Abstract: A clamping device of a static umbrella (e.g. the frame of a garden or beach mbrella) has a segment which is flexibly connected to a bush which surrounds an umbrella stick. A handle rotatably mounted in a boss attached to the bush is able to overcome the natural springiness of the segment to move it towards the umbrella stick so that a clamping cheek of the segment holds the umbrella stick in position relative to a base tube. With this construction, the device need have no longitudinal split, which would expose the mechanism to the effects of the weather, and the mechanism is enclosed, thereby preventing the umbrella stick or users from being hurt on the sharp corners and edges of the mechanism.

Abstract: To generate a prestress between a piston rod (1) and a valve spindle (2), a bar (5) is incorporated in the piston rod (1) and is prestressed against the valve spindle (2) by exerting a pressure force, which absorbs the pulling and pushing forces occurring there.

Abstract: A device for connecting pivotally two yoke members of a windshield wiper. Each yoke member has a cross-section including two generally vertical side walls and a top wall connecting the upper ends of the side walls, and the yoke members are overlappingly disposed relative to each other. The device comprises a pivot pin passing through aligned openings in the side walls of the two yoke members, and the pivot pin is divided into plural portions in the cross-section thereof at the location inner side of the side walls of inner yoke member, with the plural portions being separated from one another in the radially outward directions thereby forming a large diameter portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns device for removably fixing support, joint or hinge elements to panels or blocks of expanded polystyrene or of similar materials. The method is characterized by providing a pair of plates, each having a face from which protrudes one or more nails or spikes substantially perpendicular to the same face, and by inserting the said plates correspondingly into the faces of the panels or blocks forming an angle to each other so that the nails or spikes of the two plates intermesh. In particular, the plates, once inserted in the polystyrene, are locked together.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem assembly for securing a handlebar of a bicycle to a bicycle frame. The stem comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, a barrel and threaded nuts and bolts for securing the bottom plate to the underside of the top plate. The plates have opposed transverse arcuate grooves formed thereon for the reception of a handlebar therebetween. The top plate has a gusset punched upwardly from the underside to define a hole for the reception of the upper end of the barrel. The upper end of the barrel is welded to the top plate by a weld which extends between the side of the gusset, the barrel, and the top side of the top plate. Another weld surrounds the barrel and secures it to the underside of the top plate.

Abstract: A tubular structural system utilizes a plurality of graduated tubes, each having a plurality of apertures formed therein for receiving smaller tubes in a selectively locking configuration such that the tubes may be interlocked to form a structural framework.

Abstract: A safety strap assembly for removably interconnecting a pair of engaging molds for a plastic molding or die cast die for retaining the molds against accidental separation and wherein a pair of laterally spaced shoulder bolts are secured to the molds respectively. A strap assembly comprises a locking plate spanning the dies and having a pair of spaced apertures terminating in keyhole slots adapted to receive the shoulder bolts and the bolts retainingly engaging the locking plate when in locking position. The locking plate is rotatable to an unlocked position disengaging the shoulder bolts from the locking plate. A locating cover overlies and pivotally mounted upon the locking plate and has a pair of spaced apertures receiving the shoulder bolts. The locking plate is rotatable relative to the locating cover until its apertures are in registry with the shoulder bolts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting auxiliary components such as a seat, a camera platform or the like at or near the bearings which support the dolly or carriage wheels or articulated legs. The present includes at least one cap member and a receiving tube. Each cap member is arranged so as to transfer any force placed on the receiving tube directly onto the vehicle frame rather than the bearings associated with the leg king pin system. The cap members also serve to exclude contaminants from the bearing means of the leg king pin system. Rotation of the leg king pin driveshaft is not impeded by the receiving tube. One embodiment of the present invention also includes a groove in one of the cap members to permit the locking of the leg locking pin in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A stacking, pivoting, wall storage unit with removable storage containers, shelves, and the like comprising a vertical mounting member adapted for mounting to a wall or the like. A vertical connecting member is hingedly carried by the mounting member for pivoting about a vertical axis through at least 90.degree.. The connecting member includes a plurality of vertically disposed shear trap channels each having a pair of opposed planar members with the hook portion of hook and loop fastening material on inward facing surfaces. The planar members are adapted to releasably receive the loop portion of hook and loop fastening material therebetween and maintain it in shear. A plurality of stacking members each having a vertical fin member extending therefrom and having the loop portion of hook and loop fastening material on parallel outward facing surfaces of the outer edge thereof are provided for releasable attachment to the vertical connecting member by fastening the fins in the shear trap channels.

