Abstract: A heating unit for heating fluid is described having at least one electrical resistance heating element on an outer surface of a tube. At least one indexed groove is provided around a surface of the tube allowing for at least one retention clip to hold the electrical resistance heating element. A heating chamber is also provided to enclose a portion of the tube and to provide a flow channel therebetween. The heating chamber includes an optical sensor to detect overheating of the at least one electrical resistance heating element. Fluid is heated by flowing over the surface of the at least one electrical resistance heating element and through the tube.

Abstract: A novel sling assembly and corresponding method of stretching sling fabric are disclosed. The assembly preferably comprises a chassis with opposing rails connected by a cross bar. A sling frame having opposing stretch bars connected by a stretchable fabric is disposed over the chassis in a pre-assembled position. A cam lock is inserted into a key hole cut into at least one of the rails; the cam lock is then rotated away from the central axis of the key hole. An engagement member extending from at least one of the stretch bars is then inserted into the key hole. The sling fabric may now be stretched by rotating the cam lock toward the central axis of the key hole to move the engagement member along the key hole until the fabric is taut. The taut fabric is held in place by the engaged cam lock, whereby the assembly is kept in its stretched, fully assembled position. The invention's unique structure thus advantageously makes sling fabric replacement convenient, quick, and without the need for special tools.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable mechanism for connecting two or more shafts, including at least a first shaft having an external surface with an outer diameter and a second shaft which is hollow at a first end, wherein a spring is anchored to the first end of the second shaft, the spring having an inner diameter of similar dimensions to the outer diameter of the first shaft, the spring configured such that when a force is applied to the spring its inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the first shaft so that the second shaft can move over the first shaft to a desired position relative to the first shaft, and when the force is no longer applied to the spring it is biased to return to its original inner diameter to bear against the external surface of the first shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to standing seam clips (e.g., panel clips and perimeter clips) that allow for improved horizontal movement of decking panels while reducing or preventing the issues associated with the binding of the standing seam clips that result in damaged roofs when the roof panels expand and contract due to temperature changes of the roof panels during heating and cooling cycles.

Abstract: The object of the present device is to provide a fixing clip for a pipe wherein the pipe can be inserted into and fixed at the clip which is constituted into one structure and a shelf can be combined to the fixed clip so that articles can be positioned or decorated on the shelf. To achieve the above object, the present device comprises a first body formed with a first hole into which the pipe is inserted; a second body formed with a second hole into which the pipe is inserted; a connection section which combines ends of the first body and the second body and elastically presses the other ends of the first body and the second body so as to be pushed away from each other; and a fixing section to which the other end of the first body or the second body is connected, wherein the first body and the second body can be fixed at or escape from the pipe according to the angle between the center axis of the first hole and the center axis of the second hole.

Abstract: A standing seam roof clip system has a clip base with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending upwardly therefrom, and a clip tab comprising a return bend having a “U” configuration extending from a lower end of a vertical back surface, and a top portion comprising a hook for engaging with a roof panel. An interlocking element is formed in the vertical portion of the clip base, and has at least one seat with a substantially a “J” configuration which extends upwardly and outwardly from the vertical portion of the clip base and a respective shoulder extending from a top edge of the vertical portion of the clip base in a reverse “U” configuration. A roof panel is joined to the roof clip via the clip tab to form a seam; and the clip tab return bend engages with the clip base shoulder and seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together. The coupler includes at least one protector for protecting the cables. A clamp is provided for clamping the protector and cables together.

Abstract: A heating unit for heating fluid is described having at least one electrical resistance heating element on an outer surface of a tube. At least one indexed groove is provided around a surface of the tube allowing for at least one retention clip to hold the electrical resistance heating element. A heating chamber is also provided to enclose a portion of the tube and to provide a flow channel therebetween. The heating chamber includes an optical sensor to detect overheating of the at least one electrical resistance heating element. Fluid is heated by flowing over the surface of the at least one electrical resistance heating element and through the tube.

Abstract: A portable bed assembly of a disc and an elongate support, and the disc has a body having a central hole having an axis, and the central hole being sized for slidably receiving the elongate support, with the disc body and the elongate support having a cooperable flexibly mounted retractably extendable lock pin and the disc body has two transversely disposed through holes for receiving the lock pin and locking the elongate support in the disc body and preventing rotational movement of the elongate support in the disc body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis has a pair of spaced arms. The instrument includes a pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis, and an end effector having a pivot hole receiving the pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis for pivotal movement relative to the clevis and a control arm for pivoting the end effector about the pin. The instrument also includes an actuator wire having a helical portion connected to the control arm of the end effector.

Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.

Abstract: A connector for a rib and a spreader of a parasol includes a metal connector body and an inner block made of plastic. The connector body has an upper clamp portion for each rib to fit therein, and two studs extending down from the connector body and defining an inner opening for the inner block to fit therein. The inner block has two side walls defining an inner opening as a turning passageway for each spreader to fit and connected pivotally, and a stop respectively in two sides of the passageway for stopping each spreader in case of collapsing the parasol. Then the side walls can prevent the connector body from contacting the shank to scrape the paint coated on the shank and prevent said shank from rusting. Further the stops can maintain the contained angle between each rib and each spreader not excessively small to permit the parasol easily expanded.

Abstract: A locking device for a rectilinearly displaceable component has a catch spring, which interacts with a catch groove of the component. The catch spring is made of spring wire and has two legs, which are intended to contact opposite surfaces of a wall, where an opening to be traversed by the component is located. One leg of the catch spring has two opposite parts, which are formed by loop-shaped bending of the spring wire and intended to contact the component. The locking device is to be installed in systems having a high density of mechanical components.

Abstract: An attachment member 11 for board materials 2 such as heat insulating materials and the like comprises an affixing plate part 5 which is affixed to the substrate surface 3a of a body 3, a support plate part 6 which extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the substrate surface 3a when the affixing plate part 5 is affixed to the substrate surface 3a, and connecting plate parts 7 which extend in both directions at the upper end of support plate part 6. A support plate part elasticity providing part 12 and connecting plate part elasticity providing parts 13 are provided, respectively, in the support plate part 6 toward the point of connection with the affixing plate part 5, and in the connecting plate parts 7 toward the point of connection with the support plate part 6, along the longitudinal direction, and bent so as to achieve a wave form in cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening an end of a spring steel strip subjected to high tension. The end of the spring steel strip is clamped positively between two flat surfaces of two retainers in different positions, ensuring absolute security against loosening. For this purpose, the strip end is placed positively in an insert that is freely displaceable between the retainers and is clamped together with this insert between the retainers. The insert has transverse blades on its side facing away from the strip end, with which blades it engages the adjoining retainer positively, and thus in a displacement-proof manner, in the clamped state.

Abstract: In an expansible fixing plug having an internal bore passing right through the plug body into which an expansion bolt in the form of a nail or screw is to be driven, the internal bore is arranged helically wound around the center line and at least for a part of its length has a diameter that is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the expansion bolt.

Abstract: In a light-metal vehicle body, a girder assembly joins a first longitudinal girder member located in a forecarriage region of the vehicle body to a second, laterally offset, and generally longitudinally oriented side sill member. The girder assembly includes a pair of open shell-shaped, light-metal castings which form a single, hollow section enclosure when brought together along their mutual open face regions. The concave interior surfaces of the shell-shaped casting are provided with a plurality of spaced integrally formed stiffening rib members. The stiffening ribs are oriented transverse to the curving longitudinal center axis of the girder assembly which curves in conformance with the Z-shape configuration. The stiffening ribs of each shell-shaped castings are arranged in coordinate pairs such that they formed a series of substantially continuous webs along an interior cross section of said girder assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for adapting a drywall skim box (44) to an extension pole (16) to permit application of finishing compound to joints in locations remote from the user (54), such as in extended or high walls. The apparatus (10) includes a curved arm (24), one end of which is coupled to an extension pole (16) and the other end of which includes a mounting platform (38) for attachment to a skim box (44). The skim box (44) is both rotatably and pivotally coupled to the arm (24) for proper positing on a wall surface (58) to be finished. The geometrical relationship between the position of the skim box (44), the arm (24), and the extension pole (16) results in application of sufficient pressure to properly operate the skim box (44) as it is moved along a joint (56).

Abstract: An arm for suspending a vibrating member is disclosed. The arm has low bending stiffness in two mutually perpendicular first and second directions (x and z), and high stiffness in compression and in traction in a third direction (y) perpendicular to the first and second directions. The arm comprises a blade made of a composite material which is fixed at one end to the vibrating member and fixed at an opposite end to a second member. The cross-sectional area along the length of the blade is constant and rectangular in shape. The opposed fixed ends of the blade are flat and their widths extend in mutually orthogonal planes in the first and second directions (x and z).

