Abstract: An articulated arm for supportably attaching a movable first body to a second body comprises a connector bar which fits inside a substantially hollow sheath, each of the connector bar and sheaths being pivotally attached to a first intermediate member at a first end thereof and to a second intermediate member at a second end thereof. Fasteners are provided to temporarily and disengagably fix the position of the connector bar with respect to the sheath. Hardware is described for attaching the first intermediate member to a movable first body and for attaching the second intermediate member to a second body which is substantially stationary with respect to the first body.

Abstract: This mechanical joint allows relative rotation of two articles (one may be a stationary fixture), on an arbitrary axis. The joint has as much angular-rotation range as a hinge, but as many degrees of freedom as a ball-and-socket or universal joint. It allows transmission, between the objects, of force or flux (e.g., of electricity, gas, or liquid), or both. In can be used as an applied-force or motion sensor, varying electrical contacts or conductivity in response to relative motion or force applied between the articles. In one form the invention is simply a mechanical joint formed of two closely interlocked toroids. The minor cross-section of each toroid is sized to just fit through the central aperture of the other; there is a connection point on each toroid for attachment of one article. By adjusting closeness of fit, a designer can impart to the device a wide range of desirable frictional properties.

Abstract: A hand truck apparatus configured for transporting, as well as lifting, a load and also configured so that the hand truck apparatus is self-stabilizing under all conditions of use. The hand truck apparatus in accordance with the invention provides mechanical advantage for lifting the load and is configured for precisely lifting the load to a raised position. The hand truck apparatus in accordance with the invention is self-stabilizing when a load is not placed on the hand truck apparatus, as well as when a load is placed on the hand truck apparatus and for any raised position of the load. The hand truck apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly advantageous when used in connection with transporting and installing solid core doors. Hinge plates are first attached to the edge of the door. The door is then placed on the hand truck apparatus and transported to the location of installation.

Abstract: An automatic ice making apparatus for freezing ice making water into ice having the shape of a cube or the like and storing the ice in an ice bank, in which the quantity of the ice stored in the ice bank is detected by a stored ice detecting device, and when the stored ice quantity is small or zero, the ice making operation is continued, while when the stored ice quantity corresponds to a predetermined quantity, the ice making operation is stopped. A stored ice detecting arm is provided replaceably through a joint member in order to attain an easy setting of the above stored ice quantity, that is, an easy adjustment of a detection level for the ice bank.

Abstract: A swivel connector includes a ring (1) which is assembleable into a slot (5) in a hoist member (2), with the slot having an open end forming an enlarged bifurcated recess portion (8). The ring and hoist are assembled to an annular housing (9) and a first nut (14) is positioned for sliding movement and relative rotation within the housing and is threaded onto the slotted end of the hoist member. A plug (16) is positioned within the bifurcated hoist slot recess end and a second nut (17) having a threaded axial opening is secured within the housing. A threaded shaft (22) is provided and which is threadably disposed within the second nut opening and in relatively loose engagement with the plug. The shaft extends outwardly for securement to the load or the like. During swiveling use, the ring (1), hoist (2), plug (22) and first nut (14) turn together, with the other elements remaining fixed.

Abstract: A multi-articulated robot for providing a plurality of articulations. The robot has a plurality of articulation units, with each unit including a drive and has connecting portions disposed at both ends of the drive for connection with the other articulation units.

Abstract: A joint is provided which can serve for connecting two elements, but can also be employed for making a column or pole like structure. The joint consists of two superposed plates or frame shaped bodies which are interconnected by two pairs of crossing rods. The joint serves to connect two modular parts in a chain-like construction.

Abstract: A watercraft comprising a plurality of spaced-apart flotation members a corresponding plurality of elongate spar members, and a main mast. The spar members and the main mast each have opposite proximal and distal ends. A juncture means receives the proximal ends of each of the spar members and the main mast member. The watercraft further includes means for propelling itself. A plurality of spar attachment means connects each spar to its corresponding flotation member. The attachment means includes an elongate mounting bracket having an aperture attached to the distal end of its corresponding spar member, and a mounting assembly attached to its corresponding flotation member so as to retain the bracket by its aperture so that the spar member is connected to its corresponding flotation member so as to permit limited omni directional movement of the spar member relative to the corresponding flotation member.

