Abstract: A washer for a male or female threaded fastener includes an annular ring portion and a seat portion with a cantilever portion extending therebetween. The washer hardness is selected to exceed the threaded fastener hardness by an amount that enhances the elastic deflection of the washer and reduces the tendency of the fastener to loosen. The selected hardness relationship also reduces the washer diameter dilation during loading and the permanent deformation of the washer diameter.

Abstract: Attachment member unit includes an axially extending shank (1) with a load engagement part (2) at its trailing end. The shank has a pointed tip (3) at its leading end. A prestressing element (4) laterally encloses the pointed tip (3). The prestressing element is formed of a sleeve part (4a) and a bearing part (4b). The bearing part forms the leading end of the prestressing element and the sleeve part forms its trailing end. A recess (4c) extends into the bearing part from the leading end. The recess (4c) has a diameter such that the trailing end portion of the prestressing element under deforming forces can telescope into the bearing part. When the attachment member unit is driven, the prestressing element (4) causes a prestress against a connector member (7) and due to the telescoping action and also a dampening action, the connector member can be fastened to a receiving material (8) by the shank (1), and the connecting member is not damaged.

Abstract: An excavation tooth point longitudinally extending along an axis and having a pocket area extending inwardly through a rear end thereof is telescoped onto a nose portion of an adapter structure by inserting the nose portion into the tooth point pocket area. The inserted nose portion has a tapered side opening therein that is positioned between a corresponding pair of similarly tapered tooth side wall openings. To removably couple the tooth point to the adapter nose an elongated, wedge shaped connector member is inserted, small end first, through the generally aligned tooth and adapter openings. A bolt is then passed through a central opening in a flat spring member and tightened into a threaded axial opening in the small connector member end.

Abstract: A mine roof bolt assembly and a method for installing the bolt assembly. The bolt assembly includes a tensionable roof bolt, a bearing plate with an annular embossment, and a deformable annular washer.

Abstract: A spring washer for the securing of screws, nuts and the like is provided with an essentially ring-shaped washer body of a determined thickness having a washer top side and a washer under side, the washer under side being subdivided into an outer ring surface and an inner ring surface. The washer in an unstressed state rests with the outer edge of the outer ring surface on a flat base and the outer ring surface and the inner ring surface forms an acute angle with this base. The washer under side (2) is subdivided by a circular groove (3) into the outer ring surface (4) and the inner ring surface (5) and the spring washer is shaped in such a way that the outer ring surface (4) is arched inwards and forms a smaller acute angel (.alpha.) with the flat base (7) than the inner ring surface.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel nut inserts adapted to extend into the stud-receiving openings of a vehicle wheel and particularly, a non-ferrous vehicle wheel and lug nut assemblies thereof. The inserts are uniquely designed so that the inserts can be permanently locked in the stud-receiving openings of the vehicle wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel inserts can be locked by means of an interference fit, and in another mode, the inserts can be locked by swaging and still further, the inserts may be locked by means of staking the inserts in the stud-receiving openings. Not only are the inserts permanently affixed within the stud-receiving openings, they will also operate to bear against the lug nuts. In this way, a spring-type loading is imposed on the lug nut preventing an unauthorized vibrational unwinding of the lug nut. The insert will deflect when tightened against the wheel opening by a lug nut to thereby provide a Belleville spring effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tying building components together or to the ground utilizes a system of spring-tensioned cables strung between the foundation and the top corners of any shear diaphragm. The cables are kept under tension regardless of the shrinkage of wooden components, providing evenly-distributed compression on the structure's framing members.

Abstract: A slotted conical (non-flat) spring washer with an encircling ring provides improved spring washer performance. A split or slotted conical spring washer is encircled by a retaining ring that prevents the ends of the washer adjacent to the slot from expanding as the washer is compressed. The ends of the washer on both sides of the slot move to prevent the washer material from exceeding its yield strength. The ring restricts the radial movement of said outside diameter of the washer strip away from a center axis of the washer bore. The ring can be a counter bore in a member to be clamped, a retaining washer having an outside annular washer to act as the ring, or can be integral with the spring washer such that the slot appears not to pass completely through the washer strip.This slotted conical spring washer greatly increases the elastic spring travel available during repeated clamping cycles and during movement of clamped members due to differences in rates of thermal expansion and thermal gradients.

