Abstract: Spacers, structural support systems that includes the spacers, and method of coupling components therewith are provided. The spacers may include a body having oppositely disposed ends, cylindrical sidewalls extending therebetween, and radially outward extending flanges at the ends. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls define a longitudinal bore with openings at each of the ends. The bore is configured to receive a shank of a fastener such that the body is secured between a head of the fastener and a structure to which the fastener is secured. The spacer is formed from a super-elastic shape memory alloy that allows for recoverable deformation without failing when at or above a transformation temperature thereof. The sidewalls have an initial shape prior to undergoing deformation, undergo the recoverable deformation when a load thereon exceeds a first threshold, and recover back to the initial shape once the load drops below a second threshold.

Abstract: A fastening system has two fastening elements for mounting a bracket of a rail system of an elevator installation. The fastening elements each have a clamping plate having a through-hole and a receiving sleeve receiving an anchor bolt. The receiving sleeves each have a through-opening for the anchor bolt and an angularly movable ball joint is formed between the clamping plate and the receiving sleeve.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a bone plate having an outer surface, an opposed bone-facing surface, and an interior surface that defines a hole extending from the outer surface to the bone-facing surface along a central hole axis. The interior surface further defines a compression surface. The system includes a bone fixation member having a shaft extending from a head along a central fixation member axis. The head has an exterior surface that defines a threaded head portion configured for variable angle locking with a complimentary variable angle plate locking structure. The compression surface and the threaded head portion are cooperatively configured to translate the bone plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central hole axis when the threaded head portion contacts the compression surface when the bone fixation member axis is offset from the central hole axis at an offset parameter as the head advances within the hole.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage includes an element forming a skin and a load-carrying structure supporting the element forming the skin. The load-carrying structure includes a plurality of elements forming a spar disposed parallel to an axial direction defined by the fuselage and a plurality of elements forming a frame disposed spaced apart along the axial direction. Each element forming a frame being arranged substantially perpendicularly to the elements forming a spar, where the element forming the skin is fastened on an external perimeter of each element forming a frame by means of fastening elements configured to keep the element forming the skin away from the external perimeter and where the element forming the skin is made of a transparent material.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an auxiliary component to an engine case of a gas turbine engine includes a support bracket, the support bracket having a first end configured for attachment to a first flange of the engine case, a second end configured for attachment to a second flange of the engine case, and an intermediate portion located intermediate the first end and the second end; a bearing member disposed within the intermediate portion; a locator disposed within the bearing member; a first plurality of bolts configured to attach the first end of the support bracket to the first flange; a second plurality of bolts configured to attach the second end of the support bracket to the second flange; and a mechanical fuse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connection device for piezoceramics of an ultrasonic transducer, comprising a nut (1), an ultrasonic transducer (5) having a screw structure and to be used with the nut (1), and a plurality of piezoceramics (3) and a plurality of metal sheets (4) fitted on an outer circumference of the screw of the ultrasonic transducer (5) and arranged at intervals. The connection device for the piezoceramics of the ultrasonic transducer further comprises a washer (2) located between the nut (1) and the piezoceramics (3), and the washer (2) is provided with a through hole through which the screw passes. The connection device has high connecting precision, strong working stability, and high working reliability.

Abstract: A sealing system and a method for sealing a metal fastener and members having dissimilar metals for a header connector or a connector device from electrolyte in an area where, in the header connector or the connector device, certain dissimilar metals may be in contact. The metal fastener and other adjoining or abutting dissimilar metals are sealed by a non-conductive seal from electrolyte, thereby protecting the metal fastener and the other adjoining or abutting dissimilar metals from galvanic corrosion and subsequently protecting the integrity of the header connector or the connector device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for affixing a retaining washer proximate an interbody region following a direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) procedure. The system includes an installation device characterized by a width dimension W and a length dimension L; a retaining washer having a substantially planar surface region, the retaining washer configured to retain an interbody graft within an interbody region; and a screw having a shaft configured to secure the retaining washer to a vertebral body. The screw and the washer are configured to orient the screw shaft along an angle ?, where ? is a function of W and L.

