Abstract: A connector 10 includes a connector body 20 and a lever 50. The connector body 20 includes a guide portion 30. The lever 50 includes a guide receiving portion 60. The lever 50 is rotatable about a rotary shaft 54 with respect to the connector body 20 to a guide start position where guide by the guide portion 30 is started and a guide end position where the guide by the guide portion 30 is ended. At least one of the guide portion 30 and the guide receiving portion 60 arcuately extends with the rotary shaft 54 as a center. The guide receiving portion 60 contacts the guide portion 30 with a larger contact pressure when the lever 50 is at the guide end position than when the lever 50 is at the guide start position.

Abstract: A component which is configured to be joined to a further component in a preselected relative orientation is disclosed. The further component has an interface surface and the component is configured to contact the interface surface when joined to the further component. The component includes a surface disposed on a side of the component intended to face the interface surface when the components are joined, a plurality of recesses formed in the surface, and a plurality of spacer elements. Each recess has a preselected orientation relative to the component, the preselected orientation being selected in dependence on the preselected relative orientation. Each spacer element comprises a contact surface configured to contact the interface surface when the components are joined. Each spacer element is disposed in one of the recesses such that the orientation of a given contact surface is defined by the orientation of the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A system includes an attachment part and a holding element for holding the attachment part on a carrier part, the holding element having a threaded part connected to the attachment part and an internal thread for a holding screw, and a spacer part, the spacer part and the threaded part having interacting threads, the spacer part having a through opening flush with the internal thread of the threaded part when the spacer part is screwed to the threaded part, with the result that the carrier part can be held between a head of the holding screw and the spacer part, the threaded part having a holding section for holding the attachment part, the holding section having at least one latching element which interacts with at least one corresponding latching element of the attachment part for releasably latching the attachment part on the threaded part.

Abstract: A device for retaining a printed circuit board module in a mounting groove of a cold plate, the device comprising an elongated housing made of metal, which has a cross-section in the shape of a horizontal U. A pressure piece made of metal is mounted in the housing so as to be displaceable transversely relative to the rotational axis of the housing and comprises a flat clamping surface on the front side. A rotary cylinder can be rotatably mounted in the housing so as to be transversely displaceable relative to the rotational axis. During a rotation, eccentric guide elements can be used to effect a forward displacement of the rotary cylinder. The pressure piece follows the displacement of the rotary cylinder and slides outward. The waste heat of the printed circuit board module is transported via the housing and the pressure piece to the cold plate.

Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.

Abstract: A coupling spacer includes a spacer body defining a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The spacer body has a tapered shape. Further, the coupling spacer includes a spacer flange extending outwardly from the spacer body. The spacer flange is closer to the first edge than the second edge. The coupling spacer additionally includes at least one snap feature extending outwardly from the spacer body. The snap feature is closer to the second edge than the first edge.

Abstract: A control mechanism of the adjustable seat post for a bicycle is fixed to the bottom end of the lower outer tube of the seat post. The control mechanism is managed by a controlling wire to drive a pin within the seat post to move axially to adjust the position of the seat post supporting the seat, so that the controlling wire will not move up and down with the seat post for seat height adjustments. Thus, the control mechanism will not generate a residual wire occurring in a prior art seat height adjusting device. It is because the controlling wire of the prior art device is disposed to the top end of the seat post. Therefore, the drawback of a prior art device can be ameliorated by arranging the control mechanism to the bottom end of the lower outer tube of the seat post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing labels with reduced waste. The method includes printing a label on an end-portion of a label roll and advancing the label roll such that the end-portion passes a cutter mechanism. The cutter mechanism cuts the end-portion, thereby defining a new end-portion. The method further includes reversing the label roll to align the new end-portion with a printer head. The apparatus may be a drive mechanism that includes a roller for feeding label material in a forward feed mode and in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism has a drive clutch configured to engage with a take-up printer ribbon spool. The drive clutch may be operated to (i) transfer a driving force to the take-up printer ribbon spool in a forward feed mode and (ii) allow a release of printer ribbon in a reverse feed mode. The drive mechanism further includes a reverse clutch having a return spring.

