Abstract: A metal cable tie includes a locking head formed at one end of an elongate strap. A metal locking ball is contained within the locking head and serves to secure the strap against withdrawing movement when the strap is inserted through the locking head. The ball is inserted into the locking head through a hole. After the ball is inserted, the strap is folded around the locking head to secure the strap to the locking head while blocking the hole to confine the ball within the head. A pair of interengageable barbs formed on the strap engage each other through the hole to secure the strap adjacent the locking head and occlude the hole to keep the ball from falling out. Preferably, the tie is economically and conveniently formed through a stamping and folding operation.

Abstract: A system and method for aerial cargo delivery is disclosed that uses a linkless towplate having an eccentric cam and a pin. The cargo flexible tension member is isolated from the force of a deployed drogue parachute by a frictional holding force generated by the eccentric cam and the pin. A system and method for aerial cargo delivery is also disclosed that uses a towplate with a link assembly. The towplate has two cylinders that hold the cargo flexible tension member and the drogue parachute flexible tension member.

Abstract: A pull cord stopper device (20) for use in a blind apparatus operative in response only to a cord control string attached to pull cords. The pull cord stopper device (20) is disposed in a head box (10) and is adaptive to a large-scale blind apparatus. A stopper case (28) of the pull cord stopper device (20) comprises a comb portion (40) for separating the pull cords (16), a knurled portion (42) for guiding a pinch roller (30), and a pin (54) received in a guide groove (52) formed in a switch member(34), for guiding the movement of the switch member (34). A slidable block (32) rotatably supports the pinch roller (30), and is operative to move within the stopper case (28) in the direction of movement of the pull cords (16) as a result of a rotation of the pinch roller (30).

Abstract: An improved locking device which has a body member with a cable which has one end attached to the body member and a second end of the cable which can be inserted into the body member in a first direction but which cannot be withdrawn in a second direction. An improved spiral spring biases a disc that rides on a ramp into engagement with the second end of the cable so as to lock it so it cannot be withdrawn from the body member, the coil spring provides a simple and efficient biasing device.

Abstract: In a cable lock and seal device a roller is rotatable about a single axis normal to the axis of an inextensible member and with respect to a ramp which, in turn, is inclined with respect to the axis of the inextensible member. The roller is moveable up and down the ramp between a retracted position in which the member can be drawn through a passage in which the device and a locking position in which the roller rolls up the ramp to clamp the member against movement in the opposite direction with the member trapped between the roller and the opposite face of the passage. A spring acts on the roller to urge it up the ramp at all times.

Abstract: The locking device is of the type acting for at least one lace, especially including a pusher defining the axis of rotation of a blocking member, also including a hollow body of which a cavity defines, on the one hand, at least a path for passage of each strand of the lace, and on the other hand, a housing for the locking member, the locking member being of a circular shape and rotationally free about the translationally mobile axis. The device operates by cooperation of the locking member with each path for locking each strand of the lace by wedging, such that the locking member is elastically biased in a locking direction of the strand(s) of lace by action on its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A wire holder capable of facilitating adjustment and/or variation of a length and tension of the wire. The wire holder includes a wire grip and a connector. The connector is formed on an outer surface thereof with a groove longitudinally extending from an upper end portion thereof to an intermediate portion thereof and laterally extending from a substantially central portion of the connector to the outer surface of the connector in the manner that a bottom surface of the groove is smoothly curved so as to gradually decrease a depth of the groove toward a lower end portion of the connector and toward the outer surface of the connector.

Abstract: A key chain including a base body, an attachment element, such as a rope, nylon cord, or the like, for attaching at least one key to the base body, and two locking devices located inside of the base body for securing clamping and free ends of the attachment element against axial displacement.

Abstract: A clamp includes a U-shaped member having a pair of legs, with each leg having a cavity in the side of the leg facing the other leg; and a clutch for receiving and restraining the legs of the U-shaped member. Pads are attached to the insides of the legs for clamping an article between the legs to deter the theft of such article. The clutch includes a housing defining a pair of longitudinal channels for respectively receiving the legs of the U-shaped member and a chamber between the channels, with the chamber being open to the channels; two bails disposed for movement within the chamber; a highly magnetically attractive plunger disposed within and at one end of the chamber; and a spring for biasing the plunger to move into such contact with the balls as to force the balls against respective inclined surfaces disposed at the other end of the chamber for respectively guiding the balls toward different channels.

