Abstract: A hose coupler is described capable of quick connection and disconnection with only a small amount of rotation required to achieve a fluid-tight seal. A plurality of threaded segments are arranged about a central axis of the coupler into a segment set. Such segments comprise a flexible, elastic material that is capable bending towards or away from the central axis under an applied force but returns to their normal as-manufactured shape upon removal of the applied force. Ease of connection and disconnection without the requirement for substantial force to be applied is one of the salient advantages of the coupler described herein.

Abstract: A hose coupler is described capable of quick connection and disconnection with only a small amount of rotation required to achieve a fluid-tight seal. A plurality of threaded segments are arranged about a central axis of the coupler into a segment set. Such segments comprise a flexible, elastic material that is capable bending towards or away from the central axis under an applied force but returns to their normal as-manufactured shape upon removal of the applied force. Ease of connection and disconnection without the requirement for substantial force to be applied is one of the salient advantages of the coupler described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ratcheting thread clamping devices and the use of multiple interleaved thread structures on one or more of the segments of the ratcheting device. It is shown how the use of such multiple threads reduces locking distance when the ratcheting device is moved in the ratcheting direction along a single-threaded rod, that is, reduced locking distance is achieved with an improved thread clamping device without the necessity of any changes to the threaded rod to which the device clamps. Multiple thread structures thus reduce locking distance in prior art devices typically having frustoconical segment surfaces as well as in more recent devices having nut segments with planar surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the nut segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release embodiment, and embodiments including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: The invention provides an eating assist device which can be used by persons who have lost all or substantially all use of their hands for gripping or grasping items. Once a piece of food has been placed in the device, the person needing such assistance can eat substantially all the food without further assistance. The device generally comprises a support stand, a food holder mounted on the support stand, and a food advancing mechanism which the eater can activate, manipulate without gripping or grasping anything, for advancing the food frontwardly in the food holder. The advancing mechanism is illustrated as a reel which can be activated to advance a sheet material which is threaded into the food holder in such a way as to advance the food in the food holder as a cord or strap is accumulated onto the reel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ratcheting thread clamping devices and the use of multiple interleaved thread structures on one or more of the segments of the ratcheting device. It is shown how the use of such multiple threads reduces locking distance when the ratcheting device is moved in the ratcheting direction along a single-threaded rod, that is, reduced locking distance is achieved with an improved thread clamping device without the necessity of any changes to the threaded rod to which the device clamps. Multiple thread structures thus reduce locking distance in prior art devices typically having frustoconical segment surfaces as well as in more recent devices having nut segments with planar surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the nut segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release embodiment, and embodiments including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: The present device relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable segments with threaded inner surfaces suitable for engaging a threaded rod and including a strain gauge and transmitter therein for measuring the actual strain on the device and for transmitting this information to a receiver external to the thread clamping device, such as a receiver and display integral with a wrench for applying torque to the thread clamping device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: The present device relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable segments with threaded inner surfaces suitable for engaging a threaded rod and including a strain gauge therein for measuring the actual strain on the device, in contrast to conventional thread clamping devices restricted to measuring the torque applied during installation, not the actual strain experienced during service. In addition to measuring the actual strain experienced by the thread clamping device, some embodiments of the present invention also relate to a transmitter for transmitting to a remote receiving station the actual strain measured, typically including a suitable identification code for determining which device is transmitting.

Abstract: A thread clamping device is described including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. Smaller locking distances are shown to result by using at least one double-threaded segment as a component of the thread clamping device. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: The present device relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable segments with threaded inner surfaces suitable for engaging a threaded rod and including a strain gauge therein for measuring the actual strain on the device, in contrast to conventional thread clamping devices restricted to measuring the torque applied during installation, not the actual strain experienced during service. In addition to measuring the actual strain experienced by the thread clamping device, some embodiments of the present invention also relate to a transmitter for transmitting to a remote receiving station the actual strain measured, typically including a suitable identification code for determining which device is transmitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: Thread clamping devices are described in which a single such device is capable of robustly engaging with different threaded rods having different thread configurations. Such devices include a plurality of threaded, movable segments wherein the threads of each segment are capable of robust engagement with the threads of a rod, and different segments or groups of segments have thread configurations capable of binding with different rod thread structures.

Abstract: A thread clamping device is described including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. Smaller locking distances are shown to result by using at least one double-threaded segment as a component of the thread clamping device. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses.