Abstract: A set of copy sheets deposited on a surface is delivered positively to an output by engaging the trail edge of the set with at least two hook-ended projections intended to overlie the top sheet. When the projections are driven in unison, as by a common belt, the hooks prevent the beam strength of the set lifting the trail edge of the set out of contact with the projections.

Abstract: A device which includes a camera arranged above a feed table to simultaneously scan a front edge and a lateral edge of a plate-shaped piece or sheet having a printed area adjacent the edges of the sheet characterized by transmitting an output of the camera to a signal processor and calculating unit to compare the output of the camera to a reference signal to create error signals which are used to operate motors for moving the lateral stops and front stops in accordance with the amount of error signals to correct misalignment of the sheet.

Abstract: A rocking horse provided with a buffer assembly that includes a wheeled axle which may be selectively engaged within upper and lower grooves formed in the front portions of the rocker arms to prevent the horse from rolling over during use and permitting the horse to move forward along a support surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stairclimber with a safety speed changing device and in particular to one including a base, a handle frame vertically mounted on the base, a support vertically mounted between a gauge board and the base, a front bracket fixed on the base and spaced apart from the support, a rear bracket mounted on the base and disposed rearwardly of the front bracket, a transmission mechanism fixedly mounted on upper side of the front bracket and provided with a pulley connected to a rotating disc of a motor via a belt and a link pivotally connected with an oscillating rod having a pair of pedals, and a speed changing mechanism having a rotating handle disposed on upper half of the support to control an upper gear which in turn drives a lower gear via a chain.

Abstract: A combination arm and leg exercising apparatus has a base member adapted to rest upon a floor and a support frame extending upwardly therefrom. The support frame has a pair of foot pedals pivotally attached thereto at one respective end of each foot pedal. A cross member attached to the upper end of the support frame has a pair of independently articulated pivotal arm handles rotatably attached to the cross-member. A pair of adjustable compressed spring tension devices are attached respectively between each foot pedal and the upper cross member. A pair of actuating rods are pivotally attached respectively between each foot pedal and each arm handle, so that movement of either the arm handle or the foot pedal actuates the other member. Each of the two foot pedal--arm handle combinations is independently actuated, and not dependent on the other for movement.

Abstract: Method for testing and/or exercising the rotary neck muscles which are used to twist or turn the neck from side-to-side about a generally vertical pivot axis passing through the cervical vertebrae. The head is held by and between a pair of pads mounted on a rotatable frame fixed to a movement arm in the form of a vertical pivot shaft rotatable about the pivot axis. The movement arm is connectable to a resistance weight stack to oppose pivotal movement of the movement arm in one direction. During exercise, the subject is seated against a backrest with a front pad assembly immobilizing the chest and shoulder areas of the subject. Additionally, the head pads prevent forward and rearward movement of the neck in extension and flexion so that only the rotary torsion muscles of the neck are exercised.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which provides enhanced movements of a person's truncal spinal muscles and joints and which comprises a first means for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine, and second means to permit relative motion between the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The device contains a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a swiveling motion of the body which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other. Normal motion is in the frontal and traverse planes of the body. Movement in the transverse plane can be enhanced by incorporating a sloped structure for the swiveling portion of the device to follow.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided together with a method for using the device which, when used either independently or in combination with a conventional exercise apparatus, generates a series of pulse forces in the same direction as the resistance force applied by the conventional apparatus in combination with which the present device is utilized, and in a direction opposite to that applied by the subject utilizing the exercise device, and with force sufficient to move the body member of the subject a short distance and thereby to stretch the muscles of the body member with each pulse force. The stretching of the muscles by the application of the pulse forces results over a period of time in the strengthening of the body member muscles to a greater degree than would occur as a result of exercising with the conventional apparatus alone.

Abstract: A device which simulates a defensive basketball player for practicing offensive moves such as shooting is formed from a resilient, durable synthetic foam. The device can be selectively adjusted to various heights and the arms are manually rotatable in order for an offensive player to sharpen his shooting skills without the necessity of an opponent being present.

Abstract: A ball games table comprises a table top demountably fixed to a table base, the top being boarding with sheeting forming a playing surface stretched over its upper surface: one of the boarding and sheeting being water impervious. The sheeting may comprise a plurality of sheets each covering the boarding, at least one of which is water impervious; the boarding itself may be water impervious. The use of rubber sheeting is described as is canvas or tarpaulin sheets with one or more plastics sheets positioned between the sheet and the boarding. The boarding may be a number of separate parts, held together by the sheeting (and optionally hinged together), and rigidly interconnected as the table is assembled. The abutting edges of the parts of the top may extend in different directions and be non-linear; following meandering, wavey or zig-zag paths, when the table is assembled.

