Abstract: This invention relates to a method of eliminating rotation of a snap ring, and more specifically, to an anti-rotation feature on the outer diameter of a gapped snap ring. The invention prevents rotation of the snap ring within the housing in which it is assembled. This is done to prevent the gap, which causes a mechanical imbalance, from changing position within the housing. This enables fixed position balancing mechanisms to be effective in balancing the assembly. A locking feature is provided that is adapted to lock the snap ring in a snap ring groove, preventing the snap ring gap from rotating within the snap ring groove. The locking feature comprises at least one locking feature crest positioned on the outer diameter of the snap ring.

Abstract: A mechanical stop is adapted to be mounted onto a rigid bar and includes a single piece conically shaped body having a plurality of inwardly extending projections. Each of the inwardly extending projections have a distal end that is contoured to match an outer surface of the bar. The distal ends define an opening. The conically shaped body is adapted to be plastically deformed to a substantially flat shape after being placed onto the rigid bar. The opening includes a first dimension larger than the rigid bar prior to being plastically deformed and a second dimension smaller than the rigid bar after being plastically deformed. After the conically shaped body is plastically deformed into a substantially flat shape, the distal ends will frictionally engage the outer surface of the rigid bar to secure the mechanical stop thereon.

Abstract: A snap ring having improved retention characteristics is configured for use inside a cylindrical cavity. The cavity includes a retention device having a retention surface forming an obtuse angle with the cavity wall. As an axial load is applied to the snap ring, it moves along the retention surface, thereby experiencing a reduction in diameter. The snap ring includes a circumferential discontinuity defined by two generally radial planar surfaces, or ring ends. The discontinuity is configured such that the ring ends will abut one another before the snap ring diameter is reduced beyond the retaining diameter.

Abstract: A retainer clip is used for retaining a lock plug within a bore of a lock housing. The retainer clip includes a generally arcuate body disposeable about the plug outer surface and having a radial retention surface positionable generally against a housing end surface so as to prevent axial displacement of the plug along the bore. Two projections are each disposed proximal to a separate end of the body, each projection being disposeable within a separate plug opening when the body is disposed on the plug to retain the clip engaged therewith. The clip body has a hinge, a first arm portion extending between the hinge and one free end and a second arm portion extending between the hinge and the other end. The hinge is configured so that the two arm portions are deflectable generally about the hinge to move with respect to each other during installation and removal.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for the connection of a fastening element in a preassembled part is provided. The fastening arrangement makes provision for the fastening element to be fastened in the preassembled part by a latch connection.

Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint and, more particularly, a retaining ring for a CV joint and a method of assembling a retaining ring on a CV joint. The tripod constant velocity joint may be assembled by placing a retaining ring in alignment with a trunnion head, applying a force to the aligned retaining ring to expand the diameter of said retaining ring so that a fracture area on the retaining ring fractures. After the fracture area fractures, the retaining ring is displaced into a retaining groove on the trunnion. The retaining ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a first notch extending from one of the inner and outer surfaces to the other of the inner and outer surfaces, and a fracture area extending from the first notch to the other of the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A folding joint arrangement, which is adapted for incorporating with a foldable furniture constructed by a plurality of first and second frame tubes, includes an angle joint body, a pivot arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a first axis, wherein the pivot arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the first frame tube such that the first frame tube is capable of rotating about the first axis of the pivot arm, and a connector arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a second axis perpendicularly to the first axis wherein the connector arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the second frame tube such that the second frame tube is capable of rotating about the second axis of the connector arm, so as to pivotally connect the first and second frame tubes in a two-plane directional movement.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a driving and locking mechanism. The present invention provides a bearing device having a first end and a second end, where the first end has a curvilinear shape. The present invention also provides a strip of metal material with a predetermined length, conforming the strip of metal material to the curvilinear shape of the first end and attaching the strip of metal material to the first end.

Abstract: Snap rings positioned in grooves on shaft members and the like for retaining component members on the shaft members. Retention members, such as retaining rings with counterbores, are positioned over the snap rings and prevent the snap rings from expanding outwardly and being released from the grooves. The retention members are installed such that axial loads force the retention members against the snap rings. The snap rings are preferably spiral snap rings.

Abstract: Snap rings positioned in grooves on shaft members and the like for retaining component members on the shaft members. Retention members, such as retaining rings with counterbores, are positioned over the snap rings and prevent the snap rings from expanding outwardly and being released from the grooves. The retention members are installed such that axial loads force the retention members against the snap rings. The snap rings are preferably spiral snap rings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device.

