An apparatus for binding to a select surface and a method of use thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a body, a flexible member, and a recess. The body has a proximal surface configured with a fluid port. The flexible member has a cavity therein and is operatively coupled to the body to form a seal with the body. The flexible member is configured to expand responsive to an expansive pressure within the cavity. The recess is formed by the proximal surface and the flexible member. The fluid port is configured to facilitate generation of a binding pressure within the recess.

A tool coupler for use in coupling a tool to a machine may have a frame with a first end receivable within the tool and a second end located opposite the first end. The tool coupler may also have a hydraulic cylinder pinned to the second end of the frame, and a wedge member pivotally connected to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to pass through the second end of the frame and selectively engage the tool. Engagement of the wedge member with the tool may inhibit disconnect of the first end of the frame from the tool.

A remotely controllable fastening device for the detachable connection of components has a longitudinal axis and at least one fastening body for insertion into a fastening base, wherein the fastening body has an anchor which is insertable into the fastening base, wherein, for the form-closing and/or frictional anchoring of the fastening device in the fastening base, the anchor is moveable in at least a first direction, and wherein, for the disengaging of the fastening device, the anchor is respectively moveable in a second direction which is contrary to the first direction, and wherein the anchor is connected with a drive which is remote operatable and which is provided for operation with a fluid and which is internally arranged, the anchor being moveable by the drive in at least the second direction.

Workpieces that generate pressure by an extrusion media (6, 6a) and are deformed in this way for the secure connection of components (7, 8). In particular, an extrusion billet which comprises an extrudable material or material mixture in the interior thereof, which can be reversibly compressed by a compression die (4) penetrating into the material, such that billet can expand in diameter by increasing the internal pressure in the billet, which leads to a very secure, but reversible press fitting of the different types of components to be connected, in particular of shaft-hub connections for mechanical engineering.

A system for changing work tools on a loading crane includes a first coupling member on the work tool side or the loading crane side with a receiving opening and a second coupling member on the loading crane side or the work tool side with a guide member extending along a longitudinal axis. The guide member engages in the receiving opening by moving the first and second coupling members toward each other. The first coupling member comprises a support surface for axially abutting the second coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a bearing surface complementary to the support surface and a locking element which is movable by a drive between disengaged and engaged positions. The locking element has a clamping surface for frictionally abutting the first coupling member and the first coupling member has an abutment surface complementary to the clamping surface for zero-play axial clamping of the first and second coupling members.

A ball-lock type fastening device for connecting a work piece to a structure is disclosed. The fastening device includes a number of features designed to improve the reliability, repeatability and strength of the locking mechanism compared to traditional ball-lock fasteners. The features include the shape of the locking balls, the shape of the retention housing which engages the locking balls, and mechanisms for controlling deployment and retraction of the locking balls.

A fluid-actuated fastening device comprises a housing including a housing body defining a fluid cavity and a fluid port. The fluid port places the fluid cavity in selective communication with an outside fluid source. A telescoping mast assembly includes a mast sleeve. A spindle has longitudinally spaced inner and outer spindle ends separated by a longitudinally oriented spindle body. The spindle body is at least partially located within the mast sleeve for telescoping longitudinal movement with respect thereto to transform the mast assembly between compressed and expanded mast states. At least one disc spring is located substantially within the fluid cavity. Introduction of pressurized fluid into the fluid cavity via the fluid port causes at least one of travel of the disc spring between flexed and relaxed spring states and translational movement of the mast between the compressed and expanded mast states.

A quick coupler and methods of coupling and decoupling a quick coupler and work tool are disclosed. The quick coupler includes a frame, cylinder, primary blocking member, secondary blocking member, biasing member, and controller. The method of coupling includes activating an AUTOMATIC LOCKING state, automatically locking a second tool pin within a hook, a first tool pin entering a notch, and activating a LOCKED state. The method of decoupling includes activating the AUTOMATIC LOCKING state, resting the work tool on a surface, activating an UNLOCKED state, and separating the quick coupler and work tool. Advantageously, the quick coupler can automatically lock the second tool pin without actuation of the cylinder.

A ball-lock type fastening device for connecting a work piece to a structure is disclosed. The fastening device includes a number of features designed to improve the reliability, repeatability and strength of the locking mechanism compared to traditional ball-lock fasteners. The features include the shape of the locking balls, the shape of the retention housing which engages the locking balls, and mechanisms for controlling deployment and retraction of the locking balls.

A friction connecting means includes a receiving element and engagement elements. The receiving element has a pressure pocket provided with a carbon fiber composite material layer.