Abstract: The ball-and-socket joint member includes an inner ring, of a general shape of revolution around a first axis, having an outer surface provided with an inner raceway, an outer ring, of a general shape of revolution around a second axis, having an inner surface provided with an outer raceway, and at least one row of balls aligned circumferentially, extending radially between the inner raceway and the outer raceway. The outer surface of the inner ring comprises a portion with a generally truncated sphere shape, forming the inner raceway. The inner surface of the outer ring comprises, for each row of balls, a groove of complementary shape to that of the balls of this row, said groove forming the outer raceway.

Abstract: A rotation restricting device for restricting the rotation of a rotating part with respect to a base part, comprising a stopper supported so as to be capable of rotating around an axis of rotation of the base part, a lock mechanism capable of switching between a state preventing and a state allowing the rotation of the stopper with respect to the base part, a first block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with a rotation path of the stopper, and a second block provided on the rotating part and capable of moving between a position interfering with and a position not interfering with the rotation path of the stopper. In a state where the rotation of the rotating part with respect to the base part is not restricted, both the first block and the second block are in the position interfering with the rotation path of the stopper, and the stopper is positioned between the first block and the second block.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a display device is provided. The supporting apparatus may include a stationary unit coupled to an installation site, a device supporting unit that supports the display device, a connection unit that connects the stationary unit to the device supporting unit and that guides motion of the device supporting unit, and a tilting frictional unit interposed between the connection unit and the device supporting unit to guide a tilting motion of the device supporting unit. The tilting frictional unit may include a first arc member fixed to the connection unit and a second arc member fixed to the device supporting unit. The first and second arc members contact each other to generate frictional force.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a positioning member. The first supporting member is rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. A positioning protrusion is formed on the first supporting member. The second supporting member is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. The positioning member has an elastic portion and is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft. A positioning groove receiving the positioning protrusion is defined in a periphery of the positioning member and adjacent to the elastic portion. An LCD device is further provided in the present disclose.

Abstract: The brush and handle assembly described herein are specifically designed to scrub and clean all interior surfaces of a bathtub. The elongated handle and brush-head are designed and constructed to permit pivoting the brush-head relative to the handle, but the pivoting movement is confined to a range of 0° to less than 180°. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosed brush, the range of pivoting movement is about 135°. Limiting the pivotal movement of the brush-head relative to the handle enables the user of the disclosed bathtub brush to scrub and clean, easily and efficiently, all interior surfaces, including the interior far-side, the interior near-side, the interior ends and the bottom surface of the typical bathtub without uncomfortable body contortions.

Abstract: A device in a stackable shopping basket of the type that at the underside thereof is provided with wheels and that at the upper part thereof has a draw-handle hingedly fixed to the upper edge of the basket. The handle is larger/longer in comparison with conventional such shopping-basket handles and has the purpose of making it possible to pull the basket behind rolling on the wheels in connection with walking through, for instance, a shop where purchase is made. The handle which is in the form of a U-shaped frame has, at the respective ends thereof, a first part of a deflection limiter formed as crescent-like circle segments that are arranged around the hinged ends and intended to co-operate with a corresponding second part of the deflection limiter that prevents pivoting motion of the circle segments past a certain arc angle and being in the form of two stop blocks, which are fixedly arranged adjacent to the edge of the shopping basket at the attachment points of the hinged ends.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a bending part coupling assembly for an endoscope insertion portion having a high manufacturing efficiency is provided.

Abstract: First, a device (10) for limiting the angle of rotation of an object that is mounted in a rotatable manner is described, having a base element (12) that is mounted in a rotatable manner around an axis of rotation (11) for the uptake of an object to be rotated, and having a mechanism (13) for limiting the angle of rotation. Therefore, so that the rotation of base element (12) can be limited, for example, to a full 360 degrees, it is provided according to the invention that the mechanism (13) for limiting the angle of rotation has a pivoting stop (15) that is mounted in a rotatable manner around a pivoting axis (14), this stop being disposed on base element (12), that the mechanism (13) for limiting the angle of rotation has at least one, preferably two or more stops (16, 17) for limiting the pivoting movement of the pivoting stop (15) and that the mechanism (13) for limiting the angle of rotation has at least one counter-stop (18), which cooperates with pivoting stop (15).