Abstract: For lifting loads there is provided an eyebolt with a collar swivelly mounted on a stud so as to freely rotate in a horizontal plane throughout a full 360.degree.. A lifting ring has oppositely disposed pivot pins in swivel engagement with the collar to allow the ring to pivot in a vertical arc as well as to rotate about the stud. The stud in turn is adapted to be anchored in fixed position to the load, whatever the load may be. Enlargements at free ends of the pivot pins serve to resist pulling the pins free of the collar when a heavy lifting force is applied to the lifting ring.

Abstract: A self-erecting joint for a pair of hinged, tubular members in which the hinging is located at corresponding portions of the members and the opposite edge portions are connected by spring-biased toggle links which in the unfolded position of the members are nested against one of the members in substantial alignment and over-center for securely locking the joint in the unfolded condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to connector systems for portable display devices. The connectors of this invention allow adjoining panels of the display device to be joined to each other and be moved in pivotal relationship with each other. The connector consists of a male member which is secured to a channel which is an integral part of the display device and a connector plate which joins two or more channels together. When the channels are joined using the connector of this invention, the channels and their associated display panels may be pivotally disposed in relationship to each other.

Abstract: A boat trailer having at least one pivotally mounted crossbar member facilitating loading and unloading a trailer and assuring efficient support of a boat loaded thereon. The crossbar member of the invention is provided with a dropped or curved configuration which supports the hull of a boat at a lowermost position for stability and for effective loading and unloading. The pivotal mounting and curved form of the crossbar member not only maintains the keel or hull as low as possible but naturally permits the hull contacting elements to tilt inwardly without the need for any particular tilting capability. The crossbar member is supported on the trailer booms by an improved bracket having the capability of effectively supporting the crossbar member for pivotal movement.

Abstract: An antirotation linkage that allows freedom of angular deflection in two coordinate directions of a first member, for example, a rocket motor nozzle, with respect to the primary axis of a second member, a rocket motor in which the nozzle is mounted for angular displacement of the thrust vector for steering control, but which restricts rotation of the first member about such primary axis.

Abstract: A method of assembling a folding rack is provided which makes horizontal hollow beam members collapsible but not vertical hollow support members. The horizontal hollow beam members are pivotally connected with the support members through connectors. Each support member has vertically spaced projections on each of which connectors on the adjacent beam members are coupled one above the other and pivotally retained thereon as by caulking the head of the projection on the support member, so that the beam members are pivotable substantially 90.degree. about the projection.

Abstract: An improved machining process using electro-erosion to form integral hinges in rods in making flexible and/or electric suspension blades for various industrial devices.The machining process includes repeatedly eroding a rod alternately on two opposite sides to form two curved indentations, one on each side of the rod at a given point along its length, using a curved cylindrical electrode, so that the rod is progressively narrowed at this point until the required thickness of hinge is obtained. The process may also include, using as reference planes, to position the eroding electrode accurately, surfaces of a frame to which the rods have been attached. In this way, the rods are accurately prepositioned and thin hinges are produced with a repeatable high accuracy.Products made by this process include a pendulum-type accelerometer and an elastic support for a gyroscope useful in aeronautical applications.