Abstract: A resilent element extends from the interior of the locking head into the band receiving cavity. The element exerts a force on the roller, when the roller is in position to retain the band, which has a component directed toward the band, reducing the tendency of the lock to loosen when the tie is subjected to vibration. The resilent element is preferably intergral with the head and takes the form of a spring finger or a bowed spring formed when the head is stamped. Alternately, the element may be a separate part, affixed to the interior of the head wall.

Abstract: A wire gripper which facilitates insertion of a wire and which retains wires of varying thickness. The wire gripper includes a first member biased towards a second member so that the first and second members are tangent to one another until a wire is inserted. An inserted wire rests on a receiving member beyond the point of tangency of the two members. The two members are resiliently urged together to prevent the inserted wire from leaving the wire receiving member.

Abstract: The window blind cord lock disclosed has a pair of transverse cord accommodating channels which are angled downwardly from each other toward the outside of the cord lock. A fixed locking element and a moveable locking element are disposed selectively in one or the other of the channels, both being oriented substantially vertically upright. The angular disposition of these elements permits pendulum manipulation of the cords and prevents the cords from bunching up between the locking elements. The color coordinated cap covers the visible portions of the cord lock and is held in place by novel interlocking formations.

Abstract: A necklace, brace, hoop, strap, choker, bracelet or anklet wherein a flexible component has a free end and a second end carrying a coupling which can releasably engage the free end. When the free end is disengaged from the coupling, the flexible component can serve to support a single pendant, two or more pendants, a string of pearls, other beads, stones and/or analogous decorative objects. The number and/or distribution of the objects can be altered as soon as the free end is disengaged from the coupling. The overall length of the flexible component can be reduced by cutting off a portion at the free end.

Abstract: A connector for wires comprises a body (20) having through passage (21) adapted to receive a pair of oppositely directed wire end portions (22A, 22B) in close lengthwise relationship with each other, channels (23A, 23B) within the body (20) one to each side of the through passage acutely inclined to and, at their inner ends, breaking into the through passage, and wedge structure (24A, 24B) within the channels adapted upon attempted withdrawal of either of the wire end portions (22A, 22B) from the through passage (21) to urge the wires therebetween forcibly towards each other, whereby friction secures them firmly in the connector.

Abstract: A cable and locking and sealing device which has a body member to which one end of a cable is attached and the other end passes through a hasp so as to lock it and then the free end of the cable is inserted into the body member in a first direction, but it cannot be removed in the second direction. A disk rides upon a ramp to lock the second end so that it cannot be removed from the body member and in the present invention, a flexible O-ring of rubber or "NEOPRENE" or other flexible material serves as a spring to bias the disk upwardly along the ramp to lock the cable.

Abstract: The clamping assembly comprises a body having an elongate passage which, in use, receives an elongate object to be clamped, and which has two mutually facing inclined surfaces, and a pair of wedge-shaped jaws movably mounted in said passage to move between a first position in which the jaws clamp said object and a second position in which they release the object. Two sets of rollers form respective rolling paths for corresponding ones of the jaws, with the rollers in each set being supported and rotatably mounted in respective mounting frames capable of sliding movement relative to the corresponding jaw and relative to the body. A compression spring is interposed between each jaw and the mounting frame of the corresponding set of rollers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for applying tension to the free ends of a curtain track draw cord that is looped about a pulley at one end of the track. The device consists of a first member containing two parallel channels to acept the free ends of the draw cord and second member, attached to a second pulley block at the opposite end of the curtain track, to which the first member is secured to trap the cords therebetween. The second member contains tubular passageways opposite and perpendicular to the channels in the first member in which are contained coil springs, ball bearings are located between the springs and the draw cords cause the cords to frictionally engage the walls of the channels and maintain tension in the cords lying within the curtain track.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for the control cords of a window blind extends partially into the headrail of a window blind, and a cord separation member on the portion of the mechanism within the headrail has discrete openings through which the cords pass and are separated as they enter the mechanism. A guide pin is positioned transversely across the upper end of the mechanism with one end of the guide pin being disposed nearer the separation member and lower than the other end, so that the cords passing over the pin may be rotated to a selected side of this portion of the mechanism. A cord gripping means is mounted below the guide pin, and includes a fixed gripping member disposed centrally within the second portion of the mechanism, and a movable gripping member is mounted within this second portion of the mechanism for gripping the cords therebetween. The separation member, guide pin and movable gripping member are all positionable alternatively for either left hand or right hand operation of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A jam cleat for holding a rope under tension is disclosed. The cleat comprises two converging surfaces between which a roller is located. The rope is inserted between the roller and first of the converging surfaces. When the rope comes under tension friction between the rope and the roller causes the roller to roll along the second converging surface and thereby grip the rope with a wedging action. Devices are disclosed for forcing the roller to release the rope. One such, device is a lever which is optionally pivotably mounted on the cleat. In one example the cleat comprises a base and a body embodying the converging surfaces and the roller and slidably mounted on the base. The body can be moved along the base by the rope as it comes under tension and the base is provided with an abutment which is brought to bear on the roller during this movement and forces the roller to release the rope.