Abstract: The fastening device is designed for assembling at least two elements (1, 2) one with respect to the other and consists of a system with a screw (3) and a nut (4). An axial removable guiding stop (5) is arranged between the external surface (7) of one of the elements (1) to be assembled and the head (32) of the screw (3) or the nut (4), which accommodates the tightening torque to bear against this external surface (7) after ejection of the guiding stop (5); whereas this guiding stop (5) ensures relative temporary and axial prepositioning so that the screw (3) or the nut (4) engages correctly into the nut (4) or the screw (3).FIG.

Abstract: A vibration damping construction, which is useful when it is applied to a vibration isolation washer or a pressed construction such as an oil pan, a ventilation buffle plate, etc. for an automobile, is disclosed, which is so constructed that raw materials, in each of which a rubber visco-elastic layer or such layers is or are disposed on one or two surfaces of a metal plate, are laminated on each other, so that rubber visco-elastic layers are opposite to each other, and adhered to each other to form a laminated body; rectangular pawls are formed on the raw material at the uppermost layer and the laminated body; rectangular cut-off windows, with which the cut and raised pawls can be engaged, are formed in the raw material at the lowermost layer; and these are laminated on each other and bound in one body by spot connection by means of the pawls.

Abstract: Lug nuts may be adhered to a vehicle wheel about a stud-receiving opening therein to facilitate mounting of the wheel onto a wheel hub of a vehicle without necessitating manual placement of the lug nut on the stud by utilizing a cylindrical washer-like annular device, the opposite ends of which have self-adhesive surfaces. Thus, one adhesive surface of the washer-like device may be adhered to the vehicle wheel about a stud-receiving opening while the opposite adhesive surface may be adhered to the lug nut. The main body of the device is preferably formed of a stretchable foam material so that the device is extensible in response to extension of the stud through the wheel opening, thereby to remain adhered to the wheel and the lug nut until securement of the lug nut to the stud.

Abstract: A strip of collated fasteners is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of fasteners and a carrier molded from a polymeric material. Each fastener has an elongate shank, which has a pointed end, and a head. The shank of each fastener defines an axis and has two portions of different diameters, namely a thicker portion adjoining the head and a thinner portion adjoining the pointed end, and a shoulder joining the thicker and thinner portions. The carrier comprises a separate sleeve associated with each fastener and is frangible between the separate sleeves. A representative sleeve is disposed around the shank of the associated fastener and has an initial axial length, which the representative sleeve assumes when disposed around the shank of the associated fastener but not compressed axially, and a critical axial length, at which the representative sleeve splits when disposed around the shank of the associated fastener and compressed axially.

Abstract: A roofing and siding fastener for securing underlayments, exterior insulation sheathings, and similar membranes to a substrate. The disclosure comprises a cap portion having a rectangular body with oppositely extended legs. Said legs are bent downward and have heels situated at the ends. The cap has a nail centrally inserted through the body. The installer positions the fastener over the material to be secured and strikes the nail head, thereby driving the fastener into a substrate. As the cap portion engages the material, the heels act to deflect the flattening legs over the top surface of the material instead of allowing the legs to puncture. Each flattened leg now becomes a spring-like binder which not only provides superior holding power over the prior art, they also flex upward to dampen strong winds which can blow these underlayments off. This flexibility greatly enhances the effectiveness of underlayments in a "dry-in" procedure.

Abstract: A resilient molded pressure plate formed of polypropylene or the like is provided for a roofing nail in engagement with a sheet of roofing felt to increase the retention of the felt. The underside of the plate is concave in the undeflected form, and is provided with a central boss that limits the downward diaphragm deflection as a nail is driven through a central opening. The peripheral rim of the plate is serrated with concentric ridges disposed initially at progressively increasing distances from the plane of the outer ridge, proceeding radially inward. As the plate is deflected on driving of the nail through the central opening, these ridges come into coplanar relationship, providing the maximum intensity of engagement with the sheet of felt material.