Abstract: A color pressure-sensitive fastener capable of providing a visual indication of a pressure threshold applied to the fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a fastening portion which is actuated to fasten by way of application of a sufficient actuating pressure on an actuating surface of the fastening portion; and a pressure-sensitive substance associated with the actuating surface such that the actuating surface visibly changes color after the sufficient actuating pressure is applied to the actuating surface. This invention at least partially overcomes some of the disadvantages of typical fasteners, such as the lack of visual indication of proper installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A spring collet clamping system and method therefor including a collet disposed about a shaft, for example a rotary motor shaft, a substantially balanced spring clamp having a coil portion with arms extending from generally opposite portions thereof, the coil portion of the spring clamp is disposed about a portion of the collet, for example resilient arms thereof, to constrict and clamp the collet about the shaft.

Abstract: For fastening a flow rectifier and a grid in an air flow rate meter, until now two elements have been used, one for the sake of cushioning and the other for the sake of securing. The novel fastening element combines both functions in one element. The fastening element is embodied in undulating fashion and can be deformed in its radial dimension.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation. The invention includes also the building structure and method.

Abstract: A piston-retaining mechanism for removable engagement with a piston head to secure a piston pin therein, the mechanism including a base coil portion and a subsequent coil portion, each coil portion approximating the other at a distance less than the cross-sectional dimension of either coil portion.

Abstract: The invention involves a pedicle screw having a screw shaft and a screw head, with a free end of the screw shaft having a holding device for holding a safety mechanism. This safety mechanism serves to keep the pedicle screw from pulling out.

Abstract: A wiper device for a vehicle disclosed is provided with a wiper motor, a wiper pivot connected to the wiper motor, and a pivot holder having a base portion attached to the vehicle body and a bearing hole pivotally supporting the wiper pivot in a rotatable manner. Here, the wiper pivot can rotate around the pivot axis thereof by using a drive force from the wiper motor and has a cutout portion, and the wiper pivot extends so as to project toward an outer side of the vehicle body. In such a structure, it is further structured such that a C ring engaged with the cutout portion of the wiper pivot is released from the cutout portion when a load equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on the wiper pivot. In this case, as a result, the wiper pivot is moved to an inner side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunion and a retention member including an outer ring having a first surface and a second surface. The retention member further includes a spring tab axially extending beyond the first surface and disposed within the aperture such that the spring tab biasedly engages the bearing cup. The second surface of the retention member is at least partially disposed within the groove.

Abstract: An elastic fastening ring that can be mounted in a self-clamping manner on a bearing part should have a simple design, a reliable operation and at the same time the function of an axial spring element. For this purpose, the disclosed fastening ring consists of a washer with a sinuous ring-shaped band whose length may be elastically changed in the circumferential direction over its whole radial width.

Abstract: A locked pipe joint between a socket (3) of a first pipe (4), and a smooth end (1) of a second pipe (2) inserted in the socket with the interposition of an annular sealing gasket (5). The joint includes a raised bead (6) integral with the smooth end, a split metal retaining ring (7), and a rear support surface (9) for the split ring. The split ring includes a series of indentations (19) on the circumference of at least one face (16), in which the indentations are configured to allow the necessary diametric contraction of the ring by the crossing of its ends, and the subsequent expansion of the ring to lock the joint.

Abstract: In a starter with a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism, a first output shaft retaining member (retaining member 10, washer 20) and a second output shaft retaining member (pinion retaining ring 250) are mounted on an output shaft 220 in such a manner as to sandwich from axially front and rear directions a bearing support portion of a housing 400 which supports one end of the output shaft 220, so that a thrust load in the frontward and rearward directions of the output shaft 220 is received at the front and rear end faces of the bearing support portion of the housing 400. Therefore, the axially rearward movement of the output shaft 220 is regulated assuredly without regulating it by the rear end face of the center bracket 360 and the mortor partition wall 800, thereby preventing deformation of the center bracket.

