Abstract: A receiver for engaging a bone stabilizing element includes a receiver portion connectable to the stabilizing element, and a base portion connectable to a bone of a patient. The base portion may connect to the bone with a bone screw, for example a polyaxial bone screw, and the receiver portion may connect to the stabilizing element, for example a rod, using a set screw. The receiver portion and the base portion are slideably connected to each other, coupled and constrained in relative movement, by overlapping portions. Axial rotation between the receiver portion and the base portion is enabled by changing the relative dimensions of overlapped portions.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for securing an elongate rod to a bone anchor includes a receiver having a channel configured to receive the elongate rod and a helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into interior surfaces of the receiver. The receiver assembly further includes a threaded plug configured for positioning within the channel to secure the elongate rod to the receiver in a locked configuration, with the threaded plug having a lower axially protruding portion configured to engage the rod so as to lock the rod in the receiver in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for securing an elongate rod to a bone anchor includes a receiver having a channel configured to receive the elongate rod, a helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into the interior surfaces of the receiver. The receiver assembly further includes a fastener configured for positioning within the channel to secure the elongate rod to the receiver in a locked configuration, with the fastener having an outer surface with a mating continuous helically wound guide and advancement structure configured for rotatable engagement with the receiver guide and advancement structure.

Abstract: A receiver assembly for securing an elongate rod to a bone anchor includes a receiver having pair of upright arms that define an open channel configured to receive the elongate rod, a discontinuous helically wound receiver guide and advancement structure formed into the interior surfaces of the upright arms, and horizontally-elongated tool engaging grooves formed into upper portions of the outer surface of the upright arms. The receiver assembly further includes a closure configured for positioning within the open channel to secure the elongate rod to the receiver in a locked configuration, with the closure having an outer surface with a mating continuous helically wound closure guide and advancement structure configured to resist a tendency toward splaying between the upright arms upon a screwing in of the closure within the open channel by rotatable engagement with the receiver guide and advancement structure.

Abstract: A plug for retaining a filter screen in a fluid port of a servovalve, the plug comprises an annular body. The annular body comprises opposed first and second axial annular end surfaces. A radially inner surface extends between the first and second axial annular end surfaces and a radially outer surface extends between the first and second axial annular end surfaces. At least one recess is formed in the radially inner surface for receiving a tool for removing the plug from the port. A plurality of slots is formed in the first axial annular end surface and extends into the at least one recess for providing access for the tool to the at least one recess.

Abstract: Two piece tack rivets and method of forming holes for permanent fasteners. The tack rivets have a stem with a head on one end and a grooved region adjacent the other end, and a locking collar for fitting over the grooved region of the stem for deforming into the grooved region of the stem on applying a setting force between the locking collar and the stem. The head includes cutouts formed therein. The cutouts prevent the head from forming large chips or strips when drilled.

Abstract: A wheel intended for a motor vehicle includes a rim made of a sheet of aluminium alloy that is fastened to the contour of a wheel disc made from a steel sheet by assemblies that connect the aluminium sheet of the rim and the steel sheet of the wheel disc, which overlap one another. The assemblies include connecting pins each of which has a tip that passes through a hole in the aluminium sheet of the rim, the front end of which is welded to the steel sheet of the wheel disc, and a rear head that presses against the aluminium sheet of the rim about said hole.

Abstract: A fastener system attaches a connector or other upper member to a lower structural member such as a post or beam. The fastener systems consists of a fastener having an extending shank that is driven into a lower structural member and the fastener is received by a washer that also has an extending tube, and the extending tube of the washer is received by the connector or upper member.

Abstract: A provisional engagement feature for selectively connecting a fastener such as a screw to a driving tool, the fastener incorporating a head with a recess extending therein and a projection contained within the recess for engagement with a corresponding engagement feature of the driving tool.

Abstract: A device that removably attaches to existing power supplies or adapters to provide power to one or more additional electronic devices, while not interfering or affecting the power being supplied to the primary or main electronic device by the power supply or adapter. The adapters, interfaces, connectors, cords and other components described herein may be used with any applicable electronic device, including portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device attaches to and provides power to a laptop computer power adapter, while simultaneously providing power to a USB port or interface.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus may include a bolt assembly and a nut assembly. The bolt assembly may include a support plate, a bolt and a lifting eye attached to the support plate. The nut assembly may include a support plate, a nut and a handle attached to at least one of the support plate and the nut. A tether may also be included to connect the bolt assembly to the nut assembly.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant fastener includes a non-circular drive recess optionally with a non-circular center post. Preferably the recess and center post are at least partially ellipsoidal cylinders that are concentric and aligned (i.e. they share a common major axis direction). This configuration forms a slot having preferably a substantially uniform width into which an authorized driver is inserted. The length of the major maximum dimension of the post is selected so that a circular arc tangent to the maximum radius of the post will pass closely to or intersect the minimum radial dimension of the recess.

