Abstract: A dental prophylactic treatment device having: a prophylactic contra-angle handpiece having a handle part extending along a longitudinal axis, a head part adjoining the handle part, a tool holder rotatably disposed in the head part and extending along an axis of rotation, wherein the longitudinal axis of the handle part and the axis of rotation of the head part are disposed at an angle to one another, and a dental tool having a tool shaft and a prophylactic treatment section, wherein the tool shaft extends from a handpiece end of the dental tool over a length up to the prophylactic treatment section, wherein at least a section of the tool shaft is detachably received in the tool holder, so that the dental tool together with the tool holder can be rotated about the axis of rotation, and wherein the length of the tool shaft is a maximum of 10.0 mm.

Abstract: The present display system enables the display and rearrangement of one or more decorative elements on a base structure to create a decorative arrangement that can be easily and selectively adjusted to move or rotate the decorative elements. The display system generally comprises an attachment assembly mounted on a base structure and supporting a decorative element support. An angular adjustment lock and a lateral adjustment lock permits the decorative element support to rotate and translate relative to the base structure. The base structure comprises one or more mounts arranged on a face of the base structure. The mounts receive and support one or more attachment assemblies. Using the present display system, multiple decorative elements can be adjusted to create aesthetically pleasing compositions of complementary or connected decorative elements.

Abstract: A simulated platform bed system is used with a bed having a mattress and a mattress support, typically provided as a box spring and frame supporting the mattress by a spacing above a floor surface. The system includes an exterior aspect with a decorative feature, as well as a base typically defining a single, continuous piece extending along the side edges and the foot end edge of the bed. At least a portion of the base is made of a plurality of vertically-oriented slats connected together. The slats may be located at corner portions or along an entire length of the system. The system covers the spacing to create the appearance of a platform bed upon which the mattress appears to be supported, even though the weight support of the mattress is through the mattress support rather than the system.

Abstract: Ties, and related methods, for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The tie includes features that allow it to readily be either axially pushed through the insulating layer (e.g., by hand), or screwed through the insulating layer, (e.g., using a powered tool such as a drill). Thus, a tie of a single configuration is provided which is suitable for both methods of installation. The tie may include discontinuous helical ribs including limited prominence so as to not interfere with the ability to axially push the tie into the insulating layer by hand, yet, the ribs are prominent enough to catch the insulating layer as the tie is drilled in, helping it to “screw” into the insulating layer.

Abstract: A push-pull latch assembly for mounting to a cantilevered post. The latch assembly comprises a handle that is slidably and axially insertable into a handle base which is mountable to a member such as a pick mechanism housing. The handle base includes a pair of cantilevered, opposed latched arms having opposed catches for engagement with a groove positioned adjacent to a free end of a cantilevered post. The handle includes triangular rails having inner and outer ramps used to separate the opposed latch arms. The outer ramp separates the latch arms when the handle is inserted into the handle base. The inner ramp separates the latch arms during removal of the latch assembly from the cantilevered post. An axial pushing force engages the latch assembly to the groove and an axial pulling force disengages the latch assembly from the groove allowing for latch assembly removal.

Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A conveyor sprocket assembly generally includes a support shaft, at least one conveyor sprocket slidably engaging the support shaft, and an abutment stop positioned adjacent the conveyor sprocket. The abutment stop is configured to be removed to allow the conveyor sprocket to slide axially along the support shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ring (120) that is intended for being mounted tightly around a shaft of a hydraulic machine to form a portion of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing. The ring includes at least one first section (122), at least one second section (124) and means (132) for mounting the first and second sections around the shaft. Each section (122, 124) includes two edge surfaces (1223, 1243) connecting the external (1221, 1241) and internal (1222, 1242) radial surfaces thereof. The first section (122) is provided with at least one threaded hole (127) accessible via an edge surface (1223) and capable of receiving a screw (132) projecting from an edge surface (1243) of the second section (124). The screw (132) is provided, on the portion of the shank (134) thereof that projects from the second section (124), with at least one raised pattern (140) for rotatably moving the shank (134) in order to screw or unscrew the shank in the threaded hole (127).

