Abstract: A magnetic clasp system, having a clasping assembly, which includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a pin defining a patch configured to receive a strap, and wherein the bottom portion includes a magnetically responsive material. The magnetic clasp system also including a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including a magnetically responsive material configured to draw the clasping assembly and the mounting assembly together when within a magnetic field thereof.

Abstract: A bungee loop retention assembly includes a housing, bungee channels, and a hold. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The bungee channels are disposed in the housing and extend from the first end to the second end. The hold is positioned at least partially in the housing and includes an external portion and retainers configured to interfere with a portion of a bungee retained in the bungee channel. The external portion has a central section between sleeves that define openings sized to surround portions of the bungee. The hold translates from a first position in which the retainers squeeze the bungee against a channel surface to a second position in which the retainers are separated from the bungee. In the first position, the bungee is bound to the openings and to the housing such that an intra-mechanism force pulls the hold against the housing.

Abstract: A bone anchor has a central bore allowing for uniquely attaching a suture thereto. The bore is shaped so that it is wider at the bottom of the anchor than at the top of the anchor. A peg fits within the bore. The suture is looped around the peg and the peg is inserted into the bore. Friction between the bore, peg and suture holds the suture in place. A suture for use with the bone anchor may be formed by fusing together the ends of a plurality of fibers to form a loop.

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: An anchor system including at least one flexible interconnection device. A restraint device is on the at least one flexible interconnection device. The restraint device and the flexible interconnection device form a combination. The anchor system includes a terminal object having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines a duct for receiving a portion of the flexible interconnection device. The duct has a first end, a second end, and an interior portion. The terminal object includes a metallic-iron-free load-bearing structure that defines a load-bearing surface such that when the flexible interconnection device is positioned through the duct and when a tensional force is applied to the interconnection device, the tensional force urges the combination against the load-bearing surface such that the metallic-iron-free load-bearing structure impedes the combination from traversing the duct in response to the tensional force by bearing the resultant load.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a pair of suture lengths together or for using a single strand of suture to secure tissue(s) together at an operative site in a patient without necessarily tying a knot. The suture lock device includes a suturing securing device having an outer body member having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen defines a suture path through the outer body. An inner wedge member is axially insertable into the outer body member to secure a portion of a suture between the wedge and the interior surface of the lock member. An outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The outer tube carries the outer body member at the distal end of the outer tube. The outer tube carries the wedge proximal to the outer body member.

Abstract: Composite rigging, rigging terminals, methods of forming composite rigging, and methods of assembling the rigging terminals in a rigging system of a sailboat incorporate a sling of composite fibers having an equivalent cross-sectional profile and stretch resistance, but greater strength and less weight as compared to steel rigging. The rigging terminal includes a terminal fitting having a first opening, a second opening, and an interior space, and a terminal insert disposed inside the interior space. The terminal insert is formed with a first end disposed toward the first opening of the fitting, first and second posts disposed on the first end, and a second end having a shape tapered and disposed toward the second opening of the fitting. One or more composite fibers can be wound around the first end of the insert and held in a space between wall of the terminal fitting interior space and the terminal insert.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching objects to living trees. Various forms of the devices employ a flexible member and mounting member that are configured to be looped and secured around a tree portion at a beginning of a predetermined time period. The mounting member and flexible member are configured to slide relative to each other to accommodate growth of the tree portion such that the device remains secured to the tree portion for at least the duration of the predetermined period of time without the need for human intervention. In other embodiments, the mounting member is integrally formed with the object or no mounting member is employed.

Abstract: A winch includes a motor and a rotatable drum drivingly attached to the motor. The rotatable drum includes an anchor pocket therein. A cable includes a proximal end connected to the rotatable drum by an anchor received in said anchor pocket with the cable wrapped around the anchor. The anchor includes a first slot in a surface thereof and the rotatable drum includes a second slot therein adjacent to the anchor pocket that allows access to the first slot in the anchor. An edge of the second slot forms a fulcrum point for a pry tool inserted into the first and second slots for freeing the anchor from the anchor pocket.

