Abstract: A device for securing an object to a ceiling includes a threaded rod, a bracket and a spring-loaded tab. The spring-loaded tab has a tab portion with an outer surface. The tab portion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the threaded rod. When the device is attached to the object and the object moves into an opening in the ceiling for installation to the ceiling, the tab portion is urged from an extended position to enable the object to pass through the opening. Subsequently, the tab portion returns to its extended position such that the object can be temporarily supported by the tab within the ceiling opening. The bracket is configured so that during a removal process, a portion of the bracket urges the tab portion inward from the extended position to enable the object to be removed from the ceiling opening.

Abstract: A device for securing an object to a ceiling includes a threaded rod, a bracket and a spring-loaded tab. The spring-loaded tab has a tab portion with an outer surface. The tab portion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the threaded rod. When the device is attached to the object and the object moves into an opening in the ceiling for installation to the ceiling, the tab portion is urged from an extended position to enable the object to pass through the opening. Subsequently, the tab portion returns to its extended position such that the object can be temporarily supported by the tab within the ceiling opening. The bracket is configured so that during a removal process, a portion of the bracket urges the tab portion inward from the extended position to enable the object to be removed from the ceiling opening.

Abstract: An over torque prevention device includes a cap a cap configured for attachment to and removal from a threaded fastening member. The cap has a first portion shaped to engage a head of the threaded fastening member and a second portion having a surface feature shaped to receive a driver tool for applying a torque to rotate the cap and the threaded fastening member. The cap is formed of a material that has a lower shear strength than the material of the threaded fastening member. When a driver tool is used to engage the surface feature of the cap and apply an increasing torque, the surface feature or other portion of the cap deforms at a torque limit value such that further application of torque to the threaded fastening member is prevented.

Abstract: A device for securing an object to a ceiling includes a threaded rod, a bracket and a spring-loaded tab. The spring-loaded tab has a tab portion with an outer surface. The tab portion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the threaded rod. When the device is attached to the object and the object moves into an opening in the ceiling for installation to the ceiling, the tab portion is urged from an extended position to enable the object to pass through the opening. Subsequently, the tab portion returns to its extended position such that the object can be temporarily supported by the tab within the ceiling opening. The bracket is configured so that during a removal process, a portion of the bracket urges the tab portion inward from the extended position to enable the object to be removed from the ceiling opening.

Abstract: A preform for making a prosthetic limb socket includes an injection molded flat circular disk of rigid thermoplastics material, and the disk has a peripheral portion with an embedded reinforcing ring which was spaced as an insert within the mold cavity. The preform is heated within an oven on a flat surface support ring, and the softened disk is manually drawn and stretched downwardly over a positive model of a residual limb while vacuum is introduced through small holes within the model to form a plastic socket which conforms to the positive model. After the plastic cools, the annular base portion of the disk with the embedded reinforcing ring is trimmed from the socket, and the model is removed from the socket.

Abstract: A preform for making a prosthetic limb socket includes an injection molded flat circular disk of rigid thermoplastics material, and the disk has a peripheral portion with an embedded reinforcing ring which was spaced as an insert within the mold cavity. The preform is heated within an oven on a flat surface support ring, and the softened disk is manually drawn and stretched downwardly over a positive model of a residual limb while vacuum is introduced through small holes within the model to form a plastic socket which conforms to the positive model. After the plastic cools, the annular base portion of the disk with the embedded reinforcing ring is trimmed from the socket, and the model is removed from the socket.

Abstract: The stump of an amputee's limb receives a sleeve which is inserted into a formed plastic socket, and a locking stud with axially spaced peripheral grooves projects from the sleeve. A coupler is mounted within the bottom of the socket and has a top conical surface with inclined guide grooves which extend to a tubular center bushing slidable within a tubular fitting. A set of circumferentially spaced locking balls are confined within holes in the bushing and move between locking positions projecting into one of the grooves of the locking stud and retracted release positions in response to axial movement of the bushing within the fitting. An actuator stem projects laterally from the coupler and has cam surfaces effective to rotate a pair of actuating pins to shift the bushing and release the locking balls in response to axial or rotary movement of the actuator stem. The actuator stem may also be rotated to a position where the actuator stem is locked against axial movement.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb comprises a socket for receiving a patient's residual limb, and an upright assembly. The socket includes a base provided in its distal end. The base includes a chamber therewithin and an channel for providing fluid communication between the chamber and the interior of the socket. A duct extends through the socket and engages the base such that it is in fluid communication with the chamber. A valve is coupled to the duct to allow controlled or forced gas transfer to and from the interior of the socket. A seal is provided between the base and the socket to facilitate suction between the patient's residual limb and the socket.

Abstract: The stump of an amputee's limb receives a sleeve which is inserted into a formed plastic socket, and a locking stud with axially spaced peripheral grooves projects from the sleeve. A coupler is mounted within the bottom of the socket and has a top conical surface with inclined tapering guide grooves which extend to a tubular center bushing slidable within a tubular fitting. A set of circumferentially spaced locking balls are confined within holes in the bushing and move between locking positions projecting into one of the grooves of the locking stud and retracted release positions in response to axial movement of the bushing within the fitting. An actuator stem projects laterally from the coupler and has cam surfaces effective to rotate a pair of actuating pins to shift the bushing and release the locking balls in response to axial or rotary movement of the actuator stem.

Abstract: A food and materials dryer having one or more cylindrical hollow rotary tunnels each consisting of an outer cylindrical shell and an inner lining cylinder. The inner lining cylinder has perforations and is mounted substantially concentrically within the outer shell. The inner lining cylinder has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the outer shell such that air for drying may be directed between the outer shell and inner lining cylinder, passing through the perforation in the inner lining cylinder for drying material within the inner lining cylinder. Mounted in each inner lining cylinder is an agitating auger which has a central shaft and outwardly projecting helical blades for agitating and moving food products within the inner lining cylinder of a rotary tunnel. Also provided are devices for rotating the auger and devices for directing air for drying through the agitating auger and between the outer shell and inner lining cylinder of each of the rotary tunnels.

Abstract: A food and materials dryer having one or more cylindrical hollow rotary tunnels each consisting of an outer cylindrical shell and an inner lining cylinder. The inner lining cylinder has perforations and is mounted substantially concentrically within the outer shell. The inner lining cylinder has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the outer shell such that air for drying may be directed between the outer shell and inner lining cylinder, passing through the perforation in the inner lining cylinder for drying material within the inner lining cylinder. Mounted in each inner lining cylinder is an agitating auger which has a central shaft and outwardly projecting helical blades for agitating and moving food products within the inner lining cylinder of a rotary tunnel. Also provided are devices for rotating the auger and devices for directing air for drying through the agitating auger and between the outer shell and inner lining cylinder of each of the rotary tunnels.