Abstract: A flexure having six degrees of freedom is disclosed. The constraint and compliance of the flexure in all six degrees of freedom may be independently tuned for an application. The flexure may include various combinations of sections including, for example, straight arm and curvilinear sections. The constraint and compliance of the flexure is determined by the geometry, cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape, and material used to form the various sections. A coupling mechanism and a corresponding method for using the coupling mechanism for automated or autonomous assembly of elements using tuned flexures is disclosed. The automated or autonomous assembly of elements employs a coupling mechanism having a motor driven grip and a coupler, in which the coupler includes a six degrees of freedom flexure. The motor driven grip and coupler may optionally include electrical or optical interconnections and self-aligning features.

Abstract: Casing of a bearing unit for food applications, made of polymeric material and provided internally with a spherical seat for housing the bearing unit, the casing having a reinforcement in the form of a metal ring co-moulded inside the casing and accommodated around the spherical seat of the casing.

Abstract: A shell arrangement for a fuselage of an aircraft includes a first shell portion extending in a curved manner in a shell peripheral direction and a second shell portion extending in a curved manner in the shell peripheral direction, wherein, in an overlapping portion of the shell arrangement, a first end region of the first shell portion and a second end region of the second shell portion overlap each other in the shell peripheral direction and a first outer face of the first shell portion and a second inner face of the second shell portion are adhesively bonded to each other by an adhesive layer, and wherein an edge of the first shell portion which terminates the first end region with respect to the shell peripheral direction extends in the overlapping portion in an undulating manner in a shell longitudinal direction which extends transversely relative to the shell peripheral direction.

Abstract: A window regulator includes: a carrier piece attached to a window glass; a drive wire connected to the carrier piece to lift and lower the carrier piece; and a wire end connected to the drive wire. The carrier piece has a groove into which the drive wire is inserted, and a housing in which the wire end is housed. The housing has a bottom wall which the wire end engages, a first end wall communicating with the groove, a second end wall opposite the first end wall, an opening on a top side of the carrier piece into which the wire end is insertable, and a top wall. The walls restrict detachment of the wire end from the housing.

Abstract: A window regulator includes: a carrier piece attached to a window glass; a drive wire connected to the carrier piece and configured to lift and lower the carrier piece; and a wire end connected to an end portion of the drive wire. The carrier piece has a wire end housing portion configured to house the wire end, a wire insertion groove communicating with the wire end housing portion, and a wire retaining portion extending at an upper end of the wire insertion groove. The drive wire is routed in the wire insertion groove. An upper side of the wire insertion groove includes an opening which opens in an upper direction crossing a routing direction of the drive wire. The wire retaining portion prevents the drive wire from coming out of the wire insertion groove by contacting the drive wire.

Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to reducing drag on cables towed behind a vessel in a body of water. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a signal source coupled to a survey vessel via a source cable, and the source cable includes a plurality of floats along its length. The floats may in some embodiments allow the source cable to be lifted partially, substantially, or entirely above the surface of the water. Lifting the cable above the surface of the water may in turn decrease the amount of hydrodynamic drag on the cable, reducing the force necessary (e.g., from lateral deflectors on the cable or at the signal source) to tow the source and/or the force necessary to attain a desired lateral position for the signal source. The disclosed techniques may in some embodiments be used to tow such sources at relatively wide lateral separations.

Abstract: A cable end anchorage for fastening at least one cable at a supporting structure includes at least one first connecting element for connection with the supporting structure, at least one second connecting element for connection with the cable and at least one coupling element for connection of the two connecting elements in a force-transmitting manner. In the region of the coupling element, an overload device designed as a predetermined breaking point of the coupling element is provided for unfastening the connection between the two connecting elements when a critical load has been exceeded. A stop device is provided for limiting the relative motion of the connecting elements after unfastening of the connection when a critical load has been exceeded.

Abstract: Load couplings, power trains, and methods for adjusting torsional natural frequencies of power trains are provided. In one embodiment, a load coupling includes a first flange, a second flange, and a shaft extending between the first flange and the second flange. The load coupling further includes an annular ring extending radially outward from one of the first flange, the second flange, or the shaft, the annular ring including a plurality of bore holes defined therein, each of the plurality of bore holes including a first opening. The load coupling further includes a first cap connected within one of the plurality of bore holes proximate the first opening, the first cap deformable such that an interference fit is created with the one of the plurality of bore holes.

Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: A profile connector for the anti-torsion protection of a connection of a first frame leaf profile to a second frame leaf profile in a butt-joint configuration includes a first supporting portion for a torsion-resistant support at the first frame leaf profile and a second supporting portion for the torsion-resistant support at the second frame leaf profile.

