Abstract: A radiolucent tissue retraction device (100), comprises a handle (106) extending along a handle axis (Lh) and a first paddle (102) coupled to a first end (103) of the handle (106), the first paddle (102) including a first portion (110) extending parallel to and offset from the handle (106) and a second portion (116) connecting the first portion (110) to the handle (106), the first portion (110) having at least one radiolucent feature extending into a surface thereof, wherein the first portion (110) is curved along a longitudinal axis (L1) thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precursor for a clip and a clip formed by the precursor. The clip is configured for mounting a furring channel to a load-bearing member and is a generally U-shaped member having a pair of sidewalls, each of which includes a pair of tabs projecting therefrom. The clip is arranged to receive the load-bearing member between its sidewalls, such that the tabs can be snap-fit under inwardly directed flanges of the furring channel. Also disclosed is a method of forming the clip from the precursor, by bending portions of the precursor to form the sidewalls of the clip, and a method for mounting a furring channel onto a load-bearing member using the clip.

Abstract: An adjust support bracket for communication with a wall or wall supports is provided. The support provides a mounting surface for plumbing and other fixtures to be mounted within or on a wall or panel. The support comprises first and second sheet metal support panels that connectively sleeve together to form a single fixture support assembly for spanning between, and fastening to, wall framing members, and allows for various fixtures to be securely attached and thereby retained in a secure fixed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.

Abstract: A dairy animal freestall cross clamp assembly including a first clamp portion defining a first recess, the first recess having a first axis; a second clamp portion releasably joined to the first clamp portion and defining a second recess, the second recess having a second axis that is not parallel to and intersects with the first axis; and an insert disposed between and joined to the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, the insert defining a first pocket opposing the first recess, and a second pocket for opposing the second recess. The insert can be resilient to avoid crushing of rail members and resist impact loads.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for use in mounting an auxiliary device to a vehicle comprises an engagement section, operable to engage a section of the vehicle to limit movement of the bracket relative to the section of the vehicle. The engagement section includes at least two engagement channels having differing directions of extension. Each of the at least two channels includes an engagement surface shaped to at least partially receive therein the section of the vehicle. A plurality of engagement teeth extend from each of the engagement surfaces, the plurality of engagement teeth being operable to engage the section of the vehicle to limit movement of the body relative to the section of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and unique designs that improve and enhance the section properties of load bearing structural members, which have particular, but not exclusive, application in connection with aluminum extrusions for use in screened pool, patio and porch enclosures. The invention utilizes one or more reinforcing inserts or slats which attach to a structural member such as a hollow extruded beam to increase the effective wall thickness of the beam in the area where the slat is applied.

Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.

Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.

Abstract: A cathedral ceiling beam support combination of identical first and second elongated support elements each extending along longitudinal axes thereof, each having opposite first and second ends and having intermediate structure extending along an imaginary upright plane between and interconnecting the first and second ends, pivot structure and thereof pivotably connecting the first and second support elements through the intermediate elongated structure, each of the first and second support elements further including a laterally-extending flange having a downwardly-facing support surface adapted to press against a surface of a support beam, and beam-attachment structure and mechanism thereof on the laterally-positioned flange for securing the laterally-positioned flange to a support beam, the laterally-extending flange and the downwardly-facing support surface each extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the upright plane, the beam-attachment structure including a plurality of through-space apert

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described in which first and second elongated resilient clip members are formed in a substantially semi-circular "C" shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second clip members include opposed open ends spaced apart along their respective center axes. Each of the first and second elongated resilient clip members includes a pair of longitudinal edges that are substantially parallel to their associated center axis and are spaced apart from one another to form a reinforcing bar receiving side opening. The longitudinal edges terminate in substantially radially inward projecting flanges. Inwardly projecting yieldable tabs are formed at each end of the first and second clip members. The tabs are angularly inclined toward the respective center axes of the clip members. The tabs are substantially diametrically opposed to the associated reinforcing bar receiving side openings.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus adaptable to connect together multiple members which may be variously arranged. The clamping apparatus includes a clamping plate having a first pair and a second pair of arcuate slots. Fasteners extend in a first direction through the first pair of arcuate slots and in a second direction through the second pair of arcuate slots, and the fasteners are slidable along the length of the slots. Clamping links are attachable to the fasteners to secure the multiple members to the clamping plate.

Abstract: A tube clamp assembly is provided having a one-piece clamp or casting with four clamping and aligning lugs projecting from each side of the casting. The four lugs on the first side of the casting are symmetrically arranged at the corner of an imaginary square and have two sets of clamping and aligning surfaces that lie in planes perpendicular to each other. The surfaces are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the faces of a first tube so that the casting can embrace the tube sides in either a first position or a second position rotated 90 degrees from the first position. On the second side of the casting, four lugs similar to the lugs on the first side project the opposite direction and also define two sets of clamping and aligning surfaces.