Abstract: A mounting structure is disclosed including two pairs of spaced apart parallel rails with a longitudinal slot separating each of the pair. A trackway is formed under each pair of rails and a slider is slidable in the trackway and may be connected to a third rail orthogonally mounted on the pairs of rails, by means of a bolt passing through the slider and engaging a nut in a T-shaped slot in the third rail.

Abstract: In a wire fixing device for a window regulator for an automotive vehicle, for instance, a wire stopper fixed to a wire is engaged with a recess formed in a wire fixing member fixed to a window panel carry unit slidable along two guide rails when the carry plate unit is moved to and fro by the wire. The wire fixing member is, in particular, formed with a slit for allowing only the wire to pass across the wire fixing member in the direction perpendicular to the wire extending direction, and fixed to the window panel carry unit in constained beam fashion. To engage the wire stopper with the recess, the wire fixing member is first dislocated from the wire stopper within an access hole, the wire is raised passing through the slit by holding the wire through the access hole; and the wire fixing member is slided just under the wire stopper. This device is small in size, high in rigidity and easy to assemble the wire to the window panel carry unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a tabletop to support legs is disclosed featuring a connector having a flexible tail. A closure having a mounting bead is superimposed over the connector which is mounted to the end of each table leg. An interference fit between the connector and the closure fixes the position of the tabletop with respect to the support legs.

Abstract: A fastener (24) secures a thin sheet liner (16) to a supportive substrate (10) for protection against an adjacent high temperature environment (12). Cooling air (20) flows through a plurality of openings (34) and impinges (36) on the fastener (24). The fastener (24) is received within a dimple (32) in the liner (16) and includes an enlarged head portion (38).

Abstract: Self contained radio transmitting state estimator modules are mounted on power conductors on both sides of power transformers in electrical substations and on power conductors at various places along electrical transmission lines. They are electrically isolated from ground and all other conductors. These modules are capable of measuring current, voltage, frequency and power factor (or the fourier components thereof) the temperature of the conductor, and the temperature of the ambient air. The modules transmit these parameters to local receivers. The receivers are connected by an appropriate data transmission link, to a power control center which allows determination of the state of the power system. Appropriate control signals are transmitted back to the electrical switchgear of the system to bring it to the appropriate optimum state. Direct local control may also be effected, for example, the prevention of overloading a transformer.

Abstract: The parts of a support structure which can be assembled together have rimmed holes and openings going through them centrally. A conical nut is screwed onto a countersunk screw which goes through the openings, and the nut has a conical surface which has a cone angle that is the same as the inner conical surface of the opening of a corresponding rimmed hole. The described screw connection is particularly well suited for support structures which are heavily stressed by shocks, vibrations or other disturbances and is found to be durably resistant under these conditions without additional means for securing the screw and nut.

Abstract: The interface bracket, which supports a sealing gasket between the lower surface of a base pan and the front face of a sleeve lower wall, is designed so as to extend under the sleeve lower wall so as to overlap and support the lower wall from sagging. The integrity of the sealing relationship is therefore maintained. Provision is also made to automatically cam the sleeve lower wall from a sagged position by the use of a bracket with an angled leading edge.

Abstract: An attachment lug is fixed to the end region of a cylindrical body, such as a power cylinder, a piston-cylinder combination or the like, to form an assembly wherein loads directed on the attachment lug are transmitted to the cylindrical member. The attachment lug comprises a fork portion of shell-type design on which a first conical surface is formed. A second conical surface is formed on an end region of the cylindrical member, the first and second conical surfaces having corresponding configurations adapted to mate with each other. The attachment lug is connected to the end region of the cylindrical member with the first and second conical surfaces mating with each other, the first and second conical surfaces being joined to each other by a bonding agent. The shell-like fork portion of the attachment lug is formed of a composite material, such as a thermosetting plastic reinforced by a continuous fiber structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drive coupling for connecting an output shaft such as for a motor to an input pinion such as for a reducer. A coupling member which has an intermediate portion supported for rotation in bearings in a bracket which is mounted on a motor. The coupling member has one end portion in the form of a slotted sleeve which extends about the motor shaft and is clamped thereto by a clamping collar. The other end of the coupling member is provided with a bore for receiving a pinion shaft in a force-fit relationshp. The pinion shaft may be pinned to the coupling member by means of a spiral pin and the slotted sleeve may be keyed to the motor output shaft by means of a suitable slot and key arrangement.

