Abstract: A method of treating a spine includes implanting a spinal implant within a patient. The spinal implant includes a first member having a first wall defining an axial passageway and a first opening, the first opening being in communication with the axial passageway. A second member includes a second wall defining an axial channel having the first member disposed therein, the second wall defining a second opening in communication with the axial channel. Bone graft is injected through the first opening and into the axial passageway and through the second opening and into the axial channel after the spinal implant is implanted within the patient.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus having a frame, a drive section and an articulated arm. The drive section has at least one motor module that is selectable for placement in the drive section from a number of different interchangeable motor modules. Each having a different predetermined characteristic. The articulated arm has articulated joints. The arm is connected to the drive section for articulation. The arm has a selectable configuration selectable from a number of different arm configurations each having a predetermined configuration characteristic. The selection of the arm configuration is effected by selection of the at least one motor module for placement in the drive section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorbing seat tube, including an outer tube and an inner tube sleeved within the outer tube. The inner tube is adapted for connection to a bicycle saddle from below through a joint. The seat tube is provided with a height adjustment device having a supporting end inserted into the inner tube, and a shock-absorbing device disposed in the inner tube at a position above the height adjustment device and includes a fixing part and a damper part. The fixing part passes at its top end through the inwardly protruded portion of the inner tube and is arranged in the barrel portion of the inner tube. The damper part is arranged between the inwardly protruded portion and the supporting end.

Abstract: The bionic dislocation-proof artificial lumbar vertebrae and disc complex comprises vertebral body components, intervertebral disc components and screws; the vertebral body components comprise an oval column; the intervertebral disc components comprise L-shaped arc plates and composite pads, the L-shaped arc plates comprise bottom plates, lateral plate and the raised column; end of the raised column is the ball shell with two raised arc; the composite pad is connected to the groove on the oval column; the ball shell and the composite ball form the ball and socket joint. The present invention replaces the removed vertebrae and adjacent discs and maintains the rotation, flexion and extension and buffer function, which ensures the stability and mobility of the lumbar spine after surgery. The present invention better resembles the normal physiology.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.

Abstract: A wrist joint structure in which a direct drive motor is used is provided in a robot in which two hands are mounted on one robot arm. The robot includes: a robot arm; a plurality of stages of hands including a first hand and a second hand that are provided at a tip of the robot arm; a first direct drive motor in which a rotation axis is defined at the tip of the robot arm, the first direct drive motor coupling the first hand to the tip of the robot arm such that the first hand is rotatable about the rotation axis; and a second direct drive motor that couples the second hand to the first hand such that the second hand is rotatable about the rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a movable core at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises at least one elongated movable osseous anchor comprising an insertion end disposed at a first longitudinal end of the anchor and a retention end disposed at a second longitudinal end of the anchor and a plate-like body disposed between the insertion end and the retention end.

Abstract: Example spinal implants and related apparatus, tools and methods are disclosed. An example spinal implant includes an outer corpus and an inner corpus axially displaceably coupled to the outer corpus. The example implant includes a transport admission provided on at least one of the outer corpus or the inner corpus and a lever admission provided on the other of the inner corpus or the outer corpus. The lever admission and the transport admission are arranged to receive a tool, wherein the tool to distract the spinal implant. The example further includes a tool lock arranged in the transport admission to lock the tool and a lever rotator engagement device provided in the lever admission. The lever rotator engagement device is to engage a lever rotator of the tool. In addition, the example includes a first guide provided on the inner corpus and a second guide provided on the outer corpus.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one fixation element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to engage a surface of an adjacent vertebral body and secure the implant between two vertebral bodies. Preferably, the implant is expandable and has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it must pass to be deployed within the intervertebral space. Once within the space between vertebral bodies, the implant can be expanded so as to engage the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures restored and maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a movable core at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises at least one elongated movable osseous anchor comprising an insertion end disposed at a first longitudinal end of the anchor and a retention end disposed at a second longitudinal end of the anchor and a plate-like body disposed between the insertion end and the retention end.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for attaching electrical components is provided in a vehicle. The attachment bracket can have a deformable tab configured to be operatively connected to vehicle structure, such as a floor panel. The deformable tab can include an attachment portion and a connector portion. The attachment portion can have one or more attachment features, such as an aperture, to operatively connect the deformable tab to the vehicle structure. The connector can include different shapes, sizes, and/or configurations to control and/or influence the deformation of the deformable tab under an application of force. The attachment bracket can be used to operatively connect an electrical component to a vehicle structure. For example, the attachment bracket can retain an vehicle airbag ECU to a vehicle floor panel during impacts of the vehicle.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a lockdown mechanism for an electric drive screw telescoping mast. The lockdown mechanism comprising a plurality of elongated tube sections which are telescopingly attached to each other, each tube section comprising a substantially hollow body. An elongated drive screw is disposed within the hollow body and includes a plurality of threads for extending and retracting the elongated tube sections. A lock subassembly includes a housing and a center hub, the housing comprises a load bearing top and a hollow cavity, the lock subassembly being rigidly attached to said center tube and axially aligned along a central axis with said plurality of elongated tube sections. The center hub is movably engaged within the hollow cavity of the housing and includes at least one locking pin adapted to the center hub that is movably engaged to the structural envelope when the mast is in the lockdown position.

