Abstract: An electrical connector which is capable of being used to interconnect insulated conductors in the field or in a factory during in-line processing includes a frame and contact element. The contact element which is used to establish an electrical connection between the conductors includes a center portion and two opposed bifurcated beams. A portion of each beam is upstanding from the plane of the contact element. Furcations of each beam define a slot for receiving one of the conductors to be interconnected. The contact element is attached to the frame which includes at least one deformable tang at each end. End portions of conductors to be connected are each positioned across an end of the frame. The tangs are wrapped about the conductors, the conductors are moved into the slots of the beams, and excess portions of the lengths severed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching blades to a rotating structure where the blades are clamped by blocks at the leading and trailing edges then to an intermediary member which is attached to the rotating structure.

Abstract: A torque tube employing end members interconnected by a tubular member. The end members are provided with a male extension having radially spaced, axially extending grooves, the number of grooves, outer diameter of the end member, groove width and groove length being in prescribed proportions and ratios. The ends of the tubular member are positioned over the male end member extensions and the tube walls are conformed to the end member and grooves electromagnetically so that the tube walls are recessed into the grooves.

Abstract: A twistlock operator for a twistlock mechanism has a drive mechanism with a fixed axis and an angularly displaceable twistlock having a pivot axis normally positioned along the fixed axis. A first actuator is drivingly connected to the drive mechanism for thereby permitting rotation of the first actuator and a second actuator is connected to the twistlock. Each of the actuators is generally rectangularly shaped and each has arcuate side bearing surfaces and the bearing surfaces have substantially equal radii of curvature. A tube is pivotally connected to each of the actuators for drivingly connecting the actuators and thereby causing cooperative rotation of the actuators. The tube maintains driving connection between the actuators even when the twistlock pivots and thereby displaces the pivot axis away from the fixed axis.

Abstract: A recoverable earth-retaining wall anchoring device and method is disclosed which allows the erection of a retaining wall in a quick, inexpensive manner and permits proof-load testing of the anchor during or immediately after installation, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The device includes a screw anchor having a central, elongated shaft with one or more outwardly extending helical blades affixed thereto, and an earth-penetrating lead point at one end. An adapter is attached to the anchor shaft and includes an opposed, threaded bore which receives an elongated threaded rod; a polygonal in cross-section engagement area is also provided between the opposed ends of the adapter. A wrench, having one or more releasably interconnected, tubular, polygonally-shaped shank sections is telescoped over the rod and operably and drivingly engages the adapter engagement area such that axial rotation of the wrench effects corresponding rotation of the anchor for installation and removal purposes.

Abstract: Coupling apparatus comprising two plates to be coupled together, with each plate carrying a locking mechanism for receiving a coupling member, the coupling member having two ends, each end being adapted to engage and couple to the locking mechanism on one of the plates whereby the two plates can be rigidly coupled together. Each plate carries two flexible locking tabs which are offset from each other, and the coupling member carries two holes which are offset from each other and each of which is adapted to receive one locking tab of each plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator comprises two-halfs shells, the diaphragm therebetween defining two cavities. One cavity contains presssurized gas and the cavity receives hydraulic fluid under pressure. The two-half shells are held together by a mechanical element, such as a belt which has been previously prestressed to a tension selected according to the maximum pressure to which the accumulator will be subjected. The use of the prestressed mechanical element changes the dynamic stresses ordinarily found in a hydraulic accumulator to static stresses, thus minimizing the occurrence of creeks and failure of the device.

Abstract: A rebar coupler for connecting reinforcing rods in end-to-end relation including a pair of hollow steel split pipe members having nuts welded thereto. The split pipe members are mounted on the ends of the reinforcing rods and bolted together. The split pipe members are annealed such that when bolted together the deformations on the outer surfaces of the rods embed themselves within the split pipe members to provide a very strong connection.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for a blender appliance including a diaphragm closure for the bottom opening in a blender vessel with a pair of spaced bearings supported on said diaphragm and a two-piece shaft assembly to interconnect the motor drive and the comminuting blades, the two-pieces being coupled by a spline connection which eliminates the need for accurate bearing alignment.