Abstract: A self-countersinking fastener for engagement with wood or similar composite material, said fastener including a penetrating shaft, and a tool engaging head; wherein said tool engaging head is substantially frusto-conical in overall shape and provided with one or more indent regions into which said material may be pushed as the head is turned; wherein each of said indent regions include: a trench extending substantially vertically through the entirety of said head; and a tailing section extending through the entire height of the head and extending forward in the direction of turning from said trench such that the radius of the head in the corresponding section increases throughout said section.

Abstract: A fastener includes a screw rod and a head connected to the screw rod. The head includes a driving surface furthest from the screw rod. The driving surface defines at least two driving grooves arranged around a circumference of a circle with an axis of the screw rod being the center of the circle. The driving surface forms at least two driving lobes received in each of at least two driving grooves, and the at least two driving lobes are located at the circumference of the circle around the axis of the screw rod.

Abstract: A fastener includes a socket-engaging part and a securing part. The socket-engaging part has an external surrounding surface having at least one planar surface region and formed with grooves. Edges of the grooves and the planar surface region are disposed on an imaginary hexagonal prism, in a manner that the socket-engaging part can be sleeved in a hexagonal socket wrench. One of the edges of each groove contacts a respective one of inner surface portions of the hexagonal socket wrench, and the planar surface region contacts one of the inner surface portions of the hexagonal socket wrench when the hexagonal socket wrench is sleeved on and rotated to drive rotation of the socket-engaging part. An imaginary circumscribed cylinder of the external surrounding surface has a diameter slightly shorter than that of a receiving hole of a spline socket wrench, so that the socket-engaging part can be sleeved in and driven to rotate by the spline socket wrench.

Abstract: A slotted set screw includes a slot in an upper end surface and a cut metal waste storing recess respectively formed at two ends of the slot. The cut metal waste storing recess is defined by a vertical wall and a flat bottom wall to have a large opening, separated from the slot for a little distance. The opening of the cut metal waste storing recess communicates with the outside of the threads of the set screw. Thus, cut metal waste may be stored in the cut metal waste storing recesses during cutting threads of the set screw and cannot fall into and remain in the slot to result in extra cleaning work for the waste in the slot.

Abstract: A rotatable tool includes a shank rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a drawbar mounted to an axial front end of the shank, and a cutting head mounted to an axial front end of the drawbar. The shank and the drawbar include mutually engageable screw threads which impart an axial displacement of the drawbar relative to the shank. The cutting head and the drawbar include mutually engageable serrations for transferring axial force therebetween. The serrations are axially spaced from one another and extend transversely relative to the axis.

Abstract: An exemplary threaded fastener (30) includes a fastener head (31) and a fastener crown (32). The fastener crown extends out from one end of the fastener head. The fastener crown includes an annular protrusion extending out from the end of the fastener head. The threaded fastener can be melted into a metallic sheet without welded ripple and the metallic sheet has a good esthetic appearance.

Abstract: An exemplary threaded fastener (20) includes a fastener head (21) and a fastener crown (22). The fastener crown extends out from one end of the fastener head. The fastener crown includes at least two protrusions extending from out the end of the fastener head. The threaded fastener can be melted into a metallic sheet without welded ripple and the metallic sheet has a good esthetic appearance.

Abstract: Related to a tamperproof screw to which a conventional general screwdriver cannot couple so that screw tightening is prevented reliably, to a screwdriver bit that can be simply and quickly coupled to the screw and can reliably prevent a come-out phenomenon during screw tightening, and to a header punch for manufacturing the tamperproof screw simply, easily and at low costs.

Abstract: A screw (10) has a threaded shank (12) and a head (14). The head has a recess (18) that comprises three lobes (18a,b,c). Each lobe is separated by a curved drive flange (20a,b,c,). A driver (100) has a drive tip (114) that fits the recess of the screw.

Abstract: A screw (10) has a threaded shank (12) and a head (14). The head has a recess (18) that comprises three lobes (18a, b, c). Each lobe is separated by a curved drive flange (20a, b, c). A driver (100) has a drive tip (114) that fits the recess of the screw.