Abstract: A bone plate comprises a locking hole extending through the bone plate from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof. The locking hole is threaded and sized and shaped to lockingly receive a correspondingly threaded head of a bone fixation element therethrough. The bone plate further comprises a first plate relief extending at least partially through a thickness of the plate and separated from the locking hole to define a first weakened portion of the bone plate. The first plate relief extends around a portion of a circumference of the locking hole.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation assembly for connecting to a bone includes a fixation plate having a hole, an insert securable to the hole and a screw securable to the insert. The fixation plate includes a shoulder recessed from its upper surface and an aperture. The insert includes a base portion and a flange extending laterally from an upper end of the base portion. The insert defines an insert central axis extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the flange. The screw has a screw head and the base portion has an insert hole with machined internal threads for engaging the screw. The insert hole defines an insert hole central axis extending in a direction at an offset angle relative to the insert central axis. The aperture of the fixation plate is dimensioned to receive the base portion of the insert and the recessed shoulder is dimensioned to receive the flange.

Abstract: A surgical plate system, components and methods of using are described. A surgical plate system includes a plate having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a through hole passing through the anterior and posterior surfaces. A variable fastener is configured and dimensioned to connect to the plate, the variable fastener having a head and a shaft extending distally from the head. The head is configured to assume different proximal end diameters. The head, in a first configuration allows inward flexing to reduce a diameter of the head to allow the head to pass through an entrance opening of the through hole. In a second configuration, the head is prevented from flexing inwardly thereby preventing the head from backing out of the entrance opening, while allowing articulation of the head, within the through hole, relative to the plate.

Abstract: An air filter cleaning system comprises a filter shaker plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a motor mount extending from the top surface of the filter shaker plate, a motor mounted on the motor mount, a first filter clamp configured to be positioned adjacent to a first side of the filter shaker plate, and a second filter clamp configured to be positioned adjacent to a second side of the filter shaker plate.

Abstract: According to an example, a fan vibration testing apparatus includes a beam. The fan vibration testing apparatus further includes a fan mounting head disposed at a first location on the beam and including a cut-out, and a rod including first and second opposite rod ends. The rod may be attached at the first rod end to the fan mounting head, and the second rod end may be exposed to retain a fan within the cut-out.

Abstract: A form-locking connection with compensation of position errors including a first component and a second component to be connected to each other; characterized by a first circular form-locking element associated with the first component; a second circular form-locking element associated with the second component, and a compensating element provided between the first form-locking element and the second form-locking element, wherein the form-locking elements are fixed in the axial position thereof and together with the compensating element form an interlocking arrangement which positions the first component and the second component with respect to each other, wherein a side of the first form-locking element which faces the second from locking element is provided with a first surface which is curved in the manner of a spherical segment and the center point of curvature of which is positioned on the axis of the first form-locking element; wherein that side of the second form-locking element which faces the first f

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first component with a flange containing a plurality of spaced through-holes; a second component with a joining portion having an end surface which faces the flange and containing a plurality of spaced elongate cavities; and a plurality of fixation devices. Each cavity extends into the joining portion from the end surface in alignment with one of the through-holes. Each fixation device includes: a bolt which extends through a respective through-hole and the corresponding cavity, and includes a nut which is embedded within the joining portion at the corresponding cavity to receive the bolt such that on tightening the nut and bolt a clamping force is exerted across the flange and the end surface to join the first and second components together. Under axial loads less than that causing bolt failure, each fixation device is deformable to remove the clamping force.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the compensation of tolerances between components to be screwed to one another, comprising a hollow-cylindrical base element and a hollow-cylindrical compensation element which is in threaded engagement with the base element and which can be moved from a starting position into a compensation position by rotation relative to the base element. The apparatus is characterized in that a fixing means is provided by which the compensation element can be fixed in the compensation position relative to the base element.

Abstract: A washer assembly includes a threaded fastener head engaging portion and a surface engaging portion. The threaded fastener head engaging portion includes a head engaging face configured to lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of a threaded fastener passed through an opening at an axial center of the threaded fastener head engaging portion. The surface engaging portion includes a slot and a surface engaging face. The slot extends through the surface engaging portion along a line extending through an axial center of the surface engaging portion. An adjustable interface is defined between the surface engaging portion and the threaded fastener head engaging portion to enable the slot to receive the threaded fastener such that the surface engaging face lies parallel to a surface that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the threaded fastener.

