Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the vehicle body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment walls through which these elements are fastened together. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the molding is thereby caused to move therewith. Slide elements are provided between the molding and vehicle body for sliding of the molding along the body. A fastening element attaches the molding to the bumper end portion. The fastening element comprises a tensioned flexible cable which permits vertical movement of the bumper end portion with respect to the molding.

Abstract: A windshield wiper shaft is mounted in a bearing bushing, wherein the bearing bushing and the wiper shaft rest against each other with conical bearing surface portions to compensate for possible radial play. This is important in constructions in which the bearing bushing and the wiper shaft are injection-molded from plastics material.

Abstract: A vacuum operated actuator is provided with a centering mechanism that operates with a single spring to normally locate the output in a mid-position and also return same from both an extended position and a retracted position. The centering mechanism also includes a connector that may be changed to adjust the output for connection with the device to be actuated without changing the centering and return operation.

Abstract: A connecting assembly comprising a support including spaced-apart sides, and a bore extending between the sides, a first member slideable in the bore, and including a first portion located on one side of the support, and a second member including an opening therein. The connecting assembly also includes a connecting device adjacent to one side of the support for connecting the second member to the first portion of the first member and comprising a first piece fixedly connected to the first portion, and a second piece located between the first piece and the one side of the support. The second piece also includes a bore which receives the first member for movement thereof relative to the second piece between a connect position with the first piece adjacent the second piece and a disconnect position with the first piece spaced from the second piece.

Abstract: An improved push-pull cable assembly (10) is provided with means for automatically compensating for changes in the cable's effective length, thus requiring a minimum of adjustment over an extended period. To this end, the cable's actuating rod (124) may be provided with a spring-loaded backlash compensating coupling (30) operatively connecting the actuating rod with an operating lever (106) on the controlled mechanism. A helical compression spring (198) is provided at the end of the push-pull cable assembly such that the spring exerts a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rod between a spring retainer (196) and a clevis fitting (122) pivotally connected to the controlled mechanism's operating lever. The clevis fitting is slidably mounted with respect to the actuating rod such that the spring will tend to displace it from a compressed position (210) closer to the spring to an extended position (216) further away.

Abstract: The invention provides a spring rod for a strap. A stationary member with a projection is inserted and fixed at one end of a cylinder with a longitudinal slit. A slider is slidably inserted in the cylinder with a spring interposed between the slider and the stationary member. The slider has a projection which has a tongue protruding through the slit of the cylinder.

Abstract: A manipulator for expendable immersion devices is provided with a spring loaded distal end to absorb mechanical shock when the immersion device is mounted on the manipulator and the manipulator is provided with a mechanical stop to eliminate the possibility of mechanical damage to the immersion device.

Abstract: A novel pivot joint connector for a strut assembly which utilizes a pivot ball and socket construction in conjunction with a clip to insure a smooth operating environment and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A substantially tubular housing houses a swivel unit proximate one of its ends and a tailpiece proximate the other of its ends; with a relatively strong spring disposed therebetween to urge each unit against its respective housing end with sufficient pressure to retain each such unit as selectively positioned. A swivel seat washer is disposed between the spring and swivel; while a pair of washers, one plastic and one brass, are disposed between the spring and tailpiece. The swivel unit includes an extension with external threads and flat sides that cooperate with flat sides of an opening in the housing end and through part of the sidewall of the housing; the flat sides of the extension and of the housing opening coacting to restrict rotation of the swivel to ninety degrees of rotation about a first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A machine for tamping ballast under a tie to which rails of a track are fastened, comprising a frame, and a tamping tool unit vertically adjustably mounted on the frame in vertical alignment with a respective one of the track rails. The unit includes a tamping tool carrier, respective pairs of tamping tools pivotally mounted on the carrier on the field side and the gage side of the respective track rail for immersion in the ballast adjacent a point of intersection of the tie and rail where the track is supported on the ballast, a single hydraulic reciprocating drive connecting the tamping tools of each pair for pivoting the tamping tools of the pair independently of each other and asynchronously towards and away from each other, a single vibrating drive connected to the tamping tools of each pair for vibrating the tools.