Abstract: A rail car truck has a pair of longitudinally spaced wheelsets and a pair of laterally spaced side frames which extend between and are supported by the wheelsets. A bolster extends between the side frames to support the rail car vehicle body. There is a brace which is connected to the side frames to control relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The brace includes a pair of struts which are diagonally connected to the side frame on opposite sides of the centerline thereof. The struts intersect generally centrally of the side frames and there is a clamp assembly for attaching the struts together. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamp plates, each having a channel formed and adapted to receive a strut. Each clamp plate is welded to a strut and there are fasteners which attach the facing surfaces of the clamp plates directly to each other. The clamp plates are welded one to another. The clamp assembly inhibits relative movement between the struts in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining vertebrae of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a fastener having a first end portion for engaging a vertebra. A connector member interconnects the fastener and a longitudinal member positionable along the spinal column. The connector member includes a clamp for clamping the longitudinal member to the connector member. The fastener extends through a slot in the connector member to permit adjustment of the distance between the axis of the fastener and the axis of the longitudinal member. The axis of the fastener is spaced from the clamp a distance measured along the axis of the longitudinal member when the connector member interconnects the fastener and the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A clamp fitment includes a pair of holding members each capable of clamping a pipe section, a coupler mounted between both the holding members for relatively rotatably but unseparatably coupling the holding members, and a lock mechanism mounted between both the holding members for restraining the relative rotation of the holding members at any time in positions in which the pipe sections clamped in the holding members intersect each other at right angles. The single clamp fitment for connecting the pipe sections can be used properly as either of "swivel type" in which the angle of intersection of the pipe sections can be freely selected and "orthogonal type" for unifying the pipe sections in a square fashion. This eliminates the need for a worker to carry two kinds of clamp fitments to a working field, leading to simplified handling and management of the clamp fitment.

Abstract: A bus bar connecting device according to the invention comprises a clamper for clamping first and second bus bars disposed to extend at an angle with each other. The clamper is preferably electrically conductive to permit passage of an electric current therethrough. The second bus bar may have a hole, and a bolt extends through the clamper and the hole of the second bus bar, and screwed into a nut provided on the opposite side of the second bus bar. As the bolt is screwed into the nut, the clamper is pressed against the bus bars, and also presses the first and second bus bars against each other. Preferably, the clamper has linear protrusions at which it is in contact with the bus bars. Because of the pressure contact along the entire linear protrusions, the area of contact is larger than if the contact is made only at a point. The device is provided with a mechanism to prevent shift of the second bus bar in the lateral direction of the first bus bar. Such a mechanism may consist of a step of the clamper.

Abstract: A clip for forming an electrical and mechanical connection at the junction of two rods to afford cathodic protection for said rods. The clip is electrically conductive and can have a sacrificial metal coating or metal insert.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a pair of vehicular trunk torsion bars which are in non-parallel overlying relation. The retainer has a housing for receiving and resiliently clamping the torsion bars including an elongated upper housing portion, an elongated separator depending from the housing for preventing contact between the clamped torsion bars, and opposed locking fingers for clamping the torsion bars against the upper housing portion. The separator depends downwardly beyond the locking fingers so that the separator can be located between the torsion bars proximate the location where the torsion bars overly, and a tongue projects upwardly from the upper housing and perpendicularly to the separator so that an installer can grip the tongue between adjacent fingers, slide the separator between the torsion bars into engagement therewith at the location where the torsion bars overly and pull the housing against the torsion bars to nest the torsion bars in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacial joint for parts, which will find application in the lighting, building and trade industries. The present invention provides a spacial joint for quick and precise joining of parts with no possibility of turning them, which will ensure stability of the spacial disposition of the parts. The joint includes two shells with clamping beds and a mating edge formed therein, the shells being fixed one to the other through joining elements. Each shell has at least two annularly disposed beds, and on the mating edge of each bed is formed a bevelled edge, an engaging projection, and an inclined opening through which a joining element such as a bolt may pass.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a pair of cables includes a clamp body of a clam shell configuration. The body includes first and second legs joined by an integral hinge. The clamp body and hinge are fabricated of a deformable material. First and second diagonal grooves are formed in the first and second legs and disposed at approximately a right angle to each other. First and second cables are placed in the grooves and the clamp closed over the cables. A one piece fastener such as a self-tapping screw is employed to close and tighten the clamp body about the cables partially deforming the clamp body and providing primary and secondary gripping forces on the cables.

Abstract: A joint clamp particularly useful in joining braces of the type used temporarily to brace concrete slabs employed in tilt-up construction. The clamp can be installed onto a cylindrical brace without the employment of tools and without access to either end of the brace. It comprises, as a principal component, a tubular member that defines an opening having a generally cylindrical cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional size of the brace. The wall forming the cylindrical opening is formed with a helically extending slot having a width, in an oblique direction, slightly larger than the cylindrical brace so that the clamp can be placed on the brace in an oblique position and then twisted into parallelism with the brace to snugly embrace the brace. The tubular member carries one or more secondary clamps for securing cooperating secondary brace members thereto.

Abstract: Sections of a bus bar stack are coupled together with insulating spacers between bars of different potentials, by a clamping device that embraces the stack, thereby avoiding the need for cutouts in the bars at the coupled junction. The form of the clamping device may be a U-shaped bracket encompassing the stack and having adjustable clamping means mounted on the leg ends for applying resilient clamping pressure on the stack through a pressure member bridging between the bracket legs. Alternatively, a support on one side of the stack and a clamping element spaced from the support are joined by levers. Adjustable clamping means on the ends of the clamping element apply clamping pressure on the stack through the levers. The support may form part of an enclosure for the bus bars and may include an insulated tray having offset slots for supporting the coupled bus bar sections in desired relation to each other.