| Copyright ZipNut Technology, LLC, 2008 |
News
ZipNut Technology in the News
Secure Future, Spinoff Magazine 1998
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
In the business of space construction, the phrase, "some assembly required" is
commonly heard, just as it is here on Earth. But there is a big difference. Suited
up in heavy pressurized space suits and outfitted with bulky gloves, astronauts
have a tougher job in completing work tasks.
Specifically built to Johnson Space Center requirements, Thread Technology,
Inc. of Sterling, Virginia, developed the ZipNut®, replete with Push-on
Threads®. As the name suggests, this fastener can be pushed on, rather than
turned. Originally developed for the Space Shuttle and space station programs,
the product is now in use by firefighters, nuclear powerplant repair technicians,
and others involved in difficult assembly duties. These quick-connect fasteners
enjoy the flexibility and strength of threads while eliminating their heretofore
inherent weaknesses of slowness and cross-threading.
NASA has adopted the ZipNut® fastener for space walking and robotic
in-space assembly. A tool to apply the fastener was first developed for flight
aboard a Space Shuttle in 1989. It was also adopted for the Space Station in
1992. The attachment technology has been a part of two Hubble Space
Telescope repair and servicing missions, in 1994 and 1997. Zipping on and
zipping off attachment handrails to move delicate Hubble instruments about the
Shuttle's cargo bay were made possible by using the exceptional fasteners.
Once segments of the International Space Station are orbited, astronaut "hard
hats" will be faced with piecing together the various elements. Thread
Technology is supplying ZipNuts® to help assure fast and easy connection of
Space Station hardware. Installation time can be improved since bolts can be
pushed into place rather than having to be turned like conventional nut/bolt
combinations.
There are several benefits and features of Thread Technology fasteners, also
making them ideal for more down-to-Earth applications. Coupling to an existing
threaded part can be done with only a push and twist of up to one full turn.
Wrench tightening is obsolete. Rapid assembly is possible without the need of
starting the thread lead or rotating the male and female parts multiple times.
A patented optional feature of the ZipNut® allows quick removal of fasteners
and connections. A locking system prevents accidental disconnection under
load. For many markets, such as industrial gas filling, this feature reduces
repetitive hand motion problems and virtually doubles the product benefit
without doubling the cost
The Push-on Thread fastener also resists movement under vibration. Adverse
environmental conditions do not degrade product performance, whether
exposed to outer space, contamination, or extreme weather. Lastly, the product
can be fabricated from most materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum,
titanium, brass, and even plastic. There is no material limitation so long as the
material has sufficient strength to bear the specified loads. A fastener can be
designed in a wide range of sizes, such as the one-quarter-inch nut developed
for NASA or a six-inch high pressure water coupling.
ZipNuts® can be found in numbers of settings: Industrial and medical
compressed gas connections; hydrant and water hose fittings; for extracting a
person from a crashed auto, building collapse, cave-in or construction accident;
and in radioactive areas where speed of attachment and removal of threaded
items are a must. Other potential product markets include automotive assembly
and operation such as lugnuts, coaxial and pin connections for electronic
equipment, injection-molded plastic parts for mass assembly, and in high
pressure fluids for fire or dealing with hazardous materials.
Thread Technology envisions ever wider use of the ZipNut® in future years, not
only in space but for Earthbound, in-the-home chores, too. It will be a
"fasten"-ating future, no doubt!
ZipNut® is a registered trademark of Thread Technology, Inc..
Push-on Threads® is a registered trademark of Thread Technology, Inc.
ZipNut Technology in the News
Secure Future, Spinoff Magazine 1998
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
In the business of space construction, the phrase, "some assembly required" is
commonly heard, just as it is here on Earth. But there is a big difference. Suited
up in heavy pressurized space suits and outfitted with bulky gloves, astronauts
have a tougher job in completing work tasks.
Specifically built to Johnson Space Center requirements, Thread Technology,
Inc. of Sterling, Virginia, developed the ZipNut®, replete with Push-on
Threads®. As the name suggests, this fastener can be pushed on, rather than
turned. Originally developed for the Space Shuttle and space station programs,
the product is now in use by firefighters, nuclear powerplant repair technicians,
and others involved in difficult assembly duties. These quick-connect fasteners
enjoy the flexibility and strength of threads while eliminating their heretofore
inherent weaknesses of slowness and cross-threading.
NASA has adopted the ZipNut® fastener for space walking and robotic
in-space assembly. A tool to apply the fastener was first developed for flight
aboard a Space Shuttle in 1989. It was also adopted for the Space Station in
1992. The attachment technology has been a part of two Hubble Space
Telescope repair and servicing missions, in 1994 and 1997. Zipping on and
zipping off attachment handrails to move delicate Hubble instruments about the
Shuttle's cargo bay were made possible by using the exceptional fasteners.
Once segments of the International Space Station are orbited, astronaut "hard
hats" will be faced with piecing together the various elements. Thread
Technology is supplying ZipNuts® to help assure fast and easy connection of
Space Station hardware. Installation time can be improved since bolts can be
pushed into place rather than having to be turned like conventional nut/bolt
combinations.
There are several benefits and features of Thread Technology fasteners, also
making them ideal for more down-to-Earth applications. Coupling to an existing
threaded part can be done with only a push and twist of up to one full turn.
Wrench tightening is obsolete. Rapid assembly is possible without the need of
starting the thread lead or rotating the male and female parts multiple times.
A patented optional feature of the ZipNut® allows quick removal of fasteners
and connections. A locking system prevents accidental disconnection under
load. For many markets, such as industrial gas filling, this feature reduces
repetitive hand motion problems and virtually doubles the product benefit
without doubling the cost
The Push-on Thread fastener also resists movement under vibration. Adverse
environmental conditions do not degrade product performance, whether
exposed to outer space, contamination, or extreme weather. Lastly, the product
can be fabricated from most materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum,
titanium, brass, and even plastic. There is no material limitation so long as the
material has sufficient strength to bear the specified loads. A fastener can be
designed in a wide range of sizes, such as the one-quarter-inch nut developed
for NASA or a six-inch high pressure water coupling.
ZipNuts® can be found in numbers of settings: Industrial and medical
compressed gas connections; hydrant and water hose fittings; for extracting a
person from a crashed auto, building collapse, cave-in or construction accident;
and in radioactive areas where speed of attachment and removal of threaded
items are a must. Other potential product markets include automotive assembly
and operation such as lugnuts, coaxial and pin connections for electronic
equipment, injection-molded plastic parts for mass assembly, and in high
pressure fluids for fire or dealing with hazardous materials.
Thread Technology envisions ever wider use of the ZipNut® in future years, not
only in space but for Earthbound, in-the-home chores, too. It will be a
"fasten"-ating future, no doubt!
ZipNut® is a registered trademark of Thread Technology, Inc..
Push-on Threads® is a registered trademark of Thread Technology, Inc.
ZipNut® fasteners are
unique in that they push on
rather than turn. NASA has
adopted this technology for
space walking and robotic
in-space assembly
unique in that they push on
rather than turn. NASA has
adopted this technology for
space walking and robotic
in-space assembly
ZipNut Technology, LLC
Phone: (703) 442-7339
Toll free: (888) 894-7688
E-mail info@zipnut.com
Phone: (703) 442-7339
Toll free: (888) 894-7688
E-mail info@zipnut.com
ZipNut Technology, LLC
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Return to News Main Page
 |
 |
 |
 |