Abstract: A retractable arm device, system, and method with a locking mechanism for preventing items placed in a device or receptacle from getting stuck, damaged, or torn. The retractable arm includes an inner tube, a pawl, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube slides within the outer tube and the pawl preventing the retractable arm from moving into an extended position under particular conditions. The retractable arm may be placed in a receptacle for items to prevent the door from being reopened before the door is fully closed.

Abstract: Helmet retention systems including a dial adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective length of a head band are described. The dial adjustment mechanisms include a separator to separate portions of the head band during adjustment.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel for controlling movement of the crop in the area over the cutter bar to the transport draper carried on two reel mounting arms for upward and downward movement and for moving the reel forwardly and rearwardly along the respective reel mounting arm. The reel has a plurality of reel bats with reel fingers projecting generally radially outwardly from the reel axis where the reel bats are pivotal to vary the angle of the finger driven by a cam track member. An adjustment component defined by a follower in a guide track along one of the arms is responsive to movement of the reel along the arm which causes the cam track member to be angularly advanced and retarded about the reel axis to different adjustment angles in dependence upon the position of the reel along the mounting arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a helmet including mouth vents. The helmet of the present invention includes: a chin guard 100 having a first fastening portion 110 and a second fastening portion 120; a vent body 200 having a first fastening protrusion 210 protruding toward the chin guard 100 so as to be inserted into and fixed to the first fastening portion 110 and a second fastening protrusion 220 protruding toward the chin guard 100 so as to be inserted into and penetrate the second fastening portion 120; and fixing means 300 detachably coupled with the second fastening protrusion 220 penetrating the second fastening portion 120 to fix the second fastening protrusion 220 to the second fastening portion 120.

Abstract: A universal telescoping structural support device with a right side configuration, comprising a right female telescoping sleeve with a substantially rectangular shape that is open on one side; a right male telescoping sleeve with a substantially rectangular shape that is open on one side; wherein the male sleeve is configured to telescope in movement within and along a length of the female sleeve and wherein the female sleeve is configured to telescope in movement around and along a length of the male sleeve.

Abstract: A tool adapter includes a body and a retaining device. The body has a coupling hole and a side hole interconnected with the coupling hole. The retaining device includes an outer sleeve and a retaining member. The outer sleeve is movable relative to the body and is provided with an interacting portion. The retaining member has an engaging portion arranged in the side hole, a first portion arranged on an outer periphery of the body, and a bend portion located between the engaging portion and the first portion. The interacting portion releasably abuts against the bend portion in response the movement between the outer sleeve and the body.

Abstract: In one example, a first tubular member has a first diameter and is configured to attach to a printed circuit board. A second tubular member has a second diameter different from the first diameter and is configured to hold an environmental sensor for collecting data relating to an environment of the printed circuit board. The second tubular member is vertically adjustable relative to the first tubular member.

Abstract: A length extension assembly for a hand tool comprises at least two elongated extension tubings each having a longitudinal passageway and being of a size and shape that one of the tubings may be selectively inserted into the passageway of the other tubing. The assembly also includes at least two elongated extension bars each of a size and shape that each extension bar may be inserted into an appropriate tubing. The tubings are provided with longitudinally spaced locking holes. Each bar is provided with a locking member which can enter and be engaged in one of the locking holes to connect the bar to its tubing. Optionally, one tubing could be inserted into the larger tubing and a locking member on the smaller tubing could be engaged in a locking hole of the larger tubing to connect the tubings together. Various length selections can be achieved by connecting a bar to at least one tubing or by connecting a bar to one tubing and connecting that tubing to a larger tubing.

Abstract: A tissue retractor device within the scope of the present invention generally includes a frame, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of blades. The actuating mechanism generally includes at least one cam that encourages automatic toe-out of the blades. The tissue retractor eliminates the need for bulky secondary blade mechanisms to prevent undesired blade deformation at the surgical site. The toe-out motion occurs simultaneously along with the opening of the blades. The present invention further provides for depth adjustment of the blades by means of an adjustable screw assembly.

Abstract: A hood hinge is disclosed herein. The hood hinge includes a body attachment member configured to be attached to a vehicle body, and a hood attachment member configured to be attached to a vehicle hood. The hood further includes a hinge mechanism connected to the body attachment member and the hood attachment member so as to enable hinged movement of the hood relative to the body. Also provided are methods for installing a hood in a vehicle. Many embodiments include structural features that make it easier to make small adjustments to the position of the vehicle hood relative to the vehicle body to ensure optimum fit.

