7311results about "Friction grip releasable fastenings" patented technology

A disposable apparatus is disclosed for applying latchless surgical clips to body tissue in endoscopic surgical procedures. The latchless clips are resiliently biased to a closed configuration. The apparatus includes a frame which is adapted to be gripped by hand, and an endoscopic section connected to the handle and capable of storing surgical clips in preparation for clipping arteries or other body tissue. The apparatus includes means for advancing each clip sequentially, temporarily opening the clip and advancing the clip further to a pair of distal jaws where the clip is positioned around the body tissue and closes around the tissue. Also included are means for closing the jaws about the clip. When the jaws are closed, the clip advancing means is simultaneously positioned to advance the next clip. The present apparatus also makes it possible to partially close a clip without interfering with the sequential movement of the clip advancing mechanism.

A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.

A mounting assembly for supporting a traffic camera or other traffic control device high above traffic. The assembly includes a conventional camera bracket, a vertical pole of at least two inches in diameter, an adapter for attaching the camera bracket to the top of the pole, and a mounting bracket for attaching the pole to the mast arm or other support. The bracket includes an adapter plate by which the pole can be rotated relative to the support so the camera can be mounted on either a vertical or a horizontal support structure. The bracket also includes a clamp that attaches to the support structure by a three point attachment. This versatile mounting assembly can support a traffic control device 10-15 feet above the mast arm or other support, without significant movement of the pole relative to the bracket or of the bracket relative to the support.

A clamp includes a housing, a fixed gripper, a moveable gripper, a driven member, and an actuator. The housing includes first and second tracks. The fixed gripper is coupled to the housing. The driven member is configured to slide within the first and second tracks of the housing. The moveable gripper is operatively coupled to the driven member. The actuator is configured to move the driven member towards a first position to thereby move the moveable gripper towards the fixed gripper. The actuator is further configured to move the driven member towards a second position to thereby move the moveable gripper away from the fixed gripper.

Compression exerted by a clamp collar integral to a molded plastic flexible shaft coupling accommodating angular shaft misalignment upon the circumferential outward surface of a radially compressible molded sleeve insert located in a shaft bore of the flexible coupling facilitates engagement of a reduced diameter shaft located within the sleeve insert. Use of a sleeve insert having a different internal diameter similarly accommodates flexible coupling to another diameter shaft. Utilization of sleeve inserts selected from a plurality of different reduced internal diameters and exterior diameters sized to fit either shaft bore enables flexible coupling of both multiple matched shaft diameters and an exponential number of differing opposed shaft diameter combinations within a range limited by the flexible coupling shaft bores. Radial compressibility of the sleeve insert is facilitated by the utilization of resilient material, interruption of the circumferential extension by a longitudinal slot, or both. Utilization of congruent longitudinally uniform, radially non-uniform, flexible coupling shaft bore and insert sleeve outward surfaces provides additional torque transmission capacity.

A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a guide member, a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member is pivotally coupled to the guide member and is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.

A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

An apparatus and method for tunneling a distal portion of a multilumen catheter tube in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connector having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a first coupling portion for selective connection to a distal end of the multilumen catheter tube, and the distal end of the connector includes a second coupling portion. A trocar is provided having a first end and a second end. The second end of the trocar is configured for selective connection to the coupling portion of the connector. The connector and the second end of trocar are configured such that they are substantially coaxially aligned with the multilumen catheter tube when the first coupling portion of the connector is selectively joined with the distal end of the multilumen catheter tube and the second end of the trocar is selectively engaged with the second coupling portion of the connector. A method of reverse tunneling a multilumen catheter tube using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

A number of racks which are configured to allow a number of devices to couple thereto are provided. In some embodiments, the racks are for use with a number of medical devices. Devices may be coupled to a rack by clamps. The racks may include a number of connectors which provide power and / or a network connection to devices coupled thereto. The racks may include a clamp which allows the racks to couple to a supporting structure such as a pole.

A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

A traffic signal mounting bracket for mounting a traffic signal on a post. The mounting bracket has a base, a cable, and a traffic signal attachment portion. The base is spaced apart from the post to maintain separation between the back of the base and the post. The cable is secured against rotation in a channel on the back of the base and extends rearwardly from the back of the base to loop around a post and is clamped between the front of the base and clamping blocks releasably attached thereto.

A device for connecting and locking two building boards, in particular floor panels, on their longitudinal sides and / or transverse sides in the horizontal and vertical direction through an essentially vertical joining movement. The building boards have a top side and an underside. On their lateral edges to be connected to one another are provided with profiles corresponding to one another. A locking element with a locking projection is provided in the profile of the first building board. The locking projection interacts with a locking depression provided in the profile of the second building board such that the two building boards are automatically locked in the vertical direction with the joining movement. The locking element is embodied in an essentially rigid manner and the locking projection can be brought into the locking depression through a rotary motion of the locking element.

An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle. In other arrangements, the first bicycle portion comprises a fork assembly and the second bicycle portion comprises a handlebar assembly.

A reclosable strap assembly includes an elongate strap having a first end including a plurality of engaging segments. A clasp includes a frame that defines a frame opening for receiving the first end. Each of the plurality of engaging segments is sized to create an interference fit between the individual engaging segment and the frame when the individual engaging segment is inserted into the frame opening.