Abstract: An electric device includes a main body, a supporting crutch and a pivot mechanism connecting the body to the crutch. The body is rotated around the crutch through the pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism includes first and second bearing shims. The first bearing shim has a limiting salient, which has a first sidewall, a second sidewall and an inclined surface. The inclined surface is tilted from the second sidewall to the first sidewall. The second bearing shim has a sliding salient. When the sliding salient is disposed on the first/second sidewall, the main body is positioned at a first/second position. The sliding salient crosses the first sidewall and slides on the inclined surface to the second sidewall by a first force. The sliding salient crosses the second sidewall and slides on the inclined surface to the first sidewall by a second force larger than the first force.

Abstract: A rotational supporting mechanism, which supports a main body and a cover, includes an eccentric cam. The main body and the cover are superposed in a closed position. From the closed position, the cover is rotated 180 degrees and stopped at a 180-degree rotational position in an open position. The eccentric cam rotates eccentrically. The pressing means presses a cam surface of the eccentric cam in a direction of a line connecting a portion of the eccentric cam corresponding to the closed position and a portion of the eccentric cam corresponding to the open position when the main body and the cover are superposed in the closed position. Rotation of the cam is stopped in the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A steering control coupling structure used in a children's wagon having a wheel assembly and a towing bar is disclosed to include a linking bracket affixed to the wheel axle of the wheel assembly, a first adapter affixed to a carriage and pivoted with the carriage to the linking bracket by a pivot device, the first adapter having a circular coupling hole and two 135° sector guide holes at two sides of the circular coupling hole, and a second adapter, which is affixed to the linking bracket around the pivot device and has a circular coupling block coupled to the circular hole of the first adapter and two 45° sector guide blocks respectively inserted into the 135° sector guide holes for forcing the second adapter to bias against the first adapter when the towing bar is biased to force the wheel assembly to change the steering direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses unique apparatus for attaching a bicycle seat to a typical bicycle seat support post. The seat attaching apparatus permits the seat to controllably tilt, to the left and/or right of the bicycle longitudinal center line, as the bicyclist leans left or right as he/she pedals along. Thus, friction that normally occurs between the bicycle seat and the rider's inner thigh and crotch area significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A foot assembly includes two first legs each having a first ring provided with a first limiting recess defined in an inner face of the first ring and a first finger extending from the inner face of the first ring, two second legs each having a second ring and a second limiting recess defined in an inner face of the second ring to movably receive therein the first finger of the first ring and two joints each having a third ring, a tube and a tubular extension formed on a bottom rim of the third ring to extend into the first ring and the second ring. The joint has a second finger to be movably received in the first limiting recess such that the first leg is able to align with the second leg for storage.

Abstract: A backlash comprises a first rotation member and a second rotation member, each of which is provided rotatably-about the same axis, and which are engageable together in a rotating direction of the members by driving contact between respective radial extension surfaces thereof,and where a backlash gap is provided between the respective radial extension surfaces of the first and the second rotation members to permit fee rotation between the first and second rotation members in a range of the backlash gap in the rotating direction of the members.

Abstract: A connector for a rib and a spreader of a parasol includes a metal connector body and an inner block made of plastic. The connector body has an upper clamp portion for each rib to fit therein, and two studs extending down from the connector body and defining an inner opening for the inner block to fit therein. The inner block has two side walls defining an inner opening as a turning passageway for each spreader to fit and connected pivotally, and a stop respectively in two sides of the passageway for stopping each spreader in case of collapsing the parasol. Then the side walls can prevent the connector body from contacting the shank to scrape the paint coated on the shank and prevent said shank from rusting. Further the stops can maintain the contained angle between each rib and each spreader not excessively small to permit the parasol easily expanded.

Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp assembly (10) is disclosed as including a first ramp section (22) and a second ramp section (24) joined by a keyway joint (26). The keyway joint (26) connects the two ramp section (22, 24) surfaces when the ramp is in an extended position. The keyway joint (26) includes a first ramp section outer rotating member (64a) and a second ramp section outer rotating member (64b) that each rotate about an inner member (68). The inner member (68) is configured to limit the rotation of the outer members (64) with respect to one another, thereby limiting the rotation of the first ramp section (22) with respect to the second ramp section (24).

Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm about a main pivot axis. A rod extends within an interior region of the second arm. A link is coupled to the rod to the first arm for pivoting movement about a link pivot axis that is spaced apart from the main pivot axis. A spring extends within the interior region of the second arm. The spring exerts a force on the rod and the link to counterbalance the surgical lighthead. A space filler includes an outer cover coupled to the first arm and formed to include a first slot and an inner cover nested within the outer cover and formed to include a second slot.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: An improved connection between articulated bodies for agile vehicles is disclosed. It features independent bodies which are connected to each other with concentric sleeves serving as the pivot to allow the bodies to rotate in a plane parallel to the direction of forward movement. The concentric bushings are preferably made of graphite/epoxy and secured to the chassis body sidewalls. Each of the body segments remains uninterrupted by the bushings which are principally disposed between the facing interior sides of the two bodies. The bearing assembly, which is preferably graphite/epoxy, is self-lubricating as it wears over time. Lateral movement is easily controlled, and relative rotation is also controlled by a collar which serves a dual function to control lateral movement of the bodies as well as relative rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.

Abstract: A truck assembly for skateboards where the axle assembly is supported on an elastomeric bumper which in turn is supported on an angled shaft. As the skateboard is tilted, the bumper is twisted, causing the axle of the skate assembly to tilt and turn. The bumper is held at one end to the base and at the other end to the axle assembly.

Abstract: A tiller assembly for steering a personal mobility vehicle. A knuckle joint for the tiller includes a base secured on the front wheel steering spindle and a knuckle element connected for limited pivotal movement on the base. A bolt connects the knuckle element to the base and also connects the tiller to the knuckle joint. A spring loaded pin on the tiller enters spaced apart openings in the knuckle element to lock the tiller to the knuckle element in any one of various positions, including an operating position and a collapsed position. Adjustment screws on the base are contacted by stop surfaces on the knuckle element to limit in both directions the pivoting of the knuckle element. This allows the tiller to float to a limited extent and also to act rigidly when the vehicle user needs to pull himself up by using the tiller. Spacer sleeves on the pivot bolt allow adjustment of the friction between the knuckle element and base without affecting the tiller.

Abstract: A connector for creating exhibits having one piece including a series of grooves (used for connecting panels) arranged at fixed angles with respect to each other. The connector also includes a second piece that is trapped within the other piece. The second piece has a groove that can be arranged at a range of angles with respect to the other grooves.

Abstract: A pivotal apparatus for supporting instruments beneath a patient during certain diagnostic procedures. The apparatus is adapted for pivotal locking engagement in a support member having at least one extensible and retractable mounting pin and includes an elongated shaft, a tray supported by the shaft, a latch mounted on one end of the shaft and a slide release disposed about and axially translatable along the shaft toward the latch. The mounting pin extends in a partial circumferential slot between the latch and the slide release when the apparatus is engaged in the support member whereby the apparatus pivots through a predetermined degree of rotation relative to the support member as the mounting pin travels in the slot. The apparatus is disengaged from the support member by axially translating the slide release toward the latch to urge upon and retract the mounting pin from the slot.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch having a body, the body connected to a first vehicle at a central point about which the body is rotatable. The body also includes a radially offset connecting point at which the body is rotatably connected to a second vehicle. The rotatable connections of the body to the first and second vehicles accomodates vertical offset between one or more links connecting the vehicle. The arc of rotation of the body may limited by a pair of protruding stops.

