Abstract: The simultaneous actuating mechanism for parallel axis rotors includes a base and a plurality of rotating rotors mounted in spaced relation inside the base, the rotors having parallel axes of rotation. A crank pin extends from each rotor at a position offset from the corresponding axis of rotation. A driving assembly is coupled to the crank pin of all the rotors. Operation of the driving assembly causes simultaneous rotation of the rotors to facilitate various mechanical functions, such as threading, steering, and reciprocation of multiple elements.

Abstract: The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: The linear-to-rotary actuator includes an elongated drive member constrained to linear movement, and a rotary member constrained to rotary movement. The elongated drive member has a coupling end and an engaging member that projects from the coupling end. The rotary member has a track defining an Archimedean spiral. The track is adapted to receive the engaging member. The engaging member is constrained to slide in the track such that linear movement of the elongated member effects rotation of the rotary member. The track may be a slot, a groove, or other guide. Alternatively, instead of a track defined directly in the rotary member, the actuator may include a linking member (such as a disk or rectangular bracket) attached to the rotary member, the linking member having a track defining an Archimedean spiral defined therein, the engaging member being slidable in the track to convert linear motion into rotary motion.

Abstract: The linear-to-rotary actuator includes an elongated drive member constrained to linear movement, and a rotary member constrained to rotary movement. The elongated drive member has a coupling end and an engaging member that projects from the coupling end. The rotary member has a track defining an Archimedean spiral. The track is adapted to receive the engaging member. The engaging member is constrained to slide in the track such that linear movement of the elongated member effects rotation of the rotary member. The track may be a slot, a groove, or other guide. Alternatively, instead of a track defined directly in the rotary member, the actuator may include a linking member (such as a disk or rectangular bracket) attached to the rotary member, the linking member having a track defining an Archimedean spiral defined therein, the engaging member being slidable in the track to convert linear motion into rotary motion.

Abstract: The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: The radially engaging systems includes a housing having at least one guide channel formed therein. At least one sliding member is slidably received in the guide channel to selectively extend or retract therein in order to connect and lock mechanical components together. Each sliding member is provided with an elongate follower. A rotator is operatively mounted to the housing. The rotator includes at least one guide curve based upon an Archimedian spiral. The follower rides inside the guide curve. Selective rotation of the rotator converts the rotation into linear movement of the connected sliding member. Conversely, selective linear movement of the sliding member converts the same into rotation of the rotator.

Abstract: The locking pin assembly includes an elongate pin housing and a pin mechanism insertably mounted into a bore in the pin housing. The pin mechanism includes at least one rotator section integral with a pin shaft. A rotation-locking member is integrally attached to the bottom of the pin shaft, the locking member having a non-circular shape. An elongate post having a rotation-locking collar attached to one end of the post is slidable in a keyhole extending through the pin. A non-circular recess is formed in the rotation-locking collar, which selectively receives the locking member therein. A spring is disposed behind the rotation-locking collar. The spring normally biases the locking collar into engagement with the locking member. A key is provided to axially push the post to selectively disengage the locking member for selective rotation of the rotator section between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The radially reciprocating lock includes an elongate, hollow cylindrical housing having a locking mechanism disposed therein. The locking mechanism includes an axially extending lock shaft and at least one crank disk attached to the shaft. A recess is formed in at least one end of the lock shaft for insertion of a key or tool to rotate the lock shaft and the crank disk. At least one endcap is provided to securely cover an exposed end of the housing. The endcap includes a center hole for passage of the lock shaft end. At least one locking member is operatively connected to the crank disk to radially reciprocate between an extended, locked position and a retracted, unlocked position through respective slots on the housing. A crank linkage mechanism and a cam mechanism are provided to reciprocate the at least one locking member.

Abstract: The locking pin assembly includes an elongate pin housing and a pin mechanism insertably mounted into a bore in the pin housing. The pin mechanism includes at least one rotator section integral with a pin shaft. A rotation-locking member is integrally attached to the bottom of the pin shaft, the locking member having a non-circular shape. An elongate post having a rotation-locking collar attached to one end of the post is slidable in a keyhole extending through the pin. A non-circular recess is formed in the rotation-locking collar, which selectively receives the locking member therein. A spring is disposed behind the rotation-locking collar. The spring normally biases the locking collar into engagement with the locking member. A key is provided to axially push the post to selectively disengage the locking member for selective rotation of the rotator section between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: The compact scissors lift includes a chassis having a body, a pair of wheels disposed at one end and a pair of steering wheels at the opposite end; a lifting linkset assembly disposed substantially within the base, the linkset assembly shaped to form space for the steering wheels; a steering system operatively connected to the steering wheels in front of the linkset assembly; and a deployable safety guard mechanism, on at least one side of the chassis. Having the linkset assembly within the chassis body reduces the overall stow height of the lift to thereby increase access to work areas, decrease physical expenditure on the user, increase stable steering and increase safe operation on potentially hazardous terrain.

Abstract: The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.

Abstract: The compact scissors lift includes a chassis having a body, a pair of wheels disposed at one end and a pair of steering wheels at the opposite end; a lifting linkset assembly disposed substantially within the base, the linkset assembly shaped to form space for the steering wheels; a steering system operatively connected to the steering wheels in front of the linkset assembly; and a deployable safety guard mechanism. on at least one side of the chassis. Having the linkset assembly within the chassis body reduces the overall stow height of the lift to thereby increase access to work areas, decrease physical expenditure on the user, increase stable steering and increase safe operation on potentially hazardous terrain.

Abstract: The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.

Abstract: The connector pin assembly releasably retains telescoped excavating support and wear members in their telescoped relationship. The connector pin assembly is removably received in aligned connector openings in the members. A body portion of the assembly blocks removal of the wear member from the support member, and a lock member portion of the assembly is rotatable relative to the body, toward and away from a locking orientation, to releasably lock the body within the connector openings. A resilient sleeve having non-circular interior and exterior surfaces with rounded corners is non-slippably disposed over a rotatable shaft of the lock member in order to slidingly and deformably engage a non-circular shaped interior cavity of the body that rotatably receives shaft and sleeve of the lock member. The sleeve yieldingly resists rotational movement of the lock member away from a locking orientation.

Abstract: The sliding, articulated, extension-retraction mechanism combines a four-bar parallelogram linkage with a crank-slider.

Abstract: An umbrella unit attachable to vehicles has a conventional umbrella and an umbrella-deploying and retracting device which can be attached to a vehicle, thereby protecting passengers and a car's interior from rain. Attachment can occur at a side-door or on a roof of a vehicle. The umbrella-deploying and retracting device has closable doors to protect and conceal the umbrella and umbrella-deploying and retracting device when the umbrella is not in use. The umbrella-deploying and retracting device also has a control mechanism which controls umbrella-deployment and umbrella-storage via pulleys and a spring. The umbrella can easily be attached to and subsequently separated from the umbrella-deploying and retracting device, to allow use of the umbrella away from the vehicle.