Abstract: Clamp assemblies and associated methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a clamp assembly may comprise a shell, a tensioning mechanism, and a retainer. The shell includes a pair of segments sized to be positioned over a joint connection, with the pair of segments being moveable between an open position and a contracted position. The tensioning mechanism is operable to tighten the pair of segments and includes a threaded shaft extending through a segment opening defined in a first segment of the pair of segments. The retainer is coupled with the first segment and includes a first cantilevered flange configured to engage the threaded shaft to retain the threaded shaft in the segment opening when the shell is in the open position.

Abstract: Clamp assemblies and associated methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a clamp assembly may comprise a shell, a tensioning mechanism, and a retainer. The shell includes a pair of segments sized to be positioned over a joint connection, with the pair of segments being moveable between an open position and a contracted position. The tensioning mechanism is operable to tighten the pair of segments and includes a threaded shaft extending through a segment opening defined in a first segment of the pair of segments. The retainer is coupled with the first segment and includes a first cantilevered flange configured to engage the threaded shaft to retain the threaded shaft in position relative to the first segment.

Abstract: A device for compensating for tolerances between two components which are to be connected by a connecting screw, comprising a base element and a compensating element which can be moved out of the base element, the base element and the compensating element forming a passage for the connecting screw that defines an axial direction, and a coupling means of the device being designed to couple the device to a carrier element and to guide the device along the carrier element.

Abstract: A device for compensating for tolerances between two components to be connected by means of a connecting screw, comprising a base element, a compensating element which can be moved out of the base element, the base element and the compensating element forming a passage for the connecting screw, which passage defines an axial direction, and a retaining element for retaining the base element.

Abstract: The nut according to the present invention includes: a cylindrical portion having a female screw portion provided with spiral shaped thread grooves on an inner circumferential surface thereof; and a slit provided at one location in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and opening to an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. The slit extends in an extending direction orthogonal to a direction of a lead angle in a portion of the thread grooves crossed by the slit.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor shell having a shell opening therethrough, a combustor panel having a stud attached thereto, the stud extending through the shell opening. The stud includes a standoff to define an intermediate passage between the combustor shell and the combustor panel. A retainer is attached to the stud. A washer surrounds the stud and is positioned between the retainer and the combustor shell. The washer at least partially defines a cooling flow passage configured to direct a cooling airflow through the shell opening to impinge the cooling flow on at least one of the stud or the standoff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking apparatus for introduction into a recess of a device to be locked, wherein the locking apparatus has an actuating pin and a bolt part which is rotationally fixedly connectable to the actuating pin and which can be locked and/or unlocked by rotating the actuating pin, wherein the bolt part can be fastened to the named actuating pin in different positions. The invention further relates to the use of such a locking apparatus as a transport lock of a carcass part to be locked such as a device housing door of a security-sensitive gambling device, betting device and/or entertainment device. In accordance with the invention, the actuating pin and the bolt part have releasable latching means having a plurality of latching positions for latching the bolt part to the actuating pin in a plurality of axial positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods of coupling a nose cone to a turbine machine. Nose cone assembly weight and coupling difficulty are each reduced by eliminating the number of bolts used to mount the nose cone to the turbine machine, as well as the support or retaining ring. The disclosed nose cone comprises a plurality of hub mounting elements including one or more flexible spring flanges, one or more bayonet flanges, and one or more pilot flanges, each configured to engage a respective portion of the turbine machine.

Abstract: A spring fastener clip includes first, second, and third strips, each with a corresponding hole therethrough. The clip is bent to form an S-shape, wherein the first strip, the second strip, and the third strip are aligned one with another, and the three holes are aligned one with another. The spring fastener clip further includes a hook extending from the second strip to the first strip and including a tab proximate the first hole. When a substrate is disposed between the first and second strips, the tab hooks over an edge of the substrate and resists flexing of the clip on installation of a fastener.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle connector for electrically connecting with a mating plug connector is disclosed. The electrical receptacle connector comprises an enclosure which has an upper wall and a lower wall at least one of which comprises a spring clip. The spring clip defines at its end an engaging head bending towards inside of the enclosure, and a bending angle of the engaging head is made to be greater than or equal to a certain threshold so that when said electrical receptacle connector connects with said plug connector, the spring clip and a metal area around a receiving member where the engaging head is received on the mating plug connector contact with each other.