Abstract: A tensioning device for chains such as tensioning chains, sling chains, tire chains and the like with a tensioning unit having at least one tensioning spindle which is connected with a tensioning nut and having at least one damping spring. The damping spring is a cup spring package and the cup spring package is installed in the tensioning unit. A multiplicity of the cup springs of the spring package can have a single layer and the remaining cup springs can have multilayer arrangement. More than half of the spring path, preferably approximately 80% of the entire spring path of the spring package is preloaded with a half force which is at least smaller by approximately one half than the preloading force of the remaining spring path. A control device has an indicator connected with a tensioning spindle and this indicator such as a bolt is movable, preferably is journalled longitudinally shiftable in a housing opening.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a frame portion extending transversely of the intended direction of operative travel and a row of cultivating members on that portion are rotatable about upwardly extending shafts. Behind the cultivating members there is a ground-engaging support roller pivotally connected with the frame portion by means of supporting arms. A mechanism, including a screw spindle or an hydraulic ram is provided for adjusting the roller in a direction of height to vary the working level and a locking device for fixing the roller against pivotal movement relative to the frame portion is also included. The locking device includes two parts that can be clamped against one another with relatively co-operating toothings interengaged. A resilient device on a rod of the mechanism is provided to allow relative movement between the co-operating toothings at the time of clamping the parts together.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly comprises a detachable wheel mounted on a radial wheel mounting flange using a single wheel fastener and a conical disc spring to secure the wheel to the wheel mounting flange.The conical disc spring is deflected to a preselected compressed state by the fastener to exert a predetermined axial clamping force uniformly along an annular region of contact between the wheel and the disc spring and to resiliently pre-load the wheel bearings. A lock prevents the single fastener from working loose.

Abstract: A door for a cupboard and more especially a corner cupboard comprising a planar closure member formed in two sections of different width with one hingedly connected to the other, a first of said section being adapted for hinged mounted to an aperture in which in use the closure member is to be located. In order to control throughout the opening and closing operations of the door the outer or second section an arm is provided. The arm is pivotally coupled adjacent to the free edge of the second section of the door this edge being opposite to the edge of second section which is hinged to the first section. The arm is adapted at its other end to be pivotally attached to a fixture from said aperture. The fixture is in a plane which is parallel to that of the aperture.

Abstract: A tensioning device, especially for lashing chains. The device is provided with two link members, movable with respect to each other and having a releasable latch for receiving chain members. At least one link member has a fork-shape, including two legs or arms projecting to extend freely and parallel to each other while being connected by a transverse piece. The link members are held under tension in the closure position, and at least one link member is movable into a releasing position under the force of the connected tension chain. Two spindles are journalled in a double nut, with each having self-binding left and right threads for movement of the link members. A yoke or bracket bridging a suspension opening formed by a hook can be provided, with the hook being pivotable to serve as a link member. The hook is releasably connected with its free end on the yoke or bracket. The hook may be extended beyond the pivot axis thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting and dismounting pivoted levers in tool housings in which the lever has a projection engaging a first groove in the tool housing and a blind bore extending transversely through the lever and coaxially within the projection, wherein an axle journal is inserted in the blind bore to project in a second groove within the tool housing. When mounting or dismounting the arrangement, an implement is introduced in a slit above the axle journal, to disengage the axle journal from the groove, thereby releasing the support of the lever.

Abstract: An elongated strut having first and second large and small diameter relatively telescoped opposite end portions. The free end of the large diameter end portion includes a mount for mounting a corresponding vehicle side with the strut downwardly and outwardly inclined from the vehicle side. The free end of the small diameter end portion includes a relatively extendable spring biased foot portion for engagement with the ground and a generally horizontal brace is provided including a first end for anchoring relative to the corresponding vehicle side and a second end including clamp structure removably clampingly engaged with the strut small diameter end portion immediately adjacent and abutting the corresponding strut large diameter end portion to limit telescoping of the small diameter strut end portion into the strut large diameter end portion.

