Abstract: A seatbelt system includes a stanchion having a first end and a second end and a linear actuator fixedly connected relative to the stanchion. The linear actuator includes a shuttle. The shuttle is shiftable between the first end and the second end of the stanchion. A seatbelt is supported by the stanchion. The seatbelt includes a buckle, a lap portion, and a shoulder portion. The lap portion is connected to the shuttle. A controller is operatively connected to the linear actuator. The controller selectively raises the shuttle to lift the lap portion of the seatbelt toward the second end of the stanchion to accommodate an individual using a wheel chair.

Abstract: A mounting device (10) is disclosed having a one-piece body (11). A slot (20) extends into this body (11), and is defined by a slot base (22) and a pair of spaced slot sidewalls (24a, 24b) that each extend from the slot base (22). The slot sidewalls (24a, 24b) are disposed in non-parallel relation to each other.

Abstract: A bolt comprises a first shank segment axially comprising an externally threaded segment at a proximate axial end of the bolt. The bolt also includes a second shank segment, a flange extending perpendicularly a first distance from the first shank segment and axially located between a distal axial end of the first shank segment and a proximate axial end of the second shank segment, and a head axially adjacent to a distal axial end of the second shank segment, where the head is longer than the flange in a first direction perpendicular to the first shank segment but shorter than the flange in a second direction perpendicular to the first shank segment.

Abstract: Surface mount assembly for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface is disclosed. In some embodiments, a surface mount assembly includes a base and an enclosure. The base includes a lower member and an upper member. The lower member could include a brace, a center aperture extending through the lower and upper members for receiving a fastener to facilitate the mounting to a solar panel frame; the upper member could include a hub from which a plurality of arms may extend. The mount enclosure could include a chamber with a chamber aperture for receiving a fastener from the surface mount, a post support extending upward from the chamber and forming a post aperture for receiving a post, and a horizontal member with one or more sealant grooves extending horizontal outward from the chamber.

Abstract: A locking cap for a fracture fixation system may include a cap body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. An external thread extends around at least a portion of the cap body. A passage extends inside the cap body from the distal end toward the proximal end. An internal thread extends about a periphery of the passage along at least a portion of a length of the passage.

Abstract: A guide carriage includes a chassis having a rotatably supported running wheel and a connecting member for connecting the guide carriage to the furniture part. The chassis and the connecting member are configured as constructional units separate from one another and are configured to be connected to one another by a fastening device. The fastening device includes a force storage member and at least one locking element configured to be pressurized by the force storage member. The chassis and the connecting member are configured to be releasably locked to one another by a force of the force storage member. A holding device separate from the fastening device is provided for fastening the connecting member to the chassis. The connecting member is configured to be hung into the chassis via the holding device, can be pivoted about a, preferably horizontally extending, axis in the hung-in condition, and can be locked to the chassis by the locking element.

Abstract: Surface mount assembly for mounting to a solar panel frame to an installation surface is disclosed. In some embodiments, a surface mount assembly includes a base and an enclosure. The base includes a lower member and an upper member. The lower member could include a brace, a center aperture extending through the lower and upper members for receiving a fastener to facilitate the mounting to a solar panel frame; the upper member could include a hub from which a plurality of arms may extend. The mount enclosure could include a chamber with a chamber aperture for receiving a fastener from the surface mount, a post support extending upward from the chamber and forming a post aperture for receiving a post, and a horizontal member with one or more sealant grooves extending horizontal outward from the chamber.

Abstract: An aligning device for aligning a guide rail of an elevator system has lower and upper rail bracket parts and at least two movement elements. The lower rail bracket part is fixed to an elevator shaft wall and the upper rail bracket part holds a guide rail. The lower and upper rail bracket parts each have a connecting region for fixing to one another. The movement elements move the lower rail bracket part relative to the upper rail bracket part. Each of the movement elements interacts with both of the connecting regions of the rail bracket parts. Each of the movement elements is rotatable about an axis of rotation and interacts, eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, with at least one of the rail bracket parts so as to abut laterally opposite contact surfaces of this rail bracket part.

