Abstract: A tie down apparatus that may be utilized for securing an item, such as a safety chain, wherein the tie down apparatus may be used with a hitch mounting system. In one embodiment, the tie down apparatus may include a receiving member, a tie down member, and a locking member. The receiving member may include an opening located there through. The tie down member may include at least one aperture, wherein the locking member may extend therethrough. The locking member may selectively engage the receiving member. The locking member may include a head that engages with a safety chain member positioned on the tie down apparatus to prevent disengagement between the locking member and the receiving member.

Abstract: An automated system for measuring the voltage potential across test coupons, reference cells and metal structures is disclosed. The system may evaluate the amount of cathodic protection that may be applied to the metal structure. The system may automatically take, store and transmit data to a backend system via wireless and/or satellite communication systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a brace for attachment to a launch rail for a projectile for distributing loading of the projectile when supported by the launch rail. A height of the brace can be adjusted to distribute loading. In embodiments, a release mechanism can allow movement of a wear plate during launch of the projectile.

Abstract: A double-reeved lifting device includes a lower reeve block secured to a lifting hook and an upper reeve block, wherein the two reeve blocks include reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between a connected configuration and a disconnected configuration. The reversible connection means include a locking mechanism and a complementary locking structure respectively having at least one striker orifice and a bolt slidably movable and supporting a locking finger adapted to rotatably cooperate with the striker orifice, and respective guide elements cooperating together so as to convert a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks into concomitants slidings and rotations of the bolt.

Abstract: An anchor for anchoring tensile members to bone includes: a housing extending along a central axis, with a hollow interior; a collet in the hollow interior having a central bore for accepting tensile members and an exterior surface, the collet being configured to swage around and against tensile members; a sleeve having a peripheral wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, the sleeve disposed in the housing's hollow interior axially adjacent to the collet, and movable parallel to the central axis between first and second positions; and wherein at least one of the collet exterior surface and the sleeve interior surface is tapered and the sleeve and the collet are arranged so movement of the sleeve from the first position to the second position causes the sleeve interior surface to bear against the collet exterior surface, causing the collet to swage radially inwards around and against one or more tensile members.

Abstract: A clamp for anchoring tensile members includes: a collet having a peripheral wall defining a central bore for accepting tensile members therethrough and an exterior surface, wherein the collet is configured to be swaged around the tensile members, and includes an array of longitudinal grooves defining webs configured to collapse inward in response to external compressive force; a sleeve having a peripheral wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, the sleeve positioned axially adjacent to the collet, so as to be movable parallel to a mutual central axis of the sleeve and the collet, between first and second positions; and wherein the sleeve and the collet are arranged such that movement of the sleeve from the first position to the second position will cause the interior surface of the sleeve to bear against the exterior surface of the collet, causing the collet to swage radially inwards around the tensile members.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring at least two graft ligaments within a longitudinal bone tunnel includes a longitudinal sleeve having at least two ligament-contacting surfaces located in lateral opposition to a sleeve inner lumen. The sleeve is configured for at least partial insertion into the bone tunnel with each graft ligament positioned laterally adjacent a different ligament-contacting surface and at least partially located between the bone tunnel and the sleeve. An actuating member has proximal and distal actuating member ends. An asymmetrically offset profile is defined by the sleeve and/or the actuating member. The asymmetrically offset profile has engagement thresholds. The actuating member is inserted into the sleeve to cause frictional engagement of each graft ligament with both the bone tunnel and at least one ligament-contacting surface, the frictional engagement of each graft ligament being temporally spaced apart from the frictional engagement of at least one other graft ligament.

Abstract: A concrete anchor point system provides for an anchor point, a receptacle for embedding into a concrete structure for removably receiving the anchor point, and a tool for remotely installing the anchor point in the structure, or removing the anchor point from the structure. The receptacle is preferably tapered, and an anchoring end of the anchor point is preferably tapered to match.

Abstract: A bicycle expander basically includes an expander body, an expanding structure and a positioning shoulder. The expander body has a cylindrical shape and being capable of varying an effective diameter thereof. The expanding structure is operatively connected to the expander body to vary the effective diameter of the expander body. The positioning shoulder extends from an axial end portion of the expander body, the positioning shoulder including an abutment protruding a radially outward direction with respect to the expander body.