Abstract: A quickly detachable mounting link and its accompanying flail blades from sleeve lug mounts on a rotor drum. The link is U-shaped and has axially aligned oppositely disposed extensions at the upper end of the U. The depending portion of the U link is adapted to loosely carry the flail blades. One of the extensions is longer than the other and carries a coil spring therearound. The oppositely disposed extensions are adapted to slidably engage spaced apart, axially aligned sleeve lug mounts on the rotor drum. The coil spring in its normal extension keeps the mounting link in its sleeve mounts on the rotor drum. Quick detachment is accomplished by sliding the mounting link in a direction to compress the coil spring and effect removal of the short extension from its sleeve lug mount, whereupon the entire link may be removed from the rotor and the flail blades slid off the link over its short extension.

Abstract: A spring biased prop for use with a pivot member, such as a window, hinged to a support member. The prop includes sliding tubular telescopic members each carrying a pivoted arm part for attachment to the pivot member or support member. A sleeve formed of generally friction free material, such as nylon or Teflon, is fitted between the tubular members to accommodate sliding movement of the members relative to each other.

Abstract: The manipulator end of an endoscopic tissue sampling instrument, such as a forceps, comprises a plunger 4 slidably disposed within a slotted support tube 3 and movable via a finger sleeve 6 surrounding the tube and coupled to the plunger. A control wire 1 extends through an inner coil 10 and a surrounding outer coil 8; the adjoining ends of the coils within the support tube are brazed or welded together at 13, and the other end of the outer coil is secured to the end of the support tube by set screws 9. An end stop 2 is attached to the end of the control wire and is normally seated against one end of a cavity 5 within the plunger by a spring 7. If excessive tension is exerted on the control wire in manipulating the instrument the outer coil 8 expands in a spring-like manner to prevent any breakage or damage; if excessive compression is exerted the end stop spring yields to allow the stop to unseat and move within the cavity.

Abstract: A combined fastener and tension indicator means employed for securing the ends of a band having undulations formed therein. The band is employed for retaining insulation panels which have been applied over the exterior surface of a structure to be insulated thereby. The structure to be insulated is caused to expand and/or contract depending upon the surrounding atmospheric conditions. A tension is applied to the band to insure the band always being in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied. The undulations formed in the band together with the amount of tension applied to the band will permit for the structure to which the panels have been applied to expand and/or contract while still retaining the insulation panels in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied.

Abstract: A nautical boat mooring apparatus which includes a rigid open-ended tubular member which forms a longitudinal open-ended chamber therein, a piston assembly providing a piston slideably positionable within the longitudinal open-ended chamber and a rod portion, the rod portion being extensible out of one end of the longitudinal chamber, a first spring for urging the piston toward the second end of the tubular member, a second spring for urging the piston toward the first end of the tubular member, a first coupling device for removably affixing the first end of the tubular member to a supporting surface, and a second device for removably affixing another portion of the piston assembly to a nautical vessel. Both coupling devices employ ball and socket arrangements to permit the apparatus to accommodate yaw, roll and pitch of the vessel.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a tire chain, which comprises a first link member adapted to receive a chain link, a second link member adapted to receive another chain link, and an intermediate member, e.g. in the form of a tubular member, which is connected to the first link member and is interposed between the first link member and the second link member. The second link member is movable relative to the intermediate member. A shaft member which is associated with the intermediate member is fixedly connected to the second link member while being movable relative to the first link member. Preloaded springs are associated with the intermediate member and continuously act upon the connecting member so as to urge the second link member in the direction toward the first link member.

Abstract: Structural front and rear frames, and a rear bulkhead mounted on the rear frame, mount and securely retain a flexible bag as a liner within a freight container, truck trailer or the like, to adapt the container for bulk cargo transport. The front frame retains the front end of the liner bag in generally rectangular configuration and transmits stresses on the bag to structural members of the container, thus supporting the front end of the bag against displacement and possible damage or rupture. The rear frame and a curved bulkhead mounted thereon support the rear end of the bag and similarly prevent its rupture or collapse during loading and tilt-unloading. The laterally curved rear bulkhead also acts as a funnel to completely evacuate the bag contents during tilt-unloading through an opening therethrough. The arrangement is inexpensive and easy to install and, although all of its components may be disposed of after a single use, at least the frame components can be reused.

Abstract: A timepiece push-button assembly, in which a push-button and its stem are biased to a rest position defined by abutment of a shoulder of the stem against the end of its guide tube, is assembled with a snap fit by elastic deformation of a trunco-conical part of the stem forming said shoulder.

