Abstract: A head and/or neck support device that comprises an extended-half-round shape, soft base; a belt that is attached to the base; a vertical angled bracket that comprises a protruding upward hollow cylinder, and is attached to the base; a first cylinder whose near end is disposed within the angled bracket, and whose far end is male threaded; a radial ring that is attached to the outer side of the first cylinder near the far end thereof; a hollow second cylinder whose near end is female threaded, and far end has a ring attached. The far end of the first cylinder is screwed into the second cylinder's near end. The devise further comprises a chin support component that comprises a hollow third cylinder, a chin rest component, and an end cap. The far end of the second cylinder is disposed within the third cylinder. The device further comprises a spring that is disposed within the third cylinder, and sandwiched between the cavity of the third cylinder and the second cylinder's far end.

Abstract: A device for inserting the blind fastener in the fastening site, a pulling and extracting device for swaging the blind fastener in the fastening site and a passive compliance device that binds the inserting device to the pulling and extracting device. The passive compliance device allows the installation of the bind fastener without sensors.

Abstract: A device is provided for inserting coil inserts into threaded holes. The device includes an insertion tool having a manipulator end which is configured to receive and hold a coil insert, and which is operable to apply a torque to the coil insert to screw the coil insert into a threaded hole when presented thereto, the manipulator end having an insertion axis which is coincident with the axis of the coil insert when held by the manipulator end. The device further includes a tool support to which the insertion tool is mounted, the tool support being fixable to an end of a robot arm whereby the manipulator end is presentable by the robot arm to the threaded hole for insertion therein of the coil insert.

Abstract: Provided is an ultra large-width coating device applied to a consecutive process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coating device capable of maximizing productivity by consecutively manufacturing a large-width film without reducing physical properties of the manufactured film by overcoming a problem in that a coating width is limited during a coating process using the existing contact type coating roller, and a method for manufacturing an ultra large-width membrane using the same.

Abstract: Provided is an orthodontic splint and related methods, which use two or more bonding pads and a flexible connector beam that deflects in response to stress, effectively reducing the amount of stress felt by the adhesive. The connector beam has a non-uniform cross-section along its length, thereby shifting the maximum stress away from the ends of the beam and toward the midpoint of the beam. Further, the connector beam attached to each base along locations remote from the outer edge of the base. These splint configurations can decrease the likelihood of bond failure and improve fatigue performance by causing stress, and associated strain, encountered during treatment to be spread more evenly along the length of the beam.

Abstract: An assembly is described for reducing the moment from a deflected shaft. A shaft includes a shaft body and an outer shaft surface. A bearing includes an inner race engaging the shaft, the inner race including an inner race surface and a race body with axial edges. When the shaft body or a portion of the bearing is deflected from a nominal axis of relative rotation, the shaft body applies a force to the bearing at an axially outermost location that is axially inward from at least one of the axial edges of the race body. Accordingly, an effective line of action of the force is applied at a location that is axially removed from the at least one of the axial edges of the race body towards a central plane of the bearing.

Abstract: A flexible utility handle comprising a handle, an upper tubular section having a female threaded first end and a recessed second end, a lower tubular section having a recessed first end and a male threaded second end, a coiled spring flexibly connecting the upper tubular section and the lower tubular section, and a tension cable operationally connecting the handle and the lower tubular section. The handle includes a cable tension bolt which is operationally designed to engage the female threaded first end of the upper tubular section. Rotating the handle to increase the overall length of the invention decreases its flexibility at the coiled spring. Rotating the handle to decrease the overall length of the invention increases its flexibility at the coiled spring.

Abstract: A feather imping pin with roughened surface is described that attaches a donor feather to a receiving feather. The feather imping pin is inserted into a receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather. Feather imping is performed using the feather imping pin that connects the donor feather and the receiving feather. The feather imping pin fits inside both the receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather and a donor feather shaft of the donor feather.

Abstract: A tolerance compensation member having at least two support bodies (20, 22) at least one of which has a helically extending support surface with which the support bodies are engaged one against the other such that an axial dimension of the tolerance compensation member (12) may be adjusted by rotating the support bodies (20, 22) relative to one another, wherein at least one of the support bodies is a helical spring (20), and the support body (22) that is engaged therewith has a lug (26) that engages between the turns of the helical spring (20).

