Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes a knob, a lower clamp, one or more upper clamps between the lower clamp and the knob, and a bolt that passes through the one or more upper clamps. The lower clamp includes a spring, an upper portion, a lower portion pivotally coupled to the upper portion, and a clamping passage that passes laterally through the upper and lower portions of the lower clamp. The bolt includes a bolt upper portion coupled to the knob and a lower portion secured to the upper portion of the lower clamp. The spring exerts a biasing force on the lower portion of the lower clamp that pivots threads of the lower clamp toward the upper portion of the lower clamp.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: One or more embodiments for a rolling drink coaster. The rolling drink coaster includes a top assembly coupled to a bottom plate. A plurality of rollers are disposed on an underside of the rolling drink coaster that allow the drink coaster to roll and to be movable over a surface. An interior cavity of the rolling drink coaster is configured to hold a beverage container. The rolling drink coaster includes one or more stabilizer pieces configured to support and stabilize the beverage container when located inside of the rolling drink coaster. The rolling drink coaster may have an angled top body or a straight cylindrical shaped top body. In one embodiment, a bottom plate is fastened to a bottom surface of the top assembly of the rolling drink coaster. The bottom plate is configured to receive one or more axel assemblies that surround each roller and allow the drink coaster to move.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a supporting member that supports a first bar member in the longwise direction thereof; a pivoting member that has an opening portion that the first bar member penetrates and that is attached to the supporting member to freely pivot about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the longwise direction of the first bar member; and a fastening member that causes the pivoting member to pivot centered on the rotation axis, in which the pivoting member does not make contact with the first bar member when in a first position; the pivoting member makes contact with the first bar member when in a second position; and the fastening member fixes the pivoting member to either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: An electric power storage holder is inserted in a seat tube of a bicycle frame and holds an electric power storage member. The electric power storage holder includes a restricting section and a holding section. The restricting section contacts an end edge of an open end section of a seat tube to restrict axial movement of the holder in one of axial directions of the seat tube, the one of the axial directions being a direction in which the seat tithe extends. The holding section holds the electric power storage member.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for fastening camera accessory parts to a camera system can be fastened to support tubes of the camera system. The holding apparatus comprises a bridge part which has two pairs of openings for receiving support tubes, with the openings of the one pair differing from the openings of the other pair at least with respect to their spacing; at least one pair of clamping elements which are provided at the bridge part and are movable at least between a clamping position and a release position, with the clamping elements locking support tubes received in the openings at the bridge part in the clamping position of said clamping elements; and an actuation device which is configured to move the clamping elements together. The clamping elements have different clamping sections which are configured to lock support tubes of different diameter and/or different spacing at the bridge part.

Abstract: A holding structure and a portable electronic apparatus therewith are disclosed. The holding structure includes a mount structure and a movable member. The mount structure includes a constraining portion having an accommodating space and an opening. The movable member includes a carrier having an engaging structure. When an end portion of a pencil object is inserted into the constraining portion from the opening to be accommodated together with the carrier in the accommodating space, the constraining portion constrains deformation of the engaging structure such that the engaging structure is engaged with the end portion. The end portion is therefore hardly extracted out. When the carrier departs from the accommodating space, the engaging structure and the end portion are disengaged. The end portion is therefore easily extracted out. The invention uses structure to constrain deformation, which can provide stable holding strength without any metal spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an electronic device includes a main body with two ends. An arm is provided at one end of the main body, and has a hook attached thereto, shaped for the electronic device to be placed between the hook and the arm. An additional arm is slidably attached to the other end of the main body, and is capable of being slid by a user to several lateral positions relative to the main body. An additional hook is provided on the slidable arm, and is shaped for the electronic device to be placed between the hook and the arm. A locking system is provided to lock and unlock the slidable arm to at least one of the lateral positions. A base section is capable of being secured at or near a location. The main body is adjustably attached to the base section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries to facilitate the temporary attachment of standard laboratory glassware to vibratory mixers and other types of aggressive shaking equipment. The container holder couples the entire flask or container to the mixing equipment in a secure fashion. The technology may be used with conventional glass flasks, or with plastic flasks that can be configured for either single-use or multiple-use. The invention allows for single handed, low force insertion of the flaskware as well as the incorporation of sensors into the container holder.

