Abstract: Connectors are disclosed that include an outer connector, inner connector, and a clutch that can collectively limit a torque transmitted through the connector. The outer connector includes a profile disposed on an inner surface of the outer connector, and the inner connector may be disposed within the outer connector and can include an upper threaded portion and a lower threaded portion. The clutch can be disposed around and rotationally coupled to the inner connector and can include a plurality of clutch teeth extending from an outer surface of the clutch, wherein the plurality of clutch teeth are outwardly biased to be releasably engaged with the profile of the outer connector. The plurality of clutch teeth can be configured to transfer torque from the outer connector to the inner connector when the torque is below a torque limit, and prevent transfer of torque when the torque exceeds the torque limit.

Abstract: A removable cup atomizer comprising a cylindrical body having a hollow interior, a heating element positioned in the hollow interior, a connection means connected to a bottom portion of the cylindrical body. The connection means is configured to provide electrical power. The electrical power heats the heating element. A removable cylindrical cup is positioned on the heating element. The cylindrical cup is configured to accept an amount of matter which is heated by the heating element such that the amount of matter is vaporized and may be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An externally threaded fastener is captivated by a component that includes an opening. The externally threaded fastener includes a thread and a non-threaded shaft. The opening includes a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter includes a first diameter portion, a second diameter portion, and orthogonal portions that connect the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. To captivate the externally threaded fastener with the component, the externally threaded fastener is positioned within the component opening and the externally threaded fastener is angled relative to an axis of symmetry of the opening in order to engage the threads of the externally threaded fastener with the component opening until the non-threaded shaft is fixed against at least two planes of the component by the first diameter portion of the minor diameter.

Abstract: An assembling method includes fitting an entire range of the guide portion to the stem section with a gap therebetween, and inserting a bolt from an outboard side through a bolt insertion hole formed in the hub wheel. In this state, a maximum inclination angle of the bolt with respect to the hub wheel is set to be larger than a maximum inclination angle of the outer joint member with respect to the hub wheel. The method also includes connecting the bearing and the constant velocity universal joint to each other by threadedly engaging and fastening the bolt into a bolt hole formed in the stem section.

Abstract: A removable blocking device for preventing disengagement of an upright leg from a base member of the load carrier. The base member can have a receiving passage in which the upright leg reciprocates. The removable blocking device can include an interference portion releasably couplable to a lower distal end of the upright leg, the interference portion can have a dimension that is greater than a corresponding dimension of the lower opening to the receiving passage. The interference portion can have an abutment surface configured to blockingly engage the base member proximate the lower opening to the receiving passage. A lock contained at least partially within the removable blocking device, the lock being transitional between a locked configuration in which the removable blocking device is locked to the upright leg and an unlocked configuration in which the removable blocking device is released from the upright leg.

Abstract: A threaded fastener including a shank extending along an axis away from an enlarged head to a tip. A thread extends in a helix around the shank from the tip of the shank towards the enlarged head. A driving recess on a top surface of the enlarged head receives a tool for driving the fastener in a rotational manner around the axis of the shank. Cutter teeth are formed on a lower surface of the enlarged head. The fastener may be assembled with a hard composite non-wood material decking and a supporting metal I-beam.

Abstract: Screw driver-holder apparatuses, systems and methods are provided and can include a screw and a screwdriver. The screw can include a threaded screw body and a screw head, and the screw head can include a socket and a screw head surface surrounding the socket. The screwdriver can include a hollow sleeve with a longitudinal bore and a first end defining a screw engagement surface and a driving shaft positioned within the longitudinal bore of the hollow sleeve and rotatable relative to the hollow sleeve. The driving shaft can further include a first end extending beyond the first end of the hollow sleeve, a second end opposite the first end, and a stop restricting axial movement of the sleeve towards the second end of the driving shaft. The first end can include a protruding tip adapted for engaging the socket of the screw head.