Abstract: A process for relieving stresses in an end fitting (14) attached to a body (12) in the form of a longitudinal part such as a tube, with the end fitting including a yoke (18) with two arms (18-1, 18-2), each equipped with a hole (20-1, 20-2) designed to work with a pin (24), is characterized in that a removal of material upstream from each of the holes (20-1, 20-2) is carried out.

Abstract: A positioning device includes first, second and third elements. The first element includes a cross-linked thermoplastic and the second element is non-circular and configured adjacent a first side of the first element, and configured for relative rotation with the first element about an axis. The third element is configured adjacent a second side of the first element. The first, second and third elements are configured such that a first compressive strain amount is induced on the first element while there is no relative rotation between the first and second elements and a second compressive strain amount is induced on the first element while there is relative rotation between the first element and the second element. The second compressive strain amount is at least 3 times higher than the first compressive strain amount.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is used to control stress in the joint.

Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: A load-limiting device is formed from a length of wire with a coil at each end defining eyes by which the device can be connected into a system adapted to be loaded in tension. The coils are of different diameter and the larger diameter coil is adapted to unwind by plastic deformation of the wire when the device is subject to a tensile load of a predetermined magnitude. The use of such devices in a system for deploying a vehicle arresting device across a roadway is also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer system with at least two joining elements, these being produced in particular from plastic, is disclosed. The method includes applying a compensating means, for at least partially compensating for mechanical stresses, to a first joining element, applying a second joining element to the compensating means, for joining together the first and second joining elements, firstly connecting the first joining element to the compensating means and secondly connecting the second joining element to the compensating means. A corresponding multilayer system and a corresponding use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine engine casing. A first casing section is positioned radially outward from a turbine engine. The first casing includes a first flange having an outer end portion, an inner end portion, and a body therebetween. At least a portion of the outer end portion has a partial frusto-conical cross-sectional profile. A second casing section including a second flange is positioned adjacent the first casing section such that a mating surface of the second flange is positioned substantially flush against a first flange mating surface. Each respective mating surface is opposite a respective load-bearing surface. A fastener is inserted through an opening in the first and second flanges to couple casing sections together such that a portion of a load-bearing surface extending over the first flange outer end portion facilitates distributing loading induced therein substantially equally across the load bearing surface.

Abstract: A strain relief apparatus of a probe and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The strain relief apparatus includes an insert part mounted on a probe switch box and having an insertion recess at an inner side thereof, a ferrite core mounted on the insertion recess, and a rubber part provided to the insert part by injection molding. The strain relief apparatus protects a cable of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus from impact exerted on the cable and suppresses influence on a contact point between a probe switch box and the cable by bending of the cable, thereby preventing damage of the cable.

Abstract: Release systems for tensioned lines, which release under a predetermined change in tension; particularly systems for use in towing airfoils for sports and recreational activities coupling the airfoil to a rider.

Abstract: A hull-to-caisson interface connection assembly accommodates high tension loads between the hull and a caisson of a Spar-type platform, while facilitating angular flexing motion and constraining lateral and axial movement. The interface connection assembly includes an annular bearing shoulder at the top end of caisson, and a laminated bearing assembly mounted in the bottom of the hull and defining a passage through which the upper portion of the caisson passes, so that the caisson shoulder seats against the upper end of the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a laminated structure of alternating steel and elastomeric flex elements, bonded to each other to flex together as a unit, rather than sliding relative to each other. The laminated structure of the bearing assembly supports the vertical tensile loads applied by the weight of the caisson on the hull, while also accommodating the angular loads applied between the caisson and the hull.

Abstract: A method of modifying compressive strains in formation of a pipe ring groove (16), in which a differential temperature profile is established across the pipe wall in a narrow bending locus (l3) corresponding to the ring groove position, and the material is bent to form the ring groove. The temperature differential creates a differential in elastic modulus between the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe material, modifying the strain induced in inner concave and outer convex surfaces of the ring groove during the bending step.

Abstract: A pipe connection comprises a connecting piece, a pipe and a clamping ring. The pipe and the clamping ring are made of a material having memory properties. An end of the pipe and the clamping ring have been reversibly expanded co-jointly and firmly and sealingly shrunk to the connecting piece by back shrinkage. Preferably the clamping ring is made from a cross-linked polyolefin by injection molding.

