Abstract: A lateral guide device for a ski boot is disclosed which may be joined by its front end to a binding (13) with a housing (19). The bonding is fastened onto the ski such that the boot heel may be tilted upwardly relative to the ski. The device includes at least one longitudinal guide rib unit (12) cooperating with a complementary longitudinal groove at the underside of the sole of the ski boot so as to ensure a lateral guidance of the ski boot when the latter is rolled from an upwardly tilted position into a position approximately parallel to the ski. For the purpose of adaptation of the device to different shoe sizes and for facilitated assembly, the longitudinal guide rib unit (12) may be connected, with positive locking action, either directly to the binding (13) or the binding housing (19), respectively, or through a rear section (11) to a front section (10) of the longitudinal guide rib unit (12), which is preferably joined to the binding (13).

Abstract: An assembly comprising a first structural member having a recess along a longitudinal centerline thereof, the recess having a planar contact surface disposed in spaced relation from the centerline and at least a contact point diametrically opposed to the planar contact surface and a second structural member having a projecting portion along a longitudinal centerline thereof, insertable in the recess to align the members along this longitudinal centerline, the projecting portion having a planar contact surface engageable with the planar contact surface of the first structural member and a contact point engageable with the contact point of the first structural member when the projecting member is received within the recess whereby upon insertion of the projection portions into the recess the members will be prevented from displacing angularly relative to each other abut the aligned centerlines.

Abstract: A locking or locating mechanism comprising first and second complementary, semi-circular metallic members, each of said members having two mating surfaces interengageable with two surfaces of the other member and cooperating for radial and axial alignment to form on engagement an open-ended cylindrical body having opposed cylindric surfaces and opposed marginal surfaces. For each half-member, one mating surface is the mirror image of the other. The first and second members are interengaged at the mating surfaces, and a bolt member interconnects the two members.

Abstract: This invention presents an improved process for the bonding of tubing which permits the tubing members to be maintained in the appropriate alignment during the curing of the bonding adhesive. Specifically, the process involves the slip-fitting of a male member into a female member coated on the interior with the curable adhesives the improvement being the placing of a piece of PTFE/glass reinforced tape over the end of the male member prior to its insertion into the female member, such that, after insertion, the members are maintained in appropriate alignment.

Abstract: A coupling fitting for making joints in reinforcing bars or wires for structural concrete aims to provide a mechanical strength of the coupling virtually equal to the full design strength while providing the ability to increase the strength upto and beyond ultimate tensile strength of the rebar by the addition of resin. To that end the coupling comprises a sleeve for fitting in spaced relation around adjacent portions of rebars to be joined and having positively adjustable engagers threaded through the wall of the sleeve, and profiled engagers to engage said portions. The engagers serve for centering the rebars and the profiling serves to provide a key preferably with both the sleeve and the rebar. It is also preferred to have the positively adjustable engagers configured to bite into the rebars. The spaced relation affords provision for introducing settable resin.

Abstract: A recording drum assembly comprises a cylindrical drive shaft 1, a drum 2, and an annular disc 4 of resilient material, such as spring steel, located between the drive shaft 1 and drum 2 and substantially coaxial with the drum 2. The disc 4, by elastic deformation when engaged by the drive shaft 1, provides axial alignment of the drum 2 and drive shaft 1. A portion of reduced diameter may be provided on the drive shaft 1 to facilitate removal of the drum 2 from the drive shaft. Furthermore, the annular disc 4 may be used to support the drum 2 during machining of the drum outer surface to ensure coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A visual aid to assist a driver in maneuvering a towing vehicle toward a trailer or other vehicle to be towed for precisely aligning the hitch components of the two vehicles. The device mounts only to the towed vehicle and includes an integral bumper member to protect the vehicles should the driver back too far. The device is adaptable to all conventional trailer hitch components and is simple and easy to use. It comprises a universal adaptor, a sighting mast and a strap for attaching the assembly to the towed vehicle. The mast can be mounted in the vertical position for viewing through the back window or at an angle to extend laterally past the side of the tow vehicle to allow the driver to view the mast even if rearward visibility is blocked through the rear window of a tow vehicle. The mast is disturbed from its rest position when the hitch components are aligned.