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: A foundation, particularly a foundation of a wind turbine, is provided. The foundation includes a central foundation member and a plurality of foundation segments which are segments of a circular, ring shaped or polygonal foundation element and which are connected to the central foundation member using a plurality of locking elements.

Abstract: A medical instrument mounting and positioning device is disclosed, comprising a platform with bilateral clamps to hold a camera or other instrument, said platform being movable via a swivel ball-and-socket joint and connected to a spring-tensioned articulated arm having a flexible coil and three longitudinal members connected by pivot screw joints. Another swivel ball joint is located at the non-instrument end of the articulated arm, to connect the arm to a support member that is anchorable to a surgical table or other surface.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism including: a deformable body configured to provide a friction fit with at least one element to which it is fitted, at least one slot in the deformable body, wherein the slot traverses at least a portion of the longitudinal and latitudinal direction of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides attachment devices and methods based upon the concept of vertical, instead of horizontal, locking forces for attachment of a device to an object. In some embodiments, spring force is employed as the actual locking mechanism, and insertion and desertion forces are designed into the spring. The spring may be designed so that the insertion force is less than the desertion force.

Abstract: A golf bag umbrella includes a threaded flexible joint of dumbbell shape in its telescopic center post, the joint being adapted to easily bend in a plurality of radially directed positions relative to the part of the center post therebelow in a safety manner for facilitating access to golf clubs disposed in a golf bag.

Abstract: A device for joining a first component A and a second component B while leaving a joining gap SP includes a bolt 4 and a compensating coil 2 for compensating tolerances of the joining gap. The compensating coil is adapted to be fixed to the bolt 4 by frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means. The dimensions of the compensating coil are adapted to a helical rim hole portion 6 of the first component A such that actuation of the bolt 4 causes the compensating coil to rotate through the helical rim hole portion until it fills the joining gap for the purpose of tolerance compensation, and the frictional engagement means and/or releasable positive engagement means is overcome by further actuation of the bolt 4 so that the bolt can be screwed into a threaded hole of the second component B to join the two components.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for use in a rod for bearing at least a portion of a user's weight and a corresponding flexible tip for contacting a substantially horizontal surface. The joint mechanism includes a spring mechanism, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The spring member has opposed first and second ends. The first bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in an end of the rod and has a cavity adapted to receive the first end of the spring member. The second bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in the flexible tip and has a cavity adapted to receive the second end of the spring member.

Abstract: A wearable book. A wearable book, comprising a plurality of pages and a loop adapted for encircling a body portion for attaching said pages to the body, is provided. The pages are preferably bound together at one edge and preferably are of substantially the same size. The loop preferably has at least about 50% elasticity for stretching the loop over a second body portion such as a hand having a substantially larger circumference than a first body portion such as a wrist, and thereafter snugly circumferentially contacting the first body portion to secure the book in place.

Abstract: An adapter is for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.

Abstract: A method for mutually connecting at least two elongated elements, such as concrete renforcement rods, by means of a connecting member in the form of a winding spring with a center line, which winding spring is screwed on and around the elongated elements at the connecting place between the two elongated elements by rotation on the center line while expanding by contact with circumferential surfaces of the elongated elements, wherein the selected winding spring is a spiral or screw spiral shaped spring, of which at least one winding has a diameter smaller than the largest transverse dimension at the connecting place, determined by the elongated elements to be connected, which winding spring is placed with its center line at an angle with respect to the elongated elements and is screwingly moved from a thus obtained starting position in the direction of the elongated elements, which screwing movement is continued until at least one winding is diametrically expanded.

Abstract: A telescopic mechanism, especially for steering columns of motor vehicles, with an internal element (10), which has a flattening (12) at least on one side, and an external element (14), which is complementary to the internal element (10) and in which the internal element is guided with roll barrels, which roll at the flattening (12), wherein at least some of the roll barrels are constructed as hollow elasticity bodies (18).

Abstract: A flexible strap restraint assembly including a hollow tubular strap, a connector pin device for connecting the end of the strap to a suction cup base assembly. The connector pin includes an extent of reduced cross sectional area between the suction cup and the strap end providing a living hinge to allow the strap to be directed in a plurality of different directions.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: Various improved methods are provided for fastening two of more steel framing members together with a fastener. In one aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a tip section such that a portion of the tip section extending beyond the underside of the framing members may be outwardly flared, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members In another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a steel tip nose for piercing the framing members and a plastic stem section, such that a portion of the stem section extending beyond the underside of the framing members expands, thereby inhibiting removal of the fastener from the framing members. In yet another aspect, the fastening technique employs a fastener having a coil section with an elastic characteristic.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed, for use in cooperation with a post. The adapter includes an upper adapter portion which will be attached to a first part of the post, and a lower adapter portion which will be attached to a second part of the post. The adapter also includes a cylindrically helical spring connecting the upper adapter portion to the lower adapter portion so as to allow relative movement between the upper and lower adapter portions, including either rotational movement in which the post remains upright, or movement in which the first part of the post bends, or both. At least one of the two adapter portions is shaped to receive the helical spring as a screw.

