Abstract: A housing for the operative elements of a locking mechanism in a seat adjusting device of the type which includes a rod slidably received within a plurality of lockwashers canted about a fulcrum into locking engagement with the rod. A two-part self securing plastic housing is provided. Each part of the housing provides a cavity enclosing about one-half of the locking mechanism with the rod extending through circular apertures formed by semi-circular bosses at each end of each housing member.

Abstract: A linearly infinitely variable mechanism comprises first and second portions which are relatively axially positionable to establish the effective length of the mechanism. A rotary element is axially captured on the second portion. The operative connection between the first portion and the second portion is via a threaded connection of the first portion with the rotary element. The axial capture of the rotary element comprises a twist lock which, when locked, forcefully abuts the ends of the rotary element to preclude its rotation and prevent a change in the effective length of the mechanism provided that the first and second portions are constrained against relative rotation. When unlocked, the rotary element can rotate within its axial capture so that axial forces applied to the mechanism are effective to change its length.

Abstract: An air brake includes a service brake chamber which actuates a push rod. A collet brake chamber is partially defined by a collet brake diaphragm. A locking collet is mounted to the collet brake diaphragm and includes a bore through which the push rod passes. A collet brake spring biases the collet into a tapered collet hole to clamp the collet onto the push rod to prevent the movement of the push rod toward the brake off position. Application of pressure to the collet brake chamber overcomes the force of the collet brake spring and moves the collet away from the tapered collet hole to allow the push rod to move freely. An air supply system, including a quick release valve, a two way check valve, an emergency and parking air supply tank and a pilot check valve, in conjunction with a conventional quick release valve or another type of exhaust valve, automatically supplies air to the service brake chamber from the tank whenever the spring brake supply line is vented.

Abstract: A piston-controlled locking mechanism including an external cylinder having annular retaining means, a first elongated piston located adjacent the cylinder and having ball lock positioning apertures in the extension, a second coaxially located piston positioned inside of the skirt of the first piston and having indentations capable of mating with the ball positioning portions of the first piston, and positioning elements for first moving the inner piston to release the balls and thereafter moving the outer piston to either release or lock the cylinder.

Abstract: A machine applies screwing and unscrewing torque between successive drill pipes with an essentially vertical axis extending through a tapered opening in a turntable for a well bore. The machine includes a mechanism for applying a high initial unthreading torque and a high final threading torque between successive drill pipes and a mechanism for rapid screwing and unscrewing of successive drill pipes. The machine also includes a clamping mechanism having a bolster and a plurality of shims. The shims have outer portions tapered to fit into the opening of the turntable and have inner portions with a shape corresponding to the shape of the drill pipes. Each shim is supported individually on the bolster by a device that moves the shim into engagement with a drill pipe to grip the same and with sufficient freedom to permit the shims to center the pipe between them automatically. The bolster is lowered to cause the shims to enter the opening in the turntable.

Abstract: An oscillation damping device having a differentiated action in the two directions of sliding of a rigid stem with respect to a rigid case, comprising a plurality of rigid rolling elements, interposed between a rolling race of viscoelastic material and one or more skidding metallic races, shaped in such a way that upon moving the stem in one direction, the rolling elements are encased within said metallic races, spaced out from the viscoelastic race and exert a limited braking effect, while upon moving the stem in the opposite direction, the rolling elements are advanced into interference with the viscoelastic race and thereby exert a strong braking effect.

