Abstract: An omni-directional yieldable joint for a vehicle exhaust stack includes an upper cylindrical member having a pair of elongated pivot sockets mounted on its lower end; a lower cylindrical member has a pair of elongated pivot rods mounted at its upper end for riding in the pivot sockets and making the upper and lower cylindrical members pivotable with respect to each other; a pair of springs attached between the upper and lower cylindrical members holds the two sections tightly together and, when the joint pivots due to the exhaust stack striking an overhead object, the stack will lean and the springs will stretch as much as necessary until the stack passes under and clears the obstruction, whereupon the springs will pull the upper and lower sections back into their normally vertical and axial alignment.

Abstract: A golf bag umbrella is mounted within a golf bag and includes a central spring connection mounted to an extension shaft to permit pivotal displacement of the umbrella structure for access to golf clubs and the associated golf bag.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system including a guidewire and extension wire bearing separate helical coil connectors. The coil connectors, at least in part, have spatially separate adjacent coil turns, thereby providing gaps for receiving coil turns of the other connector.

Abstract: A robot hand adaptable to a robot arm for rigidly connecting a work tool to a robot arm while the work tool is positioned, but appropriately aligning and substantially isolating the work tool from the robot arm during the work tool's manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A connecting device connects a tailpipe to an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The tailpipe includes a smaller diameter section and a larger diameter section, and the free end of the exhaust pipe is received by the larger diameter section of the tailpipe. An annular space separates the larger diameter section of the tailpipe and the free end of the exhaust pipe. Screw threads are formed on the free end of the exhaust pipe. A connecting spring is configured as a conical helical spring, the larger diameter end of which is fixed to the tailpipe. The other end of the spring has coils configured as screw threads which screwed onto the screw threads which are formed on the free end of the exhaust pipe. The spring is relatively soft in a direction parallel to an axis of the tailpipe, and is relatively stiff in a direction transverse to an axis of the tailpipe. The spring absorbs vibrations of the engine and centers the pipes with respect to each other.

Abstract: A lockable shock absorber interconnecting the upper portion of a bicycle front wheel fork with a handlebar thereabove provides releasably joinable body extending upwardly from the bicycle fork and pivotally mounting in its upper portion an elongate handlebar arm releasably carrying a handlebar in its end portion. The handlebar arm is biased in an upwardly angled orientation, but movable downwardly against its bias to absorb shock. Biasing is provided by a compression spring carried about a depending spring rod pivotally mounted in the medial portion of the handlebar arm. The lower portion of the compression spring is supported on a bracket carried by the body and the spring rod is slidably carried within a vertical hole defined in the bracket. A horizontal fastening pin slidably carried by the bracket perpendicular to the spring rod is movable from a first position locking the spring rod relative to the bracket to a second position allowing motion of the spring rod relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A needle stop for a biopsy needle or the like in the form of a spring having coils in firm engagement with the surface of the shaft of the needle. Ends of the spring may be pinched to enlarge the coils and permit movement of the stop along the shaft. A guard tube is associated with the stop for covering the point of the needle when not in use.

Abstract: A handlebar including a shank, a ring formed integral in the shank, a number of teeth formed in the ring, a rod slidably engaged in the ring, a number of teeth formed on the rod for engagement with the teeth of the ring so as to prevent the rod from rotating relative to the shank, a disc fixed to one end of the rod and a tube coupled to the other end of the rod, and a spring biased between the ring and the disc for cushioning shocks transmitted to the handlebar.

Abstract: A torque transmission shaft assembly for connecting a drive shaft and driven shaft which are mutually spaced less than the length of the assembly. The assembly includes a rigid elongated hollow rod member having a body portion and first and second open end portions. Each end portion is adapted to receive either the drive or driven shafts, and is provided with internal involute splines for mating with corresponding external splines on the shafts to be connected by the assembly. The first end portion has an axially displaceable stop member and a biasing spring compressible by displacement of the stop member away from the open first end, for biasing the stop member against the shaft received in the first end portion. The second end portion has a rigid stop at the end of its internal splines, for abutting against the end of the shaft receivable therein.

Abstract: A safety marker suspension device which consists of a rod having a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to a safety marker. A plate is secured transversely to the second end of the rod. A housing is provided having a side wall defining an opening. The opening has a peripheral lip which matingly receives the plate. A spring is secured to and extends between the housing and the plate, thereby resiliently securing the rod to the housing. The housing is attached to machinery.