Abstract: A variable length shaft assembly comprising a shaft, a shaft adapter, a grip sleeve, an actuator screw, a grip, and a screw is disclosed herein. The grip is bonded to the grip sleeve, the shaft adapter is bonded to the shaft, and the shaft adapter comprises a keyed portion that mates with a keyed structure inside of the grip sleeve. The actuator screw comprises external threads that mate with internal threads inside the grip sleeve, and the location of the actuator screw within the grip sleeve can be adjusted with a wrench. Once the actuator screw is at a desired location within the grip sleeve, the shaft is semi-permanently fixed to the grip sleeve by releasable affixing the keyed structure of the shaft adapter to the actuator screw with the screw. The overall length of the assembly can be adjusted and fine-tuned using these structures.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising an extendable leg that includes a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube to prevent longitudinal movement of the first tube relative to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may include a plurality of extendable legs and a single release member that operates all of the locking mechanisms of the plurality of extendable legs. Corresponding methods of assembly and operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

Abstract: A retractable bar using a positioning spring leaf and a control device to control positioning between an inner tube and an outer tube is disclosed. The control device includes a movable member, a push button, and a linking device connected between the movable member and the push button. When the push button is not pushed by an external force, the positioning spring leaf will be pushed by the movable member to force its positioning protrusions into engagement with locating notches of the inner tube to lock the outer and inner tubes. When the push button is pushed by an external force, the linking device will be forced to move the movable member away from the positioning spring leaf, causing the positioning spring leaf to disengage the positioning protrusions from the locating notches of the inner tube.

Abstract: A locking device interacting with a drive member and including an inner tube and an outer tube; where the inner tube has a first free end that projects from, and is axially displaceable from, a first end of the outer tube; where there is a locking member on the other end of the inner tube, said locking member providing the means whereby the inner tube and the outer tube can be releasably locked in various axial positions relative to each other; where the locking member includes a tubular locking sleeve that is slotted by at least one axially aligned slot and a wedge that includes wedge surfaces, the wedge surfaces being, when acted upon by a drive member, displaceable along and relative to interacting wedge surfaces of the locking sleeve, such displacement pressing the locking sleeve against the outer tube, the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a height adjustable saddle pole consisting of two tubes which are telescopically slidable into another, that is to say a cladding tube for accommodating a saddle support tube, whereas the saddle support tube is spring-loaded and is fixed in position via a locking pin. The bores into which the locking pin engages, are located in the region of the smallest stress of the saddle support tube in order to weaken the static of the saddle support tube as little as possible.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device.

Abstract: A portable automated vent cover includes a drive system, a telescoping tube, a vent cover plate and a collapsible mobile tripod. The drive system preferably includes a drive motor, a gear box, an up-relay and a down-relay. The telescoping tube includes an outer support tube, an inner cover tube and a rack gear. The rack gear is attached to the inner cover tube. The vent cover plate is secured to a top of the inner cover tube. The drive motor drives a pinion gear through the gear box. The gear box is retained on the outer support tube. An up-down switch is used to raise and lower the vent cover plate. Electrical power is controlled by either the up-down switch or a controller and sent to the drive motor through either the up-relay or the down-relay. The collapsible mobile tripod is attached to a bottom of the outer support tube.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position. In some embodiments, the first bicycle portion comprises a bicycle frame and the second bicycle portion comprises a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a support rod, inserted into a first unit shaft at a first end thereof and locked to a second unit shaft at a second end thereof, with threads formed around the outer circumferential surface thereof; and a pressure locking unit movably engaged with the threads of the support rod and having longitudinal slits formed to open in one direction and at least two pressure parts formed in a longitudinal direction. The locking pressure of the pressure locking unit is imposed on the unit shafts at multiple longitudinally spaced points, thus dispersing or distributing the locking strength in the longitudinal direction and increasing both the locking strength and the resistance against both longitudinal compressive force and longitudinal tensile force, thereby preventing the locked unit shafts from suddenly slipping towards each other.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device.

Abstract: A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube to prevent longitudinal movement of the first tube relative to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.