Abstract: A structure is provided between a first columnar structural member and at least a second structural member in which the stress concentration at the fixed end portion of the reinforcing member with the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s) is greatly relaxed. Also, in the case where the reinforcing member is welded, the residual welding stress is relaxed, with the result that the proof stress and the fatigue performance are remarkably improved over the prior art. In the joining structure with the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s), the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s) joined to each other have welded thereto at least a tabular reinforcing member to reinforce the joining of the structural members. The reinforcing member has a U- or V-shaped bent portion along the surface of the structural members and also an opening.

Abstract: A towline fuse device for use in a towing system with a towing vehicle and a towline is provided. The towline fuse device comprises a fuse mechanism for failing at a predetermined level of tensile force, the fuse mechanism mounted between the towing vehicle and the towline wherein the predetermined level of failure of the fuse mechanism is less than the towing ratings of the towing system. The strain energy in the towline is then harmlessly dissipated in the towline fuse device.

Abstract: A system for making and breaking connections between the pin ends of sucker rods and coupling sleeves employs a hydraulically powered system of radially driven gripper heads which are interchangeable to accept different sucker rod sizes. A torqueing system adjacent the gripper head system is also hydraulically driven, employing a pivotally coupled free end on a torque wrench which engages the wrench flat on the sucker rod at its opposite end. The coupling is securely retained without marring the coupling surface while the torque necessary to make or break the connection is applied rapidly and controllably. The system can also be used to advantage in preassemble sucker rods into couplings with precise prestress, using an improved connection design. A sucker rod string can then be assembled readily in the field with invariant optimum prestress conditions at each connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure capable of greatly improving the proof stress and the fatigue property by alleviating the stress concentration and residual stress caused by welding heat at one or both ends of a tabular member. In the present invention, one or both ends 4 of a tabular member 3 such as a reinforcing rib, fixed to the surface of a structural member 1 in the direction of the principal stress of the structural member 1 so as to protrude in the shape of T, is/are bent in a direction deviating from the direction of the principal stress and, by this, the rigidity at the end(s) 4 of the tabular member 3 decreases and the stress concentration is alleviated. It is preferable to bend one or both ends of a tabular member 3 in the shape of an gradual curve and to the extent that each bent end is formed at a right angle to the direction of the principal stress. The tabular member may have the shape of a flat plate, or it may be bent so that it has the shape of U or V as a whole.

Abstract: A fastening device on a support panel, having at least one structural element, is to be designed in such a way that under predefined tightening of the fastening device on the support panel no lasting damage occurs. To achieve this, a holding part of the fastening device has a step at a point of connection with the support panel, and a spacer of the fastening device has a double bushing having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The two sleeves are positioned with respect to each other in such a way that when the fastening device is tightened the inner bushing comes into contact with the step and the indentation of the support panel into the spacer is limited. The fastening device is preferably intended for use in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: An overload indicator apparatus (10) is provided for use in connection with a force generator (12). The force generator is used to apply a force to a load (14), and the overload indicator will indicate if the applied force is greater than a predetermined amount. The overload indicator includes a first support member (16), a second support member (18), and a tensile member (20). The first support member can be connected to the force generator, and the second support member can be connected to the load. The tensile member is positioned between, and in load bearing communication with, the first support member and the second support member, and is adapted to support at least part of the force when the force is less than substantially the predetermined amount. An overload retainer (40) comprises at least one beam (42), the beam having a first end (30) connected to the first support member and a second end (32) connected to the second support member.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism includes an axial space formed in a cylindrical wall of a pulley, and a pin protruding and extending from a back surface of a discharge disc. The pin is inserted into the axial space, and a rubber damper is installed between the inner surface of the axial space and the pin. When torque difference between the pulley and the discharge disc exceeds a threshold, a root portion of the pin is broken to separate the discharge disc from the pulley, thereby interrupting rotation transmission from the pulley to the discharge disc.

Abstract: An overload protection device includes a cup-shaped cap member defining a cavity receiving a cup-shaped yoke member defining a pressurized air chamber receiving a piston having a rounded end surface engaging the cap member. An annular cam member is inserted into the cap member and defines three angularly spaced V-shaped cam surfaces with center seats which receive corresponding steel balls mounted on outwardly projecting ears of the yoke member. A rigid plastic ring is mounted on the yoke member with epoxy and contacts an annular shoulder within the cam member. The yoke member carries a pair of axially adjustable and normally closed electrical contact elements which are opened by an actuator pin projecting from the piston in response to tilting and/or rotation and/or axial movement between the yoke member and cap member.