Abstract: A traction sheave clamping device for detachably fixing ropes to the traction sheave of a Koepe hoist, having at least one clamp crossbeam, at least two anchoring elements for engaging in wedge-shaped or hook-shaped grooves in the face sides of the traction sheave/cable chuck rim sheets, and stud bolts for connecting the anchoring elements to the clamp crossbeam, wherein the anchoring elements and the traction sheaves have corresponding torque support surfaces extending substantially in the pull direction of the stud bolts, wherein the extension of the torque support surfaces in the pull direction of the stud bolts is a multiple of the distance between the stud bolt centre axis and the anchoring point.

Abstract: A reversible sealing mechanism for sealing a bulkhead having a first central aperture defined along a central axis and disposed between first and second compartments includes a cover member having a recess defined therein by a substantially cylindrical sidewall and adapted to cover the first central aperture. A wedge ring having a generally cylindrical body is accommodated by the first and second central apertures and is configured to operatively engage the cover member. A mechanical input is operative to reversibly rotate the wedge ring about the central axis such that a rotation of the wedge ring in a first direction urges the cover member in the axial direction into a sealed position.

Abstract: A fastening element (100) for clamping together a stack of sheets (410), (411) comprising at least two sheets. The fastening element comprises at least one base portion (101) extending along the stack of sheets and perpendicular to the planes of the sheets. Further, the fastening element comprises a flange portion (102) which extends substantially perpendicular from the base portion, and a pointed element (103) which extends in an acute angle with respect to the base portion. The flexible fastening element generates a spring force which clamps the sheets of the stack of sheets together between the at least one flange portion and the at least one pointed element. In this grip position, the at least one pointed element grips at least one edge of a bottom sheet of the stack of sheets, and a top sheet of the stack of sheets is allowed to move in relation to the at least one flange portion.

Abstract: A fitting suite for connecting a first board and a second board includes a wedge and at least one fitting. The fitting has a locking pin coupled with the first board and a fitting head spaced from the first board. The wedge has a mounting coupled with the second board and a fork spaced from the second board. The fork is detachably secured with the fitting. Thus, the fitting head is clamped by the fork and the second board, and the fork is clamped by the fitting head and the first board.

Abstract: A splice tube includes a body, first and second wedge assemblies, first and second plugs, and a securing member that secures at least one of the first and second plugs to the body. The body defines first and second passageways that extend through the body. Each passageway of the body has a first end and a second end. The first and second wedge assemblies each have a passageway. At least a portion of the first and second wedge assemblies are positioned within the first and second passageways, respectively. The first and second plugs are at least partially positioned within the passageway of the first and second wedge assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements (1) have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).

Abstract: A latch mechanism selectively securing an apparatus, such as a vehicle seat, to a support surface, such as a floor in a vehicle. The latch mechanism includes a housing portion, and a hook that is supported on the housing portion for movement between an engaged position, wherein the apparatus is secured to the support surface, and a disengaged position, wherein the apparatus is not secured to the support surface. A locking cam is supported on the housing portion for movement between a locking position, wherein the hook is positively retained in the engaged position, and an unlocking position, wherein the hook is not positively retained in the engaged position. Lastly, an anti-chuck cam is supported on the housing portion and engages the hook when the hook is in the engaged position to minimize or prevent rattling thereof.

Abstract: A portable wedge clamp having both a drive wedge member and a mating base wedge member each formed with generally wedge shaped bodies that are oppositely inclined along a mutually slidable wedge interface. The body of the base wedge member is formed with an external load application surface opposite from the mutual wedge interface, and the body of the drive wedge member is formed with a load reaction surface opposite from the mutual wedge interface. The external load application surface of the base wedge member and the external load reaction surface of the drive wedge member are spaced apart on opposite sides of the mutual wedge interface. Accordingly, the external load application and load reaction surfaces of the respective base wedge and drive wedge member bodies are arranged in a substantially parallel opposing relationship when the base and drive wedge members are slidably juxtaposed along the inclined wedge interface therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention includes a solar panel mount. The solar panel mount comprises a mounting surface such as a base or a rail. The rail has a generally elongated clamp plate attached to the rail proximal to a first end and having a clamp pad proximal to a second end. There is a wedge plate pivotally connected to the rail proximal to a first end of the wedge plate. The wedge plate is attached between the rail and the generally elongated clamp plate. The wedge plate is pivotal from a disengaged position to a clamping position. The clamping position is the position of the wedge where the wedge head is between the clamp plate and the rail. In another embodiment, the mount is configured to support a solar panel having a flange that is clamped between the clamp pad and the rail.

Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

Abstract: A mounting portion is configured to mount thereon a first coupler provided with a pair of engagement arms having an elastic force in a width increasing direction. The mounting portion includes a pair of support members. The pair of support members each have a support portion, an inclined portion, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. A spacing between the second engagement portions is larger than a widthwise dimension of the first coupler which is taken on when the engagement arms are displaced into a position at which the widthwise dimension of the first coupler is minimized. A space allowing the first and second couplers in a state of being coupled to each other to be placed therein is provided on a downstream side of the mounting portion in a removing direction.

Abstract: A mechanical lock for railway points comprising an outer tube and a linear arrangement of interlinked components arranged in a core of the outer tube, the interlinked components comprising five coaxially arranged, separately manufactured, elements, including a central tie and two link-rods, the two link rods being respectively interlinked at first ends thereof to opposing ends of the central tie by expandable components.

Abstract: A hiking stick including a first section, which includes: a first shaft and a male joining piece attached to the shaft, and extending away from the shaft. The male joining piece has an uncut portion and a beveled portion. The bevel is formed by a plane cut at the end of the joining piece at an angle with a long the axis of the hiking stick. A second section includes a second shaft having a hollow end configured for receiving the male joining piece, such that an inner wall of the end of the second shaft has a radial cross section which is narrower than a radial cross section of the widest portion of the male joining piece. The male joining piece is configured for being inserted into the end of the second section, and for being radially compressed by the end of the second section.

Abstract: A mounting portion is configured to mount thereon a first coupler provided with a pair of engagement arms having an elastic force in a width increasing direction. The mounting portion includes a pair of support members. The pair of support members each have a support portion, an inclined portion, a first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion. A spacing between the second engagement portions is larger than a widthwise dimension of the first coupler which is taken on when the engagement arms are displaced into a position at which the widthwise dimension of the first coupler is minimized. A space allowing the first and second couplers in a state of being coupled to each other to be placed therein is provided on a downstream side of the mounting portion in a removing direction.

Abstract: A sheet roll (1) is manufactured by placing a sheet-like coupling member (3) on end portions of a plurality of glass films (g) so as to span therebetween, coupling the end portions of the glass films (g) together, and rolling the coupled plurality of glass films (g). The sheet-like coupling member (3) used in the sheet roll (1) includes wide width portions (4) for forming wide joint portions joined to the glass films (g) at each of both end portions thereof in a rolling direction, and a necked portion (5), which is narrower than the wide width portions (4) and is formed at a middle portion thereof in the rolling direction.

Abstract: A structure of connector is provided for connecting at least one aluminum extrusion frame, which forms at least one channel. The connector includes a base, two fixer members, a link bar, and a depression block. The base forms a through slot and the two fixer members are pivotally connected to the base on opposite sides of the through slot. The link bar is received in and pivotally connected to the through slot of the base and an opposite end of the link bar is pivotally connected to the depression block. As such, the connector is insertable into the channel of the aluminum extrusion frame. By actuating the depression block to drive the two fixer members to move in an outward direction to abut against side walls of the channel, efficient securing the connector to the aluminum extrusion frame can be realized.

Abstract: A locking retainer for retaining an electronic module or printed circuit card in slots of a chassis. The retainer includes at least three wedge members movably linked to each other and disposed in longitudinal sequence along a longitudinal axis. The retainer can be made relatively smaller in height by moving the wedge members longitudinally such that a longitudinal distance between a first wedge member and a last wedge member of the sequence becomes smaller without the wedge members being longitudinally displaced along a common internal longitudinal element. All portions of the locking retainer that the middle wedge member is longitudinally moveable relative to do not extend through a theoretical plane disposed at a longitudinal midpoint of the middle wedge member and oriented normal to the longitudinal axis. The elimination of a central rail permits the wedge segments to have much greater contact area for greater thermal energy flow.

Abstract: A corner joint between two frame lineals of a pultruded window frame is defined by inserting a leg of a corner member into a hollow interior of each lineal and attaching the legs to the lineals by adhesive. Each leg has a plurality of surfaces thereof each having a first portion at the corner which lies closely adjacent a corresponding surface of the first lineal and a second portion, at the end of the first portion remote from the corner which tapers inwardly away from the corresponding surface of the first lineal such that a spacing therebetween increases in the direction away from the corner. The adhesive is applied to the tapered portion and the taper acts to force the adhesive along the leg to the first portion and to the ends of the lineals where the excess can be wiped away.

