Abstract: A universal joint 10 for the extension of billiard cues. The joint comprises a joint element 12 generally tubular and adapted to hold at one end the front end of an extension and to receive at the other end the butt end of a billiard cue, and a generally tubular tightening element 14 adapted to lock the cue inside the joint element 12. The joint 10' is operative irrespective of the outer diameter of the butt terminal part of the cue received therein, by the combined action of slits 42, tapered portions 28, 38, 40 and resilience of the material of which the joint element 12 is made.

Abstract: A splice for joining the abutting ends of conveyor guide rails of the type having a metallic channel member and a plastic insert housed within the channel member and for engaging the product being conveyed.

Abstract: A reinforced bar connecting device fastened to two reinforcing bars to secure them in a line, including two plug members, and two symmetrical, smoothly arched coupling plates mounted around the reinforcing bars and abutted against each other and secured in place by the plug members to hold down the reinforcing bars, each of the coupling plate having a left longitudinal side edge, a right longitudinal side edge, and two longitudinal slots respectively made along the left longitudinal side edge and the right longitudinal side edge, each of the plug member being inserted into one longitudinal slot of each of the coupling plates.

Abstract: The coupler has, in several embodiments, a compliant-link having flexible or pivoted fingers that engage a groove in the inside of a lower link in at least three places. The groove appears much like a bearing race. The compliant-link is retained inside of an upper sleeve that is attached to an upward-extending post. The lower (engaging) link is attached to a downward-extending post. The fingers are able to disengage from the groove under spring action and thus a sufficient applied moment will cause disengagement. Disengagement does not cause anything to break. Assembly, or reassembly, of the coupler may be performed without extra parts or tools. In several of the embodiments, the decoupling moment may be manually adjusted using less moment than the resultant decoupling moment. The decoupling moment is essentially independent of azimuth. The coupler is particularly suited to being used with rural type mailboxes, and warehouse buffers and supports.

Abstract: Retaining bushing for securing bearing rings comprising a strip of sheet metal bent to form a cylinder having radially projecting retaining projections engaging in a positively locking fashion in grooves in the bearing rings, the retaining projections being distributed around the periphery and being raised up from the sheet material in the radial direction by deep-drawing and stamped out to the required width along a circumferential line around the retaining bushing.

Abstract: A tamper-evident, self-locking cover for mechanical and electrical connections includes a unitary, molded plastic member including two generally semi-cylindrical pockets connected by a first living hinge and including snap-fit, self-locking, tamper-evident means of connection. Integrally therewith and extending from one pocket half are a pair of generally cylindrical receptacles arranged so as to provide three gripping fingers. Integrally therewith and extending from the other enclosing portion are a pair of stem members which are initially oriented in a non-engaging orientation and which are connected by means of a second living hinge. As the enclosing portions are flexed and closed around the object to be encased and protected, the stem members are flexed into a controlled engaging orientation so as to be brought into alignment with the female receptacles.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush has a brush section which is demountable from a handle section that has a protruding brush drive shaft. Radial and axial securing of the brush section to the handle section is accomplished by structure separated by function, including radial securing structure at the base of the brush section that engages cooperating structure at the end of the handle section from which the drive shaft protrudes, and axial securing structure housed within the brush section that engages the protruding drive shaft of the handle section.

Abstract: A quick release clamping device includes a hollow clamping cap, and a bolt member having an enlarged head portion disposed inside the hollow clamping cap and a threaded end portion engaging a nut member. A lever member has an eccentric shaft portion to be disposed in a through bore formed on the head portion of the bolt member. A locking ring prevents axial sliding of the eccentric portion inside the through bore. The lever member is operated to axially move the bolt member between a slack position, in which the eccentric portion is not in contact with the head portion, and a tightened position, in which the eccentric portion pushes the head portion into the clamping cap to pull the nut member toward the clamping cap. The eccentric portion has an axially extending notch. A pull knob is to be disposed on the clamping cap. The pull knob has a rod portion extending through the clamping cap to releasably engage the notch.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for an adjustable torsion bar of a boat lift. The torsion bar includes square tubes which fit together telescopically to allow the torsion bar length to be adjusted. Each clamp mechanism includes a pair of opposing angle members lined on the inside faces of their flanges with plates which extend along a part of the length of each flange. The angle members are applied in opposition to one another with the inside faces of the flanges directly against the larger tube and the plates against the smaller tube. The angle members are clamped to the tubes by nuts and bolts applied to lugs which project from the angle members.