Abstract: An adaptor is mounted on one end of a narrow-sized elongated electronic element stick which contains therein a number of electronic elements in a row. The stick is used with an electronic element dispenser which includes an inlet aperture and a guide frame having a pair of side walls for receiving and guiding the one end of the stick therebetween to lead the one end of the stick into a position adjacent to the inlet aperture of the dispenser. The adaptor comprises a base plate for supporting the bottom of the stick and a pair of elastic side walls extending upwardly and inwardly from opposed side edges of the base plate. The base plate of the adaptor has a width larger than the width of the bottom of the stick and slightly smaller than the spacing between the side walls of the guide frame. The elastic side walls of the adaptor is capable of elastically engaging the side surfaces of the stick so that the adaptor is held in position at the one end of the stick.

Abstract: A banner support arm safety coupling rigidly mounts banner support arms to a pole and has a frangible or breakable portion so the coupling will break under loads on the banner before the pole fails. A safety line holds the coupling portion from completely separating after the frangible portion breaks.

Abstract: A universal connector for interconnecting a linearly movable engine speed control mechanism to a linearly and arcuately movable carburetor throttle valve control lever, including an elongated plastic body having a bore at one end, the body receiving in the bore a pin type shaft that projects from the throttle valve lever, the body at the other end capturing the chain-like end of the speed control cable, the shaft having a rounded end with an annular groove just behind the end that cooperates with one leg of a hairpin like spring clip that locks or unlocks the plastic body from the shaft upon inward or outward movement/deflection of the leg, the body thus being able to swivel on the shaft without relative lateral movement to accurately translate a linear movement of the speed control cable to an arcuate and linear movement of the throttle control lever.

Abstract: An expansion seal assembly in which a corrugated plate extends between two members that are subjected to differential thermal expansion and contraction. An expansion joint connects the upper and lower edges of the corrugated plate with the two members respectively to accommodate differential thermal expansion and contraction between two members in an axial direction. The expansion joint acts as hinges to accommodate the lateral movement.

Abstract: A substrate support of integral construction, by which substrate (20, 39) can be fixed angularly to a plate (22, 40) and which comprising a base (3, 33), a fixing portion (1, 31) for coupling the base (3, 33), a first projection (7, 37) extending from the base (3, 33), and a second projection (8, 38) extending from a wall (9) extending from the base (3, 33). The substrate (20) is gripped by the base (3, 33), the first projection (7, 37) and the second projection (8, 38) so that the end of the substrate (20) can be inserted into the space between the first projection (7, 37) and the second projection (8, 38) and the substrate (20) can be fixed angularly to the plate (22, 40).

Abstract: A coupling 10 for connecting an elongate first member 12 to a second member 14. The first member 12 is provided with external radial fins 16. The second member 14 defines a recess provided with a number of internal radial fins 20. The first and second members 12,14 and their fins 16,20 are sized such that the first member 12 can be positioned within the recess of the second member 14 with each fin of each member extending between two corresponding fins of the other member. At least one wedge 24 is positioned in the space intermediate each set of opposing fins 16,20. The fins 16,20 and wedge 24 are configured such that biasing the first member 12 in a first axial direction relative to the second member 14 causes the wedge 24 to lock the fins 16,20 together, preventing movement of the first member 12 in the first axial direction. The present coupling 10 can be used to support the members 12,14 under either a tensile or compressive axial loading.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for a high-speed appliance such as a juice extractor wherein the driven member, such as a juicer filter basket, is both positively connected for rotation and axially latched to a drive assembly very simply and without any mechanical adjustment.

Abstract: A chain guard fastener for secure fitting of the down tube and the seat tube of a bicycle comprises a fastening means and bolt having a key projecting in front thereof to permit engagement with a counterpart keyway provided on the chain guard. The fastening means is made of molded plastic, and includes a median split and a cylindrical form projecting out of a pair of symmetrically disposed faces, two suitably formed bolting ports traversing the pair of faces on either side thereof so as to permit passage of a bolt therethrough. One end of the bolt is stopped, while the other end of the bolt goes to a continuously toothed groove, in close proximity of the teeth.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a minimum of three struts along the spatial axes has two interconnectable retainers, each of whose outer surfaces follows the surface of a simple geometric body, and each of whose opposing inwardly facing sides is formed from the surface of a cut through the geometric body. Additionally, the retainers have drilled recesses, along the spatial axes, to accept the struts, whose axes cross each other. By means of the drilled recesses, each retainer forms a three-armed body.

