Abstract: A counterbalancing mechanism allows a weight or constant force to be counterbalanced for any practical linear range of travel, including means for effortlessly adjusting the mechanism for a constant force or load of any practical magnitude. A load support slides along an axis substantially passing through a fixed lower pivot point. The load support member is pivotally connected to the top end of an upper lever arm. The upper lever arm is pivotally connected by a horizontal link to the upper end of a lower lever arm that is pivotally connected to the fixed point. A pully that may swivel about its swivel axis embraces the axis and guides a cable connected to the horizontal link at one end to a spring assembly at the other end. The spring assembly may be adjusted.

Abstract: A conversion kit for use between a vehicle radio housing and a front trim panel, and adapting to the panel and radio as well as to an instrument panel that receives the radio, the kit comprising(a) a mounting panel unit having an opening therethrough to receive a frontwardly projecting portion of the radio structure, the mounting panel being rectangular, and defining four corners, longitudinally elongated opposite edges and laterally elongated opposite edges,(b) the panel unit forming four pairs of slots, respectively located proximate said four corners, the slots of each pair being longitudinally spaced apart and being alike to selectively receive and retain one locking clip in one slot of each pair, the slots oriented so that the four clips are receivable in the slots to unidirectionally slide into retaining engagement with edge portions of the instrument panel, while also adjustably attaching to the panel unit to block reverse sliding thereof, except when released.

Abstract: A side rail system for interconnecting layered sections of elongated scaffold staging with the sections respectively spanning pairs of opposing upper and lower support arms of pump jacks which respectively ride on spaced apart pump jack poles. The side rail system includes upright posts which are spaced along the staging. A pair of rods are associated with each of the posts. The rods confrontingly project from the respective staging sections. The posts are pivotally coupled to the rods and are secured to the rods by quick adjust pins to prevent separation of the rods and posts. A mid-rail as well as a toe board can be interconnected between the rails. An end rail system can also be included. The scaffolding arrangement can be used exteriorly with a brace onto a wall. It can also be used interiorly between roof and floor with appropriate height adjustment arrangement provided.

Abstract: An inflatable escape slide having an inflatable platform that provide a horizontal walkway from an elevated vehicle such as a train. An inflatable slide portion is connected to the platform and is deployable in a longitudinal direction that is in the same general direction as the train thus ensuring deployment where clearance space to either side of the elevated train is limited. The escape slide and platform are an integral unit.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus allows safe escape from a tall building on fire. It includes a case carried by a user on his back. A wire wound around a reel mounted in the case has one end secured to the case. With the other end of the wire secured to the building, the user jumps down. The wire is drawn out of the case, and a brake device in the case applies a braking force to the wire, allowing the user land softly.

Abstract: A height adjuster operation mechanism which is adapted to independently adjust the heights of the front and rear portions of a seat cushion of an automotive seat.

Abstract: A seat is provided with a downwardly depending tubular casing having a generally open bottom except for a retainer therein. The base includes an open top support cylinder which receives the tubular casing therein. The piston of a gas or hydrapneumatic spring cartridge is mounted at the lower end of the support cylinder in axially and radially fixed relation thereto. Even though the gas spring (cartridge and piston) is capable of swiveling about its longitudinal axis relative to the support cylinder, the longitudinal axis of the gas spring (cartridge and piston) remains substantially vertical at all times. The casing is loosely received or floats within the support cylinder and loosely surrounds the cartridge. Near the upper end of the casing an internal wall operatively engages the upper end of the cartridge in such manner that movement of the cartridge along the piston rod causes a corresponding movement of the casing.

Abstract: A seat longitudinal adjusting mechanism for a motor vehicle seat with a guide rail unit consisting of two rails enclosing therebetween a hollow space and longitudinally displaceably supported at one another. A toothed rack connected with one rail extends within the hollow space, into which engages a pinion supported in a pinion cassette. The pinion is driven by an adjusting gear. For facilitating the assembly, a preassembly rail extending in the rail longitudinal direction is provided which includes fastening means for fastening the pinion cassette at the preassembly rail, independently of the rails, whereby the length of the preassembly rail is essentially equal to the distance of the pinion cassette from one end of the other rail. The preassembly rail preassembled together with the pinion cassette can then be inserted correspondingly into the other rail.

Abstract: A folding microphone stand has a stand tube which is pivotally supported in heavy cast base. Locking means are provided for securing the stand tube in an erect or a stored position.

