Abstract: A rotational supporting mechanism, which supports a main body and a cover, includes an eccentric cam. The main body and the cover are superposed in a closed position. From the closed position, the cover is rotated 180 degrees and stopped at a 180-degree rotational position in an open position. The eccentric cam rotates eccentrically. The pressing means presses a cam surface of the eccentric cam in a direction of a line connecting a portion of the eccentric cam corresponding to the closed position and a portion of the eccentric cam corresponding to the open position when the main body and the cover are superposed in the closed position. Rotation of the cam is stopped in the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A resilient flexure has one end attached within a cavity in a rigid member, and the other end attached within a cavity in a structural mode. The cavities are shaped to limit the flexure's bend radius. The member and the node have mating surfaces that abut to constrain the amount of rotation of the member. The aforementioned elements are shaped to prevent the strain in the flexure from exceeding its design limit when the joint is at its maximum angular deflection and the attached member is fully collapsed.

Abstract: An apparatus for abducting a patient's legs is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of two cuffs connected by a telescoping rod that is adjustable and lockable. The apparatus is used by a caregiver to tend to the personal needs of a disabled patient. The apparatus is positioned between the patient's legs, and the telescoping rod is locked thereby providing a fixed amount of abduction. In an alternative embodiment, a fixed length, preferably disposable support arms is used in conjunction with the cuffs for providing a low cost solution for leg abduction. Preferably, an articulating joint allows the upper cuff to adjust to a patient's body type improving comfort. Also, a flange on the base cuff improves stability of the apparatus allowing for hands-free operation.

Abstract: A steering control coupling structure used in a children's wagon having a wheel assembly and a towing bar is disclosed to include a linking bracket affixed to the wheel axle of the wheel assembly, a first adapter affixed to a carriage and pivoted with the carriage to the linking bracket by a pivot device, the first adapter having a circular coupling hole and two 135° sector guide holes at two sides of the circular coupling hole, and a second adapter, which is affixed to the linking bracket around the pivot device and has a circular coupling block coupled to the circular hole of the first adapter and two 45° sector guide blocks respectively inserted into the 135° sector guide holes for forcing the second adapter to bias against the first adapter when the towing bar is biased to force the wheel assembly to change the steering direction.

Abstract: A turning device for a wheel set includes a handle strut and an axle pipe. The handle strut comprises a connecting tube at the bottom. The connecting tube comprises swirl tubes at respective ends. Each swirl tube has restricting members. The axle pipe comprises a receiving base corresponding to the connecting tube. The receiving base comprises lids at respective sides. The lids comprise restricting members corresponding to the restricting members of the swirl tubes. The lids and the receiving base comprise through holes for insertion of fasteners to secure the lids to the receiving base. By means of the restricting members, the receiving base and the swirl tubes may be turned with respect to each other to a limited angle. The restricting members are lugs and troughs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses unique apparatus for attaching a bicycle seat to a typical bicycle seat support post. The seat attaching apparatus permits the seat to controllably tilt, to the left and/or right of the bicycle longitudinal center line, as the bicyclist leans left or right as he/she pedals along. Thus, friction that normally occurs between the bicycle seat and the rider's inner thigh and crotch area significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A foot assembly includes two first legs each having a first ring provided with a first limiting recess defined in an inner face of the first ring and a first finger extending from the inner face of the first ring, two second legs each having a second ring and a second limiting recess defined in an inner face of the second ring to movably receive therein the first finger of the first ring and two joints each having a third ring, a tube and a tubular extension formed on a bottom rim of the third ring to extend into the first ring and the second ring. The joint has a second finger to be movably received in the first limiting recess such that the first leg is able to align with the second leg for storage.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette latching mechanism having two pivoting latching rails. The rails are connected to a rotating latching wheel by spring-loaded latching arms. The latching wheel is connected to a motor by a latching pushbar. The cassette is pressed into the rails which initiates the rotation of the rails, which close onto the cassette. The motor next rotates the latching wheel, producing cam-like movement of the latching arms and thereby further pivoting the latching rails to the fully closed and locked position.