Abstract: The racquet string straightening device comprises a support from one face of which a fixed array of teeth project. The teeth are arranged in rows with passages therebetween to receive the strings of a racquet and in a second embodiment alternate teeth may be omitted. Each tooth has a body of rectangular cross-section defined by pairs of parallel sides and a tapered outer end to facilitate entry of the tooth into the respective opening in the strings.

Abstract: Apparatus including a vertical support including a tether line mounted to a top end of the support including a target cylinder mounted at a lower end of the flexible line. The target cylinder is formed as a semi-rigid polymeric tube including a support rod mounted therethrough. The cylinder includes a singular plurality of strips mounted medially of the surface of the cylinder for impact by an associated bat during a batting practice. Modifications of the invention include cylindrical weights adjustedly mounted within the cylinder to effect and exaggerate a spiral motion of a target cylinder subsequent to impact. Covering sheaths of a paper coated with a powdered coloring may optionally be utilized to indicate impact by the associated bat.

Abstract: An apparatus including a baseball "home" plate orthogonally mounting a first vertical support that rotatably mounts a "T" shaped conduit, wherein the "T" shaped conduit adjustably receives a vertical tube therethrough. The vertical tube extends forwardly into a further "T" shaped conduit that adjustably mounts a vertical tube therethrough. The vertical tube mounts a resilient sleeve thereon, with the resilient sleeve frictionally receiving a baseball mounting the rigid sleeve therewithin, wherein the upper end of the rigid sleeve is of an arcuate configuration to accommodate a baseball thereon. A pair of spaced abutment rods are mounted forwardly and to each side of the first vertical support post to limit pivotment of the horizontal tube to approximately 120 degrees.

Abstract: A transportable, damped tennis practice device (10) is provided for the solitary practice of tennis strokes every two to three seconds. The device (10 ) preferably includes a base (12), a ball (16), wand structure (14) for mounting the ball (16) on one end thereof, connecting assembly (18) for attaching the other end of wand structure (14) to the base (12). The wand structure (14) is flexibly, resiliently formed in a predetermined, arcuate shape. The device (10) stands in a ready position until ball (16) is struck by a practitioner at which time the ball (16) and wand structure (14) begin to oscillate pivotally on the base (12), while the wand structure (14) also flexes to shapes other than the predetermined shape. The damping apparatus (20) includes a rod-like member (114) which indirectly acts on the connecting assembly (18) to damp the oscillatory motion.

Abstract: A tool for placing a gold tee into the ground such as to maintain a golf ball at a predetermined height above the ground. A pair of disks are interconnected by a cylindrical body, an upper portion of which is of a hollow nature. A slot passes through a solid bottom portion of the body and the bottom disk. The upper hollow portion is semicircular in cross section and, in combination with the slot, adapts the tool for receiving a golf tee therein. With the tee so received, it can be placed into the ground such that the tee extends above the ground a distance fixed by the separation between the two disks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf tee. The improved golf tee is seen to include a flexible upper half which may withstand impact by a golf club without breakage and a rigid lower half to facilitate insertion of the golf tee into the ground. The improved golf tee also includes a retratable metal spike therein which further imbeds the tee in the ground so as to prevent loss the tee during a golfer's drive. The improved golf tee may also include a levelling device therein to further assist a golfer in teeing up a golf ball in a level manner.

Abstract: A tennis racket having a graphite fiber containing frame with an opening at the head end constituting a bow and with a handle pallet at the handle end. The handle pallet is formed of a soft, dense, indexable urethane. The bow is formed with a common cross-sectional configuration enlarged in the direction of the axis of the opening and located around the majority of the opening. The racket also includes a grommet strip formed of a soft, durable, wear resistant polyurethane-polycarbonate blend secured to the radially exterior edge of the bow around the majority of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved racquet structure. More particularly, it relates to an improved badminton racquet structure of greater integrity and rigidity and that, moreover, can be manufactured with greater efficiency. The improved badminton racquet structure comprises a head frame with hitting net strung over it, a hollow T-shaped connector rigidly attached to the head frame on one side, a handle with a co-axial internal cavity, a connecting tube placed between and extending into the interval cavity and hollow of the T-shaped connector, and two rigid retaining elements positioned at the opposite ends of the connecting tube, which are seated in two retaining flares formed on the opposite ends of the connecting tube.