Abstract: A screw has a head with a cross-shaped groove having first to fourth wing grooves, each having bilaterally-formed inner side faces defined by opposing base-end inner side faces, opposing intermediate inner side faces and opposing distal-end inner side faces angled at angles relative to each other so that the first angle of the base-end inner side face<the second angle of the intermediate inner side face<the third angle of the distal-end inner side face. The base-end inner side faces define a trapezoidal base, the distal-end inner side faces define an inverse-trapezoidal distal-end groove, and the intermediate inner side faces define an approximately parallel intermediate groove between each base-end groove and each distal-end groove. Each of the inner side faces is provided with an elevation angle spreading toward an opening face of the cross-shaped groove.

Abstract: A screw fastener, for fastening a workpiece to a fixed member, including a screw having a head having circumferential knurling and a stem having a first stem portion abutting the head and second stem portion abutting the first stem portion, the first stem portion having a smooth surface and the second stem portion having threads; a fixed member having a countersink bore section for accommodating the head and a threaded bore section for engagement with the second stem portion, the countersink bore section having a larger diameter than the threaded section; and a plastic washer having a hole that allows the washer to engage with the threaded section and an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the bore; the second stem portion passing sequentially through the workpiece to be fastened, the plastic washer, the countersink bore section and engage with the threaded bore section of the fixed member.

Abstract: For certainly handling a screw member, a screw member 1 includes a male screw 2, and an inner peripheral face of the hole 4 has an engaging recessed part 5 to be engaged with an engaging projected part 11 of a tapered engaging part 10 of a rotary tool 9, and a stepped part 6, said inner peripheral face is parallel or make close to a center axis 7 of the screw member 1 from the head part 3 in a direction of the male screw and from the stepped part 6 in the direction of the male screw, and head part side end edge 8a and an end edge of the stepped part 8b to be engaged with the engaging projected part 11 have an angle of said inner peripheral face being 90±5 degrees with respect to the head part 3 and the stepped part 6.

Abstract: A saw blade fixing device is constructed so that a screw flange of a screw body tightened into a screw hole of a spindle is made to have a truncated cone shape, an operating lever is provided to be operable to pivot to a received position and a use position by reversing the operating lever between front and back sides, and this operating lever does not protrude from the truncated cone shape when it is received.

Abstract: A protruding-head fastener is disclosed for joining two or more members. A protruding-head fastener includes a head that protrudes when the fastener is installed and shaped to rotationally couple with a drive tool, and a shank fixedly coupled with the protruding head and having a self-tapping threaded portion and a maximum diameter. The protruding head and the shank define a longitudinal axis through the fastener. The protruding head has a length along the longitudinal axis and a maximum width transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the length divided by the maximum width defines an aspect ratio for the protruding head that is equal to or greater than 1.0. The protruding head further has a minimum width that is greater than the maximum diameter of the shank. In many embodiments, the minimum width of the protruding head exceeds 1.2 times the maximum diameter of the shank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.

Abstract: A plastic nut has raised regions forming retaining elements for retaining the nut in a socket of a tool. The retaining elements are formed at corners or faces of a polygonal tool engagement region. Tapered rib retaining elements may be formed at alternate corners, or wedge retaining elements may be formed at alternate faces.

Abstract: To provide a screw fastening device that, when performing a screw tightening operation, can substantially reduce the running torque directly applied by external force to a screw driving device.

Abstract: An improved hexagonal screw head being shaped on a top end of a threaded shank, wherein six edges of the hexagonal screw head are formed concave arc shapes caved in toward a center of the hexagonal screw head; thereby the six corners of the hexagonal screw head are shaped as sharp corners to provide better supporting strength against being easily damaged.

Abstract: When a conventional tool-less clamp is applied to exiting circular saw machines, an inclination angle and a cutting depth in the case of an oblique cutting operation have been sacrificed because the size in the radial direction or the thickness direction becomes larger. The present invention is aimed to make a saw-blade fixing device to be tool-less without sacrificing these functions. It is constructed so that a screw flange (22) of a screw body (20) tightened into a screw hole (5a) of a spindle (5) is made to have a truncated cone shape, an operating lever (24) is provided to be operable to pivot to a received position and a use position by reversing the operating lever between front and back sides, and this operating lever (24) does not protrude from the truncated cone shape when it is received.