Abstract: A package is adapted for assembly to form a panel unit to be deployed on a body of water to alter heat transfer to or from the water or to block evaporation. The package includes:(a) multiple frame sections adapted to be coupled together in end-to-end relation to provide a loop-shaped frame bounding an open zone, and(b) a flexible sheet sized for connection to the loop-shaped frame so as to extend crosswise of that zone.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining a pair of golf clubs comprising a housing portion and gripping portions disposed along a longitudinal axis. The housing portion has first and second receiving ends and the gripping portions define a bore for receiving the ends of two golf clubs. A tightening mechanism is mounted to cause the gripping portions to move between an open position and a contracted gripping position wherein the tapered handle of the golf clubs is tightly gripped. In a specific embodiment the gripping portions include gripping sections spaced from one another in the open position and are movable toward each other to the contracted gripping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting the ends of cable, wire or other cylindrical objects together. More particularly, the invention includes an elongated jaw assembly with openings at each end adapted to receive the objects to be joined. The outer surface of the jaw assembly is tapered towards the ends to slidingly receive collars which, when driven onto the jaw assembly, axially compress the jaw assembly down around the inserted objects.

Abstract: A connector for latch type plugs has an inner member and an outer member with a resilient member between them. If a first plug is inserted in the connector, it overrides the central line as its latches engage recesses in the inner member. When the second plug is inserted into the connector, its front edge abuts against the front edge of the first plug. Further movement of the second plug causes corresponding movement in the first plug and the inner member, thereby compressing the resilient member. When the latches of the second plug have engaged with the corresponding recesses, the pressure of the resilient member, transferred via the inner and outer members, holds the front edges of the two plugs together.

Abstract: A connector for joining a fiber optic cable. The connector is constructed th a thin wall tube enclosing strips of a shape memory alloy material. The strips are bent and inserted into the thin wall tube such that an axial cavity is formed between the opposing strips. The axial cavity provides a self-centering mechanism for positioning fiber optic cables along the central axis of the tube. Dimensions of the tube and shape memory alloy strips are chosen such that fiber optic cables inserted into each end of the connector when it is above the transition temperature range of the strips will be forced into coaxial alignment when the connector is cooled to a temperature below the transition range of the strips.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated consumable spacer extender on locking plate for use with a consumable wall assembly for forming a concrete wall in order to form a column or pilaster. A plate or plates are adapted to engage and lock two or more tie members of the wall assembly in an extended length greater than the normal width of a wall block assembly which is usually one tie member in width.The consumable locking plate includes preformed slots to mate with projections on said tie members wherein when assembled the projections may be distorted to fixedly lock the tie members together creating a rigid strength member to assure proper columns when the assembly is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A splicer bar is provided for fastening together two inverted T-shaped runners. The splicer bar spans the junction between two runners and the splicer bar is fastened to the vertical web of both runners. Each runner has spaced apertures in its vertical web and the splicer bar has snap fasteners that will fit into these apertures to hold the two runners in parallel alignment and fixedly fastened together.

Abstract: In an exemplary treatment head with a first treatment surface where a different treatment surface can be preconnected by means of an adapter piece, the adapter piece can be clipped or pinched onto the first treatment surface by means of a clip or pinch part to shift operation from the first to the second treatment surface. Thereby, the change from first to second treatment surface is rendered possible without extensive additional technical expense.

Abstract: Stringing block threading apparatus for use in uncoupling a junction in a conductor hauling line and inserting a threading loop therein previously assembled through the throat of a stringing block. The hauling line is advanced along power line towers by a helicopter and the advance sections of this line are separably joined by a double ended coupling. This coupling is deposited into the threading apparatus atop each tower where it is automatically disconnected from the hauling line allowing enlargements on the released section ends to separate and become trapped in respective mating couplings at the opposite ends of the threading loop and the leading one of which is of the same double ended construction as the one deposited in the threading apparatus by helicopter. This coupling is deposited in the next threading apparatus for a repeat threading operation.

Abstract: A device for providing a waterproof connection between two separate sections of a water canal in a toy kit. In that connection a connecting element with transversal sealing strips is used said element principally having a U-shaped section.

Abstract: In a repair kit for a broken rake arm in an automatic bowling pin setting machine, an elongated rigid sleeve is slipped over the rake arm such that the sleeve straddles the break. A fastener is threaded through the wall of the sleeve and grippingly bears against the outside surface of the rake arm. The sleeve is provided with a rigid strap that extends past the end of the sleeve in order to permit the accomodation of one end of a spring thereto. In one embodiment a right and left hand kit is required for the right and left hand rake arms of the bowling pin setting machine. Two other embodiments provide repair kits that are selectively useable as either a right hand kit or a left hand kit.

Abstract: A channel formed type unitary clamp is designed to fit over nearly abutting bar ends of cantilevered rack bars which are part of ladder racks used to support cables. The clamp includes locking tabs which are bent to lock the clamp onto the nearly abutting bars and are operative to stabilize the relative end positions of the nearly abutting bar ends.