Abstract: An assembly includes a fiber-reinforced composite structure, a bushing, and a fastener. The composite structure includes a composite panel on a first side, where the composite panel defines a hemispherical well. The structure further includes a plurality of stiffening ribs on a second side, which are affixed to the composite panel. The composite panel defines a first bore at the center of the hemispherical well, which extends through the structure. The bushing has a hemispherical end and a flat end, and defines a second bore from the center of the hemispherical end to the center of the flat end. The hemispherical end of the bushing is configured to nest within the hemispherical well defined by the composite structure such that the flat end of the bushing is flush with the surrounding composite panel. The fastener is configured to extend within both of the first bore and the second bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Hanged hillside washer assembly that is used to mount bracing rods on metal building frames. The flanged hillside washer assembly includes a Mange portion and a hillside washer portion. The flange portion has a flat base on one end. an upper surface and a channel passing therethrough. The channel passing through the hillside washer portion and the flange portion has a breadth dimension and a width dimension over its length, the breadth varying over its length, and the width of the channel being substantially constant over at least a portion of its length sufficient to limit widthwise movement of a mating rod within the channel.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment self-leveling head portion defines an annular conical recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal. Embodiments for sheet metal screw and bolt fasteners not requiring seals are disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining cam (20) for a rotatable fastener for connecting components (16, 17) is provided. The retaining cam (20) has a housing (22) pivotally supported on a base plate (24), by which the retaining cam (20) can be fixedly connected to one (17) of the components (16, 17). A screw (30) is secured rotationally fixed in the housing (22). A fastener bolt (40) rotatably connected to another (16) of the components (16, 17) can be screwed onto the screw (30). Spring elements are associated with the screw (30) for generating an elastic pretension for securing the fastener bolt (40) against rotation. The housing (22) is pivotally supported on the base plate (24) by a spherical washer (50). An angle deviation between the center axes of the retaining cam (20) and the fastener bolt (40) can be compensated for by pivoting the retaining cam on the spherical washer (50) while maintaining full-surface contact of the retaining cam (20).

Abstract: A washer assembly includes a threaded fastener head engaging portion and a surface engaging portion. The threaded fastener head engaging portion includes a head engaging face configured to lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of a threaded fastener passed through an opening at an axial center of the threaded fastener head engaging portion. The surface engaging portion includes a slot and a surface engaging face. The slot extends through the surface engaging portion along a line extending through an axial center of the surface engaging portion. An adjustable interface is defined between the surface engaging portion and the threaded fastener head engaging portion to enable the slot to receive the threaded fastener such that the surface engaging face lies parallel to a surface that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the threaded fastener.

Abstract: Fastener apparatus including a self-adjusting and automatically self-leveling head separate from a threaded shank portion. An embodiment of the apparatus provides a self-leveling head portion defining an annular conical recess and lip portion sized to receive a seal. A threaded shank resides within an annular cup center of the self-leveling head and has a thread-free portion seated by the compressed seal creating a water tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fastener arrangement made of a component and a screw element with an area for the application of force for a turning tool, where the component and the screw element, when fastened to each other, are in contact with each other by way of contact surfaces, and where the contact surface of the screw element on the side facing the component, has a convexly curved outer surface, and where the contact surface of the component has a concavely curved inner surface, while the outer surface and the inner surface are positioned coaxially with respect to a common longitudinal axis, which runs through the component and the screw element.

Abstract: In a fastening tool in which fastening members may be inclined as they are threadedly inserted together whereby almost no displacement load is applied to the members, a member having a bolt through hole with a tapered seat surface, and a fastening bolt that includes a bolt body provided about its outer periphery with a male thread, and a head provided on an end of the bolt body that has a diameter greater than that of the bolt body, in which the head has a lower outwardly curved tapered surface whose diameter is reduced toward the bolt body so that the lower surface abuts against the tapered seat surface when the fastening tool is used.