Abstract: A stowable chair armrest for a seat assembly which includes a armrest portion connected to the seat assembly through a restricted movement rotating joint which has limited rotation about a horizontal X and Y axes, the Y-axis being parallel to the length of the armrest portion and positioned above the plane of the seat cushion whereby the armrest portion is rotatable about the Y-axis approximately 180° from an elevated position of the armrest to a retracted position. When the armrest is in its use position, it cannot rotate downward about its Y-axis. However, the arm rest can be lifted upward 10° about its X-axis, wherein a flat blade connecting the armrest to a spherical pivot becomes aligned in a longitudinal chamber having a circular cross-section thus permitting the armrest portion to rotate 180° about its Y-axis to its stowed position.

Abstract: A pivot shaft structure for scissor mechanisms consists of a pivot shaft and a matching receiving hole. The pivot shaft includes at least a turning contour formed by a portion of the shaft contour of a pseudo turning shaft and a constraint contour formed by removing another portion of the pseudo turning shaft. The receiving hole has an hole contour for matching the pivot shaft and includes at least a matching turning contour formed by a portion of an hole contour of a pseudo turning shaft opening and a matching constraint contour formed by filling another portion of the pseudo turning shaft opening. Through the matching between the pseudo turning shaft and the pseudo turning shaft opening, the turning contour of the pivot shaft may pivotally turn in the matching turning contour of the receiving hole, and through contact between the constraint contour of the pivot shaft and the matching constraint contour of the receiving hole to form a turning limitation for the pivot shaft in the receiving hole.

Abstract: An umbrella canopy orientating drive is applied to a large-sized umbrella. The umbrella has a central rod comprised of an upper section to which a canopy is attached and a lower section positionable on a fixed surface. The umbrella canopy orientating device includes a diverging portion having a skirt-like opening to receive the lower section of the central rod; a tube portion receiving the lower end of the upper section of the central rod; a pair of pin holes formed on the diverging portion; a pin hole formed through the upper end of the lower section; and a pin inserted through the pin holes of the diverging portion and the pin hole of the lower section to pivot the diverging portion and lower section, whereby the upper section and thus the canopy are allowed to rotate about the pivot pin with respect to the lower section between a neutral position and an inclined position to orientate the canopy in an inclined direction with respect to the lower section.

Abstract: A fastening device for pivotably fixing one end of a linear drive to a support part includes a first fastening half disposed at an end of the linear drive and a second fastening half arranged on the support part. The linear drive has an installation position and a functional position, the installed position being inclined at an angle with respect to the functional position. One of the fastening halves includes a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The U-shaped or L-shaped section includes a bolt extending transversely with respect to an axis of the linear drive. The bolt has two mutually parallel, flat outer surfaces, the outer surfaces being disposed on two opposite sides of the bolt and extending parallel to a bolt axis. The other fastening half includes a cylindrical bolt socket having a radial bolt-insertion opening in an insertion direction.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: A compact and efficient stop for establishing the position of maximum extension in a mechanical joint, which comprises a free-floating piston, a piston-retaining pin, and a resilient bumper positioned to engage one end of the piston. The piston, retaining pin, and bumper are located on one side of the joint. A cross stop bushing on the opposing side of the mechanical joint is positioned to engage the exposed end of the piston when the joint is in its position of maximum extension. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in orthotic and prosthetic devices wherein a larger tolerance in the range of motion is provided for a locking mechanism to engage as the joint reaches maximum extension, while any unwanted feeling of free movement in the joint at full extension is concurrently dampened. A secondary advantage is a softer extension stop for a user.

Abstract: A table interconnection system includes a connector with two or more end portions sized and shaped for engagement with connection receptacles formed in adjacent tables. The connection receptacles each receive an end portion to retain the adjacent tables in a self-retained orientation. The connection receptacles and connector are located at the table surface in full view of a user, so the user can readily appreciate how the tables interconnect. Moreover, adjacent tables may be pivoted with respect to one another by direct manipulation of the table only, without disconnecting or contacting the connector.

Abstract: A joint for use in an orthopedic brace has a bottom plate and at least one arm bar rotatably mounted on the bottom plate for allowing unlimited rotation of the joint within a range. At least one shaft is coupled to the arm bar. A top plate is slideably mounted along the shaft in opposition to the bottom plate. A lever mounted on the top plate engages the plates to limit the rotation of the joint to a preset angle. The lever further adjusts the rotation of the joint from unlimited rotation within the range to limited rotation within the range without resetting the preset angle.