Abstract: A tamper resistant rotably shrouded security cap and tool for preventing unauthorized access to a fluid handling system. The shroud and cap have cooperating engagement means that allows the shroud to rotate freely about the security cap, such that a grip on the shroud will not turn the cap. The cap is provided with a grip resistant upper surface to discourage gripping with compression type tools such as pliers. Additionally, the cap is recessed within the shroud to make unauthorized access more difficult and is provided with any one of a wide ranging selection of non-standard keyway type tool fittings such that a custom designed tool is required to tighten or to loosen the cap. The shroud and cap system maybe configured as a cap, a plug, or a valve stem, among other variations. Only those with access to the security socket tool can access the system.

Abstract: A threaded fastener capable of being reduced in size and weight. A pair of side wall surfaces of each of six radially outwardly projecting, torque transmitting portions lie on straight lines passing through the center line in a cross section perpendicular to the center line so as to transmit torque through the side wall surface, whereby the direction of a surface orthogonal force N applied to a force-applied point P by a wrenching tool coincides with the direction of an effective wrenching force F. This arrangement reduces an operation force required for rotating the wrenching tool and accordingly the load acting on each of the torque transmitting portions, in comparison with a conventional hexagonal head. That is, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the head portion of the threaded fastener and the size and weight of the head portion, while avoiding deformation of the side wall surfaces through which the torque is transmitted.

Abstract: A cable feed bushing and method of installing a cable through a wall or other structure. In one embodiment, the bushing has a conically-shaped body and a head portion formed thereon. Threads or other retainer formations are provided on the exterior surface of the body portion to retain it in a hole provided in the wall. A cable-receiving passageway extends through the bushing to permit one or more cables to be passed therethrough. Installation formations may be provided on or in the head portion to facilitate installation of the bushing in a hole in the wall. The formations may enable a special tool to engage the head portion to apply a rotational force thereto.

Abstract: An improved structure of an anti-burglar screw bolt having a pad and a nut, the bolt including a bolt head and a bolt shaft, characterized in that the bolt head is hexagonal with the inner edges being arranged with equal angle and provided with sloping faces continuing from one to another, and connection region of each of the sloping faces being a blocking face having a high-low depression, the pad being flat and circular having a diameter equivalent to the largest diameter of the bolt head, the center of the pad being provided with a through hole having a hole diameter larger than that of the bolt shaft, one face of the pad being formed into a continuing sloping face corresponding to the sloping face of the individual bolt head, the other face of the pad being provided with a plurality of equally arranged sharp engaging straps, each of the strap having an upright face and a sloping face, the sloping direction of the sloping face being similar to that of the continuing sloping face of the pad, the nut being h

Abstract: A coaxial connector assembly for mounting in an aperture in a stiff plate includes a barrel having a shoulder at its rear end for engaging an interior surface of the mounting plate and an external screw thread intermediate the front and rear ends of the barrel. A nut is fitted on the barrel from the forward end thereof and has an end face with a key formation for engagement by a driving tool.

Abstract: A fastener comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and first and second ends, a separate seating configuration on the first end, a ridge extending circumferentially about the body adjacent to the seating configuration, a plurality of splines on the outer surface extending from the second end toward the first end and terminating at the ridge, and grooves between the splines extending from the second end toward the first end and through the ridge. The separate seating configuration can be mounted on a knurled surface with which it has an interference fit. A decorative cap can be mounted on the first end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly is provided which has a stabilizer rod clamped into position within an anchor by means of a sliding closure member including a mating set screw or hook. The exterior faces of the anchor are contoured to optimize interface in the surgical setting. The anchor includes a U-shaped channel having multiple undercut surfaces such as grooves, which mate with flange like projections or “dovetails” of a closure member which is slid in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The closure member has on either side a flange mating with opposing recesses formed at the top of the U-shaped channel so as to lock the closure member in place. The set screw has an external hex head for tightening, and a plurality of radically extending prongs which are undercut and which mate with the recesses in the top of the U-shaped channel of the anchor. The hex head sheers at a necked area above the radial collar to provide for a flush surface relative to the closure member.

Abstract: A screwdriver has a shaft with a bit on one end for engaging a bit receptacle formed on a head of a screw and a screw engaging device coupled to and in surrounding relation to the shaft. The screw engaging device defines a cylindrical void configured to receive and place the head of the screw onto the bit. The inner wall of the screw engaging device defining the cylindrical void has at least one tab extending toward the center of the center of the cylindrical void for engaging the head of the screw. Preferably, there are four tabs disposed evenly space on the inner wall of the screw engaging device. The screw engaging device has a first sleeve defining the cylindrical void and oppositely disposed slots. A second sleeve is coupled to the first sleeve to form the cylindrical void for receiving the shaft therethrough. The shaft has oppositely facing receptacles formed on the outer circumference of the shaft.