Abstract: A recoverable tubular article comprising an elastomeric sleeve held in a radially expanded or extended condition and capable of recovering to its pre-expanded condition of smaller diameter upon the removal of an outer restraint, an outer restraint, essentially tubular in configuration, bonded to said elastomeric sleeve, said bond between the sleeve and the restraint being sufficiently strong to retain the elastomeric sleeve in its expanded condition under ordinary conditions of storage and susceptible to attack by solvents weakening the bond sufficiently to allow the elastomeric sleeve to peel away from the restraint and recover to its original state.

Abstract: A novel flexible ferrule is provided. The ferrule is a hollow tapered tube having walls formed from a plurality of layers of continuous graphite fiber-reinforced plastic sheet material in which the graphite fibers of one layer of sheet material are at an obtuse angle ranging from about 110.degree. to about 140.degree. relative to the fibers in the next superimposed graphite layer of sheet material. Interposed between and alternating with the graphite layers are layers of woven fiberglass material, the glass fibers of which are at right angles to each other.

Abstract: An improved thermite-type coupler for the splicing of bar-like structures such as reinforcement bars, of the type having an outer sleeve; an inner sleeve located within the outer sleeve; two collar members, each joining one end of the outer sleeve to one end of the inner sleeve; the area defined between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve containing a thermite-type mixture and the area within the inner sleeve forming an annular space utilized for insertion of the ends of two bar-like structures, including means for igniting the thermite-type mixture and means for allowing the thermite-type reaction products after ignition to enter the annular space under pressure thereby, upon solidification, splicing the bar-like structures together having the improvement wherein the means for allowing the thermite-type reaction products afer ignition to enter the annular space comprises the inner sleeve having a multiplicity of perforations distributed over its surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handle for a hand implement, such as a rake, broom or the like, which can be fixed to a socket of the implement, said handle comprising a plurality of individual tubular members formed of plastics material which can be connected together in end to end relationship by connecting means provided at their ends which when assembled face towards each other.

Abstract: An ignition rod for an oxygen flame cutting and welding apparatus comprising a plurality of individual rod elements and a device for feeding the ignition rod from storage to a point of use.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular veneer sheets of random lengths and widths are fastened in edge-to-edge relationship by raising integral fluke-like hooks or teeth in each sheet, abutting the edges of adjacent sheets, engaging continual strings or threads beneath the raised hooks, and depressing said hooks into planar relation with the sheets to provide a composite strip of veneer.

Abstract: A connection comprising two electrical conductor ends and a connection member fastened between them. The connection member does not extend beyond the external cross-sectional contour of the conductor ends, and preferably is formed of a material, such as silver, having higher electrical conductivity than the material of the conductor ends. The contact surfaces may be coated with gold. Alternatively, the connector member may be formed of copper, and the contact surfaces coated with silver. The connector member may overlap the end portions of the conductor ends, and pins arranged in aligned holes in the connector member and end portions. The connector member may be stepped, with a pin at each step, and may be formed of one piece or a series of strips one upon another. The pins may be formed as one piece with the connector member. The spacing between the pins may be greater than the holes which accommodate them.

Abstract: A threadless coupling for coupling a pipe to a support member or for coupling two or more sections of pipe together is provided. The coupling comprises an outer sleeve or housing and a plurality of substantially identical pipe end receiving and retaining fasteners received and retained within a bore, or bores, in the outer sleeve or housing. The fasteners may be utilized in variable numbers to provide selectively variable degrees of tensile retention of the pipe to the coupling. The fasteners are serrated to better grip the lengths of pipe and to compensate for the out-of-round conditions often found on the exterior surfaces of pipe.

Abstract: This invention discloses a connector for fiber reinforced plastic wire comprising a metal sleeve for connecting two linear members, at least one of the linear members being fiber reinforced plastic wire, and said metal sleeve being squeezed against said linear members. This invention also discloses a connector for a fiber reinforced plastic wire comprising a metal sleeve which serves as a terminal device mounted on a fiber reinforced plastic wire, said metal sleeve squeezed against said fiber reinforced plastic wire.

Abstract: An alignment clip adapted for use in aligning two like reglets in end-abutting relation, such reglets each comprising a channel component including a bight portion and two flanges extending from opposite longitudinal edges of the bight portion and converging outwardly therefrom, said clip comprising a body portion adapted to overlie the adjacent ends of the bight portions of two abutting reglets, and flange means on opposite longitudinal edges of the body portion for engaging the reglet flanges to hold the reglets in alignment, such flange means including a snap-on flange.

Abstract: A partially rotated arrangement fastens parts together in nearly perfect alignment. The fasteners utilize semicircular rings which are rotated about the circular axis until each ring lies partly in each of two adjacent parts. The parts so joined together may contain one or more fluid passages or form electric conductors, and more particularly, wave guides.