Abstract: A visor bracket for use in a visor assembly includes at least one upwardly extending projection and the outer curved peripheral surface of a central boss which cooperate to prevent misalignment of the boss with a D-shaped opening formed in an inner sheet of the roof of a vehicle during installation of the visor assembly to the vehicle. Preferably, the outer curved peripheral surface is defined by the outer curved surface of a plurality of guide ribs which radially project from and extend around the periphery of the boss. The mounting bracket includes a mounting flange integrally formed with the boss and extending radially therefrom. The mounting flange includes a plurality of spaced mounting holes formed therethrough for alignment with attachment holes formed in the inner sheet of the roof of the vehicle. Preferably, two such projections are adapted to fit within the D-shaped opening at opposite ends of a straight line portion thereof.

Abstract: In a tandem type vacuum booster, the booster comprises a first and a second flange, and the second flange is formed with a first stop projection and a second stop projection, the first stop projection being adapted to abut against a predetermined one of the locking claw to stop the flanges at the assembled position before the locking claws interfere with a positioning means during rotation of the flanges to the assembled position, and the second stop projection permitting passing thereover of a locking claw other than the predetermined locking claw during rotation of the flanges toward the assembled position, but coming into abutment against such other locking claw to resist the rotation of the flanges back to the disassembled position when the flanges have reached the assembled position.

Abstract: Attachment for guard plates in weaving machines, characterized in that it essentially consists of at least three couplings (3), each formed by a cylinder-shaped element (4) which is attached to the guard plate (1), and a seating (5) which is mounted to the frame (2) of the weaving machine and which closes flexibly round the cylinder-shaped element (4), whereby at least one coupling (3) is situated at the top of the guard plate (1), whose cylinder-shaped element (4) has a vertical or almost vertical axis (6), and whereby at least two couplings (3) are situated at the bottom of the guard plate (1), whose cylinder-shaped elements (4) have horizontal or almost horizontal axes (7) in line with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for first aligning by trial and error, and then mounting or fastening a subsystem of an electrostatographic copier or printer such that the subsystem thereafter can be removed, serviced, and then remounted or reinstalled in precise alignment without further need of such initial trial and error aligning thereof. The apparatus include an aligning device for initially aligning by marking an aligned position through a first alignment and screw mounting aperture in the mounting portion of the subsystem, and for forming a laterally sealed cavity with such mounting portion. The device has front and back sides, a screw or bolt mounting apertures therethrough, a backside recess, and adhesive introduction perforations therein.

Abstract: An arrangement for associating an electrical device with a mounting is provided that includes cooperating structure to prevent the association of inappropriate electrical devices and mountings. Specifically, cooperating support structures that are provided on the mounting and carried by the electrical device cooperate to provide the supporting of the electrical device within the mounting; the cooperating support structures being dimensioned so as to interfere with and prevent the association and support of an electrical device in a mounting that is inappropriate therefor. In a specific arrangement, either the electrical device or the mounting carries receiving structure with defined openings, and the other of the electrical device or mounting carries interfitting protuberances.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly has a base plate with a first surface from which a guide pin extends. A flexible retaining plate hled by the base plate has a first surface facing and spaced from the first surface of the base plate. A spring member has an elastic portion extending alongside the guide pin from a rotatably retained end portion to a distal end portion. The rotatably retained end portion is in contact with the first surface of the flexible retaining plate and it rotates in response to flexure of the retaining plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable coupling between a male element and a female element. The coupling comprises a split clamp ring that is ranged to be received in corresponding annular recesses in the male element and female element, whereby the ring shall have one wedge surface to engage with a support surface in one recess on the male element and another wedge surface obliquely, disposed from the first wedge surface to engage with a support surface in the other recess in the female element. By applying a circumferentially directed force to the end portions of the split ring, it will be possible to achieve a locking engagement between the ring and its matching recesses, thus assembling the male and female elements to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing ball (10, 11) for receiving the implement pin (8, 9) of an agricultural implement (1) in the catching jaw (7) of the catching hook (6) of a three-point connecting device (3) belonging to a tractor (2). The bearing ball comprises a hollow ball (2) with a cylindrical tube (14) passing through it. The central region of the cylindrical tube (14) has been provided with a formation (15) which extends radically and supports the inner face (13) of the hollow ball (12) in a force-free way. It secures the hollow ball (12) on the cylindrical tube (14) in the axial direction and permits relative rotation between the two. This provides better support because only the ends of the cylindrical tube (14) rest against the implement pin and bending of the cylindrical tube (14) no longer adversely affects the bearing ball.