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for fixing an electronic component in place includes a circuit board and a fixing member. The circuit board includes a first connector to connect a second connector of the electronic component, and defines a hole. The fixing member includes a mounting portion defining a hooking slot through which a mounting tab extending from the electronic component extends, and an engaging foot. The engaging foot includes an extension portion extending down from a bottom of the mounting portion and two resilient blocks extending up from a lower portion of the extension portion. The resilient blocks is operable to be deformed to extend through the hole, and abuts against a bottom surface of the circuit board after passing the hole.

Abstract: Failsafe apparatus for use with linear actuators are disclosed. A failsafe apparatus for use with a linear actuator includes a spring to urge a first stem of a device to be operated by the linear actuator toward a failsafe position and a clutch to operatively couple a second stem of the linear actuator to the first stem. The clutch includes a frame coupled to one of the first stem or the second stem and jaws moveably coupled to the frame. The jaws are to engage the other one of the first stem or the second stem to enable the linear actuator to operate the device and to disengage the other one of the first stem or the second stem to enable the spring to move the first stem toward the failsafe position.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are releasably connected together by cooperating first and second formations. The first formation may be formed on the first portion. The second formation includes a resilient arm which is formed on the second portion and engages the first formation on the first portion. The resilient arm may be integrally formed with the second portion.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp comprises a first member coupled to a projection with at least one external ratchet tooth, pivotally connected to a second member having at least one wall at least partially defining a well configured for receiving the projection. A rocker lock having a first portion and an opposed second portion including an engaging member is pivotally coupled to the at least one wall and configured such that the engaging member is resiliently positioned in the well to engage the at least one external ratchet tooth to latch the projection within the well, and such that the second portion travels outwardly when the first portion is inwardly depressed to retract the engaging member from the well and release the engaging member out of engagement with the at least one external ratchet tooth to unlatch the projection with respect to the well.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp made of high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer for connection to a barb connector having one end with a funnel formation. The sanitary clamp includes a pair of essentially semi-circular members having a pivotal connection at one of the ends of each member and a locking connection at the other ends of each member. The semi-circular portions of the members are configured to sealing and secure a pair of funneled ends of a pair of barb connectors with an O-ring disposed therebetween. The locking ends of the sanitary clamp includes a ratchet portion on one member and a housing member configured to lockingly receive the ratchet portion on the other member.

Abstract: A sanitary clamp for connection to a pair of barb connectors each having one end terminating at a funnel shaped portion is described herein. The sanitary clamp includes a first member having a first semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. A second member has a second semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. Said first ends of the first and second members are configured to pivotally connect to each other, and said second ends of the first and second members include a locking mechanism for selectively locking the second ends of the first and second members in engagement.

Abstract: A connector assembly (18) for detachably connecting a portable hanger (14) to a portable hanger holder (16) includes a first connector member (342) and a second connector member (344). The first connector member (342) is coupled to the portable hanger holder (16) and the second connector member (344) is coupled to the portable hanger (14). The second connector member (344) detachably engages the first connector member (342) to detachably secure the portable hanger (14) to the portable hanger holder (16). The first connector member (342) can include a latch member (348) and the second connector member (344) can include a latch receiver (360) that receives the latch member (348). The first connector member (342) can further include a first connector base (346).

Abstract: An external fixation component includes two capture members adapted to capture independently a first and a second element of an external fixation system. A rotation member is provided between the two capture members, coupled to both capture members such that the coupling allows the two capture members to rotate about three axes relative to each other. Each capture member comprises a central locking screw extending therethrough and defining a longitudinal axis of the associated capture member. The rotation member comprises two rotation blockers, each blocker providing one interface surface adapted to be in contact with a complementary interface surface of one of the capture members, each blocker further provides a surface opposite to the interface surface comprising an inner cylindrical surface. The rotation member comprises a central disc element forming a rolling surface as complementary surface to the inner cylindrical surface of the corresponding rotation blocker.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a bushing comprising a longitudinally extending cylindrical body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the longitudinally extending cylindrical body further having a longitudinally extending slit. In one embodiment the bushing can comprise a longitudinally extending formation formed on the longitudinally extending cylindrical body. The longitudinally extending formation can be located at a radially position of the cylindrical body spaced apart from a radial position of the longitudinally extending slit. The longitudinally extending cylindrical body can be configured so that the longitudinally extending cylindrical body preferentially deforms along the longitudinally extending formation.