Abstract: A rotating gear with limited angular movement comprises of a spindle pivotally disposed inside an object, at least one flange disposed on the periphery of one end of the spindle adjacent to the object, and an mobile limiter having a first plate extended from the periphery of one side of the limiter toward the spindle and a second plate extended from the periphery of another side of the limiter toward the object. Thus, while the spindle is rotated, the flange is engaged with the first plate to drive the limiter to rotate until the second plate touches against a stopper disposed on the object, which prevents the spindle from being continuously rotated in a range causing damages.

Abstract: A frame support apparatus and coupling device for use with an ambulatory system and method of fabrication thereof. In one embodiment an ambulatory system having a frame support is provided. The ambulatory system includes a first side frame having a front portion and a rear portion, a second side frame having a front portion and a rear portion and a frame support coupled between the first side frame and the second side frame. The frame support includes a first cross-member having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably coupled to a coupler. The system further includes a second cross-member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cross-member coupled to the coupler. Wherein the first end of the second cross-member is maintained in a substantially fixed position relative to the coupler.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp assembly (10) is disclosed as including a first ramp section (22) and a second ramp section (24) joined by a keyway joint (26). The keyway joint (26) connects the two ramp section (22, 24) surfaces when the ramp is in an extended position. The keyway joint (26) includes a first ramp section outer rotating member (64a) and a second ramp section outer rotating member (64b) that each rotate about an inner member (68). The inner member (68) is configured to limit the rotation of the outer members (64) with respect to one another, thereby limiting the rotation of the first ramp section (22) with respect to the second ramp section (24).

Abstract: For a truss, a hinge assembly for connecting truss members that form the truss. The hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate having a first boss formed thereon and a second hinge plate having a second boss formed thereon. The second boss defines an opening for pivotal receipt of the first boss. The hinge assembly also includes a retainer for maintaining the pivotal receipt of the first boss in the second boss. When the first hinge plate is attached to a first portion of a truss and the second hinge plate is attached to a second portion of a truss, the first and second truss portion can be pivoted relative to each other to enable portions of the truss to be collapsed for transporting purposes.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for linking for example actuator rods to the nozzle ring of a variable geometry turbine. First and second components of the mechanism are interconnected by at least two links which are displaceable in a predetermined direction relative to the first component and connected at spaced apart locations to the second component. At least one of the links incorporates an element which is pivotal relative to the first component about a first axes and pivotal relative to the second component about a second axis, the two axis being parallel to each other, parallel to the predetermined direction, and offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A rotatable clamp block mechanism includes a chassis having a first curved surface, and a rotatable clamp block having a second curved surface that slidably engages the first curved surface to permit the rotatable clamp block to rotate around an axis relative to the chassis. The second curved surface extends between flanges at axial ends of said second curved surface. The rotatable clamp block is coupled to the chassis by respective curved slots at axial ends of the first curved surface, and by screws or pins extending from each of the flanges into the curved slots to rotatably couple the rotatable clamp block to the chassis.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: An articulating arm for moving a first member with respect to a second member while maintaining the first member in the desired orientation with respect to the second member has first and second connectors and first and second arm members. The first arm member is tubular in shape with rectangular cross section, and the second arm member moves within the central opening of the first arm member. The ends of the first arm member are pivotally connected by pins to the first and second connectors and the ends of the second arm member are similarly connected by pins to the first and second connectors with the pins defining a parallelogram for maintaining the orientation of the second member with respect to the first. The first arm member has arcuate slots at the ends thereof to accommodate the pins which extend through the first and second connector members and the second arm member such that the second arm member can move with respect to the first arm member.

Abstract: An improved connection between articulated bodies for agile vehicles is disclosed. It features independent bodies which are connected to each other with concentric sleeves serving as the pivot to allow the bodies to rotate in a plane parallel to the direction of forward movement. The concentric bushings are preferably made of graphite/epoxy and secured to the chassis body sidewalls. Each of the body segments remains uninterrupted by the bushings which are principally disposed between the facing interior sides of the two bodies. The bearing assembly, which is preferably graphite/epoxy, is self-lubricating as it wears over time. Lateral movement is easily controlled, and relative rotation is also controlled by a collar which serves a dual function to control lateral movement of the bodies as well as relative rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: A rotating joint is provided for a profiled crossbeam with an inner cable duct. The joint includes an upper part and a lower part which are screwed to each other. The opposite front faces of the upper and lower parts have mounting flanges. The central rotating area of the upper and lower parts does not have a screw.

Abstract: An electrically-driven wheelchair is provided with a frame, drive wheels, an operator control panel and a support lever. The operator control panel controls action of the drive wheels. The lower side of the operator control panel is supported to the upper side of the support lever. The support lever is connected to the frame, and supports the operator control panel. The lower side of the support lever is connected to the frame so that the support lever can be rotated in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction and can be adjustable. The upper side of the support lever is connected to the operator control panel so that the operator control panel can be rocked forward and rearward and leftward and rightward and can be movable. In the support structure of the operator control panel of the invention, not only the arrangement position of the operator control panel at the front and rear sides and the left and right sides but also the height of the operator control panel can be adjusted.

Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.

Abstract: A seating arrangement comprising two seats mounted to a single support pole, each seat capable of being rotated about the support pole and stowed independently of the other. The seating arrangement may also include a single seat slidably and rotatably mounted to a support pole. In one embodiment, the seat may changed from the stowed to the in-use position, or vice versa, by rotating the seat about the support pole, without requiring any upward or downward movement of the seats.

Abstract: A gearshift lever (3) is mounted on a ball-and-socket joint which is partially surrounded by a bearing shell (8) made of plastic whereby an economic mounting arrangement (2) which permits maintenance work and can prevent a transmission of vibrations to the gearshift lever (3) is achieved by the fact that the gearshift lever (3) is mounted through the bearing shell (8) on a ball (7) which is rigidly connected to an engine or gearbox casing (1), and the bearing shell (8) is connected to an outer ring (17) through damping rings (18, 19), the gearshift lever (3) being pivotally mounted on an outer peripheral surface of this outer ring through a hub (24).

Abstract: A truss pitch break connector plate having a main body portion. A first stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from one face of said main body portion along an arcuate first edge having an outer radius. A second stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from the opposite face of the main body portion along a arcuate second edge having inner radius. The main body portion preferably is generally sector-shaped but alternatively it may be circular. The overall arrangement is such that the pitch break connector plate will accommodate top chords of different sizes; and is capable of maintaining the top chords at any one of a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension unit assembly located near the sides of a vehicle includes a driving axle shaft, a gear box, an electric motor, and a suspension beam. The driving axle shaft, which drives a wheel hub of the vehicle, defines an axis of rotation about which the wheel hub rotates. The gear box includes a pinion shaft connected to a pinion gear which meshes with a ring gear. The pinion shaft is driven by a motor drive shaft which extends outwardly from the electric motor. The motor generates the torque necessary to drive the driving axle shaft. As known, suspension beams extend transversely to the axis of rotation of the driving axle shaft. The electric motor is pivotally attached to the gear box by means of a flexible coupling and is pivotally attached to the suspension beam by means of a movable connection.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes an upper hinge section having a circumferential wall structure and a top plate and a lower hinge section having a circumferential wall structure and a bottom plate, the upper and lower hinge sections fitting together to form a single cylindrical hinge structure. A hinge bracket includes a generally flat plate and upper and lower bracket cylinders mounted thereto, the hinge bracket operative to pivotably connect the upper and lower hinge sections. The upper and lower bracket cylinders are arranged on the plate such that when the lower bracket cylinder is pivoted about a lower hinge pin mounted in the lower hinge section, rotational movement of the hinge bracket is restricted by contact of the hinge plate with a forward edge of the lower hinge section. The hinge assembly may be mounted on the frame of the vehicle and to the tilt-forward hood of the vehicle to permit freer access to the engine compartment of the vehicle than that previously available in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly kit comprising a thermometer having a circular cylindrical groove attached at its rear side and which is open across an angle of less than 180.degree., and a holding device having a circular cylindrical member which can be pushed into the groove and is located on a web aligned, in terms of its longitudinal extension, off-center of the opening of the groove. Depending on requirements, the holding device can thereby be arranged in two different positions (180.degree. offset), making it possible to twist the thermometer through 180.degree. in total, i.e. through 90.degree. in one direction and through 90.degree. in the other direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pivoting joint that has two stable positions. The pivoting joint is comprised of two housing elements that can rotate co-axially with respect to one another. A spring, generally in the shape of a modified hairpin, is contained within the two housing elements. The two ends of the spring fit into holes in one housing element, and the closed end of the spring is held, substantially irrotatably, in the other housing element. The spring urges the two housing elements to one or the other rotational extreme with respect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a prosthesis or the like on an appendage of the human body, the apparatus having a first assembly adapted to be mounted on the prosthesis; a second assembly adapted to be mounted on the appendage; and an adjustment assembly operable to link the first assembly and the second assembly for selective adjustment, relative to a predetermined axis of reference, in both lateral deviation and angulation.

Abstract: A pivotal apparatus for supporting instruments beneath a patient during certain diagnostic procedures. The apparatus is adapted for pivotal locking engagement in a support member having at least one extensible and retractable mounting pin and includes an elongated shaft, a tray supported by the shaft, a latch mounted on one end of the shaft and a slide release disposed about and axially translatable along the shaft toward the latch. The mounting pin extends in a partial circumferential slot between the latch and the slide release when the apparatus is engaged in the support member whereby the apparatus pivots through a predetermined degree of rotation relative to the support member as the mounting pin travels in the slot. The apparatus is disengaged from the support member by axially translating the slide release toward the latch to urge upon and retract the mounting pin from the slot.

Abstract: An orthotic joint comprising a first member, a second member and an intermediate plastic member secured together by a pivot. The second member includes a cam follower affixed thereto. The first member and intermediate plastic member include first and second arcuate slots respectively. The first and second arcuate slots are aligned. The first and second members are rotatable with respect to each other. The cam follower protrudes through the second slot and into the first slot. The range of motion is determined by the length of the slot relative to the size of the cam follower.

Abstract: A universal joint device includes a number of couplers. Each coupler has a spherical head and a frustum portion secured together for engaging with the frustum portion and the spherical head of the other couplers. A tube has a frustum portion formed on one end for engaging with the spherical head of the couplers and has an annular rib extended radially inward from the other end. A rod has a number of teeth for engaging with the annular rib so as to secure the rod to the tube. The rod has a spherical head formed on one end for engaging with the frustum portion of the couplers.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper blade assembly is disclosed. The improvement is comprised of the ability of the device to allow a controlled and virtually noise free rotation of the blade with respect to the long axis of the blade. The center of such rotation is not critical but it has been found to be most effective to allow the structure to pivot at the joint of the primary yoke and the secondary yoke of the wiper assembly. In doing so, the wiper blade is allowed to be pulled across the windshield surface and not pushed into the windshield thus increasing the wear life and wiping efficiency of the blade. A spring device is disclosed that causes this device to be center seeking to an angle of perpendicular to the surface of the windshield, thereby allowing rotation in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A folding collapsible table stand including a mounting frame fixed to a table board at the bottom, two pairs of stand legs pivoted to the mounting frame, two horizontal braces connected between the stand legs, and four folding struts connected between the mounting frame and the stand legs, wherein each horizontal brace has a plurality of retaining strips at both ends respectively inserted into respective retaining holes on the stand legs and then secured in place by screw bolts inside the stand legs; each folding strut consists of a base frame and a flat connecting rod pivotably connected together, and a guard plate hinged to one side of the base frame and releasably secured in the closed position by a snap to hold down the folding strut in the operative position.

