Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a staple cartridge and a datum portion positioned proximal to the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and an articulation joint configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. In addition, the surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridge and a drive assembly including a drive member configured to move the firing member. The drive assembly may also include a stop configured to engage the datum portion to limit the movement of the drive member after the plurality of staples are fired.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a spindle body and a nut element to be screwed together for decreasing a spacing between first and second clamping elements to clamp an object disposed therebetween. The nut element has roller bodies with a defined roller engagement structure axially rotatably secured on a receiving body of the nut element and distributed in circumferential direction. A plurality of engagement regions distributed and/or spaced apart on the spindle body each have one spindle body engagement structure. The roller engagement structures of the roller bodies engage or can engage the spindle body engagement structures of the spindle body. The nut element can be screwed to the spindle body by the mutually engaged engagement structures of the spindle body and of the roller bodies, in particular with rolling of the roller bodies on the spindle body. An apparatus and a vise having the clamping apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A variable positioner includes a body portion with a cylindrical component, and an axially aligned through hole in the body position. A threading protrudes radially inward from an inner surface of the axially aligned through hole. A first axial end of the variable positioner defines an interface surface for interfacing with a rotor arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shut-off device comprising a plug intended to be placed over a threaded orifice of a casing, or to be removed therefrom, by screwing and unscrewing respectively, the plug comprising a central body bearing a screw thread, and locking and unlocking means that oppose the spontaneous unscrewing of the plug and that are activated automatically by the turning of the plug and its corresponding progression in the direction of screwing along a longitudinal axis. The locking and unlocking means comprise two releaseable coupling members, of which a first member is coupled to and turns with the central body via a protective skirt and of which a second member can be prevented from turning with respect to the casing during screwing.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a multi-piece fastener with self-indexing nut is disclosed. The multi-piece fastener is designed for use in low clearance areas such as aircraft wing side-of-body joint locations. The multi-piece fastener comprises a stud comprising an elongated part extending between a first end face and a second end face, a threaded head fastener, a threaded tail fastener, and a wrenching feature. A self-indexing feature is provided on the stud and head fastener which allows automatic orientation of the head fastener with respect to the stud.

Abstract: One or both of two components that are joinable by a connector (22) is provided with a connector retainer mechanism (200) that holds the connector with the component prior to assembly. In one embodiment, a component having a mounting hole (102) therein includes a retainer (202, 204) or holder that keeps a connector in the mounting hole so that the component may be assembled to another component without the connector falling out of the mounting hole prior to such assembly. An example of a connector retainer mechanism is a ball that partially extends into the mounting hole from a transverse bore (208).

Abstract: A screw-nut assembly has an integrated immediately effective securing arrangement that prevents an unintentional loosening of a screw connection formed therewith. The screw-nut assembly has a first screw connection body and an associated second screw connection body. One of the two screw connection bodies (1) has a free-wheel (3) that is connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner. A coupling device (9) is provided between the free-wheel (3) and the other of the two screw connection bodies (2). This coupling device connects both screw connection bodies to one another in a rotationally fixed manner and allows their disengagement from one another.

Abstract: A sealant cutting tool including a handle defining a blade slot. Also included is a clamping bolt having a clamp axis transverse the blade slot, which clamping bolt is threadably engaged with the handle. In addition, a “T” pull is operatively associated with the clamping bolt so that rotation of the “T” pull around the clamp axis causes a distal end of the clamping bolt to move relative to the blade slot. The sealant cutting tool may include a blade received in the blade slot in operative association with the clamping bolt. In addition, the “T” pull may include an engagement head operatively associated with a proximal end of the clamping bolt. The clamping bolt may include a noncylindrical shoulder received through a mating, noncircular opening formed in the engagement head. Thus, the noncircular opening may be selectively engaged with the noncylindrical shoulder, allowing the “T” pull to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the clamping bolt.

Abstract: A locking fastener apparatus for coupling objects together. The locking fastener apparatus includes a bolt having a head portion and a shaft portion with a plurality of shaft slots along the shaft. A nut has a threaded hole for threadably receiving the shaft portion of the bolt. A nut slot is centrally positioned across a width of a first side portion of the nut. The nut has a nut lock bore extending inwardly through the nut slot from the first side portion towards a central hole of the nut. The nut includes a nut lock member for movably positioning in the nut lock bore of the nut. The inner end of the nut lock member has a catch portion that is engagable with the shaft slots. A lever member pivotally coupled to the nut is positioned in the nut slot, with a first end attached to the nut lock member and a second end abutting a biasing member which biases the catch portion into one of the shaft slots to facilitate locking the two together until.

Abstract: A new plug is formed with a diametrical slot in the interior threaded end and an axial through hole. A spring unit is positioned in the through hole and slot. The spring unit is formed with a diametral slot that extends from the interior end of the plug well down into the post portion of the spring unit and therefore into the through hole. The spring unit is assembled to the plug prior to heat treatment of the spring unit. Fixturing of the spring unit determines the spring rate of the unit and, in combination with the fit of the spring unit in the slot and through hole, the amount of live contact of the unit with the threads of the hole into which the plug is to be threaded. The holding torque of the plug is thereby determined. The new plug eliminates the present need for external capture devices or stainless steel wires through holes in the plug exterior in aircraft applications.

Abstract: An obturating device including a body (11) with a recess (8) at one end engageable by a spanner, and a screw thread (2) at the other end for engaging a complementary screw thread (7) in an opening (6) of a housing (3). A locking ring (31) biased by a spring in the obturating device (1) and a complementary locking ring (47) in the opening have asymmetrical teeth which interlock when screwing-in is complete and snap together to prevent loosening of the rings. The tooth flanks that engage one another on loosening are nevertheless sufficiently angled to enable forced unscrewing using a spanner. A skirt (14) protects the mechanism and acts as an abutment in the fully screwed-in position. The obturating device enables locking and unlocking, requires no direct manual operation and is particularly suitable for endoscope insertion openings in aircraft engines.

Abstract: A fastening member is formed from a fiber-reinforced ceramic composite material, in which a ceramic material is reinforced with a plurality of inorganic long fibers. The inorganic long fibers are located in the ceramic material such that first orientated layers, in which the inorganic long fibers are orientated in a predetermined direction, and second orientated layers, in which the inorganic long fibers are orientated in a direction different from the direction of orientation of the inorganic long fibers in the first orientated layers, may be laminated alternately.

Abstract: In a screw mounting arrangement for a plastics moulded filter or a coalescer element end cap to a base the base is provided with a serrated track which a locating member is engageable with when the filter or coalescer element is screwed onto the base such as to prevent loosening thereof due to vibration.