Abstract: An infinitely positionable mechanical lock having a housing and at least one bushing fixed to the housing, the bushing having an inclined spring abutment surface. A rod is axially slidable through the bushing relative to the housing. A coil spring is wound about the rod, the spring having a normal inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the rod such that the coil spring grips the rod against translational motion within the housing. The spring is prebiased against the inclined surface of the bushing into normal locking engagement with the rod absent an axial load on the rod relative to the housing. A release assembly is actuatable for partly unwinding the coil spring to thereby release the rod for movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: A brake apparatus is provided to retard the relative movement between two members. The apparatus comprises a housing positioned around the perimeter of a portion of one of the members. A collar is fixedly secured to the housing generally around the perimeter of a portion of one of the members. Clamping elements are fixedly secured to the collar and have a first surface positioned generally coaxial with at least one of the members. The clamping elements move radially to frictionally engage one of the members to apply a braking force. Each of the clamping elements have a ball in abutting rolling relationship with a second surface generally radially opposite the first surface. The balls urge each of their respective clamping elements into such frictional engagement upon axial movement of an actuating device having a third surface in rolling engagement with the ball. One of the second and the third surfaces has a preselected incline with respect to a longitudinal axis of one of the members.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated slip assembly, connectible to a well head or well pipe handling machine and useful to intermittently grip pipe being run into or pulled from the well. The slip assembly has upper and lower plates with passages for pipe. Wedges, carrying unique slip systems, are positioned around the passages and slidably mounted for radial movement between guide plates extending from the upper and lower plates. The wedges are moved radially inward to grip pipe and radially outward to release pipe by a hydraulic cylinder, pivotally mounted aside the lower plate. When actuated to extend, the hydraulic cylinder rotates an inner bearing race and attached camming segments, which move the wedges inwardly to grip pipe. When the cylinder is actuated to contract, the bearing race and camming segments are rotated to pull the wedges outward radially, releasing pipe. The bearing outer race is housed in ring segments between and connecting the slip assembly upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A locking wheeled locking carrier including a pair of identical molded half carriage parts each of which carries a pair of canted wheels to support the carrier within a track, and a pendulum part pivoted between the carriage halves and extending downward through the bottom slot in the ceiling track for suspending a desired article. The two carriage halves are slidably interfitted with one another for lateral movement toward and away from one another within the ceiling track, and the pendulum pivot extends slidably through both carriage halves. In the vertical pendulum position a camming action exerted by the pendulum on the two carriage halves forces the carriage halves laterally apart from one another so that their outside surfaces engage the ceiling track slot walls and frictionally lock the carriage in position.

Abstract: A no drip caulking gun which includes a rigid open barrel. The caulking cartridge is inserted in the barrel. A rod is coaxially movable with the barrel. At the end of the rod a plunger is mounted. The forward motion of the plunger against the cartridge forces the caulking compound out of the cartridge, when the forward motion is stopped the built up pressure in the cartridge kicks the rod backwardly.

Abstract: In a steering column for a motor vehicle steering mechanism, a tubular first member and a second member are arranged in coaxial and partly coextensive relation. The second member fits into the first member. At least the first member is deformed transversely of the axial direction into gripping surface contact with the second member so that the two members rotate as a unit about their co-axes when the steering column is turned without any axial movement between them up to a given level of applied axial force. Above the given level the members can telescope one into the other in the event of a collision.

Abstract: A device for locking a slidable member, including a U-shaped bracket having a central section and a pair of legs extending upwardly from each end of the central section, each of the legs having upper and lower apertures, a lockable sliding member slidably mounted in the lower apertures, and a threaded spindle rotatably mounted in the upper apertures. The spindle includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the small diameter portion having a central threaded section for threaded engagement with one of the upper apertures and unthreaded end portions, the large diameter portion having a knob at its exterior end. The device further includes a yoke mounted on the spindle adjacent the large diameter portion, the yoke having a pair of camming posts extending outwardly therefrom perpendicular to the axis of the threaded spindle, and a U-shaped cam follower member situated between the legs of the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A braking device for arresting an axial relative movement between a bearing, and a shaft slidably engaging the bearing and extending through a cylinder which is axially immovable to the bearing. The device comprises: an annular piston slidably received in the cylinder and slidably engaging the shaft; a brake shoe engaging the shaft axially immovably relative to the cylinder and radially contractible to apply a brake to the shaft; a resilient radial clamp member engaging the outer surface of the brake shoe, axially compressible by axial movement of the annular piston and thereby reduced in inside diameter to force the brake shoe against the surface of the shaft; and a piston driving device for moving the shaft along its axis through a controlled selective supply of a pressurized fluid to the cylinder. The piston driving device may comprise a coil spring to bias the piston to cause an axial compression of the radial clamp member, and a device for effecting the controlled supply of the fluid.

