Abstract: A cable connector for securing the end of a cable includes a body supporting opposed jaws for sliding motion for gripping a cable with a wedge action. A slot in the top wall of the body permits the cable to be loaded from the top of the body. T-shaped guide structures capture the jaws for controlled sliding movement. Separate springs directly and independently bias the jaws toward a closed position. A sturdy latch plate synchronizes the jaw motion and retains the jaws in a cocked, open position ready to receive a cable. The springs are enclosed at the sides of the jaws, and are of substantial length.

Abstract: An aerial cable spacer is provided with a cable retainer. The cable retainer includes a cable retaining arm. A mid portion of the cable retaining arm includes a fulcrum point. The fulcrum point engages and exerts a force on the cable as the cable retaining arm bends to a closed position. In the closed position, the bent arm maintains a force on the cable.

Abstract: A power line insulator clamp for clamping a power line to the top of a power line-holding insulator which comprises first and second clamping members pivotally hinged together by a hinge connection. The first clamping member has a first section configured to extend from the hinge connection across the top of the insulator so as to overlay a power line groove on the top of the insulator, and a second section configured to extend transversely of the first section for engaging a tie wire groove on the insulator. The second clamping member has a third section configured to extend from the hinge connection transversely of the first section for engaging the tie wire groove on the insulator. The hinge connection is located to one side of the clamp so as to not interfere with the insulator or a power line extended across the insulator. An actuator is coupled to the first and second clamping members for opening and closing the clamp.

Abstract: An improved self-locking cleat for rope, cable, and the like including a housing, a rotatable generally spherically-shaped engaging member, a biasing means and a positioning means. The housing includes an elongated base, a first passageway generally circular in cross-section and extending transverse to the length of the base. A chamber is formed in the base and is disposed adjacent one side of the first passageway. A length of rope is drawn through the first passageway in either a first or an oppositely directed second direction. The rotatable engaging member is pivotally mounted within the chamber and is positionable at either a first or a second position. The member is biased into the first position by the biasing means and is manually positionable, via the positioning means, into the second position.

Abstract: A rope locking device and method are provided to prevent inadvertent rope movement of counterbalanced riggings as used in theaters and auditoriums. The locking device housing is rigidly supported on a floor or wall and includes a handle to manually release a handline passing therethrough as needed. Resiliently mounted jaws with teeth within the housing adjustably grip the handline and prevent slippage thereof. When there is an out-of-balance condition, the jaws grip the handline even though the manual release handle is moved to its release position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scissors-type clamps and clamping assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clamping an elongated flexible member is provided. This clamping apparatus includes body defining at least one passage therethrough. A clamping member is operatively associated with the body member such that a portion of the clamping member can be selectively moved into and out of the passage. Juxtaposed clamping surfaces on the clamping member and the body converge and diverge as the clamping member is moved into and out of the passage. An actuator member extends from the clamping member and is operable for causing the clamping member to move into and out of the passage to engage and disengage the flexible elongated member therein. A locking mechanism is utilized to releasably fix the clamping member in one of a plurality of engaged positions.

Abstract: A clamp (1) serves for formwork panels (2) arranged in-plane, side by side, to be connected at the webs (3) running round their edges and has for this purpose two clamping jaws (4) which urge these edge webs (3) together and can be swivelled relative to each other and to a mount (8) with the aid of a wedge (7), the mount simultaneously constituting the abutment for the wedge (7). The clamping jaws have for this purpose points (6) of application for the wedge face (7c) averted from face (7b), which points of application (6) are spaced from the swivel bearings (5) of the clamping jaws (4) and are under a lever arm. These points of application (6) are suitably arranged at the inner end of an elongated and guiding slot (10) which is open towards the opposite side and also affords lateral guidance for the wedge as it moves.

Abstract: A mechanical cord lock forming a non-slipping loop in an elastic cord such as elastic bungee cord employed in a vehicle restraining net is disclosed. The connector includes two releasably engageable parts one of which has concave sidewalls formed on opposite sides thereof and a central wall formed intermediate the concave sidewalls. The second part has spaced concave sidewalls each with a pair of depending legs formed on opposite end walls which when mated with the first connector part defines two tortuous paths through the connector parts which ensure that the elastic cord lengths that are placed therethrough in a stretched position remain in such position without slippage.

Abstract: A rope clutch having a plurality of apertured pivoted plates which grip or release a rope passing through their apertures according to the angle they make to the rope, has a mechanism for initiating release of the rope which includes a variable toggle linkage.