Abstract: A multi-part fastener assembly for attaching a first apertured member such as a valve cover to a second member such as a cylinder head, comprising an elongated threaded fastener, a tubular sleeve encircling the threaded fastener, and a rubber grommet encircling the sleeve. The grommet's outer surface is cylindrical for facilitating its insertion through the valve cover's aperture. However, a bead formation created on the grommet's inner surface is engaged upon insertion of the sleeve member through the grommet to cause the lower edge portion of the grommet to be biased radially outward in a manner which secures the sleeve and grommet in the aperture. In addition, the sleeve's upper end portion has a surface extending obliquely to the axis of the sleeve so that when pressed against the grommet by tightening of the fastener the rubber grommet material is distorted outwardly.

Abstract: Fastening devices such as washers, seals and drive pins subject to corrosive deterioration of all or select portions thereof wherein all or such select portions are protected from such corrosion and failure by a thin coating or coatings of hard surface material or materials. In a preferred form, the fastening device is coated with a synthetic diamond material formed as a thin layer in situ thereon. In addition to preventing moisture and other corrosive material from penetrating to the base metal, such synthetic diamond material serves to preserve the surface integrity of the fastening device preventing the formation or spread of surface flaws produced during use or during the fabrication of the fastening device.

Abstract: A liveload assembly having a stack guide with a thread on the exterior side wall, a plurality of compressible belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide, and a retainer cap having a thread on an inner side wall for matingly engaging with the stack guide to hold the belleville washers in compression. The gland follower of a fluid flow apparatus is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt extending upwardly from the gland follower. A nut is threaded on the bolt to contact the stack of belleville washers and the retainer cap is unscrewed to a second position on the stack guide and fixed by turning a set screw through a bore in the cap and against the side of the stack guide. Compression of the gland follower is monitored by viewing the relative movement of the stack of belleville washers through a longitudinal slot in the side wall.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing a transmission operating control valve body to a transmission case. The clamping assembly utilizes at least one biasing member having a hub portion. The hub portion has a generally centrally disposed aperture with a plurality of spring arms extending radially outwardly from the hub portion. Each spring arm has a distal end that is adapted to engage the valve body. A spacer is interposed between the hub portion and the valve body. A fastener is receivable through the aperture and through the valve body to be anchored in the transmission case, thereby securing the valve body in position.

Abstract: A covering device comprising a cap of flexible material having at least one recess, that is penetrable by a fastening element. The recess is enclosed by a cup-spring-type area which is formed in one piece with the cap.

Abstract: An aircraft wheel and brake assembly having an axle with a circular flange in abutting contact with an annular viscoelastic vibration dampening plate which in turn abuts an annular flange of a torque tube. The flanges are rigidly secured to the dampening plate which is solid. The torque tube supports for axial movement a Plurality of stator discs which are interleaved with a plurality of rotor discs, such rotor discs being axially slidable but connected to the rotatable wheel and wheel support which is journaled for rotation on the axle. Variations of the location of such dampening plate include locating such plate between the torque tube and the motive drive piston which actuates the frictional engagement of the rotor and stator discs to effect a braking action.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an optical disc whereby the yield strength of the disk is maintained. An upper section includes an end cap having a central bore, a deformable annular finger section, and a compression face for receiving a deformable O-ring. A lower section includes an insert having a cylindrical axial projection about which a deformable washer may be fitted. As the upper and lower sections are secured in the central aperture of the optical disk, the disk is captured between the finger section, O-ring, and washer.