Abstract: A connector for safety gates has a body being hollow and having an inner space, a baffle, a securing segment and a slit. The baffle is formed in the body to define the inner space into a first holding channel and a second holding channel formed through the body and parallel with each other. The securing segment is formed on the bottom. The slit is formed through the securing segment and the bottom of the body and communicates with the second holding channel to make the second holding channel openable and to divide the securing segment into a first part corresponding to the first holding channel and a second part corresponding to the second holding channel.

Abstract: A gear-rolling apparatus includes two gear units and a base. Each gear unit has a rolling portion, a rolling shaft extends from the rolling portion, a clicking column and two location columns extend from edges of a free end of the rolling shaft along an axle direction of the rolling shaft. The clicking column and the two location columns are spaced out from each other to form three grooves therebetween, a clicking clasp extends inward from the top of the clicking column. The clicking clasp has an inclined inner surface which inclines inward from top to bottom. The two rolling shafts are inserted into the hole of the base, the clicking column of one of the rolling shafts mates the groove opened between the location columns of the other rolling shaft, the location columns of one of the rolling shafts mate the grooves opened between the clicking column and the location columns of the other rolling shaft respectively, bottom surfaces of the two clicking clasps are against each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a split retaining ring for a connection assembly adapted for connecting an instrument or other device to a vessel, such as a pressure vessel. The connection assembly includes a base, an instrument or device, and a split retaining ring wherein the split retaining ring includes overlapping end portions in order to substantially duplicate the strength and load resistance of a continuous retaining ring. The split retaining ring also includes an annular rib adapted for engaging a ferrule of the instrument or device in order to substantially sealing engage the instrument or device to the base. The retaining ring of the present invention can provide the required strength characteristics while be maintaining a thinner profile thereby making the split retaining ring compatible with a wider variety of instrumentation and devices.

Abstract: An exemplary, non-limiting swivel fitting attachment apparatus includes a ball fitting and a swivel fitting. The ball fitting includes a base having an attachment portion, such as a flange, arranged for attachment to a structure and a ball attachable to the base. The ball may be removably attachable or fixedly attached to the base. The swivel fitting has a first end having a socket portion that is arranged to receive the ball therein and a second end having an attachment portion that is arranged for attachment to an object. The socket portion of the swivel fitting may be expandable and closeable over the ball, and may include first and second socket portion members that are urgeable toward and away from each other. The second end of the swivel fitting may be couplable to a clevis fitting.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a universal joint that includes a yoke with wings between which a driving shaft is provided. The wings have respective holes. A bolt having a head and a stem is transversely to the wings. A sleeve receives the stem of the bolt so that, in an assembled position, the sleeve exerts a pressure on a surface of the driving shaft preventing its axial movement, wherein the stem has at least a first, threaded end portion, a second, non-threaded adjacent portion, and a third portion. The diameter of the second portion is slightly larger than an inner diameter of the sleeve. The third portion has a diameter slightly larger than the second portion. When the bolt is inserted into the sleeve, the sleeve expands resulting in an increase of its outer dimensions against the surface of the driving shaft blocking it axially in position as it is pressed against the yoke. The third portion of the bolt is received in one of the holes, thereby seating the bolt with respect to the yoke.

Abstract: A resilient device for joining a handle to a pivot bar of a wire support frame of a dust mop or other work member which allows for hands free operation to attach and remove the mop head or other work member. The holder includes a resilient member having first and second jaws extending generally parallel from one end of a base. Each of the jaws has an inner wall and an outer wall and which define at least an outer engagement slot and an inner engagement slot between their respective inner walls. The jaws also define an open end distal to the base and a closed end proximal or at the base. The outer engagement slot being arranged transversely to an axial direction of the first and second jaws proximal to an open end portion of the jaws opposite to the base. The inner slot is proximal to a closed end portion of the jaws proximal to the base. Typically, the entire apparatus can include a single or unitary piece of plastic or a single substance.

Abstract: A display module includes: upper and lower supporting means facing and spaced apart from each other; a display device between the upper and lower supporting means; a middle supporting means surrounding the display device; and a plurality of coupling means combining the upper, middle and lower supporting means to fix and support the display device, wherein each of the plurality of coupling means includes a hook and each of the upper and lower supporting means has a through hole corresponding to the hook.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a tubular element to a body extending into the same using a tensioning ring, which, via its inner surface, embraces the outer wall of the tubular element, extends axially along the tubular element, and applies clamping forces thereto such that the tubular element acts via its inner wall on the body situated in the tubular element, clamping the same. The tensioning ring rests against the outer wall of the tubular element with only one axial partial section of its inner surface and exerts a clamping action thereon.