A number of racks which are configured to allow a number of devices to couple thereto are provided. In some embodiments, the racks are for use with a number of medical devices. Devices may be coupled to a rack by clamps. The racks may include a number of connectors which provide power and / or a network connection to devices coupled thereto. The racks may include a clamp which allows the racks to couple to a supporting structure such as a pole.

An adjustable accessory mounting clamp for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail, including a primary locking arm; a secondary locking arm; a threaded adjustment rod that is anchored, at a first end, to the primary locking arm, extends through an aperture in the secondary locking arm, and is threadedly coupled to a cam lever pin of a cam lever, wherein the cam lever includes at least one caming surface, such that when the cam lever is in a closed position, the caming surface contacts an outer surface portion of the secondary locking arm to provide tension to the threaded adjustment rod; such that a distance between the primary locking claw and the secondary locking claw is adjusted to accommodate varying width accessory mounting rails.

An adjustable fixation clamp having first and second clamp assemblies positioned about a shaft. The clamp assemblies may each have a pair of vise plates. Each pair of vise plates may define at least two receiving portions and insertion portions intersecting the receiving portions. The receiving portions of one clamp assembly may receive at least two fixation components such as screws, pins or wires. The receiving portions of the other clamp assembly may receive at least one connector such as a rod, bar and / or ring. A biasing structure may be positioned between the first and second clamp assemblies and may allow for the fixation components to be snapped into the receiving portions through the insertion portions. Two or more adjustable fixation clamps may be used to form an external fixation system. At least two screws, pins or wires may be inserted into bone and one of the clamp assemblies may be attached thereto. A guide may be used for insertion of screws, pins or wires into bone. The other clamp assembly may be connected to a rod, bar or ring. Thereafter, the clamp assemblies may be oriented relative to each other and locked in place.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus with which a process cartridge having an electrophotographic photosensitive member is usable, the apparatus includes a transfer member contactable to the photosensitive member to transfer a toner image from the photosensitive member thereonto; a tray for carrying the cartridge, the tray being movable between a contact position in which the photosensitive member is contacted to the transfer member in a state that tray carries the cartridge and a spaced position in which the photosensitive member is spaced from the transfer member in the state that tray carries the cartridge; a supporting member for supporting the tray for movement in a tangent line direction which is parallel with a tangent line between the photosensitive member and the transfer member as seen in an axial direction of the photosensitive member between a first position for positioning the tray at the contact position and a second position which is retracted from the first position away from the transfer member in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the axial direction and to the tangent line and in the tangent line direction to position the tray at the spaced position; a portion to be engaged; an engaging portion provided in the tray and engageable with the portion to be engaged to regulate movement of the tray in the tangent line direction when the tray is at the contact position, wherein the engaging portion is disengaged from the portion to be engaged after the electrophotographic photosensitive member is spaced from the transfer member by movement of the tray in the perpendicular direction in a state of engagement with the portion to be engaged, when the supporting member moves from the first position toward the second position.

A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a guide member, a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member is pivotally coupled to the guide member and is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.

A connecting fastener is provided. The fastener includes a cylindrical base that includes a first end and a second end and a wall. A central bore is defined in the base and an aperture is defined in the wall. At least one projection extends from an inner surface of the wall into the central bore proximate the first end of the base. A cylindrical collar has a first end disposed proximate the second end of the base, defines a central bore and includes a wall that defines a gap in the wall and a central bore. A shoulder is connected to and extends between the second end of the base and the first end of the collar along at least a portion of the respective circumferences of the base and the collar. A method of connecting tubing is also provided.

A lock that includes a wedge that is used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge can be used with a spool. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and / or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.

A coupling arrangement for securing two separable components in an excavating operation includes a wear component, a base component and a lock. The lock has a body having a configuration adapted to be received in a hole in the base component, and a rotatable locking member. The locking member includes a flange that is movable between a locking position wherein the flange holds the lock in the assembly and a release position wherein the flange permits the lock to be removed from the assembly. In the release position, the flange sets within the axial extension of the outline of the body. In the locking position, at least part of the flange sets outside the axial extension of the outline of the body. In one construction, the rotation of the locking member to the locking position tightens the fit of the wear component on the base component.

A mounting system for photovoltaic solar panels providing support for different sized panels, and / or panels having mounting holes located in different locations. A universal panel clamp includes at least one elongated hole or slot to attach to a mounting hole on a solar panel frame. A clamp is attached to an upper hole, and a second clamp is attached to a lower mounting hole. The upper clamps are attached to an upper lateral support member, and the lower clamps are attached to a lower lateral support member. This assembly may be supported by A-shaped support members having adjustable tilt arms, or posts with specially configured brackets.

The present invention relates to a wear assembly, as well as to the different components thereof, which comprises a wear member or tooth and an adaptor member or tooth bar for wear applications in a machine for moving materials such as earth and stones.The invention contemplates a wear assembly and particularly a coupling system between the different components to one another by means of a characteristic coupling system and at least one retention system assuring the coupling and anchor between the different components, specifically between the wear member and adaptor, the latter in turn being joined to the blade of a bucket or scoop of a machine for moving materials, such as an excavator or the like.

A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.