Abstract: A game of entertainment, designed and intended for the player to try to arrange a specific number of elements or counters used in the game in a determined order, which elements or counters are completely concealed within the structure of the game and are capable of becoming visible through a window once the player has guided these elements or counters to the window. Therefore, if the codes seen through this window correspond with those provided on certain elements or counters, a prize will be won.

Abstract: A roulette playing device includes a hitting device for releasing a ball onto a circular runway which comprises a first rotatable roller disposed upstream of an outlet, a second rotatable roller opposed to the first roller and spaced therefrom by a distance smaller than the diameter of the ball, and a driver for rotating the first and the second rollers in opposite direction to each other. Such arrangement makes it easy to spin and release the ball and to control the spin of the ball. A release device for feeding a ball to the hitting device comprises a blower for sending forth air to the outlet through a release passage upstream of the outlet, and a feeder for feeding balls one by one to the release passage. Such arrangement enables the ball released on the circular runway to be accelerated thereon.

Abstract: A set of lottery game dice to aid in selecting six numbers between "one" and "forty-nine" to "fifty-three" are regular decahedron shaped. The total of the numbers displayed on the six dice are obtained by using some dice having eight surfaces displaying numbers and some displaying nine numbers. The dice are formed by providing one or two of the ten surfaces with an extending convex numbered surface to prevent the die from settling on that surface, thus eliminating one or two available surfaces for display.

Abstract: Die containing eight planar hexagonal surfaces and six convex portions capable of producing random results when thrown. The convex faces are dimensioned so as to constitute areas of unstable equilibrium to favor positioning of the die on one of the hexagonal surfaces when so thrown. The die can be marked with card values and suits associated with a deck of playing cards whereby a set containing the marked dice can be utilized to play poker card games. Moreover, the card values and suits can be positioned on the dice so that marking of the dice can be performed in a two pass printing process.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for improving ones golf game by using a practice club with a very small head to hit practice balls that are light weight and preferably are very small in diameter. The novel practice golf club has a head or ball-hitting surface which is much smaller than a conventional golf club, such as either surface having a width of about 3.5 cm (1.4 in.) or less or even about 1.5 cm (0.6 in.) or less or a convex surface having a radius of less than about 1.25 cm (0.5 in.) or even about 0.8 cm (0.3 in.) or less. The practice balls are much lighter and preferably smaller than a conventional golf ball, such as less than about 30 g, for example about 1.9 cm (0.75 in.) in diameter and about 1.5 g or about 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) in diameter and about 1 g. This invention includes as optional components of the system mat means and net means. The invention can be embodied in the form of an adaptor to convert a conventional golf club to have the type of ball-hitting surface described above.

Abstract: A golf accessory includes a golf tee-like element attached to a tethering unit which includes a bungee cord and a monofilament line. The tethering unit is attached to a solid center golf ball by a swivel connecting assembly which permits the gold ball to rotate without twisting the tethering unit.

Abstract: A wheel word game is provided and consists of a puzzle board on a first easel, for displaying the puzzle as it is worked out, an alphabet board for displaying letters called by the contestants, but not used in the puzzle, a plurality of puzzle cards, a plurality of free spin tokens for the contestants who win free spins, a dry erase pen, a wiping cloth, a plurality of contestant selection cards for selecting the contestants and their order of playing and a spinning wheel rotatably carried on a second easel to determine how each contestant plays the game.

Abstract: A board game simulating football play is set forth, wherein a rigid planar board supports a playing field demarcated in representative one hundred yard simulation defining a first and second end zone at opposed first and second ends of the playing field, with spaced first and second side line borders including slots for receiving slidable yardage markers therewithin. Each player is provided a container including a matrix of compartments therewithin to receive plural pairs of dice. The dice include three pairs of dice, each of various numerations for use in simulating advance along the playing field by an offensive team, with further plural pairs of dice selectively utilized by an opposing player for simulating defensive yardage gains against an opponent. Further, plural pairs of dice are provided for use in simulating field goals, kick-offs, and punt returns.