Abstract: A disconnectable link may include a first link member having a generally tubular portion, a first ball joint disposed on the first link member and adapted to engage a first suspension member; a second link member slidably receivable within the first link member; a second ball joint disposed on the second link member and adapted to engage a second suspension member; a lock shaft engaged with the second link member; and a lock element disposed within an aperture in the second link member. Movement of the lock shaft into a first position may cause the lock element to engage the first link member to prevent relative axial movement between the first and second link members, and movement of the lock shaft into a second position may cause the lock element to disengage the first link member to allow relative axial movement between the first and second link members.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling apparatus is provided in which a base member is engaged by a locking housing through a series of interengagement pins. The pins maintain the shaft in a locked position. Upon exposure to an appropriately positioned magnetic field, pins are removed a sufficient distance such that the shaft may be withdrawn from the locking housing. The ability to lock and unlock the connector assembly requires no additional tools or parts apart from a magnetic key.

Abstract: A bollard assembly having a post and a sleeve. The post has a cylindrical post wall forming a cavity and a passage in the post wall. The passage has a first section that extends longitudinally along the post wall and a second section that intersects the first section and extends crosswise to the first section. The sleeve has a cylindrical sleeve wall forming a cavity and a latch pin that is attached to the sleeve wall and extends into the cavity. The sleeve is adapted to receive the post such that the latch pin travels through the passage in the post wall.

Abstract: A securing apparatus, including: a deformable body, wherein the body is configured to provide a secure interference fit with at least one article to which it is fitted, and an aperture within the body, wherein the aperture is configured to accept a noncircular section of a releasing tool, wherein the securing apparatus is only unlocked by the operation of the releasing tool with respect to the body and is locked at all other times upon removal of the releasing tool.

Abstract: A hurdle has contiguous trigger tubes along the telescoping tubes. A trigger mechanism inside each trigger tube is used to adjust the height of the hurdle. The trigger mechanism contains a pivoting vertical rod with an inwardly directed perpendicular upper end that extends out of the hole in the trigger tube to form a button and an outwardly directed perpendicular pin at its lower end that engages one of the holes in the upright. The vertical rod has a horizontal pivot bar attached midway along its outward surface. The lower end of the vertical rod is connected to a spring compressed within the trigger tube that forces the pin inwardly and that is further compressed when the button is pushed to release the pin.

Abstract: A locking pin assembly includes a button that can be moved in a first direction from a first position to a second position, and a first biasing member for biasing the button to be normally in the first position. The locking pin assembly also includes a locking pin member that engages the button and is movable in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, from a third position to a fourth position when the button is moved from the first position to the second position. The locking pin assembly also includes a second biasing member for biasing the locking pin member to be normally in the third position. The locking pin assembly can be used in a collapsible canopy frame to adjust the height of a telescoping side pole by fixing upper and lower sections to each other and/or to fix the edge scissor assemblies and the side poles in an opened position.

Abstract: A lightweight fence or gate pole is provided having a lock assembly including a base attached to the lightweight pole, a support member extending from the base, a connector extending from the support member, the connector having a snap button connected thereto and a screw attached to the connector. The lock assembly has a locked position when a screw head is adjacent to an outer surface of the lightweight pole and the lock assembly has an unlocked position wherein the screw head is farther away from the outer surface of the lightweight pole than in the locked position.

Abstract: Device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members for locking in the longitudinal direction the first element relative to the second element, which include a lock washer arranged around the first element and whereof a circumferential portion is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a point distant from said supports so as to bring the lock washer into an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element relative to the second element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A camming coupler for removably attaching a music desk or other object to an upright support leg. The camming coupler includes an inner sleeve for receiving the upright support leg. The inner sleeve has at least one longitudinal slit formed therein, and preferably has four substantially equidistant longitudinal slits. The inner sleeve also has a cammed exterior surface. An attachment member extends from the inner sleeve, and is attachable to the music desk or other object. The camming coupler further includes an outer sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a cammed interior surface that corresponds with the cammed exterior surface of the inner sleeve. In use, the camming coupler is secured to a music desk or other object. An upright support leg is inserted in the inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve is rotated to compress the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for coupling nestable drive shanks of a tool includes a housing presenting a locking pin movable between a normal locking position and a release position. First and second bias means cooperate to urge a free end of the locking pin in extension outside the housing so as to extend between aligned shank apertures and join the same. Upon user disengagement of one bias means on the locking pin, the locking pin is urged to a release position towards a location within the housing so as to withdraw the pin from the aligned apertures. The latching mechanism enables drive shanks to be connected at user selectable lengths therebetween.

Abstract: A locking device for two units (1), (3) displaceable one inside the other, such as the handle of an implement with variable length, comprising a locking member (4) arranged at one end of the outer element (3), said locking member (4) being operated by an operating member (5) spaced from the locking member (4) in the direction of the other end of the outer element (3) via an actuating member (7) that is displaceable along, or turnable about, an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the outer element (3).