Abstract: A golf bag umbrella includes a central shaft having a bending portion formed on the shaft, a rib assembly pivotally secured to the central shaft having an umbrella cloth secured on the rib assembly, with the rib assembly including at least a top rib pivotally secured to an upper notch formed on a top of the shaft and a stretcher rib pivotally secured between the top rib and a runner sliding on the shaft having the runner approximating the upper notch to form a crescent configuration between the top rib and the stretcher rib for forming a big dome space beneath the umbrella cloth without tangling the movement of the golf clubs when pulled outwardly from the golf bag, whereby upon bending of the central shaft at the bending portion, the umbrella cloth and the rib assembly may be temporarily tilted to allow an easy withdrawal of the golf club from the golf bag without any obstruction.

Abstract: A separable connector assembly includes a connecting member having a threaded end, and a hollow housing having a cylindrical wall that contains a body rotatably mounted therein. This body is threadably engageable with the threaded end of the connecting member. A first mechanism releasably restrains the body from rotating, and a second mechanism is included for winding a spring about the cylindrical wall of the housing. A third mechanism is included for releasing the spring. A fourth mechanism is included for restraining the threaded end from rotating. A fifth mechanism is included for applying a selected tensile load. When the load is applied, a thread geometry of the connecting member causes the load to be resolved as a torque applied to the body sufficient to cause the body to rotate enabling the connecting member to translate out of engagement with the body and subsequently separate from the body.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: An art and craft connector is provided for holding first and second rigid panels in a fixed but modifiable relationship to each other. The connector in one form includes a single length of carbon steel wire having a first segment formed into two adjacent and concentric loops, a second segment formed into two adjacent and concentric loops and an interconnecting length of wire between the first and second segments for holding the segments in a fixed but modifiable relationship. The interconnecting length of material can simply be bent by the user to change the angular relationship of the panels supported by the connector. Any number of panels can be connected together utilizing multiple connectors of the present invention. The panels can be arranged in any configuration, limited only by the creativity of the user. Each connector may have additional loops to provide three and four way connectors, and also more than four way connectors.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete panel for a bridge construction includes a first section having at least one tension member extending therethrough. A second section of the panel is spaced from the first section to form a gap therebetween. The tension member extends through the second section also and across the gap. The gap is adapted to be aligned above a support beam or girder. At least one compression member also extends between the first and second sections and across the gap in such a manner such that the gap is maintained against the tension forces of the tension member.

Abstract: An end effector has a base on one end for mounting to an end of a robot. A mount plate is fastened to the base. The end effector also has a cylindrical body to which is mounted a mating plate. Each of these components have axial holes which align with one another. The mount plate has a pair of precision-ground bumps which mate with a pair of dimples in the mating plate. One matched bump and dimple pair is smaller in diameter than the other pair to facilitate alignment between the base and the body. The end effector also has a retaining extension spring which extends between the base and the body in tension. During routine operation, the robot moves the end effector and a tool fixture at its distal end to assemble components such as in a pick-and-place tasks. In the event that the end effector crashes into an object, the body will rotate away from the base and the bumps slide out of the dimples. The spring keeps the parts together as the base remains rigidly mounted to the robot arm and the body deflect away.

Abstract: The rotatable shaft of a large machine is blocked using a plurality of preloaded springs held by a collar member secured to the housing of the machine so as to prevent the roller bearing supporting the non-drive end of the shaft from being damaged during shipment of the machine.

Abstract: A bracket for joining tables and/or table tops, includes a first bracket member adapted for attachment to one table or table top and having at least one hook-like projection, a second bracket member adapted for attachment to another table or table top to be joined and having at least two hook-like projections for so cooperating with the first bracket member that the projection of the first bracket member interlocks between the projections of the second bracket member. A connection element made of elastic and deformable material is placed between the projections of the first and second bracket members such that the projections of the first and second bracket members partially encompass the connection element, with the connection element generating a clamping force acting upon the projections of the first and second bracket members while being subject to an elastic deformation, thereby bracing the first and second bracket members with one another.