Abstract: A paper holder includes a generally rectangular holder plate, a clip member mounted on the holder plate and adapted to clamp a sheet of paper which lies on a front side surface of the holder plate, and a support plate. The holder plate has a rear side surface opposite to the front side surface and a horizontal row of interconnected abutting blocks which are fixed on the rear side surface thereof and which are different in thickness so as to define a stepped surface thereon. The support plate is attached pivotally and inclinedly to the holder plate and has a horizontally movable sliding unit thereon to contact the stepped surface in such a manner that the sliding unit abuts against a selected one of the blocks of the holder plate so as to form a predetermined angle between the holder plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A foldable rail assembly includes a first shell including a first wall defining a cutout and two apertures, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls. A second shell includes a first wall defining two apertures and a passage, a second wall defining two apertures and a top formed between the first and second walls thereof. A lock defines two apertures and includes an upper portion and a lower portion of a greater length thus defining two shoulders. Two pins are inserted through the apertures defined in the first and second shells and the lock. Three springs are compressed between the lock and the second wall of the second shell. Two rails are pivotally linked to the first shell and each include an end with a block raised therefrom. The blocks are supported by the shoulders when the lock is against the first wall of the second shell.

Abstract: The tape dispenser has a cutting device with a blade, a blade protecting shield mounted above the blade, and a pair of pivot shafts. The blade protecting shield has a frontward edge, a rearward edge opposite to the frontward edge, a projection with two opposed end portions which extend integrally and rearwardly from the rearward edge, and a pair of spaced pivot blocks which extend rearwardly from the rearward edge and which are respectively on two sides of the projection such that a clearance is formed between each of the pivot blocks and a respective one of the opposed end portions of the projection. Each of the pivot blocks has a recess to receive a respective one of the pivot shafts and is pivotable relative to the connecting plates between a first position, wherein the front edge of the blade protecting shield uncovers the blade, and a second position, wherein the blade protecting shield covers the blade.

Abstract: A print head pressure-contact device equipped with a linkage for applying a print head onto a platen of a printer, comprises a drive lever having a driven connection with a motor and a driven lever rotatably linked to the drive lever. The drive lever has a cam and the driven lever has a cam follower cooperative with the cam, such that a power transmission is changed from a linkage transmission to a cam transmission within a predetermined angle range with respect to an angle between the two levers.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a lever to a sensor, e.g., a potentiometer for remote control of the throttle speed of a motor. The coupling includes a die cast housing wherein configured end cavities are interconnected by a through bore. One of the cavities is configured to have bosses that form rotative stops. A bushing is positioned in the through bore and the combination provides a sub-assembly. A second sub-assembly includes a shaft with a cross pin that is adapted to seat between the bosses with the shaft inserted into the bushing. With the shaft assembly seated, a retainer ring is placed on the opposite end of the shaft to cooperatively (cooperative with the cross pin) retain the shaft sub-assembly to the housing. A lever is attached to one end and the other end is connected to the sensor. The spaces between the bosses provide the desired rotative limits for the shaft to generate the range of throttle positions between full throttle and idle.

Abstract: A support leg for a musical instrument bass drum including a base on the drum body having an annular gear surface, a leg pivotally supported to the base at the center of the gear surface, and gearing on the leg for meshing with the gear surface on the base for preventing swinging of the leg with respect to the base. A spring urges the base and leg apart to permit the leg to pivot. A bolt is tightened to move the gear surface and gearing into meshing. Cooperating stoppers on the base and the leg establish the use and nonuse swing positions of the leg with reference to the base. The support leg includes a main body and a leg that expands or contracts with reference to the body and a clamp for clamping the leg at a selected expanded position. A display on the main body displays the expanded position of the leg with respect to the body.

Abstract: A baby walker includes a tethering connector to constrain the walker to travel within a path defined by an articulated, telescoping boom, thereby restraining the baby to a range of travel within a predetermined zone of safety. The boom, which is rotatably affixed to a portable weighted base, is selectively angularly and radially limited in its travel relative to the interface of the boom and its point of attachment to the body of the walker. The tethering connector is also retrofittable to untethered baby walkers of the prior art.