Abstract: A flanged washer spring is provided, comprising a first disk having a central opening, outer periphery, a first side and a second side, the first disk further having an annular inner flange extending axially from the first side, and an annular outer flange extending axially from the second side, wherein a radial distance from the outer flange to the central opening is greater than a radial distance from the inner flange to the central opening. The disks are normally used in pairs with the outer flanges of the disks positioned axially adjacent to each other. The springs may be used in combination with a tool, such as a drilling accelerator or jar, having an elongated tubular body having a body stop for axially retaining a spring, and an elongated mandrel slidingly mounted within the tubular body, the mandrel having a mandrel stop for axially retaining a spring, the spring comprising a plurality of stacked disks.

Abstract: A wobble plate compressor includes a non-rotary socket plate mounted on a journal of a rotary drive plate. The drive plate includes a bushing and a needle-type thrust bearing to accommodate relative rotary movement between the plates. The socket plate and drive plate are retained together by an assembly including a square-edged annular channel formed in a recessed journal, a thrust washer for engaging the journal and the bushing and a dished retaining ring. The dished retaining ring also includes square edges mating with the adjacent sides of the channel. The retaining ring engages the thrust washer so as to provide a preload force to seat the washer on the journal and for biasing the socket plate against the thrust bearing. The retaining ring is characterized by a three degree dish angle when compressed between two flat parallel surfaces with an applied load of 30N.

Abstract: A connector housing in which a pair of male and female connector housings are united together by tightening a bolt provided through a seal member on one of the male and female housings with a nut provided on the other one of the male and female housings, includes an externally-threaded portion formed on the bolt from its tip end by a predetermined length. A non-threaded portion is formed on the bolt, extending from the externally-threaded portion and having a diameter smaller than the externally threaded portion so that when the male and female connector housings are fittingly connected together completely, threaded engagement of the externally-threaded portion with the nut is released and the nut is disposed around the non-threaded portion. A pressing and retaining device presses and retains the bolt in a direction to contact the externally-threaded portion with the nut when the male and female connector housings are fittingly connected together completely.

Abstract: A live-load device for applying a compressive force to packing or gasket material in a valve or pipe conduit junction. The device incorporates spring-washers having resilient blades for imparting a spring force. The spring force is transmitted from each blade through a ball-bearing seated at a selected one of a plurality of contact points along the blade tip. The spring constant of the device is selected by positioning the ball-bearing at a particular one of the contact points. This adjustment capability makes the spring device universally adaptable to a wide variety of valves and conduit junctions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening system that is not subject to loosening and that is useful for attaching one member to another member. The invention provides an arrangement for mounting a wheel to an in-line roller skate and comprises mutually engagable undulating surface patterns disposed on a skate frame side rail and the bottom surface of the head of the wheel axle. The threaded fastener that is attached to the other end of the axle may also include a surface pattern that is mutually engagable with a surface pattern on the other side rail to provide locking engagement between the threaded fastener and the axle head on both sides of the skate frame.

Abstract: A directional backing plate and threaded nut for securing the traction device relative to a flexible rotatable track. The backing plate and nut define noncircular curvilinear peripheries defined by a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the major axis is greater than the minor axis. The backing plate and threaded nut cooperatively engage the stud relative to the track, such that the major axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the track, and the minor axis is substantially parallel to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A stop (1) for supporting a side of concrete form work (12) includes a deformable section (2) in the form of a collapsible sleeve (2) with an abutment (8). The sleeve is formed monolithically with the stop. A nail (13) with a head (13a) secures the stop (1) to a concrete structure or component (11) and when the nail (13) is driven its head (13a) runs up against the abutment (8). If energy in excess of the amount needed to drive the nail (13) in is present, the nail head (13a) striking the abutment (8) axially collapses the sleeve and damage to the stop (1) is avoided.