Abstract: A mechanical cord lock forming a non-slipping loop in an elastic cord such as elastic bungee cord employed in a vehicle restraining net is disclosed. The connector includes two releasably engageable parts one of which has concave sidewalls formed on opposite sides thereof and a central wall formed intermediate the concave sidewalls. The second part has spaced concave sidewalls each with a pair of depending legs formed on opposite end walls which when mated with the first connector part defines two tortuous paths through the connector parts which ensure that the elastic cord lengths that are placed therethrough in a stretched position remain in such position without slippage.

Abstract: An underwater robot is employed to clean and/or inspect the inner surfaces of high flow rate water inlet pipes for various facilities, such as power plants, water treatment plants, etc. The robot crawls along a cable positioned within a pipe to be inspected or cleaned, and in one embodiment, includes a plurality of guidance fins which rely upon the flow of water through the pipe to position the robot therein as desired. Retractable legs can also be provided to fix the robot at a location within the pipe when it is employed to clean the pipe using a water jet or similar system. The robot can also include a water driven turbine for generating electricity for the various motors, servos and other actuators contained on board the robot. Also, the robot preferably includes wheel or pulley arrangements which further help the robot to negotiate sharp corners or other obstructions within the pipe to be inspected or cleaned.

Abstract: A safety clamp appliance is disclosed formed of a cable or rope housing having opposed hinged walls for opening to receive a rope and a generally U-shaped cross-section, the housing interior being adapted with a rope slide to receive a safety rope, a brake lever having a pivot point, a brake surface and a handle for attachment to a climber's belt. The brake lever is pivotally mounted in the housing. An actuating spring is provided for spring loading the brake lever, thereby maintaining a constant pressure by the brake surface on the rope. The actuating spring is provided with a quick release fastener to disconnect from the brake lever for converting the safety clamp appliance from a spring loaded mode to a non-spring loaded mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cam cleat device for use in gripping rope, lines, or the like. The device includes a base plate having a rope receiving surface portion along and against which the rope travels, a cam pivotally connected to the base plate, and a plurality of protrusions extending generally radially outwardly from the surface of the cam. The protrusions provide an improved bite when in operation so as to prevent rotational as well as translational movement of the rope when gripped.

Abstract: A traction hook and rope lock which has a unique locking mechanism wherein accidental release is eliminated. Also this hook and rope lock is unusual in manner due to the fact that it will stay in its locked position even when there is little or no tension applied on the rope. This invention is uncomplicated and easy to use and has promise of being highly efficient when used in hospitals for patients in traction.

Abstract: A gripping device for selectively locking and releasing a flexible member, such as a rope, which may be moved over a guide surface, comprises a lever which may be swung about an axis and which is mounted in a frame. An engaging member is swingably mounted on the lever, and by means of an operating handle on which an eccentric cooperating with the lever is mounted, the lever may be moved between a locking position (FIG. 1) and a releasing position (FIG. 2). By movement of the operating handle in a direction towards and beyond the locking position a force-transmitting projection formed on the operating handle may be brought into direct engagement with an abutment surface on the engaging member, whereby a particularly strong and quick locking of the flexible member may be performed.

Abstract: A hand operable rope locking device which avoids sliding metal to metal contact of the wearing parts and uses a roller engageable in over center relation with a replaceable elastomeric insert in a pivotally mounted metal locking dog.

Abstract: A device for gripping or locking a rope or wire comprises a pair of rope engaging members or jaw members defining a pair of oppositely arranged wire engaging surfaces forming a passageway for the rope. The jaw members are mounted in the frame of the gripping device by means of a swinging link suspension including a pair of swinging links. The jaw members are suspended so that the frictional forces acting between the rope and the jaw members cause displacement of the rope engaging surfaces thereon in mutual parallel relationship towards each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope in a first direction, while the rope engaging surfaces are displaced away from each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope or wire in a second opposite direction. This means that the rope is pinched between the rope engaging surfaces, when the rope is pulled in the said first direction, and released, when pulled in said second direction.

Abstract: A device for providing a clamping joint comprises two elements (1,2) with complementary threads, each having a flange constituting a clamping surface. Clamping takes place upon relative axial displacement of the elements (1,2) which can be brought about by screws (4) arranged axially in bores in a flange (5) on one element. In order to prevent accidental disengagement of the elements, at least one of the threads adjoins at one end to a part (6) which is wedged against an opposing thread flank when the elements (1,2) are rotated in relation to each other over a predetermined end position.

Abstract: A rope or cable connection is made between first and second lengths of rope or cable by a clamp device including an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member which are hinged together. The upper jaw member defines an open ended engagement slot through which the lengths of cable or rope extend. The jaw members may be pivoted apart to an open position, or alternatively, pivoted together to a closed position. When in the closed position, the open end of the slot is bridged by the lower jaw member and the lengths of rope or cable are compressed within the slot. A latch means holds the upper and lower jaw members in their closed position while permitting quick attachment or disengagement of the clamp device without the need for tools. Slot inserts may also be provided with the clamp device which are dimensioned to be received within the slot. The slot inserts permit cable or rope lengths of different diameters to be clamped together.