Abstract: An air-wall room system, suspended from a room ceiling, having a compressed air discharge duct. The air discharge duct is used for circulating compressed air into a hollow, four sided, upper air-wall frame with air openings. The air from the upper air-wall frame is circulated into a work space. The hollow upper air-wall frame includes air discharge ports for creating an air-wall. The air-wall, similar to a curtain, prevents toxic gases from escaping outside the work space. Corners of the upper air-wall frame are attached to vertical frame members. A bottom of the vertical frame members is attached to corners of a hollow, four sided, lower air-wall frame. The lower air-wall frame includes vacuum ports for receiving the bottom of the air-wall. A side of the lower air-wall frame is connected to a vacuum air exhaust duct. The air exhaust duct is used for drawing a vacuum in the hollow lower air-wall frame and exhausting the air-wall out a vacuum air exhaust duct.

Abstract: A driving pin can be used for installing a bone plate on a bone. In some examples, the driving pin has a driving pin body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The driving pin body may define at least three regions of different cross-sectional thickness, including a bone penetrating region adjacent the distal end, a driving region adjacent the proximal end, and a bone plate orienting region between the bone penetrating region and the driving region. In general, the bone penetrating region has a smaller cross-sectional thickness than the bone plate orienting region and the bone plate orienting region has a smaller cross-sectional thickness than the driving region. The bone plate orienting region may be sized to conform to the size of a fixation hole extending through bone plate.

Abstract: The indoor ventilation exhaust system is configured for use in a domestic space. The indoor ventilation exhaust system is configured for use with second-hand smoke. The indoor ventilation exhaust system draws atmospheric gases containing second-hand smoke out of a domestic space. The indoor ventilation exhaust system comprises an manifold, discharge system, and a collection network. The discharge system attaches to the manifold. Each of one or more collection networks attach to the manifolds. The discharge system creates a partial vacuum that draws the second-hand smoke of out the domestic space into the collection network. The second-hand smoke is aggregated in the manifold and is then discharged from the domestic structure containing the domestic space through the discharge system. The discharge system creates the partial vacuum that transports the second-hand smoke.

Abstract: A mounting system for a hard disk drive includes a case, an insulation member, and a mounting member. The case is configured to receive the hard disk drive and includes a sidewall and an EMI protection structure extending from the sidewall. The insulation member is secured to the sidewall. The mounting member extends through the sidewall and the insulation member and is configured to secure the hard disk drive to the case. The insulation member insulates the mounting member from the case, and the EMI protection structure is electronically coupled to the mounting member, causing the case to be electronically coupled to the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A flow drill screw includes a shank that extends along a rotation axis. The shank includes a flow drill portion and a thread portion. A head is attached to the shank at a second axial end of the shank, adjacent the thread portion. An attachment portion extends from the head and away from the thread portion, along the rotation axis. The attachment portion may include a T-stud connector, and is operable to attach a device thereto. A drive tool includes an open interior region for receiving the attachment portion therein. The head of the flow drill screw includes an external drive interface, disposed on an exterior surface of the head, radially about the rotation axis, which mates with an internal drive interface of the drive tool, to transmit torque therebetween.

Abstract: Described in this application is a dual purpose hanger fastener for supporting a fixture, such as a pipe fixture, or the like to a building structure. The hanger fastener includes a threaded shank forming a first end portion and a head forming a second end portion where the head has both a cross-thread opening and an axial opening. The threaded shank is adapted to engage the structure and the head is adapted to receive a support member to support a pipe fixture or the like. For supporting the fixture, the head includes a cross-thread opening and an axial opening with the axial opening extending into the head to not less than one-thirty-second inch from the cross-thread opening. Both of the cross-thread and axial openings of the head of the hanger fastener are adapted to receive and engage the support member to support the pipe fixture or the like at the users option.

Abstract: A pole butt removal tool is an unconventionally threaded shaft and a hub. The unconventionally threaded shaft has a minor diameter, a major diameter, a hub end and a terminal end with the terminal end ending in a conical point. The major diameter as a ratio to the minor diameter of the thread is greater than a major diameter/minor diameter ratio of Unified Coarse Thread Series (UNC) and the pitch is significantly less than Unified Coarse Thread Series (UNC).