Abstract: A readily releasable wedge assembly for holding a wire rope in a socket comprises first and second wedge components and a release assembly. The first and second wedge components are joined together adjacent respective first ends thereof at a pin connection. The first and second wedge components have respective second ends opposite the first ends, which are spaced from the first ends in a longitudinal direction. The first and second wedge components are pivotable relative to each other about the pin connection and together define an outer periphery shaped to receive a wire rope. The release assembly is positioned between the second ends of the wedge components. The release assembly is threadedly actuatable to release the first and second wedge components from an expanded position and reconfigure the wedge assembly into a contracted position allowing the wedge assembly to be removed from a socket.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a device for securing a ligature to an osseous structure, the device comprising a first part, a second part, a flexible elongate member for engaging the osseous structure, a closure element, and a deformable element between the first and second parts for holding open a gap G between them. The flexible elongate member is threaded through an orifice in the first part and the gap G. The closure element is configured for clamping the first and second parts against each other, overcoming the resilience of the deformable element, so as to frictionally lock the flexible elongate member threaded through the gap G. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method for using the device.

Abstract: An exemplary device that is useful for controlling vibrations of an elevator load bearing member includes a guide. A mass is moveable relative to the guide responsive to vibration of the load bearing member to introduce a force to counter the vibration.

Abstract: A socket device (10) for securing an end of a load bearing member (22) includes first socket members (26a and 26b) and second socket members (28a and 28b) that are distinct, separate pieces of material. The second socket members (28a and 28b) are spaced apart from each other at a desired angle and rigidly secured on one side to one of the first socket members (26a) and on another side to the other first socket member (26b) to form the socket (24). A disclosed example includes cooperating tabs (38) and recesses or openings (34) for securing the socket members together in a rigidly fixed alignment.

Abstract: A socket and wedge assembly that securely holds wire rope and is easy to release includes a collapsible wedge. The wedge collapses at the front, narrowed end to utilize the high pressures at the front end of the wedge in effecting the collapse and releasing the rope. The wedge includes a movable element that pivots and/or translates to facilitate a quick and reliable collapse of the wedge and release of the wire rope. The wedge includes a cavity to at least partially exhaust the fumes created from cutting the support with a torch for release of the wire rope.

Abstract: An actuated wedge socket assembly. The assembly includes a wedge socket having an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at an opposed second end, and an open interior cross-section tapering from the large opening to the small opening. A wedge includes a large end, an opposed small end, and a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope therein. A mechanism is provided to mechanically move and seat the wedge and the wire rope in the wedge socket to a controlled depth.

Abstract: A belt end connection for fastening a support belt end in an elevator installation and a method for protecting and checking a belt end connection in an elevator installation includes a twisting prevention device that prevents twisting of the belt end connection about the longitudinal axis thereof. A wedge retains the support belt end in a wedge pocket and is secured by a loss prevention device against slipping out of the wedge pocket. The twisting prevention device and/or the loss prevention enable efficient protection of the support belt and/or of the belt end connection against damage and make possible efficient checking and control of the belt end connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a termination device for an aramid-based elevator rope having a high breaking strength. The termination device comprises a socket having a cylindrical, tapered internal passageway adapted to receive a corresponding wedge. The wedge includes a semi-cylindrical passageway in a substantially helical configuration to increase the surface area between the associated rope and the wedge. The termination device clamps the length of rope between tapered portions of the socket and the semi-cylindrical passageway of the wedge with a substantially uniform application of force on the cross-section of the rope.

Abstract: A belt end connection for fastening a support belt end in an elevator installation and a method for protecting and checking a belt end connection in an elevator installation includes a twisting prevention device that prevents twisting of the belt end connection about the longitudinal axis thereof. A wedge retains the support belt end in a wedge pocket and is secured by a loss prevention device against slipping out of the wedge pocket. The twisting prevention device and/or the loss prevention enable efficient protection of the support belt and/or of the belt end connection against damage and make possible efficient checking and control of the belt end connection.

Abstract: A jet pump diffuser weld repair device includes a lower ring section and an upper ring section respectively sized to fit around a circumference of the diffuser on opposite sides of the weld to be repaired. The lower and upper ring sections are provided with a plurality of aligned gripper slots. A corresponding plurality of grippers are fit into the gripper slots, where at least one of the gripper slots and the grippers defines cam surfaces shaped to drive the grippers radially inward as lower and upper ring sections are drawn toward each other. A plurality of connector bolts are secured between the lower ring section and the upper ring section. Tightening of the connector bolts draws the lower and upper ring sections toward each other.

