Abstract: A system for securing interlocking tubular components comprises first and second tubular. components to be secured and a locking apparatus located within the first tubular component. The first tubular component has a smaller diameter than the second component and contains slits that permit expansion of the outer diameter of the first tubular component under the action of the locking apparatus. Each of the first and second tubular components has an aperture therein, the locking apparatus having a spring-loaded button member that protrudes from the aperture of the first component. When the first component is inserted into the end of the second component,, the apertures are aligned and the button rises through the second aperture, thus holding the components together. An adjustment tool is then inserted through a bore in the button into the locking apparatus.

Abstract: A gripping and maneuvering apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing and a drive unit. The housing includes a plurality of jaws and may be positioned such that the jaws operatively grip a member. The drive unit is coupled to the housing and may be positioned to move the member with respect to an object during operation. The gripping and maneuvering apparatus may further include an internal gripping apparatus that may grip a member and be gripped by the jaws of the housing.

Abstract: A method of connecting respective one end portions of two carrier tapes, to each other, each of the two tapes having accommodating pockets at a first pitch and tape-feed holes at a second pitch, each of the accommodating pockets accommodating an electric component, the method including the steps of aligning a tape connecting member which includes a flat main portion having tape-feed holes at a third pitch equal to the second pitch, and caulking projections projecting perpendicularly from the flat main portion, with the respective one end portions of the two tapes, such that tape-feed holes of the connecting member are aligned with respective tape-feed holes of the two tapes, causing at least two caulking projections of the connecting member to penetrate through respective thickness of the two tapes, so that the flat main portion of the connecting member contacts respective one major surfaces of the two tapes, and caulking respective portions of the two caulking projections that penetrate out of the respective

Abstract: An article connector including an insertion seat having an insertion hole, an opening and a plurality of installation holes; an connection seat mounted with a mounting shaft to combine with the opening of the insertion seat, and having an engaging slot; and two shaft bodies, one of the shaft bodies being provided with a plurality of screw holes, and the engaging slot being engaged with a mounting hole provided at one side of the shaft bodies, thereby the two shaft bodies are formed into a structure by the insertion seat and the connection seat. The two shaft bodies require no screw or does not require a welding process to form into a connector. Thus, these parts can be dismantled and assembled rapidly, and stored in a limited storage space.