Abstract: The tape dispenser has a cutting device with a blade, a blade protecting shield mounted above the blade, and a pair of pivot shafts. The blade protecting shield has a frontward edge, a rearward edge opposite to the frontward edge, a projection with two opposed end portions which extend integrally and rearwardly from the rearward edge, and a pair of spaced pivot blocks which extend rearwardly from the rearward edge and which are respectively on two sides of the projection such that a clearance is formed between each of the pivot blocks and a respective one of the opposed end portions of the projection. Each of the pivot blocks has a recess to receive a respective one of the pivot shafts and is pivotable relative to the connecting plates between a first position, wherein the front edge of the blade protecting shield uncovers the blade, and a second position, wherein the blade protecting shield covers the blade.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling a lever to a sensor, e.g., a potentiometer for remote control of the throttle speed of a motor. The coupling includes a die cast housing wherein configured end cavities are interconnected by a through bore. One of the cavities is configured to have bosses that form rotative stops. A bushing is positioned in the through bore and the combination provides a sub-assembly. A second sub-assembly includes a shaft with a cross pin that is adapted to seat between the bosses with the shaft inserted into the bushing. With the shaft assembly seated, a retainer ring is placed on the opposite end of the shaft to cooperatively (cooperative with the cross pin) retain the shaft sub-assembly to the housing. A lever is attached to one end and the other end is connected to the sensor. The spaces between the bosses provide the desired rotative limits for the shaft to generate the range of throttle positions between full throttle and idle.

Abstract: By virtue of its modular construction, this external fixator makes it possible to position the pins (21 to 25) in the bone fragments (11 to 13) taking account of anatomical criteria. The pins are at least indirectly integral with universal joints (36 to 38) with balls (46 to 48) permitting the orientation of the pins relative to connecting bars 503 and 504. The external fixator additionally comprises connecting pieces for articulation between the connecting bars (501 to 507), such as the articulation (7), the telescopic connecting piece (8) and orientable connecting pieces (97 to 99). After the onset of osseous consolidation, some of the connecting bars and their connecting pieces can be removed, it being possible for the bars (501,502) to be withdrawn from the vices (65, 66).

Abstract: In a slow-acting rotary shaft device, a shaft, which rotatably supports a second member, includes a hollow shaft body latched to a first member inrotatably, a cap member outwardly inserted on an end portion of the shaft body rotatably and latched to the second member inrotatably, a torsion bar which has one end latched with the shaft body and another end latched with a cap member, and a viscous grease enclosed between the shaft body and cap members. The hollow shaft body is divided into two portions, a body portion of which latches to one of the end portions of the torsion bar. In opposite surfaces of the two portions, a projection formed at one surface and a concave portion formed at another surface are loosely inserted and provided with a relatively rotatable race area.

Abstract: A foldable boom assembly including a hinge with inner and outer parts attached to inner and outer boom sections, respectively, permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer boom sections about a pivot axis. The outer end of the outer boom section swings rearwardly about the pivot axis upon contact with a foreign object. After passing the object, the outer boom section automatically returns to its original position. The outer boom section is capable of being folded to a position parallel to the inner boom section. A stop lug is located on one part of the hinge opposite a slot on the other part of the hinge. A movable plate is located on the same part of the hinge as the slot and is attached at a point above the slot such that the force of gravity causes the plate to cover the slot to cause the folding of the boom to be stopped at an intermediate position by contact between the stop lug and the plate.

Abstract: A one piece shaft which supports two rotatable members is provided with shafts for energizing the rotation and for controlling an energized force of each member separately. The shaft includes a shaft body which connects two hollow shaft bodies attached to each rotatable member unrotatably on the same central shaft axis so as to rotate relatively, two members attached unrotatably to the fixed member attached rotatably to both sides of this shaft, and two torsion bars bridged between the separated hollow shaft bodies and the cap member respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable stand apparatus includes a platform for holding tools and parts for a user. The platform includes a resilient magnetic pad to maintain such tools and parts, particularly those containing ferrous materials, in a relatively fixed location until used. The platform is adjustable vertically, horizontally, and angularly to maximize user accessibility to such tools and parts. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile base, affixed to the side of an existing tool cabinet, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strengthening mechanism for a female connection member used in a articulated coupling arrangement. Such female connection members include a first end portion configured for connection to one end of a railway car center sill member and a second end portion formed integrally with such first end portion. A cavity is formed in such second end portion and is defined by a bottom wall portion, a rear wall portion and a pair of side wall portions. Such cavity being open adjacent the front and top surface thereof. An opening is formed through a portion of each of such side wall portions. Each such opening includes a slot-like portion and a generally arcuate portion spaced below such slot-like portion.