Abstract: A shaft member connected to a drive fitting yoke by a joint member is splined to a shaft member connected to a driven fitting yoke by a joint member. A spring accommodated in a hollow chamber continuously extending through the shaft members axially biases the shaft members away from each other. Limiting means for limiting the maximum length of extension of the shaft members prevents the spring from exerting a thrust load on the drive shaft element and driven shaft element interconnected by the drive shaft. The spline coupling portion has an increased diameter to ensure the strength of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A locking apparatus has first and second assemblies each containing an inclined plane. The inclined planes contact one another at a locking position and releasably fix the first assembly to the second assembly. The apparatus includes means for urging one of the inclined planes into the other at a force sufficient for maintaining the inclined planes in contact one relative to the other during movement of one assembly relative to the other and during wear for maintaining locking contact and compensating for the wear.

Abstract: A method of limiting backseat loading on a valve stem moved between a lower closed position and an upper open position engaging the backseat by an actuator having an upper stop position wherein the method includes the steps of setting a variable force transmitting coupling to a predetermined loading between a bearing surface and a gauging surface thereon, connecting the coupling to the valve stem in the lower closed position, lowering the actuator from the upper stop position, connecting the coupling to the actuator, raising the actuator to the upper stop with the backseat being below the upper open position, and increasingly connecting the coupling to the valve stem and the actuator until the backseat is engaged and the predetermined loading exceeded as ascertained by separation of the gauging surface from the bearing surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a connector joint that consists of separable elements that may be either locked in axial alignment or permitted to pivot relative to each other. The preferred embodiment disclosed utilizes a tubular receiving sleeve with a radius flared socket as one element and tubular pin carrying housing having a partially spherical head of a size corresponding to that of the sleeve.

Abstract: A police baton or the like of telescoping tubular sections normally carried in a collapsed telescoped condition and extensible by releasing a safety lock in the handle and exerting pressure upon an eject button to release a catch and permit an internal expansive helical spring to telescopically extend the sections of the baton, operation of the safety lock and of the eject button being accomplished by movement of those elements in readily distinguishable directions of operational motion.

Abstract: The closure counter-balance is for attachment as a strut between a hingedly mounted movable closure and a support structure. The counter-balance includes a pair of tubular members telescopingly connected together in sliding relationship. A compression coil spring within the members urges the members apart. Means are provided to frictionally lock the tubular members together in any given relative position thereof. Means are also provided to pivotally attach one end of the counter-balance to the support structure, said means including a release mechanism for easy disengagement thereof. The other end of the counter-balance is provided with latch means which cooperate with means on the support structure to lock the counter-balance in the closed position.

Abstract: A molecular model has a center made up from two relatively pivotal parts which are angularly movable between predetermined angular positions. The parts are relatively unstable when not in such angular positions. Atomic valency bonds in the form of elongate flexible members extend from the pivotal parts and have at their free ends couplings which engage another like coupling of another flexible member or another center part. The couplings are identical and each comprises both a projection and a socket or in one embodiment a magnet presenting at an end surface, both a North and a South pole.

Abstract: An actuating rod for interconnecting a throttle with an exhaust gas return valve has first and second rod portions which are interconnected in force transmitting relation by a spring. The second rod portion is bent to extend parallel to the first rod portion over part of its length and has a loop surrounding the first portion and engaging the spring.

Abstract: A telescopic walking cane with spring-loaded telescopic members that can be easily telescoped to provide a cane compact for carrying purposes and which likewise can be readily telescoped to full length by activation of a hand switch for walking purposes, the telescopic walking cane being provided with a concealed latch that can be readily opened for fastening to a person's belt or other convenient location on the person's wearing apparrel for ease in carrying or storing said walking cane when not in use, a thermometer built into the side of the walking cane for convenience in reading air temperature as particularly useful for individuals with certain handicaps affected by the weather, the walking cane being further provided with a scale or ruler markings along its length, and, additionally, a battery operated light at the tip of the walking cane operated by a switch in the handle, said light being useful when necessary for a handicapped person to look in dark corners or areas.

Abstract: A fishing rod comprising a plurality of segments adapted to be coupled together by means of coupling ferrules including an elastic member interconnecting each segment whereby the ferrule connections are retained in locking condition during use of the fishing rod.