Abstract: Tables and other mobile furniture used in seminars and training classes are joined by ring connector elements mounted for rotation on each item of furniture. Male and female dovetail connection points on the periphery of each ring are engaged to connect items of furniture.

Abstract: A basketball assembly for supporting a backboard comprises, a base having a plurality of generally vertical side walls and a base face extending between said sidewalls. The base face and one of said side walls defining a forward edge. The assembly includes a pole, having spaced apart ends. An elongated opening is provided in the base for supporting one end of said pole on said base with said pole at an angle to the vertical to extend the other end of the pile over and beyond the forward edge of the base.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the mounting of an optical sensor on a windshield glass using a clear adhesive tape is disclosed. The device holds the sensor, with tape exposed, in a vacuum chamber which is sealed against the glass. The chamber is evacuated, and the sensor is then pressed against the glass by the longitudinal movement of a drive shaft. The sensor may be installed with consistent force and with no trapped air pockets or air bubbles. Air pockets are a special concern because air pockets adversely effect the optical performance of the sensor. The vacuum chamber device may be controlled by a computer, and features a latching mechanism which prevents the sensor from making contact with the glass until the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: A moisture activated wiper sensor has all necessary electronic and optical components for detecting moisture and performing signal processing in a single module which mounts to a vehicle windshield. The packaging of the optical components and associated electronic circuitry in an acceptably small housing is achieved by use of insert-molded lenses and infrared emitters and detectors mounted on separate printed circuit boards called wing boards. Wing board supports molded into the housing assure proper orientation of the wing boards relative to the lenses. Flexible cables connect the wing boards to a main circuit board.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the mounting of an optical sensor on a windshield glass using a clear adhesive tape is disclosed. The device holds the sensor, with tape exposed, in a vacuum chamber which is sealed against the glass. The chamber is evacuated, and the sensor is then pressed against the glass by the longitudinal movement of a drive shaft. The sensor may be installed with consistent force and with no trapped air pockets or air bubbles. Air pockets are a special concern because air pockets adversely effect the optical performance of the sensor. The vacuum chamber device may be controlled by a computer, and features a latching mechanism which prevents the sensor from making contact with the glass until the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: An elevator system for a basketball backboard comprising, in combination, a parallelogram frame and a backboard connected to the frame. A ratchet and pawl arrangement is connected between one of the arms and one of the vertical surfaces of the parallelogram frame so that a first vertical surface is freely movable upward relative to a second vertical surface and is held in a selected vertical position when the vertical lifting force applied to the first vertical surface is removed. The ratchet includes a plurality of ratchet teeth connected to and movable with one arm relative to the first vertical surface. The pawl is pivotally connected to the first vertical surface and disposed for engagement with the ratchet teeth to hold the first vertical panel in a selected vertical position when the vertical lifting force is removed.

Abstract: A base for a basketball support pole comprising, in combination, a plurality of walls arranged at an angle to each other and forming a polyhedron shaped body, support structure within the body defining an elongated opening extending into the body at an angle to the vertical and for receiving a support pole, structure for securing the pole in the opening against rotation about the elongated axis of the pole and against withdrawal from the opening, structure within the body defining a ballast receiving enclosure, and ballast within the ballast receiving enclosure.

Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal assembly (20) includes a first mounting plate (30) for stationary mounting to the front of the backboard (22) and a second mounting plate (42) pivotally mounted to the first mounting plate and rigidly connected to the rim (24). The rim can pivot up or down in response to respective up and down forces, with the required downward force being greater, to provide differential breakaway. Left and right pivoting are also provided, to afford four way pivoting. Strength-increasing walls 102, 104, 106 are provided for the first mounting plate to prevent bowing away from the backboard and additionally serve the function of providing a protective finger pinch shroud. A universal structure selectively provides a choice between breakaway and non-breakaway applications without changing the manufacturing operation producing the goal assembly, to reduce cost.