Abstract: A drop wire clamp is provided for suspending a coaxial cable drop wire or the like. The clamp is of molded plastic resin material comprising a body having converging clamping surfaces on the interior thereof, and a two part wedge having external tapered surfaces engageable with the body converging clamping surfaces to wedge the two parts of the wedge together. The two parts of the wedge have confronting surfaces defining a channel for gripping a cable. The channel undulates transversely longitudinally thereof, and a pair of smaller adjacent, parallel channels of similar undulating construction are provided on either side of the first-mentioned channel for gripping a messenger wire. An extension of the body is provided with an eyelet for hanging over a hook or the like.

Abstract: Cable clamp with jaws and a wedge.The invention deals with a cable clamp having clamping jaws, a clamping wedge and locking means.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for releasably clamping a cable or line (6), comprising a housing (1), a clamping lever (3) which is mounted rotatably thereon (at 7) and two clamping surfaces (2, 8) of which the first is arranged on the housing (1) and the second is arranged on the clamping lever (3) and between which the cable or line (6) passes. The cable is also passed around at least one direction-changing means (8-10), the clamping lever (3) being designed for a lever ratio b/a such that at most the coefficient of friction .mu. is attained at the frictional location.

Abstract: An improved cable control mechanism for releasing a hydraulic locking device by an operator from a remote location is provided with a clamping mechanism for quickly attaching one end at the control cable to the output lever assembly at the proper point for reliable operation of the device without prior measurement of the cable length. The clamping lever also covers the sharp free end of the cable to avoid injury to maintenance personnel. Other improvements disclosed include separate retaining clips for more conveniently mounting the output lever assembly to the locking device and for attaching the cable conduit to the output lever assembly.

Abstract: A wireline protector for protecting an electrical wireline used in a downhole drilling operation. During the operation of adding additional drill string members to the drill string, the electrical wireline is encased by and clamped within the wireline protector thereby guarding it against damage by any slippage of the slip members. The wireline protector includes an elongated section that is arranged to extend through the opening in the rotary table through which the drill string passes in such a manner so as not to interfere with the drill string and a support base connected substantially perpendicular to the elongated section. The elongated section has an elongated opening into which the portion of the wireline passing through the rotary table can be inserted so that it is substantially surrounded and guarded by the elongated section. After the wireline is inserted into this elongated section, a toggle lock clamping mechanism mounted on the support base acts to grip the wireline so as to retain it in place.

Abstract: A secure safety anchor that is easy to utilize is provided for attachment to structural angle irons in marine installations and the like. The anchor includes a vise grips with movable and stationary jaws, and a head welded to the stationary jaw. A flange surface portion of the head extends substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line between the vise grips jaws when in the clamping position, and a number of force concentrating set screws pass through the flange surface at an angle of about 15 degrees with respect to the imaginary line. A through-extending opening in the head provides for attachment of a safety belt clasp.

Abstract: A cable, wire or rope clamping device including a pair of plates having surfaces defining serpentine grooves to receive and retain segments of the article to be clamped. The plates are moveable between an open position for insertion of the segments and a closed position with the surfaces in closely spaced face-to-face relation to retain the segments within the grooves.In one form the clamping device is formed of nonconductive material and is useable to connect or splice electrical conductors.

Abstract: The tractive apparatus has two clamping grippers each comprising a pair of jaws actuated by clamping links connected to an operating lever through connecting links pivotably mounted on this lever on each side of a pivot pin of the lever situated in the extension of a guide bar on which one of the two jaws of each gripper slides, the two grippers moving in opposite directions while being clamped in one of the two directions of movement. The guide jaw of each gripper is formed by a hollow body which serves as housing and bearing point for one of the ends of a pre-clamping spring whose other end exerts its action on a clamping link actuating the other jaw of the same gripper.

Abstract: A locking device for cords of a sun-blind or the like having an upper beam and one or more webs of sun-blinding material connected thereto. The cords extend through the internal space of the upper beam and leave it for opening or closing the sun-blind. The locking device consists of a U-shaped portion in the legs of which a tumbler is pivotably supported at the one end. The free end of the tumbler is biased in the direction of the bottom of the U-shaped portion. The cords extend between the free end of the tumbler and the bottom of the U-shaped portion and are locked when they are clamped between said free end and bottom resulting from the bias force.