Abstract: A rib structure of multiple-fold umbrella having enchanced strength and allowing to be opened and closed more smoothly characterized essentially in that the outermost end of the inner intermediate main rib is formed into a bifurcated portion within which a back-up joint in U-shaped cross section is pivotally connected for fitting thereinto and the inner end of the outer intermediate main rib is pivotally connected to the back-up joint and the outermost end of the inner intermediate main rib, thereby to increase the strength of the umbrella ribs, and that a back-up resilient part is provided between the inner intermediate main rib and the intermediate linking rib or between the outer intermediate main rib and the outer linking rib such that when opening the umbrella, the ribs are straightened and stretched for smooth unfolding by means of the acting force of the back-up resilient part and linkage of the ribs before the umbrella cloth is subject to external force and, when closing, the ribs can be folded intrin

Abstract: In the shaped junction portion, each end of the seat and back frame is deformed in order to obtain a flattened portion in a central area conveniently stiffened by thickened areas, raised edges, or protruding outer lips providing thereby for a perfect application of the shaped end of the tube onto a face of a flange of the articulation mechanism, these parts being thereafter connected together, junction studs of each flange of the articulation inclination being used for a respective centering of the part.

Abstract: A portable blind for hunting having a support structure which is laterally expandable by interconnecting identical frames to each other and to a standard member, each frame having a connecting portion adapted to be received within a loop of an adjacent frame member. A camouflaged cover is clipped to the support structure. Vertical extending members are pivotally attached to frame members to provide additional vertical coverage.

Abstract: A fastening device for a rope; the fastening device serving as an attachment hook, a tie-down binder, or a rope joiner, all without the use of knots in the rope or ropes. The device includes a shank having a hook at one end and an open loop at the other end. The open loop continues into a double parallel leg arrangement defining an open slot therebetween and terminates in a third leg. In that all slots and loops are open, the device may be attached anywhere along the mid-length of a rope to provide the functions, indicated.

Abstract: A bed spring assembly comprising a rectangular frame having a pair of end members and a pair of side members and arcuate corners joining said side members to said end members,said members having top and bottom walls,each bottom wall having a cut out subtending each corner,a filler plate covering the corner cut out and having a leg at the one end extending into the adjacent side member and having another leg at the other end extending into the adjacent end member, and means for connecting said legs to the respective members,said plate having an arcuate portion complementally fitting into the adjacent corner,means for securing spring-covering fabric to the frame comprising upwardly and inwardly angled flanges on the inner edges of the bottom walls of the side and end members,and similarly angled flanges on the inner edges of said legs and intermediate portion of each filler plate.

Abstract: An improved welded structural joint in the form of a fabricate tee and method for making same is described which comprises a transverse member and a strut member abutting at one end to the transverse member intermediate its ends, and one or a pair of U members disposed around and welded to the transverse and strut members, each U member having an arcuate portion intermediate its ends conforming to the outer surface contour of the transverse member and a pair of straight portions near its ends defining a pair of parallel legs having predetermined length and spacing and being welded lengthwise to the strut member. The transverse and strut members may be solid or tubular and of circular, rectangular or other suitable cross section, and of substantially any respective size. The longitudinal axes of the transverse and strut members may intersect at substantially any angle, or the members may be joined tangentially.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for detachably securing together the opposed ends of a lateral cable in a tire chain mounted on a tire. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members mounted on one end of the lateral cable and a generally U-shaped clasp joined to the other end of the cable. The clasp includes a base, a first expanse which is joined to and extends outwardly from the base at a right angle, and a second expanse, forming part of the other end of the clasp, which is joined to and projects outwardly from the base, and is inclined away from the first expanse. The clasp further includes an elongate slot which extends longitudinally of the clasp, with opposite ends in the first and second expanses, and having in the second expanse in an enlarged portion which accommodates passage therethrough of an anchor member.