Abstract: A telescopic rod includes a hollow handle having a longitudinal slit formed in the handle, an alignment coupler slidably engageable in said hollow handle having a truncated tube section formed in the coupler having an upper inclined surface formed on the tube section, and a reel pole secured with a display sheet such as a flag cloth having a lower portion of the pole rotatably held in the coupler having a lower inclined surface tapered downwardly and tangentially engageable with the upper inclined surface of the coupler, so that upon a depression of the pole and sheet, the pole will be rotated for a tangential engagement of the two inclined surfaces to align the display sheet with the slit of the handle for a quicker retraction of the sheet into the handle.

Abstract: A fiberglass pipe joint construction having threaded pin and box ends thereon. Tapered threaded portions are provided with profiles to improve alignment and sealing and prevent galling of the resinous material.

Abstract: An arrow insert dimensioned and configured for engagement in a hollow arrow shaft having a cylindrically shaped wall of a predetermined inner and outer diameter disposed about a longitudinal axis. The insert includes a cylindrical insert body of a first diameter adapted to be disposed within one end of the arrow shaft. An enlarged shoulder on one end of the insert body is provided for preventing the insert body from sliding too far into the arrow shaft.

Abstract: An articulated arm type machine, such as an excavator, has a boom articulated for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick articulated onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect shoe that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a mating fitting mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A pair of grab hooks on the shoe are used to pick up the stick fitting by hooking onto a grab pin mounted thereon. A set of gear tooth racks on the quick-disconnect shoe intermesh with a corresponding set of gear tooth racks on the stick fitting, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and mounting a machine component includes an aligning member with perforations, that is positioned and mounted over an aperture in a mounting portion or bracket of an aligned and removably mounted machine component, forming a cavity. An adhesive is introduced into this cavity through one of the perforations, permanently bonding the aligning member to the mounting portion or bracket, thereby enabling the component, thereafter, to be removed, serviced and simply remounted without further need of realignment. This method and apparatus are particularly useful for aligning and mounting components such as the copy sheet registration assembly of an electrostatographic copier or printer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil well sucker rod having a fiberglass rod with steel connectors on each end. Each connector has a rod-receiving receptacle having an open end, a closed end, and a plurality of axially spaced annular, tapered surfaces. The taper angles of the tapered surfaces are progresssively less toward the open end of the receptacle. An annular centering surface within the receptacle engages the end of the rod to the center the rod within the connector. A plurality of evenly spaced dimples on the connector extend into the receptacle to the center the rod within the connector at a point spaced from the centering surface.

Abstract: A locking assembly (10) having a female member (12) and a male member (22) particularly suited for use in an automotive arm rest. The female member (12) has a receiving cavity (14) with opposing and spaced walls (16a, 16b) extending along a receiving axis (18). The female member defines a plurality of locking recesses (20) spaced along the axis (18) on one wall (16a) of the cavity (14). The male member (22) has a plurality of tines (24) spaced apart longitudinally therealong for snapping into the recesses (20) to retain the male member (22) in the cavity (14). The assembly (10) is characterized by the female member (12) presenting a plurality of biasing beams (26) independent from one another and spaced along the opposite wall (16b) of the cavity (14) for respectively engaging the tines (24) to retain one tine (24) in each of the recesses (20 ).

Abstract: A molding bracket for covering a seam formed by two end-to-end panels, subject to thermal expansion and contraction. The bracket comprises a longitudinally extending division bar, two pairs of flanges extending in opposite directions from the division bar to define opposed channels for receiving the ends of the panels between the pair of channels. Stop bead means on the inside of at least one of the flanges of each pair extend into the channels for engaging the panels inserted therein, thus allowing the panels to be inserted far enough into the channels to cover the ends of the panels and while allowing the panels to move past the stop bead means upon thermal expansion of the panels to prevent buckling thereof.

Abstract: A spline centering device is arranged on a member having a spline in mating engagement with a spline on a member having a hole not otherwise having spline centering or piloting characteristics. The centering device features a spring loaded tapered member which locks into the hole to provide the required piloting affect and to therby reduce spline motion and spline tooth wear.

Abstract: An insert for a hollow rotatable shaft on the end of which an impeller is mounted, the insert having a first cylindrical portion receivable within the end of the shaft. The insert includes a radially extending portion adjacent the end of the shaft having an annular wall including radially inner and outer surfaces for engaging tightly similar surfaces in a recess formed in the impeller to provide inner and outer pilot surfaces. The insert also includes a tubular extension which is received within a bore in the impeller, the tubular extension having spaced longitudinally extending slits for permitting the extension together with radially extending hook-like tongues thereon to be received within radial slots in the bore of the impeller to lock the impeller to the insert.