Abstract: A smart material actuated fastener is provided. In another aspect, a fastener includes a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material with the shape memory material being a minority of the total fastener materials. A further aspect provides a fastener having workpiece-engaging surfaces made of an inactive and non-shape memory material.

Abstract: A static-electricity-blocking mounting unit, including: a mounting sheet metal in which a female screw portion is formed, the female screw portion being configured to threadably engage with a male screw configured to fix a member to be fixed to a housing; and an insulating member made of an insulating material and configured to support the mounting sheet metal, wherein the mounting sheet metal is fixed to the housing via the insulating member, and the member to be fixed is fixed to the housing by the male screw threadably engaging with the female screw portion of the mounting sheet metal.

Abstract: A wrench and nut combination, including: a wrench lug including: a wrench lug feature that substantially mates with a nut feature of a nut of a shock absorber during a first rotation of said nut, relative to external body threads on a body of the shock absorber, in a first direction, wherein the wrench lug feature and the nut feature release during a second rotation of said nut, relative to the external body threads, in a second direction, wherein at least one of the first rotation and the second rotation causes an adjustment to a compressive coil spring pre-load of a set of coil springs disposed in the shock absorber.

Abstract: A connector assembly for installation to a surface having a slot pattern. The connector assembly includes a base shell and a clasp shell. The clasp shell movable relative to the base shell between an open position and a closed position, and one of the base shell and the clasp shell includes a threaded insert spaced from an end of the connector.

Abstract: A device for connecting two components, comprising at least one leg, which has a fastening opening and which is connected to at least one holder, further comprising a pin receptacle for receiving a fastening pin which can be guided through the fastening opening, wherein the leg and the pin receptacle delimit between each other a receiving slit for a first component, and wherein the leg, on its side facing away from the receiving slit, has at least one abutment surface for a second component, wherein in each case at least two guiding bars run along two opposing sides of the pin receptacle, and these guiding bars connect the pin receptacle to the holder such that it can be moved elastically in its axial direction.

Abstract: A floating fastener includes a mounting base member bonded to a first panel member and having a partition wall dividing an inside space thereof into an upper chamber and a bottom chamber and a screw hole located at the center of the partition wall, a lock screw having a stepped head, a shank extended from the stepped head and inserted through the screw hole and terminating in a threaded locking tip, a cap member affixed to the stepped head and axially movably coupled to the mounting base member, and a spring member sleeved onto the shank of the lock screw and stopped between the stepped head of the lock screw and the partition wall of the mounting base member for allowing the lock screw to be moved in and out of the mounting base member for detachably locking the first panel member to a second panel member.

Abstract: A pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.

Abstract: A fastening unit (1,101) for fastening an object to a profile element (80) with a longitudinal slot (85). The profile element having an upper side formed by a flanges which define between them the longitudinal slot. The fastening unit includes an oblong metal anchoring element (2) for engaging behind the flanges, a washer element (4) for engaging the upper side of the flanges and a support element. The support element (3) is connected to the anchoring element and associated with the washer element. The connection between the support element and the anchoring element includes two or more connecting legs (36) which are formed integrally with a body of the support element and extend each through an associated recess in the anchoring element. The connecting legs at their distal ends have a retaining lug (37) for preventing that the anchoring element can be released from the distal ends of the connecting legs.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a boss of a display module. The mounting structure is constructed with a reinforcing member installed on a chassis base of the display module, a boss including a threaded length having an outer portion on which a screw surface is formed and being coupled to the reinforcing member, and a connecting portion extending from the threaded length in a direction away from the reinforcing member and having an end portion in which a coupling hole is formed, and a supporting nut screwed into the threaded length to press the boss toward the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A fastening device having a fastening element includes a plug-in region and a contact area at a distance therefrom, and a shaft between the plug-in region and the contact area. The plug-in region is axially pressable through a through opening in a wall area in a plugged position of the fastening element, until the contact surface, or an intermediate part situated in between, presses against the wall area from one side and the shaft is radially centered in the through opening. The fastening element is connected to another component. The fastening element is located in its installed position after the fastening element is in its plugged position through the through opening and is then rotated around an axis of its shaft into an installed position delimited by a stop, in which at least one radial projection of the plug-in region engages behind an edge area of the through opening to fix the fastening element in the installed position and thus prevent axial displacement of the shaft out of the through opening.