Abstract: A cutting bit retention assembly (399) that includes a cutting bit holder (500), which receives a cutting bit (58) and has shank (504) that extends into a bore (418) in a support (400). The shank section (504) of the cutting bit holder (500) presents a surface (530) defined by a notch (528) that selectively cooperates with a retention pin (670). A transverse bore (430) in the support (400) carries the retention pin (670). The retention pin (670) is selectively movable to any one of several positions. One position is a non-retaining position wherein the retention pin (670) does not engage the notch surface (530). Another position is a retaining position in which the retention pin (670) engages the notch surface (530) to urge the cutting bit holder into the cutting bit holder bore (418). Still another position is an ejecting position in which the retention pin (670) engages the notch surface (530) to urge the cutting bit holder (500) out of the cutting bit holder bore (418).

Abstract: A printed circuit board retaining device for use in securing a printed circuit board in an elongated slot of a rack provides an efficient design allowing for the utilization of an off-the-shelf screw in the device. A screw having a head located within a first end piece interconnects the first end piece, at least one elongated wedge, and a second end piece. A clutch assembly, also retained within the first end piece, is coupled to the screw by a tool configured to engage the screw head. The clutch assembly has a first and second clutch head. The second clutch head being attached to the opposite side of the tool configured to engage the screw head.

Abstract: A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.

Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.

Abstract: Cogging piece (1) for use when notching log constructional elements (2) to other log constructional elements (2) or to corresponding separate log constructional elements (9). The cogging piece is adapted to be attached to both ends of each log constructional element (2) and to the end of each end constructional element (9) that is adapted to face a cogged joint. The cogging piece (1) is provided with lateral (4at, 4bt, 7at, 7bt) and axial (5at, 5bt, 6at, 6bt) inclined surfaces that are adapted to rest against corresponding axial and lateral surfaces respectively of cogging pieces attached to below and/or above intersecting log constructional elements and end constructional elements. Thus an increasing vertical force on a wall leads to an increased axial contraction of the cogged joints in the same wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for forming a mechanical, fluid-tight connection. The apparatus includes a grooved fitting, which has an outer diameter sized to allow the fitting to reside within a tubing between which the fluid-tight connection is to be formed, and which includes a circumferential groove about an outer surface and one or more raised features within the circumferential groove. The apparatus also includes a ring formed of a shape memory alloy, which is transversely heat-shrinkable. The ring is sized to allow the ring to reside over the tubing. When the grooved fitting resides within the tubing and the ring is positioned over the tubing aligned over the circumferential groove in the grooved fitting, heat-shrinking of the ring results in deformation of the tubing into the circumferential groove and into contact with the raised feature(s) within the circumferential groove, thereby forming the mechanical, fluid-tight connection.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting external devices to specified locations on a marine seismic streamer. Inner collars having raised bosses are clamped to the cable at specified locations along its length. Each inner collar forms a circular race encircling the cable. An external device is attached to a pair of cuffs in the form of C-shaped cylindrical rings each with a circular inner surface. A gap in the ring interrupts the inner surface. The width of the gap is greater than the diameter of the bosses so that the cuffs may be slid onto the collars when the gaps are aligned with the bosses. The bosses are circumferentially offset when the cable is in its normal operating state to lock the cuff and the external device to the collars. The cuffs and the external device can be installed on or removed from the cable by twisting the cable to align the bosses and sliding the cuffs onto or off of the collars. When installed, the cuffs ride on the races to allow the cable to rotate inside the cuffs.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed, which may include at least one latch element having at least one retaining wall comprising a tapered surface. Further, the assembly may include at least one base element having at least one tapered side surface configured to couple to a respective tapered surface of the at least one retaining wall. Optionally, the latch element may include at least two retaining walls and the base element may include at least two tapered side surfaces. A movable locking element may be configured to be selectively positioned at a first position to couple the at least one base element to the at least one latch element and at least a second position to decouple the at least one base element and the at least one latch element. An archery system including such an assembly is disclosed as well as a method of coupling a base element to a latch element. Adjustable quivers and components are disclosed.