Abstract: A mountable bicycle structure is provided that can be clamped onto different sized tubular members such as handlebars by using different adapter members. The mountable bicycle structure basically includes a component support portion, a tubular clamping portion, a tightening structure and an adapter member. The tubular clamping portion has a split ring configuration to define an adjustable inner diameter that extends around a center axis. The tightening structure is coupled to first and second ends of the tubular clamping portion to selectively reduce the adjustable inner diameter. The adapter member has a split ring configuration with an outer surface removably arranged on the inner surface of the tubular clamping portion. The tubular clamping portion and the adapter member are arranged and configured to align the split of the adapter member with the attachment slot of the tubular clamping portion.

Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a handlebar clamping portion and handlebar clamping member having respective first and second clamp surfaces defining interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint may include a recess and a projection therein to resist relative sliding motion in a direction generally parallel to an axis of a handlebar-receiving passageway to thereby resist torsional loading. A plurality of fasteners may secure the handlebar clamp member to the handlebar clamping portion.

Abstract: In a fastening tool in which fastening members may be inclined as they are threadedly inserted together whereby almost no displacement load is applied to the members, a member having a bolt through hole with a tapered seat surface, and a fastening bolt that includes a bolt body provided about its outer periphery with a male thread, and a head provided on an end of the bolt body that has a diameter greater than that of the bolt body, in which the head has a lower outwardly curved tapered surface whose diameter is reduced toward the bolt body so that the lower surface abuts against the tapered seat surface when the fastening tool is used.

Abstract: A locking collar comprising an annular collar having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a first end positioned opposite a second end defining a gap therebetween, and a locking component extending from the first end of the annular collar and into engagement with the second end of the annular collar, such that when the locking component is tightened, the first end and the second end are drawn together, and the annular collar is comprised of plates that are secured together to form a laminated locking collar.

Abstract: A means used for securing a first structure (32A) and a second structure (34) of a furniture (30) according to the present invention wherein the means comprises of a tubular receptacle (38) consisting of an internal cylindrical member spaced apart from an external cylindrical member and wherein both are integrally connected to a terminal end, and wherein the external cylinder member includes at least one hinged member (54) and at least one groove (60) on its side perimeter wall (46) and wherein the receptacle (38) is introducible and securable into a bore (40) on the first structure (32A) of the furniture (30) in a tight manner by action of the hinged member (54) and groove (60).

Abstract: For a manually propelled wheelchair having a rear wheel located on either side of the wheelchair, each rear wheel including an annular or round push rim of substantially uniform, uninterrupted cross section, a grip attachment attachable to the rim used by an occupant of the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair. The grip attachment includes a gripping body having a preferably convex palm-pushing surface on a posterior side thereof and a preferably concave finger-pulling surface on an anterior side thereof. A rim-engaging member having an annular or circular-shaped attached to each rear wheel is adapted to cooperate with the gripping body to clampingly secure the gripping body to the rim in a laterally outwardly extending orientation. By this arrangement, an occupant may propel the wheelchair forwardly by exerting palm pressure against the posterior side and rearwardly by exerting finger pressure against the anterior side.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp assembly capable of securing various sized cylindrical members is generally formed from a high strength plastic material dispensing the need for a cushion insert for the cylindrical member disposed therebetween. The clamp assembly contains a pair of unitary clamp halves having an inner surface contoured to adequately contact the surface of various sized cylindrical members to provide support when clamping forces are applied. The clamp halves can be interlockingly engageable with one another to enhance the cylindrical member size adjustment capability.

Abstract: An attaching structure attaches a part to a band, and includes a clip for attaching the part to the band. The clip includes a clip main member, which has a lower portion and an upper portion with a gap corresponding to a cross section of a portion of the band where the clip is attached for sandwiching the portion of the band where the clip is attached, and a part engaging portion formed below the clip main member for engaging the part.

Abstract: A cordless communication device is fastened to a wall surface by a supporting element having a central tubular plug element, which points with its axial direction toward the wall surface, and which is provided for plugging-in and retaining a mating plug element that is joined to the bottom of the device housing. The plug element is configured such that it positively engages, at least in partial areas, with the mating plug element extending over or into the plug element. Axially extending guide elements, which maintain a selected rotational angle position between the plug element and the mating plug element, are arranged on the plug element or on the mating plug element. The supporting element is provided for fastening to a flush mounting box provided with continuous openings for fastening screws of the flush mounting box.