Abstract: A portable lock mounting assembly including a body defining a lock retaining mechanism and a contact surface. A strap having first and second ends is attachable to the body such that a loop facing the contact surface is defined by the strap. A cam member is supported by the body adjacent the contact surface and is pivotal between a first position wherein the cam member extends generally parallel to the contact surface and a second position wherein the cam member extends at an angle relative to the contact surface.

Abstract: A quick-release device for clamping a quick-change plate of an optical device in a guide on a baseplate, the quick-change plate and the guide comprising complementarily formed guide surfaces, the guide comprising first and second mounting elements adjustable relative to each other, and a device for fixing the quick-change plate in place designed for adjusting the distance of the mounting elements to each other, characterized in that the device for fixing the quick-change plate in place comprises a lever engaging with a cam in a slotted link disposed in the first mounting element, such that a motion of the lever adjusts the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.

Abstract: A clamping device is used for clamping an object. The clamping device includes a main body, an actuating mechanism, and two clamping arms. The actuating mechanism is disposed within the main body. The actuating mechanism includes a gear and cam, which are coaxial with each other. Each of the two clamping arms has an extension part. The two extension parts are engaged with two opposite sides of the gear. In a case that the engaging element is engaged with the cam, the two clamping arms are in an open status. In a case that the engaging element is disengaged with the cam, the gear is driven by the cam to be rotated. As the gear is rotated, the two extension parts are towed to be linearly moved. Consequently, the two clamping arms are switched from the open status to a clamping status.

Abstract: A retaining device for a stand includes a base, a shaft inserted in the base, a handle pivotally mounted on the shaft, and a retainer sleeved on a cam portion of the handle. When the handle is pivotally moved downwards, the retainer can be driven to move toward an extending rod of the stand by actuation of the cam portion of the handle for stopping against the extending rod of the stand and retaining the extending rod of the stand in position.

Abstract: A retaining system according to example embodiments of the present invention may include a base plate that includes a cam and alignment guides, where the cam defines both a locked position and an unlocked position, and a support shoe that includes alignment tabs and a locking tab, where the support shoe is configured to be inserted into the alignment guides when the cam member is in the unlocked position. Upon insertion of the support shoe into the alignment guides, the cam may be configured to engage the locking tab of the support shoe and bias at least one of the alignment tabs into engagement with at least one of the alignment guides as the cam advances from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: A cup holder is deployed from a recess in a substantially vertical panel behind a substantially planar fold-down door which is pivotable adjacent to a bottom edge. A substantially planar tray member is slidably mounted to a guide frame to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position at respective distances from the inside surface of the fold-down door. A telescoping holder unit with substantially cylindrical sleeve elements slides from a collapsed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the tray member. A top rim of the holder unit is fixed with respect to a cylindrical sleeve element having a largest diameter and is coupled to the tray member. A bottom plate of the holder unit is coupled to the fold-down door. The holder unit accommodates various beverage containers.

Abstract: A holding structure and a portable electronic apparatus therewith are disclosed. The holding structure includes a mount structure and a movable member. The mount structure includes a constraining portion having an accommodating space and an opening. The movable member includes a carrier having an engaging structure. When an end portion of a pencil object is inserted into the constraining portion from the opening to be accommodated together with the carrier in the accommodating space, the constraining portion constrains deformation of the engaging structure such that the engaging structure is engaged with the end portion. The end portion is therefore hardly extracted out. When the carrier departs from the accommodating space, the engaging structure and the end portion are disengaged. The end portion is therefore easily extracted out. The invention uses structure to constrain deformation, which can provide stable holding strength without any metal spring.

Abstract: An accessory adapter capable of attaching to a cargo accessory management system is shown and described. The accessory adapter may include a body member and a clamping member attached to the body member, where a portion of the cargo accessory management system is capable of being wedgingly secured between the clamping member and body member. The accessory adapter may also include an accessory adapter body selectively attached to the body member, where the accessory adapter body is capable of securing an accessory to the cargo accessory management system.

Abstract: A film-carrying system and a film-carrying device used therein are provided. The film-carrying system includes a support base, a film-carrying device and a film. The film-carrying device includes a support connection part, an elastic part, and a film connection part. The support connection part is coupled to the support base while the film connection part is coupled to the film. The elastic part has a free end and a fixed end; the free end connects to the film connection part, and the fixed end connects to the support connection part. The elastic deformation of the elastic part provides the film connection part with a degree of freedom in linear displacement, and the film connection part also has a degree of freedom in angular displacement corresponding to the support connection part.

Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.