Abstract: A integrally molded fastener for use in connection with a substrate, the substrate includes foam backing and a slot therein and the substrate includes a front side and a back side. An upper plate has first and second longitudinal tabs and first and second transverse tabs. A longitudinal head is interconnected with an upper plate by a shank. A shaft extends from the upper plate and branches extend from the shaft. The longitudinal head includes cutting edges, the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotatable and, cutting edges of the longitudinal head cut the foam backing of the substrate as the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotated. A method for using the integrally molded fastener which includes engaging, slidingly, the side wall portions proximate the wider portion of the longitudinal tabs with the walls of the slot first. Riding the side wall portions of the longitudinal tabs on the front side of said substrate and as rotation of the fastener and the longitudinal tabs continues.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener includes a main body having an outer diametric portion and an inner diametric portion and a plurality of threads provided on at least one of the outer and inner diametric portions. The mechanical fastener further includes at least one staking mechanism formed in the main body at the at least one of the outer and inner diametric portion. The at least one staking mechanism extends into and bisects at least a portion of the plurality of threads.

Abstract: A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a range hood housing of a range hood to a base surface. The fastening device includes a mandrel that can be fastened to the base surface; an eccentric disk that is rotabably arranged on the mandrel; and a receiving groove that is formed, at least area by area, by the outer lateral area of the eccentric disk and that receives at least a section of the range hood housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing seats and other components to a seat track that may be implemented to provide flush symmetric and asymmetric seat track fitting assemblies that accommodate variances in the height of seat track extrusions. A component may be secured to mate directly with a seat track fitting surface and uppermost surface (flange) of a seat track, and with a fitting securing component (retainer or capture component) that provides additional load path in the lateral shear plane (X axis) while optimizing length of thread engagement of the component fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for installing a hatrack on a substructure of a means of locomotion, wherein the fastening device comprises a pre-locking device and a main locking device. In this arrangement the pre-locking device is designed for automatic provisional affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device when the hatrack during an installation movement of the hatrack is moved in the direction to the fastening device. The main locking device is designed for final affixation of the hatrack to the fastening device.

Abstract: An axially tensioned pipe joint for joining two pipes is disclosed. The pipe joint comprises a first PVC pipe having an outer surface. The pipe joint also comprises a second PVC pipe having a bell end which fits onto the spigot end. The bell end has a plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes extending radially through the bell end. A set of radial fasteners can be inserted into the holes so as to engage the outer surface of the spigot end to prevent relative axial movement of the first pipe with respect to the second pipe. The radial fasteners have a surface containing a hard material which is harder than the material of the second pipe and roughen the holes during insertion thereby creating a friction fit resisting removal of the radial fasteners. The pipe joint can be used for horizontal direction drilling.

Abstract: A wall fastener includes a nut having a major planar structure having a hole for receiving a screw, the major planar structure having a first end with two staggered knife edges on opposite sides of the major planar structure and a second end; and a string, wherein the string is detachably connected to the major planar structure.

Abstract: A method and device for joining structural members, such as furniture components. A joining wedge is a substantially U-shaped or boxed shaped device having side surfaces or legs interconnected by a top surface and flanges extending outwardly of the legs or side surfaces of the wedge. The wedge is attached to one structural member and is received in a keyed slot defined in another structural member. The structural members are moved relative to one another such that the flanges cooperatively engage a subjacent wall of the keyed slot.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A shaft assembly (15) includes an outer member (48) having an aperture (44), a shaft (20) having an end (40) configured to be received in the aperture of the outer member, and an insertion aid (70) coupled with the end of the shaft to facilitate insertion of the shaft into the aperture in the outer member. The insertion aid can take the form of a plug coupled to the end of the shaft.

Abstract: A fastening device for cooperating with a shaft, wherein the fastening device includes: a deformable sleeve, and a locking collar, the deformable sleeve is configured to have a perimeter relative to the shaft such that the deformable sleeve can be pushed over the shaft, and the locking collar is configured to push over the sleeve so as to bear against a surface of the sleeve and to cause the fastening device to engage with the shaft.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism including: a deformable body configured to provide a friction fit with at least one element to which it is fitted, at least one slot in the deformable body, wherein the slot traverses at least a portion of the longitudinal and latitudinal direction of the body.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.

Abstract: A method of creating a connection between two connector fittings is described. The method includes the steps of engaging each appendage of at least one appendage pair of a gasket with a reciprocally shaped receiving component of a first connector fitting, such that the gasket is at least temporarily secured to the end of the first connector fitting, sterilizing the gasket and first connector fitting, placing the end of a second connector fitting adjacent to the gasket attached to the first connector fitting, such that the gasket is between the ends of the two connector fittings, and clamping the two connector fitting ends and gasket such that the gasket is compressed to form a seal and thereby create a connection between the two connector fittings.