Abstract: The present discloses an automatically locked retractable protective door sill, including a retractable curtain assembly, a scroll assembly, an upper fixing base and a lower fixing base, a dial mechanism and a locking mechanism are arranged in the upper fixing base, the locking mechanism includes a hydraulic rod capable of retracting at a fixed time, and the hydraulic rod is connected to the dial mechanism; the sliding base is connected to the hydraulic rod, and the hydraulic rod drives the sliding base and drives the linkage base to reset automatically, so the automatic locking of the locking mechanism is achieved, and then the scroll assembly is locked. The whole device has a simpler structure and more convenient operation, the dial button may be manually pushed to return for locking after not reaching the set time, so as to prevent children opening the door sill during an automatic locking process.

Abstract: A stationary bike capable of leaning of tilting side to side during use is described. The stationary bike has a fixed frame portion and moving frame portion which is pivotally mounted on the fixed frame portion, at two spaced apart pivot locations, to allow the moving frame to pivot about a pivot axis defined by the two spaced apart pivot locations. The pivotal action of the bike may be resisted, such as by a damper. The tilt-enabled bike is equipped with a tilt disabling mechanism, e.g., a locking mechanism configured to selectively and operatively engage the moving and the fixed frame to disable the relative movement (i.e. the pivoting) of the moving frame.

Abstract: A rung lock assembly is provided for a ladder, and comprises rung lock portions, a pinion gear, compression springs, a rung body, a rung cover, a center bolt, a spacer, and a fastener portion. Each of the rung lock portions comprises a rod portion, a rack block fixed to the rod portion, a locking portion, a holding portion connecting the rod portion to the locking portion so that the rod portion is disposed in parallel with the locking portion and configured to be held and pulled by a user's hand, and the rung lock portions are anchored by guide plates and disposed in parallel with each other. The pinion gear is disposed between and engaging the rack blocks, so that the rung lock portions translate outwards or inwards together. The distance between the locking portion is increased in both directions simultaneously by pulling one of the holding portions.

Abstract: Devices for players of musical wind instruments with a bell-shaped portion that hold the instrument during play and methods for its use in alleviating strain on the musician and/or assisting the musician with accurate placement of the instrument for optimum playing and/or stabilizing the instrument are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding canopy with central locking mechanism, including a central locking mechanism including a top disk, a lower disk and a lock lever. The lower disk includes a locking unit for engaging with the lock lever, and the locking unit includes a lock plate and an elastic member. The lock plate is provided therein with a locking hole, and the lock lever is used to penetrate the locking hole. The elastic member is used for tilting the locking hole in the lock plate to a hole-tilted position. When the locking hole is tilted to the hole-tilted position and a wall of the locking hole is in frictional contact with a side wall of the lock lever, the central locking mechanism completes locking.

Abstract: A weight collar for retaining a weight on a bar, comprising a bar engaging section having an opening for receiving the bar therethrough and a weight engaging section having proximal and distal ends, the weight engaging section extending from the bar engaging section so as to extend at least partially toward the weight when the bar engaging section receives the bar through the opening, the bar engaging section being configured to engage the bar with a gripping force as the weight exerts a rotational force on the distal end of the weight engaging section so as to prevent the weight from sliding off the bar, the distal end of the weight engaging section being orthogonally spaced at least 1 inch from a central axis of the opening, a center of gravity of the collar being orthogonally spaced at least 0.1 inches from the central axis toward the distal end.

Abstract: When a person uses an extension ladder it is imperative that the extension ladder is placed securely against the structure so that it will not sway from side to side or tip to prevent personal injury to the person who is standing on the ladder. The device will permit the use of an extension ladder as originally intended, but will also provide additional surface area that is placed on the roof surface to insure greater stability to the ladder. The device will be attached to an extension ladder and will self-adjust as the extension ladder is placed on the roof of the structure.

Abstract: A locking pin assembly having a body including a wall defining an interior space and having at least one aperture therethrough for allowing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior environment. A barrel defines a bore and has an outer wall with external threads. A pin travels longitudinally within the interior space of the body and the bore of the barrel. A spring actuated assembly maintains an end of the pin in an extended position relative to an end of the barrel when no force is applied to the pin and allows the pin to retract relative to the end of the barrel when a force is applied to the pin.