Abstract: A cam holder system is described. A cam mechanism allows the holder to accept sheet material and be closed easily, while still maintaining strong holding power. The holder is formed by two or more separate pieces of extruded rigid material that slide together. End caps can be used to hold the pieces in alignment with each other so that they do not slide apart when the holder is opened. The cam is located near the middle of the assembly so that the user has leverage when opening and closing the holder. The holder can be squeezed in one direction to open the holder, and in the other direction to close the holder. A lever arm for closure is located above the cam, and a lever arm for opening is located below the cam. The receiving slot is located on-center so that the holder and the sheet material remain aligned with each other during use.

Abstract: A mounting component for engagement of a scope or other component to a firearm mounting rail. A base of the mounting component features first and second translating halves which can be drawn toward each other by rotation of a lever operating a cam to translate a cross member communicating between the two halves of the base. An adjustment is provided to change the length of the cross member extension between the base halves to allow adjustment of the compressive force caused by lever rotation.

Abstract: A quick-release device for clamping a quick-change plate of an optical device in a guide on a baseplate, the quick-change plate and the guide comprising complementarily formed guide surfaces, the guide comprising first and second mounting elements adjustable relative to each other, and a device for fixing the quick-change plate in place designed for adjusting the distance of the mounting elements to each other, characterized in that the device for fixing the quick-change plate in place comprises a lever engaging with a earn in a slotted link disposed in the first mounting element, such that a motion of the lever adjusts the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A cable wedge assembly that can streamline installation of cabling assemblies upon trees and other structures is provided. For example, the cable wedge assembly need not require specialized tools for installation. Rather, the unique features and functions of the assembly attach to a cable merely by inserting a cable through the assembly, tightening a portion of the connector upon another and establishing tension in the cable. Once cable tension is established, the integral wedges seat causing attachment to and retention of the cable. This attachment and retention is effected by way of split conical inserts disposed within the housing of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate holder and a liquid crystal display having the same. There is provided a plate holder for fixing a plate in a liquid crystal display. The plate holder includes a base portion, a body portion formed on an end of the base portion and laterally extending therefrom, and a head portion formed at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion disposed to be spaced apart by a predetermined interval from and to face the first body portion.

Abstract: A film-carrying system and a film-carrying device used therein are provided. The film-carrying system includes a support base, a film-carrying device and a film. The film-carrying device includes a support connection part, an elastic part, and a film connection part. The support connection part is coupled to the support base while the film connection part is coupled to the film. The elastic part has a free end and a fixed end; the free end connects to the film connection part, and the fixed end connects to the support connection part. The elastic deformation of the elastic part provides the film connection part with a degree of freedom in linear displacement, and the film connection part also has a degree of freedom in angular displacement corresponding to the support connection part.

Abstract: A holder for a loudspeaker box onto which the loudspeaker box can be slipped. The holder includes a control handle and a clamping device actuatable without tools via the control handle.

Abstract: A cam holder system is described. A cam mechanism allows the holder to accept sheet material and be closed easily, while still maintaining strong holding power. The holder is formed by two or more separate pieces of extruded rigid material that slide together. End caps can be used to hold the pieces in alignment with each other so that they do not slide apart when the holder is opened. The cam is located near the middle of the assembly so that the user has leverage when opening and closing the holder. The holder can be squeezed in one direction to open the holder, and in the other direction to close the holder. A lever arm for closure is located above the cam, and a lever arm for opening is located below the cam. The receiving slot is located on-center so that the holder and the sheet material remain aligned with each other during use.

Abstract: A collapsible pen holder installed within a surface of an object, including an automobile dashboard or briefcase, secures and retains a pen within a cylindrical sleeve slidably engaged within a cylindrical mounting frame member, exposing a pen cap of the pen. The pen is placed within the cylindrical sleeve which is then pushed into the mounting frame member until the cylindrical sleeve is retained within the mounting frame member by a locking mechanism, exposing only an end of the pen cap. To remove the pen from the pen holder, the end of the pen head is depressed, releasing the locking mechanism and ejecting the cylindrical sleeve from the mounting frame member, projecting the cylindrical sleeve from the surface by a spring mechanism allowing the pen to be removed from the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A mounting system for personal electronics devices is described. The mounting system is intended for use in vehicles and consists of a compressible base which may be wedged by hand into a variety of openings and spaces in a vehicle passenger compartment. A bendable arm extends from the base, such that personal electronics items attached to the arm may be positioned in a convenient location.