Abstract: A push rod of a vacuum booster includes an inner rod section, a pipe-shaped outer rod section which is slidably fitted over an outer periphery of a rear portion of the inner rod section and connected to a brake pedal, and a buffer member made of a synthetic resin and fitted over the outer periphery of the inner rod section in front of the outer rod section. Usually, an end face of the outer rod section is retained in a position in which it abuts against a projection of the inner rod section. When an axial compressing force is applied to the push rod upon a collision of an automobile, the end face of the outer rod section slides forwards over and past the projection, while buckling the buffer member. Thus, the pushing-up of the brake pedal toward a vehicle compartment due to the retreating movement of a master cylinder is prevented, and the load applied to a driver's foot is alleviated.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism (1) has a threaded body (12) adapted to establish a threaded coupling when rotated, a housing (2) being rotatable by the application of torque thereto, a thrust member (6) coupling the threaded body (12) and the housing (2) for rotation together until a torque limit is attained, and the thrust member (6) decoupling from the threaded body (12) by displacement of the thrust member (6) against frictional resistance of peaked ridges (16) and a bias by a resilient spring (5).

Abstract: A vibration-tolerant torque limiting fastening lug whereupon tightening of the set-screw produces a parasitic torque at the thread plane defining the set-screw/housing interface. The resultant parasitic torque acts in opposite direction to the installation torque such that the actual torque below the thread plane is less than the installation torque. As a result, the tensile force experienced by the set-screw and which acts against the housing of the lug is reduced.

Abstract: A sacrificial link is disclosed for the shaft of a vehicle-cleaning brush unit, which link is pre-engineered to fail prior to the remainder of the shaft in response to bending forces exerted on the brush by a vehicle, for example. The shaft itself is therefore protected from permanent deformation or breakage, while the sacrificial link is easily removed and replaced with relatively little downtime and expense. In a preferred form the sacrificial link comprises a sacrificial shaft section having socket ends for removable connection to the upper portion of a brush shaft depending from a motor drive unit and the lower portion of the brush shaft connected to the brush, and a center region pre-engineered to fail before the upper and lower brush shaft sections. Novel clamping and release structure associated with the socket ends of the sacrificial shaft section is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deck plank comprised of a wood replacement material. The deck plank includes a top surface, a first leg, and a second leg. The top surface has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first leg is attached to the first end portion, and the second leg is attached to the second end portion. The first leg extends downward from the top surface, and it has a tongue and an outer surface. The tongue has a first limb and a second limb which are joined together to define a recess. The outer surface defines a channel that extends along the tongue. The second leg also extends downward from the top surface, and it has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion define a groove, and the tongue is adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent, substantially similar deck plank.

Abstract: A mechanical load fuse assembly, particularly designed for lifting cables used with helicopters, consists of first and second end assemblies. An axial shear pin is releasably secured between the first and second end assemblies; and this shear pin is calibrated to have a breaking point of a pre-established amount when axial forces are applied to it. A protective sleeve is located over the shear pin between the first and second end assemblies when the shear pin is releasably secured. This protective sleeve has first and second positions of operation. A coil spring is used to normally bias the protective sleeve to the first position. In this position, radially projecting pins on the first and second end assemblies engage corresponding slots on the protective sleeve to prevent relative rotation of the first and second end assemblies relative to one another, so long as the sleeve is in the first position.

Abstract: A flexible corner connector is provided for use in holding frame members of a structure together. The flexible connector includes a first rigid end portion having threaded surfaces adapted for receiving a threaded nut. A second rigid end portion has an enlarged head at a distal end thereof. An elongated flexible member is attached to and extends between the first and second rigid end portions. A spike washer is engageable on the first rigid end portion. The first rigid end portion and spike washer are shaped and configured for mated engagement with one another to prevent rotation of the first rigid end portion. The spike washer has at least two projections outwardly extending for engagement into a frame member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.

Abstract: A bonded composition type railroad brake shoe is disclosed in which the keybridge cavity of the brake shoe backing plate is filled with composition brake lining material for reinforcement and dampening of the keybridge. An insert located in the keybridge cavity comprises a pair of spaced-apart ribs that are upturned from a base plate such that the insert partitions the keybridge cavity. The insert is bonded in place by the composition brake lining material, which is formed with a keyway by the insert. The insert further serves to reinforce the keybridge in conjunction with the composition brake lining material therein.

Abstract: A stress relieving joint for pipe such as risers, tendons, and the like used in floating vessel systems wherein a vessel is subject to heave, pitch, and roll motion caused by wind, currents, and wave action; the pipe passing through a constraint opening in the vessel and connected to the sea floor and subject to bending or rotation at the constraint opening. The joint comprises a sleeve member of selected length with ends at opposite sides of the constraint opening and centralizing annuli or rings at sleeve member ends for providing spaced contact points or areas to distribute bending stresses imparted to the sleeve member at the constraint opening to the pipe at the sleeve member ends. A method of relieving or distributing stress in a pipe at a constraint location.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.