Abstract: A wedge socket with actuator assembly. A wedge socket has an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and a pair of sides. A wedge has a large end, a small end, a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope, and a pair of sides, wherein at least one side of the wedge has a series of recesses. At least one side of the wedge socket has an opening therethrough to permit a tool to pass through said opening to be received in one of said recesses in order to move said wedge with respect to the socket.

Abstract: A deadend assembly for anchoring a wire to a support includes a yoke having a base. An opening through the base of the yoke receives a wire receiving device and a first bail. First and second opposing hooks on the base receive a second bail. The second bail is removable to facilitate installation of additional deadend assemblies.

Abstract: A termination device for an aramid-based elevator rope comprises a socket having a tapered internal passageway adapted to receive a wedge and a rope. The passageway has first and second semi-cylindrical rope engaging surfaces. The wedge has a peripheral groove having a variable radius of curvature. The device clamps the length of rope between linear portions of the wedge and the rope engaging surfaces of the socket with a substantially uniform application of force on the cross-section of the rope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension for the running rail of a lifting mechanism at a girder, with a cable connecting the girder and the running rail. The ends of the cable are detachably connected with one another by a connection element. To prevent tearing of the redundant suspension or to prevent the cable clamps from damaging the cables in the event of sudden loading, for example, if the primary running rail fastening system tears or breaks, the connection element formed of two wedge locks connected to one another are arranged in such a way that one wedge lock is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the other wedge lock. Accordingly, the working directions of the wedges clamping the ends of the cable are oppositely directed. The ends of the cable which run in from opposite directions can be guided back in the direction opposite to their running-in direction after deflection around the wedges of the wedge locks such that they can be clamped by the wedges, at least under load.

Abstract: A cable connector has a body with a passageway therethrough and a slot extending along the passageway. A wedge is slidably received in the passageway. A log boom is secured by connecting the body of the connector to one end of the cable, wrapping the cable about a log on one side of the boom and then inserting the cable through the slot into the passageway. A wedge is then driven into the passageway to secure the hook to the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting the lower riser assembly of a jet pump in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the clamp assembly provides structural rigidity to the lower rise assembly. The clamp assembly includes a lower thermal sleeve clamp and a riser clamp. The lower thermal sleeve clamp is positioned adjacent an interface between the elbow and the thermal sleeve of the jet pump riser pipe assembly. The riser clamp is secured to the riser pipe of the jet pump riser pipe assembly at a location adjacent an interface between the riser pipe and the elbow. The lower thermal sleeve clamp and the riser clamp also are coupled to each other so that as the respective clamps are secured to the lower riser assembly.

Abstract: An improved cord lock provides a mechanism for preventing a moveable slide from being drawn too far into a cord lock body by heavy forces transmitted through the cord being locked. The improved cord lock has a body of standard manufacture, and a moveable slide which has been modified to provide a positive stop to prevent the slide from entering too far into the body. The positive stop may be formed as a number of projections from the moveable slide which make its overall cross section too large to fit within the lock body.

Abstract: A rope clamp is provided which is suitable either for use to hang adjustably an article suspended by a rope, or to act as an adjustable tie down. The clamp has a clamping rope channel between a pair of parallel plates. Clamping ribs are located in the rope channel to grip the rope frictionally and to narrow the channel towards its base. One plate of the pair narrows towards one end to leave exposed parts of an inner face on the other plate. Guide to maintain the rope in the rope channel are located on the exposed parts.

Abstract: A wedge socket assembly having a wedge socket, a pin for connecting objects to the wedge socket, a wedge, and a bolt for holding the wedge in the wedge socket. The wedge socket has an elongated, hollow basket of substantially rectangular cross-section. The hollow basket has a large opening at a first end, a small opening at a second end, and an interior cross-section tapering from said large opening to said small opening. Connected to the basket are a pair of jaws extending from opposite sides of the first end, and the jaws each have an opening therethrough aligned with one another, with the pin inserted through the openings and retained by a cotter pin. The wedge has a first wedge portion with a large end and a small end, and is of substantially the same shape as the interior of the basket.

Abstract: A cord locking device of this invention comprises a casing having openings respectively at opposite ends and a longitudinal aperture in a front plate, and a slide adapted to be inserted in the casing. The slide has a pair of resilient grip portions extending from opposite sides of a head portion of the slide, and also has a pair of engaging portions each extending from a side surface of the slide between the head portion and a base of each of the grip portions. In order to increase the resilience, the slide further has a resilient portion situated between the grip portions. The slide additionally has a central resilient guide portion situated rearwardly of the head portion in such a manner that the guide portion should project outwardly from an outer surface of the front plate of the casing through the aperture when the slide is inserted in the casing. For locking and unlocking the cord, the slide is slided with the gripping of the grip portions.

