolt is a non-metallic right circular cylinder having a central bore and an axial thickness between parallel top and bottom surfaces. A plurality of radially extending holes is equally spaced around the perimeter of the cylinder, an end of each hole in communication with the bore and/or an end opening in the perimeter of said cylinder. Preferably, there are six such holes disposed at 60.degree. intervals about the cylinder bore. The central axis of each hole lies in a plane which is parallel to and substantially equidistant from the planes of the top and bottom surfaces.The cylinder is formed of a one-piece, compressible, organopolymeric material, such as high density polyethylene, which is capable of flowing under compression resulting from tension on the fastener less than that tension which will overstress the fastener.

Abstract: A washer for indicating the amount of load placed on a fastener joint. A disc-like body has a pair of arms extending outwardly and then upwardly from two elbow portions. These two arms will deflect toward one another and, when a predetermined load is reached, they will touch. Any loosening occurring within the joint will result in the arms disengaging contact presenting an immediate visual indication.

Abstract: An improved fastener indicates when a predetermined preload has been applied to the fastener. The fastener includes a body section which is connected with a thread convolution. A load transmitting and indicating section is connected with the body section. The load transmitting and indicating section includes a bearing section having a flat annular bottom surface and an undulating annular spring section which circumscribes the bearing section. The spring section has a bottom surface with crest and trough portions. The crest portions extend tangentially to the plane of the bottom surface of the bearing section. The trough portions are resiliently deflectable toward the body section to flatten the undulations in the spring section upon application of the predetermined preload to the fastener.