Abstract: A NUT WITH A C-SHAPED PROFILE, of the type formed by a punched metal sheet folded onto itself for fixing onto a panel, wherein one of the arms, i.e. the upper base, has a hole for the arrangement of a screwed device with at least one thread and wherein the other arm, i.e.

Abstract: A connector assembly for installation to a surface having a slot pattern. The connector assembly includes a base shell and a clasp shell. The clasp shell movable relative to the base shell between an open position and a closed position, and one of the base shell and the clasp shell includes a threaded insert spaced from an end of the connector.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor housing with drive motor and a grip housing with a longitudinal support and a forward grip. The motor housing and the grip housing are connected to one another by antivibration elements. The forward grip has a connecting end that is connected by a screw connection to the longitudinal support. The screw connection has at least one fastening screw that is positioned in the operating position of the power tool in a vertical direction of the power tool. The screw connection has a metal insertion part that is positioned entirely within the contour of the longitudinal support that is a plastic part. The metal insertion part has a screw receptacle for the at least one fastening screw. The at least one fastening screw is fixedly screwed into the metal insertion part.

Abstract: A stackable U-nut fastener includes first and second spaced arms and a folded edge portion interconnecting the arms. A plurality of U-nut fasteners can be engaged one with another to form a collated strip of fasteners. A collating tab from one arm of one U-nut fasteners engages an opening in an arm of an adjacent U-nut fastener.

Abstract: A fastener for securing an airbag assembly in a motor vehicle includes first and second body components held one against another with a fastening tab of an airbag there between. A flexible collet from the body of the fastener is secured in a hole of a supporting component in a vehicle roof, and a pin pushed into the collet secures the installation. Tools and fastener structures for verification testing are disclosed.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine assembly including at least a first member and a second member. The method comprises inserting a threaded fastener through an opening formed in a flange, and providing at least one shank nut including a flanged mating end, an opposite non-mating end, and a body extending therebetween. The body includes an internal surface, an external surface, and a centerline extending between the body ends. The flanged mating end includes a substantially planar exterior surface that is aligned perpendicularly to the centerline and an annular groove that extends from the exterior surface at least partially towards the non-mating end. The method also comprises securing the assembly together such that the mating end is positioned flush against the flange and such that the threaded fastener extends at least partially into a bore extending through the shank nut and defined by the shank nut internal surface.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a side airbag for an automotive vehicle is provided. The bracket includes a mounting plate formed of a synthetic resin material, and including a main body and a coupling part projecting from an upper surface of the main body and having a hole, and a bracket clip including two support plates in contact with front and rear surfaces of the coupling part and having through-holes in communication with the hole, and a bent part connecting the two support plates at each one side. Therefore, it is possible to protect the bracket to prevent damage to or deformation of the bracket when a bolt is screwed, thereby maintaining the side airbag in an optimal state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a U-nut comprising, a substrate including a flex area wherein the substrate and the flex area include a polymer, a first substrate segment, a second substrate segment, and a flex area, wherein the first substrate segment and the second substrate segment are located adjacent to the flex area; a retainer located on the first substrate segment; and an acceptor located on the second substrate segment.

Abstract: A resilient clip is disclosed for engaging a structure having a body with a pair of extending body portions and an elastic flange. The flange has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic flange also has a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic flange into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.

Abstract: A receptacle for a fastener which is inserted into a receptacle receiving member. The receptacle is insertable and rotatable in a hole in the receptacle receiving member and includes at least one arm extending from a fastener receiving member. The arm is arranged to engage with a first side of the receptacle receiving member on insertion of the fastener receiving member into the receptacle receiving member.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine assembly including at least a first member and a second member. The method comprises inserting a threaded fastener through an opening formed in a flange, and providing at least one shank nut including a flanged mating end, an opposite non-mating end, and a body extending therebetween. The body includes an internal surface, an external surface, and a centerline extending between the body ends. The flanged mating end includes a substantially planar exterior surface that is aligned perpendicularly to the centerline and an annular groove that extends from the exterior surface at least partially towards the non-mating end. The method also comprises securing the assembly together such that the mating end is positioned flush against the flange and such that the threaded fastener extends at least partially into a bore extending through the shank nut and defined by the shank nut internal surface.

