Abstract: A gardening tool which consists of a handle grip, a tool head section, an extension rod and a support pad; a section of the extension rod is joined and secured to the handle grip, and since the support pad is actively conjoined with the extension rod to form a contoured, recessed area, the user is provided with a columnar handle to grasp as well as, a firm support for the forearm.

Abstract: The pneumatically operated projectile launching device is preferably comprised of three principal elements: a body which houses and interconnects all of the pneumatic components and also houses the electrical power source, a grip mounted to the body which includes an electrical switch that activates a launching sequence, and an electrical control unit housed within both the body and the grip which directs flow between the pneumatic components to load, cock and fire the gun. The body preferably contains a plurality of bores in communication with each other including a bore containing and distributing pressurized gas, a bore containing a compressed gas storage chamber and mechanisms for filling the storage chamber with gas and releasing gas from the storage chamber to fire the projectile, and a bore containing mechanisms for loading and launching the projectile.

Abstract: A mechanical end face seal for sealing between a housing and a relatively rotating shaft which seal includes a pair of relatively rotating annular rings having seal faces in sealing contact with each other to define a seal interface, with one of the rings adapted to be secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, and the other fixed relative to the housing and one being axially movable toward the other. A generally annular flexible metal diaphragm secured between the axially movable ring and either the housing or shaft includes a generally radial disc-like central portion which defines a plurality of annular convolutions formed by protrusions extending in opposite axial directions. The diaphragm is pressed onto a cylindrical surface on the ring at about the center of mass of the ring. The surface includes a coating of a compound including PTFE, grit and a binder.

Abstract: A unique connecting pin is provided for splicing or lacing up conveyor belt egments. The connecting pin has multiple core pieces of defined lengths, aligned within the interior of a casing element. The casing element is constructed from a relatively soft material, which can give during operations, and the core pieces are aligned in such a way, that they extend through more than two coupling eyelets.

Abstract: An implement holder to be attached to a cap or hat is provided. The holder is designed to be affixed to the side portion of the cap proximal the edge. The holder is an integral unit including a first leg, second leg and third leg. The first leg and the second leg are interconnected to form a first jaw or clamp, the first leg to be received between the cap and the head and the second leg to remain outside and flush to the cap. The first leg is resilient and includes means to maintain attachment to the cap. The side of the cap is placed intermediate the first leg and the second leg. The third leg and second leg are interconnected and form a second jaw or clamp which has the general shape of an U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is generally parallel to the cap when the holder is affixed thereto. The channel includes a plurality of longitudinal ridges located on the interior channel walls of the third leg and second leg. The second jaw may receive a pencil, pen or other elongated implement.

Abstract: An eyeglass holder attachable to an article of clothing worn by the user for suspending a pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglasses are suspended facing upwardly and supported by the bridge of the eyeglasses with the temples either open and downwardly extending or folded closed. When open, the temples are supported from substantial movement against the body of the user. A biasingly positionable retaining member holds the bridge from substantial movement as well. One embodiment (preferred) holds the temples in the closed position for better protection thereof.

Abstract: A trailer towing device including an axial tow bar that has a front end, a rear end and top portion with a plurality of apertures. A socket hitch is coupled to the front end of the tow bar, and has a tow ball gripping catch for securing the socket hitch to a tow ball of a vehicle bumper. An cross member is attached to the rear end of the tow bar. A traverse axle is in contact with the inner surface and within the channel of the cross member. The traverse axle has a pair of axle adaptors fixedly attached to the top thereof. The traverse axle supports the tires. A reinforcing plate is attached to the upper surface of the cross member, and has a junction box and a hitch ball head post. Lastly, a pair of gusset bars, with one end of each gusset bar fixedly attached to the tow bar, while another end of each gusset bar is fixedly attached to the cross member. The pair of gusset bars provide axial rigidity between the tow bar and the cross member, when the traverse axle is within the cross member.

Abstract: A supporting wheel substitute or track drive conversion apparatus is connectible to a driven wheel of a vehicle having a support frame. A frame is pivotally connectible to the support frame of the vehicle for movement in a vertical plane relative to the support frame of the vehicle. An end wheel is positionable spaced longitudinally from the driven wheel of the vehicle along the frame. Adjustable members selectively secure the end wheel in various longitudinal positions along the frame with respect to the driven wheel of the vehicle. An endless, flexible track is trainable over the end wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle and is engageable with a surface over which the vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: A sealing device for a drive line slip yoke includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal at the interface between a slip yoke and an axially moving splined shaft. The seal has a mounting portion that includes a shoulder received within a groove defined on an outer surface of the slip yoke. The cover is snapped over the seal and maintained in position by cooperating tabs on the cover and a groove defined on an outer surface of the seal. The seal includes a sealing portion having three axially spaced and radially inwardly extending lips. A middle lip acts as an O-ring that serves as a back-up in the event that one of the other two lips becomes damaged or deteriorates with use. The substantially rigid cover serves to maintain the seal in proper engagement with the end of the slip yoke and protects the seal from damage potentially caused by debris encountered during operation.

Abstract: A pipe swivel joint comprises a female conduit element and a male conduit element rotatably engaging the female conduit element. A removable plug within the female conduit element maintains a main seal in proper position for bridging a clearance between the female and male conduit elements. The plug is easily removed once the main seal is to be replaced, and is installed back in place once the main seal has been replaced, thereby avoiding dismantling of the swivel joint.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel comprising two co-axially arranged flywheel masses which are mounted for limited angular rotation in a drive and over-run direction relative to each other, and a plurality of pivotal linkages. Each pivotal linkage comprises a first link pivotally connected to one of the flywheel masses, a second link pivotally connected to the other of the flywheel masses and a pivot pivotally connecting the first and second links. The action of the links controls relative rotation of the flywheel masses, and the controlling action of the links is supplemented by one or more assister springs which operate over a significant proportion of the full drive direction range of relative rotation. The twin mass flywheel may further include end stops to positively limit relative rotation of the flywheel masses in the drive and over-run directions and may additionally include end stop resilient means which cushion the relative rotation of the flywheel masses just prior to contact of the end stops.