Abstract: A crawler drive unit for propelling a construction machine such as a shovel-type excavator having a pair of crawler track assemblies comprises a hydraulic motor (11) and a speed reducer (12), the latter including a stationary carrier (29) having carrier pins journaled therein, carrier gears (28) keyed to the carrier pins respectively, a first disk-type portion (40), and a second disktype portion (46) radially inwardly projecting from the first disk-type portion (40). An end face of the casing (13) of the hydraulic motor (11) is substantially coplanar with a surface of the stationary carrier (29) in which the annularly hollowed-out portion (47) is provided and another surface of the stationary carrier (29) which allows one end face of each carrier pin to abut thereagainst. With this arrangement, the stationary carrier (29) can be disposed in close proximity to the end portion (35) of the casing (13).

Abstract: An end play take up retaining ring between a support element and a retained element is constituted by a longitudinally split sleeve defining at a first end thereof a closed-biased C-shaped spring and at a second end thereof a larger open-biased C-shaped spring. The closed-biased C-shaped spring is expanded to fit the retaining ring over an external annular groove in the support element. At the same time, the open-biased C-shaped spring is squeezed to a smaller diameter. When the closed-biased C-shaped spring is released, it resiliently clamps the retaining ring in the annular groove. When the open-biased C-shaped spring is released, it resiliently expands and thrusts a beveled shoulder against the retained element. The beveled shoulder converts expansion of the open-biased C-shaped spring into relative lateral thrust which seats the first end of the retaining ring against an end wall of the annular groove and the retained element against a stop on the support element.

Abstract: An annular flange which can be positioned on a shaft and securely welded in place. This disclosure also contemplates the method of making an annular shaft flange. This novel flange is materially stronger than the prior art and has lower production costs.

Abstract: A quick connector for joining pipes having grooved ends has a circlip which is contracted circumferentially and locked in the contracted condition, the inner diameter of the circlip, when in the contracted condition, being less than the outer diameter of the pipe, the inner diameter of circlip and the bottom wall of the pipe groove including surface configurations that are interfitted in the contracted condition of the circlip, and which inhibit relative rotation between the quick connector and the pipe in addition to locking the connector against axial removable from the pipe.

Abstract: A hub unit comprises a wheel bearing and a driving axle stub which is situated in a correspondingly shaped, concentric opening in the rotatable ring of the wheel bearing, and in the direction of rotation interacts by unround shapes with the ring which driving axle stub has an axle end projecting from the opening in the ring. The axle end interacts with the inner periphery of a cup spring whose outer periphery is supported under pre-tension on the ring. The cup spring is accommodated in a peripheral groove provided in the axle end.

Abstract: A novel quick release fastener system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment of one or more work pieces secured by the fastener system. The fastener system includes a bolt and a nut. The bolt includes a shank with a head on one end with a leading end on the shank opposite the head. The nut has a wall which generally defines a bore having opposed edges which define a slot at least partially extending through the wall. Displacement structures are provided on the nut which provide a mechanical advantage in translating rotary and axial forces into circumferential and radial forces. Threads are provided on at least the nut for promoting axial displacement for engaging and disengaging the displacement structures. Threaded engagement and disengagement of the displacement structures deform or release the wall of the nut resulting in displacement of the opposed edges of the wall. In one embodiment the nut includes a constricting gripper which is threadedly engaged with a driving body.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grab ring for locking a cylindrical component in a bore in another component. The ring may formed of L-shaped cross-section, one limb of which is part cylindrical form and the other limb of which extends radially with respect to the part cylindrical rim. The free edge of the radial limb has a multiplicity of teeth formed integrally with the rim and projecting outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle to allow the ring to slide past a bore ring component in one direction but to grip in the bore in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a retainer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the shank. The retainer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a tube or wire of Ni--Ti and cutting the retainer out of the tube/wire. The retainer accommodates wear in moving parts held together by the retainer and pin assembly.

Abstract: A serpentine shaped wire clip is disposed in a tapered bore of a housing for axial displacement in the bore and has in a preferred embodiment three U-shaped loops interconnected by end portions. The clip has a bore dimensioned for receiving a cable or rod in radial resilient compressive engagement along the clip entire length which engagement causes the clip to axial displace with the displacement of the cable or rod. The axial displacement of the clip in the tapered bore wedges the clip to the housing and cable or rod locking the elements. The clip may have any number of loops and wire diameter. Also, the housing may have a cylindrical bore and the tapered region may be formed on a rod or bar. The clip may be locked to smooth and grooved surfaces including threads. The housing and rod each have a different one of a cylindrical surface and tapered surface. The clip radially grips the cylindrical surface while wedging in response to relative displacement of the tapered surface to the cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing soft tissues, tendons and ligaments to bone using a suture strand. The apparatus includes a spear member which is able to pierce and securely engage the bone. The spear member includes an eyelet which is able to carry the suture strand at a position along the midportion of the suture strand. The suture strand is secured to the bone upon engagement between the spear member and the bone. In addition, the ends of the suture strand are accessible to the surgeon so that they may be manipulated so as to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a retainer portion having an axially extending tubular wall which is radially expandable for snap-fitted radial engagement with a reduced diameter portion of a rod such that the retainer clip is radially and axially trapped on the reduced diameter portion of the rod and can only be removed by simultaneous application of dual directional forces. The retainer clip includes the retainer portion, a washer portion, and a hinge portion integrally connecting the retainer portion and the washer portion so that the retainer clip is handled as a single part during assembly onto the rod.