Abstract: An insulative and resilient spacer member to be mounted between a heated manifold and a cooled clamp plate in an injection molding system. The spacer member has a plurality of V-shaped concentric rings. It has a uniform cross section with a number of web portions extending diagonally between alternate forward and rearward ridge portions. The outer surfaces of the alternate ridge portions are aligned to provide forward and rearward sides of the spacer member which extend parallel a predetermined distance apart. Some of the outer surfaces have an inwardly extending insulative circular groove. The spacer member is formed of steel to have a predetermined combination of strength, resilience and reduced thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A washer for securing screws, nuts or the like has substantially ring-shaped inner and outer washer bodies as well as a transitional region between the bodies. Each washer body has a conical surface at the supported side of the washer and the outer body continuously merges into the inner body in the transitional region at the supported side. The transitional region has a smaller cross section than the adjoining parts of the inner and the outer bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a plastic panel to an automotive body metal substructure enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to a metal substructure. The attaching arrangement comprises a plastic adjustable mounting block sized for initial insertion in an associated wide slot portion of a keyhole-shaped expansion and contraction slot. The block has a central abutment portion depending from an upper plate portion including lateral extending wings providing with the plate opposed grooves adapted to slidably engage a narrow trailing slot portion of the keyhole-shaped slot upon the blocks subsequent longitudinal rearward movement.

Abstract: An attached locking pin for releasably securing adjacent concrete forms used in the formation of poured concrete. Such concrete forms are characterized by having a peripheral rail with apertures therethrough adapted to abut the rail and align the apertures of an adjacent form to hold the cement in its desired shape until the concrete has set. The attached locking pin includes a sleeve with an opening therethrough adapted to interlock within one of the aligned apertures of abutting rails. A pin is provided having a head and an end with an intermediate portion having a slot passing therethrough typically for receiving a locking wedge. The pin is adapted to pass the end and slotted intermediate portion through the sleeve and the adjacent aligned aperture to releasably hold the abutting rails securely together after the wedge is driven into the slot.

Abstract: A washer for use in fastening two members by a bolt is disclosed herein. The washer comprises an elastic body disposed between a head of the bolt and a seat surface corresponding to a surface of one member of the members. The body has a hole to allow for passage of a shank of the bolt. At least one projection is provided on a surface of the body facing the seat surface for engaging with the seat surface. The surface of the projection contacting with the seat surface is formed in a smooth arc.

Abstract: A member (1) for securing insulation panels (7) to a structural component (8) is formed of an annular head (2) and an axially extending hollow shaft (3) extending from the head. The hollow shaft (3) is arranged to receive a nail (9) for fixing the member to the structural component (8). An axially extending section (4) is positioned within the hollow shaft (3) and has an abutment (5) at its end closer to the head (2). When the nail (9) is driven into the structural component (8) its head (2) contacts the abutment (5) and at least an axially extending part (4) of the section is collapsible to compensate for excess driving energy supplied to the nail whereby it is inserted for variable depths into the structural component (8). The collapsible part (4) of the section prevents compressive forces from exercising any damaging effect on the insulation panels (7).

Abstract: An improved oil filter adapter is provided and consists of a bracket mounted on an engine block of an industrial gas engine. The bracket has an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting with a threaded lower cylindrical mounting portion. The inlet fitting is connected to an inlet hose and the outlet fitting is connected to an outlet hose of the lubrication system of the industrial gas engine. The threaded lower cylindrical mounting portion engages with the threaded aperture in a standard spin-on type motor vehicle oil filter so as to be integrated into the lubrication system of the industrial gas engine.

Abstract: A liveload assembly including an stack guide, compressed belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide and a retainer to hold the compressed washers in the stack guide. A longitudinal slot in the wall of the stack guide permits visual checking of the compression provided by the liveload assembly on the gland follower of the valve or pump. The rotary or reciprocating shaft of a valve or pump is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt securing the gland follower to the stuffing box. A nut is threaded on the bolt until it contacts the washers and the retainer removed.

Abstract: In a reheat system of an aircraft gas turbine engine there is provided a cantilever mounting for a ceramic tubular flameholder 10 on a metal bracket 11, the bracket being provided with a face having an upstanding annular flange 16 adapted to mate with the outer surface 19 of an end portion of the flameholder, there being further provided fastener means 12 adapted to retain the end face of said end portion of the flame holder adjacent and facing said face of the bracket, characterized in that said end portion of the flameholder is provided by a frusto-conical section 27 having first and second surfaces 18, 19 of different angles such that line extensions of each surface coincide at respective imaginary vertices on the axis of the flame holder.

