Abstract: A bicycle frame aligning device holds the extremities of the frame at a fixed reference height above a reference plane. The bottom bracket shell is clamped to a mounting shaft pivoted between the shell and the reference plane, so that misalignment of the bicycle frame causes the shaft to tilt from perpendicular to the reference plane. Integral gauges referencing the shaft display the misalignment. The same gauges also display the deflection applied to align the frame to align it. The frame displacements needed to align the frame are applied with a crank attached to a high efficiency jacking screw. The combination of the crank action and integral gauges allows precise incremental alignment effort to be applied, thus making the alignment process more efficient and reducing the chance of buckling the bicycle frame.

Abstract: A caster pintle as disclosed having a resilient high tensile strength metal core encapsulated in a molded plastic body having a groove containing a resiliently collapsible friction ring and means for centering the ring in the groove prior to assembly of the pintle with a complementary socket.

Abstract: A control assembly for adjustable displacement of a chair seat or the like comprises a lead screw threaded to a nut for relative longitudinal movement in order to adjust the height of the chair with the relative movement of the screw and nut. The control assembly also includes a rotational bearing for swiveling the seat while maintaining the desired seat height; the rotational bearing also allows backdriving, for example rotation of the screw, without rotation of the seat. The control assembly also includes a locking mechanism for selectively preventing relative movement of the screw with respect to the nut in order to maintain the desired seat height. A power spring can be provided on the assembly to drive selective elevation, for example of the screw and seat, when the screw has been unlocked.

Abstract: A caster pintle as disclosed having a resilient high tensile strength metal core encapsulated in a molded plastic body having a groove containing a resiliently collapsible friction ring and ribs for centering the ring in the groove prior to assembly of the pintle with a complementary socket.

Abstract: A brake is provided for twin wheel casters. A brake lever extends between the wheels and is depressed by a toe. This rocks a link through a toggle position and presses a sheet metal brake shoe of generally W-shape against the inner drum or surface of the wheel flange to lock the wheel against rotation. Reverse movement of the lever is effected by a toe to unlock the brake. Edges of the sheet metal brake shoe impinge against the inner surface of the wheel flanges to lock the wheel, and locking action may be augmented by serrating the inner surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A twin caster assembly, including a shaft member having a center portion and opposite end portions, a body member including an axial opening for receiving and supporting the center portion of the shaft member and with the end portions extending on opposite sides of the body member, a pair of wheels each having a central axial hub including an axial opening for receiving one end portion of the shaft member and the end portions of the shaft member and the axial opening of the wheels including a plurality of mating grooves and ridges each having sloping sides to lock the wheels on the opposite end portions of the shaft member and with the mating grooves and ridges having sufficient clearance for allowing rotation of the wheels on the end portions of the shaft member and with the number of mating grooves and ridges in the range between three (3) and eight (8).

Abstract: An improved containment barrier or boom section of the type having a flotation means for supporting the barrier or boom on the surface of a liquid body such as a lake, harbor, river, ocean, or the like, and also having a sinking means such as a flexible skirt section coupled to the bottom of the flotation means and extending below the surface, the skirt section containing ballast and, preferably, a tension member, to contain contamination or material floating on or near the surface, such as an oil spill, usually on one side thereof. End connectors are provided at each end of the barrier section for coupling to additional barrier or boom sections and/or to a towing means for deployment and/or recovery. The flotation means comprises an elongated tubular member having a cavity extending throughout the elongated length thereof and the tubular member is flexible.