Abstract: Support connections. Support connection are provided between two rolls, with the roll covering of at least one roll being journalled on a carrier via a plurality of support elements as well as being displaceable relative to the carrier along the pressure plane, with support portions that receive the carrier being connected via elongated connection parts, having thickened portions on both ends thereof, with the thickened portions being connected in a form-locking manner with respective recesses of the support parts in a removable manner, with the connection parts, between the thickened portions, in a direction parallel with the pressure plane, being substantially longer than laterally extending with respect thereto and, between the thickened portions, at least one elongated opening being provided therein, with the opening dividing the connection parts in the direction of the roll axis.

Abstract: An improved cross-stiffened panel structure, such as used on bridges, load bearing floors, large haulage containers and dump trucks, is composed of a deck plate to which are attached a plurality of spaced apart stiffening ribs. A plurality of transverse beams, each having a cut-out shaped to fit over the external contour of the stiffening ribs, are welded to the deck plate except at the cut-outs. The cut-outs are dimensioned so that a nominal gap is maintained between the cut-outs and the stiffening ribs. In another embodiment, saddles are fabricated to fit over the stiffening ribs and welded to the deck plate while maintaining a nominal gap between the stiffening ribs and the saddles. The transverse beams cut-outs conform to the contour of the saddles and the transverse beams are welded to the deck plate and the saddles.

Abstract: A structure comprises a first component subject to loading and connected to a second component via a load transmitting member so that the loading exerted by the first component is imposed on the second component. The first component includes a surface secured to a complementary first surface of said load transmitting member and the second component includes a surface secured to a complementary second surface of said load transmitting member. The load transmitting member and the second component are formed of materials having relatively superior and inferior mechanical properties, respectively and the area of said surface of the second component is greater than the area of said surface of the first component. The first component may be an antenna and the second component a radome for a submarine formed of, for example, syntactic foam. The load transmitting member may be formed from fibre-reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device including a flexible metal rod or wire within a flexible tube which can be removably secured through the aligned bores of the pieces. The pieces are held in a fixed longitudinal relationship using the axial tension created by the flexible coupling device while still permitting relative rotation between each of the pieces. The flexible metal rod or wire is secured through various mechanism which include radial angular ridges in the interior of the flexible tube and a retaining post having radial angular ridges that interlock with the ridges in the flexible tube such that, as the post is inserted into the flexible tube, the post ridges and the tube ridges interlock to secure the flexible tube. In addition, radial angular ridges on the exterior of the flexible rod interlock with a retaining post having an interior bore with corresponding radial angular ridges as the flexible rod is inserted into the retaining post.

Abstract: A double steel pipe structural member comprises an external pipe and an internal pipe. The external pipe is provided with a thin steel pipe part and thick steel pipe parts formed at each of the ends of the thin part. The thickness of the thick part is 1.5 to 1.7 times the thickness of the thin part. The internal pipe is disposed so as to overlap not only with the thin part but with the thick part of the external pipe. The internal pipe behaves as a bending resistant pipe against the external pipe so that the external pipe may deform plastically in the longitudinal direction thereof after an axial compressive force exceeds the yield strength of the external pipe. The deformation is axially symmetrical along the outer surface of the internal pipe. A truss structure including the double steel pipe, is prevented from immediately collapsing when a building having the truss structure encounters a big earthquake or the like.

Abstract: A compliancy joint for a robot has six degrees of compliancy freedom and comprises a housing having an inner ring. A float block is movably disposed in the interior of the housing and a plurality of circumferentially arranged pneumatic cylinders on the housing apply force circumferentially to the float block. Sensors are used to detect when the float block is near its compliancy limit and a controller is operatively connected to the sensors and the cylinders for preventing the float block from reaching its compliancy limit. This joint is able to break away from the robot should the robot exceed the device's compliancy limit, preventing damage to the robot and robot end of arm tooling.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve stem locking assembly for releasably locking a threaded fastener relative to a valve stem of a quarter-turn valve such as a ball valve. The assembly includes a handle defining an opening shaped to engage a corresponding shape of the valve stem to preclude relative rotation therebetween while allowing relative motion therebetween along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem. A standard nut engages the handle and is threaded onto the valve stem for movement relative to the valve stem along the axis. A spring biases the nut and the handle into relative rotation resisting engagement with each other. A camming mechanism, defined by the handle and the chamfer of the nut, is biased by the spring to prevent relative rotation therebetween until a desired torque about the axis is applied to the nut relative to the handle.