Abstract: A cord tightening device comprises a case having a pair of front and rear plates and a pair of opposite lateral walls interconnecting the front and rear plates and having forwardly converging inner surfaces defining a small-width opening at one end thereof and a large-width opening at the other end thereof, and a sliding member slidably disposed inside the case and having pressing parts formed on opposite lateral surfaces thereof and adapted to press a cord against the opposite lateral walls of the case. The cord tightening device is provided on at least one sliding surface of either one of said case and said sliding member taken as a set with a sliding groove and on at least one sliding surface of the remaining member of the set with a sliding protrusion fit for insertion into said sliding groove.

Abstract: A game ball assembly for use with a game ball is described comprising a net for receiving and holding the game ball, a handle adapted to be retained within a user's hand, a length adjuster having a body part and a relatively movable locking slide part defining with said body part two paths at opposite sides of the slide part, and an elongated substantially inelastic tether cord or rope secured between the handle and the net. The tether extends through one of the paths of the length adjuster, through the net and then through the other path of the length adjuster such that a free end of the tether is supported between the slide part and the body part of the length adjuster. This arrangement facilitates simple adjustment of the length of the tether.

Abstract: A wire harness protector prevents wire harness wear resulting from repeated flexing at a single point by holding the harness in a bent fashion. The harness fits between a retaining portion and a retaining cap. A fixing arm may be connected to the retaining portion to facilitate attachment of the harness to a vehicle.

Abstract: A game ball assembly for use with a game ball is described comprising a net for receiving and holding the game ball, a handle adapted to be retained within a user's hand, a length adjuster having a body part and a relatively movable locking slide part defining with said body part two paths at opposite sides of the slide part, and an elongated substantially inelastic tether cord or rope secured between the handle and the net. The tether extends through one of the paths of the length adjuster, through the net and then through the other path of the length adjuster such that a free end of the tether is supported between the slide part and the body part of the length adjuster. This arrangement facilitates simple adjustment of the length of the tether.

Abstract: A two part rope lock for hooking over the railing of a boat, having a hanger member with a pair of transversely arranged guide hooks at upper and lower ends. A channel is formed by two outstanding flanges at the back of a leg of a rail-engageable hook between the guide hooks for passage of a rope therethrough. The flanges include inclined slots for the slidable non-pivotal attachment of a cam wedge second member that moves at an inclined angle toward the leg of the hanger member. Both the hanger member and the cam wedge member include serrated surfaces so that when the cam wedge is slid downwardly a rope may be clamped therebetween. The rope lock is adjustable by one hand so that the rope may be adjusted to be gripped at different positions, such as for use with a bumper guard attached to a depending end of the rope for placing the guard at different locations on the hull of a boat as needed.

Abstract: A cord or rod clamp includes a housing defining a central opening and having jaw members and wedge members located within the housing. Spring elements normally position the jaw members in substantially contacting relationship with each other and within the opening, and the wedge members are operated to selectively separate the jaw members from each other to permit insertion of a cord or rod into the opening and between the jaw members.

Abstract: A binding device for rope such as a belt for hanging a bag or a leash for tugging a pet. The rope is passed through into the setting hole of the binding means with a wedge so that the rope is fixedly pressed in the said hole.

Abstract: A wedge-type cable clamp has an outer member providing an open-ended tapered recess receiving a wedge around which a cable is wrapped in the usual manner. The wedge projects beyond the larger end of the recess, and the sides of the outer member extend past the wedge to shield it against random accidental forces. A cut-out in the sides provides finger access for intentionally releasing the clamp.

Abstract: A cord lock including a body containing a passage through which two cords extend, and a slide received at least partially within the passage and movable relative to the body between a locking position retaining the cords against longitudinal movement and a released position permitting such movement, with the body having a wall defining a side of the passage laterally adjacent one of the cords and containing a slot through which that cord is movable laterally or transversely of its length out of the passage and to the exterior of the body to enable complete detachment of one of the cords from the body when desired.