Abstract: The invention concerns the construction of a blank with a view to manufacturing a handbrake control lever (34) for a drum brake. The blank defines two fingers situated essentially at the extension of the body of the blank, one of the fingers is to be folded back to form a trough (62) to accept a cable, the other finger is to be positioned relative to the trough (62) so as to prevent the cable from escaping from the latter.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant terminal for tubing used in passive structures by which the tubing member of the structure may be bolted or otherwise fastened in face-to-face contact with another member of the structure. The connector terminal contact face on one side of the connector is formed in a plane containing the adjacent-side tangency plane of the tubing and is formed on its opposite side by a trough-like depression that progressively deepens and widens endwise of the connector and that bottoms in a flattened area adjoined on opposite sides by upright shoulders or flanges attendantly formed from the cross-sectionally remaining tubing material along the depression and flattened area.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed herein for releasably securing a hooked end of a bungee cord to a supporting element which includes a linear body section terminating at one end in a double socket holder for engaging the supporting element and terminating at its opposite end in a conical receptacle for insertably receiving and holding a selected one of the bungee cord ends. This double socket is formed with openings facing from opposite directions and are joined at one side by a solid portion while its opposite or corresponding side is open or deformable so as to permit insertion and manipulation of the supporting element there through.

Abstract: A clevis thimble connector embodies an elongated body member having a clevis at one end for connection to a supporting structure and a thimble at the other end for receiving the loop end of a conductor. A laterally projecting member extends perpendicular to a conductor receiving groove in a thimble and is provided with an eye in spaced relation to the thimble for receiving a connector element of a device for applying tension to the conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a harness-motion to a harness frame, the coupling end of the harness-motion being a harness-motion hook having a jaw capable of receiving a correspondingly shaped counterpiece secured to the harness frame, the harness-motion hook provided with a supporting surface adjoining the jaw for the supporting of the counterpiece before the coupling of the harness-motion hook and the counterpiece.

Abstract: A cable suspension system for a rotary drum is disclosed which includes cable tension adjustment features providing dynamic load equalization, traction control and variable load distribution. The system includes an endless cable and at least one set of axially aligned support sheaves suspending the drum at its dynamic center of gravity. The system further includes devices for connecting wire rope in endless loops which incorporate load bearing, adjustment, and flexure features minimizing wear of the wire rope.

Abstract: A panel mounting clip is adapted to connect metal roof panels to roof purlins and comprises a base part that is fastened to the purlin and a flexible tab part that is resiliently and slidably connected at one end to the base and at the other end is interlocked with the seamed sidewalls of the roof panels.

Abstract: A force absorbing device and a force transmission device are provided including at least one member having a tubular configuration. A second member extends into one end of the tubular member and engages it in an interference fit to form a permanent joint. The tubular member and the second member have complementary bends at the permanent joint. The force absorbing device may include one or two such permanent joints. In the force transmission device, two such permanent joints are provided. The joints are made by cutting a tubular member to a desired length, press fitting a portion of a second member into one end of the tubular member to form a reinforced zone, and bending the second member and the tubular member at the reinforced zone to form the complementary bends and the permanent joint.

Abstract: Fixation of an artefact to a support means, such as of cement panels as exterior cladding for buildings, a reinforced plastics compressor blade or a ceramic turbine blade to a rotary hub member, or of an electric insulator of longitudinally reinforced plastics material to a transmission tower, the artefact being subject at least at times to longitudinal shear stresses, is effected through duplex fibre means, whereby the stresses are transferred to the support means through the duplex fibre means.

Abstract: A plant support comprising a plurality of interchangeable upright support rods each of which is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced cross wire holders. A plurality of identical, interchangeable, cross wires are each endwardly equipped with support rod engaging bent ends of size to slidingly overfit the upright rods. The cross wire ends are formed to a generally C-shaped configuration to define gaps of size to permit the cross wires to slide past the spaced holders on the support rods. By vertically spacing the cross wires relative to the support rods with the end openings aligned with the holders, the cross wires can slide vertically relative to the support rod to desired, vertically spaced locations. With the cross wires vertically spaced as desired, the support rods may then be rotated sufficiently to move the holders out of vertical alignment with the cross wire end openings to thereby lock the plurality of cross wires upon the support rods in vertically spaced relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double clamping ring suitable for clamping coaxial or non-coaxial couplings of members having a circular or non-circular cross-section, or a tubular cross-section. Said ring consists of a single piece of metal or non-metallic wire screw-threaded at at least both ends and comprises two end sections consisting each of at least the three-fourths of a turn, these end sections being interconnected by a rectilinear or loop-shaped section, the curved junction sections between each partial turn and the rectilinear or loop-shaped section surrounding partially the screw-threaded ends to provide bearing surfaces for the tightening nuts to be engaged on said screw-threaded ends.