Abstract: A press-in fastener adapted to join a first component to a second component. The fastener includes a proximal head and a distal base clip portion below the head. The base clip portion includes an axially displaceable post structure and a pair of opposing wings extending in upwardly angled relation away from the travel path defined by the post structure. Collapsible legs engage the wings in operative connection to the post structure. As the fastener is pressed inwardly, upon encountering resistance from the second component, the legs collapse in folded relation as the post structure travels axially between the wings.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring at least two graft ligaments within a longitudinal bone tunnel includes a longitudinal sleeve having at least two radially spaced ligament-contacting surfaces located in lateral opposition to a sleeve inner lumen. The sleeve is configured for at least partial insertion into the bone tunnel with each graft ligament positioned laterally adjacent a different ligament-contacting surface. The graft ligaments are at least partially located between the bone tunnel and the sleeve. An actuating member has longitudinally separated proximal and distal actuating member ends. An asymmetrically offset profile is defined by at least one of the sleeve and the actuating member. The asymmetrically offset profile has a plurality of longitudinally spaced engagement thresholds. The actuating member is inserted longitudinally into the sleeve to cause frictional engagement of each graft ligament with both the bone tunnel and at least one ligament-contacting surface.

Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. A flange of the first component engages a first slot of the rail. The nut has a nut extension extending from the nut and away from the module. The nut extension includes a flange configured to engage a second slot of the rail. The nut also includes a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component. The tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.

Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to flat building panels including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the building component which extends through one of the cover plates and the intermediate support core plate and into a dead end bore formed in the other cover plate. The expansion body includes spreadable clamping elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, the support zone of the expansion body is disposed in radially clamping engagement in the one cover plate and in the dead end bore of the other cover plate.

Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to flat building components including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which is inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for inserting a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the building component which extends through one cover plate and the intermediate support core plate and into a dead end bore of the other cover plate. The expansion body has spreadable engagement elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, one cylinder zone is in contact with the bore wall of the first cover plate, and a wedging zone spreads out the expansion body in the intermediate support core and in the dead end bore of the second cover plate.

Abstract: A dowel for insertion into an opening (12) of a wall (14), in particular on a vehicle body, has a shank section (16) which extends through the opening (12) in an inserted state and a flange (18) adjoined thereto and made of a first material component, and a sealing section (20) made of a second material component. The second material component is a plastic material which expands at an elevated temperature and tightly closes the opening (12) in the expanded state.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. A first chock has first and second outer ramping surfaces. A second chock has an inner ramping surface complementarily corresponding to the first outer ramping surface. A spring member biases the second chock radially inwardly against the first outer ramping surface of the first chock.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. In a preferred embodiment, the expansion bolt includes a center chock having either a convex or a concave outer ramping surface and two outer chocks disposed about the center chock having complementarily concave or convex outer ramping surfaces.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that ties entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. Advantageously, the suturing material between the connective tissue and the bone anchor is secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suturing material around a self-locking wedge block in the anchor, thereby avoiding an eyelet connection which requires a knot and which concentrates stress on a very small portion of the suturing material. Thus, failure rates are greatly decreased over conventional techniques, and the innovative procedures are significantly easier to perform than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A top guide assembly for securing a top guide to a shroud which enables the top guide to be remotely removed without removing any other parts of the shroud or the core support structure is described. In one embodiment, the top guide assembly includes a hanger for being secured in a groove formed in an inner surface of the shroud, and the hanger includes a ledge having a plurality of openings therein. The top guide rests on an upper surface of the ledge. The assembly also includes wedges for being positioned in pockets formed in the top guide and tightly fit between the hanger and the top guide, and threaded studs for extend through respective aligned bores in the wedges and openings in the ledge. A nut and a keeper are engaged to one end of each stud to retain the wedge between the hanger and the top guide grid.

Abstract: An expansion fastener for hardware elements for furniture comprises an externally ribbed anchor (11) in which an insert (13) is fitted, which insert has a cam surface (14) sliding on a corresponding cam surface (15) in the anchor body for causing a radial expansion of the anchor when the insert is moved by pulling means (16). The insert (13) comprises a fitting end (17) extending radially in a region free from the anchor body and is secured to the pulling means to be susceptible of inclination in the extension direction of said end (17). On axial movement towards the expansion position, the insert slides on the cam surface to receive a thrust for inclination and move said end outwardly of the anchor and towards the pulling direction.

Abstract: The apparatus is for engaging a generally cylindrical borehole, and includes first and second chock portions, the first chock portion being generally spherical, the second being a trough-shaped wedge. The wedge-shaped second chock portion has a thinner end and a thicker end, and first and second primary surfaces. The first primary surface is cylindrically convex and dimensioned to seat flush against the wall of the borehole. The second primary surface is shaped as a concave, inclined trough dimensioned to permit the spherical first chock portion to slide freely therewithin. A primary tether affixed to the first chock portion is used to position the apparatus in the borehole, and includes a loop from which a user's body weight or gear may be suspended. A chock control cable operable with a finger pull bar is affixed to and operable to move the second chock portion in the borehole, lateral to the first chock portion. Sheaths protect and separate the primary tether and the chock control cable from one another.