Abstract: In a slow-acting rotary shaft device, a shaft, which rotatably supports a second member, includes a hollow shaft body latched to a first member inrotatably, a cap member outwardly inserted on an end portion of the shaft body rotatably and latched to the second member inrotatably, a torsion bar which has one end latched with the shaft body and another end latched with a cap member, and a viscous grease enclosed between the shaft body and cap members. The hollow shaft body is divided into two portions, a body portion of which latches to one of the end portions of the torsion bar. In opposite surfaces of the two portions, a projection formed at one surface and a concave portion formed at another surface are loosely inserted and provided with a relatively rotatable race area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connection system for two structural component parts (1, 10) which are constructed as pipe or rod and/or nodal elements and contain connection ends (7, 15) having front recesses. An angle element (22) with a spherical surface (23) at which the two ends of a through-passage (32) penetrating the angle element (22) open out serves to adjust a multitude of angles (.alpha.) between the structural component parts (1, 10), which angles (.alpha.) can be changed preferably between preselected limits. The connection ends (7, 15) are provided in the area of the joint faces (24, 25) with contact surfaces (27, 28) adapted to the spherical surface (23) so that fine, hardly visible joint faces (24, 25) are formed between the structural component parts (1, 10) and the angle element (22).

Abstract: A swing arm is disclosed including a bottom curved tube, which has a first fitting with an inward bottom staking step and a second fitting with an inside chamber respectively at two opposite ends, a top straight tube, which has a first fitting with an inward bottom staking step and a second fitting with an external stop knob respectively formed at two opposite ends, and a connecting device to connect the first fitting of the top straight tube to the first fitting of the bottom curved tube through a hollow T-shaped rivet joint for permitting the top straight tube to be turned on the bottom curved tube for engaging the external stop knob of the second fitting of the top straight tube into or disconnecting it from the chamber of the second fitting of the bottom curved tube, a first washer retained between one head of the hollow rivet and one bottom staking step, a second washer retained between the other head of the hollow rivet and the other bottom staking step, and two friction washers retained between the sta

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a movable link member of a valve actuator assembly to a movable valve spool in a fluid control valve includes a swivel spud secured to the end of the valve spool. The swivel spud has a semi-spherical outer end surface and first and second transverse apertures formed therethrough. A first cylindrical pin is retained within the first aperture of the swivel spud. The actuator assembly further includes a movable inner piston having an end portion, which is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, and a pair of opposed apertures formed therethrough. The semi-spherical outer end surface of the swivel spud is received within the hollow end portion of the inner actuator piston. A second pin is retained in the opposed apertures of the inner actuator piston, extending through the second aperture of the swivel spud. When the inner actuator piston is moved in one direction, the pins engage one another to effect movement of the valve spool in that direction.

Abstract: A coupler for collapsible joints consisting of a hollow body having an interior cavity, an exterior surface with an arcuate portion, and an arcuate slot extending radially from the interior cavity to the exterior surface over at least 90 degrees of the arcuate portion. A receptacle is provided for attaching a first support member to the body. An elongate fastening member extends through the slot, and is adapted to extend into a second support member thereby securing the body to the second support member. The body rotates about a first axis transverse to the fastening member to the extent that clearance is provided by the slot thereby positioning the support member between a first position in parallel alignment with the base and a second position substantially at right angles to the base. In the second position the body is rotatable about a second axis provided by the fastening member to alter the rotational positioning of the slot relative to the fastening member.

Abstract: A joint is provided between a transmission operating member of a transmission and a control rod of a transmission gear control mechanism. The joint includes rigid stopper rings for rigidly stopping deformations of resilient deformable members in predetermined directions and thereby rigidly stopping movement of outer sleeves of an outer sleeve unit in the directions crossing joint pins at right angles. The stopper rings are fittingly interposed between the outer sleeves and channel-like end portions of the transmission operating member such that the transmission operating member and control rod are relatively less movable in the direction crossing their axial directions at right angles.

Abstract: An articulating joint is provided for use in a foldable frame for a stretcher for example, which is capable of being selectively locked against upward, downward, or lateral folding by rotating the joint relative to the folding frame member.