Abstract: The present application discloses an archery bow release that can be used to aid bow string release in archery. The bow release disclosed in the present application comprises a center carrier and a sleeve cylinder housing that receives the center carrier from the back end. The center carrier comprises a chamber, a lock mechanism and a string releaser. The lock mechanism locks and releases the center carrier. The string releaser holds the loop bow string when the center carrier is locked and releases the loop bow string when the center carrier is released.

Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame having a main frame and a sub-frame, and a shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber assembly can comprise a shock absorber and an extension body. The sub-frame can rotate in relation to the main frame and the shock absorber assembly can be used to regulate that relationship. An eccentric insert positioned functionally between the shock absorber and extension body can be used to modify the overall length of the shock absorber assembly to beneficially alter the geometry of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a header carried by the chassis. The header includes: a header frame; a cutter movably coupled to the header frame; a reel arm pivotably coupled to the header frame; a reel carried by the reel arm and including a plurality of tines; a variable displacement fluid cylinder including an interior chamber, a first piston linked to the reel arm placed within the interior chamber and a second piston placed within the interior chamber, the interior chamber defining a shared volume between the first piston and the second piston; and a piston driver linked to the cutter and configured to translate movement of the cutter relative to the header frame into displacement of the second piston within the interior chamber.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a frame, first and second supports, and first and second retractor blades releasably coupled with the first and second supports, respectively. The frame has first and second arms. The first support is releasably coupled with the first and second arms. The second support is slidably mounted on the first and second arms. The second support is movable between a first position with the retractor blades in close cooperative position and a spaced apart position with respect to the first support. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal end portion configured and adapted to engage a vertebral body. In one method of use, the retractor is inserted through an incision in first orientation with the blades in close approximation and rotated approximately 90°, before spreading the retractor blades to retract tissue.

Abstract: A compressible barbell adapter is disclosed, which consists of a compression-retraction member fastened to a hollow shaft for use on a bar. The compression and retraction movement of the compression-retraction member is generally achieved by means of a pinion and a rack system, and can be utilized in conjunction with dampening means. Slidable handles are also connected to the compression-retraction member, and serve to slide along the axis of the hollow shaft, and thus along the bar. The compressible barbell adapter is meant to be fastened onto existing bars or barbells such that additional exertion is focused on the pectoral, deltoid and back muscles during various exercises.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the upper portions of the human body. The apparatus is a “zigzag” configured rod that has rotatable grips on three parallel sections of thereof. The apparatus preferably can alternatively be configured or re-configured in a U-shape. A user, with or without the assistance of another person grasps two of the grips and rotates the device around its central section to perform a wide variety of exercises. A method is provided for using the apparatus to perform exercises beneficial for the user's arms and upper body.

Abstract: A pit liner includes an upper section, a lower section, at least one pin wherein each pin is connected to one of the upper section and the lower section, and at least one notch defined in at least one of the upper section and the lower section the lower section and the upper section sized to adjust with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to temporary wall systems and their production and more particularly to portable, temporary wall systems. The wall system includes an adjustable pillar member, a panel member, and a support article arranged and disposed to secure the panel member to the adjustable pillar member. The adjustable pillar member includes a base portion and an expansion portion, and is configured to extend between opposing surfaces to provide support for the panel member when secured thereto. The base portion includes a first face, an opposing second face, and a channel formed in the first face, the channel extending from the first face towards the second face. The expansion portion is movably disposed within the channel, and at least partially extends from the first face of the base portion.

Abstract: A wind deflector has a bearing base and a shiftable body that is shiftable relative to the bearing base between a first, extended position, in which the body is spaced apart from the bearing base and a second, placed-on position, in which the body is placed onto the bearing base. Two spaced apart links extend between the body and the bearing base. Each link has one end articulated to the body and a second end articulated to the bearing base. A push-push lock is provided for fixing at least one of the link and the body in the placed-on position of the body.

Abstract: On a device with at least first and second parts moveable relative to each other, comprising a sliding bearing located on the first part, comprising a sliding element and an adjusting element within in a very small gap between the two parts moveable relative to each other, and for inexpensive manufacture and simple assembly, that the first part displays a recess, located outside the area in which the adjusting element is supported on the first part, in which a projection located on the sliding element is mounted in positive fashion in the direction of actuation of the displacement of the adjusting element.