Abstract: A device for holding a fish stringer, comprising an L-shaped frame made up of a base plate and a shoulder plate perpendicular to the base plate, and including jaw means pivotally mounted on the base plate for engagement with a flexible line such as a fish stringer between the jaw means and the shoulder plate. The jaw means describes an arc about the pivot which intersects the shoulder plate near a perpendicular line between the jaw pivot point and the shoulder plate. Normally the stringer can be easily removed by pulling a portion of it near the jaw means in direction perpendicular to the base plate. However, cover means are optionally provided for selectively and slidably covering the jaw means and the shoulder plate to selectively obstruct and not obstruct the removal of the stringer line from between the jaw means and the shoulder plate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base plate.

Abstract: A clothes hanger particularly for skirts or trousers embodies a cross member provided near its center with a suspension hook. Near opposite ends, the cross member carries two articulated clamps for gripping suspended clothes. The gripping action of each clamp, on the clothes, is developed in a gradual way by rotating a cam-shaped spreading element lodged within the upper extensions of the clamps. Simplicity and economy of manufacturing are featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-piece tubular clamping assembly formed from a plastic type material and comprising a first clamping arm engageable with a flange positioned on a second clamping arm to create a unique lever and fulcrum structure capable of securing one or more concentric tubular members in place or blocking a flow path through a tubular member. The present invention further comprises a novel locking mechanism for preventing accidental disengagement of the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A clamp device for gripping a cable or rope has two essentially semi-cylindrical jaws with longitudinal channels in their flat faces. The jaws can interlock at one end for pivotal movement relative to each other so as to bring the channels into register with each other, defining a cavity in which a rope or cable may be gripped, the jaws being clamped together by for example a screw clamp device engaging the ends of the jaws opposite the interlocking ends. The screw clamp device may serve for the attachment of hooks, eyes or shackles to the clamp device.

Abstract: A hand-held, thumb operated archery bowstring release has a generally lazy-T-shaped body member contoured as a handhold. A pair of forwardly projecting jaw members retain a tensioned bowstring until released by a single slight downward movement of an associated plunger. Following such release an open helical compression spring acting on the plunger resets the jaw members to the bowstring holding position. To enable a high degree of target accuracy during the use of the invention, the structural members are disposed symmetrically about a vertical plane through the axis of the plunger and the center line between the jaw members, and the small mechanical releasing movements occur along paths of similar symmetry. The plunger has a circular cross section and has a plurality of longitudinally spaced coaxially aligned and small diameter segments and an upstanding conical frustum segment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a clamp for flexible tube and more particularly a clamp for surgical use. The clamp is formed of plastic material and has a pair of clamping members connected by a flexible hinge. The flexible hinge biases the clamping members open and a cam with at least one elongated handle closes the clamping members about a flexible tube or vessel. The clamp may be locked by a screw threaded through the cam and which is advanceable into contact with one clamping member. The clamping members are provided with beveled edges to define narrow convex clamping surfaces for the concentrated distribution of the clamping force, and the surfaces have serrations to prevent slippage of the tube from the grasp of the clamp. The clamping members may be curved to facilitate insertion of the clamp into inaccessible body areas during surgical applications.

Abstract: An electrical terminal comprises a U-section body, a clamping screw substantially parallel to the base of the U, and a generally L-shaped clamping member loosely located and pivotable in the body and having one arm acted on by the clamping screw for pivoting the clamping member to clamp an inserted conductor.

Abstract: A self-tightening clamp assembly may be selectively positioned along a flexible rope to provide a rigid stop thereon. The clamp assembly includes a clamp housing having a clamping surface and a movable clamp plate located therein on opposite sides of the rope. The clamp plate is urged against the rope by a lever and cam surface to clamp the rope against the clamp surface. A connecting assembly is provided at a rearward end of the lever that may be connected to the flexible rope so the lever will pivot in response to tensioning and loosening of the rope between ends. As the rope moves to a taut position, the lever automatically moves the clamp plate toward the clamp surface, tightly clamping the rope therebetween. As the rope is relaxed, the lever releases pressure against the clamp plate and therefore loosens its grip on the rope.

Abstract: A flow control device for accurately regulating the flow of fluid through flexible tubing. A pivotal platen is employed in conjunction with a roller which upon rotation along an intersecting axis with a length of tubing will effect a squeezing or compressive action on the tubing but with the compressive force being applied over a wide area of the tubing so as to not effect a distortion of the tubing after the compressive force is discontinued. The flow control unit can be utilized as a clamp in that it can completely disrupt the flow of fluid through the tubing yet it is highy adapted to being used as a flow control device in conjunction with a parenteral administration set.

Abstract: A cable clamp having jaws hingedly connected at one end by a hinge having a diametrical bore through which a cable can be inserted between the jaws, is energized by tension applied to the other ends of the jaws by a means acting to draw the jaws together into clamping engagement with a cable engaged between the jaws.