A method of producing a sealed structural joint between two components (23, 24) and such a sealed joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of sealant (27) to the first component (23), applying liquid shim (28) to the second component (24), inserting an intermediate layer (29) between the sealant (27) and the liquid shim (28), the intermediate layer (29) having a series of raised structural features (31) to engage the first component (23). The features (31) are positioned to allow the sealant (27) to extend across the joint between the raised features (31) to form a continuous seal. The joint is then closed and cure of the liquid shim (28) and sealant (27) takes place to solidify the shim (28) to the desired thickness within the joint.

Disclosed is a space saving, heat-damage reducing, mess-avoiding hanging apparatus for cookware or bakeware closures and related methods. In use, the apparatus may be (a) contained within cookware/bakeware while the closure or lid is closing the cookware/bakeware or (b) used to hang the closure or lid on to the bakeware/cookware in a handle-out orientation via laying the hook of the apparatus over a lip or edge of the cookware or bakeware.

A faucet assembly device which includes an adapter having a bolt with an axially extending internally threaded bore, and an anchor tab which extends axially from the bolt and includes a radially extending protrusion is disclosed. The adapter is configured to rotatably mechanically couple to an outer surface of a faucet fixture and mount the faucet fixture through a hole in a barrier such as a countertop or sink from a faucet side of the barrier so that the anchor tab may hold the faucet fixture securely on the barrier. The device may also include an alignment tool which allows measurement of a thickness of the barrier and provides alignment of the adapter on the faucet fixture at a position corresponding to the thickness of the barrier. Also disclosed are kits which include the adapter and alignment tool, and methods of use of the devices and kits.

A fluid control system may include a fluid conduit defining a fluid passage, and a fluid metering assembly in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The fluid metering assembly may include a metering valve rotatably secured within an internal chamber. An actuator may be coupled to the metering valve. A control unit may be coupled to the actuator. The control unit is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the metering valve between an open position in which fluid flows through the fluid passage and a closed position in which the fluid is prevented from flowing through the fluid passage. The control unit is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the metering valve into a pressure relief position beyond the closed position that is configured to allow a reduced portion of the fluid to flow through the fluid passage.

A self-piercing rivet includes a barrel having a cutting edge formed on an insertion tip and a head is formed on an opposite end of the barrel from the insertion tip. The head includes a concave inner surface, or a recess, that includes a peripheral edge radially aligned outboard of a cylindrical outer surface of the barrel adjacent the head. An assembly is disclosed that includes at least two panels that are joined by one or more self-piercing rivets that include a head provided having a concave inner surface. A peripheral edge is configured to form a contact ring that has continuous contact with the outer surface of the first panel to form a closed arcuate recess between the barrel and the periphery of the head.

Methods and blind fasteners with EME protection are provided. A blind fastener comprises a shank having a bulb forming portion; a head; and an electromagnetic effects (EME) protection sealant positioned on at least one of the bulb forming portion of the shank or under the head.

A connection assembly adapted to join a surface element to an underlying support structure while maintaining a substantially zero gap abutting relation between the surface element and the support structure. The connection assembly includes a press-in retainer with a circumferential seal having a sealing foot. The sealing foot flexes about a living hinge while maintaining continuous sliding contact with the support panel without interfering with downward movement of the retainer.

Insert to be crimped on a support, including a body having: a shank extending along a longitudinal axis and including a crimping section configured to deform into a crimping bead to crimp the insert on the support, and a flange presenting a surface facing the crimping section and extending along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the flange having a constant thickness and presenting a fold forming a groove situated on the surface and designed to receive a seal.

A blind rivet having sealing and water-tightness features. The blind rivet is fastenable to a member having an opening and includes a rivet body and mandrel. The rivet body has a flange having a large diameter, a taper portion which is adjacent the flange and a sleeve which extends along the axial direction from the taper portion. A hole having a bottom is formed from the surface of the flange to the bottom of the sleeve. The mandrel has a head. The head of the mandrel is disposed at the bottom portion of the hole. A thick portion is formed at a portion of the sleeve, and thus the head is irremovably held in the hole. The mandrel is pulled, the sleeve is enlarged, and a substrate is sealed between the enlarged portion and the flange. A sealing structure using the blind rivet is also provided.

A faucet assembly device which includes an adapter having a bolt with an axially extending internally threaded bore, and an anchor tab which extends axially from the bolt and includes a radially extending protrusion is disclosed. The adapter is configured to rotatably mechanically couple to an outer surface of a faucet fixture and mount the faucet fixture through a hole in a barrier such as a countertop or sink from a faucet side of the barrier so that the anchor tab may hold the faucet fixture securely on the barrier. The device may also include an alignment tool which allows measurement of a thickness of the barrier and provides alignment of the adapter on the faucet fixture at a position corresponding to the thickness of the barrier. Also disclosed are kits which include the adapter and alignment tool, and methods of use of the devices and kits.