Abstract: A pivot joint having a housing member with a pair of opposing coaxially aligned bores in communication with an elongated channel transverse to the bores. A cylindrical member extends across the channel and rotates within the bores. The cylindrical member is longitudinally split to form a pair of clamping sections having a double-D configuration. A passageway is formed through the cylindrical member transverse to its axis and spanning across the split to define opposing concave bearing surfaces for receiving an axially adjustable rod therethrough. A locking clamp extends into the housing for locking the clamp sections together in a desired rotational orientation within the bores, thereby securely clamping the rod in a desired angular orientation as well as in a desired axial extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture fitting in the form of a cup-shaped hinge housing which can be anchored into a bore of a furniture door and used as a door side pivot carrier for a furniture hinge. The hinge housing has a locking element which can be rotated about an axis at right angles to a circumferential wall and which has a section for holding the locking element when it is in a locked position. In a preferred embodiment of the hinge housing, two swivelling locking elements are provided which are connected to each other by a bracket shaped element so that when the bracket shaped element is swivelled to a given position by hand the locking element is moved into a locking position.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for a farm implement having a hollow main frame and winged sections pivotally attached to each end thereof. The winged sections are pivotal between a first horizontally extended position and a second folded horizontal position above the hollow main frame and disposed 180.degree. from the first position. An actuation structure is provided for moving the winged section between the first and second positions and this actuation structure includes the first set of teeth attached to each end of the hollow main frame and the second set of teeth attached to each end of the winged section for meshing with the teeth on the ends of the hollow main frame. The bracket structure is pivotally attached to the first and second set of teeth on each end of the main frame and a lever arm is attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A coupling element to releasably secure a windscreen wiper blade to a wiper arm which has a coupling pin extending transversely therefrom comprises a body to engage between side walls of the wiper blade with pivot lugs on the body seating in pivot seats in the side walls to enable the body to pivot thereabout. The body is formed with a transverse passageway which aligns with apertures in the side walls and through which the coupling pin engages when the body is in a first position. The passageway is formed so that the body is pivotable from the first position to a second position whereat a latching element on the coupling pin engages with the body to prevent lateral withdrawal of the pin from the body.

Abstract: A hinge for the pivotable linking of a door leaf or lid to the carcass of a furniture piece having a door-related part attachable to the door leaf or lid and a supporting-wall-related part, which parts are pivotingly joined together in the manner of a four-joint hinge by two hinge links pivotingly attached to the door-related part on the one hand to the supporting-wall-related part on the other hand. The outer hinge link farther from the supporting wall is linked on the supporting wall side to a pivot piece pivotingly linked to the supporting wall-related part. The pivot piece is coupled operatively to the inner hinge link nearer the supporting wall such that the pivot axis of the outer hinge link on the supporting wall end has in the hinge-open position a minimum distance and the the hinge-closed position a maximum distance from the pivot axis of the inner hinge link at the supporting wall end thereof.

Abstract: A column in which an inner elongated member of circular cross section is partly received in the polygonal bore of an outer, tubular member and secured against angular displacement about the common axis by guide elements secured against longitudinal movement in respective recesses of the inner member open toward the outer member and engaging the outer member in respective corners of its polygonal cross section. A manually controlled arresting mechanism permits the two column members to be arrested against relative longitudinal movement in a multiplicity of relative positions.

Abstract: A bimetal element operated indicator includes a bimetal carrying a current measuring winding and having a fixed end mounted on a housing, a dial supported on the housing and carrying scale indicia, and a pointer rotatably supported on a stud shaft mounted on the dial and having a driven end coupled with a driving end of the bimetal element such that the pointer is precisely aligned relative to the scale indicia on the dial to provide accurate indicating movement in response to deflection of the bimetal element with temperature change from current in the measuring winding.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge support assembly for supportably engaging the pintle of a hinge so as to reinforceably maintain the pintle in its fixed vertically oriented operative use position. Spaced-apart pairs of pintle-engaging support arms are provided in association with a hinge. Vertically oriented angle iron wall jamb and door anchor members are positioned along and spaced apart from the hinge. Each pair of support arms is comprised of a first pintle-engaging support arm and a second pintle-engaging support arm. The first pintle-engaging support arm is provided at one end thereof with a pintle-engaging gudgeon portion having an opening therethrough and with a threaded wall jamb anchor member-engaging portion at the opposite end thereof. The second pintle-engaging support arm is provided at one end thereof with a pintle-engaging gudgeon portion having an opening therethrough and with a threaded door anchor member-engaging portion at the opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling device is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate jaws and integral arms defining a slot communicating with a cavity for connecting a shaft thereto. A tongue integral with the shaft is engaged by the jaws and suspended within the cavity, and the coupling device slides axially and laterally along the tongue and pivots along the arcuate jaws to eliminate end and side thrust of the shaft. A variable resistance control connected to the coupling device comprises a substrate closing one end of a housing and a rotatable driver disposed within the housing. A resistive path and a conductive collector path are disposed on the substrate along the same radius and a contactor comprising a pair of diametrically opposed contact fingers symmetrically disposed near the periphery of the driver engages the resistive and collector paths.

