Abstract: A valve locking device has a rigid covering member with an axial bore extending inside it. The bottom of the covering member has an annular skirt, and an annular groove is formed in the interior wall of the skirt. A resilient retaining ring with opposite terminal ends resides in the groove. The groove has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the retaining ring so that the ring can be expanded radially within the groove to the extent that the interior diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the diameter of the axial bore. The skirt portion of the covering member has a cut out for accessing the terminal ends of the retaining ring with retaining ring pliers. The terminal ends of the ring have bores for receiving tines on the pliers.

Abstract: A portable door lock assembly for locking a door in a partially open attitude has an elongated base member with a length greater than the width of a standard door frame. First and second hollow members are secured to opposite ends of the base member. A pair of central hollow members are secured to the base member between the first and second hollow members. An elongated cup mount member is provided. The cup mount member has a cup for receiving the bottom of a door pivotally secured to one end. Its other end has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first, second and central hollow members so the first, second and central hollow members can telescopingly receive the cup mount member. The cup mount member is telescopingly secured in the particular hollow member depending on the type of entryway and which side of the door is hinged to the frame. At no time during use does the door lock have to be bolted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the wall, door, or frame.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column for a motor vehicle has an elongated hollow cylinder slidably mounted on a piston while also fast to the piston for rotary movement. The space between the interior wall of the cylinder and the piston is sealed in a gas-tight fashion. A head is attached to the top of the cylinder. The head has a frangible seal hermetically secured inside it so that the top of the piston, the interior wall of the cylinder and the seal define an air cavity. The cavity is under pressure such that the cylinder is supported by a column of pressurized gas. A coil spring inside the cylinder urges the piston and the bottom of the cylinder apart. The seal has a bore in which resides an explosive compound. Lead lines connect the explosive compound with an electronic collision sensor, which is located in the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp (10) comprises a pair of opposite interlocking members (30). Each of the interlocking members has a top portion (26), a bottom portion (28), and a forward and a rearward end (25,27), respectively. The interlocking members have forward end tines (24). Each of the tines has a transverse bore extending therethrough. A pin (60) is provided for inserting through the bores to lock the interlocking members together in a closed position. The pin has a top (62), a terminal end (80) and an shank (70) therebetween. The top has a bore (67) extending through it. A pair of upstanding posts (50,51) are secured to the top portion of each of the interlocking members. The top of the pin protrudes a height at least as great as the posts when the pin is fully inserted in the bores. At least one of the bores and at least a portion of the shank have complementary threads (31,81).