Abstract: The connection system is for connecting structural elements of pieces of furniture, which structural elements include a plurality of support posts and a plurality of bars which are fastened to corresponding posts in accordance with predetermined geometrical configurations, to build a support structure for the above mentioned pieces of furniture. The connection system includes, for each post, a tube fastened to an end of the post, a plurality of connection annular elements for each connection between the bars and the posts, each one of the annular elements delimiting a hollow space provided for the coaxial coupling with a corresponding tube; and fasteners for fastening each bar to at least one connection annular element. The fasteners, in particular, include a side protrusion, for instance shaped like a dovetail, and a couple of mobile fastening clamps situated at the ends of the bar and designed for clamping the side protrusion for making a stable connection between the bar and the post.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly comprising a coupling element including a shaft-receiving slot configured to receive a shaft. A retaining bolt is extendable through the coupling element adjacent the shaft receiving slot and to be received and retained in a bolt receiving recess in the upper shaft surface adjacent the forward shaft end after the shaft forward end is inserted in the coupling element slot. At least one projection extends from the shaft forward end adjacent the shaft upper surface to prevent improper clamping of the shaft forward end and any associated feeling of proper interconnection.

Abstract: A fitting for releasably constructing a structure from tubing. The structure may be a machine housing providing safety during machine operation, which housing requires removal for machine maintenance. The fitting includes a corner piece and at least two arms extending from the corner piece, each arm having a central axis and an outwardly extending slice through the arm separating a distal end of each arm into a first finger portion and a second finger portion. A threaded hole orthogonal to the central axis and centered on the slice, has tapered threads. A screw resides in the threaded hole, wherein the screw and threaded hole have cooperating threads (e.g., cooperating tapered threads). A tubing end is slid over the arm, and includes an access opening allowing access to the screw. The screw may be advanced into the threaded hole, thereby spreading the finger portions and locking the tubing on the arm.

Abstract: A multi-purpose rotary cutting tool having a plurality of interchangeable head attachments, wherein the head attachments are easily attached and detached to a rotary cutting device, thereby providing various tools for a multitude of applications.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a mating connector in conductive contact with its corresponding mating connector. The retainer includes a base which defines a hole therethrough. A post extends from the base in a direction perpendicular to the base. Disposed on the post is a tapered ledge. The ledge is tapered in a direction away from the base so that the ledge has a first surface at an angle relative to the base. The base may also include a cleat to prevent rotation of the retainer relative to the mating connectors. The cleat is preferably a linear strip extending from and along an edge of the base. The retainer may be used in an assembly including a connector, a mounting bracket and a mating connector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush whereof the neck is provided with a centering spindle having a snap-on tab at its end secured in a hole of the handle. The handle is hollowed out over its entire length with a cylindrical orifice for housing a push element whereof the stem is provided with unlocking wedges to disengage the snap-on tab and the handle. The invention is applicable to toothbrushes produced in several separable parts.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a rotating element to a housing is disclosed. The housing defines an opening through a wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a tube including an aperture therethrough. The tube includes a first tube portion thereof including a cylindrical outer periphery and a second tube portion thereof connected to the first tube portion and securable to the opening through the wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus further includes a cap including a body portion thereof having a body outer periphery thereof matingly fitted to the aperture of the tube. The cap further includes a flange extending outwardly from a first end of the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the body outer periphery of the body portion of the cap. The cap further including a connector extending from a second end of the body portion opposed to the first end. The connector is utilized for connecting the cap to the tube.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement (14) comprises a shank (16) with a head (18) retained in a first component (10). The other end (25) of the shank is tapered or of other non-constant cross section and terminates in a domed portion (26). A second part of the fastening arrangement includes a collar (34) of shape memory metal material, which may be swaged to engage and retain the domed portion (26) by a magnetized pressure ring (36), which is applied by applying a strong magnetic field. To release the fastening, the pressure ring is released by the application of a magnetic field and the collar (34) is then heated so that it reverts to an open position.