Abstract: The device comprises an abutment member which has seats for engaging the two rods of the saddle frame from above and is coupled to the head of the saddle pillar so as to be rotatable about a transverse axis of rotation perpendicular to the two rods but not movable vertically, and a thrust plate which engages the two rods of the saddle from below. A pair of screws is screwed substantially vertically through the head of the saddle pillar on the two sides of the transverse axis of rotation with their ends engaging the lower surface of the thrust plate, to cause clamping of the rods of the saddle against the seats of the abutment member as a result of the upward thrust exerted by the screws on the thrust plate, and to allow adjustment of the inclination of the saddle by the tightening of one of the screws and the loosening of the other.

Abstract: A universal, direct drive fan coupling designed to attach a radiator cooling fan to a water pump of an internal combustion engine for an automobile or like vehicle wherein the subject coupling is specifically designed to efficiently replace the fan idling clutch present in many relatively current models of American made automobiles, or like vehicles. The inherent versatility of the subject direct drive coupling enables the elimination of any clutch mechanism normally found in the aforementioned automobile type which is positioned between the rotating shaft associated with the conventional cooling fan and a subsequently positioned and driven component of the circulation system such as the water pump.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement for clamping a sensor element to a member whose deformation is to be monitored so as to elimiate signal distortions due to the clamping process and to settling phenomena. The sensor element is formed at its contact point with the member to be monitored by pressing between a die and counter-die as the clamping screws are tightened to provide a form-fit closure of the sensor element with the member to be monitored. The die and counter-die are formed on the adjacent surfaces of the member to be monitored and a torsion member; between which surfaces, the sensor element lies. The screw support member can be arranged to isolate the screw turning moments from the sensor element jointly with the form-fit closure feature.

Abstract: A threadless retention apparatus holds a spindle (2) against a bearing (22) in a helicopter hub and has a split ring (10) mating with an annular spindle groove (4) and a loading hoop (32) holding the ring (10) within the groove (4), the loading hoop (32) locating the ring (10) and spindle (2) in relation to the bearing (10) as a unit.

Abstract: A joint for foldable aluminum ladders comprising a first base, a second base, a control plate and a selecting means. The second base has a middle plate inserted between two parallel plates which are connected at the end of the first base. The control plate is inserted between one of the parallel plates and the middle plate. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate each have a central hole to allow a sleeve to be inserted therethrough. The parallel plates, middle plate and control plate also have apertures which lay some distance along the edges. The selecting means has a fixing link inserted through the sleeve and an inserting link which is shorter than the fixing link. A compressible spring is disposed around the lower end of the fixing link and a nut is secured at the threaded portion of the fixing link.

Abstract: A corner guide assembly having a first and second housing arms each having straight and curved guide grooves and a flexible resilient connector connected to elongated drive rods slidably located in the straight guide grooves.

Abstract: A device for rapidly interlocking or disengaging for anti-theft purposes, the steering wheel and the steering column of a motor vehicle. The device includes:a base interlocked for rotation with the steering column.an intermediate connecting piece.a plate interlocked for rotation with the steering wheel.first rotational coupling mechanism provided between the base and the connecting piece for rapid coupling uncoupling of the base and the connecting piece together for rotation.

Abstract: A joint connection for attachment of reflector panels at a truss support structure of a radio telescope, where the bars of the truss and the reflector panels consisting of fiber composite material, and adjusting means for the reflector panels between the ball-shaped central body of the joint and the reflector panels.

Abstract: A joint element for securing a speedometer shaft is disclosed which can be readily cut to allow removal of the shaft without damage to other parts when the speedometer is disassembled for service. The joint element comprises a ring of a flexible plastic material with a tapered edge on an inner surface thereof. The convex edge corresponds to a circular tapered recess on the shaft, and notches in said convex edge permit the ring to be pushed onto the shaft until said convex edge mates with said recess and permit the ring to be easily cut from the speedometer shaft after the ring is installed on the shaft.

Abstract: A ball type universal joint construction where a ball member is rotatably received in a housing and a bearing structure interposed therebetween in a manner which limits the relative rotational degrees of freedom. The ball member has a spherical surface portion which includes axially extending bearing receiving slots and the housing has a cavity spherical surface portion which includes bearing receiving recesses in registry with the receiving slots. Ball type bearings disposed partially within the recesses and partially within the slots limit movement between the ball member and the housing to articulated movement relative to each other. The housing also includes an access opening at one end face having an enlargement through which the ball member can be passed when rotated 90 degrees to its nominal, functioning position. This allows the ball member to be inserted into the housing through the enlargement while at the same time accommodating passage of the bearings into the housing recesses.