Abstract: An improved portable target assembly for toss type games comprising a cup shaped target member centrally located on one side of a flexible mat, the flexible mat having a centrally located portion with a plurality of peripheral edge portions around said center portion and extending outwardly therefrom, the edge portions being foldable and having end portions which are cooperatively engageable in a variety of ways to form alternative configurations of upstanding side walls for containing playing pieces tossed thereat so as to enable changing the degree of difficulty and skill level required to play the game, the cup shaped target member being detachable from the flexible mat and the mat being rollable into a cylindrical shape for convenient handling and storage.

Abstract: A dart has a barrel with a compartment having an LED therein, a tail and a point section at opposite ends of the barrel. One of the tail and point sections is detachable fromn the body and defines a recess with a battery therein. A first pair of contacts on the barrel are connected to the LED by a pair of wires, and a second set of contacts in the recess connect with the first pair when the sections and barrel are assembled to activate the LED.

Abstract: A shaft seal has a rotary seal and a stationary seal with predetermined axial and radial dimensions. The two seals are positioned, with respect to a shaft, so as to fix the axial and radial dimensions with respect to one another by way of a plastic strip which is positioned about the sleeve of the rotary with its edges engaging the rotary and the stationary seals and extends to the exterior thereof. A tab is provided at the end of the plastic strip and the strip is pulled from the seal after axial and radial fixation of the seal components and upon rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: An isolator mechanism is provided for use with a machinery housing and a rotatable shaft protruding through the housing. The isolator mechanism comprises a stator ring affixed to the housing and a rotor ring which is attached to the shaft and which nests within the stator. The stator and rotor are so shaped that the stator has a male cylindrical surface, and the rotor has a female cylindrical surface located radially outwardly of the stator male surface. A deformable annular seal member is mounted on the rotor female surface and engages the stator male surface when the rotor and seal member are at rest. However, the deformable seal member is deformed by centrifugal motion into a configuration out of engagement with the stator when the rotor and seal member are moving at operating speeds.

Abstract: A protective accordion configured tubular boot has one end fixedly secured to and sealed about the cylinder of a shock absorber and the boot extends upwardly about a plunger protruding from the cylinder. The other end of the boot includes an inwardly extending radial flange having a plurality of circular concentric ridges disposed on opposed sides. An outwardly radially extending channel fixedly secured proximate the end of the plunger receives the radial flange to form a floating vented seal at the other end of the boot to prevent particulate matter and liquids from entering the boot.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a magnetic shaft includes a magnetic housing having a throughbore with a stepped enlargement at one end, a pair of annular disk-shaped yokes spaced apart by an axially magnetized permanent magnet positioned in the stepped enlargement and surrounding the shaft, and magnetic fluid in the gaps between the yokes and the shaft. The outside diameter of one yoke is spaced from the magnetic housing and is smaller than the outside diameter of the other yoke, while the larger yoke abuts the magnetic housing at its outside diameter. A plastic, non-magnetic member can separate the smaller diameter yoke from the magnetic housing.

Abstract: A braided filamentary sealing element is provided for use between components in a gas turbine engine or other machine where a clearance space is provided between the components. The sealing element is adapted to be carried on one component. The sealing element includes an integral three dimensionally braided filamentary sealing surface to effect a fluid sealing action between the components. The sealing element may also include a plurality of three dimensionally braided flexible filaments having a free length sufficient to engage the other of the components to effect a fluid sealing action between the components.

Abstract: The center of a collet having a plurality of individual gripper members resiliently spaced apart in an annular array and operated on by a frustoconical surface can be adjusted by displacing some of the gripper members more than others of said gripper members parallel to the axis with which both the annular array and the frustoconical surface are nominally concentric. This causes the frustoconical surface to produce greater radial displacement of some of the gripper members, thereby shifting the center of the collet transverse to the above-mentioned axis.

Abstract: A combination child restraint-stroller is disclosed which can be converted from a passive restraint car seat to a stroller, while the apparatus is held by an user with a child seated therein. The apparatus includes a body having a child support surface and an internal cavity therebelow with a downwardly facing opening. A front and rear strut are pivotably attached to the body having a pair of front and rear wheels rotatably attached thereto. A locking mechanism is provided to alternatively lock the front and rear struts in either the retracted passive restraint position within the body internal cavity, or in the extended stroller position.