Abstract: A convertible anchor (H) for friable walls (W) comprises a fixture (12) for holding an article to a wall (W, M) and an anchoring mechanism (10) extending from the fixture (12). The anchoring mechanism (10) is adapted when rotated to engagingly extend into a friable wall (W) for securing the fixture (12) to the wail (W). The fixture (12) is selectively separable via frangible connection elements (14, 24) from the anchoring mechanism (10) for allowing the fixture (12) to be used alone with an appropriate fastener (S) suitable for installing the fixture (12) to a rigid structure (M), such as wooden components. The anchoring mechanism (10) can take different forms as long as it is can be mounted to a friable wall (W). Typically, a space (26) is defined between the fixture (12) and a proximal end (34) of the anchoring mechanism (10) with this space (26) being bridged by the frangible connection elements (14, 24).

Abstract: A universal beam clamp connector accommodates either a fixed attachment or a swivel attachment of a threaded rod to a support beam clamp. The beam clamp connector includes a connector portion and a threaded rod extender. A threaded rod extender has a cylindrical shape and an exterior surface with threading thereon. The connector portion includes a topside, a tool engaging portion and a central body extending therebetween. The threaded rod extender protrudes from the top side and the tool engaging portion protrudes from the central body. The central body includes an opening therethrough. The opening is defined by a top inner surface, a bottom inner surface and two opposing side inner surfaces. A nut is used to secure a threaded rod of a device to the beam clamp connector.

Abstract: An anchor bolt providing for fall protection. The anchor bolt has an anchoring device that may be of any standard type, for making use of an aperture either in or through a structure as an anchoring point, an elongate flexible member connected to the anchoring device at one end of the elongate flexible member, and a handle connected to a second end of the flexible member. The handle member is pivotally attached to the second end, for pivoting about the elongate axis of the flexible member as it extends from the second end. Preferably, the anchoring device is a novel, toggling type in which a toggling member is pivotally attached to the flexible member at a ball joint.

Abstract: One aspect includes an electronics assembly, including: (1) printed wiring board, (2) a mount and (3) a fastener for securing the printed wiring board to the mount, the fastener including a body configured to pass through a mounting hole on the printed wiring board and engage the mount, the fastener further including a conical head configured to receive a driver torque and further configured to engage a rim of the mounting hole and produce an increasing frictional torque to countervail and eventually balance the driver torque.

Abstract: A fastener includes a fastening element, a fixture, and a spring. The fastening element includes a pole portion, a head portion extending from an end of the pole portion, and an engaging portion extending from another opposite end of the pole portion. The pole portion forms a flange on a periphery thereof. Blocks protrude outwardly from a periphery of the head portion. The fixture defines cutouts and buckling grooves therein, corresponding to the blocks of the fastening element. The blocks extend through the cutouts of the fixture and are rotated by an angle to be buckled in the buckling grooves. The spring circles the fastening element and is compressed between the flange and the fixture.

Abstract: A termination system which attaches a conventional threaded rod or bolt to a cable. An anchor is attached to an end of a cable using known techniques—such as potting. A threaded rod or bolt is placed on the anchor, pointing away from the direction of the cable. The rod or bolt is mechanically attached to the anchor using several different techniques. The result is an anchor assembly including a threaded protruding shaft. Because the assembly uses an inexpensive prior art rod or bolt, the machining operations are confined to small components needing relatively little material removal.

Abstract: A twist-lock anchoring fastener comprises a head (700), a shaft (715), and a lance (720). The foot is adapted to penetrate through wallboard (105). The shaft length is approximately equal to the thickness of the wallboard so that when the foot lies on the back side (107) of the wallboard and the shaft is rotated, the foot is captured behind the wallboard, completing installation of the fastener. An optional footer (725) for the head contains raised lines (726) or bumps (727) or both to aid in seating the fastener on the wall. An optional wall plate assembly (1700) further strengthens the installation of the fastener by locally reducing pressure within the wallboard. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener comprises a wall anchor that accepts a pin (3200). In another alternative embodiment, the fastener is designed for installation in our prior-art wall anchor (100).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of employing modified twist-to-engage bolts that attach a photovoltaic (PV) module to an extrusion rail or channel within a rail are disclosed. In addition to a modified twist-to-engage bolt (e.g., “t-bolt”), a complementary bracket portion having alignment tabs locks in place and clamps the modules to the rail. The anti-rotation locking system prevents twist-to-engage bolts from disengaging without the removal of the complementary bracket.