Abstract: A cord tightening device for tightening cords on anoraks, shopping bags and other bags includes a hollow body and a slider movably disposed in the body and slidable along a guide groove defined in a face plate of the body. The slider has an annular retainer for pressing cord portions against side walls of the body, and a resilient knob cantilevered to the retainer and normally projecting through the guide groove above the face plate. The cantilevered knob is resiliently flexible toward the back plate to such an extent that the knob is substantially fully received in an aperture in the retainer. With this resilient knob, the slider can smoothly be inserted in and removed from the body without damaging the body.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing a belt against slipping from a holding clamp by forming a loop in the belt and inserting same into a slot of a clamp or a device, a wedge is then inserted into said loop. By pulling the free end of the belt, the loop and wedge enter into said slot.

Abstract: An equalizer socket including a socket body, a plurality of grooved wire receiving wedges removably inserted therein and at least one center wedge having a greater taper in bearing contact with the ropes of the grooved wedges, and constraining means associated with the end of the socket body for the center wedge.

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: A cord retainer assembly constructed of two cooperating parts: a cord holder part and a cord lock part. The cord holder part is molded as a one-piece plastic elongate housing having a tapered nose portion with two spaced apart apertures formed at one end and having a central opening formed at the other end. The cord lock part is formed of a one-piece plastic elongate slider member which is conformably shaped to be slidably disposed within the hollow housing and has a handle portion which extends outwardly of its central opening. The slider member is formed with a pair of laterally extending gripping teeth for selectively restraining a length of cord which is threaded through the housing. The slider member is releasably latched within the housing member by a ratcheting mechanism composed of a plurality of serrated teeth formed longitudinally along an inside surface of the housing which mate with a second plurality of serrated teeth formed longitudinally along the slider member.

Abstract: A socket for mounting an end of a wire rope having a body member, said body member having a bowl therein for receiving said wire rope end and molten zinc to anchor the rope in the socket, the external surface of the socket providing a contoured, reinforced connection, adapted to conform to the angle of a vehicle tailboard, or of a drum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shim having a quite simple and easily operable shape and is used for a cable clamp composed of a wedge-like member and a sleeve-like member, those members being telescopically assembled to clamp a cable therebetween. Said sleeve-like member is linked with said shim through a simple and low cost means.

Abstract: An open wedge socket for a cable or the like includes a wedge having a peripheral surface for engaging the cable, a housing including an outwardly opening channel for receiving the wedge and cable, and an interference member having a sliding fit on the housing to capture the wedge and cable in the channel. The channel provides a first working surface for engaging the cable and the interference member provides a second working surface for engaging the cable. The housing includes shoulders providing first camming surfaces and the interference member includes flanges providing second camming surfaces. When the interference member slides onto the housing it is drawn toward the channel to constrict one end of the channel and capture the wedge and cable between the first and second working surfaces.

Abstract: A guy hook used to attach a guy cable to a transmission line pole includes an upper body portion (25), a central body portion (26), and a lower heel portion (27). The upper portion has a neck (29) and ears (28) for engaging the guy cable. The central body portion has a rearward pole-engaging surface (37), an opposite frontward side and a passageway (40) therebetween through which a through-bolt is horizontally disposed to install the hook on the pole. The frontward side includes a recess (38) surrounding the aperture (39) to the passageway for countersinking the head of a through-bolt below the frontward side to a depth substantially in line with the vertical line of action (41-42) of the hook. The moment caused by the downward and outward force exerted on the hook by the guy cable is thus minimized and therefore also the tendency of the hook to overturn and bend the through-bolt.

Abstract: A socket-wedge connection for wedge-type rope socket wherein a multi-part wedge is employed having one part collapsible, finding advantageous use, for example, in the lines employed with excavating equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a sounding balloon by its filling tube to a device which is adapted to be connected to a radiosonde by a flexible connecting element includes an attachment member in which an aperture is formed and a fixing member adapted to be fitted in locking position on the attachment member so that at least a portion thereof extends through the aperture. The fixing member includes at least one wedge-shaped portion which extends through the aperture of the attachment member when the fixing member is fitted into locking position to urge the filling tube of the sounding balloon against the marginal edge of the aperture to fix the filling tube and, therefore, the sounding balloon to the attachment member. The attachment member preferably is integral with a plate body which widens in a downward direction and which constitutes a device for releasing the flexible connecting element between the radiosonde and the sounding balloon in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A socket-wedge connection for wedge-type rope socket wherein a multi-part wedge is employed having one part collapsible, finding advantageous use, for example, in the lines employed with excavating equipment.