Abstract: A fixing clamp for connection of sheets with different expansion properties and is thus installed in a rectangular opening of a support plate. The fixing clamp includes a rectangular baseplate and a threaded sleeve in the center. Transverse webs are bent in the same direction as the threaded sleeve on a front transverse edge. Two clamping legs are bent away from the sleeve, parallel to the baseplate. A further clamping leg is bent upwards on the opposing rear transverse edge in the same direction as the front clamping leg. Spring webs are cut into the baseplate on both sides of the threaded sleeve and bent at an angle in the same direction as the clamping legs. The spring webs are bent with the end regions thereof reaching the baseplate, whereby a separation “A” between the end regions and the transverse webs on the front clamping leg is of such a size that the spring webs extend into the opening when the front clamping legs are situated on the longitudinal edge of the opening.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a substrate to a support structure includes a housing having a space defined by facing wall portions. The space captures a rotatable push nut with flexible teeth. The housing is attached to the substrate using a flange positioned opposite one of the wall portions, the substrate being crimped between the flange and the wall portion. The device may be pushed onto a threaded stud to rapidly affix the substrate to the support structure. The push nut may be rotated within the housing to disengage it from the stud and thereby remove the substrate from the support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a car body floor panel having a plurality of studs, comprises tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover with diametral clearance and that are engaged with the studs. Each fastener comprises clips coupled to one another and having flanges that exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting displacement of the undercover along the floor panel due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: A male threaded fastening member is provided with depressions in at least one or several helix wraps of the thread adjacent the head, the depressions extending inwardly from an edge of the thread at least part way toward a shank of the male fastening member. In a fastening system including the male fastening member, a female member includes projections for engaging the depressions.

Abstract: Device for the fixing of a part to a panel equipped with a drilling, such device comprising a saddle with two facing arms drilled with coaxial holes one, of which has a shank forming a nut. The arms being able to be placed on either side of the panel with their holes facing the aforementioned drilling. One arm is equipped with a lug in which one of the holes is made. The lug may include a protruding ridge able to be lodged in the aforementioned drilling to allow for the saddle to be snapped onto and thus fixed to the panel.

Abstract: An anchor nut device for attachment to a structure, the device defining a threaded bore for the reception therein of a corresponding member. The device includes an anchor nut which is fabricated from a first material, the nut defining the bore and a plurality of radially extending ears. A base plate is fabricated from a second material, the plate having a first and a second face, the first face cooperating with the plurality of ears. The second face of the plate defines a plurality of dimples for facilitating welding of the plate to the structure. A plurality of arms extend from the plate, such that each ear of the plurality of ears is disposed between a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms and the first face of the plate for capturing the nut relative to the plate. Also, a stop extends from the anchor nut, the stop being disposed between adjacent ears for controlling rotational movement of the anchor nut relative to the plate.

Abstract: A wire rope clamp includes a U-shaped clamp member having a central fold. The clamp member has a first plate portion on one end of the central fold and a second plate portion on an opposite end of the central fold. The clamp member has a least one opening therein sized to allow at least one wire rope to pass therethrough. Such opening is located on said central fold between opposite sides of the clamp member. A tightening member urges the first plate portion and the second plate portion relatively closer together causing the plate portions to clamp onto one or more wire ropes located therebetween. The plate portions have embossments perpendicular to the rope direction that provide sufficient clamping grip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a car body floor panel having a plurality of studs, comprises tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover with diametral clearance and that are engaged with the studs. Each fastener comprises clips coupled to one another and having flanges that exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting displacement of the undercover along the floor panel due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: A universal ground clamp having a clamping strap having a series of holes to facilitate the installation of the clamp onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections. A metal stud, through which the clamping strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. In one form, a pair of curved plates supported upon the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. One of the curved plates is captivated on the strap with stops. In another form, projections extend from the strap at the hole through which the stud is inserted in order to allow the stud to be readily inserted into the hole and prevent the stud from being inadvertently separated from the strap.

Abstract: A device for use with rack-mounted equipment is disclosed. The device comprises a threaded portion and a clip element coupled to the threaded portion whereby the device is capable of being utilized in conjunction with a plurality of rack configurations. Through the use of the present invention, both square-hole and round-hole rack configurations can be accommodated with one device. This results in a significant reduction in the cost of computer/rack-mounted equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding element for holding a fastener to be secured to a carrier plate. The holding element includes a holding plate having a hole that is adapted to receive a fastener. An intermediate portion extends from the holding plate substantially parallel to an axis of the hole. An end portion extends from the intermediate portion substantially parallel to the holding plate. A mounting element extends from the holding plate in a direction away from the carrier plate and is adapted to hold a construction element wherein the mounting element is integrally formed on the holding plate.