Abstract: A fastener comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and first and second ends, a separate seating configuration on the first end, a ridge extending circumferentially about the body adjacent to the seating configuration, a plurality of splines on the outer surface extending from the second end toward the first end and terminating at the ridge, and grooves between the splines extending from the second end toward the first end and through the ridge. The separate seating configuration can be mounted on a knurled surface with which it has an interference fit. A decorative cap can be mounted on the first end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a threaded shank having an axis of rotation. A head is integral with the shank, and the head includes a surface disposed generally normal to the axis. A plurality of drive receivers are disposed about the surface wholly remote from the axis. Each of the drive receivers is adapted for engagement with a cooperating driver element of a rotary driver so that the head and thereby the shank may be rotated about the axis.

Abstract: A wedge lock fastener assembly includes a threaded nut having a peripheral flange, a wedge lock end face, and plural wrench-receiving notches in said flange. An associated washer has a peripheral skirt encircling the nut flange, a wedge lock face, and plural tabs extending angularly from the skirt across the peripheral flange so that the washer is captively retained on the nut. Peripheral notches in the washer are adapted to align with the notches in the nut, such that a special wrench can be extended into the aligned notches for loosening the nut and washer as a unit.

Abstract: A fastener comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and first and second ends, a seating configuration on the first end, a ridge extending circumferentially about the body adjacent to the seating configuration, a plurality of splines on the outer surface extending from the second end toward the first end and terminating at the ridge, and grooves between the splines extending from the second end toward the first end and through the ridge.

Abstract: A one piece pin, adapted to be driven by a motor, includes a threaded rod having a self drilling end at one end of the threads of the rod. The self drilling end includes a transversely positioned flat portion integral with the rod having a drilling edge with a point. A flat head is formed on the rod at the opposite end of the threads, the head having a pair of diametrically opposite notches which permit the head to be grasped by a tool. A divisible shank is attached to the heads by a zone of reduced resistance to rupture torque.

Abstract: There is provided a trocar button having an enlarged flat head at the larger exterior end connecting with a conical body and a pointed bulbous end. The large part of the conical body connects with the enlarged flat head. Between the small part of the conical body and the pointed bulbous end there is a neck. In the body of the trocar button including the enlarged flat head, the conical body, the neck, and part of the pointed bulbous end, there is a cavity. With the removal of the pointed bulbous end at the neck, there is created a through passageway in the trocar button. A needle attached to a syringe, can be inserted in the through passageway and into the interior of the cadaver. Then, an embalming fluid can be forced through the needle and into the interior of the cadaver. Also, the through passageway allows gas in the cadaver to escape. Further, if there be a liquid in the cadaver some of that liquid can collect in the passageway. On the exterior of the conical body there is a thread.

Abstract: A device for locking bicycle components to the bicycle frame comprises a threaded bolt with a corresponding nut having a rotatable casing surrounding the outer surface thereof and a key for engaging the nut. The key and the end face of the nut have at least one spigot and at least one hole such that the spigots of each fit into the holes of the other. When so engaged, the key is capable of turning the nut. The key preferably includes leverage arms for aiding the turning of the nut.

Abstract: The angularly accessible head for a threaded connector comprises a spherical structure having a centered slot therein, the slot having a bottom surface or wall in the shape of an inverted V, with a center point thereof extending toward and terminating below the center of the sphere. The head is functionally accessible from a plurality of planes which are not coplanar with a center plane of the slot.

Abstract: A threaded fastener having an elongated threaded shaft portion, an enlarged head portion connected in axial alignment to said shaft portion, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves positioned circumferentially around said head portion. The fastener has a longitudinal axis, and the grooves are positioned parallel to this axis. The grooves engage the shaft portion adjacent the head, such that the grooves extend completely from the free end of the head to the point where the shaft is connected to the head. The grooves preferably extend radially toward the longitudinal axis to a depth equal to the outer diameter of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: Nipples, for example, useful in joining a spoke to the rim of a bicycle wheel, are provided. Such nipples include an enlarged head, and an elongated shank joined to and extending from the enlarged head and having an outer peripheral surface; and a passageway including an inlet defined by the elongated shank. The passageway is at least partially defined by an interior surface of the elongated shank and by a threaded surface. The outer peripheral surface of the elongated shank includes at least one spline, preferably a plurality of splines, each of which extends generally longitudinally. The inclusion of such spline or splines has been found to allow the nipple to be turned so as to effectively tighten the spoke to the rim with a reduced risk of damaging the nipple. Apparatus useful for turning such nipples and spoked wheels including such nipples are also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for fastening two members together with a theft resistant screw having a head with a top surface which is free of any engageable indentations or protrusions, with an independent means to drive the screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for protecting automobile wheels from being stolen, wherein the barrel portion of a hub nut to be tightened onto a hub bolt of an automobile wheel is shaped as a turning operative engaging surface in the form of a quasi-equilateral triangle whose each side consists of a convex surface. The engaging surface is cut at one, two or three sides thereof to form keyways extending parallel with the axis of rotation. Thus, unless an exclusive turning tool adapted to fit on the hub nut is used, the wheel cannot be removed.