Abstract: Interference surfaces are constructed on inner transition surfaces between wings of a fastener having a spiral recess. A portion of the transition surface is tapered to provide the interference. A standard driver for a spiral recess will engage the interference surface to create a “stick fit” engagement. The punch is formed using a wire EDM operation to construct tapered surfaces within the die cavity of a hob. The hob is machined down to obtain the desired depth, which is measured up from a gage spot indicative of the sticking point.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism suitable for a keyboard is provided, and the keyboard is placed on a flat surface and has a casing. The height adjusting mechanism includes a fixing piece, a cylinder, a first gear and a second gear. The fixing piece is disposed on the casing and has a container and at least a supporting part that extends into the container. The cylinder has at least a spiral guide on its sidewall and the supporting part slides along the spiral guide when the cylinder rotates. In addition, the first gear is assembled to the cylinder so that the first gear and the cylinder can rotate simultaneously. The second gear and the first gear are meshed with each other so that the second gear can drive and rotate the first gear to adjust the relative distance between the casing and the bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: A fastener is provided comprising a shank having a head at one end and a tapered tip at the other end, and a threaded section having a helical thread on the shank. The fastener also comprises, on the head, side surfaces for engagement with a driving tool, and wherein each of the side surfaces has at least one rib formed thereon. Also provided is a method for driving a fastener, comprising providing a shank having a head at one end, a tip at the other end, and wherein the head comprises side surfaces for engagement with a driving tool, and wherein each of the side surfaces has at least one rib formed thereon. The method further comprises providing a driving tool having driving surfaces, and driving the fastener with the driving tool by engaging the driving surfaces of the driving tool with the at least one rib of the side surfaces of the head.

Abstract: Interference surfaces are constructed on inner transition surfaces between wings of a fastener having a spiral recess. A portion of the transition surface is tapered to provide the interference. A standard driver for a spiral recess will engage the interference surface to create a “stick fit” engagement. The punch is formed using a wire EDM operation to construct tapered surfaces within the die cavity of a hob. The hob is machined down to obtain the desired depth, which is measured up from a gage spot indicative of the sticking point.

Abstract: The fastener of this application is designed to facilitate the insertion of rotating power driven tools into the fastener recess. The recess of this fastener generally uses spirally configured driving surfaces and is formed in a counterbore in the upper surface of the fastener. The driving lobes have upper surfaces that are depressed a distance into the counterbore. A ramp surface is formed on each of the upper surfaces that causes a spinning bit to fall into the recess in an engaged manner. The ramp surfaces are constructed with both removal and installation ramp portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element with a friction-welding surface for friction-welding to a flat component through rotational force acting on the fastening element and pressing force against the component. The friction-welding surface is bordered by a circular coaxial friction-soldering surface, the friction-welding surface projecting axially in relation to the friction-soldering surface by a length essentially containing only the material required for friction-welding.

Abstract: The fastener includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft includes a threaded portion. A head is connected to the second end of the shaft and a flange extends radially outward from the head. A handle is connected to the head and the handle is positioned against the flange the first position and generally upstands from the head in the second position. The handle moves between the first position and a second position. The fastener may be used to fasten halves of a separable housing.

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: An attachment means allows for easy attachment of a decorative item or attachment to a vehicle. The attachment means includes a mounting member comprising a flexible strip, which supports the decorative attachment. A plug is attached to each end of the mounting member. The plug may be easily inserted into and removed from the bottom holes of a license plate on a vehicle. The plugs are attached to the mounting member by extensions, and include slits.

Abstract: A socket capable of adapting itself to an open end of one of a plurality of wrenches of different sizes is disclosed. The socket comprises a lower connecting section including a cavity, and a four-sided actuation block projected from a top of the connecting section, the actuation block including two curved bearing surfaces having different curvatures. The actuation block is operable to be held by an open end of the wrench with two opposite interior surfaces of the open end of the wrench being in contact with two points of the bearing surfaces so that turning the wrench will fasten or unfasten an object coupled to the cavity.