Abstract: Device for the fixing of a part to a panel equipped with a drilling, such device comprising a saddle (4) with two facing arms (11, 12) drilled with coaxial holes (21, 22), one of which (11) has a shank (23) forming a nut, the arms (11, 12) being able to be placed on either side of the panel with their holes (21, 22) facing the aforementioned drilling.

Abstract: The screw grommet 1 comprises a flange 2 and a shank 3 extending from the flange. The shank is provided with flexible legs 7 extending from the end of the shank towards the flange and outwardly from the shank. The shank has a screw insertion hole 13 into which a tapping screw is screwed to prevent the legs from being bent radially inward towards the shank so that the screw grommet is fixed to the workpiece by means of the legs and the flange. The inner portion of the legs is provided with a threaded section turned by screwing in the tapping screw. The flange 2 is integrated with a tubular fastening torque bearing section 18 extending in the direction opposite the shank 3. The fastening torque bearing section is formed with a screw insertion hole having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the tapping screw so as to receive the tapping screw.

Abstract: A device for assembling a steering column bracket with a steering gear shaft, comprising a clamping bolt cooperating with a clamping nut disposed in one of two branches of the bracket, the clamping nut being held in place against rotation and translation by an antirotation elastic member and having a radial protrusion. An axial prepositioning abutment is fastened to the bracket. When the radial protrusion of the clamping nut is pressed against the axial prepositioning abutment, the clamping nut is partly withdrawn along its axis to allow the bracket to be engaged over the end of the shaft. At the end of tightening the clamping bolt in the clamping nut, the clamping bolt neutralizes the antirotation function of the antirotation elastic member in order to allow the clamping nut to escape from the axial prepositioning abutment and immobilize the bracket on the shaft.

Abstract: A universal ground clamp having a clamping strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the clamp onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections. A metal stud, through which the clamping strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. A pair of curved plates supported upon the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. One of the curved plates is captivated on the strap with stops.

Abstract: A U-nut type fastener, for forming a vertically stacked or nested array of such fasteners, comprises an annular hoop member or retainer ring formed upon a lower arm member of the fastener, and an upstanding sleeve member or internally threaded nut is formed upon an upper arm member of the fastener. When the fasteners are stacked or nested in a vertical array, the annular hoop member or retainer ring of an upper one of the fasteners will engage and be seated upon the sleeve or nut member of a lower one of the fasteners.

Abstract: A fastening system comprises a screw including a thread formed on a shank and configured to form a threaded bore in a plug made of a plastic material, and at least one notch formed in the shank between at least two adjacent turns of the thread. The system also comprises a clip including first and second clip bows connected at joined portions thereof. The first and second clip bows further have firs and second through apertures in their central portions which are aligned and sized to define a channel for allowing the shank of the screw to pass through. At least one of the first and second through apertures has an internal thread matching with the thread of the screw. The clip has at least one resilient lug adapted to engage with the at least one notch when the screw is fastened into the internal thread.

Abstract: A clip type nut device for attachment about an aperture or opening of a support structure is provided with the clip nut device having a resilient main body member having a pair of transversely oppositely extending bushings at opposite ends of a flexible strap with a captured nut member in one bushing. One bushing has a first opening and is receivable within the support structure opening. The other or second bushing has a second opening with the threaded nut member captured in the second opening. A securing structure associated with the first and second bushing is operable to secure the first bushing to the second bushing with the first opening being aligned with the second opening such that the threaded nut member is aligned with the opening through the support structure.

Abstract: A pipe hanger has a tubular section which is split axially so that the tubular section can be opened and fit around a pipe. Two partially overlapping tabs extend from the tubular section. When the tabs are urged together, holes in the tabs become aligned, and permit a single fastener to secure the tabs together, and to affix the hanger to a support structure. The hanger therefore requires only a single fastener. The fastener is preferably supplied with the hanger, and is held by friction in one of the holes in the tabs, or in a tubular chamber extending from one of the tabs. The shape of the tubular section facilitates manual closing of the tubular section around the pipe. The hanger is very easy to install, even when the hanger is located in an inconvenient position.