Abstract: A tool holder comprises a cage assembly having a pair of axially spaced hollow members with axially aligned through openings sized for axial extension of tool handles of different sizes and shapes through both of the aligned openings. A cradle member is transversely movable in opposite directions between the hollow members toward and away from respective inwardly facing wall surfaces of the hollow members for releasably clamping tool handles extending through both aligned openings against the inwardly facing wall surfaces.

Abstract: A tool holder comprises a cage assembly having a pair of axially spaced hollow members with axially aligned through openings sized for axial extension of tool handles of different sizes and shapes through both of the aligned openings. A cradle member is transversely movable in opposite directions between the hollow members toward and away from respective inwardly facing wall surfaces of the hollow members for releasably clamping tool handles extending through both aligned openings against the inwardly facing wall surfaces.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a track lock assembly that includes a pawl assembly comprising a pawl arm extending from a pawl axis and configured to engage a slot in a slider assembly, a cam arm extending from the pawl axis and having a pawl cam, and a compliant member, and a position lock assembly comprising a first lock arm extending from a lock axis and an actuator configured to urge rotation of the first lock arm between a lock locked position and a lock unlocked position, the first lock arm configured to engage and retain the cam arm in a pawl locked position when the first lock arm is in the lock locked position and disengage the cam arm in the lock unlocked position such that the compliant member is able to urge the pawl assembly to a pawl unlocked position.

Abstract: Variable length flush nozzles for wire electric discharge machining (wire EDM) are provided. The variable length flush nozzle comprises an elongated body having an internal channel and a nozzle head having a pair of opposed slots formed therein. The nozzle head is coupled to the elongated body by a retention element dimensioned and configured for operative engagement with the pair of opposed slots such that the nozzle head is slidable relative to the elongated body between a fully extended position in which the variable length flush nozzle is at a maximum length and a fully retracted position in which the variable length flush nozzle is at a minimum length.

Abstract: A device, kit and method may include or employ an implantable device (e.g., annuloplasty implant) and a plurality of tissue anchors. The implantable device is positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) and operable to constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). Each of the tissue anchors may be guided into precise position by an intravascularly or percutaneously techniques. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished via a variety of structures, for example an articulated annuloplasty ring, the ring attached to the tissue anchors. The annuloplasty ring may be delivered in an unanchored, generally elongated configuration, and implanted in an anchored generally arched, arcuate or annular configuration. Such may approximate the septal and lateral (clinically referred to as anterior and posterior) annulus of the mitral valve, to move the posterior leaflet anteriorly and the anterior leaflet posteriorly, thereby improving leaflet coaptation to reduce mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A rotation control device for a tool is disposed between a handle and a tool head and includes two ratchet wheels, a spring and two C-shaped snap rings. The two ratchet wheels are symmetrically arranged. When pressed, the respective ratchet wheels will be subjected to the same force and move the same distance, thus making the engagement between the ratchet wheels and the tool head more assured, while avoiding the stuck fault and improving the convenience in use.

Abstract: A device for the application of a preload between a subsea wellhead and a conductor housing comprises an activating member (1), a support housing (2), a locking member (3), end means (9) for securing the support housing relative to the well-head. Movement of the activating member causes an inclined lateral movement of the locking member. The activating member carries a ratchet (7) comprising a multiplicity of serrations which have a regular pitch in the activating direction and the support housing (1, 2) cames at least two latches (19, 20) which allow the relative movement and can engage the ratchet to inhibit movement reverse to the activating direction. The discrete locking positions provided by one of the latches are positionally out of phase with the discrete locking positions provided by the other latch or latches.

Abstract: A stroller fold joint has a first part with a connection hosel coupled to a cylindrical hub body having a circumferential surface and a pivot axis extending through the body. A second part has connector coupled to two plates. The hub body is sandwiched between the plates and the first and second joint parts are pivotable about the pivot axis relative to one another between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. A tunnel extends through the hub body perpendicular to the pivot axis. A shuttle is slidable within the tunnel and has an elongate body, a latch end, and an actuator end. The latch end is adjacent the circumferential surface of the hub body at one tunnel end and the actuator end extends into the hosel. With the fold joint in the folded or the unfolded orientation, or moving therebetween, the shuttle is not exposed and covered by portions of the fold joint.

Abstract: A regulating device for gymnastic machines and the like, includes at least a lever (2) for manual selective lock and release, associated with a first member (3), at least a toothed rod (4), associated with a second member (5) slidable relative to said first member (3), and a pawl (6) mechanically interlocked with the lever (2) and selectively engageable in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4) to block rigidly the second member (5) with respect to the first member (3) in any position by a user the lever (2) being selectively movable from at least a first position of sliding of the second member (5) relative to the first member (3), wherein said pawl (6) can be released from said toothed rod (4), to at least a second position of blocking said second member (5) relative to said first member (3), wherein the pawl (6) is rigidly engaged in one of the teeth (7) of the toothed rod (4), to at least a third position of substantial clearing of the mechanical backlashes between the second member (5) and the first

Abstract: In an apparatus support console comprising a pedestal having a foot, a support column extending from the foot and pivot joint structures supported on the column and carrying an apparatus or an apparatus holder, a telescopic member is pivotally supported on the column that is between the pivot joint structures so as to be extendable or retractable and the telescopic structure is provided with locking means for locking the telescopic member to permit secure positioning of the apparatus and locking it in any position convenient to a user of an apparatus supported by the support console.

Abstract: In an apparatus support console comprising a pedestal having a foot, a support column extending from the foot and pivot joint structures supported on the column and carrying an apparatus or an apparatus holder, a telescopic member is longitudinally movably supported in the column and/or between the pivot joint structures so as to be extendable or insertable and the telescopic structure is provided with locking means for locking the telescopic member to permit secure positioning of the apparatus and locking it in any position convenient to a user of an apparatus supported by the support console.

Abstract: A mechanism (20) for connecting the coupling nut (14) and barrel (12) of an electrical or optical connector to resist but not prevent their relative rotation, includes a clicker ring (22) that has forward-projecting teeth (36) and that fits into a circular recess (32) at the rear of the coupling nut to engage rearward-projecting nut teeth (34). The clicker ring also has slots (40) that receive radially-outward projections (42) on the barrel, to prevent clicker ring turning.

Abstract: An angle adjustment device, include a fixed portion; a movable portion; a connection portion which rotatably connects the movable portion to the fixed portion; and an elastic member which is arranged between the movable portion and the fixed portion and restricts rotational movement of the movable portion with kinetic friction generated between the movable portion and the fixed portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinally adjustable intermediate piece with a first and second longitudinal element. A spindle nut is placed inside the second longitudinal element and rests via one of its two faces on a friction surface of the second longitudinal element while covering a large area or can be brought into contact therewith. However, a friction-reducing axial bearing is provided between the other face of the spindle nut and the second longitudinal element so that the spindle nut can be set in rotation over the thread when applying an axial tractive force to the longitudinal elements and the longitudinal elements can be continuously pulled out of one another. However, the rotation of the spindle nut is blocked when applying an axial compressive force to the longitudinal elements by means of the frictional resistance between the spindle nut and the friction surface thereby preventing the longitudinal elements from being pushed together.

Abstract: An articulated-arm arrangement for plumbing fixtures, for example, a shower head, contains a mounting fixture that may be fastened to a wall. A pivot joint for a wall-mounting arm that may be pivoted about a horizontal axis is accommodated within the mounting fixture. The pivot joint contains a brake for locking the wall-mounting arm in place and a slip-clutch in order to allow pivoting the wall-mounting arm upwards, against the action of its own weight, without releasing the brake from its braking setting.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a centering axle having an engaging member defined at one end thereof, a sleeve encompassing a portion of the centering axle, and a clutch device that securely receives the sleeve and permits rotation of the centering axle and the sleeve in only one direction. The centering axle defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves, and the sleeve defines a plurality of equally spaced grooves corresponding to the grooves of the centering axle in an opposed manner. Each pair of opposed grooves of the centering axle and sleeve define a narrow passageway that accommodates a ball bearing that is slidable along the longitudinal axis of the centering axle and between the sleeve and centering axle. The ball bearing in each passageway permits longitudinal movement of the centering axle relative to the sleeve and prohibits rotation of the centering axle relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A locking device for a safety gate which includes a gate surface made from material which may be wound up with a mechanism for prevention of unintentional unwinding of gate material, the mechanism including a catch wheel which co-rotates with the unwinding, a rotatable catch for cooperation with the cogs of the catch wheel and a release mechanism releasing the gate for unwinding. The mechanism also includes a driver which is arranged adjacent the catch wheel and may be rotated concentrically therewith, at which rotation a pin which is arranged at the catch is displaced in a slot in the driver so that the pin, when the catch is in a released position, contacts a surface inside or adjacent the slot. The driver includes a fork with two shanks between which the slot is arranged. The slot is L-shaped. In order to release the gate, a manually performed movement in three different directions of an actuator which affects the releasing mechanism is required.

Abstract: A restraint mechanism for a set of handcuffs, the handcuffs including a pair of openable bracelet sections, each of the bracelet sections including a locking mechanism for opening and closing a bracelet section. The bracelet sections are tethered together by a linkage that includes a restraint mechanism that permits a bracelet section to be rotated about an axis extending through the linkage and the bracelet sections so as to rotate said bracelet section in a first rotational direction to a predetermined angular position, but in which the bracelet section is prevented from movement in a second reverse rotational direction once the predetermined angular position has been achieved.

Abstract: The mechanism includes two discoidal parts, including a ratchet and crown mounted on an unattached axle, each of their opposing faces with cogged sections. The positioning of the ratchet on the axle allows it to move axially to facilitate the separation of the teeth. The separation of the teeth is carried out by a separator element that is set up between the ratchet and crown, the ratchet being able to be manually operated to carry out the separation. The ratchet is required to activate the position of engagement with the crown by means of a spring that is supported by an external disk that in turn presses on a limit plate pierced by the axle and mounted on the ratchet.

Abstract: A coaxial cable extender having only two parts overcomes the complexity of prior devices while maintaining functionality. The extender includes a sleeve, attached to a conduit of the coaxial cable, having a ratchet toothed rack and a slider received on the sleeve. The slider has an integral arm with ratchet teeth biased against the ratchet toothed rack such that the slider may be ratcheted along the ratchet toothed rack to extend the effective length of the conduit.

Abstract: A turnbuckle device (10) for clamping concrete shell elements (35, 36) comprises stationary claws (14, 15) and pivotable claws (24, 25) which can be clamped with the stationary claws (14, 15) via a wedge (28) on two neighboring concrete shell elements (35, 36) in that the claws (14, 15, 24, 25) engage in profilings on the frame of the concrete shell elements (35, 36). The stationary claws (14, 15) have archings (18) which engage behind transverse struts (34) or longitudinal struts (33) of a concrete shell element (36). The turnbuckle device (10) is displaceably held on the concrete shell element (36) via the archings (18). If the claws (14, 15, 24, 25) are within the concrete shell element (36), the turnbuckle device (10) can be displaced on the concrete shell element (36) in a longitudinal direction of the transverse strut (34 ) only that far that the turnbuckle device (10) does not project over an outer edge (39) of the concrete shell element (36).

Abstract: A string trimmer comprising an elongate shaft and a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the shaft. A cutting member which extends from the cutting head. An attachment is pivotally mounted on the string trimmer by at least one pivot mechanism, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a latching mechanism about which the attachment is capable of latchably rotating relative to the string trimmer. The attachment is a barrier which is capable of being used by an operator to move vegetation away from a path swept out by the cutting member.

Abstract: In a mechanism for locking curtains and the like, a sleeve rotates about a relative axis and is fastened to a roll, in coaxial relation therewith. A curtain is rolled up on the roll. A barrel features at least one radial housing opening outside of the barrel and enters freely the sleeve. The mechanism includes also one spring introduced freely in each radial housing and pushing a cylinder or a sphere against an inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation. The invention includes also the building structure and method.

Abstract: An inline roller skate frame assembly for attachment to a boot is provided which facilitates lateral sliding movement over a substrate. The frame assembly including a mounting flange adapted for attachment to the boot and a pair of laterally spaced parallel side rails depending from the mounting flange. The frame assembly has a plurality of wheels each of which is rotatably supported on a corresponding wheel axle. The opposing ends of each wheel axle are received in a respective one of the parallel side rails. At least one slider plate is carried on an external surface of one of the side rails. The slider plate has a beveled lower edge which defines a slide surface engageable with and slidable over a substrate with the wheels not contacting the substrate. The slider plate is arranged and configured to overlie at least a portion of the external surface of the side rail adjacent the toe and heel ends of the side rail.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster on the core or shaft of an actuating-pull mechanism, preferably for gear-shift cables of motor vehicles. For the purpose of adjusting force transmission, two shaped parts with toothing arrangements interengage. The two shaped parts are arranged in a housing with a securing sleeve and a compression spring. The compression spring acts along the axis of the core or shaft. The shaped parts are of trapezoidal design in cross section and are fixed via noses which are arranged on the outer of the shaped parts and the securing sleeve.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for supporting a ski binding toe piece and heel piece on a ski, the carrying apparatus having a length-adjustable coupling member arranged between a front support member and a rear support member. The carrying apparatus is easily mountable to the ski and is adaptable to accommodate numerous ski boot sizes.

Abstract: A height adjusting device for manually positioning and automatically locking in place a chair backrest relative to a chair seat, or any other elements requiring relative positioning comprises a track member engaged with and telescoping from a support member, a lock pin and a spring. The track member is provided with guide members internally and axially disposed within the lateral faces of a cavity in the track member, so as to provide for firm yet tolerant and slideable engagement with the support member. The lock pin is trapped, yet free to move, responsive to gravity, along a cam slot in the support member, and, responsive to a spring retained on the support member produces an audible "click" when moved to a position of engagement with notches along a slot on the track member. The device is particularly tolerant where the engagement of the support member and the track member is concerned, so as to facilitate manufacture, and is therefore economical and highly reliable.

Abstract: An expandable column 10 is accommodated in an accommodating hole 12a so as to freely advance therefrom and retract thereinto. The expandable column 10 has a plurality of holes 11 disposed thereon in the advancing and retracting direction thereof. An actuating piece 13 extends from an end of a fixed frame 12 in the advancing and retracting direction of the expandable column 10. The actuating piece 13 has elasticity and is formed to be swingable using the connecting portion thereof with the fixed frame 12 as a fulcrum and further has a pin 14 formed thereto and engaged with holes 11. The expandable column 10 is positioned by the engagement of one of the holes 11 with the pin 14 and the engaged state of both the hole 11 and the pin 14 is released by the swing motion of the actuating piece 13, so that the expandable column 10 can be expanded and retracted.

Abstract: A system whereby a user can adjustably interconnect a drop ceiling frame to an existing ceiling joist. In its broadest context, the system includes a ceiling joist screw which is adapted to be positioned within a ceiling joist; a linkage which is adapted to be connected to the joist screw; an adjustment cylinder which is secured to the lower end of the linkage; and a threaded J-hook which is adapted the adjustably positioned within the adjustment cylinder. With this system, a user can easily install a drop ceiling frame to the desired height.

Abstract: A device that locks a threaded collar around a cylindrical gun barrel has a lunger extending in a radial direction through the collar. The plunger rides upon a series of ratchet teeth, disposed around the circumference of the gun barrel. The ratchet teeth include ramps and steps. As the collar is threaded onto the gun barrel, the plunger rides up the ramp of each ratchet tooth and drops into the step of the next ratchet tooth around the gun barrel. When in place, the plunger is pushed backwards against the wall of the ratchet tooth and arrests rotation of the collar in the unthreading direction. To remove the collar, the plunger is lifted clear of the ratchet tooth. With the plunger held clear of the step of the ratchet tooth, the threaded collar can be unthreaded.

Abstract: A pipe support system which utilizes interconnecting pipe support members and mounting members, the support members having a longitudinally extending recess designed to receive and support at least one pipe, the pipe support members and mounting members being interconnected by a mortise and tenon arrangement on their respective side walls, and a hangar strap designed to fit within a slot in the mounting member and be adjustably retained by the interface of teeth. The assembly can be connected to support a number of different pipes from a hanging arrangement, a vertical surface arrangement or from a floor.