Abstract: A method and resulting coupler for uniting two shafts to effect mutual rotation. The coupler especially accommodates two different shaft diameters and provides a longitudinally extending slit passing through an outer wall of the coupler to expedite shaft installation and removal. The method allows the coupler to be made of a single piece of material and assures proper alignment of the two coupled shafts. A groove, extending only partially into the outer wall, facilitates flexing of the coupler for shaft installation and removal. Keyways extend on an interior wall of the coupler, the formation of which is facilitated by an arcuate inner groove.

Abstract: A connector comprising two components, a male component and a female component, the female component comprising securing element for securing the male component to a member and comprising at least a pair of arms spaced from one another and moveable towards one another and carrying fastening elements on the surfaces of the arms closest the other arm (i.e. between the arms) and a male component comprising a projection having a leading and rearward end carrying complementary fastening elements on the outer surface of the projection proximate the leading end for mating with the fastening elements of the two arms when the projection is pushed between the arms and the arms are clamped over the projection, the rearward end of the male component carrying slideable bushing means for riding over the two arms when they are clamped over the projection thereby providing a secure connection between the two, and connecting the rearward end to the other member to which the member is connected.

Abstract: A releasable connection for tubular metal sliding rods with ends in a textile machine includes at least one pressureproof insert filling the rod ends. A metal clamping socket fits flush over the rod ends for transmitting force. The metal clamping socket has releasable clamping screws holding the rod ends in slide-free contact with the at least one insert and the clamping socket under changing loads.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump mounted in a pipeline with its driven shaft extending vertically and a driving motor spaced above the pump on a support frame attached to the pump body and supporting the motor. The shafts of the motor and pump are vertically aligned and interconnected by a coupling that enables the end portion of one shaft to be swiveled in the coupling to adjust the alignment of the shaft axis with the axis of the other shaft and threaded screws for forcing the shaft end to an adjusted position and locking it in the adjusted position during use of the pump.

Abstract: This invention is a flue liner collar designed to secure liners within a masonry chimney. It further comprises a liner interlock comprised of two interconnected metallic bands of identical configuration forming an expansible and contractible collar for the sides of two stacked chimney liners and said bands having inwardly extending flanges for seating the ends of said adjacent liners.

Abstract: A closure system for a longitudinally divided cable sleeve, which has longitudinal closure beads expanding wedge-shaped and matched clamping rails. The closure elements have an arrangement to aid in drawing the clamp rails onto the beads, which includes supporting elements fixed relative to the beads and abutment openings in one of the rails which are engaged by a leverage tool which is inserted therethrough to urge the rail into and out of engagement of the beads. The clamp rail can be drawn onto the wedge-shaped beads in a step-by-step leverage motion using a tool.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a closure system for closing a longitudinally divided cable sleeve having wedge-shaped beads along a parting line and having wedge-shaped clamp rails. One of the rails has a mutual guide element in the form of a resilient strip which is received in the guide channel formed in the other rail and the strip and guide channel have coacting latching elements to hold the rails in a final clamping position. Preferably, at least one of the rails is provided with pegs or abuttments which are provided to aid in moving the rails into the closing position on the beads with a simple lever-like tool.

Abstract: An extension for a handle of a tool or similar device includes a hollow cylindrical shaped tube formed with a series of circumferentially spaced slots that provide intervening strips of tube material adjacent to but spaced from an open end of the tube. A manually operated clamping band encircles the strips of tube material and clamps the strip against a handle inserted into the tube bore. A second pair of circumferentially spaced slots and intervening strips of the material may be formed adjacent to the first series of strips and is encircled by another clamp for increasing the grip on a handle inserted into the tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle suspension unit in the form of a swivel bearing for an axle unit and comprising a wheel bearing assembly, a shock absorber leg connection and a hollow connecting element between the bearing housing and the shock absorber leg connection. The shock absorber leg connection comprises a substantially closed sleeve which receives the shock absorber leg, and a threaded fastener which extends transversely through the sleeve and, upon tightening, causes the sleeve to exert a clamping action around the shock absorber leg. The unit is formed as a one-piece casting, or from pressed sheet metal.