Abstract: A system for aligning and fastening two sections of stair hand rail or a fitting to a stair hand rail, comprising a bolt having screw threads at a first end for fastening the bolt to the fitting and having machine threads at a second end for aligning and fastening the fitting to the rail, the first end of the bolt being screwed the length of the screw threads into the fitting, the second end of the bolt being inserted through a bolt-receiving channel in the rail, a washer inserted through a tool chamber in the rail onto the second end of the bolt, and a nut inserted through the tool chamber in the rail onto the second end of the bolt, wherein the nut is pivoted on and against the washer while the nut is tightened until the desired fastening and alignment of the fitting to the rail is achieved.

Abstract: A nut assembly includes a base plate and a nut. The base plate includes a bearing surface with bore for the passage of a bolt or the like therethrough. The nut includes a bearing surface engaged with the bearing surface of the base plate. The said nut includes a bore engageable with a bolt or the like passing through the bore of the base plate. The base plate may include foot members disposed around the bore of the base plate.

Abstract: A two-piece washer to allow tilting movement of the washer elements. One annular washer element includes a convex annular surface that engages with a concave annular surface of a second annular washer element. When the convex and concave surfaces of the respective washer elements are placed in face-to-face engagement, the elements of the two-piece washer can pivot relative to each other. When utilized in a bolted connection, such two-piece washers can allow shifting of the bolted components relative to each other without imposing bending loads on the connecting bolt.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling or heating of a flange bolt for turbines comprises one or more boreholes, that extend through the bolt, and inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to each end of the borehole. A cooling or heating medium such as air, steam or any other fluid flows through an inlet pipe into and through the borehole thereby cooling or heating the bolt, and exits from the borehole via an outlet pipe. The cooling or heating arrangement enables direct cooling or heating of the bolt itself and ensures stable bolting forces throughout the operation of the turbine. The flange bolts with this arrangement may be applied to gas turbines or steam turbines operated at elevated steam temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A two-piece washer to allow tilting movement of the washer elements. One annular washer element includes a convex annular surface that engages with a concave annular surface of a second annular washer element. When the convex and concave surfaces of the respective washer elements are placed in face-to-face engagement, the elements of the two-piece washer can pivot relative to each other. When utilized in a bolted connection, such two-piece washers can allow shifting of the bolted components relative to each other without imposing bending loads on the connecting bolt.

Abstract: A nut assembly includes a base plate and a nut. The base plate includes a bearing surface with bore for the passage of a bolt or the like therethrough. The nut includes a bearing surface engaged with the bearing surface of the base plate. The said nut includes a bore engageable with a bolt or the like passing through the bore of the base plate. The base plate may include foot members disposed around the bore of the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bolting structure for a magnesium alloy member, having a non-magnesium alloy and conventional member 12 disposed on the magnesium alloy member 15, the magnesium alloy member 15 being covered with an insulator 14, and a bolt 18 initially inserted through the magnesium alloy member 15 and then into the conventional member 12, thereby permitting the conventional member 12 and the magnesium alloy member 15 to be bolted together, comprising: a washer 17 disposed between a head 18a of the bolt 18 and the magnesium alloy member 15, the washer 17 having a boss 16 disposed thereon, wherein the magnesium alloy member 15 is formed with a through-hole 13 that is greater in diameter than a bolthole 19 of the washer 17. The above boss 16 and through-hole 13 eliminate a chance that the bolt 18 contacts the through-hole 13. The insulator 14 remains intact because of non-contact of the bolt 18 with the through-hole 13 so that no stray current corrosion occurs.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a motor vehicle wheel made of a light metal alloy which is formed by an interior wheel shell and an exterior wheel shell which are fastened to a wheel disk chamber by way of wheel bolts which are arranged concentrically with respect to a wheel hub. The two shells of the wheel can be connected in a mutually sealed manner by way of wheel bolts inserted in bushes, and the bushes are pressed into bores of the shells and held in an embedded manner in a sealing mass. A spacer member is interposed between the wheel chamber and the interior wheel shell. The spacer member is made of a material different than the material of the interior wheel shell and the material of the brake chamber, to facilitate corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An articulating plate assembly for retaining sheets of roofing material on a roof surface includes a plate defining (i) a generally hemispherically-shaped recess in a central portion of a first surface thereof, and (ii) an aperture disposed in the recess and extending through the plate, and a fastener having (i) a shank portion configured to pass through the aperture and to engage the roof surface, and (ii) a head portion having an underside of a curved configuration generally complementary to the recess.