Abstract: A locomotive locket device for disabling the forward/reverse control system of a locomotive or other powered railway vehicle has an axially-expandable plug portion which may be inserted into a keyhole chamber in a locomotive controller. The plug portion comprises upper and lower tubular truncated cylinders having complementary angled faces. When drawn together, the cylinders offset axially from one another, expanding their combined axial diameter. The device may be locked in a closed position.

Abstract: An expansion dowel including an expansion sleeve (2, 22) radially expandable upon being compressed and having a slot (5) extending along an entire axial length of the expansion sleeve (2, 22) and inclined toward an axis (A) of the expansion sleeve (2, 22), with a respective edge region (6, 7) of the slots extending beyond a respective end surface (8, 9) of the expansive sleeve (2, 22) in an unexpanded condition of the sleeve, and an arrangement (2, 52, 53; 51; 23, 24, 25, 26) for retaining the expansion sleeve (2, 22) in its axially compressed and radially expanded condition.

Abstract: A fixing element has a shank having a rear end and a leading end, a holding element arranged on the rear end of clamping an article to a building component, at least one expansion region extending from the leading end in a longitudinal direction for part of a length of the shank. The expansion region is formed by a longitudinal slot with a base surface raising toward the leading end. A expansion member is inserted in the longitudinal slot. The base surface slopes upwardly and ends at an outer circumference of the shank at a distance from the leading end. The expansion member is formed as a wedge with a length substantially corresponding to a lenght of the longitudinal slot and lies on the base surface so as to be displaceable toward the leading end. The wedge has an outer surface provided with roof-shaped teeth which project beyond the shank at least by a part of a height of the teeth.

Abstract: A fastening element for fitting into a drilled hole and a method of fixing a fastening element in a drilled hole are proposed. In the method, an expandable sleeve is fixed in the drilled hole upon drawing of an axially movable anchor, in the direction out of the drilled hole, it being possible for all the elements of the fastening element to consist of plastic.

Abstract: A fixing element has an expansion zone formed by a longitudinal slot having a trapezoidal cross-section and produced by stamping, and an expander member inserted in the longitudinal slot and displaceable therein. On the two sliding surfaces of the longitudinal slot arranged at an angle to one another the expander member rests with its two bearing surfaces, likewise arranged at an angle to one another. The external surface of the expander member provided with teeth of roof-shaped construction projects beyond the shank of the fixing element at least with a part of the height of the teeth. The expander member lying in the longitudinal slot so that it is easily displaceable allows subsequent expansion of the anchored fixing element in the event that the drilled hole widens as a result of cracks forming.

Abstract: An anchor and method for securement into a bore in a medium. The anchor has a first generally hollow cylindrical section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers and a second generally hollow cylindrical section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers. The first and second sections are arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section. The first and second sections are adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, whereby at least some of the fingers move outwardly so as to secure the two sections in the bore in the medium.

Abstract: A printed circuit board wedge assembly having a center section riveted to a printed circuit board. The center section is designed to allow the wedge operating shaft running longitudinally through the wedge assembly to be positioned into the center section opening with no obstructions. A biasing spring is placed through a slot and moved in place along grooves cut into the center section. The spring captivates the operating shaft assembly to the center section and enables all the wedge sections to be aligned.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable mount for heavy duty machinery utilizing three wedges wherein a screw operated actuating wedge is located between upper and lower wedges. All the wedges include engaging cam surfaces obliquely related to the longitudinal direction of relative wedge movement during adjustment, and the range of vertical adjustment is extended, and quickly initially approximated, by providing the upper and lower wedges with longitudinally spaced openings, constituting sets, wherein a nut mounted upon the actuating wedge screw may be selectively positioned within a set of openings to adjust the range of actuating wedge movement while maintaining a relative short length of the actuating wedge screw.

Abstract: A nail-like fixing element has a shank having a rear end and a front end, and a retaining element provided at the rear end of the shank for clamping an article to a component. The shank has at least one expansion zone extending from the front end in a longitudinal direction of a part of a length of the shank and being formed by a free space. An expansion element is inserted in the free space. The space is formed as a U-shaped longitudinal slot with a base which slopes up toward the front end. The expansion element is formed as a wedge which is located in the longitudinal slot on the base so as to be displaceable towards the front end. The wedge has an outer face provided with teeth which project beyond the shank.