Abstract: A portable trailer movable over a surface, includes a frame and a support leg connected to the frame. The support leg has a flexible joint including a first support member, a second support member separate from the first support member and a flexible member spanning a gap between the first and second support members. The flexible member preferably joins the first and second support members so that said first and second support members are capable of moving into one or more non-parallel orientations relative to one another for preventing damage to the support leg when the support leg comes in contact with the surface or an object on the surface. The support leg may also include a second flexible joint.

Abstract: The positioning device comprises a chassis (1) provided with a drive wheel (2), mounted on the shaft of a motor (6), and a reversing wheel (3). The positioning device further comprises a loop-shaped traction member (4) tensioned around the wheels (2, 3). The traction member (4) is connected to a load (5), which is movable relative to the chassis (1) and together with the traction member (4) forms a closed loop. The drive wheel (2) and the motor (6) form a drive means for driving the load (5) via a first section (41) of the traction member (4), which first section is disposed between the load (5) and the drive wheel (2), and via a second section (42) of the traction member (4), which second section is disposed between the load (5) and the drive wheel (2). The load (5) carries tensioning means (7) for tensioning the traction member (4).

Abstract: The control cable self-adjusting device has an extended cylindrically shaped hollow base body (5) open at one of its ends (9) and a regulating stem (6) held inside the interior of the base body (5) by a retaining device. The closed end (10) of the base body (5) and the front end (15) of the regulating stem (6) are connected to respective intermediate ends (13,14) of the sheath (4) of a control cable (2). The retaining device (7) includes a saw-toothed threaded section (25) in the interior of the base body (5) and a retaining coil (26) connected to the stem (6) and engaged with the threaded section (25). The control cable length adjustment is made by pulling apart the intermediate ends (14,15) of the sheath (4) to deform the retaining coil (26) and move it from the inside to the outside of the base body (5) or by screwing the base body (5) on the stem (6) in either direction via the retaining coil (26).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife ring joint, the purpose whereof is to reduce mechanical friction and to increase weighing accuracy in a scale which is used in the casting of molten material. The knife ring is designed to be pressed in a ring-like fashion against a cylinder surface serving as the countersurface, and any motion in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the cylinder surface is prevented by of a flexible element.

Abstract: A quick release chuck device includes a body member and a device for attaching the body member to a drive spindle. A longitudinal bore or recess is defined in the body member and a resilient coiled member gripping device is disposed in the longitudinal recess. The coiled member defines an inner diameter bore for receipt of a tool shank inserted therein. A device is provided for variably coiling the coiled member gripping device within the longitudinal recess thereby causing the inner diameter bore to constrict and grip upon a tool shank inserted therein.

Abstract: A spring guide retainer is provided for preventing buckling of a spring during spring compression as an upper die moves toward a lower die in a stamping operation. The spring guide retainer comprises a spring guide housing to hold the spring location, a spring guide holder fixed to the upper die to promote spring alignment, and a spring guide pin to maintain alignment of the spring. A screw associated with the spring guide pin is receivable through a pocket of the spring guide housing to secure the spring guide pin and the spring guide housing to the pad.

Abstract: A xerographic developer apparatus wherein the idler end of a hollow and rotatably mounted developer roller is resiliently supported for radial movement by a radially compliant hub. The hub comprises a unitary series of stainless coils that are wound about an axis of rotation of the developer roller. The series of wire coils include a first multi-turn end portion to physically engage the roller's idler end, an opposite multi-turn end portion to engage a bearing that is fixed in position to generally coincide with the roller's axis of rotation, and an intermediate multi-turn portion that is free of physical engagement with either of the roller's idler end or the bearing. The intermediate multi-turn portion resiliently support the roller's idler end for needed radial movement relative to the bearing.

Abstract: A flexible corner connector is provided for use in holding frame members of a structure together. The flexible connector includes a first rigid end portion having threaded surfaces adapted for receiving a threaded nut. A second rigid end portion has an enlarged head at a distal end thereof. An elongated flexible member is attached to and extends between the first and second rigid end portions. A spike washer is engageable on the first rigid end portion. The first rigid end portion and spike washer are shaped and configured for mated engagement with one another to prevent rotation of the first rigid end portion. The spike washer has at least two projections outwardly extending for engagement into a frame member.