Abstract: A specific, illustrative modular stem system for lighting apparatus comprising hollow stems, each having first and second ends; a connector plug mounted at the first end; an in-line connector mounted inside the stem adjacent to the second end, the connector being configured for receiving the plug of another stem so as to permit connection of the stems end to end; a flexible joint so as to permit flexure of the stem upon the application of lateral forces to the stem system, means for dually securing the connector to the stem and the plug to the connector so as to facilitate connection of the stems end to end; and a lamp adjacent to the second end of the lowermost stem.

Abstract: A flexible, axial compensating, rotary driver-type tool bit for adjusting fasteners or adjustment screws for use with a driver motor or other automatically driven system, the driver having flexible couplings between a base member, a driver member and a collar. The driver capable of both axial adjustment and lateral adjustment in response to the relative position of the fasteners or adjustment screws. The driver member moves axially within a collar relative to the base member within limits established by a limiting pin extending from the driver member and cooperating with an elongated slot in the collar and by the space between the base member and the driver member. The driver member and the collar also adjust laterally relative to the base as permitted by a spring connecting the collar and the base member.

Abstract: A screw type coupling device includidng a male screw element formed by installing a coil spring form helical component on the outer surface of a columnar element and a female screw element formed by installing a coil spring form helical component in a tubular element so that the two helical components are screw engaged with each other. With the application of such coupling device to an antenna for vehicles, the antenna having the male screw element at the base is removably attached to a vehicle body by screwing the male screw element of the antenna to the female screw element installed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: The articulation mechanisms is made particularly of irreversible satellite mechanisms connected to one another by a connection bar. The connection bar has, on one of its portion, a member with toothings subjected to action of a spring which, when the connection bar is in position between two cams of the articulation mechanisms, causes a rotation of these cams and of the satellites related thereto for taking up the manufacturing and mounting clearances.

Abstract: A ball and socket-type Universal joint including an elongate female part with an elongate, central, polygonal socket opening entering one end and defining a flat axially disposed bottom and a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly disposed, longitudinally straight and laterally convex flats; an elongate male part with a shank and a semi-spherical polygonal head at one end of the shank and having a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly disposed, longitudinally extending, laterally straight and convexly curved facets. The head of the male part is engaged in the socket opening of the female part with opposing points on the flats and facets, along the central portions thereof, in circumferential driving and longitudinal sliding bearing engagement with each other. The other end of the female part is connected with an end of one elongate rotatable work piece, and the other end of the male part is connected with an end of another elongate work piece.

Abstract: An adaptor for connection to the male threads on a cylindrical pole to convert the pole into a window pole for opening and closing blinds or the like wherein the adaptor comprises a resilient wire coil that has a stop to prevent rotation of the adaptor with respect to a pole in a first direction and a cantilevered positioned hook that provides a compressive force on the wire coil to prevent rotation of the adaptor in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A torsion spring coupling for repairing broken torsion springs including at least two mating semicylindrical segment members securable around a torsion bar. The segments are secured between opposing end segments of a broken torsion spring to form a cylinder having threaded outer circumferential surfaces for threadably engaging opposing segments of a broken torsion spring to prevent relative rotational movement between opposing segments of a broken torsion spring longitudinally along a torsion bar.

Abstract: A connector device for splicing two conductors includes a pair of joined body sections provided with axially offset cable conductor holes leading to an intermediate cavity. A grip element with the cavity, having one or more helical coils has its opposite ends anchored relative to the opposed end faces of the two body sections. Two cable conductors are electrically and mechanically joined by inserting the conductor ends through the body sections and into the cavity, within the confines of the grip element coils following which, twisting of the body sections relative one another constricts the grip element convolutions tightly about the contained conductor ends. The interlock may be further enhanced by the inclusion of a knobbed lock post disposed within the connector cavity and which assists in deforming the conductor ends as the coil grip element is constricted thereabout.

Abstract: A device for attaching the ends of a conveyor coil screw, e.g. to a journal pin in a bearing at the end of the conveyor tube of a screw conveyor. A clamping sleeve with inner walls converging from opening in the direction of the other end of clamping sleeve is secured to jounal pin. A wedge shaped clamping member to be inserted into clamping sleeve is secured to a screw bolt at its narrow end. The screw bolt extends through and projects outside an axial bore in journal pin and is provided with a nut at its free end. Clamping sleeve and clamping member together form an annular space to receive and hold end of conveyor coil spring when nut is tightened.