Abstract: A shifting mechanism for the hydrostatic transmission of an earth moving machine comprising a shift lever manually operable by the machine operator to effect the speed and direction of movement of the vehicle. The shift lever is coupled to a hydraulically-actuated friction stop mechanism for maintaining the shift lever in a predetermined position by means of a fluid coupling which may be readily disconnected by the vehicle operator to adjust the positioning of the shift lever free from any frictional forces holding the shift lever in the prior position. A release system is provided wherein upon application of the vehicle brakes, the frictional force holding the shift lever in the predetermined position is released and the shift lever automatically returned to a neutral or idle position thereby disengaging the vehicle transmission.

Abstract: An isokinetic muscular exercise mechanism for the human body having an elongated tubular rail (14), a tubular slide member (20) mounted on the rail for sliding movement therealong, and a brake (32) mounted within the tubular slide member adapted to provide substantially higher frictional resistance to sliding movement of slide member in one linear direction along the rail than in the opposite direction thereof. The brake also provides a frictional resistance directly proportional to the linear force applied to the slide member in the one direction. A handle (16) is formed on one end of the tubular rail (14) and another handle (21) is provided on the slide member (20) to permit the device to be gripped by the hands of the user. The device is relatively small, simple and portable.

Abstract: A portable electric router conventional in its overall structure is disclosed which includes a locking system comprising a locking pin located in the motor housing and adapted to move in a direction perpendicular to and into locking engagement with the guide bar, and a locking lever pivotally disposed adjacent a grip of the motor housing and operative to axially move the locking pin. The locking lever is adapted to pivot toward the grip to thereby press the locking pin against the guide bar.

Abstract: An article handling device which is particularly well suited for loading articles into a reactor furnace for processing and subsequently unloading the processed articles. The article handling device is supported and vertically movable into alignment with the reactor furnace and includes an article moving device which is reciprocally vertically elevatable and reciprocally horizontally extensible for loading the articles into the reactor furnace and subsequent unloading thereof with minimal disturbing of the reactor process residue which is inherently deposited in the interior of the reactor furnace.

Abstract: A plastic liner is attached to the jamb of a vertical sliding window and has a continuous "U" channel with the channel opening facing the window opening and a block member slidingly engaged in the channel adapted to be coupled to the window sash and to one end of an elongated coil spring located in the channel which is attached at its other end to the liner. Primary frictional braking force is provided by a wing member inside the channel pushing against the block member so it rubs against a wall of the channel. The block member rides over a "T" shaped rail in the channel and carries a set screw which can be reached through the channel opening to be threaded through the block member into contact with the top surface of the rail member for manually adjusting the frictional braking force on the block member.

Abstract: An automotive seat adjusting device which includes a rod slidably received within a plurality of lockwashers counted into locking engagement with the rod. The operative elements of the locking mechanism are enclosed within a housing and a hollow tubular steel fulcrum is supported by a pin projecting out of the housing and fixed to the seat frame.

Abstract: An adjustable stop for gripping a rod at selected locations intermittent the length of the rod, including a base member with a pair of longitudinally spaced openings for receiving a rod having a longitudinal axis. A clamp member is provided with an opening located between the base member openings for receiving the same rod. A cam surface is provided on the clamp member for engaging the base member to misalign the clamp member opening between the two base member openings for gripping the rod with the three openings as the clamp member is rotated about the rod's longitudinal axis when the rod extends through the adjustable stop.

