Abstract: The present invention provides an improved panel fastener system for insulated slab panels of the type having one housing holding a hook assembly having a hook member and opposed hubs extending from a cam connected to the hook member; and a second housing having a pin adapted to receive the hook of the hook member. The invention provides an assembly method for mounting the hook member into the first housing including opposed resilient walls perpendicular to the front wall of the first housing forming a vertical slot adapted to receive the hook member. A pair of inclined planes lead from the rear portion of the housing to a pair of hub housing receptacles formed in the walls. The extended hubs are inserted into the slot from the rear of the housing along the inclined planes. The resilient walls are pressed back until the hubs reach the receptacles, at which time the biased walls snap back into their original configuration, capturing the hubs and the hook member in the first housing.

Abstract: A lock assembly features a removable cylinder plug. The cylinder plug is rotatably disposed in an outer body portion of the lock assembly that is itself movably positionable in a lock housing. The removable plug is only removable when the outer body portion of the assembly is disengaged from the housing. The body portion is disengageable when the inner plug member is rotated within the body portion after insertion of a key.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety door-mounted latch mechanism available and accessible from within an enclosure that is normally locked by means of the door. A freezer or refrigerator door, for example, may be provided with the latch which is capable of being locked from the outside by means of either a padlock or an integral cylinder which receives a key. A radial tongue of the latch cooperatively engages a striker mechanism. The result is the ability of a person otherwise trapped within the enclosure to reach safety. A novel linkage-type of mechanism having a plurality of pivot points translates rectilinear actuating movement into an arcuate movement of the tongue or keeper member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety door-mounted latch mechanism available and accessible from within an enclosure that is normally locked by means of the door. A freezer or refrigerator door, for example, may be provided with the latch which is capable of being locked from the outside by means of either a padlock or an integral cylinder which receives a key. A radial tongue of the latch cooperatively engages a striker mechanism. The result is the ability of a person otherwise trapped within the enclosure to reach safety. A novel linkage-type of mechanism having a plurality of pivot points translates rectilinear actuating movement into an arcuate movement of the tongue or keeper member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inexpensive and efficient joining device for use in connecting a plurality of tubular members. A base portion is provided from which a plurality of tubular branch portions extend. The tubular branch portions are formed integrally with respect to the base portion such as by a casting method and are adapted to be inserted into the open ends of tubes. The branch portions each include integral, internal insert socket means. Pivotal locking means capable of being snapped into place and which are preferably molded from a suitable plastic material are carried by each branch portion in order to react with and hold a tube thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible connector for coupling a plurality of elongated members having open or socket-like ends which may be either circular or polygonal in transverse, internal cross section. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the connector includes a base portion from which at least two integrally formed legs extend. The end of each leg adjacent the base is of a transverse cross section that may receive a member having either a circular or a polygonally shaped transverse, internal cross section. The end portion of each leg spaced from the base portion has a polygonal transverse cross section that is integral to the remainder of each leg by means of a severable or frangible neck. Thus, when members having a circular open or socket-like end are to be mounted on the connector, the polygonal ends of the legs are broken off.

Abstract: This connector or joint fitting comprises a member having a corner or base section from which a plurality of branches, each branch extending at right angles to an adjoining branch or branches. Each of said branches has a rocking lock assembled with said member, and having means to permit a tube to be easily fitted onto said branch, but to lock or retard said tube against being easily pulled off said branch.

Abstract: The present invention includes a ventilator for use in equalizing pressures within and without an enclosure, such as a coldroom or the like. A heated valve assembly is situated within an enclosure wall opening such that it is freely exposed to both environmental and internal fluid air pressures. A fluid impervious wall formed with inlet and outlet ports therethrough is partially covered by inner and outer closure members, both of which are supported and keyed by a common rod or shaft. These closure members are each biased by a common helical spring toward sealed and closed positions in which the inlet and outlet ports are covered. Pressure differentials are equalized by displacement of at least one of said closure members, thereby permitting air flow through one of the respective ports. By preselecting the spring rate of the helical spring, the minimum forces required to displace the closure members are controlled and predetermined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety striker mechanism available and accessible from within an enclosure that is normally locked by means of a door-mounted latch. A freezer or refrigerator door, for example, may be provided with a door latch which is capable of being locked with a key. The door latch cooperatively engages a safety striker mechanism according to the invention which may be independently actuated from within the enclosure such that the striker member is disengaged from contact with and out of the path of the associated latch member. The result is the ability of a person otherwise trapped within the enclosure to reach safety. A novel linkage-type of mechanism having a plurality of pivot points translates rectilinear actuating movement into an arcuate movement of the striker member.