Abstract: A novel adjustable screed bar holder used to support screed bars used in concrete finish work. The holder moves along a supporting device such as a stake, pin, or post. A lever on the holder is coupled to a cam wheel such that movement of the lever will disengage the cam wheel from the stake. When the cam wheel is in the disengaged position the holder is free to move along the stake until the lever is released and the cam wheel secures against the stake. Typically the holder will be used to hold a piece of lumber, pipe, rebar, or tubing parallel to the forms used in concrete placement. A screed may then be run over the concrete while it rides on the screed bar supported by the adjustable holder.

Abstract: A container securing device includes a housing portion, with a cylindrical shape, the top of which is open, and which is intended to house a beverage container. A flap is positioned within a hole that is formed within a surrounding wall of the housing portion, and is installed so as to be capable of moving either out of the housing portion, or into the housing portion, in response to the container being inserted into, or extracted from, the housing portion. An impelling (biasing) component forces the flap toward the interior direction of the housing unit. The flap is capable of moving to a location that secures the container when the container is fully housed within the housing portion.

Abstract: In a mobile telephone/PDA holder (mechanism) having a hollow body with clamping jaws supported therein by guide legs which are disposed in the hollow body so as to be slidable in unison toward, and away from, one another under control of an operating mechanism including a coupling wheel rotatably supported in the hollow body and being coupled to the guide legs, and locking elements biased into engagement with the locking wheel, the locking wheel is provided with a circumferential layer of a resilient material and the locking elements are disposed adjacent the locking wheel and have saw-tooth like projection firmly engaging the resilient material layer and the locking wheel for preventing rotation thereof in one direction but permitting its rotation in the opposite direction and a release key connected to the locking element and extending from the hollow body for releasing the locking wheel.

Abstract: An on-vehicle holder of a portable electronic display device comprises a support bracket, a U-shaped base and a movable engagement member. The U-shaped base is connected to the support bracket, comprising a first lateral plate, a second lateral plate and a bottom plate connecting together; a containing space portion is made by the first lateral plate, the second lateral plate and the bottom plate. The movable engagement member comprises an operating portion and a fastener portion. In addition, at least either the length of the first lateral plate or the length of the second lateral plate is longer than the width of the bottom plate. Consequently, the structure of the invention is made to contain the thickness of a portable electronic display device to achieve the objective of design miniaturization.

Abstract: The invention is an improved coupler for interconnecting a plurality of stackable platforms, the coupler having projections appropriately sized and spaced to facilitate frictional engagement of the coupler with platforms having different dimensions.

Abstract: A new vacuum cleaner/bracket combination has a bracket that mates with an indented side on a vacuum cleaner or blower. The indented side has a downwardly-facing upper lip portion and a laterally-facing side lip portion. There is an upper groove portion behind the downwardly-facing upper lip portion, and a side groove portion behind the side lip portion. The bracket has an upper rim portion that is configured to fit within the upper groove portion on the indented side. A side rim portion on the bracket is positioned below the upper rim portion. It is configured to fit within the side groove portion on the indented side when the upper rim portion on the bracket fits within the upper groove portion.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for displaying, storing and fixturing snowboards and glider type boards vertically either on the wall or supported from a floor stand. The device allows the quick and easy loading of a board and manipulating or adjusting the board's position. The device has multiple points or surfaces of contact, located on both sides of an elongated board placed in the device, which said points or surfaces may be cushioned, compliant and frictional so as to prevent board damage and to aid in supporting the edges of the board. The contact points provide frictional forces and horizontal vector forces which are the result of the downward gravitational vector force and slight downward movement developed by the weight of the board itself as it is transferred through the multiple contact surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket for securely storing a tool including a receiving member having a plurality of gear-like teeth, wherein the receiving member includes a frame that defines an opening for closely receiving the tool, and a mounting member having a base and an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is adapted to mesh with the plurality of gear-like teeth.

Abstract: A support apparatus used with construction masts. The support apparatus comprises a truss and a top adjustable mount assembly secured to the truss. The top adjustable mount assembly is selectively positionable so as to engage the construction mast.

Abstract: An x-ray cassette holder and clips capable of holding various types of x-ray cassettes including aluminum cassettes and tunnel cassettes. The clips when used with the tunnel cassettes allow for the changing of the vinyl cassette without releasing the cassette holder. The shaft or upright structure is calibrated to allow for easy positioning of the height of the cassette.

Abstract: A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.