Abstract: An improved connector having a looped wire retained in one piece of the connector and providing a second piece having a concentric bore and able to engage a free end of said looped wire to cause the wire to constrict upon rotation of the second piece relative to the first piece to bind wires inserted through the second piece into a receptacle of the first piece.

Abstract: At least one torsion spring is traversely mounted between first and second elements of an overload protector. One end of the spring is elongated to form a pressure arm which bears against the second element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel anchor cone and winding cone apparatus and method for mounting a coil torsion spring to an overhead door. Indicia are provided on the cones to assure proper orientation of the cones to the spring and the cone/spring assembly to the overhead door. The winding cone includes arrow indicia to clearly indicate the direction of rotation for the winding cone to increase tension on the coil torsion spring. A groove break is provided in each cone to substantially reduce chafing and wear of the corresponding coil of the coil torsion spring.

Abstract: A quick connect, disconnect adapter for a fuel pump outlet and a fuel line inlet in the form of a tubular flexible element with ends to slip over, respectively, a pump outlet nipple and fuel line conduit. A one-way duck-bill valve is molded integrally with the element to retain fuel in the fuel line when the pump is not operating. A coil spring embraces the element to confine the ends. A central portion of the element is expansible to absorb and modulate pump pulses and is confined against abnormal expansion by the coils of the spring. The coil can be slipped axially to release confinement of one end to allow ready removal from the pump outlet.

Abstract: This invention comprises a resilient broom and scraper comprising an elongated broom block having a top and bottom portion, with a brush secured to the lower portion thereof. A bracket is rigidly secured to the center of the top portion of the broom block. The bracket comprises a plate portion secured to the broom block, and has front and rear edges. A connecting flange extends upwardly and rearwardly from the rear edge of the plate portion and terminates in a tongue element. An elongated hollow coil spring with upper and lower ends is connected by its lower end to the connecting flange. The tongue element protrudes into the lower end of the coil spring. An elongated handle has its lower end frictionally inserted into the inner end of the coil spring. The front edge of the plate portion of the bracket terminates in a scraper plate which dwells in a parallel plane with respect to the connecting flange.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool with at least one wear-resistant hard metal part which serves to process production pieces, stones, or the like, wherein the hard metal part is firmly connected with a metallic carrier by solder located in at least one solder aperture. In order to reduce the danger of formation of tension cracks in the hard metal part, the invention provides that at least one predetermined weak point is created in the solder aperture.

Abstract: An improved joint for connecting an end effector to a robotic arm is described. The joint includes a spring for supporting the weight of the end effector, a plurality of ball and socket locating members, and a plurality of ball plungers. The ball plungers are located adjacent a platform connected to the robotic arm to effect a snap-like trip point when struck.

Abstract: A road sign attachment and repair apparatus having first and second U-shaped brackets adapted to be attached to a wooden sign post near the bottom thereof to form a resilient joint or to form such resilient joint at a place where a wooden sign post has been broken off. Four coil springs are attached to one of the U-shaped brackets at one end thereof and to the other U-shaped bracket at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A torque counterbalancing mechanism for use on tiltable tables, the mechanism comprising a cam operated on by a spring loaded cam follower so that their interaction produces a force equal and opposite to the torque generated as the tiltable table, with load, rotates either side of the vertical. At the null position, i.e. no torque, the spring is at rest with no pre-stressing and means are provided for changing the effective length of the spring, thereby changing the RATE of the spring, to adjust the mechanism to accommodate different heights of the center of gravity of the load or changes in load.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tool with at least one wear-resistant hard metal part which serves to process production pieces, stones, or the like, wherein the hard metal part is firmly connected with a metallic carrier by solder located in at least one solder aperture. In order to reduce the danger of formation of tension cracks in the hard metal part, the invention provides that at least one predetermined weak point is created in the solder aperture.

Abstract: A tilt control apparatus comprises a tiltable display assembly pivotally coupled to a base support member through a hinge structure including a torsion spring and friction producing means which operate to permit the display assembly to be tilted to and held securely at any desired angle.

