Abstract: A self-locking retaining ring can include a first turn of flat metal comprising a dimple; and a second turn of flat metal formed over the first turn. A slot is formed within the second turn and is adapted such that the dimple resides within the slot.

Abstract: A locking device for securing and positioning an object when it is strung on a line by a through-hole of the object. The locking device includes an elongated shaft defining a partial cavity formed therein. The elongated shaft or a deepest portion of the partial cavity or both is tapered relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The partial cavity extends along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the deepest portion of the partial cavity and the exterior surface of the elongated shaft forms a tapering angle. The locking device is inserted into through-hole of the object such that the rope or line fits into the partial cavity. Pressure may be applied to put the locking device into the through-hole such that there is no movement between the object and the line; thus securely positioning the object on the line. The locking device may be used to securely position a through-hole type boat fender on a line.

Abstract: A spotting device for use during exercise routines is provided where a linear motor includes a forcer that travels along a magnetic shaft to provide a resistance force in response to a force generated by a weight in order to provide assistance and safety to a user performing the exercise routine.

Abstract: Exercise machines and linear motor systems for use in exercise machines are provided herein, where the linear motor provides a resistance force in response to a force generated by a user performing an exercise. The linear motor systems include a programmable logic and force generation control system, which is programmable to control the resistance provided by the linear motor.

Abstract: A retaining ring installation tool for use in installing retaining rings onto shafts and into bores is formed from a single piece of metal to define a cylindrical, elongated body. A hollow cavity is formed in one end of the body and the wall of the body that defines the cavity is slotted to form a plurality of individual, flexible spring contact arms or fingers which extend forwardly from a rear body portion and which collectively define an insertion end of the tool. The ends of the fingers are enlarged to ensure contact occurs between the tool and the retaining ring during the installation of the ring onto a shaft or into a bore. The contact arms are bent either radially inwardly or outwardly so that they will contact the retaining ring at all times during installation of the ring.

Abstract: A compression wave spring assembly including a base and a compression spring with three wave regions that are formed from a continuous elongate flat wire strip. The first wave region begins at one end of the spring with a terminal wave. The waves of the first wave region have a constant amplitude. The second wave region is positioned adjacent to the first wave region. The wave amplitude of the second wave region varies from the first wave amplitude to zero. The third wave region begins where the second wave amplitude reaches zero. The third wave region includes a zero amplitude thereby forming a flat circular shim end. The base assembly includes a recess that receives and supports the terminal wave at the non-shimmed end of the spring.

Abstract: A round wire wave spring is formed from a single turn of round wire with a plurality of distinct waves defined therein, each of the waves having respective crest and trough portions that bear against opposing parallel surfaces of two work elements. The round wire wave spring may fit in a simple to form semi-circular groove, that is slightly greater in diameter than the free diameter of the round wire wave spring.

Abstract: A curved wave shim is formed from a flat elongated wire strip which follows a sinusoidal wave path that includes a series of waves spaced about the curved wave shim path, each wave having a shoulder portion which bears against generally parallel surfaces of the working elements positioned on a shaft or in a cylinder bore. The shim fits in a rectangular groove formed either on a shaft or in a cylinder bore, the axial height of the groove being slightly greater than the distance between successive wave crests and troughs.

Abstract: A multiturn, crest to crest, waved compression spring is formed with flat circular shim end portions which form load support surfaces at opposite ends of the spring which are generally perpendicular to the spring longitudinal axis. The compression spring includes three distinct wave regions in which the first distinct wave region has a constant, preselected amplitude, the second distinct wave region has a gradually and incrementally diminishing amplitude and the third distinct wave region has a constant zero amplitude.

Abstract: A circular waved retaining ring is formed from two turns of a flat elongate wire strip and which follow a continuous sinusoidal wave path that includes a series of waves equidistantly spaced about the ring wavepath, each wave having a shoulder portion which bears against generally parallel surfaces of the working elements positioned on a shaft or in a cylinder bore. The ring fits in a rectangular groove formed either on a shaft or in a cylinder bore, the width of the groove being slightly greater than the distance between successive wave crests and troughs.