Abstract: An axle nut for preloading a bearing is provided. The axle nut may be used to apply and monitor preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. The axle nut includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end having a face adapted to bear against a surface, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface engagable by a tool; a threaded through-hole directed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; and at least one recess in the face of the second end of the cylindrical body, the at least one recess adapted to expose at least a portion of the surface the face bears against. The first end of the axle may comprise a nut locking mechanism, for example, the nut locking mechanism may include a counter bore having a plurality of internal projections, such as, gear or spline teeth.

Abstract: A wheel retention nut includes a body having a front face and a rear face. A central bore with internal threads extends through the body. A first outer perimeter of a first diameter is positioned adjacent to the front face. The first outer perimeter defines a polygon adapted to receive a wrench. A second outer perimeter of a second diameter, which is larger than the first diameter, is positioned adjacent to the rear face. The second outer perimeter is sized to retain an eccentrically rotating wheel.

Abstract: A fastening device for a nut comprises a fastening part configured to engage in a screw element, a securing part configured to engage in the nut, and an intermediate part providing a non-positive connection between the fastening part and the securing part, wherein the intermediate part is made of a restorable material and is designed to apply a restoring torque directed at the original state during a rotation of the securing part in relation to the fastening part.

Abstract: Methods and devices for locking a fastener in a thru-bore are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchor is provided that includes a bone engaging fastener, an anti-backout mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The anti-backout mechanism can be movable between a retracted position in which it is disposed within the fastener and a deployed position in which is extends from the bone engaging fastener. The locking mechanism can be matable to the bone engaging fastener and can be configured to move the anti-backout mechanism from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the anti-backout mechanism can prevent the bone engaging fastener from backing out of a thru-bore in a spinal plate.

Abstract: A fastener with a threaded nut, a clip, a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature. The nut has front and rear surfaces and a first lock structure that is disposed between the front and rear surfaces. The clip has a body, which defines an aperture, a second lock structure and an engagement member. The second lock structure is coupled to the body and engages the first lock structure to axially retain the clip to the nut. The engagement member extends into the aperture in the body. The first engagement feature is coupled to either the nut or the clip and comprises at least one tooth. The second engagement feature is associated with the other one of the nut and the clip and is engaged with the first engagement feature to inhibit rotation between the nut and the clip.

Abstract: A system for joining two components includes a rotatable locking member having a pair of diametrically opposed notches, a pair of diametrically opposed first sectors having a first radius, and a pair of diametrically opposed second sectors having a second radius larger than the first radius. A shaft is attached to and extends axially from the locking member. One of the components has a cavity and an opening for inserting the locking member into the cavity. The other component has a receptacle for holding an end of the shaft opposite the locking member so that the shaft holds the two components together.

Abstract: The present locking mechanism for rotatable fastener functions to reliably and inexpensively secure a rotatable fastener in place once it is seated. This is accomplished by the formation of an aperture into the body of the rotatable fastener in a lengthwise direction coaxial with the axis of the cylindrical shaped rotatable fastener. A second aperture is formed in the body of the rotatable fastener perpendicular to the first aperture and intersecting same. A locking pin is placed in the second aperture such that one end of the locking pin is flush with the surface of the body of the rotatable fastener, non-interfering with the operation of the threads formed on the exterior surface of the body of the rotatable fastener. A second end of the locking pin protrudes into the first aperture. A locking post is placed in the first aperture, located above the locking pin and accessible via the open end of the first aperture in the head of the rotatable fastener.

Abstract: A positioning device (20) which permits precise adjustment and retention of the longitudinal position of a screw member (30) within a threaded receptacle (22) in incremental detent steps includes the screw member (30) having at least one spring member (42) and the threaded receptacle (22) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal grooves (28). As the screw member (30) is rotated within the threaded receptacle (22), the spring member (42) sequentially engages the spaced longitudinal grooves (28) in incremental detent steps. The engagement between the spring member (42) and a longitudinal groove (28) retains the screw member (30) in a desired detent position, thereby resisting unwanted rotation as from vibration or thermal cycling.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the rotation of a nut with respect to a threa shaft, one version suitable for use on a plain threaded shaft and another version suitable for use on a threaded shaft having an axial keyway of rectangular cross section. The apparatus consists of a slotted and grooved nut and a tanged snap ring. The nut has radial slots across a face, and a circumferential groove which intersects the bottom of the slots. The snap ring fits over the nut within the circumferential groove, the tang extending down through the nut and engaging with the threaded shaft.

Abstract: This invention provides a shear resistant panel fastener that includes a bolt having a head and a shank with a first relatively large diameter portion adjacent the head and a second smaller diameter threaded portion, a sleeve on the second portion of the shank, a collar around the sleeve and movable to a position around the first portion of the shank, the collar including a means for attachment to a workpiece, and a retainer means for prohibiting movement of the collar off of the sleeve in one direction. The smaller outer end of the shank is adapted to enter a clearance opening in a part for engagement with a floating nut at the opposite end of the opening, while the larger portion of the shank is drawn into the opening and the fastener is tightened. The smaller portion of the shank permits the fastener to be mated when the openings are misaligned while the larger portion of the shank provides shear resistance when the fastener is mated.