A method of closing a spatial gap between a first mating surface of a first snap locking feature defined by a first part and a second mating surface of a second snap locking feature defined by a second part. This method includes the steps of attaching the first and second parts to one another by sliding the first and second snap locking features over one another until the first mating surface is proximate the second mating surface and deforming a portion of the first part to fabricate a protrusion that contacts the second part and urges the second part in a direction effective to place the first and second mating surfaces into direct contact with one another.

An automated tool change assembly and method for automatically coupling a robotic end effector to a robotic manipulator. The automated tool change assembly of the present invention provides first and second light-weight mechanical joint members for automated coupling to provide a rigid connection that can include an electrical connection to pass power and signals between the end effector and the manipulator. The connection can also have full pass-through mechanical power. The assembly also includes a tool station for docking an end effector. The tool station can also provide a platform to align tools with manipulators in forming the automatic connection between joint members. The tool station also provides a release bar for manually releasing end effectors from manipulators. Software scripts can connect and disconnect the tool change assembly remotely when attached to a robot.

A drive shaft coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine wherein high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, wherein the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and wherein a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.

A fixing device of a first barrier-reinforcing member for supporting first and second corrugated portions that are formed in a first barrier to cross each other in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank including a heat-insulating board and a first barrier positioned thereon and forming an inner wall, includes: a fixing bracket including a coupling portion fixedly inserted in insertion grooves formed under lateral sides of a crossing portion where the first and second corrugated portions cross, and a body coupled to one side of the coupling portion; and a first fastening member for fastening an impact-absorbing plate between the heat-insulating board and the first barrier with the other side of the body. The reinforcing member is fixed to inner sides of the first and second corrugated portions by the impact-absorbing plate.

An asymmetrical-force connector system includes a socket having a longitudinally-oriented shaft bore defining a bore axis. A spring-receiving cavity is coaxial with the bore axis and extends laterally around the shaft bore. The spring-receiving cavity has an inner circumference that is open to the shaft bore. A toroidal canted coil spring is located at least partially within the spring-receiving cavity. The toroidal canted coil spring has an inner spring circumference. A connector pin including a maximum shaft circumference is configured for selective sliding insertion into the shaft bore longitudinally from the front housing face. A v-groove extends laterally inward from the maximum shaft circumference toward the pin axis and defines a minimum shaft circumference. The connector pin is located in a maintenance position within the shaft bore when at least a portion of the toroidal canted coil spring laterally extends into the v-groove beyond the maximum shaft circumference.

A quick-release adapter consists of a top unit and a base unit. The top unit has a downwardly-extending cylindrical hub with multiple lobes extending radially outward from the hub. The lobes each have an inclined upper surface and a flat, horizontal lower surface. The base unit has a cavity that is sized and shaped to match the lower portion of the top unit, with multiple lobe-shaped openings and side walls with inclined upper surfaces that match the incline of the upper surfaces of the lobes. A detent plunger protrudes through the lower surface of the cavity at a location that is 45 offset from the center of one of the lobe-shaped openings. In operation, the top unit is aligned with the base unit so that the lobes of the top unit are aligned with the lobe-shaped openings. The top unit is then inserted into the base unit so that the lower surface of one of the lobes depresses the detent plunger. The top unit is then rotated until the detent plunger engages the recess in the lower surface of one of the lobes. This locks the top unit from further rotation. A tension screw is then tightened so that it bears on the inclined surface of one of the lobes. The tension screw, acting in cooperation with the inclined surfaces of the lobes, forces the top unit down and away from the tension screw, thereby eliminating any potential backlash.

A drive shaft coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine wherein high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, wherein the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and wherein a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.

A safety pin locking device for workpiece turnover includes a safety pin, a triangular lock plate, an elastic positioning pin, and a lockset. The safety pin is configured to be inserted into a base and an overturnable workpiece to lock an angle of the overturnable workpiece relative to the base. A first corner end of the triangular lock plate is connected to an axial surface of the safety pin by a fastener, and the triangular lock plate can rotate around the fastener. The elastic positioning pin is mounted at a second corner end of the triangular lock plate and is configured to be inserted into positioning counterbores at two different positions on the axial surface of the safety pin to limit a position of the triangular lock plate. The lockset is mounted at a third corner end of the triangular lock plate.

A joint for a housing for electrical components has a series of extruded panels connected edge to edge. The first edge includes a slot defined by an inner wall and an outer wall and the second edge includes a blade inserted into the slot, the blade and the flexible wall including cooperating shoulders. The blade and slot are at an angle to the outer surface where a rib engages into an outer recess to seal the outer surface at the joint. A bridging member spans the joint to prevent spreading, while locking the flexible wall and carrying internal components. The housing can form a post or a receptacle on top of the post. The bridging members connect to end plates by screws extending though the plates so as to form an internal structure for the housing. Some of the connected panels can include cooling fins forming a cooling duct.

Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically. A panel system including a plurality of rectangular panels with long and short edges which are mechanically connectable to each other along at least one pair of adjacent edges, said panels each being provided with a tongue and groove formed in one piece with the panels for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to the principal plane of the panels, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, said panels being provided with a first locking element at one first edge formed in one piece with the panel and a locking groove at an opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side or a front side of the panel.