Abstract: An expansible bone plug assembly comprises a first member closed by a substantially planar surface at one end thereof, the member having a cylindrical outer surface. A central bore extends through the planar surface, and a plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the first member. A second member is closed by a hemispherical surface at one end thereof, and has a cylindrical outer surface. A plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the second member. The second member fingers are interdigitated with the first member fingers, and bear against the first member and the first member fingers bear against the second member. An axially extensible and retractable compression member extends through the bore and is engaged with the second member for causing the first and second members to be drawn together when the compression member is retracted, so that the fingers of the first and second members are thereby caused to extend radially outwardly.

Abstract: An anchoring device comprises an elongated element (1) introduceable into a hole (10) and means for securing the element against withdrawal from the hole. The securing means comprise at least one part (5, 13, 16) movably connected to the elongated element (1) and adapted to project transversely beyond the periphery of the element to be brought into contact with a wall (12) of the hole. The part is adapted to move, on traction of the element (1) introduced into the hole (10) in a direction out of the hole, relative to the element (1) by means of friction generation against the hole wall (12) while increasing the combined transverse dimension of element (1) and part (5, 13, 16) to the corresponding transverse dimension of the hole and to tend to increase this combined transverse dimension further on continued traction in the element.

Abstract: A two-piece suture anchor is disclosed wherein a barrel-like main portion is provided with a pair of legs in a central opening. A ball-like actuating device is received within the central opening and drawn upward into the device in order to separate the legs and cause the device to expand into the soft cancellous bone of a previously prepared bone site.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for adjusting the position of articles held together by tensioned fasteners such as bolts having a head, a threaded shaft and a nut into which the shaft is threaded includes first and second washer members that are receivable in a stacked array on the bolt shaft between the bolt head and an adjacent surface of one of the articles. Each of the washer members has a diametrically extending semi-cylindrical groove in the surface thereof which faces the other washer member. A cam lever has opposed cam pins of arcuate non-circular cross-section receivable between the washer members within the grooves. Movement of the cam lever to first or second positions thereof will cam the washer members away from or towards each other respectively, thereby applying tension to or releasing tension from the bolt so as to clamp the articles together or release them for movement relative to each other.

Abstract: A tie down fitting adapted to fit within a stake hole in a side wall section of a pickup truck or other structure. The fitting includes a double wedge and heads dimensioned for insertion through the stake hole for engagement within the stake hole sides. A special threaded fastener lifts the double wedge separating the heads and forcing them against the stake hole sides. The fastener is designed to receive several threaded devices or various quick release pins for engagement by a cargo securing line or the like. A number of such fittings enable securement of cargo on the truck bed. When the threaded device or quick release pin is removed the fitting is recessed or hidden from view and does not interfere with other activities of the truck.

Abstract: In the process proposed, tubular struts (3a to 3d) are detachably connected to a column (1) using a connection device, wedge element pairs (5a to 5d) on the connection device being inserted in the struts (3a to 3d) and the wedge elements (23, 24) of the wedge element pairs (5a to 5d) being displaced longitudinally with respect to each other by screws (13, 17a, 17c) which pass through holes (12a to 12d) in the column wall and through a throughbore (11a to 11d) in each wedge element pair (5a to 5d). The wedge elements (23, 24) of each wedge element pair (5a to 5d) are thus pressed against the inside walls of the struts (3a to 3d). The heads (27a to 27d) of the screws are located outside the column (1). The column (1) is reinforced by an internal core (7) and the shape of the end (39) of one (24) of the wedge elements in each pair matches that of the outside wall of the column (1).

Abstract: An improved wedgelock assembly for retaining printed wiring boards in a device. The snap-together wedgelock assembly is made up of a screw assembly and a main wedge. The main wedge having fingers for retaining the screw assembly in place.

Abstract: An improved wedgelock assembly for retaining printed wiring boards in a device. The snap-together wedgelock assembly is made up of a screw assembly and a main wedge. The main wedge having fingers for retaining the screw assembly in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansible fastening device (10) for placement in a hole preformed in a base member for use in attaching a component part to the base using a conventional nut (24) and bolt (26). The fastening device includes a fastener body (12) having two body sections (28a, and 28b). The body sections when positioned together form a central cavity (30) within the fastener body which encloses and retains the nut and a wedge (14). Each longitudinal section includes a fin (16) which extends longitudinally and projects radially outward from the central region of each body section. Further, each body section includes primary and secondary teeth (18 and 20) which extend circumferentially about the outer surface of the sections. In operation the bolt is engaged with the nut and rotated, pushing the wedge from the fastening device. As the wedge is driven away from the nut, the teeth and fins are driven into the base member.