Abstract: A washer includes at least one tooth interlocked with a spline of a shaft in order to retain the washer from rotating relative to the shaft. A snap ring is positioned in a groove of the shaft. The washer includes a stop nested in a gap of the snap ring in order to retain the snap ring from rotating relative to the shaft. Preferably, the washer includes at least one catch that flanks the stop and overlaps the snap ring in order to retain the snap ring in the groove.

Abstract: A face plate includes a tubular member for freely and rotatably receiving a latch housing and having a first end and a second end. An opening is formed in the first end through which a latch bolt passes and has a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the latch housing. The second end of the tubular member has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the latch housing. A flange extends radially and outwardly from the first end of the tubular member. The tubular member further has a plurality of axially extending projections formed on an outer periphery thereof.

Abstract: A combined retainer clip and shaft for axially fastening a mechanical element to the shaft includes a shaft being hardened to a predetermined hardness. The retainer clip is formed of an annular body with a frusto-conical annulus surrounding a generally central aperture and hardened to a hardness higher than the hardness of the shaft. The retainer clip is mounted on the shaft at a predetermined position to fixedly mount the mechanical element on the shaft. In one embodiment, a plurality of notches are circumferentially spaced about the portion of the annulus surrounding the aperture in the body to form a discontinuous shaft engaging surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retainer in the form of a circlip for holding a connector or the like in a bore in a wall. The connector has a peripheral groove for receiving the circlip and the circlip has inwardly extending lugs at its free ends and an integral tongue on its inner periphery at an intermediate position around the circlip. The circlip also has three cam-like projections at its free ends and intermediate locations. A connector to be located in the bore in the wall is inserted through the bore with the circlip in place and the projections cause the circlip to be pressed into the groove in the connector as the circlip passes through the bore. Once through the bore, the circlip springs outwardly to engage behind the wall and retain the connector in place.

Abstract: A two-part fastener for use in septoplasty procedures includes a fastener portion having a base with shaft extending perpendicularly therefrom and a retainer having an aperture for engagement with the shaft. The fastener may include indexing means for positioning the retainer in engagement with the fastener portion at discrete spaced apart locations along the shaft. In another embodiment the shaft is slightly larger in diameter than the aperture in the retainer to effect a frictional engagement. Applicator instruments are also provided. In one embodiment the applicator includes two elongated members pivotally connected in the middle. In another embodiment the applicator includes an elongated body which holds a plurality of septoplasty fasteners. A pivotally connected lower jaw holds a supply of retainers. A pusher member drives the fastener through a curved firing chamber, through body tissue, and into engagement with the retainer.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting an ignition coil on the cylinder head of internal combustion engines. Threaded bolts extend from the cylinder head. The thread having a substantially saw tooth cross section with the thread flank facing away from the cylinder head at an acute angle and the thread flank head oriented substantially normal to the axis of the bolt. The ignition coil, which for this purpose is provided with a bore, may be slipped onto the bolt and a fastener provided with a resiliently expansible locking member may thereafter be slipped onto the bolt.

Abstract: The present invention is a retaining system for an automotive carpet, such as a floor mat. The system consists of a tapered pin; and two washers. The assembly process consists of snap-fitting a first washer over a separate decorative pin, or a tapered pin. The second washer is then snap-fitted into an annular channel formed between two tabs on the first washer. The completed assembly then secures an automotive carpet at an appropriate location.