Abstract: The invention provides a forearm type of crutch comprising an operatively upright staff having a ground engaging foot at one end and a transverse handle and forearm support assembly at the operatively upper end, and wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly to the staff is adjustable, wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff is adjustable by means of a pair of co-operating positioning portions, one being stationary relative to the staff and the other being stationary relative to the forearm support assembly and wherein the positioning portions have complementarily co-operating zones that are engagable in different angular positions of the forearm support assembly and staff to provide a desired angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff and wherein releasable clamping means operatively hold the positioning portions in a selected engaged position for use.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger has a receiver having a hole arranged to allow mounting of the receiver on a fixed element, and a body opening in the receiver arranged to accept a connector. An adjustable hanger has a mounting having a hole arranged to allow the mounting to be mounted to a fixed element, and a shaft opening, a receiver having a shaft opening, a shaft having a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the mounting such that shaft can move relative to the mounting, and a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the receiver, and a connector arranged to be insertable into a connector opening on the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally fastening an aerodynamic surface. The apparatus includes a bearing block. A clamping block is connected to the bearing block and includes at least two elongate holes. A pivotally mounted strip member is coupled to the aerodynamic surface and to the clamping block. At least one fastening device is insertable into each of the at least two elongate holes for locking the clamping block relative to the bearing block. The aerodynamic surface is lockable in at least one angular position.

Abstract: A battery pack with a device for locking said battery pack to a cordless power tool has a guide configured to guide the battery pack in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked to the cordless power tool and a removal position in which it is removed from the cordless power tool, the guide has a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at said location a force acting on the battery pack moves the battery pack into a safety position offset from the guide, in which the battery pack is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.

Abstract: New locking connector assemblies and telescoping extension/retraction assemblies are disclosed that operate on the natural spring rate constraints of radial protrusions or radially constrained rings as they interact with engaging members to provide the locking force and permit the connector and extension retraction assemblies to be engage and disengaged or extended and retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning mechanism (1) for releasably fixing at least one position of a positioning means (3) which can be displaced more or less linearly relative to positioning means (2) fixedly connected to a structure (45), e.g. a shoe, which provides a mount for at least one displaceable coupling means (9) which engages under the action of a spring system (39) in a female coupling part (20) of the positioning means (2) connected to the structure (45) in a position which fixes the position of the positioning means (2, 3) relative to one another.

Abstract: A turnbuckle device (11) for clamping concrete shell elements (1, 2), having two claws (12, 13), which may be displaced toward one another, and a wedge (18) or the like, the claws (12, 13) having legs (14, 20; 41), the legs (14, 20; 41) having contact surfaces (30, 31; 43) extending in a plane to rest on struts (7, 21; 50) of frames (5, 6) of concrete shell elements (1, 2), the legs (14, 20; 41) having lugs on their free ends (16, 22; 40), which are capable of engaging behind depressions (9, 15) in frames (5, 6) of concrete shell elements (1, 2), is characterized in that an extension (17; 42; 44; 45) is provided on a lug (16; 40) of a leg (14; 41), which extends away from the contact surface (30, 43) at least partially perpendicularly to the plane of the contact surface (30; 43) of the leg (14; 41). The mounting of the turnbuckle device is thus made easier.

Abstract: A device for locking, an electrical device to an accessory part has a guide configured to guide the accessory part in a predetermined movement direction as it moves between a locking position in which it is locked the electrical device and a removal position in which it is removed from the electrical device, the guide having a break in at least one location between the locking position and removal position, and at the location a force acting on the accessory part moves the accessory part into a safety position in which the accessory part is prevented from moving further along the guide into the removal position.

Abstract: A walker for both child and adult users includes two supporting units and a connecting unit transversely connecting the two supporting units at the front sides thereof. A horizontal rod is provided between two leg portions of each said supporting unit. Each said horizontal rod has two slots at the opposite ends. Two sliding joints are mounted on the supporting units in the manner that the ends of the horizontal rod can be received by the sliding joints, and two pin members can be respectively pierced through one of the sliding joints and the corresponding slot. Further, two sets of clutch members each having a toothed portion for being detachably engaged with each other are provided between the ends of the telescopic members of the connecting unit and the adjacent supporting units.