Abstract: A locking wedge apparatus for fastening a printed circuit board within an elongated slot in a rack. The apparatus includes an elongated center wedge having sloped surfaces at its opposite ends and two end wedges abutting against the center wedge's opposite sloped surfaces. A screw interconnects the two end wedges, threadedly engaging a threaded bore in the remote end wedge. A friction nut is positioned on a portion of the screw's remote end that projects beyond the remote end wedge, and the apparatus is configured to include a pair of low-friction, abutting surfaces between the nut and the remote end wedge. This ensures that when the screw is fully loosened, the frictional torque applied to the nut by the end wedge is exceeded by the frictional torque applied to the nut by the screw. Further unthreading of the screw is thereby effectively inhibited.

Abstract: A fixing element which can be keyed in a hole in a solid base has a tie bolt and a key which is movably mounted on a key surface slanting relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tie bolt. There is furthermore provided a power store which is supported on the one hand against an abutment of the tie bolt, and, on the other hand exerts a pressure force onto the key. Provided also is a ring which holds together the tie bolt and the key. In order to ensure with such a fixing element a simple construction and simple possibilities of assembly for a short distance from the base, the power store applies constantly against the key, the inelastic ring in a position in the region of the key surface of the tie bolt clamps the tie bolt and the key against each other under the pressure force of the power store, and the ring in a position behind the key surface holds the key freely movable in longitudinal direction relative to the tie bolt.

Abstract: An expansion dowel assembly is made up of an axially extending dowel body and an expansion member in contacting engagement with the dowel body. The expansion member extends in the axial direction of the dowel body and is formed by a main part and an extension part projecting axially from the main part in the insertion direction of the assembly into a borehole. The cross-sectional area of the extension part transverse to the axial direction is smaller than the adjacent corresponding cross-sectional area of the main part. The extension part is shaped relative to the main part to increase the contact area of the expansion member with the dowel body and to prevent the development of excessively high surface pressures at the front end of the expansion member.

Abstract: A securing device for securing in cavaties and comprising a number of clamping jaws (11), provided under influence of a changeable tension body (21) to expand against opposite wall portions (13) in said cavity. The clamping jaws (11) have engagement surfaces (12) which are forced outwards and tension surfaces provided to cooperate with a tension surface (22) of the tension body. By means of a displacement motion of the clamping jaws relative to the tension body is brought to adjust the clamping jaws between an inner releasing position, and an outer expanded securing position. The device comprises a spring mechanism (4) provided to press the clamping jaws (11) in direction against the tension body (21). Between the clamping jaws and the tension body a distance element (20) is positioned being provided to maintain in its releasing position a predetermined distance between a support surface (19) of each clamping jaw and a surface (23) of said distance element.

Abstract: The invention is an improved anchor for machine bolts and other similar fastening devices in masonry or other materials. The improved anchor consists primarily of a two-piece body structure. When in use the two-piece body structure is arranged for receiving a fastening device, such as a machine bolt or other similar fastener. The two-piece body structure is cylindrical on the exterior thereof with the offset between the first and second of the two pieces of the body structure being a cut or separation through the body structure at an angle to the longitudinal centerline of the two-piece body structure. Each of the two pieces of the two-piece body structure has a plurality of saw tooth-like cuts or serrations on a portion of the exterior surface. The saw tooth-like cuts on the first piece of the two-piece body structure being located 180.degree. from the saw tooth-like cuts on the second piece.

Abstract: A system and support means for creating lateral and compressive forces in and for supporting mine roofs, and particularly in coal mines and the like, where the roofs frequently include, at least in part, layers of rock and shale in overlying strata, and are notoriously weak in tensile and shear strength. A plurality of individual support means or members are inserted vertically into holes bored in the mine roof, and each includes expansion means, operable by bolt means available below the mine roof, to activate the expansion means to thereby create lateral and compressive support forces within the various strata layers, thereby so strengthening the roof structure as to prevent collapse of a mine roof or portions thereof.

Abstract: A wedging device comprises at least two bodies which are movable in relation to each other, namely a first body having two diverging surfaces and a second body which is displaceable relative to the first body along one of its diverging surfaces. A heat-shrinkable casing, made for example from a tape, sheet or film of polymeric material, is arranged around the movable bodies of the device. When the device is heated, the casing shrinks, causing relative displacement between the first and second bodies and a consequent change in the outer dimensions of the device.