Abstract: A captive nut assembly that allows removal of one or more workpieces and/or provides access to an area between a plurality of workpieces is provided. The captive nut assembly includes a screw with an elongated shank that is adapted to be located in an opening of one or more workpieces and terminates at one end in an enlarged head. The shank has a threaded portion adapted to be secured to an other workpiece. The captive nut assembly also includes a captive nut that is rotatably mounted on the threaded portion of the screw and moveable along the shank of the screw with the head of the screw being located within the bore of the captive nut.

Abstract: A wrenchless clamp assembly is provided to secure a tool disc, such as a circular saw blade, to a shaft of a power tool. The blade clamp assembly includes an outer flange positionable against an outer side of the blade and a manually tightenable click bolt that includes a movable click member operable to selectively engage the outer flange for rotationally locking or unlocking the bolt. In an embodiment, the click member moves alternatingly between axially engaged and disengaged positions according to sequential rotational increments of the click member relative to the bolt body. Accordingly, the click bolt can be installed by hand and rotationally locked without a need for high torque, and the click bolt can be easily removed by hand when the click member is moved to the disengaged position, axially free from the outer flange. In an embodiment, the click bolt permits limited torque applied during installation.

Abstract: A fastening system including a connector element including a conical head portion from which extends a threaded shank, a hole being formed through the head portion and the shank, the head portion being resiliently squeezable in a generally radially inwards direction, the hole being adapted for an elongate element to passes therethrough, a sleeve member formed with a countersunk aperture, an outer surface of the sleeve member being formed with anchoring protrusions, and a threaded nut element threadedly fastened to the threaded shank, wherein tightening of the threaded nut element moves and wedges the conical head portion against the countersunk aperture and squeezes the head portion radially inwards. Examples of articles constructed with the fastening system are shown and described.

Abstract: A tensioning nut to secure a disk-shaped tool is threadable onto the threaded spindle of an electric tool, particularly an electric hand tool with run-out brake such as a right-angle grinder. The nut includes a nut body provided with a corresponding thread, with a coaxially-positioned pressure ring that may be tensioned with the disk-shaped tool. An axial bearing is positioned between the ring and the nut body. The nut further includes a disk member within the nut body for preventing rotation of the pressure ring. At least one engagement device is positioned between the disk member and the surrounding wall of the nut body. This blocking mechanism forms a uni-directional coupling, whereby a disengagement exists between the nut body in its tensioning direction and the disk member, and locking occurs between both of them in the opposing direction of the nut body relative to the disk member. Thus, loosening of the tensioning nut is prevented particularly during run-out of the rotating, disk-shaped tool.

Abstract: A tamper resistant mixture adjustment screw arrangement for a carburetor. The arrangement includes a carburetor body having at least one air/fuel adjustment screw threaded therein. The adjustment screw has a threaded shank and a head portion. The head portion is defined by a smooth top surface and an undulant, uneven side surface capable of being engaged and mated by an adjusting tool having a complementary undulant, uneven side surface capable of being engaged and mated by an adjusting tool having a complementary undulant, uneven surface for initially adjusting the air/fuel mixture in the carburetor. A blocking curb extends from the carburetor body to a level which at least substantially corresponds to a projecting extent of each adjustment screw and being closely spaced to the screw head to prevent the screw from being turned by commonly available tools, but to permit the screw to be adjusted by the adjusting tool.