Abstract: An adapter is designed to connect a member such as a shaft to the hub forming the output element of an actuator. The adapter includes a connection feature which attaches to the member, and a shaft which mates with the bore in the actuator hub. The adapter has a resilient arm attached to the end of the shaft and which extends through the bore. The shaft also carries a stop element. The arm carries a retainer feature at its end. With the shaft mated with the bore, when the arm is undeflected the retainer feature engages an adjacent end surface of the hub to lock the adapter into place. The arm can be deflected to disengage the retainer feature from the hub and allow the adapter to be removed. In one embodiment, the end surface of the hub and the retainer surface are beveled or slanted to strongly oppose axial loads and yet to allow the adapter to withdraw from the hub's bore upon deflecting the arm.

Abstract: A slap yoke, for connection to a non-cylindrical shaft in a rotary-drive device, has an axially extending non-cylindrical socket for radially receiving the non-cylindrical shaft, the socket having two laterally opposed holes in its walls for transverse installation of a clamp bolt. A threaded clamp bolt having a drive head for bearing against the outer surface of one wall of the non-cylindrical socket extends through the opposed holes and carries a cylindrical jacket fitted over the bolt. The jacket has longitudinally centered features for causing radial expansion of the jacket under an axial compressive load. The yoke has a threaded member at one of the opposed holes for receiving the clamp bolt and for causing a compressive axial load on the cylindrical jacket when the clamp bolt is threaded thereinto.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a rotating element to a housing is disclosed. The housing defines an opening through a wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a tube including an aperture therethrough. The tube includes a first tube portion thereof including a cylindrical outer periphery and a second tube portion thereof connected to the first tube portion and securable to the opening through the wall of the housing. The mounting apparatus further includes a cap including a body portion thereof having a body outer periphery thereof matingly fitted to the aperture of the tube. The cap further includes a flange extending outwardly from a first end of the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the body outer periphery of the body portion of the cap. The cap further including a connector extending from a second end of the body portion opposed to the first end. The connector is utilized for connecting the cap to the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to slotted fastening ring for making a formfitting connection by compressing or expanding, respectively, the slotted fastening ring during installation or removal, respectively. It is provided that the fastening ring (1) is made from an essentially non-resilient cold-formable material (3) and that the ring tips (10, 11) between which the slot (9) is formed, are spaced apart--when the fastening ring (1) is not installed--such as to be capable--for the purpose of installing the ring (1)--of being bent towards each other under plastic deformation, so that the fastening ring (1) attains a closed position, with the inside opening (7) of the ring taking on a circular or a substantially circular contour (8).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a screed plate to a frame member of a screed assembly is disclosed. A leading edge portion of the screed plate is secured to the frame member by a number of fastening assemblies each of which includes an upper fastening block, a lower fastening block, and a bolt. The upper fastening block is welded to the frame member, whereas the lower fastening block is welded to the screed plate. Rotation of the bolt causes the fastening blocks, and hence the frame member and the screed plate, to be secured to one another. The bolt is disposed at an angle relative the screed plate thereby allowing access thereto from a rear portion of the screed assembly. Such a configuration allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove the screed assembly from the tractor associated with the paver. Such a configuration further allows the screed plate to be exchanged without the need to remove a number of deflector plates associated with the screed assembly.

Abstract: A locating apparatus includes a double expanding locating pin and a subplate having both threaded and precision holes, which are sized to accommodate the locating pin. The double expanding locating pin is a cylindrical housing having a first expandable end with a plurality of slots and a tapered portion and a second expandable end with a plurality of slots and a flange. A ball is disposed within the second expandable end and is forced by a set screw against the flange to spread apart wall portions of the cylindrical housing which are positioned intermediate the slots for expanding a lower portion of the locating pin. A cap having a flanged tapered end is threaded into the first expandable end of the cylindrical housing and is seated against the tapered portion of the cylindrical housing for forcing apart the wall portions positioned intermediate the slots for expanding an upper portion of the locating pin.

Abstract: A unique coupling apparatus of the present invention comprises a substantially hollow cylinder functioning as a coupling member (106) preferably having gaps (126, 141) extending in the axial direction from the ends, leaving attachment members in the center. One end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (128) on the interior surface of the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (142) on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The gaps in the center of the cylinder allow the half portions of the cylinder to flex about the attachment members toward or away from one another at each end respectively. The novel coupling apparatus finds particular application in retaining a pivoting wall mount/desk mount conversion bracket (100) in either of two positions of a base (200) such as a cordless telephone base station.