Abstract: Foldable cart for shopping having a rigid base for reinforcement of the bag bottom. Two frames carry the wheels on which the bag leans in the unfolded position during use. The frames allow the wheels to be folded beneath the rigid base. Bag supporting frameworks can be extended and folded by parallel sliding in order to allow extension for pulling the cart or folding to a bag of reduced size for hand transport. One of the frameworks is attached to the upper zone of the bag, pulling the latter for its extension or folding. The other framework has, close to an articulation axle at the rigid base of the bag, a piece provided with one or two lugs which pass through slots formed in the housing for articulation of the frameworks and the wheel frames and for automatic extension of the wheels.

Abstract: Wheelchair side frames (A) include forward and rearward side frame portions (10, 12) which are telescopically interconnected such that the length of the side frames is selectively adjustable. A cross brace folding assembly (B) interconnects the side frames and selectively moves the side frames between folded and open configurations. The cross brace mechanism includes a pair of cross brace members (30, 32) which are pivotally interconnected (34) and which are each adjustable in length to adjust the width of the wheelchair in the open configuration without adjusting the height of the seat (100). A pair of rear seat support members (114) are telescopically mounted on posts (112) of the rear frame and are interconnected with stand-off members (120) for supporting a seat back portion (110). The stand-off members hold the seat back away from the rear seat support members such that the clamps from orthopedic braces and appliances may be freely mounted therealong.

Abstract: A removable safety bar for a baby stroller is at both ends securable within each of both arms of a baby stroller. A hollow plastic arm of a baby stroller is provided with a hole formed with an inner flange. The removable safety bar includes a shaft covered with a foam rubber sleeve. To each end of the shaft is fitted and engaging means which secures within each of both arms of the baby stroller by means of an engaging piece which securely hooks over the inner flange formed in each arm and which is easily unhookable by a slight pressure applied to the engaging means with the fingers. During removal, the engaging means is slid back along the shaft until the notch is disengaged from the arm. A spring provided at the butt end of the shaft within the engaging piece provides a restorative force which causes the engaging means, upon removal, to slide back to its original position.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitch is disclosed for coupling a towing vehicle and a trailer. The invention is suitable for accommodating both ball and socket-type couplings and ring and pintle-type couplings. The integral body of the trailer hitch has the known elements of a rear mount for attaching the body to a towing vehicle, a ball housing with a bore for mounting a removable ball stud, a plate for mating with the attachment means of a towed vehicle, and a passage for connecting a latching arm. The improvement comprises four elements. First, the latching arm has a head, having a front face and a rear face, and a pair of substantially parallel legs integrally attached to opposite sides of the head and extending beyond the faces of the head. Each leg has an aperture for mating with the passage of the integral body and engaging a pin. Second, to prevent rotation of the latching arm, a notch on the integral body seats the rear face of the latching arm.

Abstract: A toe unit of a ski safety binding has a housing (15) which is fixedly mountable on a ski, a release spring (14) and sole clamp arms (18) which are pivotable outwardly to the side relative to the housing against spring force and which locate the tip of an inserted ski boot in the sideways direction on the ski (40), but pivot sideways outwardly against the spring force and release the ski boot on the occurrence of sideways forces which lie above a predetermined release value. The space for movement (11) between the housing (15) and the outwardly pivotable sole clamp arms (18) is filled out, at least in the regions which border on the outside atmosphere, and preferably radially outside of the associated pivot axis (13), by an elastic filling piece (12).

Abstract: An independent rear suspension system which is affixed to a forward and laterally extending sub-frame prior to being mounted on a vehicle. The suspension includes four links per side, each side including two different length laterally extending upper control arms and rubber ball joint assemblies, one laterally extending lower control arm, and a longitudinally extending trailing arm. Selected locations, lengths and orientations of the respective arms provide inherent predetermined camber and toe patterns. The entire suspension assembly mounts onto the vehicle at four locations via rubber isolators, providing substantially decreased road noise within the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system includes a module having a support provided with openings therethrough which are normally closed by rupturable diaphragms when the pressure within the cushion exceeds a predetermined limit, the reaction force on the module moves the diaphragms into engagement with rupture pins to rupture the diaphragms and vent the cushion to ambient through the support.

Abstract: A double door closure for an air bag depolyment opening is disclosed in which bridging portions extend across a line of separation between the doors and are weakened to define a frangible seam fractured by the pressure exerted by the inflating bag. The doors also each have an integral hinge flange formed along the opposite side from the frangible seam and inward raised surfaces defining an area of contact with the air bag to exert maximum shearing stress along the line of separation. In a first embodiment, the doors are of one piece molded construction with the weakening of the bridging portion created by a series of blind pockets molded in from the inside along the line of separation to create a hidden seam. In a second embodiment, the doors are constructed of a support layer and stiffening pieces secured together. In the second embodiment a decorative skin layer overlies the doors, and a piercing piece is driven by the air bag to penetrate the skin layer and initiate tearing.