Abstract: A quick release collar for a weight lifting barbell includes a collar body, an axially movable sleeve and a plurality of radially movable balls which are cammed into frictional engagement with the bar. A tension ring rigidly attached to the sleeve has a tapered inner surface portion which controls the radial positions of the movable balls. A coil spring biases the sleeve and tension ring toward a locked position in which the movable balls securely engage the bar. The collar is easily unlocked with one hand so that it can be slipped off the bar.

Abstract: The clamp comprises an inverted U-shaped base having spaced apart legs defining an entrance with a clamping element mounted on one leg of the base for displacement towards and away from a clamping surface on the other leg of the base for clamping a sheet material article thereagainst. The clamping element has an outer surface which is guided on a guide surface disposed on the base leg which is opposite the clamping surface and is retained in contact therewith by means of a tension member. The guide surface has at least one or preferably a plurality of sections extending at an angle or angles relative to the clamping surface.

Abstract: A rope grip apparatus for use in the field of tying down cargo in delivery trucks, construction, tying down aircraft, mountain climbing, farming, ranching, boating or other similar uses where rope is used and is typically tied in knots to secure articles while in transit, use, or storage. The rope grip apparatus includes a rope-receiving member having a hingeably secured and latchable rope-gripping member. The functional elements of the rope grip apparatus include a springed latch, and a plurality of ratcheted, grooved pulley rollers. In using the apparatus, a rope is threaded between the grooved pulley rollers located within the rope-receiving member and the rope-gripping member and unidirectionally clamped therebetween by latching the apparatus.

Abstract: A cord tightening device for tighening cords on anoraks, rucksacks, shopping bags, life jackets, and other bags and pouches includes a body having a pair of spaced face and back plates and a pair of spaced side walls interconnecting the face and back plates. A slider is movably disposed in the body and slidable along a guide groove defined in the face plate. The slider has a retainer for pressing cord portions against the side walls, and has step-like teeth on opposite peripheral surfaces thereof for biting engagement with the cord portions. The face plate may have a pair of cord insertion slots defined therein one on each side of the guide groove and located inwardly of the side walls, respectively, for allowing a cord to be inserted theretrough into the body.

Abstract: A shade assembly for a skylight of the type adapted to be mounted in an opening in a roof structure and including a supporting base mounted in the opening in the roof structure and a dome assembly positioned in the supporting base to overlie the opening. The shade assembly includes a support bracket adapted to be affixed to the skylight and a shade support having a shade rolled thereabout. The shade support is rotatably mounted on the support bracket in a manner that permits the shade support to rotate so that the shade can be rolled and unrolled. A shade actuator is attached to the shade and is adapted to be grasped and activated to actuate rolling and unrolling of the shade. Guide surfaces are mountable on the skylight in position to engage and guide the actuator out of alignment with the visual passageway through the opening in the roof and the skylight while facilitating the uniform rolling and unrolling of the shade.

Abstract: Cable locking and sealing device which has a body member to which one end of a cable can be attached with the other end free to pass through a hasp or other device to be sealed or locked and in which the free end can then be inserted into the body member and can be freely moved in a first direction into the body member but which is clamped so that it cannot be removed from the body member in a second direction. Within the body member there is provided an inclined ramp at a small angle formed with a plurality of gear teeth and a locking gear formed with gear teeth which mate with the gear teeth on the rack and is movable along the ramp so as to lock the second end of the cable to the body member when force is exerted on it to remove it from the body member.