Abstract: A flex joint is disclosed for connecting two cylindrical instrument housings of a downhole instrument assembly that will bend as required to allow the instrument housings to move through a curved section of a well bore. The joint includes spaced tubular connectors for connecting the joint to the cylindrical housings. The connectors are connected by a flexible cable or thin walled cylindrical tube. One or more helical springs extend between the connectors and are held in compression to urge the connectors toward an in-line position while allowing the joint to bend as required for the cylindrical instrument housings to travel through a curved section of a well bore.

Abstract: A pair of coiled springs are mounted in tandem in a housing with their adjacent ends extending radially for retention in a housing permitting slight radial movement of the adjacent ends. The outer ends of the springs extend radially and are axially and circumferentially spaced apart and retained in the housing for slight circumferential movement. The outer ends of the spring are moved by tensioning them in opposite directions to increase the inner diameter of the annulus formed by the springs to receive a shaft upon which the springs tighten when the spring ends are released from tension.

Abstract: A floating pin joint is provided for coupling a linear potentiometer to a machine for measuring relative movement between first and second component parts of the machine. The potentiometer has an elongated housing securable to the first component part and a drive actuator slidably attached to the housing. In one embodiment, the floating pin joint includes a bushing, an actuator rod and a spring. The bushing can be positioned in a mounting hole on the drive actuator with an annular bearing surface disposed at one end of the bushing facing outwardly from the mounting hole. The actuator rod has a flange disposed between a first end and second end which contacts the bearing surface when the second end of the rod is extended through the bushing. The spring attaches to the second end of the rod for maintaining the flange in contact with the bearing surface.

Abstract: A reinforced pneumatic tool holder includes: a handle having a sliding sleeve secured in a front portion of the handle, and a tool clamping device generally formed with an elastomer block for clamping a pneumatic tool such as a saw blade or a file on the tool clamping device reciprocatively held in the sliding sleeve of the handle for manipulating the pneumatic tool, with a reinforcing member integrally formed in an elastomer block for reinforcing the tool clamping device for firmly fixing the tool and a piston rod in the elastomer block for absorbing shock, preventing loosening and for sustaining a great working pressure of the tool, and also for preventing injury to a worker when operating the tool.

Abstract: A mounting system for luminaire assemblies includes a mounting fixture which can be inserted into a tubular pole and secured therein without the need for complicated fasteners or tools. Specifically, the mounting fixture includes a cylindrical fitting with a tapered threaded section in which the depth of the groove forming the threads decreases upwardly along the fitting. A generally circular wire clip is seated within the tapered groove and upon rotation of the fitting relative to the tubular pole an end or detent of the clip engages the inner surface of the pole thereby prevent rotation of the clip. Continued rotation of the fitting relative to the pole advances the clip upwardly in the threaded section toward the more shallow portions of the groove thereby forming a friction fit between the expanding clip, the mounting fixture and the pole.

Abstract: A breakaway engagement mechanism is provided for use in connection with a press having a stationary first platen and a vertically translatable second platen, engagable to a vertically translatable drive cylinder mechanism. The engagement mechanism comprises a drive cylinder coupling shaft for engaging a drive cylinder mechanism and extending vertically therefrom. A second platen coupling member is mounted to the coupling shaft and engagable to the second platen. A spring member is further provided, having a first end connectable to the second platen, and a second end connectable to the coupling member, for resiliently holding the coupling member to the second platen.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut including a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member being interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A broom with a flexible coupling in the handle comprising a head having a threaded aperture therein. A handle is formed as a long upper section adapted to be held by a user and a shorter lower section being provided with screw threads for releasably coupling with the threaded aperture in the head. A coil spring couples the lower end of the upper section with the upper end of the lower section with the spring encompassing a space between the lower end of the upper section and the upper end of the lower section. The coupling may further include an adhesive in a rupturable membrane to provide a more secure attachment and a dye in a similar membrane for indicating proper attachment.

Abstract: A tapered buffer for a cable joint comprising a threaded collar adapted to be screwed onto a complementary threaded end portion of a rigid housing, a helical spring attached at one end to the collar and a conical resilient body moulded over and extending beyond the free end of the spring, the buffer having a bore adapted to be a close sliding fit over the cable, wherein the pitch of the spring coils is varied along the axis of the spring to provide a controlled degree of flex for the cable entering the joint.