Abstract: A robotic crash protector device is configured for heavy payload applications. The device includes a housing, a piston and an actuator movably mounted within the housing, a cam member secured within the housing in fixed relation to the housing's base, and a switch. The cam member includes a cam surface with some portions being closer to the housing's base than other portions. The actuator includes bearing members that are configured to, responsive to a rotational force imparted to the actuator, move along the cam surface and thereby collectively displace the piston. The switch detects this displacement and indicates a crash. When moving along the cam surface, the bearing members are each configured to engage the surface along a line of contact, rather than at a single point. With forces imparted to each bearing member and the cam surface distributed across a line, the components better endure heavy payload applications.

Abstract: A method for coupling together at least two layers of a mattress includes the steps of aligning each layer in its proper position in relation to the other layers of the mattress and, after the alignment step, inserting a plastic fastener through the layers. A fastener dispensing tool is provided for inserting plastic fasteners through the layers of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastener dispensing tool includes a housing, a hollow sharpened needle fixedly coupled to the housing, an ejection mechanism for advancing a cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle and a needle stop slidably coupled to the housing for limiting the degree of penetration of the hollow needle through the layers of the mattress. The needle stop is adapted to be releasably fixed in place by a locking member which is internally spring biased.

Abstract: A locking arrangement configured to secure portable equipment includes a tubular lock having a pair of locking arms projecting from a face of the lock body. Each locking arm has a shank portion and a wing portion, the wing portion extending from the end of the shank at a right angle thereto. Each wing has a substantially flat surface. The locking arms are disposed adjacent to one another, and in the unlocked configuration, the wings of both arms are in parallel opposition such that their flat surfaces substantially meet. In the locked configuration, the wings are parallel to each other but extend in opposite directions outside the envelope. This opposite orientation of the wing members prevents the lock from being withdrawn through the locking port. Moreover, if the two shanks are seated within a port whose dimensions closely match those defined by the shanks themselves, rotation of the lock will be substantially prevented.