Abstract: The adjustment cords of a window blind extend downwardly over a first pin fixedly located within a headrail. A second pin in the headrail adjacent the fixed pin has its ends slidably received in a slot enabling movement in a plane closely adjacent to the first pin. The second pin is in continuous contact with the cords and the relative dimensions of the pins and the cofining constraints of the headrail are such that for the standard diameter of the cord, locking engagement will be obtained when the two pins are located in the same horizontal plane. The guide slot for the second pin allows the pin to move to a point past the horizontal plane of normal locking engagement and closer to the fixed pin enabling locking engagement even if the cord diameter is less than normal. The second pin is constructed of a leaded steel subjected to sandblasting which produces a rough and pitted surface on the pin enhancing frictional engagement with the cord.

Abstract: A stopping arrangement for long drawing elements such as ropes exhibiting essentially two parallel, opposing clamping surfaces. The clamping surfaces are so arranged as to pull against one another, so that a pressure is exerted on the drawing element when it is moved in a particular direction, and as to move apart, causing the pressure to reduce, when the drawing element is moved in the opposite direction. The aforementioned clamping surfaces extend essentially in a straight line in their principal sense and are so arranged as to move towards and away from one another in a parallel movement. In this way the drawing element will have imparted to it essentially rectilinear clamping over a certain distance at a uniform clamping force, with one of its clamping surfaces being arranged on an element which is so arranged as to move along an oblique path in relation to the second clamping surface, which is situated on a support component connected to the last-mentioned second clamping surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for gripping end regions of an elongated flexible element extended between support surfaces, comprises a casing having an interior passage, and an inner conically-shaped wall, and a movable sleeve mounted for axial movement relative to the casing. The sleeve has an axial channel through which the element is inserted, an outer conically-shaped body, and at least one radial hole in the outer body. At least one gripping member is mounted in the radial hole of the sleeve. The radial dimension of the gripping member is larger than the radial length of the radial hole. The gripping member is movable from a non-gripping position in which the gripping member is located outside the channel, to a gripping portion in which the gripping member is pushed by the inner wall to extend into the channel for gripping the inserted end region of the element.

Abstract: A cord lock having a first movable pin at one side of the cord, the other side of the cord being supported by a fixed pin, the movable pin pinching or clamping the cord against the fixed pin. The movable pin has toothed end portions and splines in the central portion. The toothed end portions mesh with racks within a housing to maintain a constant attitude for the moving pin and the splines engage the cords. A rectangular guide slides into the open end of the headrail with a first molded plastic part fitting over the open end of the headrail and end of the guide. The cord lock housing fits onto the molded plastic part and is free to rotate within the part providing self adjustment of the cord during use.

Abstract: A tie for forming a plurality of elongate objects into a bundle and for holding a pair of objects together. The tie of the present invention comprises an elongate strap, a locking head joined to one end of the strap for receiving the other end of the strap and roller means disposed entirely within the locking head for lockingly engaging the strap. The head includes a strap entry face, a strap exit face and a strap-receiving aperture extending therebetween and further includes a floor and a roof which diverge in the direction of the exit face. The locking head also has retention means for retaining the roller means inside the head.

Abstract: A cord locking device includes a channel-shaped housing within which a roller is rotably mounted. Oppositely positioned slots within the housing carry a serrated second roller down and away from said first roller, said serrated second roller travels along a grooved wall section, which has a bent portion at the lowermost portion thereof, permitting the second roller to rotate free of the wall at that position. A cord is trained over the first roller and is locked thereto or freely movably depending upon the position of the second roller.

Abstract: An elevator car blocking apparatus is disclosed. A small, portable blocking apparatus is initially strapped to the elevator guide rail. It includes a roller and a retainer on which the car rests when it is blocked. The roller is forced between the rail and a retainer to block the car. The roller position between the rail and the retainer can be adjusted to allow the apparatus to be shifted easily on the rail.

Abstract: A device for holding fencing or similar wire (single-strand or double-strand) to a structure such as a fence post, comprises a body having a first passage through which the wire passes. A second intersecting passage carries a ball or disc which is spring-biased towards the intersection but rolls in the second passage into a position in which it locks the wire under tension. A stop surface at the end of the second passage limits the penetration of the ball or disc into the wire under severe tension.

Abstract: A cord locking mechanism is described for a venetian blind for locking the flexible blind lifting and lowering member in any selected position by gripping the member between a guide and a serrated locking pin movable toward and from the guide; a helper member is movable toward and from the locking pin when in its unlocked position in order to insure engagement of the flexible member with the locking pin and movement of the locking pin into a locking position.