Abstract: The actuator is disposed in the damper piston rod and includes a solenoid with a reciprocating plunger, a motion converting mechanism which converts solenoid reciprocation to rotation of an input driver, an intermediate driver rotatable with the input driver, a rotatable output driver connected to a valve adjusting rotor in the damper piston, and a torsion spring between the intermediate and output drivers. The spring holds the output driver in a following relation to the intermediate driver so that when pressure spikes immobilize the valve rotor and output driver, the input driver can continue to rotate to a control position. When rotor mobility returns, the spring automatically advances the output driver and valve rotor to the same position which would have been achieved had the rotor not been temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible metal joint in which two envelopes surrounding a metal core. The joint has, along its periphery which does not have an opening, at least two bosses, at which the envelope is not in contact with the joint core. A relative displacement between the flanges of the assembly between which the joint is secured consequently has no effect on the efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A separable drive assembly including first and second shafts, the shafts being normally aligned axially in an end to end relationship, a coupling portion operatively connecting adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, the coupling portion including a resilient section extending between the adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, a connector section extending from one end of the resilient section, the connector section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the first shaft engaging and being affixed within the connector section opening, a guide section extending from the opposite end of the resilient section, the guide section including an enlarged end section, an axial bore extending through the guide section, the bore being capable of slidably engaging the adjacent end of the second shaft, the axial bore through the guide section having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-sectional configuration of the second shaft end but slightly larger; whereby moving the adjacent first

Abstract: The invention refers to a hub for fans, wheels or the like, mainly consisting of a cast compound such as plastic. Adjacent the bore (3) of the hub there is embedded a reinforcing coil (4) preferably of steel. This coil is so strong that it at temperature variations will urge the cast compound to follow the thermal dimension variations of the coil (4).

Abstract: A lever is mounted about an oscillation axis for limited oscillation relative to a first component. A linear tension spring latching member is mounted for rotation on that lever about an axis eccentric to the oscillation axis, the latching member being mounted for frictionally retarded rotation. In the joined condition of second and first components, a latching pin projects from the second component in parallel spaced relation to the oscillation axis and the latching member axis. The tension spring latching member includes a latching hook at its distal end for engagement with the latching pin so that in the latched condition in the components, the spring latching member is tensioned between the latching pin and the eccentric axis.

Abstract: An outboard boat motor utilizes a universal coupling between the upper section of a mounting device that is attached to the hull of a boat and the lower section of the mounting device to which the motor and impeller are secured. The coupling permits universal lateral pivotal movement of one section relative to the axis of the other section and thus permits the submerged motor assembly to yield with an underwater obstruction is encountered. The universal coupling is formed in part by a coiled tension spring which is connected to the upper and lower sections of the mounting device for the boat motor through the use of convoluted members that are fixed to the sections and arranged between adjacent convolutions and at opposite ends of the spring.

Abstract: A drive assembly including first and second shafts, the shafts being normally aligned axially in an end to end relationship, a connector portion operatively connecting adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, the connector portion including a resilient section extending between the adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, a first end section extending from one end of the resilient section, the first end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the first shaft engaging and being affixed within the first end section opening, a second end section extending from the opposite end of the resilient section, the second end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the second shaft engaging and being affixed within the second end section opening; whereby the connector portion provides a flexible positive drive connection between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A release device for installing between the end of a fishing line and fish hook for freeing a snagged fish hook, the device including a normally closed elongated helical tension spring having a weight attached to the line end of the spring. The device is activated by pulling on the line to stress and elongate the spring which moves the attached weight. A sudden release of the taut line permits a rapid return of the spring to its closed position at which time the kinetic energy of the weight coming to an abrupt halt at the end of the closed spring is transferred into a shock wave passing through the spring and is transmitted to the snagged fish hook to drive the fish hook from its snagged position.

Abstract: A spindle mounting base for detachably securing a spindle in a desired location, comprising a socket member having an opening configured to receive an end of the spindle, a plate within the socket member movable in a passage into abutment with the end of the spindle, and spring means urging the plate into engagement with the end of the spindle.

Abstract: A pivotable delineator pole is disclosed, particularly for skiing range courses, comprising a disc arranged between the tip and the pole, the ends of the tip and the pole being inserted on projections jutting from the opposite faces of said disc, springs acting between said pole and said tip being connected to both the pole and the disc, a clevis being connected at either end to the projections of said disc.

Abstract: A device for mounting a gas spring for opening the hatch door or the like of an automobile which is produced by helically winding one elastic wire is described. The gas spring mounting device includes a mounting end, which is helically wound with the same pitch as the diameter of the wire for rotatable fitting onto a bolt anchored at either the door mounting base of the car or the door itself; a flexible portion, which is helically wound with a slightly larger pitch than the diameter of the wire and having an axis at a right angle with respect to the axis of said mounting end; and a gas spring connecting portion which is wound with the same pitch as the diameter of the wire for connection to a thread formed in the end portion of the gas spring. Since the described gas spring mounting device is made of the single wire, it can be produced at lower cost.