Abstract: A locating device for a retractable strut of a tent or a closet includes an engaging device, a sliding bracket, an upper strut and a lower strut. The sliding bracket is secured onto the lower strut. The upper strut is inserted into the lower strut and has an elastic buckle therein. The sliding bracket comprises a through hole for insertion of the elastic buckle. The engaging device has a pair of extension plates at respective sides and a stud at the inner center wall. The sliding bracket comprises a pair of slots at respective sides for insertion of the extension plates of the engaging device. By pressing the engaging device, the elastic buckle is urged to retract from the through hole of the sliding bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable height bicycle seat post assembly comprises a hollow seat post for supporting a bicycle seat slidably supported on plastic shims inside a hollow tube. The hollow tube clamps into the frame of a bicycle. A main spring forces the post upward, but a locking mechanism interconnects the post with the tube in various fixed positions relative to the tube. The locking mechanism includes a foundation and a projection extending from the foundation having a counterbore for guiding a plunger into holes on the post. The locking mechanism adheres to the outside of the tube to bear shearing forces on the plunger. An endcap on the locking mechanism and a top cap on the tube protect the assembly from foreign debris. The locking mechanism may be manipulated remotely using a magnetic switch assembly or manually using a manual assembly.

Abstract: A changeable-length fourth axis of a delta robot has a first bar (82) and a second bar (83), which can be displaced parallel to one another in a slide bearing (84, 85). They are connected to articulation heads (80, 81) for leading in an incoming torque and for leading out an outgoing torque. The first and second bars (82, 83) are arranged here such that the incoming torque runs in a direction which is parallel to, but offset from, the direction of the outgoing torque. This fourth axis allows precise torque transmission, but is nevertheless of straightforward construction, has a high bending strength and relatively low weight and can easily be cleaned by being washed down.

Abstract: Device for locking two elongated elements the first of which slides in the second telescopically, comprises members for locking in the longitudinal direction the first element relative to the second element, which include a lock washer arranged around the first element and whereof a circumferential portion is placed between two longitudinally opposite supports of the second element and an elastic return member placed between the second element and the washer and acting on the washer in a point distant from said supports so as to bring the lock washer into an extreme inclined position relative to the first element wherein the two opposite parts of said washer are in contact with the first element so as to lock the first element relative to the second element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device for locking a position of a moving part with respect to a fixed part. The moving part is positioned with respect to the fixed part isostatically. The device generates a force opposing the loss of contact of all the points of isostatic contact between the moving part and the fixed part so as to lock the position.

Abstract: A handle folding structure of a foldable bicycle comprises a joint connected to a head tube below a handle; a clamp inserted to a fork pivoting tube pivoted through a stem; a positioning bit with a conic stop to extend into the fork pivoting tube; the upper section including an upper and a lower sections pivoted to each other; one longitudinal chute being provided on one side of the upper and the lower sections of the joint to allow the conic stop extending into the fork pivoting tube to hold against the chutes; a circumferential groove at the lower end of the chute so to pull out with the joint at the lower end of the head tube for the conic stop to hold against the lower end of the chute; and the joint, the handle and a front wheel being able to execute free rotation to minimize the size of the bicycle when folded up for storage.

Abstract: A multiple-direction bendable tube structure comprises a tube cut into a primary section and a secondary section joined by a clamp; a groove provided axially in the wall of the end where the secondary section connects the primary section; a positioning member inserted by a core pin pivoted to the clamp between free ends of the clamp attached with a fast wrench; the positioning member inserted into the groove to form at its inner end a conic stopper protruding inside the primary section while a longitudinal groove corresponding to the conic stopper of the positioning member being formed on the tube surface where the secondary section inserted into the primary section; a fixing member is connected to the end of the secondary section; and an elastic cord connects the fixing member and the buffer stop for the end having the fixing member of the secondary section to be inserted into the primary section and secured therein by the clamp provided with the fast wrench, or having the buffer stop to move until restricte

Abstract: A variable length shaft is provided including a housing defining an internal space. A shaft is connected to a plunger device disposed in said internal space. The internal space is filled with magneto-rheological fluid which is selectively provided with a magnetic field for solidifying the fluid to prevent movement of the plunger within the internal space. When the magnetic field is removed, the plunger device moves freely for allowing variation in the length of the variable length shaft system.

Abstract: A pull pin assembly includes: a first pole having a first hole; a second pole having a second hole, and sliding in the first pole; a main body having a central hollow containing the first pole; a pull pin body extending radially from the central hollow, and having a space extending into the central hollow; a pull pin, having a circumferential stop, disposed in the space to move from a first position extending into the central hollow through the first hole to a second position outside the central hollow; a pull pin plug fit into the space and having a hollow containing the pull pin; and a biasing member biasing the pull pin toward the second first position to lock the first and second poles; wherein the biasing member is disposed to bias the pull pin between the circumferential stop and the pull pin plug.