Abstract: A flexible pipe coupling for the end portions of two pipes has an elastic sleeve whose open ends receive the end portions of the pipes and which has a centrally located partition extending from its internal surface and abutting against the end faces of the inserted pipes. The partition is flanked by two internal grooves which are formed in the internal surface and are flanked by annular surfaces sloping inwardly toward the partition. The external surface of the sleeve has a centrally located outer groove and is surrounded by a split ring forming part of a clamp and having apertured lugs extending outwardly from the two end portions of the ring to be moved nearer to each other by a bolt and nut assembly whose shank extends through the apertures so that the sleeve is compressed and its internal surface sealingly engages the external surfaces of the pipes. The split ring has a corrugation which extends into the outer groove of the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of repairing or protecting an exhaust box or pipe of a motor vehicle are described. The apparatus comprises a flexible sheet having an outer stainless steel layer and an inner sealing layer. The flexible sheet is wrapped around the area of the exhaust box (or pipe) to be reinforced or repaired and secured in place with a Jubilee clip fastening arrangement attached to receiving members provided on the outer layer so that a seal is provided between the inner layer and the area to be protected or repaired.

Abstract: A two-piece clamp for securing elongate cylindrical members, such as pipe, tubing, conduit or hose, to a channel. The two-piece clamp has two clamp halves fabricated with an aperture at one end. A stud is non-rotatably secured in the aperture of one of the clamp halves and is adapted to be detachably secured in the aperture of the other clamp half. A spacer may be integrally formed on the stud for permitting the clamp halves to be squarely clamped together. The method and machine for securing the stud to a clamp half features an automated assembly system for forming one end of the stud after assembling the clamp half thereon to securely lock the stud onto the clamp half.

Abstract: A channel connector for channel members, used in mechanical fastening systems for mechanically securing a flexible sheet relative thereto, each channel member being of generally rectangular form, in transverse cross section, and each channel connector being comprised of a flexible resilient material of a shape generally corresponding to that of the channel members and having bottom, side and top wall portions; transverse spacer means, having opposed sides, on the bottom wall, at about the midpoint of the channel connector axial extent; a channel connector bottom wall having a first aperture of a first predetermined size and shape centered a first predetermined axial distance from one of the spacer means sides and a second aperture of a second predetermined size and shape centered a second predetermined axial distance from the other of the spacer means sides.

Abstract: An improved channel connector for channel members, used in mechanical fastening systems for mechanically securing a flexible sheet relative thereto, each channel member being of generally rectangular form, transverse cross section, and each channel connector being comprised of a flexible resilient material of a shape generally corresponding to that of the channel members and having bottom, side and top walls enveloping the corresponding adjacent walls of the channel members; transverse abutment means, having opposed sides, emanating from the top walls at about the midpoint of the channel connector axial extent; and a channel connector bottom wall having one or more apertures of a predetermined size whose axially outermost extents, relative to the abutment means, are equally axially spaced from the opposed sides of the abutment means and of a dimension so as to cooperate with protrusions in the bottom wall of the channel members so as to physically bias their end surfaces against the opposed sides of the abutm

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: The invention relates to a device for e.g. connecting two shafts (1,2). It comprises an inner sleeve (3) surrounding both shafts, and two outer sleeves (4,6) surrounding the inner sleeve and one shaft each. The inner sleeve is deformed radially inwards into contact with the shafts when the outer sleeves are pressed axially away from each other, whereby sliding occurs in their respective contacts with the inner sleeve. In order to provide a device which does not require access to the end surfaces (12,13) and to avoid protruding parts, pressing the sleeves (4,6) away from each other is made by screws (9) arranged in axially directed threaded bores (8) in the end surface of one of the sleeves (6) and contacting the end surface of the other sleeve (4). The screw heads (10) are accessible from radially outside.

Abstract: A roof structure for an automotive vehicle includes a roof panel, a roof rail, a head lining and a support member therefor. The support member is divided into three parts: a main part and two side parts. The main part is separate from at least one side part. The main part may be separate from one side part and formed integrally with the other side part. The main part may be separate from both side parts. Each side part is fixed to the roof rail. The side part or parts are joined to the main part by means of a joint member. The joint member may be formed in various manners. The joint member includes an insertion portion and a rib formed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or to Moineau pumps comprising a stator having an axial cavity, a helicoidal rotor adapted to rotate in said cavity of the stator by cooperating with it and coupling means to couple the rotor to another driving or driven rotary member. The helicoidal rotor projects axially out of the stator and the coupling means comprise a rigid and elongated coupling sleeve, hollowed by an axial housing of which the shape is complementary to that of the helix of the rotor, said sleeve being engaged on and gripping the end of the rotor projecting out of the stator.