Abstract: Arrangement that supports a temperature sensor comprising a terminal probe, applied on the outside of a preferably cylindrical body, and comprising an elastic ring arranged in contact with said body and provided with a hole accommodating said terminal probe; the elastic ring is interrupted by a split-like gap that increases the elastic adaptation ability thereof. Preferably, on the outside of said ring there is provided a perimetrical groove and said hole is obtained by appropriately shaping of inner surfaces of said groove. On the inside of the ring there may be provided a through-slit, so that the groove is capable of being spread apart in correspondence of said hole.

Abstract: A storage device for accessories, such as wakeboards and the like on a boat, may be mounted to maximize space and secure objects for storage. The device includes displaceable levers, fixed arms, and an actuating assembly that provides a spring bias for displacing the levers towards the fixed arms to provide a clamping force against an item or accessory to be stored.

Abstract: A storage device for accessories, such as wakeboards and the like on a boat, may be mounted to maximize space and secure objects for storage. The device includes displaceable levers, fixed arms, and an actuating assembly that provides a spring bias for displacing the levers towards the fixed arms to provide a clamping force against an item or accessory to be stored.

Abstract: A clamping device for grasping and suspending a workpiece is disclosed. The clamping device comprises a clamp body, the clamp body comprises at least one slotted arcuate spring end portion; an intermediate spring spreading portion contiguous with and extending from the slotted arcuate spring end portion, the intermediate spring spreading portion having an eccentric bore; a jaw end portion contiguous with and extending from the intermediate spring spreading portion, the jaw end portion comprising a jaw clamping surface, and a bracket, the bracket having a beveled sidewall; wherein the jaw clamping surface and the bracket define a jaw opening; and a suspending means attached to the intermediate spring spreading portion; an eccentric wedge slideably mounted in the bracket; and an eccentric cam rotatably disposed within the eccentric bore.

Abstract: A clamping device for grasping and suspending a workpiece is disclosed. The clamping device comprises a clamp body, the clamp body comprises at least one slotted arcuate spring end portion; an intermediate spring spreading portion contiguous with and extending from the slotted arcuate spring end portion, the intermediate spring spreading portion having an eccentric bore; a jaw end portion contiguous with and extending from the intermediate spring spreading portion, the jaw end portion comprising a jaw clamping surface, and a bracket, the bracket having a beveled sidewall; wherein the jaw clamping surface and the bracket define a jaw opening; and a suspending means attached to the intermediate spring spreading portion; an eccentric wedge slideably mounted in the bracket; and an eccentric cam rotatably disposed within the eccentric bore.

Abstract: A holder for an article, especially a tooth brush, includes a holder body having on an inside wall thereof at least one oblong shaped resilient portion radially inwardly extending to the center portion of the holder body which upon insertion of the article into the holder exerts pressure on the article to hold the article or having at least one oblong shaped non-resilient portion embedded in an elastic portion ensuring the bending of the non-resilient portion. At a lower portion of the holder body a funnel shaped inlet hole is positioned for inserting of the article and at an upper portion of the holder body a surface having an attaching hole is positioned for fixing of the holder spatially.

Abstract: A storage device for accessories, such as wakeboards and the like on a boat, may be mounted to maximize space and secure objects for storage. The device includes displaceable levers, fixed arms, and an actuating assembly that provides a spring bias for displacing the levers towards the fixed arms to provide a clamping force against an item or accessory to be stored.

Abstract: A clamp device which includes a base has a recess defined between two protrusions, and a chamber is defined in an inside of one of the two protrusions. A friction pad is attached to an inside of the other of the two protrusions. A frame with an inclined plate is received in the chamber and two parallel rails extend from a top surface of the inclined plate. A roller is received in the chamber and two grooves are defined in an outer surface of the roller. A friction member is mounted to the roller and located between the two grooves so that the rails are movably engaged with the grooves. A shank of a tool can be held by the friction member and the friction pad.

Abstract: Secure pen holding mechanism including a seat body formed with a slide socket, a resilient locating latch hook bottom end of which is inlaid in a wall of the slide socket and a holding body having a slide body and at least one resilient clamping arm. The slide body is slidably disposed in the slide socket of the seat body. A locating channel section is formed on outer face of a side wall of the slide body. A sliding end of the locating latch hook is slidable within the guide channels of the locating channel section so as to control and stop the slide body at different extending/retracting positions in the slide socket. The slide body is formed with a fitting cavity for accommodating a pen therein. The pen is clamped by the resilient clamping arm.