Abstract: A stripline launcher spring washer exerts a constant force between a circuit board and stripline launcher hardware keeping the launcher and all of its hardware tight as the circuit board expands and contracts due to temperature variations. The stripline launcher spring washer has a plurality of slotted screw holes with each slotted screw hole capable of housing an individual screw. Upon expansion of the launcher hardware assembly, the washer provides a clamping force either outside or inside of the plurality of slotted screw holes depending on the washer's embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for attaching a plastic panel and metal mounting strip sub-assembly to an automotive body metal substructure enabling controlled distortion free thermal expansion and contraction of the plastic panel relative to the mounting strip. The attaching arrangement comprises a metal spacing washer having a tubular sleeve portion formed with an integral frusto-conical spring flange. The washer sleeve portion free end extends through an elongated slot in the mounting strip and an aligned circular opening in the panel. A blind breakstem rivet is inserted through the washer bore and upon being set applies a predetermined axial clamping force biasing the washer flange into contact with the mounting strip. The rivet head undersurface may be provided with an annular locking ring adapted to engage the plastic panel out surface.

Abstract: A dynamic bone fixation screw for rejoining fracture fragments of a bone to their approximate original mutual dispositions. It includes a threaded distal end member for threaded engagement with one of the bone fragments and a head member at a proximal end for engagement with another of the bone fragments. A spring member integral with and extending between the distal end member and the head member enables a predetermined torque to be initially imparted to the bone. When stress relaxation in the bone occurs, the spring member relaxes accordingly while continuing to draw the bone fragments together. The bone screw is fabricated in a unique manner.

Abstract: A graduated-load spring washer system for screws and threaded fasteners uses a deflection coil spring of slightly less than one coil with special end configurations for anti-marring. A cross-section of the coil spring is substantially trapezoidal, with the outer periphery thickness being the dimension of the trapezoid base and larger than the inner thickness dimension. When placed under the head of a threaded fastener and flattened upon tightening of the fastener, the device maintains a large tailored preload to prevent loosening even during and after stress relaxation and creep, and eliminates the need for a usual flat washer below the coil to prevent marring. The device also eliminates requirement for use of torque application measuring tools because preload can be determined by sight or tactile sensing.

Abstract: A demountable pin for rotatably connecting together two elements of small axial dimension, consisting of a bolt with a frusto-conical under-head and an inner hexagonal through bore for tightening it by a key. The pin is locked between two frusto-conical flares of the elements by an end nut with a frusto-conical under-head and a washer with a frusto-conical surface of greater taper than the flares. The under-heads of the nut and the bolt cooperate with the flares.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a vehicle utilizing a mounting member including a first surface and opposite second surface. The mounting member also includes a multiplicity of openings of two types. The first type of larger opening fits over an existing lug bolt and nut of the vehicle wheel, while the second type of smaller opening merely fits over the lug bolt. Thus, removal of only certain nuts is required to hold the mounting member to a vehicle wheel. A multiplicity of resilient projections at least partially surround the second group of small openings. The resilient projections permit the normal seating of a lug nut with a lug bolt while employing the ramped portion of the lug nut to hold the mounting member and other wheel accessories to the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An end link for a stabilizer bar, a suspension system for an automobile, or for a motor truck, and a method for assembling the end link. A unitary spool has a tubular body and an annular flange at each end. Two annular washers conform in thickness and outer diameter to the flanges. Four annular grommets made of an elastomeric material conform in shape to each other, each having one end adapted to be snap-fitted over one of the flanges or over one of the washers. A bolt, which has a head and a shank with a threaded end, and a nut, which threads onto the threaded end, are used to assemble the end link from a pre-assembled grommet-spool-grommet subassembly, in which a respective one of the grommets is snap-fitted at its snap-fittable end over each of the flanges of the spool, and two pre-assembled grommet-washer subassemblies, in each of which a respective one of the grommets is snap-fitted at its snap-fittable end over a respective one of the washers.