Abstract: A buckling device used in conjunction with a strap for holding an object firmly in position is provided. The buckling device includes a male fastener and a female fastener. The male fastener includes a strap-mounting body for fixing a first end of the strap thereto and a tongue-like member formed on the strap-mounting body. The female fastener includes a rectangular body having a hollowed inside and formed with an insertion hole; a locking/releasing piece pivotally mounted on the rectangular body; and an elastic piece provided at the insertion hole. To engage, the tongue-like member on the male fastener is inserted into the insertion hole in the female fastener. The tongue-like member pressed on the elastic piece such that the elastic piece is bent downwards and thereby urges forcibly against the tongue-like member, thereby locking the tongue-like member in position in the female fastener and thus securely engages the male fastener with the female fastener.

Abstract: A truck strap fastener is adapted to enable a strap to be attached to either a downwardly directed hook or to a flat iron carried by standoffs attached to a trailer's frame. Flatbed trailers typically provide either a flat iron bar or a downwardly directed hook as the point of attachment for load securing tie-down straps. A fastener is disclosed that is adapted to attach to either point of attachment, and also to the tie-down strap. The fastener provides a body carrying left and right prongs which jointly fasten in place about a flat iron. Alternatively, a hook opening in the body allows a hook to pass between the left and right prongs and through the hook opening in the body.

Abstract: A propeller shaft including an FRP tube and joints connected to at least one end of said FRP tube. The FRP tube includes cylindrical end portions into which cylindrical portions of the joints are press-fitted, and intermediate tubular portions which have tapered inner peripheral surfaces connected at their large-diameter ends to terminal ends of inner peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical end portions and which are formed by a helical winding. The intermediate tubular portion is formed as a portion which is to be broken upon collision of the vehicle, and the cylindrical portion of the joint is formed as a breaking member which is adapted to collide against the tapered inner peripheral surface of the intermediate tubular portion by sliding under a shock load. In this way, a propeller shaft can be provided which is capable of absorbing a shock load upon collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pipe connection is formed between a relatively soft pipe segment and a stiffer socket by inserting a split securing ring in a groove of the socket, then spreading this ring and inserting the pipe segment through the split ring into the pipe segment without contact with the split ring. The mounting body maintaining the spread state of the split ring is then removed to allow the spring ring to engage with its intrinsic elastic force along the periphery of the pipe segment. Even if the inner surface of the split ring is provided with a corundum layer or like friction-enhancing structure there will be no damage to the outer periphery of the pipe which might interfere with sealing.

Abstract: A safety hook comprises a hook (1) having a cross piece (4) from which two side pieces (5, 5') extend in the direction forwards to a curved part (7, 7'), as well as a latch plate (2) which is connectable to the side pieces of the hook so as to resiliently abut against the inside thereof. The latch plate (2) is thin and elastically deformable and has two recessions (9, 9') opening outwards for receiving of portions of the side pieces (5, 5') of the hook in order to connect the plate therewith.

Abstract: A pencil holder which can be detachably mounted to the sweat band area of a soft baseball type cap preferably formed in one piece of moulded plastic. It includes a base section arm (12), an outwardly and upwardly extending opposing outer arm (13) between which the pencil is frictionally held and an inwardly and upwardly extending opposing inner arm (11), which in combination with the base section arm (12), forms a clamp or clip which firmly grasps the sweat band area of the cap. All three arms extend end to end of the holder, forming in essence, two upwardly facing clamps or clips.

Abstract: A hub assembly with improved sealing and anti-clogging properties comprising a housing body with a central, longitudinal aligned bore. In the embodiment described herein, a rotating shaft unit on a consistency transmitter is disposed inside the central bore. A flow cavity is formed on the distal end of the housing body which directly communicates with the central passageway of a pipeline containing flowing fluid material. The flow cavity is sufficient in size so that fluid material inside the pipeline may freely flow therein during use. Located around the distal opening of the housing body is an inner bushing made of graphite material. Located immediately adjacent to the inner bushing is a compressible bellows seal which imparts a force against the adjacent, outer surface of the inner bushing. The bellows seal which rotates with the rotating drive unit, has a smooth silicone-carbide end surface which is pressed tightly against the end surface on the stationary inner bushing thereby forming a tight seal.

Abstract: A round baler for harvested product comprises a housing, a pressure chamber with walls limiting the pressure chamber at an end side and with driven transporting elements limiting the pressure chamber at a peripheral side and forming a harvested product inlet opening, a drivable transporting rotor arranged near the inlet opening for closing the inlet opening, and a drive provided for driving the transporting elements and the transporting rotor and formed so that during the formation of a bale the drive drives the transporting roller in a form-locking manner and during a time of ejection of the bale the drive drives the transporting rotor frictionally.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a space established by connecting two sealing surfaces (42b, 52b) positioned on one element each of two elements (44b, 48b), for example two concrete pipes, to a position in which the sealing surfaces face each other comprises a sealing body (80) consisting of elastic material. The sealing body (80) is adapted at the connection of the sealing surfaces (42b, 52b) to take a position in the space in which it engages the sealing surfaces. The sealing device comprises an activating device (82-90) for forcing the sealing body (80) positioned in the space against the sealing surfaces (42b, 52b) when the activating device is activated. (FIG.