|
|
 |
Naval Hovercrafts Specify Improved Fasteners
Newly developed system is described as vibration-proof, reduces downtime
Hauppauge, New York – November 3, 2008 --(Doug Smock, Contributing Editor -- Design News)--
The U.S. Navy is using a new vibration-proof fastening system designed to dramatically reduce maintenance and improve performance of its Hovercraft, also known as the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC).
The ship is used by the U.S. Marine Corps to transport supplies, vehicles and troops to the shore from a Wasp class assault ship or other amphibious vessel. They can travel at up to 40 knots (46 mph) and can be mounted with two machine gun emplacements and 40 mm grenade launchers.
They have been slowed in the past by damage to 100 rubber-pleated skirt pieces that fit to their lower portion. The previously used fasteners had to be removed with bolt cutters. Additionally, a 2-ft section had to be replaced even though only front sections were torn. “It is a very time-consuming and laborious task for the Navy personnel and requires them to climb under the Hovercraft,” says Loren J. Ball, CEO of Permanent Technologies of Hauppauge, NY.
In the new design, a replaceable rubber section in the front of the pleat is attached with 22 Tine-Lok fasteners that can be removed with regular tools. “The time savings is huge and they believe that the skirts will be repaired more often since it is not a major production as in the past,” says Ball. Each Hovercraft will use 7,000 to 10,000 Tine-Lok Fasteners.
The Tine-Lok nut has one or more tines that work in conjunction with longitudinal bolt thread channels to prevent counter rotation and loosening. The number of nut tines and the number of bolt channel locks vary based on vendor specifications. They can be made from many different metals, ranging from stainless steel to proprietary alloys. The Navy asked Ball to explore the feasibility of meeting specifications with a molded plastic version.
About Permanent Technologies, Inc.
Permanent Technologies is the inventor and manufacturer of the award winning TineLok Fastening System -- a family of fasteners that are designed to hold tight in the most demanding, extreme and harshest conditions, environments and applications.
The TineLok Fastening System's vibration-proof, self-locking technology is an affordable alternative to traditional fasteners when increased safety, reliability, operating life and reduced maintenance is desired or required.
The Company has been granted numerous patents both in the U.S. and internationally for the TineLok technology. For more information please visit www.TineLok.com.
Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains certain "forward-looking" statements, as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The Company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company. They include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to develop operations, the Company's ability to consummate and complete an acquisition, the Company's access to future capital, the successful integration of acquired companies, government regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the effect of adverse publicity, litigation, competition, sales and other factors that may be identified from time to time in the Company's public announcements.
This press release is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
|
|
|
|