Abstract: A roller cam follower, especially an engine hydraulic roller lifter, is restrained from rotation away from a position in which the roller rotates squarely on its associated cam by a retainer clip fixed on the lifter body and having a tang with flat sides engaging an axial groove in an associated bore of the engine lifter gallery. The retainer clip is a closed ring with opposite flexible hat sections connected by arches having inner edges that snap into a groove on the lifter body. The inner edges are preferably angled upward to aid installation and the hat sections preferably have squared inner ends that engage flats on the lifter body to prevent relative rotation of the body and clip.

Abstract: A resilient mount is described as having a special spring steel retainer spring for locking the mount in a frusto-conically shaped opening which is defined by a hollow truncated rigid metal sleeve which has an annular abutment at its free outer edge. The mount has inner and outer rigid metal sleeves to which a resilient rubber insert is bonded. The insert essentially encases the outer sleeve and has a circumferential recess which extends inwardly of the insert adjacent the annular abutment. The recess is designed to receive the retainer spring which has a plurality of radially extending fingers for engaging the annular abutment to limit axial movement of the mount in one direction. The insert is also provided with an integral annular flange for engaging the opposite end of the truncated sleeve to limit axial movement of the mount in the other direction.

Abstract: A corneal rivet for passing internally through the cornea and for providing closure of an incision in the cornea with a mechanically and optically configured rivet body including a first rivet head secured at one end thereto and a second member for securing to the other end of the rivet. The securing can either be through frictional engagement of the second member to the rivet body, through a knotting, a crimping, staking, threading, pinning, heat forming a ball or mushroom member, or a ratcheting engagement. The corneal rivet body can be utilized to suture other tissues besides the cornea, such as sclera, iris, other ocular tissues, skin, flesh, or the like.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for use with crossfire tubes connected between plural combustors arranged in a spaced relation about a turbine, wherein the assembly includes a wire retainer formed to connect a crossfire tube end to the retainer by compressive side loading of the tube and further formed to connect the tube to a mounting base by compressive forces in a different direction between the base and the retainer wire.

Abstract: Pin retainers are normally used to secure a pin in its assembled so that one member can be releasably secured to another member, such as, securing a tooth to an adapter nose. Many times the pin retainer is not sufficiently strong to hold the pin in place under adverse operating conditions. Known pin retainers that are effective to hold the pin in place are not readily available and are expensive to produce. In the subject arrangement, a pin retainer assembly is provided which can be made from known components and is effective to hold a pin in place under adverse operating conditions. The pin retainer assembly includes a split retaining ring loosely sandwiched between at least two retaining members and held together by various known bonding or securing methods.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for compressing a retainer ring to reduced assembly size and maintaining the compressed ring assembly size at an assembly location by internal containment means. The apparatus typically includes a ring compressing assembly for compressing the ring from the exterior and mandrel means disposed in the compressing means and around which the ring is compressed to assembly size. The mandrel means includes a lug-retaining groove means into which retainer ring lugs having special flats are compressed and retained interiorly of the ring to hold the ring at reduced assembly size. The compressed retainer ring is carried to the assembly location outside the compressing means on the mandrel means and is stripped from the mandrel means for final assembly internally in a part. The ring compressing assembly is carried on a first slide for movement between a ring load position and a ring assembly position.

Abstract: A shaft stop bushing (1) is proposed which is retained in a given position on a shaft (6) by means of a radially resilient stop ring (12). The stop bushing (1) has a longitudinal bore (4) with two circular grooves (7 and 11) of different diameters, between which a funnel-shaped section (10) is formed. The stop ring (12) is inserted in the larger groove (11) so that stops bushing (1) and stop ring (12) form a pre-assembled subassembly (1, 12). The preassembled subassembly (1, 12) can be slid onto the shaft (6) by a simple automatized process without the stop ring (12) touching the shaft (6). The stop ring (12) is retained in its axial position relative to an annular groove (16) of the shaft (6) and is pressed into the annular groove (16) by the stop bushing (1) upon further axial movement of the stop bushing. The entry funnel-shaped section (10) presses the stop ring (12) until, in the assembled state, the smaller-diameter circular groove (7) engages over the stop ring (12).

Abstract: A method of assembling a motor to an object, a motor housing, and an electric motor are disclosed, each of which uses a hollow fastener to secure the motor housing to form an integral unit. Thru bolts are retained within the hollow fastener such that the thru bolts may thereafter be utilized to mount the motor to another object without requiring disassembly of the motor. Additionally disclosed are retainers for securing the thru bolts within the fastener during those time periods between motor assembly and assembly of the motor to an object to which it is to be mounted.