Abstract: A clamping washer and washer assembly that are used to mount bracing rods or cables to the web of metal building frame columns includes a load distributing washer and a clamping washer that are fastened together on the rod or cable. The washers define matching curved, toothed bearing surfaces or seats. When the washers are clamped together, the teeth on the bearing surfaces mesh with each other to lock the clamping washer in place on the load distributing washer. The load distributing washer defines an elongated opening through which the rod or cable projects, which opening allows positioning of the rod or cable at a variety of angles with respect to the load distributing washer.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the bending stress imparted to threaded fasteners in flanged connections is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stress reducing washer positioned between the head of the threaded fastener and a counterbore in the backface of the flange. In a first embodiment, the stress reducing washer uses a tapered upper surface oriented with respect to the flange to compensate for flange deflection as the threaded fastener is tightened to a predetermined torque value. Second and third embodiments utilizing spherical and cylindrical surfaces are also shown. A fourth embodiment eliminates the need for the stress reducing washer and machines the tapered surface in the backface of the flange.

Abstract: A clamping fitting to attach glass panes whereby the clamp screw's screw head and screw shank are conceived as individual components, so that the screw head is vertically displaceable in four degrees of freedom with regard to the screw shank's axis and fixable at a screw shank's holding flange in order to achieve tolerance compensation in the glass pane's plane between the wall mounting and the bore hole in the glass pane. Between a support flange sitting close to a carrier structure and a bore hole in the glass pane, a locating flange sitting close to the glass pane is provided for, which locating flange's distance is variable with regard to the support flange. The distance adjustment is realized by penetrating through the bore hole in the glass pane.

Abstract: A linear roller washer bearing in a bolt interface assembly allows relative differential thermal expansion and contraction motion between a component plate and a base plate fastened together by a bolt without inducing large strains and stresses upon the bolt. The roller washer bearing functions as a thin spacer between the component and base plates enabling high preload tightening of the bolted assembly while enabling relative bidirectional motion of the plates. The roller washer bearing is a multiple roller assembly with thin rollers arranged unidirectionally and horizontally in parallel between the top and bottom washer plates. The rollers roll back and forth to enable relative back and forth alternating unidirectional motion of the component and base plates while the full strength of the bolt remains available to the support the component plate without creating high friction shear forces.

Abstract: A linear flexure washer bearing in a bolt interface assembly allows relative differential thermal expansion and contraction motion between a component plate and a base plate fastened together by a bolt without inducing large strains and stresses upon the bolt. The flexure washer bearing functions as a thin spacer between the component and base plates enabling high preload tightening of the bolted assembly while enabling relative bidirectional motion of the plates. The flexure washer is a multiple blade flexure assembly with thin flexure blades arranged unidirectionally between the top and bottom flexure plates. The elastic flexures bend to enable relative alternating unidirectional motion while the full strength of the bolt remains available to the support the component plate without creating high friction shear forces.

Abstract: A tape correction plate and method of using the correction plate to correct for lateral runout of a disc brake rotor is described. The tapered correction plate is installed between the hub and brake rotor of an automobile such that the thinnest portion of the correction plate is aligned with the angular position on the hub and rotor corresponding to the maximum lateral runout. The mounting geometry of the correction plate may include any one of a number of configurations including circular openings, slotted openings having a smooth or gear-like perimeter, or an outer perimeter defining a gear like shape or open-ended "half slots." Each type of mounting geometry is suitable for mating with existing lug patterns while enabling adjustment of the angular orientation of the correction plate with respect to the hub and rotor. The correction plate may also consist of one washer or a number of washers with appropriately varying thicknesses that are arranged to correct runout.

