A fastener system is provided that attaches a connector or other upper member to a lower structural member such as a post or beam. The improved fastener consists of a fastener having an extending shank that is driven into a lower structural member and the fastener is received by a washer that also has an extending tube, and the extending tube of the washer is received by the connector or upper member and is also, preferably received in the structural member.

A removable protective cover for engines and/or transmissions includes a central portion and a flexible peripheral flange that extends transversely from the central portion. The peripheral flange includes an engagement surface formed by a groove or other suitable feature on an inner side of the peripheral flange. A plurality of teardrop shaped washers or retainers have protruding portions that engage the groove to removably retain the cover on the engine. At least a portion of the peripheral flange comprises an elastomeric material such that the removable cover can be installed and removed by flexing the peripheral flange to cause the teardrop shaped washers to engage and disengage the groove.

A removable protective cover for engines and/or transmissions includes a central portion and a flexible peripheral flange that extends transversely from the central portion. The peripheral flange includes an engagement surface formed by a groove or other suitable feature on an inner side of the peripheral flange. A plurality of teardrop shaped washers or retainers have protruding portions that engage the groove to removably retain the cover on the engine. At least a portion of the peripheral flange comprises an elastomeric material such that the removable cover can be installed and removed by flexing the peripheral flange to cause the teardrop shaped washers to engage and disengage the groove.

A fastener having threads includes a main body including a head portion and a thread portion having the threads, a sensor mounted on the main body and configured to detect orientation of the fastener, and a wireless module mounted on the main body and configured to transmit data indicating the detected orientation through a wireless signal.

A fastener having threads includes a main body including a head portion and a thread portion having the threads, a sensor mounted on the main body and configured to detect orientation of the fastener, and a wireless module mounted on the main body and configured to transmit data indicating the detected orientation through a wireless signal.

The invention relates to a two-steel screw comprising a top part and a cutting part, the top part consisting of a corrosion-resistant material and having a screw head and a shank portion, and the cutting part consisting of a hardenable material, the top part being permanently connected to the cutting part in the region of the shank portion by way of impact extrusion.

The invention relates to a two-steel screw comprising a top part and a cutting part, the top part consisting of a corrosion-resistant material and having a screw head and a shank portion, and the cutting part consisting of a hardenable material, the top part being permanently connected to the cutting part in the region of the shank portion by way of impact extrusion.

A screw includes a barrel-shaped central pin is surrounded by a cylindrical bore having a conical bottom. The cylindrical insert is seated in the cylindrical bore. The top surface of the central pin is lowered below the top surface of the head. The walls of the pin (4) are convex towards the insert. Manufacturing the screw includes producing the threaded part with the head with the cylindrical recess with the cone-shaped bottom. The cylindrical insert terminates at one end with a bevel with an inclination angle of =10-30. The insert is introduced into the cylindrical recess. The upper part of the insert protruding from head of the screw is pre-shaped. The pin is upset using an appropriate tool and simultaneously the top surface of the pin is lowered below the top surface of the head.

A screw includes a barrel-shaped central pin is surrounded by a cylindrical bore having a conical bottom. The cylindrical insert is seated in the cylindrical bore. The top surface of the central pin is lowered below the top surface of the head. The walls of the pin (4) are convex towards the insert. Manufacturing the screw includes producing the threaded part with the head with the cylindrical recess with the cone-shaped bottom. The cylindrical insert terminates at one end with a bevel with an inclination angle of =10-30. The insert is introduced into the cylindrical recess. The upper part of the insert protruding from head of the screw is pre-shaped. The pin is upset using an appropriate tool and simultaneously the top surface of the pin is lowered below the top surface of the head.

Ties, and related methods, for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The tie includes features that allow it to readily be either axially pushed through the insulating layer (e.g., by hand), or screwed through the insulating layer, (e.g., using a powered tool such as a drill). Thus, a tie of a single configuration is provided which is suitable for both methods of installation. The tie may include discontinuous helical ribs including limited prominence so as to not interfere with the ability to axially push the tie into the insulating layer by hand, yet, the ribs are prominent enough to catch the insulating layer as the tie is drilled in, helping it to screw into the insulating layer.