Abstract: An dry wall hand tool for a dry wall includes a pusher handle and a penetrating pin including an elongated pin body having a tail end portion protruding from the pusher handle and a sharp penetrating tip for initially penetrating into the dry wall to form a hole thereat in a tool-less manner when a rotational pushing hand force is applied at the pusher handle. The dry wall hand tool further includes locking arrangement including a retention pin slidably extended from the pusher handle at a position that the retention pin is spaced apart from the penetrating pin, wherein the retention pin is arranged for penetrating into the dry wall after the penetrating pin penetrated into the dry wall, such that the pusher handle is securely locked up by the retention pin to prevent the pusher handle being rotated to remove the penetrating pin from the dry wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting pond covers, which includes a shaft having an exterior surface, a first end and a second end. An engagement profile is positioned on the exterior surface at a first end of the shaft. A cable guide is positioned in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end of the shaft, the cable guide being oriented transversely to the shaft. A cable is prevented from removal from the cable guide by the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A device fixes an object to a tree. The device includes an elongate body, one end of which is adapted for attachment to a tree. An object is slidably mounted on the elongate body. The device also includes a device for biasing the object towards the end of the body adapted for attachment to the tree. In use, pressure resulting from growth of the tree is transmitted to the object and pushes it along the elongate body against the bias and away from the tree.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a stackable mount assembly that includes indexing and/or locking features. The stackable mount assembly includes a plurality of mounts. Each mount includes a hub and a fastener. Indexing features prevent the hub from freely rotating about the fastener, but allow the hub to index or rotate about the fastener at an index angle. The locking features prevent the hub from rotating about the fastener, locking the hub in a desired position and/or orientation.

Abstract: A one-piece cable tie includes a locking head and an attached strap, the locking head being adapted to receive and selectively engage a portion of the strap when the tie is formed into a closed loop. The cable tie additionally includes a fastener formed onto the locking head that is designed for connection with the electrical connector for an oxygen sensor for an automotive emissions control system. The fastener includes a flattened platform that is spaced away from the top surface of the locking head by an inverted T-shaped standoff, the flattened platform being sized and shaped to be slidably disposed within a corresponding slot formed in the electrical connector. A ratchet tooth is formed onto the flat top surface of the platform and is shaped to engage the electrical connector in order to retain the fastener secured within the slot in the electrical connector.

Abstract: An improved extraction tool comprises base member 53, squared head portion 57, adapter socket 66, cylindrical middle portion 60, threaded portion 56, conical transition bit mounting foot 69, drill bit 58, drill bit socket 61 and a plurality of drill bit fasteners 64.

Abstract: A coupling (10) to attach a stainless steel cable (11) to a post (12). Typically the post (12) would be formed of timber. The coupling (10) includes a threaded member (14) that is inserted in the post (12), the member (14) having a head (15). Rotatably engaged by the head (15) is a sleeve (20) that is internally threaded and threadably receives a shaft (23). The shaft (23) has fixed to it the cable (11).

Abstract: A support device is disclosed for supporting an article. The device has a shank having a first and a second end. The first end may be driven into a member for securing the shank therein. A first and a second support member outwardly extend from the shank. The first and the second support member support the article when attached to or suspended from at least one of the first and the second support member.

Abstract: An attachment device for coupling one or more restrained members to a frame. In at least one embodiment, the attachment device may be configured to attach one or more turbine combustor liners to a carrier. The attachment device may include a body rotatable about an axis of rotation and including one or more arms for grasping an edge of at least one restrained member. A fastener may be coupled to the body for coupling the body to a frame. The attachment device may also include a retainer for preventing the fastener, which may be a threaded bolt, from becoming disengaged from the attachment device and traveling downstream in a turbine. An alignment device may be included for facilitating rotation of the body of the attachment device and engagement the arms with edges of retrained members. The alignment device may include an alignment indicator indicating a position of the arms.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a media drive containment apparatus and methods are provided. In one representative embodiment a media drive containment apparatus includes a drivecage which supports at least one media drive. The drivecage is moveable along an axis from an operating position to a release position and the movement of the drivecage to the release position unlocks the media drive from the drivecage.

