Abstract: A reusable retainer includes a multi-layered generally annular assembly defining a central opening formed therethrough. The assembly is composed of at least one relatively resilient layer and at least one relatively rigid layer with the said rigid layer being split to allow the assembly to radially expand or bend.

Abstract: A panel coupler for coupling together two facing panels at a predetermined distance from each other by passing a bolt through the panels and tightening a nut on the bolt comprises a panel clamp member having two facing planar portions coupled together by a U-shaped portion, the planar portions being provided with aligned holes through which the bolt is passed, and a cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the edge of the mounting hole of one of the planar portions, the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion being provided with a plurality of axial ribs, and a metal ring pressure fitted on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting two parts, of which one forms a recess and the other a counterpiece which can be pushed into the recess, and, to obtain a simple firm connection without the direction of insertion being fixed, there is on at least one part a coating which consists of granular rigid material and which is attached to a deformable, preferably elastic carrier material. The length of the granular elements is made greater than the distance between the opposing faces of the parts to be connected.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for fastening together overlapping panels made from relatively soft materials, such as fiber reinforced composite materials, substantially without damage to the panels. The fastener comprises a generally tubular fastener body received within the openings of the panels. The fastener body has an enlarged body head for engaging the outer panel, an annular sidewall extending through the panel openings, and an endwall at the inner end of the fastener body. A plug having a tapered inner nose is positioned within the upper region of the fastener body in abutting contact with the body head and contiguous sidewall, and an annular sleeve is positioned within the lower region of the fastener body between the plug and endwall. During setting of the fastener, the sleeve deforms over the tapered nose and laterally expands the contiguous sidewall outwardly into a fully set condition in overlying contact with the outer surface of the inner panel.

Abstract: A fastener comprises composite head and shank portions having an encapsulating metal sheath thereon that is electrically isolated from conductive fibers in the head and shank portions and from an exposed surface of the head portion.

Abstract: A composite rivet comprises an integral mandrel having a collar telescoped thereabout for controlling radial deformation of a head forming portion thereof.

Abstract: A composite rivet comprises a preformed head portion, a shear portion, an integral mandrel extending from said shear portion having an annular recess therein, a deformable plastic locking ring radially aligned with and filling the recess in said mandrel, and a collar telescoped about and radially aligned with said locking ring for controlling deformation thereof.

Abstract: A composite rivet comprises a preformed head portion, a shear portion, an integral mandrel extending from said shear portion having an annular recess therein, a deformable plastic locking ring radially aligned with and filling the recess in said mandrel, and a collar telescoped about and radially aligned with said locking ring for controlling deformation thereof.

Abstract: Composite blind fasteners are disclosed, formed of a woven composite tube and a mandrel mounted within the tube. The mandrel has an encapsulation member mounted at its inner end, e.g., in the form of an O-ring, containing a first reservoir of curable resin and a second reservoir of activator for curing the resin, the two reservoirs being separated by a fracturable membrane. When the mandrel is pulled through the tube, it applies pressure to the O-ring housing the reservoirs, causing fracture of the membrane separating the reservoirs and resulting in mixing of the resin and activator. As the mandrel is pulled, a bulb of the resin mixture is formed against the substrate or structural component, and on curing of the resin, the resulting hard resin bulb locks the fastener in place on the substrate.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for conduits basically has a wall formed with a throughgoing passage extending along an axis and having a radially inwardly directed wall surface. At least one conduit passes axially through the passage. A lining member in the passage receives at least one elastomeric adapter member having an outer surface complementarily radially outwardly engaging the wall surface and an inner surface snugly surrounding and engaging the conduit. A tightening unit has a tightening member that presses the inner and outer surfaces of the adapter member sealingly against the respective conduit and wall surface. One of the members is formed with at least one hollow chamber open radially inward at its inner surface and a mass of material generally fills the chamber. This material reacts endogenetically and emits a fire-inhibiting gas when heated substantially. The bulk of the fire-retarding material is provided in the adapter block.

Abstract: An elongated flexible locking pin having one rounded and one flat end with the pin being made in two semi-cylindrical halves of different diameter and bonded together by a rubber substance which also covers the flat end of the pin and a small portion of the length of the pin adjacent to the flat end.

Abstract: A threaded member made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) obtained by the present invention which is characterized by having at least the threaded portion coated with a crosslinked nylon resin. Accordingly, the surface of the threaded portion is smooth, exhibiting adequate elasticity and fitness, and exhibiting excellent screwing ability to enable the smooth meshing of a nut with a bolt without jolting. Moreover, the threaded member is also excellent in weathering resistance and chemical resistance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reinforced plastic rivet comprising a plurality of substantially continuous carbon fibres encapsulated in a partially polymerized thermoset resin matrix and enveloped in a high tensile strength low modulus tubular sheath. A portion of the rivet is deformable to form a head and fully polymerizable upon heating thereof.

Abstract: An improved steel and neoprene bonded washer having a crowned steel washer with an inner elastomeric washer. The elastomeric washer is adjacent to the concave surface of the crowned washer. The steel washer has a generally flat outer ring and a conical portion extending from the outer ring toward the central opening. The angle of the sides of the conical portion is between 30.degree. and 50.degree. with respect to the flat portion.