Abstract: A tamper resistant mixture adjustment screw arrangement for a carburetor. The arrangement includes a carburetor body having at least one air/fuel adjustment screw threaded therein. The adjustment screw has a threaded shank and a head portion. The head portion is defined by a smooth top surface and an undulant, uneven side surface capable of being engaged and mated by an adjusting tool having a complementary undulant, uneven side surface capable of being engaged and mated by an adjusting tool having a complementary undulant, uneven surface for initially adjusting the air/fuel mixture in the carburetor. A blocking curb extends from the carburetor body to a level which at least substantially corresponds to a projecting extent of each adjustment screw and being closely spaced to the screw head to prevent the screw from being turned by commonly available tools, but to permit the screw to be adjusted by the adjusting tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for components in the housing of a computer server. The mounting system is preferably a height-adjustable thumb screw assembly, which allows for the components to be installed or removed without the use of tools. In a preferred embodiment, a thumb screw assembly capable of securing components to a chassis includes a screw and a gripping accessory. The screw preferably has a threaded portion, a shank portion, and a head portion, wherein a first groove extends along the shank portion and a second groove intersects the first groove under the head portion. The gripping accessory preferably has an outer gripping surface, a retaining socket, and a hub, wherein a grip is positioned inside the hub for matingly engaging the grooves of the screw.

Abstract: In the screw of the present invention, a screw shaft and knob have a torque controller which rotates the screw shaft and the knob together until a rotating torque between the screw shaft and the knob reaches a predetermined level, and slips the knob toward the screw shaft if the rotating torque exceeds the predetermined level, while the knob is rotated along a direction for screwing the screw; and the torque controller also rotates the screw shaft and the knob together even if the rotating torque exceeds the predetermined level, while the knob is rotated along a direction for unscrewing the screw. Therefore, the screw can properly fasten and unfasten with the screw controller.

Abstract: A mounting device (14) for a flagpole (10) is mounted on a fixed horizontal support rail (16). Mounting device (14) has two generally identical parallel clamping plates (18, 20) each having a flagpole opening (28) for receiving the flagpole (10) and a stud opening (30) for receiving a threaded stud (46). Flagpole (10) is secured within aligned flagpole openings (28) of clamping plates (18, 20) and threaded stud (46) is secured within aligned stud openings (30). Stud (46) is secured at one end to clamping plate (18). A manual adjusting knob (56) threaded onto an extending end portion (54) of stud (46) is manually rotated for engaging clamping plate (20) to draw serrated teeth (26) on plates (18, 20) tightly against rail (16).

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is configured for receipt on a threaded drive spindle to hold a working tool relative to the drive spindle. The mechanism includes a flange surface disposed to abut against a working tool in an operational mode of the device, and a rotatable member configured with the flange surface and disposed to advance the flange surface upon manual rotation thereof. The rotatable member includes at least one manual tightening device or mechanism for effectively increasing the manual tightening torque.

Abstract: A clamp screw for clamping a rotating member including a threaded member, a flange member axially movable with respect to the threaded member, and an operating ring for actuating the clamping screw. The clamp screw includes a ball screw transmission mechanism between the operating ring and the threaded member, the ball screw transmission mechanism being configured to transfer rotational movement of the operating ring to axial movement of the flange member for actuating the clamp screw.

Abstract: A fastener/shaft locking and adjustment apparatus and locking system which precisely positions, positively locks and avoids slippage of a positive locking nut along an elongated element. The positive locking nut includes a locking spline, an outer knurled cylinder, a rotatable spline, a return spring and a threaded nut. The locking spline includes a key member extending into the passage thereof which is engaged in the channel of the elongated element such that the locking spline does not rotate with respect to the elongated element. The locking spline further includes a first gear along an outer surface thereof which is capable of meshing engagement with a second gear provided along an inner circumferential cavity of the rotatable spline to lock the locking nut at its desired position along the elongated element.

Abstract: A screw for fastening that includes a male or female screw formed on its inner core area and including threads located about its outer circumference. A flange ring is located generally at one edge of the screw member in a manner so to be free to turn relative to the screw member, with the outside surface of the flange ring being configured to contact an object to be attached. An operating ring is located at the other edge of the screw member with freedom to turn relative to the screw. A screw feed ring is also provided having threads engaged with threads on the outer circumference of the screw member. A holding ring portion is operatively associated with the operating ring and includes an inner surface that is eccentric to its outer surface.