Abstract: A hanging assembly for suspending a decorative tree, such as a Christmas tree, from an overhead support and a method of suspending a decorative tree from an overhead support are provided. An anchor is installed into the overhead support structure. A suspension member extends downwardly from the anchor. A tree engaging member is attached to a structural member of the tree and is engaged to the lower end of the suspension member in a manner that facilitates easy positioning and adjustment of the suspension height of the tree. In this manner the tree is displayed in a structurally secure and balanced way virtually eliminating the possibility that the tree be overturned.

Abstract: A stabilizer pad apparatus including a metal frame for attachment to a stabilizer arm and a resilient pad supported in the pocket of the frame and including a clamping plate to hold the resilient pad in the pocket. The metal frame has sidewalls forming a pocket for receiving the resilient pad. At least one elongated securing member extends through the resilient pad having one end secured at one sidewall of the frame and having another head end disposed at the other sidewall of the frame. The head end has a non-circular shape that is accommodated in a like shaped aperture in the other sidewall.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastener includes an integrated isolation member composed of a resilient material, the isolation member being adapted to isolate a storage media drive to which the fastener is to be mounted from a drive cage in which the drive is to be installed, the isolation member being sized and configured to fit within a slot of the drive cage and to abut a surface of the drive cage.

Abstract: An assembly and method for mounting tow or more panels where a first member is mounted to, into or from a support, a second member is threaded to the mounted first member, and a third member is threaded to the second member when it is already threadingly engaged to the mounted first member, wherein the second member has a portion extending through a hole in a first panel and into the first member so as to retain between the first and second member the first panel, and wherein the third member has a portion extending through a hole in a first panel and into the second member so as to retain between the first and second member the second panel.

Abstract: A bolt for use in for mounting a backrest to a motorcycle or otherwise for attachment to a surface includes a shank, and head, and a transverse recess transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shank for holding the head while a nut is being tightened on the bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw, particularly for use with external splints in fracture stabilization, comprising an elongate cylindrical body (2) of predetermined length and diameter tapering into a threaded end portion (5) which terminates with a tip (6), and an opposite screw-handling end (3). The screw-handling end (3) has substantially the same diameter as that of the elongate cylindrical body (2) and comprises a flat (7) extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body over the main part of the cylinder body portion unoccupied by the thread. In a further embodiment, the screw-handling end (3) is formed with a plurality of flats (8) extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder body (2) at predetermined spacings. These flats extend over the main part of the cylindrical body portion unoccupied by the threadway and alternate with lands (9).

Abstract: A tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces comprising a supporting surface (12, 12′), a flat frame (13) and legs (14), in which said frame (13) is composed of tubular profiles (15) which can be combined in various ways, characterised in that all the elements are joined through connection means which provide a firm and dismountable connection, constituted by devices (16) for coupling tubular profiles (15) and devices (17) for coupling tubular profiles (15) with a leg (14).

Abstract: A one-piece construction ring-post fastener is provided for bundling and securing elongate objects such as electrical wires, tubes or hoses. The ring-post fastener includes an axially aligned post, a plurality of spokes radially projecting from the post, and a ring affixed to the ends of the spokes. The ring-post fastener further includes means for affixing the post to the support surface, such as male threads of a threaded fastener projecting from one end of the post. Preferably, the end opposite the male threads include female threads of a threaded fastener sized and configured for receipt of the male threads located at the opposite end of the post. Attaching the male and female threads of the threaded fasteners together enables the multiple ring-post fasteners to be stacked upon themselves. Preferably, the one-piece ring post is constructed of a plastic material, such as Nylon 6/6 per ASTM D4066.

Abstract: A deck including a panel, a retainer and a fastener. The panel includes a flange having an aperture therein. The retainer includes an upper leg and a lower leg embracing the flange therebetween, with the lower leg having a fastener receiving opening. The fastener is for attaching the panel to structural framework, with the fastener including a shoulder. The fastener extends through the aperture of the flange and the opening of the lower leg of the retainer. The shoulder extends through the aperture in the flange and abuts against the lower leg of the retainer to secure the retainer. Furthermore, the shoulder is sufficiently tall as to prevent the fastener from tightly clamping the flange. Additionally, the flange embraced between the upper leg and the lower leg of the retainer is adapted to expand between the upper leg and the lower leg. Therefore, thermal expansion of the panel is accommodated.