Abstract: A tool for releasing cone locks which can generally be moved in only a single direction on a cable or rod wherein the tool is provided with a portion that can be inserted into the lock to engage and release the locking mechanism such that the lock can be removed from the cable or rod thus preventing the rod and cable from having to be cut.

Abstract: A device for holding fencing or similar wire (single-strand or double-strand) to a structure such as a fence post, comprises a body having a first passage through which the wire passes. A second intersecting passage carries a ball or disc which is spring-biased towards the intersection but rolls in the second passage into a position in which it locks the wire under tension. A stop surface at the end of the second passage limits the penetration of the ball or disc into the wire under severe tension.

Abstract: The clamp, operable to compressively lock a wire, comprises a casing having a cone-shaped cavity therethrough, and means engaging the cavity about the wire, the means gripping the wire as a result of constriction of the cone-shaped cavity as a result of loads applied to the wire.

Abstract: A locking mechanism utilizing a cable in which the cable has been flattened so as to give it an oval or flattened shape and wherein an orifice into which the cable is inserted for one way motion is flattened so as to prevent the cable from being twisted or turned thus preventing the cable from being removed from the locking device. In certain embodiments the locking device may, when in the locked position, have a loop of cable extending from it and in another embodiment a cable with a flag attached thereon may be used with the locking device.

Abstract: Chuck for a gear reduction surgical rotary driver. There is provided for a controlled speed surgical driver an automatically releasable chuck for grasping tools of a very small diameter such as the wire used in bone pinning. In a driver having a conventional high-speed drive motor and speed reduction means, there is provided a frustro conical ramp, of generally circular cross section, and diverging outwardly toward the working end of the tool. A wire carrier is arranged for longitudinal sliding movement in the end of said tool and having a portion thereof projecting beyond said tool. Said wire carrier receives the wire centrally therethrough and carries three gripping devices which act between the wire and said ramp. Two of said gripping devices are preferably of ball shape and the third thereof is of generally disk shape with a rounded periphery whereby to project between said balls and engage a wire or other tool of small diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for hauling a flexible, textile or metal rope, cable, or the like with positive friction drive, having a connection, a pulley for driving the cable by friction, a pressure roller applying the cable on the groove of the pulley, and mechanical means for connecting the connection to the pressure roller and transmitting to the pulley and to the cable the pull due to the load solely by means of the pressure roller, the assembly constituted by the connection, the pressure roller and the mechanical means connecting them being movable with respect to the pulley. The apparatus may serve as a self-lifting device for raising a person or a load along a cable or as fixed hoisting gear.

Abstract: An improved Cable Loc Seal which includes a staking operation which locks the fixed end of the cable to the lock and furthermore, prevents the integrity of the seal from being destroyed in that if the cable is cut and the fixed end removed a new end of the cable cannot be inserted into the lock which guarantees the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing items of freight on the loading platform of a freight carrying vehicle has a rod or cable tie-down having one end connected to an anchor on the loading platform. The opposite end of the tie-down is positioned through an aperture in a frame member of the item of freight. First and second locking means are positioned over the opposite end of the tie-down with an expansion means therebetween. The locking means slide over the cable in one direction but lock to the cable in the opposite direction. When the expansion means expands, one locking means grabs the cable while the other is slid along the cable into tight abutment with the frame member to create a tension in the cable.

Abstract: A locking means for providing a seal comprising a locking shell formed with a central passageway which is internally tapered with an opening that changes from conical to triangular in shape and which carries spring loaded ball bearings and a retainer such that a cable can be inserted through the central opening in a first direction, thus, depressing the spring and allowing the balls to relieve pressure on the cable in said first direction but which provides substantial and locking pressure on the cable when the cable is placed under tension in the opposite direction. The cable may also be attached to a second fixed member such that a seal may be made by placing the locking case and the fixed member on the same cable.

Abstract: A vertically elongated hollow rectangular box with vertical walls and an open top and bottom has a downwardly and rearwardly extending slot in one side wall. The forward edge of the slot bears a series of arcuate rearwardly facing notches cut into the housing. A removable bar rides in the slot, and bears a knob exterior the housing. When a flexible tube or hose is placed along the rear wall in the interior of the housing, the bar gradually contricts its diameter as the bar is moved downwardly in the slot. The notches keep the bar in place.