Abstract: An improved height-adjusting mechanism for use on armrest of a chair. It includes a securing mount having a central sliding slot provided with a plurality of consecutively spaced slant retaining recesses on one side of the slot; and an adjusting member slidably engaged with the securing mount, an abutment block movably confined in a rectangular cavity of the adjusting member, a resilient plate and a positioning piece. A bolt secured to the abutment block is selectively engaged with one of the slant recesses of the securing mount when the adjusting member is moved in one way and the locking bolt can be freed of the restraint of the retaining recesses and held by the positioning piece when the abutment member first reaches the top of the securing mount and then is pushed all the way down to the bottom of the securing mount for adjustment when the adjusting member is moved in another way or upwardly.

Abstract: An umbrella top structure includes an upper notch secured on a top portion of a central shaft, a top cap member engaged with the upper notch for fastening a central crimped portion of an umbrella cloth in between the top cap member and the upper notch as packed by a packing washer, with the top cap member having a plurality of ratchet teeth juxtapositionally formed on the cap member and the upper notch having an annular hook portion formed in an upper portion of the upper notch, whereby upon the engagement of the ratchet tooth of the cap member with the annular hook portion of the upper notch the cap member will not be loosened from the upper notch to thereby stabilize the fastening of the umbrella cloth on the top of the central shaft.

Abstract: A spring roller-mounted pull-out screen for use as a child safety barrier across a doorway has a control mechanism which prevents the screen from extending when impacted by a child. The roller is locked against rotation in a direction allowing the screen to unwind unless released by a manual push-button. The roller automatically locks after the screen has been extended and fitted in place. The automatic locking mechanism operates by a friction drive which releases a pawl to spring into engagement with a ratchet wheel when the screen has been pulled out and released.

Abstract: A wall switch housing include a wiring box, a predetermined number of resilient pieces, a predetermined number of connection nails, and a cover plate. The wiring box is provided therein with a plurality of locating projections for holding securely the resilient pieces. The cover plate is provided with a plurality of retaining holes corresponding in location to the resilient pieces and engageable with the connection nails for locating securely the cover plate.

Abstract: An ascending/descending structure including a pull bar, a locking pin, a resilient retaining member and a locking tube formed with saw teeth-like locking notches for reliably locking the locking pin. The pull bar can be pulled outward along the locking tube for adjustment of height without slipping off or displacement. When the pull bar is reversely pushed inward, by the guide slot of the retaining member, the locking pin temporarily kept in a fixed position, permitting the pull bar to be pushed inward to the bottom of the locking tube for further adjustment of height.

Abstract: An adjustable limb support system is provided for an operating room table to adjustably orient and position a stirrup or boot. The support system provides an adjustable support in combination with a vertically adjustable support. The vertically adjustable support includes a support arm, a ratchet wheel, a lock pin, and a ratchet release. The support arm is connected to a housing which both rotate about the ratchet wheel in a rotational plane extending upwardly and outwardly from the operating room table for automatic abduction. The lock pin engages the ratchet wheel and allows the support arm to be rotated upwardly but not downwardly. The ratchet release disengages the lock pin and allows the support to be rotated downwardly. The support arm can thus ratchet upwardly to fixed vertical positions and be lowered only by disengaging the lock pin. The adjustable support includes a retaining block, a compression block, and a compression head.

Abstract: A uni-directional slack adjuster is incorporated into a hold-down tension rod or strap, such as a hold-down anchor bolt for bolting a shear wall on one floor to a shear wall or foundation wall below, when a wood floor joist assembly is in between. The slack adjuster eliminates bolt slack so that in the event of an earthquake or hurricane, the sill plate is positively anchored with no vertical bolt play, eliminating much of the cosmetic damage that is often done to the wallboard and other finished surfaces due to distortion of the wallboard framing as the sill rises abruptly until it reaches the end of travel on the hold-down bolts. The slack adjuster comprises a link in the tensioner and non-reversibly either expands or contracts axially depending on the particular embodiment.