Abstract: A bolt for use in for mounting a backrest to a motorcycle or otherwise for attachment to a surface includes a shank, and head, and a transverse recess transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shank for holding the head while a nut is being tightened on the bolt.

Abstract: A pull stud bolt has two pairs of wrench engaging faces formed on a flange thereof. The adjacent wrench engaging faces make an angle of 90 deg with each other. Alternatively, three pairs of wrench engaging faces are formed on the flange. The adjacent wrench engaging faces make an angle of 120 deg with each other.

Abstract: The central portion of the screw according to the invention has a series of segments varying in diameter, typically having a segment located near the screw head with a large diameter, a segment located near the front portion with a small diameter, and intermediate segments tapering in the direction of the segment with the small diameter. A continuous thread extends along the central portion from the screw head to the screw tip where the thread has a substantially uniform outside diameter along the entire length of the central portion. The screw, which is particularly well-suited as a pedicle screw, has improved resistance to tearing, cutting and bending, and, largely independent of bone quality, good hold in bone.

Abstract: An adapter for hanger bolts is disclosed that includes a hex head adapted for use in a receiving device, a socket head set screw having a thread, wherein the socket head set screw is set at least partially in a socket head set screw receptacle of the hex head, and a hanger bolt housing having a hanger bolt channel abutting an end of the socket head set screw receptacle.

Abstract: An ice screw device for winter, alpine and ice climbing includes a banger couplable to a tubular shank with a screw thread. The tubular shank includes an ice engaging portion configured to be inserted into ice, a tip, and a head portion. The ice engaging portion includes a length and a reverse taper. A majority of the reverse taper of the ice engaging portion is located proximate the tip and within less than half of the length of the ice engaging portion from the tip. In addition, the taper of the ice engaging portion is non-linear. The ice engaging portion of the tubular shank can have at least two sections.. A first section nearer the tip has a first taper different from a second taper of a second section nearer the head portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket-mounting assembly for mounting a bar bracket to a vehicle frame, the bar bracket being adapted to carry vehicle accessories such as a mudflap. The bracket-mounting assembly attaches to a vehicle frame via a single bolt passed through a penetration in the vehicle frame and threadably connected to the bracket-mounting assembly by a central threaded hole in the bracket-mounting assembly. The bracket-mounting assembly further includes a generally vertically-oriented shaft opening for receiving a portion of the bar bracket and supporting the bar bracket with respect to the vehicle frame. The bracket-mounting assembly includes a rotation-resisting connector for inhibiting rotation of the bracket-mounting assembly relative to the vehicle frame about the axis of the bolt.

Abstract: A screw 10 for securing vinyl siding 26 to wall sheathing 28 by inserting a pointed end 20 of the screw 10 through a center of a screw slot 30 provided in an edge of the siding 26. A frusto-conical tapered formed bushing 12 proved on a shaft 14 of the screw 10 adjacent to and spaced apart from a head 16 of the screw 10 so that the screw slot 30 of the siding 26 can be popped into the space between the head 10 and the bushing 12 before the screw 10 is tightened or screwed fully into a wall sheath 28. A smaller flat face 18 of the bushing 12 facing a pointed end 20 of the shaft 14 and a larger flat face 22 facing the head 16. The larger flat face 22 of the tapered formed bushing 12 being either parallel with or at an acute angle to a lower surface 24 of the head 16.

Abstract: A positive-locking wall mounting combination has a wall mounting with a hollow cylindrical body having an outer mantle, an inner mantle, and a bottom. The bottom has a slotted hole having a length that is shorter than an inner diameter of an inner circular surface described by the inner mantle. The slotted hole has a longitudinal axis intercepting a center of the inner circular surface. The outer mantle has an upper end and a lip connected to the upper end. The lip extends annularly about the outer mantle. An L-shaped support member is positive-lockingly inserted into the slotted hole.