Abstract: A locking pin is provided for detachably connecting a bucket to a backhoe loader. The locking pin comprises a shaft member having an enlarged head portion and an axial bore extending partially therethrough. Spring loaded plunger means are disposed in the axial bore. A planar retaining member is pivotally mounted to the enlarged head portion of the shaft member. The retaining member includes an omega-shaped clasp portion which extends generaly perpendicular therefrom and which is operative with the spring loaded plunger means to lock the pin.

Abstract: Solid stick compositions comprising a long-chain fatty alcohol having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms in the chain, volatile silicone and C.sub.20 or longer chain alcohols at levels of from about 1% to about 3% of the total long-chain fatty alcohol present in the compositions. These solid sticks have improved strength and hardness without undue brittleness.

Abstract: A rigid thermally stable structure provides a platform on which devices may be supported in precise positional relationships. The platform is provided by a thin plate of material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is relatively low, such as may be fabricated from an iron nickel alloy of the type manufactured under the trade names Invar and Super-Invar. A rigid base of material which may have a high thermal expansion coefficient is also provided. The thin plate is attached to the rigid base by an array of posts which imparts thereto the rigidity of the base for preventing flexural movement of the plate while permitting the base and plate to move with respect to each other as their longitudinal dimensions change with temperature. The thin plate therefore provides a rigid and thermally stable platform.