Abstract: A stretchable tube-like sleeve surrounds and frictionally grips an inner rod or tube. A coil spring surrounds the sleeve in position to resist movement of one end of the sleeve against the spring force. Moving the rod axially relative to the spring in a direction against the spring force on the sleeve decreases the inner diameter of the sleeve to produce a drag on the inner member. Movement of the opposite end of the sleeve is limited by a stop. This causes the sleeve to expand and allows the rod to slip with a constant drag which is determined by the strength of the spring. With the spring force in position to be applied to only one end of the sleeve, movement of the inner member in the opposite direction provides only a minimal drag as determined by the initial frictional interference between the sleeve and the inner member. Positioning the spring to resist movement of either end of the sleeve, provides a constant drag on the inner member with either direction of movement of the rod relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A chair height mechanism in which a threaded nut (30) is threaded onto a threaded spindle (16) and a hub tube (18) supports the spindle through a clutch comprising a locking tube (34) secured to the nut (30) and having lower tapered portion (36), and a cylindrical liner (46) secured to the hub tube and having an upper tapered outer surface (48) which mates with the cylindrical liner (46) inner surface. A compression spring (42) biases the tapered surfaces of the liner (46) and the locking tube (34) into engagement.

Abstract: The apparatus comprise a generally tubular outer element, a generally cylindrical inner element disposed therewithin and sized relative thereto to provide a generally annular operating space therebetween. An intermediate element is disposed in said operating space and is dimensioned relative thereto to create interference fits with said outer and inner elements and prevent relative movement therebetween. Means are provided to introduce pressurized fluid to the respective element interfaces to expand the outer element wherein the elastic limit thereof to an extent sufficient to release the interference fits and enable relative outer-inner element movement. Re-locking of the outer and inner elements occur automatically upon depressurization of the fluid and attendant return of the outer element to its unexpanded configuration. Actuating means to effect relative outer and inner element movement upon apparatus unlocking are also provided, and include means to pressurize the fluid.

Abstract: A holding or checking means for holding the control rod of a reciprocating drill feed control apparatus in position after each advancing movement of an automatic drilling machine during a "peck drilling" operation. The holding means includes a cylindrical body adapted to be fastened over the end of a drill feed control apparatus and with the control rod of the feed control apparatus extended through said body. A pair of pivotally mounted yoke arms are mounted on a cylindrical body and have semi-circular recesses adapted for friction holding engagement with the feed control rod to hold it in an advanced position when the reciprocating drill apparatus is retracted. The holding means includes a biasing means for biasing the yoke arms into friction engagement against the control rod.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder safety lock allows an operator of an implement controlled through the use of an extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder to mechanically lock the cylinder in a transport position. The lock also is used to lock the cylinder during storage between seasons so that the implements being operated by such cylinder or cylinders will not tend to settle under loads.

Abstract: High speed pipe handling apparatus is disclosed. A pipe gripping system includes fluid pressure piston-and-cylinder propulsion systems to manipulate pipe gripping slip members, and includes a mechanical latching system that locks the pistons to the cylinders in the pipe-gripping configuration by latch members. The latching system is released by application of fluid pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for decelerating a sheet moving at a predetermined linear speed along a travel path. The apparatus, located in juxtaposition with the sheet travel path, engages a sheet traveling along such path to apply a deceleration force to such sheet. The deceleration force imparted to such sheet is progressively increased to gradually slow the linear speed of such sheet from the predetermined linear speed to a lesser linear speed.

Abstract: Slip mechanisms for selectively gripping and releasing conduit in a well drilling operation, particularly useable as elevators or spiders. Three slips are positioned within a tapered bore of the slip mechanism having a split front opening, and are articulatingly suspended from a vertically movable ring. Upon lowering of the ring the slips move downwardly and inwardly along the tapered bore to simultaneously and evenly grip the conduit. Upon raising of the ring the slips move upwardly and outwardly along the tapered bore and disengage from the gripped conduit. In the disengaged position two of the three slips are circumferentially slidable, through the suspension connection to the ring, to a position spaced from the front opening and adjacent the third slip, whereby the slip mechanism is laterally movable from, or about, the conduit. A funnel shaped guide skirt is mountable on the bottom of the mechanism when operation as an elevator is desired.