Abstract: A device for clamping to a rotatable shaft including a C-shaped member and a screw for selectively biassing the end portions of the C-shaped member toward each other so that the inner surface of the C-shaped member is in contact with the shaft. The C-shaped member includes a balancing hole which is offset so that the device is substantially balanced when clamped to the shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved swivel connector assembly for connecting a member to be pivoted to a pivot. The assembly includes just two components which may be readily assembled, a socketed assembly and a retaining sleeve. The socketed assembly has a forward portion including a socket forming a bearing seat and a rearward portion having a cylindrically shaped socket. A slot which extends from a point forward of the bearing seat center to and through the rearward portion to form bifurcated opposed socketed portions which may be separated to enlarge the bearing seat and cylindrically shaped socket to permit ready assembly of the same to a pivot ball and a member to be pivoted. The sleeve is arranged to be axially slid over the socketed rearward portion to thereby maintain the assembly in assembled relation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupling clamp formed by shaping a sheet-metal blank or tube length and having an axially slotted hollow body (14) forming a socket for a shaft or other transmission member and having a lug (17) depending from either side of the slot (15), the lugs being pierced (18) for the passage of a bolt or the like by which the clamp can be tightened to bear radially onto a shaft, at least one of the lugs having at least one internal tab (13) extending at least part-way across the slot and shaped to bear radially onto a shaft on tightening the clamp.

Abstract: A sports wheel chair has elongated side frame members of hollow high strength tubing extending along the two sides of the chair to provide rear wheel and seat support and extending accurately downwardly to provide front wheel supports. The elongation provides a degree of flexibility that permits front end collisions without damage and permits flexure to maintain contact of all four wheels with uneven terrain. Elongation of the frame increases stability and concentrates weight on the rear wheels for greater maneuverability. The main wheels are cambered out from top to bottom to protect the hands and provide a wider wheel base. All of the frame members are hollow tubes to impart light weight to the chair along with great strength. The two elongated side frame members are joined by novel strong quick connecting and disconnecting parts at the front and back to permit rapid disassembly without sacrificing strength. The front connecting part also provides a foot rest.

Abstract: A prefabricated steel frame building structural system which is assembled with nuts and bolts and required no shop welding or site fabrication. The columns and beams in the building are fabricated from lengths of very high strength, light gauge, stiffened C-channel steel stock. Uniquely designed haunch plates and haunch plate stiffener angles are used for column-beam connections and novel ridge plates and ridge plate stiffener angles are used for beam-beam connections to form the two hinged end wall and intermediate frames for the building. Also used are novel corner girt clips for securing the girts to the corner columns; rake purlin angles for securing purlins to the rake beams; and purlin girt clips for securing purlins to the intermediate beams and for securing girts to the intermediate columns. Each of the mentioned components are designed so that they may be used interchangeably at both the left and right sides of the building, there being no specially designed left and right said components.

Abstract: A highway guardrail cover in the form of an elongate channel having a substantially C-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration. The cover includes inwardly directed flanges for snap-fit attachment around opposed edge portions of the guardrail. The cover serves to enclose and protect the guardrail from deterioration and provide both a visible and uniform external appearance to motorists.

Abstract: A substantially annular ring having a bore sufficiently large to engage each of two oscillatory shafts, the ring having a radial slot through to the bore and a circumferential slot through to the bore running from the radial slot to a point on the ring opposite the radial slot, thereby forming two semi-annular, rigid spring arms, each having one free end, a tapered key secured in a transverse slot on the inner surface of the central portion of each of the spring arms, the keys engaging tapered keyseats on the ends of each of the shafts, and means for detachably clamping the free ends of each of the spring arms to the ring across the radial slot, thereby independently locking each of the shafts into the coupling.In an alternative embodiment, the annular ring has a second radial slot through to the bore at the point on the ring opposite the other radial slot, forming the spring arms into completely detachable coupling segments.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly having an inner and an outer joint member with torque transmitting means therebetween is formed with a drive shaft attached to the inner joint member within an axially slotted bevelled end portion formed on an extension of the inner joint member. The inner member has threaded means formed on a cylindrical outer wall thereof and by threaded engagement of a nut about the end of the inner member extension, the drive shaft is releasably engaged and clamped in the inner joint member in a manner facilitating this assembly. The outer wall of the inner joint member is also formed with a recess within which one side of a sealing boot may be secured.