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 striding shank fixing device includes an insert tube, a guide tube, and an adjusting member. The guide tube has plural position holes, and the adjusting member has a hole for the guide tube to pass through and a position projection to fit in one of the position holes to secure the adjusting member with the guide tube at an adjusted location. A thumb screw screws through the adjusting member to press a driving strip to push forcefully against a vertical side of a wall to secure the shank fixing device striding on the wall so the shank of a parasol may be inserted in the insert tube and stabilized by a thumb screw screwing through the insert tube and pressing against a driving block in the insert tube and pressing against the shank to support the parasol stably.

Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus, for elevating a furniture article, includes a base and a cradle which operatively engages the base so as to be supported thereby. The cradle includes a substantially horizontal support platform adapted to support a portion of a furniture item thereon. One of the base and the cradle has a plurality of projections extending outwardly thereon, and the other of the base and the cradle has a plurality of recesses, which mate with the projections when the base and the cradle are operatively engaged. The base and the cradle are rotatably adjustable relative to one another, to variously engage the projections and recesses and thereby establish multiple different height positions of the cradle support platform. The apparatus is used to adjustably raise the height level of a furniture article, particularly a bed, by placing individual supports according to the invention underneath the respective leg posts of the furniture article.

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: An adjustable, telescoping seat support that allows the height of a bicycle seat to be adjusted to a number of seat height positions safely while bicycle is in motion. An elongated tubular seat post is clamped to a bicycle frame in a stationary position. A bicycle seat is attached to an end of a seat holder that is slidably positioned internal to the stationary tubular seat post. A coil spring provides an extending force on the tubular seat post and the tubular seat holder such that the seat support is capable of extending to a raised seat position and compressing to a lowered seat position. The seat is locked into raised and lowered seat positions by a plunger locking portion that is attached to the elongated tubular seat post and which remains at a fixed position relative to the seat for all seat height positions.

Abstract: A CPU supporting assembly comprising a pair of interrelated supporting structures having upwardly facing supporting surfaces configured and positioned to support a CPU in downwardly engaged relation thereon. Two spaced pairs of generally oppositely facing confining surfaces facing toward one another are configured and positioned to confine a CPU therebetween. The supporting structures are constructed and arranged to move through a range of adjustable movements wherein a horizontal distance between the pairs of confining surfaces is adjustable to allow CPU's of various sizes to be supported by the assembly. The supporting structures further include a plurality of downwardly facing surfaces configured to position the supporting structures on a horizontally extending surface such as a floor.

Abstract: An adjustable, telescoping seat support allows the height of a bicycle seat to be adjusted to a number of seat height positions safely while bicycle is in motion. An elongated tubular seat post is clamped to a bicycle frame in a stationary position. A bicycle seat is attached to an end of a tubular seat holder that is slidably posited over the stationary tubular seat post. A coil spring placed inside the tubular seat holder provides an extending force on the tubular seat post and the tubular seat holder such that the seat support is capable of extending to a raised seat position and compressing to a lowered seat position. The seat is locked into raised and lowered seat positions by a plunger locking portion that is attached to the elongated tubular seat holder and which remains at a fixed position relative to the seat for all seat height positions.

Abstract: An adjustable rotary positioning mechanism comprising a clevis having a central axis, a first arm, a second arm, and a plurality of bores arcuately spaced around the central axis through the first arm of the clevis. A rod end having a central axis and a plurality of sockets is rotatably connected to the clevis through the central axis. The plurality of sockets are arcuately spaced around the central axis and positioned colinearly with the plurality of bores. A plurality of locking pins are carried in the sockets and configured to project into the plurality of bores to lock the clevis and the rod end together and to retract from the plurality of bores to permit relative movement of the clevis and the rod end. Another embodiment of the invention is a wheelchair comprising a frame, drive wheels and steerable wheels supporting the frame, and paired foot supports each adjustably connected to the frame using the adjustable rotary positioning mechanism described above.

Abstract: A holding device hold a first member in position relative to a second member on a clamping pin. Two racks respectively one connected to the first and second members and adapted to interengage in a locked position. A return spring separates the racks in an unlocked position. An additional spring co-operates with a bracket. The racks, return spring and additional spring are mounted on the clamping pin. The additional spring bears against the bracket and operates on the mobile rack to assure complete interpenetration of the mobile rack and the fixed rack. The main application of the device is to automobile vehicle steering columns.