Abstract: A linkage, especially for the pedals of a skid-steered tractor vehicle for operating the boom arms and attachment carrier, which requires no machining or threaded couplings. The arrangement includes links made of flat bar stock. Pivotal connections between adjacent links are made by punched holes, pins and side connectors. Adjustment for linear travel is at the pedal or valve rather than in the linkage itself. Crossover in the linkage path is by a bridging link having an open slot with curved sides rocking on a flat sided pin whereby movement is transmitted laterally.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unitary bushing and retainer assembly for pivotally connecting a first work piece having a shank portion, such as a connecting rod, with a second work piece having an aperture, such as a lever. The bearing and retainer assembly includes a sleeve portion which fits snugly inside the lever aperture and has a bore for pivotally receiving the shank portion of the connecting rod. After the connection has been completed, withdrawal of the connecting rod from the sleeve portion is prevented by an annular rib which is located on the sleeve portion bore and is received in an annular recess provided in the shank portion of the connecting rod. A pair of opposed arms extending radially from one end of the sleeve portion and having locking elements which snap over the opposite edges of the lever secure the bearing and retainer assembly and the connecting rod on the lever.

Abstract: The upper end of a railway car live brake lever between the axles of a car truck is pivotally connected to one end of a link that extends across the top of the adjacent axle and is pivotally connected to the lower end of a vertical fulcrum lever. The central portion of the fulcrum lever is provided with a circular opening, the wall of which is convex from side to side of the lever and forms an arc of a circle. A rigid supporting member for the fulcrum lever projects laterally from one side of the center sill of the car and has a hook at its outer end extending through the lever opening and curved away from the live lever. The hook forms an arc of a circle and has a circular cross section, the radius of the inside of the hook being substantially the same as the radius of the wall arc. The inside diameter of the lever opening is only slightly greater than the diameter of the hook in cross section, and the upper end of the fulcrum lever is formed for connection to a device for rocking that lever around the hook.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved foldable wall-supporting subframe for fabric-covered collapsible tent walls and the like of the type forming the subject matter of my U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,482, such improvement consisting of attaching the strut sections of each jointed pair thereof to the connector in slightly overlapped transversely-spaced side-by-side relation so as to maximize the spacing between each axis of pivotal movement and the associated stop-forming abutment carried by said connector while, at the same time, minimizing the size of the latter. The invention also encompasses the collapsible tent structure which comprises a pair of the improved subframes hingedly interconnected at their adjacent corners cooperating with one another in fully unfolded condition and with the floor of the cover linking them together to define a free-standing assembly.

Abstract: A tow bar device including an elongated tow bar stem having a latch means, fixed relative to a first end thereof for attachment to a tow vehicle, and a second head end providing a pair of oppositely operable slide fingers carrying oppositely extending latch pins for selective engagement or disengagement relative to a pair of holes in bracket means, conventionally fixed relative to the main strut of the nose wheel of an aircraft for towing purposes. Spring biased means is provided to automatically lock the pins in position when they are engaged through the bracket holes. Wheel means is provided intermediate the length of the tow bar assembly with a rocking saddle means interconnecting the wheel means and tow bar stem to permit the tow bar and head to be rocked or pivoted to a desired position to align the latch pins with the strut bracket holes when the nose wheel assembly is sidewardly inclined in either direction.