Abstract: A gritless seal, a method for making the seal, and a method for forming a joint with the seal between overlapped ligature segments is provided. The inner gripping layer is brittle and has a hardness greater than that of the outer, ductile layer. In forming the joint, the seal is disposed about the overlapped ligature segments and is folded, squeezed, and/or crimped about the segments under pressure sufficient to deform the outer, ductile layer and produce fracture cracks in the inner gripping layer which present sharp edges to engage and hold the surfaces of the overlapping ligature segments. The interior of the sheet steel seal is case hardened by known cyaniding techniques.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for transporting persons between spaced landings, including a conveyor mounted on a supporting structure, and first and second spaced skirts disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor which are formed of aligned skirt sections. The skirt sections of each skirt are interconnected via expandable splice assemblies which align the interconnected skirt sections, both laterally and vertically, and also lock them in end-to-end relation.

Abstract: An expansion dowel includes a cylindrically shaped axially extending sleeve and a spreader for expanding the sleeve. The sleeve has a leading end and a trailing end and at least one axially extending slot formed in the sleeve. For at least a portion of its length, the slot has oppositely arranged sides converging in the direction of the leading end of the sleeve. The spreader fits into the part of the slot with the converging sides and has complementary converging sides to those in the slot. The spreader includes an impact piece against which impact force can be applied for axially displacing the spreader through the slot and expanding the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved clamp and method for forming a rebar joint in a vertical reinforced concrete body. A split-sleeve type clamp with contraction means for firmly closing it around the engaged end portions of a dowel rebar and extension rebar has a location tab struck from a central portion of the sleeve, projecting upwardly and inwardly at an acute angle to engage the upper edge of a dowel rebar onto which the sleeve is driven. The method includes forming a sleeve type clamp with a location tab, driving the same onto the end of a dowel rebar directly to its operative clamping position, inserting an extension rebar in the sleeve, and contracting the sleeve to complete the joint.

Abstract: A cable sleeve having a tubular member with a longitudinally extending slit with longitudinal wedge-shaped flanges along each side, which slit is held in a closed sealing relationship by wedge-shaped clamping rails characterized by an improvement comprising each of the clamping rails having a projection or embossment having an opening therethrough and a tightening band or strap extending through the opening with one end being provided with means for preventing passage of the one end through the opening of the projection, and the band having means for fixing the other end of the band to the cable sleeve so that during assembly of the clamping rail on the wedge-shaped portion, a tension force applied to the band forces the rail into the assembled position and the means for fixing prevents the accidental disassembly of the rail from the member. In a preferred embodiment, the cable sleeve has a pair of wedge-shaped portions and a pair of clamping rails are utilized.

Abstract: A bracket adapted to be installed on a metal fence post for securing a sign or other display material to the fence post without modification of the fence post, said bracket having a cross sectional configuration complementary to the cross sectional configuration defined by the outer limits of the fence post whereby said bracket substantially surrounds a portion of the post. The bracket is provided with slots for receiving the usual fence post lugs therein for securing the bracket to the fence post at substantially any desired height above the surface of the ground, and is provided with a substantially flat exposed surface for receiving the sign thereagainst in order that the sign may be secured thereto.

Abstract: A single piece coupling for shafts comprises opposite half sections each with an arcuate recess for engaging one side of two axially aligned shafts. There are also spaces forming a keyway for reception of a conventional key with which the shafts are provided. The half sections are initially formed in a spread apart condition with captive edges secured to each other by a section of the coupling metal forming thereby a hinge. After adjacent ends of the shafts are slid into the coupling to abutting positions free edges of the half sections are bolted together drawing the half sections simultaneously into engagement with the shafts and the key.

Abstract: Distinct lengths of post-applied waterstop strips are spliced together by wrapping them in contour fitting flexible union shells provided with a solid baffle having a transverse cross-sectional shape identical to that of said strips. Conventional adhesive is placed on all contacting surface and the two-strip assembly is then secured by means of bars and bolts.

Abstract: An assembly of a pulley and shaft and a coupling therebetween. The coupling comprises a clamp having radially deformable jaws embracing the shaft and a jaw actuator for moving the jaws toward the shaft to clamp the pulley to the shaft. The clamp can be incorporated in a pulley having complementary mating stamped half sections. In one embodiment, the stamped pulley half sections have oppositely embossed hub portions forming a pocket in which the clamp is received internally. In another embodiment, the clamp is exposed and is mounted on the outside of one of the pulley half sections.

Abstract: A jumping hoop has a rigid U-shaped member which is held in the hand. A light flexible member is adjustably connected to opposite ends of the rigid member, forming a hoop. Ends of the rigid members are reentrantly bent to hold ends of the flexible member telescoped therewith. Ends are held together by an elastic band which jams between the sliding telescoping members in one construction.