Abstract: A rotationally symmetrical tool assembly includes a first component constituted by a tool holder; a second component constituted by a tool head and being removably attached to the first component such that engagement faces of the first and second components are in a contacting relationship with one another and are oriented perpendicularly to the rotary axis of the tool assembly. A fitting bore is provided in one of the components and a guide bore is provided in the other of the components. A securing pin projects from the fitting bore and extends into the guide bore for determining and maintaining a desired angular position of the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: The elements making up robotic devices such as the basic robot and driving device, arms, manipulators and the like are coupled together by a novel coupling device, including a coupling device actuator mounted within an element holder for receiving the element and activating the coupling device mounted upon the element typically comprised of a pair of arms spring biased toward a locking position. The element holder is provided with a location for receiving the element and a pair of activating arms which move the locking arms between the locked and unlocked position. The receiving element has a groove for receiving the locking arms and preferably a female socket for receiving a projection on the end of the element having the locking arms. The element to be connected is normally maintained in the holder with the activators energized to retain the locking arms in the open position. The robot is moved to the holder and its element is inserted into the connecting element within the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable coupling between a male element and a female element. The coupling comprises a split clamp ring that is ranged to be received in corresponding annular recesses in the male element and female element, whereby the ring shall have one wedge surface to engage with a support surface in one recess on the male element and another wedge surface obliquely, disposed from the first wedge surface to engage with a support surface in the other recess in the female element. By applying a circumferentially directed force to the end portions of the split ring, it will be possible to achieve a locking engagement between the ring and its matching recesses, thus assembling the male and female elements to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for maintaining a crown block with respect to a fall block of a hoist assembly. A tube on each side of the crown block can retain a rod on each side of the fall block. A hydraulic unit on the free end of the tube has a ram that pushes the rod partially out of the tube, when the crown block and fall block are being held together by a hoist cable.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for remotely connecting an end of an elongate element to a connector integral with a main installation, comprising means for guiding said elongate element, first means for moving said guide means with respect to said main installation and second means for moving said end with respect to said connector.

Abstract: A seal protector (10) embodying the concepts of the present invention is employed to guide the insertion of a drive axle (not shown) through the central opening (33) of a seal (31) and to protect the seal (31) from any injury that might be occasioned to the seal (31) by virtue of any sharp edges and/or burrs that might be present on the drive axle being inserted through the seal (31). The seal protector (10) incorporates a sleeve (35) having a proximal end (36) and a distal end (38). Handle means (44) are operatively secured to the proximal end (36) of the sleeve (35). A parting groove (50) extends between the proximal and distal ends (36, 38) of the sleeve (35) to permit the annular integrity of the sleeve (35) to separate by the application of a radially directed force to the handle means (44). A radially oriented reinforcing flange (42) may extend circumferentially of the proximal end (36) of the sleeve (35), and if so, it would be provided with a radially oriented, second parting groove (55).

Abstract: A welding beveling of a T-joint of a member welded to a rib on a lower plate, the rib varying in thickness along its length, comprises a beveling on an upper plate partially overlapping the rib at the thicker portion of the rib and having a clearance between the upper plate and the rib at the thinner portion, and a part of the beveling at the thicker rib portion being provided with a detecting hole for detecting the overlap.

Abstract: A device for attaching a front loader to a tractor by removably mounting each of a pair of boom supporting masts on a mast support fixed to the tractor body and removably fixing the front end of each brace extending forward from the mast to a brace fixing member secured to the front end of the tractor body. One of the lower end of each mast and the upper side of the mast support has a projection, and the other of these parts has a recessed portion for receiving the projection. The mast is pivotably supported by means of the projection and the recessed portion from below while being thereby restrained from moving longitudinally of the tractor body. A guide on the brace end and the fixing member coact to hold the brace end in position. The mast and the brace are fixed in position by a lockpin. The loader can be removably attached to the tractor with ease and high rigidity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning, mating and unmating connectors as a result of relative motion between apparatus operatively associated with the two parts of the connector is disclosed. Specifically, as the apparatus operatively associated with the two parts of the connector move with respect to each other, the parts of the connector move along at least first and second angularly displaced paths to align, mate and unmate the connector as a result of such motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping non-rotating work pieces which have an elongate portion or an elongate shank with polygonal, preferably square cross section, comprising a clamping body member with a hollow clamping chamber provided therein, which has a corresponding polygonal cross section. The chamber has at least one opening through which the work piece may be inserted. Clamping members are provided to clampingly fix the work piece in the clamping chamber. To define the position of the work piece at least in X- and Y-direction as well as with regard to its angular orientation, the clamping chamber is provided with a first web and a second web each projecting from a first inner side wall towards the interior of the clamping chamber and arranged in a certain distance from each other, and a third web projecting from a second, adjacent inner side wall towards the interior of the clamping chamber.