Abstract: A folding joint for a foldable playyard having a base frame having two connecting members pivotably secured at the inside for holding two rails permitting them to be held in a longitudinally aligned position or folded up into a collapsed position. The connecting members each have an axial hole at one end for inserting either rail, two through holes on two opposite side walls thereof, and a track connected between the two through holes. The rails each have a pivot hole secured between the two through holes by a headed pin. The two rails are held in the longitudinally aligned position when the head of the headed pin is engaged in one through hole; and the two rails are allowed to be folded up when the head of the headed pin is rotated to the other through hole.

Abstract: A releasable controlled-motion ankle-foot orthosis includes an elongated shell adapted for releasable attachment to the lower leg above the ankle joint, a foot support adapted for releasable attachment to the foot, and lateral and medial controlled-motion ankle joint assemblies attached to the shell and to the foot support in alignment with the axis of rotation through the ankle joint. Each ankle joint assembly includes a rigid support plate affixed at one end to the shell, extending across the ankle joint, and affixed at the other end to the foot support. Sets of cam members in matching pairs are used interchangeably for controlling range of motion in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Each individualy selectable cam member is rotatably mounted to the support plate for contact with a stop on the support plate to control angular motion.

Abstract: A hinge joint includes a first planer element and a second planer element, each of said planer elements having an exterior side and an interior side. Each planer element exhibits an opening for axial rotational attachment about an end of an intermediately rotationally secured third planer element. The first and second planer elements are secured, at a defined offset by several bolts. Such offset is proportioned to permit rotation of the end of the third planer element therebetween. The interior surfaces of the first and second planer elements are provided with linear channels within which are placed springs, the function of which is to regulate the angulation and resilience of the third planer element relative to the mutually secured first and second elements of the hinge joint.

Abstract: A duct assembly for enclosing conduits, cables, wires, lines and the like, comprising a base having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, and a cover having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis. The base includes a generally planar central portion with first and second legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The cover includes an intermediate portion having third and fourth legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The cover is pivotally and releasably coupled to the base at one end and releasably coupled to the base at the other end. The pivotal and releasable coupling is made up and released via a snap fit resulting from forces exerted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the cover and the base. The pivotal coupling allows angular movement of the cover relative to the base through about 45.degree. to about 60.degree..

Abstract: A moldable edge connecting apparatus is disclosed that can optionally be employed as a hinge. It is suitable for use as fencing and is particularly applicable to removable fencing. It employs integrally molded connecting fingers that are designed without deep slots, lips thereover, or fully circumscribed openings to economize on mold manufacturing cost and the expense and difficulty of operating the mold, rendering the invention appropriate to very low cost items. The entire structure is substantially coplanar with segments to be connected, even when used as a hinge, and utilizes half-round grooves that are substantially no deeper than the radius of the groove.

Abstract: A dental instrument delivery system is provided which includes an articulated retaining arm adjustable in a plurality of directions. The arm is connected to a cable mechanism in the back rest of a dental chair which allows the instruments carried by the arm to remain in a desired position when the back rest is tilted. Also included is a safety release system which prevents damage to the arm and instruments it carries should they accidentally engage a solid object when the chair and/or back rest is raised or lowered. After disengagement of the solid object, the arm automatically returns to its original position.

Abstract: A latching device for the actuator in a valve installation. The actuator includes a handle for rotating a valve stem and a latch slidably mounted on the handle. The latch has one edge which abuts a stop when in the closed position and an opposed, angularly disposed, camming edge facing a stop at the open position.

Abstract: A manipulator module comprises an arm bearingly mounted on an axle, confined between left and right adjustable stops with a suitably completed fixing surface. On the arm are stationary mounted hard stops with slits, charged with helical cylindric springs. The springs contact the adjustable stops when the arm approaches the respective stop. Onto parallel guideways, formed by the stationary stops with slits, roll the extreme bearings of a three bearing bearings block, the intermediate bearing of which contacts the fixing surface of the respective stop while the mover is at "on" position. When the arm has reached the stop and has deformed the spring, the "fix" mover is actuated, the arm is fixed to the stop and the energy lost during the arm's movement is added.