Abstract: The angularly accessible head for a threaded connector comprises a spherical structure having a centered slot therein, the slot having a bottom surface or wall in the shape of an inverted V, with a point thereof extending toward the center of the sphere. The cooperating tool includes a hollow cylindrical head portion having an open end, the open end being defined by opposed plateau areas in one plane and opposed cusp areas in a transverse plane, with a rod extending across the open end between the plateau areas.

Abstract: A nut device and corresponding tool of such shape to aid in the ease of removal from a threaded bolt, stud, or the like. The principal intended use of this invention is for fastening the wheels of a vehicle to the vehicle's axle, but could easily be applied to any threaded fastening system. The nut and subsequent tool fit together in such a manner that prevents slippage or dislodging of the tool from the nut while in operation. This problem is common for conventional hexagonal-type threaded fastener and tool systems that are typically used on wheels of vehicles.

Abstract: The invention consists of two gear teethed nuts meshed together in an arrangement that causes both the nuts to move at the same rate of speed and in the same direction up or down the threaded rod arms of a U-bolt clamp whenever one of the nuts is turned. The meshed nuts apply similar and simultaneous pressure upon the crosspiece of a U-bolt clamp which crosspiece moves relative to the threaded rod arms which transverse it through apertures in the crosspiece. A clampling force is achieved between the crosspiece and the curved portion of the U-bolt as the two members are forced together by movement of the meshing nuts turning upon the threaded rod arms and pressing against the crosspiece.

Abstract: A manifold for a front-discharge fluid end reciprocating pump. The manifold comprises tubular portions which are connected to ports on the pump by threaded engagement of a plurality of nuts. The manifold has a center portion and at least one branch portion which intersects the center portion. Another tubular portion having a ported end is in communication with the center and branch portions and provides an outlet for the manifold. At least one nut on the manifold is a standard nut having lugs extending therefrom adjacent to an outer surface of the nut. A special nut is used on at least one of the connections and has lugs extending adjacent to the inner surface thereof. The lugs on the special nut have a longitudinal thickness less than the nuts on the standard nut. In this way, the nuts may be engaged with closely adjacent ports on the pump without interference of the lugs on the nuts with one another.

Abstract: A tamper-proof drive system including a drive tool and a complementary nut or fastener drive head each having a body defining a central axis and a drive portion formed in an end surface of the body about the central axis. The drive portion defines a plurality of symmetrical lobes in a circular array. The lobes are defines by three series of arcuate surface, two of which may be generated from circular or elliptical configurations while the intermediate surface is partially circular.

Abstract: A fastener head having a pair of recesses formed therein, a ledge in each recess being located a short distance axially below the head surface and extending a predetermined angular length from the axial portion of the ledge. The dimension of the ledge is adjustable to accommodate the strength of the fastener material in a manner such that the displacement formation of recess material on the surface of the fastener head is prevented during normal installation procedures. The drive angle on the recess is designed to be zero degrees.

Abstract: A security nut, which can be tightened on to a bolt but not slackened, has a body which is dome shaped and through which a threaded bore passes. The external dome-shaped surface of the body is provided with grooves which have diverging walls which can be engaged by driving faces of a socket tool to tighten the nut but not to slacken it. The dome-shape of the body makes it virtually impossible to grip it to slacken the nut.

Abstract: Nipples, for example, useful in joining a spoke to the rim of a bicycle wheel, are provided. Such nipples include an enlarged head, and an elongated shank joined to and extending from the enlarged head and having an outer peripheral surface; and a passageway including an inlet defined by the elongated shank. The passageway is at least partially defined by an interior surface of the elongated shank and by a threaded surface. The outer peripheral surface of the elongated shank includes at least one spline, preferably a plurality of splines, each of which extends generally longitudinally. The inclusion of such spline or splines has been found to allow the nipple to be turned so as to effectively tighten the spoke to the rim with a reduced risk of damaging the nipple. Apparatus useful for turning such nipples and spoked wheels including such nipples are also within the scope of the present invention.