A contact carrier includes a carrier body receiving a plurality of contacts and a fastening element fastening the carrier body to a carrier element. The fastening element includes a first clamping element connected to the carrier body, a second clamping element formed on the carrier body in a shiftable manner and opposite the first clamping element, and a locking device locking the second clamping element in a position relative to the first clamping element. A distance between the first clamping element and the second clamping element can be varied by a relative movement of the second clamping element in relation to the first clamping element. The first clamping element and the second clamping element, by the locking device, exert a clamping force onto the carrier element arranged between the first clamping element and the second clamping element to hold the carrier element.

An alignment tie rod device for connecting multiple components from generally opposite directions includes a shaft extending along a centerline. A first structure of the device includes opposing first and second rims and a base portion spanning between the rims. The base portion and rims define a channel that extends substantially normal to the centerline. A hole in the base portion is centered between the rims and communicates through the base portion for receipt of the shaft. An anti-rotation feature disposed operably within the channel is rigidly engaged to and projects radially outward from the shaft in diametrically opposed direction. The feature has diametrically opposite, arcuate, edges each having a radius of curvature that is substantially greater than a distance measured between the rims.

An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container, a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening, a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.

An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container, a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening, a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.

An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container; a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening; a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.

An alignment tie rod device for connecting multiple components from generally opposite directions includes a shaft extending along a centerline. A first structure of the device includes opposing first and second rims and a base portion spanning between the rims. The base portion and rims define a channel that extends substantially normal to the centerline. A hole in the base portion is centered between the rims and communicates through the base portion for receipt of the shaft. An anti-rotation feature disposed operably within the channel is rigidly engaged to and projects radially outward from the shaft in diametrically opposed direction. The feature has diametrically opposite, arcuate, edges each having a radius of curvature that is substantially greater than a distance measured between the rims.

The present invention relates to, in a first aspect, a fixing device comprising an anchor element that is positioned along an axis, the anchor element extending substantially perpendicular thereto, a rotating element arranged perpendicular to and rotatable about the axis, and spaced therealong from the anchor element, and a deployment mechanism, comprising a first deployment portion on the anchor element and a second deployment portion on the rotating element, wherein one of the first and second deployment portions comprise a sloping surface extending at least partway around the axis, and the other is shaped to be able to roll, slide or otherwise move along the sloping surface, the anchor element and rotating element are able to move towards one another along the axis, and the deployment mechanism is adapted to convert movement of the anchor element and rotating element towards one another into helical movement in a first-handed direction along and about the axis. Also provided are a fixing device for fixing an article to a structure, a system comprising a fixing or fastening device, and a method of using a fixing device.

A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.

A clamp assembly for supporting multiple elongate rails in a rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.

A clamp connector includes a first clamping member configured to apply a clamping force to a material, the first clamping member having a first portion including a first and second cam surfaces, a first cammed body adjacent the first cam surface, and a second cammed body adjacent the second cam surface. A second clamping member is configured to apply a clamping force to the material. The second clamping member having a second portion including a third and fourth cam surfaces, a third cammed body adjacent the third cam surface, and a fourth cammed body adjacent the fourth cam surface. When each cam surface is forced against the adjacent cammed body a clamping force between the first clamping member and the second clamping member is increased.