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: An apparatus attaches to an automobile brake pedal lever in such a way as to allow a statuesquely small automobile operator the ability to adjustably control the total brake pedal length so that he can comfortably remain a safe distance from the steering wheel while still reaching the brake. This control apparatus has a leaf spring element that provides temporary self-supporting capability so that the optimum arrangement can be found before the controller is more stably connected to the existing brake pedal.

Abstract: A stabilized insertion device to prevent harmonic vibration or "wiggle" when inserting a probe or sensor into a gas pipeline. A shaft guide is placed around the shaft inside the housing of the insertion device. The shaft guide is composed of two sections. The first section is wider than the second. The second section is received by a spool bushing located inside the housing proximate to the pipeline. When the shaft is fully extended the spool bushing holds the shaft guide steady which in turn holds the shaft steady. An annular bevel and taper may be added to the spool bushing and shaft guide, respectively, to aid in the coupling thereof. Optionally, the shaft guide may be bisected to make it movable to different positions on the shaft, thereby allowing for probe insertion at a variety of depths.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling and disabling relative rotary movements between two members rotatable about a common axis comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking pins carried by one of the members and a plurality of circumferentially spaced sockets in the other of the members, the pins and sockets being uniformly spaced from the axis of rotation and each of the sockets being of such size as to accommodate any one of the pins. The number of pins is different from the number of sockets. The angular spacing between adjacent pins is uniform, and the angular spacing between adjacent sockets is uniform, but different from the angular spacing between adjacent pins. The angular spacing between the pins and the sockets defines a ratio which is not a whole integer.

Abstract: An assembly for applying one or more materials to the rails of a railroad track includes a mounting bracket for mounting the assembly to a vehicle adapted to travel on the rails. A connecting arm is coupled to the mounting bracket, and at least one nozzle is connected to an end of the connecting arm. The nozzle arm has a hollow channel through which material flows to be applied to a rail surface. A nozzle port is in fluid communication with the nozzle channel when the nozzle arm is in an operative position. The nozzle arm is biased toward the operative position and is adapted to move away from the operative position in response to contact with an obstruction and is returned to the operative position following the contact.

Abstract: A handheld appliance including a housing including a surface area, a moveable member moveable relative to the surface of the housing, and a latch for releasably preventing and permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and including a series of indentations in the surface area of the housing, and a latch member movably carried on the moveable member for movement between a latch position preventing movement of the moveable member relative to the housing and a release position permitting movement of the moveable member relative to the housing, the latch member including a generally planar base portion, and a flange portion which is received in a selected one of the indentations when the latch member is in the latch position and free of the indentations when the latch member is in the release position.

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: A training golf club with a spring-loaded hinge between two club half-shafts which "breaks" if the club swing is skewed or jerky is disclosed. First and second main hinge components lie side by side with a pivot shaft passing through them and with offset shanks for attachment to the club half-shafts. Springs and balls are located in bores in the first main hinge component, the balls engaging in depressions in a circular track on the second main hinge component when the two shanks are aligned. The other ends of the springs bear, via balls, against an adjustment ring. On rotation of this ring, the balls engage in one of a plurality of sets of depressions of different depths in the ring, so adjusting the "break" force of the hinge.

Abstract: An individual temporary shelter apparatus is an apparatus which can act as a bed, lounge or chair with a complete enclosure including windows for cross ventilation, capable of withstanding wind and precipitation. The apparatus seals against insects and noxious fumes. The apparatus is portable in that it is entirely collapsible to a frame like that of a backpack and includes pockets and shoulder straps and a belt for supporting the frame on the back of the user much like a conventional backpack.

Abstract: An openable retractor for use in an operation wound/surgical incision in the region of a patient's spine. The retractor includes two mutually-hinged halves (2, 4), each of which comprises an upper hinge part (6, 6') which, on the side thereof remote from the hinge, merges with a downwardly-extending shaft (8) at a radial distance from the hinge axis or its extension, a wound widening and restraining part (10) which projects laterally from the lower part of the shaft in a direction away from the hinge axis and which is intended for engagement with muscle tissue on one side of the operation wound, and a latching device (68) which is intended to be applied in the region of the hinge formed by the hinge parts (6, 6') of respective retractor halves and which functions to lock the retractor halves in an outwardly angled active position (functional position).