Abstract: A pipe clamp wherein a C-shaped elastic holder cooperates with a U-shaped confining member to define a space which can receive a pipe with at least some radial play. The end portions of the holder are biased away from each other by an arcuate intermediate portion which extends along an arc of more than 180 degrees, and the end portions of the holder have openings for reception of inwardly bent lugs on the legs of the U-shaped confining member. The end portions are further formed with ramps which guide the lugs toward and into the respective openings when the confining member is in the process of being affixed to the holder. The end portions of the holder move apart as soon as the lugs move into register with the respective openings whereby the lugs are compelled to enter the openings to thereby couple the confining member to the holder.

Abstract: A three-stage system movable in three orthogonal directions includes a pair of cam rods and a screw insertion device secured to one of the stages for displacement in three orthogonal directions. A cabinet has a screw receiving aperture pedestal with aperture locating cam surfaces in a given orientation and spacing. The cam rods are in the same orientation and spacing as the cam surfaces and when engaged align the screw insertion device with the screw aperture. After alignment, a screwdriver attached to the three-stage system drives the screw into the aperture. An automatic feed system feeds screws to the insertion device. A plurality of such three-stage systems are used for automatically attaching an apparatus to the cabinet.

Abstract: A latching assembly for use in latching a cable to and unlatching it from a given object in order to move an object from one location to another is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a weighted sphere mounted to one end of a cable so as to rotate about a specific diameter of the sphere. The assembly also includes a static latch adapted for connection with the object to be moved. This latch includes an internal latching cavity for containing the sphere in a latching condition and a series of surfaces and openings which cooperate with the sphere in order to move the sphere into and out of the latching cavity and thereby connect the cable to and disconnect it from the latch without using any moving parts on the latch itself.

Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus is disclosed. It has a steering shaft and a boss fitted onto the steering shaft. A base is mounted on the rear portion of the boss in such a manner as to be fixed with respect to the axial direction but free with respect to the rotary direction of the steering shaft. A locking disc is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the base. A pin holder having a plurality of through holes is mounted on the front portion of the boss. The same number of slide pins are arranged in such a manner as to penetrate through the corresponding through holes in the pin holder for engaging with the stopper. A steering wheel is mounted on the boss through a boss plate. The steering wheel is improved in operation.

Abstract: A modular robotic remote manipulator is disclosed. The manipulator utilizes a base module, any number of generally identical but appropriately sized articulating modules, extender modules as may be needed, and an end effector module to accommodate the task assigned to the manipulator. The articulating modules are constructed to afford three different motions about three different axes which intersect at a common point lying between the input end and the output end of the module to effect a range of possible motion for the module output which defines an imaginary sphere. This module is also constructed to provide a separate rotary torque through the output coupling to the next module. The couplers for interconnecting the modules utilize toggle operated spool shaped locks. An end effector or gripper employs a rotating shaft and follower connected through a cable and pulley arrangement to operate the gripper jaws.

Abstract: A shaft alignment system for pumps which utilizes a clamp for holding a reciprocating shaft to a piston in an abutting relationship. The clamp can be loosened and retightened after the piston, which is attached to the reciprocating shaft, is inserted in a cylinder. Forces induced on the piston after insertion in the cylinder cause the piston and shaft to be realigned. Resecuring the reciprocating shaft assembly to the piston assembly causes the system to be precisely aligned in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A conical stressing device for connecting a hub to a shaft, the device including a double conical stressing assembly adapted to be mounted on the outer periphery of the hub, so that the hub may be radially compressed to attach it rigidly to the shaft by frictional forces, the double conical stressing assembly including: (1) a double conical ring which has two coaxial peripheral surfaces axially spaced apart and tapering in opposite directions, whereby the greatest wall thickness of the double conical ring is in the central region of its axial length, (2) two conical rings, each of which possesses a conical peripheral surface that acts in conjunction with a respective conical surface of the double conical ring, and (3) axial tensioning bolts which are distributed around the perimeter and are inserted in holes drilled axially in the conical rings, the axial tensioning bolts placing the conical rings under axial tension to force them to slide along the conical surfaces, wherein one of the conical rings tensions

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel having a central pilot flange sized loosely with respect to a pilot boss on the wheel-carrying hub member but interferingly engageable with circumferentially spaced resiiently deflectable elements projecting from the boss outer surface and operative to substantially center the wheel on the hub.

Abstract: An interface mechanism for the mounting of one component to another, especially useful where the components have to be boresighted and where the boresighted components have to be removed and replaced without disturbing the accuracy of the boresighting. Locking means are provided to retain the two sections of the interface in a rigid state when mated.

Abstract: A splice sleeve for connecting overlapping reinforcing bars utilized in various types of structures in which steel reinforcing bars are utilized and it is desired to connect the overlapping end portions of the reinforcing bars. The splice sleeve includes a rigid tubular sleeve receiving the overlaped ends of the reinforcing bars with the tubular sleeve being filled with hardable material to resist axial tension exerted on the reinforcing bars. In one embodiment, one end of the sleeve is closed by a rubber grommet having an opening receiving one of the reinforcing bars and the other end of the sleeve may be outwardly flared or trumpeted and provided with a ring welded thereto for receiving an end of one of the reinforcing bars with the sleeve confining the hardenable material and resisting radial outward forces imparted to the hardenable material when axial tension is exerted on the reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A connector has juxtaposed modular blocks bearing either sockets or pins. The modules are removably mounted, side-by-side, in adjoining recesses of a generally flat, rectangular housing. The adjoining recesses are provided with a number of notches which are initially closed off during manfacturing. The insertable modules are provided with one or more protruding tabs which cooperatively fit into the corresponding notches in the housing, provided that the notches have been selectively opened in order to receive the tabs of the particular module. Furthermore, the mating connector portions may similarly be provided with corresponding tabs and notches, the latter being initially closed during manufacture and later selectively opened to receive a particular connector having certain tabs thereon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reinforcing bar coupling system wherein reinforcing bars or wire are coupled for structural concrete by applying to adjacent rod or wire portions a material, e.g. epoxy resin settable to form a structurally sound joint. The material is applied by injection into a sleeve surrounding the adjacent wire portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for aligning an integrated deck carried on a barge with a jacket secured to the seafloor. The apparatus comprises a plurality of cantilevered springs extending vertically downward from the deck and a plurality of sockets secured to the jacket, each socket being positioned to receive the lower end of one of the cantilevered springs. As the cantilevered springs are lowered into the sockets, wind or wave induced horizontal motion of the deck is accommodated by tilting of receiving members in the sockets. Once the cantilevered springs are fully engaged with the sockets, the receiving members no longer tilt and the great stiffness of the cantilevered springs permits only very slight horizontal motion of the deck so that the barge can be ballasted downward to transfer the deck load to the jacket without misalignment.

Abstract: A device for temporary edge to edge securement in space of two parts along a contacting surface comprising:a plurality of retaining members distributed in pairs on either side of such contacting surface on each of said respective parts and a plurality of temporary connection members adapted to maintain them coupled to one another, with the rataining members in each pair being provided with complementary raised members for retainment thereof one relative to the other according to a longitudinal direction parallel to said contacting surface in at least one direction, said retaining members in each pair forming conjointly a bulging tenon oriented longitudinally engaging a narrowing groove formed in a rider constituting a temporary connection member for such pair of retaining members, andan automatic release mechanism comprising a coordination element connected to the plurality of temporary connection members and adapted to disengage the latter relative to said plurality of retaining members under the action of a

Abstract: The invention provides a coupling device with a first, driven member and a second member to be driven by the first member to a rotational movement. A driving plate is arranged between the two members and fixedly connected to the second member. In order to provide an angularly and centrically well defined position of the two members relative to each other, said first driven member is equipped with a centrically as well as an eccentrically arranged driving pin, the outer surfaces thereof having at least partially a conical shape. The conical parts of the surfaces engage with openings correspondingly arranged in the driving plate, which is elastically deformed upon connection of the second member to the first member.