Abstract: An electromechanical pipe snubbing system and an electromechanical pipe snubber. In the system, each pipe snubber, in a set of pipe snubbers, has an electromechanical mechanism to lock and unlock the snubber. A sensor, such as a seismometer, measures a quantity related to making a snubber locking or unlocking decision. A control device makes an electrical connection between a power supply and each snubber's electromechanical mechanism to simultaneously lock each snubber when the sensor measurement indicates a snubber locking condition. The control device breaks the connection to simultaneously unlock each snubber when the sensor measurement indicates a snubber unlocking condition. In the snubber, one end of the shaft slides within a bore in one end of a housing. The other end of the shaft is rotatably attached to a pipe; the other end of the housing is rotatively attached to a wall.

Abstract: Multiple shocks of a vertically falling mass against a target member coupled with the earth are prevented by holding the mass and retaining it above the target member after its first bounce. This retention is accomplished by means of deformable elements laterally pressed against the mass body by jack rods actuated in response to a control signal produced by a sensor at the moment of the first impact of the mass.

Abstract: A motor driven treadmill having a speed control operated by the user and an elevation control operated by the user so that the user can vary the speed and the inclination of the treadmill as desired both at the start and during exercise. Spaced elevation units carried at one end of the treadmill frame with lead screws therein driven in synchronism by an electric motor, with limit controls for raising and lowering. A speed control with a pulley unit carried on a translating rod moved by the patient, and a brake mechanism for holding the translating rod in the position selected by the patient, thereby maintaining the desired speed.

Abstract: Fluid pressure mechanism for locking a movable rod or similar member in scted positions of adjustment. The mechanism includes a fluid housing having at least one annular rod-gripper element encircling a movable rod. Introduction of fluid pressure into the housing causes the gripper element to expand out of locking engagement with the rod. Removal of the fluid pressure force enables the gripper element to relax into locking engagement with the rod. In a preferred arrangement two rod-gripper elements are employed. The rod passes through the two gripper elements located in opposite side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A disk brake operating mechanism including an hydraulically operated piston in a cylinder arranged to move a friction pad into contact with a disc, in which a mechanically actuated brake operating mechanism is provided, the mechanism consisting of a piston rod abutting the piston and being axially movable in relation to it. An actuating collar is arranged around the piston rod at a position outside the piston and is supported at a part of its circumference against movement towards the cylinder by a stop. A strut or other device is provided to enable an actuating force to be applied to the part of the collar diametrically opposite the stop to cause it to lock onto the piston rod and move the piston rod to effect application of the pad to the disk.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable locating pin adapted to locate a workpiece on a tooling fixture for machining thereof. The locating pin includes a locator pin having various illustrated configurations is adapted to cooperate with a workpiece for positioning the workpiece in various directions of restraint. The locating pin is provided with manually actuatable locking means that permits easy adjustment or removal of the specific locator pin as a particular machining operation may require. Flexibility of the set up of the tooling for machining of a workpiece is enhanced.

Abstract: A fluid motor comprising a piston and cylinder combination includes mechanism for locking an output shaft which is helically displaceable along its longitudinal axis upon actuation of the piston. The locking mechanism includes a locking element driven by a fluid operated motor for displacement in a direction transverse to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a notch in the shaft for receiving the locking element, the notch and locking element have mating surfaces which are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and transverse to the shaft's helical path of travel. The locking element motor comprises the piston and cylinder chamber defined within a body upon which there is also mounted a cam guide for guiding a cam member which is secured to the shaft on the opposite side of the notch. The locking element is secured to and extends transversely of the locking piston into an opening within the body adjacent the shaft.

Abstract: Stretch-wrap film on a roll is utilized by manual grasp on handles mounted on each end of the roll and freely rotatable thereon. A brake ring under at least one index finger can be clamped by that finger onto the spindle running with the stretch-wrap film roll, to apply braking and consequent stretch-wrap film tension.

Abstract: A safety valve has movable and immovable valve elements, and a friction unit arranged therebetween for damping vibrations, wherein the friction unit has a plurality of friction members movable radially relative to a valve axis, a pressing member arranged to move the friction members so that their friction surfaces are pressed against a friction countersurface of a movable valve element of the movable valve means and for abutment against a stationary abutment member at their side facing toward a valve closing member, and a pretensioned auxiliary spring acting upon the friction members at their side facing away from the valve closing member and in a valve closing direction, wherein the auxiliary spring has such force and such a smaller resistance that in the event of seizing of the friction members with the movable valve element, the auxiliary spring is compressed within a predetermined opening pressure which does not considerably exceed a response pressure over approximately a valve stroke.

Abstract: A ball screw brake and stop assembly having an elastomeric compression pad or elastomer member circumferentially surrounding the ball screw and received in a counter bore of a non-rotating assembly having a bore receiving the ball screw with the pad confined on its outer diameter and at one axial end. A striker member, dimensioned to be receivable within an open axial end of the counter bore, functions as a stop member limiting axial movement of the ball nut. Upon projection of the striker member into the counter bore, further movement of the ball nut causes axial compression of the elastomer member providing resistance to further axial movement of the ball nut. At the same time, radial expansion of the elastomer member, caused by compression in the axial direction, causes the inner diameter of the elastomer member to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the ball screw to break rotation of the ball screw.

Abstract: In a dual area nozzle automatic mechanical actuation system for a boost-sustain solid propellant rocket motor, a pressure differential is created on the opposite sides of a ball-catch retaining ring when a fast-burning portion of the solid-propellant grain is spent and a slow-burning portion is ignited that allows the blow-out load on the smaller throat orifice of a mechanically restrained movable nozzle section to move the movable nozzle section to seat the smaller throat orifice against the larger throat orifice of a fixed nozzle section.

Abstract: A clamp for drilling tubulars such as drill pipes includes a jaw which defines a cylindrical recess. A cylindrical insert is rotatably mounted within the recess. This insert defines a cylindrically symmetrical toothed surface positioned to grip and frictionally engage the clamped tubular, and a cylindrically convex positioning surface configured to cooperate with the cylindrical recess to hold the insert in place in the jaw. The insert is mounted in the jaw so as to rotate freely within a selected range of rotational positions in order to allow the insert to orient itself as necessary to maximize the area of contact between the insert and the clamped tubular over a range of tubular diameters. The insert is reversible in the recess so as to allow the insert to be positioned in the jaw as necessary to maximize frictional engagement with the clamped tubular in a selected direction of rotation.

Abstract: A balanced braking system comprising a plurality of braking assemblies located about a member to be braked. Each of the braking assemblies consists of a spring biased piston of a first material fitted into a body of a different material which has a greater contraction upon cooling than the piston material. The piston is provided with a recessed head portion over which is positioned a diaphragm and forming a space therebetween to which is connected a pressurized fluid supply. The diaphragm is controlled by the fluid in the space to contact or withdraw from the member to be braked. A cooling device causes the body within which the piston is fitted to contract more than the piston, producing a tight shrink fit therebetween. The braking system is particularly applicable for selectively braking an arbor of an electron microscope which immobilizes, for example, a vertically adjustable low temperature specimen holder during observation.

Abstract: An exercise machine for simulating the stroke of a canoe paddle is disclosed. A tube is pivotably mounted on the longitudinal axis of a frame. A paddle-like shaft is pivotally connected to a frictional resistance element sidably mounted on the tube. The frictional resistance element provides greater resistance to movement in one directional sense than to movement in the other directional sense to that the stroke and return stroke of a canoe paddle can be simulated. The frictional resistance element is formed of an outer member having a conical inner surface and an inner member having a conical outer surface, the inner member being fabricated into two halves on either side of a longitudinal plane. The tube passes through a longitudinal bore of the inner member, the bore being lined with frictional material. Forces acting to move the frictional resistance element in a first direction cause the outer member to compress the halves of the inner member as a function of the cone angle.

