Abstract: A lanyard, tether or leash is secured to a PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT device (PDA) by a tether latch receiving and positively latching onto a “plug-in” or docking base of typical PDA. The body of the tether latch defines a socket with a mating curvilinear circumferential lip for snugly receiving the PDA docking base with a stationary catch nib being received in a latch notch on one side of the PDA docking base. A toggle coupled to the latch body manually translates carrying a catch nib into and out of the corresponding latch notch on the opposite side of the PDA docking base. A spring compressed between the latch housing and the toggle positively biases the latch ‘normally latched.’ A tether, lanyard, leash strap or cord is fastened between a tether hole through a tab on the latch body and the neck, the wrist; belt or clothing of a user to prevent the PDA from striking ground when fumbled or inadvertently dropped by the user.

Abstract: A system for loading toner into a large capacity printer and copier machines includes a base adapter with a swiveling filler snout for receiving and latching onto a spout of a large toner container. The axis of filler snout is oriented at angle .PHI. with respect to its swivel axis which in turn is tilted at angle .PHI. with respect to the vertical. Accordingly, the filler swivels between a retracted stow position where the filler snout extends vertically over the base adapter and an extended position where the snout tilts at angle 2.PHI. from the vertical for receiving and latching onto the spout of the toner container. The spout of the toner container and the mouth of the filler snout have mating surfaces facilitating latching of the container spout within the snout.

Abstract: A high strength, low friction, corrosion free block for marine environments includes a fixed or swivel head, shackle and a ground and polished axle all composed of 17-4 ph stainless steel sandwiched between titanium/titanium alloy side cheeks. One or more aluminum sheaves each having a filament wound epoxy glass radial bushing with a Teflon liner are journaled around the axle. Oven cured Teflon filled thrust washers bonded to the sides of the sheave(s) turn against polished inner surfaces of the side cheeks. The blocks may include titanium/titanium alloy straps exterior the side cheeks supporting the axle to provide increased functional load bearing capacities ranging up to and exceeding 50,000 lbs.