Abstract: A composite coupling nut and method of making the same wherein a substantially rigid annular body portion with an internal threaded portion is provided with an outer annular layer of an elastomeric material formed thereon in intimate juxtaposed relation to increase the grasping coefficient.

Abstract: Screw unit with a closing screw having a screw head for the aseptic closing of an internal thread of a member and an introduction post in firm, but detachable connection on the closing screw.The detachable connection is formed by a tongue in an end of the post being received in a slot in the screw head which slot terminates inward of a peripheral edge of the screw head.

Abstract: A jack extension tube for use on power seat adjuster mechanisms for vehicles is provided comprising an elongated tube having a first section and a second section spaced from the first section. A threaded member includes a knurled outer surface and is frictionally retained in the first section by inwardly extruding the tube onto the threaded member, the threaded member being engageable longitudinally from one end of said tube by a jack screw. The second section of the tube includes a pair of transversely oriented opposing apertures formed in the tube sidewalls and adapted to receive a pin-like member or fastener. The material defining the apertures is extruded in the transverse direction followed by collapsing the tube sidewalls so that the opposing flanges abut one another. Thus, the flanges provide a continuous, enlarged, work-hardened bearing surface to support the pin-like member or fastener.

Abstract: A composition including ethylene glycol and friction particles mixed together in predetermined proportions. The composition is used to aid in the removal of headed fasteners. The composition may also be used in place of a lock washer. The composition is most effective when used with fasteners made of soft metals.

Abstract: A mounting assembly to couple a water tank to a water closet is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes a threaded bolt, tubular elastomeric seal member and fastening means. The elastomeric member has centering ribs formed around its outer surface, a flanged head at one end and the other end is bifurcated. When the bolt is inserted therethrough, the elastomeric member expands in the tank mounting opening and the bifurcated end diverges to form a pair of latching tabs to prevent removal of the elastomeric seal member and bolt from the tank mounting opening.

Abstract: A fastener comprising a head, a shank, and a cap. The head has a recess in its top surface dimensioned to accommodate an appropriate tool for installing the fastener. The cap covers a substantial portion of the head and conforms closely to the head, extending into the recess in spaced relation to a substantial portion of the inner surfaces of the recess and cooperating with those surfaces during insertion of the installation tool into the recess to present appropriate dimensions to the tool to resiliently grip the tool and accommodate the tool for proper installation of the fastener. The cap is made of resilient material preferably stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance of the fastener once the fastener is fully inserted into the workpiece.

Abstract: A modified Phillips-type cruciform recess in a screw or the like, which provides a cling-fit with a driver by causing deflection of the flutes of the driver against the walls of the slot in the recess, comprises a central socket portion and radially extending slots adapted to receive the flutes of a suitable driving tool. Each slot is defined in part by a bottom surface of substantially uniform width which slopes radially inwardly and downwardly along the axis of the screw. The bottom surface joins two opposing surfaces which form the walls of the slot. The pairs of opposite slots in the cruciform pattern are not symmetrically located relative to a plane including the longitudinal axis of the screw, but are offset laterally in opposite directions with respect to such a plane. On insertion of a standard driver into the recess, the flutes of the driver are caused to flex into frictional engagement with the walls of the slots, thereby achieving the desired cling-fit.

Abstract: A combined screwdriver and boring apparatus comprising a tool having a handle, removable cutting and screwing blades, each of the blades having both downwardly tapered cutting edges thereon and an elongated tip adapted to enter a hole in the slotted head of a screw for both preforming a seat for the threaded shank of a screw, keying the screw to the blade for holding the screw to the blade when initiating screwing and flat surfaces engaging the slot in the screw for screwing the same.

Abstract: A screw driver has a handle, shaft and blade with the bottom edge of the blade being flat and having flat sides which incline inwardly from the bottom edge. To turn the screw, the screw driver is placed with its bottom edge in the gap between protruding (raised) quadrant sectors of the screw head and turned 45.degree.. The flat inwardly inclined sides of the screw driver act against cut-back flat sides of the protruding sectors to cam the screw driver toward the screw head and rotate the screw.