Abstract: A strut or strut system continuously adjustable in length for maintaining two bodies in a spaced relationship with respect to each other. Both the length of the strut and the locking of the strut at a desired length may be remotely controlled by pneumatic pressure. The strut system includes a cylindrical outer member having a cylindrical bore for receiving a cylindrical inner member. The cylindrical inner member is provided with a helical groove for engagement with ball bearings which are retained in a helical pattern in a collar attached to the end of the cylindrical outer member which receives the cylindrical inner member. The collar is adjustable between a first position in which the ball bearings are engaged in the helical groove in the cylindrical inner member and a second position in which they are disengaged from the helical groove in the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A hand-held pneumatic rescue tool may be driven from a bottled compressed gas. The driving gas is used only for the blow-striking stroke, while a compression spring is used to provide a force for the return stroke that is independent of the pressure of the driving gas. Thus, the pressure of the driving gas may be varied to adjust the impact force of the blows struck, without adversely affecting operation of the tool. By appropriate valving, the tool will operate continuously and automatically so long as driving gas is supplied, as determined by the operator.

Abstract: Control valves for a plurality of outlets supplied from a single fluid source are combined in a single manifold. Each outlet conduit is selectively connected to an inlet conduit by an independently actuatable source valve. Each outlet conduit is also provided with an independently actuatable discharge valve and a safety relief valve. A pressure gauge may also be connected to each of the outlet conduits. The conduits may be channels formed in a solid manifold, and the independently actuatable valves may be manually actuatable push button valves. A locking mechanism is provided for each of the push button valves.

Abstract: An external clamping device for high pressure inflatable air bags utilizes opposed bracket members. An engaging structure, such as a set of teeth designed to grip the material of the inflatable air bag without damaging it, is formed adjacent one end of each of the bracket members. A stepped shoulder is formed at the other end of each of the brackets, so that when the opposing brackets are brought together the stepped shoulders abut one another to preclude pivoting of the bracket members during tightening. Tightening of the bracket members to firmly grip the air bag is achieved by a bolt threaded into openings intermediate the ends of the bracket members. When the bracket members are joined together, a connecting hole is formed for attaching the clamping device to a positioning arrangement.