Abstract: A clamping device for the play-free fixing of a bar has clamping jaws radly slidably mounted in the housing of the device, into an outer release position and an inner clamping position. A double-acting servo-piston is disposed about the bar and has connected to it wedge elements which extend axially between the housing and the respective jaws and which have inclined faces engaging correspondingly inclined faces of the jaws, so that axial movement of the servo-piston causes the jaws to move inward towards or outward from the clamping position. A releasable locking device may additionally be provided for locking one or more of the wedge elements and the piston to the wall of the housing when the piston is in its position corresponding to the clamping position of the jaws.

Abstract: A clamping device includes three clamping jaws guided at an angle in a hong for engaging an axially displaceable load-bearing rod. Reliable clamping is obtained without alteration of the setting position reached. This is achieved by providing a servo-piston in the housing, which piston is displaceable in both directions by servo-force and is directly connected to the clamping jaws. The frictional force between the rod and the bearing faces of the clamping jaws as well as between the guide faces of the clamping jaws and their associated guide tracks in the housing, as well as the angle of inclination of the guide tracks are such that, in operation, self-locking occurs. The clamping action of the clamping jaws may be released only by moving the servo piston.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle is provided with an elongated rod which is longitudinally displaceable with respect to a carrier which supports at least one frictional rod engagement member for producing a rod travel retardation force. The rod engagement member is arranged to apply a lateral force to the rod, which lateral force is translated into the rod travel retardation force to smoothly and quickly control the motion of the rod between first and second positions. The frictional rod engagement member can be urged against a rod in various ways, including compression of a resilient or elastic force exerting component, such as a wire-wound spring. The combination of the force exerting components and the frictional member can be configured to apply retardation forces to the rod which have preselectable damping characteristics. In a featured embodiment of the invention, the resilient force exerting component is itself damped by contact with the frictional rod engagement member.

Abstract: A gas spring comprising a cylinder, a rod slidably extending from the cylinder, and a novel locking mechanism. The mechanism comprises first and second axially contiguous recesses in the circumference of the rod, a locking member normally located in the first recess and snappingly and rockingly movable between two recesses, and axially spaced first and second actuating members cooperating with the locking member. The first actuating member comprises an engaging portion and a releasing portion being circumferentially spaced therefrom. The releasing portion acts to displace the locking member to the second recess. The second actuating member comprises an engaging portion for locking the rod and also for displacing the locking member to the first recess, and axially and circumferentially inclined guide walls for circumferentially displacing the locking member thereby guiding the same between the releasing portion and engaging portions in response to the movement of the rod.

Abstract: A rod wrench is provided for use with hollow stem auger drills of the type wherein auger sections are connected through a key system and secured together with a fastener. The wrench comprises a body portion which seats on and connects to the top of an auger section, a slip jaw riding in an inclined jaw guide and extending through the wrench body wall, and a pair of pipe gripping jaws at the top of the wrench body. One of those jaws is fixed to the wrench body while the other is relatively movable so as to releasably grip a drill rod passing therebetween.

Abstract: A balancer is installed between a fixed body and a lid attached to the fixed body pivotably through a horizontal revolution axis. This balancer is a spring balancer for a pivotable cover lid having a compression coil sring which acts in compression or extension and a rod which transfers into a metallic cylinder according to the revolution of the cover lid. Further, this balancer has the overall characteristics of the compression coil spring and the sliding friction characteristics of the rod.

Abstract: A mechanical lock normally preventing axial motion of a rod with respect to a housing includes a coil spring which normally encircles and grips the rod tightly. The coil spring is mounted on the rod between a fixed bushing and a rotatable bushing. The two bushings are identical and interchangeable to reduce the cost and complexity of the device. The rotatable bushing is rotated by an actuating lever to unwind the spring so as to increase its diameter and thereby to release its grip on the rod. Both the fixed bushing and the rotatable bushing include beveled faces which permit the last few turns at both ends of the spring to become cocked on the rod to provide a true locking engagement with the rod. The last few turns of the spring adjacent the rotatable bushing are immediately released by a minimum of rotation of the bushing since it is not necessary for the unwinding of the spring to be transmitted through the entire length of the spring.