Abstract: In a washer, a central opening is provided for receiving a screw. This large surface-area washer comprises a flat edge area extending so as to be closed with a convexly curved portion adjoining the latter. The central opening is defined by a wall which is conically shaped or comprises one or more steps. The washer serves to fasten parts to an underlying structure, particularly to fasten single-layer or multiple-layer roofing with insulating material on a fixed underlying structure.

Abstract: A method of wall construction using a compressive fastener for log building construction which acts to continuously maintain pressure between individual logs in a building wall which includes a plurality of logs in stacked configuration. Logs are joined by boring a row of bores in the top log and counterboring each bore as a receptacle for the head of the fastener and a concentric spring assembly, the bores being larger than the shank of the fastener as well as the spring assembly to allow the fasteners to freely vertically expand and contract. Once the bored log is stacked and aligned on the log immediately below it, the fasteners are inserted into the boreholes and driven or tightened until the spring assembly is partially compressed and the fastener heads are below the upper surface of the upper log. The compressive fasteners pull the logs together to overcome long-term shrinkage and the continuous expanding and contracting caused by climatic changes.

Abstract: When an electrical device such as a receptacle switch or the like is fixedly wired into building wiring, it is electrically and mechanically connected to an outlet box inside the wall. The device is fastened to the face of the box by screws. Ordinarily, the opening in the wall for recessing the device has minimal clearance to admit only the device and the device has extending projections that engage the wall surface around the opening so that the device mounts flush with the wall surface. When the opening is oversize, the projections pass through the opening and the workman cannot secure the receptacle firmly and mount it flush with the wall. The invention provides a set of insulated horizontal spacer members mounted parallel to one another and flexibly joined together by flimsy vertical joining elements that are readily broken apart. The workman can break off a portion of the assembly that will provide the necessary total spacing thickness and place it between the projections and the junction box.

Abstract: An improved closet bolt has a generally oval head, a shank including a threaded fastening portion extending from the head and generally concentric with respect thereto, and anti-turn ears or protrusions extending radially outwardly from a portion of the shank between the threaded shank portion and the head, the threaded portion adjacent the anti-turn ears having on opposite sides thereof a plurality of sawtooth or ramp members, the ramps sloping toward the bolt head, and wherein the bolt is constructed of a suitable high strength plastic material. Methods for using the improved closet bolt result in quick and efficient toilet installation, removal and repair.

Abstract: A support and stabilizing apparatus for an electrical outlet box, such as a conventional electrical outlet box having a plurality of side walls and a back wall defining a chamber with an open front and having an access bore formed through at least one of the walls. The support and stabilizing apparatus comprises a stud apparatus having a shaft with forward and rearward opposed ends and generally cylindrical forward and rearward abutment plates secured to the shaft in predetermined spaced apart relationship. The rearward plate is disposed at the rearward end of the shaft, and the forward plate is disposed near and spaced inwardly from the forward end of the shaft so as to create a mounting segment between the forward plate and the forward end of the shaft. A flexible retainer is provided for supporting the mounting segment, to grippingly engage that portion of the mounting segment which projects into the outlet box chamber.

Abstract: A support and stabilizing apparatus for an electrical outlet box, such as a conventional electrical outlet box having a plurality of side walls and a back wall defining a chamber with an open front and having an access bore formed through at least one of the walls, The support and stabilizing apparatus comprises a stud apparatus having a shaft with forward and rearward opposed ends and generally cylindrical forward and rearward abutment plates secured to the shaft in predetermined spaced apart relationship. The rearward plate is disposed at the rearward end of the shaft, and the forward plate is disposed near and spaced inwardly from the forward end of the shaft so as to create a mounting segment between the forward plate and the forward end of the shaft. A flexible retainer is provided for supporting the mounting segment, to grippingly engage that portion of the mounting segment which projects into the outlet box chamber.