Abstract: An air bag assembly comprises a retainer having a main wall on which an air bag and an inflator are mounted and a peripheral wall projecting from the main wall and a cover having a main wall and side walls forming a cavity in which the air bag is received in folded relation and flanges extending from the edges of the side walls and engaging in face-to-face relation the outer faces of the peripheral wall of the retainer. The cover flanges have outwardly projecting beads along their free edges. The flanges are clamped by plates engaging the outside surfaces of the flanges to the peripheral wall, and the edges of the plates are engaged by the beads, whereby the loads on the flanges resulting from loads on the cover when the air bag inflates and breaks the cover are transmitted by the beads to the plates.

Abstract: An energy absorption type steering apparatus, which comprises a steering shaft with a steering wheel mounted on its rear end, a steering column rotatably supporting the steering shaft, a column bracket mounting said steering column for axially forward movement on a vehicle portion, an energy absorption box secured to the vehicle portion, and a deformable member having one end secured to the energy absorption box and another end extending from the energy absorption box and engaging, with an axial play, a projection formed on the steering column, the deformation member having a U-shaped folding portion and also having a flaring plastic deformation portion accommodated in the energy absorption box and flaring toward the aforementioned one end.

Abstract: A webbing drive apparatus for an automatic seat belt apparatus in which a webbing is automatically fitted around an occupant by driving one end of the webbing which comprises a screw plate with which one end of a wire for driving the webbing is engaged and which has portions for contact with a drum so as to be rotated through the contact portions by the rotational force of the drum. It is as well as moved in the direction of the rotational axis of the drum, whereby the wire is spirally wound around the drum. Each of the contact portions have a bent portion which is bent substantially at right angles with respect to the rotational direction of the drum. The rotational force of the drum is therefore transmitted to the screw plate through these bent portions.

Abstract: The frame of the motor vehicle carries a vertical rail defining an elongated track for a plastic slide which carries a first pivotable lever serving as a means for releasably coupling the slide to the rail. A pivot member which secures the first lever to the slide carries a deflector for the shoulder belt of the occupant restraint system, and the first lever has a tooth which is biased against one of two sidewalls of the rail to enter into one of a row of sockets in the one sidewall. A second lever or a wheel is provided to extract the tooth from a selected socket and to thus enable the slide to move along the track to a different position in which the tooth is aligned with a different socket. The first lever is centered between the two sidewalls which flank the track for the slide. The central portion of the first lever resembles or constitutes a disc with two convex surfaces which are closely adjacent the respective sidewalls and have centers of curvature on or close the pivot axis of the first lever.

Abstract: The vertical adjustment means for a guide fitting (10) of a safety-belt restraining system in motor vehicles comprises as essential loadbearing element an elongated plate (14) which is mounted pivotally at its one end on the vehicle bodywork while at its other end the guide fitting (10) is secured. By a detent means (16, 30) the elongated plate (14) can be selectively locked in various pivot positions. The height of the guide fitting (10) set is defined by the pivot position of the elongated plate (14).

Abstract: A ratcheting and threaded connector for connecting an upper and lower tubular member which allows an upper member to be connected to a lower member with a ratcheting action and on subsequent rotation causes a threaded spring to move into position to engage shoulders on both the upper and lower members to place them in a rigid and tight relationship. Multiple load bearing shoulders on each of the members coact with load bearing shoulders on the spring to provide a substantially equal balance load distribution and allows the connector spring to have a minimum thickness.

Abstract: A flexible flow through saddle for ship-to-ship refueling systems. The flble flow through saddle includes a tubular structure having a pair of ribs located on the top and bottom of the tubular structure, each rib having an aperture therein. Extending from each end of the tubular structure and having an end portion thereof connected to the tubular structure is a helical shaped wire. The opposite end portion of each helical shaped wire is connected to a coupling member. That portion of each helical shaped wire between the coupling member and the tubular structure is encased in an elastomeric material which provides for flexibility and prevents premature fatigue and rupture of a hose element connected by the coupling member to the tubular structure through the encased helical shaped wire.