Abstract: A swivel housing (22) at the lower end of a davit (10) is introduced into an open side of a socket (20). The socket (20) is mobile and it includes hook members (136, 140) at its lower end which fit through openings (60, 62) in a base member (18) which is incorporated into a rooftop (12). The socket (20) is then slid sideways to place the hook members (136, 140) below hook engaging portions (90, 94 or 92, 96) of a top wall (56) of the base member (18). Then, a filler member (146) is inserted into a portion of the opening (60, 62) which is vacated by the sideways shifting of the socket (20), to block unwanted sideways shifting of the socket (20) in opposite direction. The swivel housing (22) at the lower end of the davit (10) is inserted into the open side of the socket (20) while the davit is in a horizontal position. Then, a pivot pin (188) is inserted and the davit (10) is swung upwardly about the pivot pin (188). Then, a lock pin (196) is inserted to lock the davit (10) in an upright position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable adapter system capable of supporting and maintaining a temporary electrical service above ground level at a building site prior to installation of permanent electrical services. The adjustable adapter system is employed in conjunction with respective vertical and bracing support members for maintaining and supporting the vertical member in a uniform, stable, substantially vertical position regardless of the contour of the underlying terrain. The subject system comprises a bracket support means which is easily connected to and adjustably movable along a vertical support member secured to the ground. The bracket support means is movable in an upward and downward substantially vertical direction to a desired position along the vertical support member for maintaining and supporting the vertical member in a uniform, stable, substantially vertical position regardless of the contour of the underlying terrain.

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment, is a collapsable and automatically assemblable shock corded tripod stand (10) constructed of a tetrahedral spider element (18) which acts as the interface between three support legs (12,14 and 16) and a vertical member (20). The legs (12, 14, and 16) and the vertical member (20) are formed from multiple first tubes (22) and second tubes (24). The force which holds the device in place and provides the impetus for the automatic assembly is tension provided by a first shock cord (48) and a second shock cord (50). The first shock cord (48) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the first leg (12), through the spider (18), and extends to the outermost tube (24) of the second leg (14). The second shock cord (50) passes from the outermost tube (24) of the third leg (16), through the spider (18), and extends to the uppermost tube (64 ) of the vertical member (20).

Abstract: A fire escape device suitable for receiving a person or persons to be safely descended from a relatively high elevation to the ground. The device includes a substantially box-like housing which contains a drum with a supporting cable and gear system. A basket is suspended at the base of the housing whereby a person or persons is/are lowered.

Abstract: A pipe or duct support apparatus which includes a cradle attached to the pipe or duct. The cradle is supported by a frame positioned adjacent the pipe or duct and offers minimal resistance to radial expansion and contraction. To provide for longitudinal pipe or duct displacement the frame may be mounted on pivotally mounted rocker arms. A pin and slot arrangement retains the frame in position on the rocker arms. Frame translation will not alter the centerline elevation of the pipe or duct.

Abstract: A wire clip is constructed as a one piece flexible elongate plastic molded strip having a central loop-shaped wire retaining portion and an attachment means for fastening its two ends in unison to a workpiece surface. Each end has a slot extending crosswise to the length of the elongate plastic molded strip; the open end of the two slots face in opposite directions. The ends are assembled together with their slots in alignment. The two ends are formed with slanting complementary surfaces which mate together to provide a sliding wedge action as a fastening pin is driven therethrough.

Abstract: A three-axis control for precisely and conveniently adjusting items such as irrors and lenses is disclosed. The adjuster apparatus includes a vertical stack of three rotatable adjusters. Rotation of the first effects vertical translation, whereas the second and third are eccentric assemblies which interact to effect movement along two angled axes perpendicular to the vertical axis.

Abstract: Ladder Caddy is a holding device for a pail of paint, and is designed for use with hollow rung extension ladders. It is so designed as to conveniently, accessibly and securely hold a pail of paint out from the side of the ladder while painting. Ladder Caddy receives its basic support from a holding-arm which is inserted into one of the hollow rungs, thus eliminating the need for making tedious adjustments when attaching it to the ladder.

Abstract: A swivel canopy for hanging electrical fixtures is disclosed having means whereby the installation of the canopy can be tested prior to use in order to insure that it has been properly installed and that it will supply the requisite support and stability during the use thereof. The means provided is comprised of a substantially U-shaped resiliently, outwardly biased spring member which is disposed through the suspension conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the means provided is comprised of a pair of arcuately-shaped, resiliently-outwardly biased spring retainers which are diametrically positioned about the suspension conduit.

Abstract: A vibration suppressing mounting bracket for mounting the compressor of a vehicle air conditioner within a housing. The bracket is part of a mounting system for the compressor, the mounting system further comprising (1) a plurality of legs which are resilient mounts secured to the bottom of the compressor and to the housing, and (2) a pin extending from the top of the compressor which passes through a hole in a mounting plate, the plate also being secured to the housing. The bracket is formed from two arcuate segments which, when fastened together, form a substantially ring-shaped bracket which surrounds the cylindrical exterior of the compressor. The radially inner surface of the bracket is covered with a foam shock absorbing pad which is in contact with the compressor's exterior. The bracket is also bolted to the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A rotatable mailbox pedestal is disclosed having a locking mechanism configured such that after being unlocked to permit rotation, it can be relocked in a forward orientation automatically, i.e. without further manipulation of the lock. The locking mechanism comprises a bail member pivotally mounted to the rotatable portion of the pedestal and having a notch positioned such that when rotation of the pedestal brings the notch in alignment with the bolt of the lock, the bail member pivots downward under the force of gravity to engage the notch with the lock bolt. Means are provided for conveniently and securely mounting a lock of the type commonly used in postal applications so that a postal worker may unlock the pedestal for rotation, withdraw the key for use on a mailbox mounted on the pedestal, and relock the pedestal in a forward position without further use of the key.