Abstract: The selector pin for a tow truck is comprised of first and second tubes aligned end to end with a spring confined within the tubes and under tension to maintain the tubes in end-to-end alignment, while permitting one tube to pivot relative to the other tube through an arc up to 90.degree..

Abstract: First and second wheel sections are provided with the first section including structure for attachment to a vehicle wheel for rotation therewith. Structure is provided supporting the second section from the first section for angular displacement relative thereto about a predetermined axis and the first and second sections include outer partial circular edges having the aforementioned axes as their centers of curvature. The sections are relatively rotatably between first positions with the partial circular edges together defining an outer circular periphery of the wheel and second positions with the sections relatively angularly displaced 180.degree. and the partial circular edges thereof disposed in side-by-side relation.

Abstract: A flexible dental retaining splint which is disposable in a channel extending between adjacent teeth, the retaining splint being formed of a wire core with a wire coil being wound about the core with the turns of the coil being in a juxtaposition. Wire loops are formed at both ends of the wound core. The splint can also be formed with several sections of wire cores each surrounded by a wire coil and having a wire loop connecting adjacent sections. The loops function to anchor or secure the splint in the channel, either by the inlay material or pins passing through the openings provided by loops.

Abstract: A ski pole having a detachable coil spring disposed substantially centrally whereby a top portion and bottom portion of the ski pole may be detachably connected to the ends of the coil spring. The coil spring is of such stiffness as not to flex during normal operation of the pole during skiing. However, on application of abnormal bending force to the pole, the coil spring will flex sufficiently to prevent permanent bending or breaking of the pole. The handle of the ski pole may also be detachably secured to one end of a stiff coil spring, the opposite end of which coil spring is detachably secured to the top end of the ski pole so that the spring will not flex during normal operation but will flex upon abnormal bending applied to the handle to prevent hand injury to the skier.

Abstract: The coupling means can be mounted over a rotatable shaft of existing motors and employs a lining sleeve which is disposed about or within the shaft and a helical spring which is disposed between the sleeve and shaft. Various types of couplings are used to secure a hand wheel to one or both ends of the spring such that rotation of the hand wheel causes the spring to bind about the shaft and cause turning of the shaft. In some embodiments, rotation of the hand wheel causes the opposite end of the spring to bind about the shaft to turn the shaft with the hand wheel.

Abstract: A coupler of winding key with a winding shaft comprises a threaded member formed on one of the key and the shaft and a bottomed aperture formed in the other in which a coiled spring is locked against withdrawal. The threaded member is threadably engaged with the coiled spring to couple the key with the winding shaft. When the winding key is turned in a direction to spread the coiled spring, a rotating drive is transmitted to the winding shaft while the key rotates idly when it is turned in a direction to tighten the coiled spring.

Abstract: A universal drive belt includes a hollow flexible tubing which may be cut to proper length and a fastener for joining together the ends thereof. The fastener includes a medial portion in the shape of a helically wound coiled spring with a hooked head formed at each end thereof. The hooked heads are slightly larger than the internal diameter of the tubing and have a pointed tip which digs into the side-wall for anchoring the fastener and preventing its removal. The coiled spring medial portion allows twisting and flexing of the ends of the hollow tubing during use without damage or loosening of the fastener. The universal drive belt may be rapidly and easily installed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A connector adapted to be positioned on an end of an armored electrical cable of the type having protective flexible cable armor formed by interlocked helical convolutions of a metallic strip and serving for facilitating securing a grounding conductor to the cable armor. The connector comprises an electrically conductive spring-like element having a plurality of helical turns. The spacing and pitch of the helical turns of the connector correspond to the spacing and pitch of the helical convolutions of the cable armor for threadedly engaging the helical convolutions. One end portion of the spring-like element extends longitudinally away from the helical turns to position the end of the element in a readily accessible location for connection of a grounding conductor thereto.

Abstract: A frictional coupling for a male member inserted in the bore of a female member, to couple together the two members when at a pre-determined axial position. The opposed surfaces of the male and female members define a clearance the radial dimension of which varies as the members are moved axially relative to one another. A frictional coupling element is provided in said clearance, which element comprises a strip of resilient material preformed into a helical coil of polygonal cross-section, such that the outer corners of the coil contact the bore of the female member and the inner flats contact the male member.As the clearance is reduced by relative axial movement of the members, the element is deformed to restrain further movement therebetween.