Abstract: The washer is of frusto-conical shape as viewed externally and consits of a body (21) and a tapered flange (23) depending therefrom. When the lip (28) of the flange rests on a flat surface and the washer is subjected to a predetermined compressive load (26) the tapering of the flange leads to its deformation radially outward. This expansion acts as a visual indication that the predetermined load has been applied. The flattening of the flange which also accompanies its deformation increases the contact area of the washer with the underlying surface and thereby reduces contact stresses. When used in rockbolting, hole (22) receives a rock bolt and the void defined by the flange (23) can accommodate a raised portion of a load plate. The recess (30) receives a bearing assembly or a domed element (the latter compensates for misalignment of the bolt with the surface) so as to transmit tightening loads from the nut of the rock bolt to the washer, etc.

Abstract: A clamp that locks two telescoping components such as a vehicle receiver hitch and a draw bar, for substantially reducing if not eliminating the "banging" or "rattling" between the two components. The clamp includes a standard sized U-bolt, whose throat rests in a seat formed by a receiver hitch collar and a receiver hitch tube. A bar has an arc-shaped cross-section and includes two holes adapted for receiving the threaded ends of the U-bolt. When the draw bar is inserted into the receiver hitch, the arc-shaped side of the bar is positioned within a seat formed by the receiver hitch collar and the draw bar. Standard locking style nuts are threaded onto the legs of the U-bolt and tightened, causing the arc-shaped side of the bar to be wedged against the receiver hitch collar and the draw bar, while wedging the U-bolt throat against the opposite side of the receiver hitch collar and the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A pre-assembled workpiece fastenable to a mounting surface of a second workpiece, and in one application a pre-assembled plastic component fastenable to a metal automotive engine component. The pre-assembled workpiece includes an opening extending therethrough between an outer surface and a mounting surface thereof. A sleeve member is retainably disposed in the opening through the pre-assembled workpiece, and a fastener having a threaded shank portion and a head is retainably disposed through the sleeve member. The fastener is axially and laterally positionable relative to the pre-assembled workpiece, whereby the pre-assembled workpiece is mountable and alignable on the mounting surface of the second workpiece without interference from the fastener.

Abstract: A swiveling roofing washer for use with a roofing fastener has a plate. The plate defines a centrally positioned fastener opening. The plate further has a bottom surface for engagement to a roofing membrane, and an oppositely positioned top surface. The top surface has a swivel surface portion defining a convex surface adjacent and coaxial with the fastener opening. The swivel surface further defines a fastener head receiving channel adjacent the convex portion and coaxial with the fastener opening for engagement with the head portion of a roofing fastener.

Abstract: An assembly unit includes an assembly element having a wall bounding a through hole thereof; and a counterpart back engagement part protruding radially inwardly from the wall and into the through hole. The assembly unit further includes a fastening element to be inserted into the through hole for assuming an initial position and a final assembly position therein, having a head for actuating a fastening of the fastening element; a shaft disposed adjacent the head for resting with radial play in the through hole, the shaft resting entirely in the through hole in the final assembly position of the fastening element; and a back engagement part disposed on the shaft and having a cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft which protrudes beyond a cross section of the shaft in the plane. The shaft defines an undercut region between the head and the back engagement part.

Abstract: A nut for a spoke of a spoked wheel includes an elongated, hollow, internally threaded body having flattened side faces and which progresses to an enlarged head portion along a rounded collar that permits self-alignment of the nut in a spoke hole of a wheel rim when the spoke is tensioned by the nut.

Abstract: An all plastic spray nozzle attachment is provided to avoid corrosion problems, with a self-adjusting fastener system which minimizes or avoids bending stresses on the securement screw that joins the free ends of the two hinged clamp arms that embrace the support pipe. Both the head and nut ends of the screw and the respective abutting surfaces of the clamp arms are provided with arcuate abutment surfaces which permit rocking movement of the head and nut portions about axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support to readily maintain the head and nut in coaxial alignment with one another, thereby relieving bending stresses on the screw shank as the fastener is tightened to draw the arms toward one another into clamped position.

Abstract: A bolt-fastened structure includes a supporting member having a through-hole, and a bolt fitted in the through-hole of the supporting member. The supporting member includes at least one of a first notch provided to partially enlarge an opening edge of the through-hole at one side of the through-hole, and a second notch provided to partially enlarge another opening edge of the through-hole at opposite side of the through-hole. The first notch and the second notch are symmetrically located with respect to a central point of the through-hole.