Abstract: In the invention, a noncylindrical sleeve deforms when a cylindrical nut is threaded into it. The deformation inhibits rotation of the nut because the sleeve is restrained against rotation.

Abstract: According to the printed circuit board holding appliance of the present invention, a plurality of the holding appliances each comprising a spacing holding member and a fitting member can be connected vertically continuously through each tapered lower end portion. On transporting, therefore, plural printed circuit boards can be temporarily fixed easily by merely stacking and conveyed without being rattled by temporal fixing. Besides, since the vertical connection or the temporary fixation of the board holding appliances can be done easily, the printed circuit boards in a stacked state can be fixed also to a support member easily and firmly with a mounting screw.

Abstract: Pin lock insert holder constructed as an essentially straight lever having longitudinally spaced hold down and fulcrum projections on opposite sides and a lever actuating recess engaged by an angularly related screw. An additional shim retention projection and snap ring accommodate loosening for insert replacement with secure retention of pin and shim against removal or dislocation. Modifications without shim retention accommodate small inserts with shorter lock pins.

Abstract: A solder-free circuit base plate made by changing the two integrated halves of conventional circuit base plate to two separate pieces side-exchangeably and removably joined by means of butterfly tenons and mortises made in the edges of different width so that different spaces and distances between the inserting holes can be arranged for making full use of the inserting holes and for inserting of different sizes of electronic parts in addition to the round hole design which smooths the insertion, prevents the hole from deforming and enhances the efficiency.

Abstract: A table leg locking plug is provided with a planar stop member, a tubular member receptive of one end of the table leg and extending outwardly from one surface of the stop member with the longitudinal axis thereof perpendicular to the one surface and two resiliently deformable ears extending outwardly from the periphery of the tubular member and on which a table top lies during use.

Abstract: A spring pivot joint comprises two face plates with heavy serrations or ribs between them, both sandwiched between Belville springs or spring washers, the washers being held in a strongly stressed condition by a hollow rivet. The face plates have integral wings or tabs extending radially beyond the washers for attachment to the companion mannequin parts to be jointed. Since the rivets are hollow, a simple rod can extend through a plurality of them to hold them in coaxial alignment while being attached to the jointed mannequin parts.

Abstract: A fixing device for a fishing rod is used for joining a inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is slidably received within the outer tube and can be fixed onto the outer tube firmly. The fixing device includes a fixing piece or coupling operatively mounted on the outer tube and a packing ring made of flexible material which is urged to grasp the inner tube by the fixing piece.

Abstract: A wand for adjusting window blinds comprises at least two wand sections. The first wand section is an elongated rod having a hook at one end for attachment to a mechanism for adjusting a window blind. A connection means comprising four longitudinally extending lobes is arranged at the other end of the first wand section. A second wand section comprises also an elongated rod having four fingers at one end thereof designed such that the fingers interengage between the four lobes of the first wand section to releasably and non-pivotably interconnect the two wand sections. Small teeth located on the sides of the fingers engage in notches formed in the lobes to maintain the two wand sections in engagement. Additional wand sections, similar to the second wand section, can be added to the second wand section to further lengthen the blind adjusting wand.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for interconnecting a pair of levers of a vehicle body door latch system includes a rod having one end non-adjustably connected to one of the levers and the other end adjustably connected to the other lever by a series of truncated cones on the outer surface of the rod engaged by deflectable portions of a fastener secured to the other lever, with the deflectable portions defining an internal truncated cone.

Abstract: An assembly for allowing quick removal of a wheel from a vehicle is provided. The original wheel axle is replaced with an elongated axle which is adapted to extend through a block clamped to the vehicle frame. The block includes a spring-biased plunger which interfits with an annular groove at the end of the axle to lock the wheel and axle in place. The plunger is withdrawn from the groove to release the axle and allow one to readily remove the wheel.Alternately, an indented shaft fits within the groove to lock the axle. Upon rotation of the shaft to align the indentation over the groove, the axle may be released and withdrawn from the block.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for connecting a threaded push-rod to a clevis of a brake actuating lever, the coupling comprises the combination of a collar having an internal bore threaded for engagement with the push rod, a head at one end of the collar and a recess forming a shoulder spaced from the head, latching means carried by the clevis and biased into a first position extending internally of a bore provided to the clevis and latch displacing means carried by the collar adjacent to the shoulder. During assembly the latch displacing means serves to displace the latching means upon axial insertion of the collar into the bore and the latching means returns to its first position and engages the shoulder provided to the collar to prevent withdrawal of the collar from the clevis bore.

Abstract: In an exploration type drill rig, an improved assembly arrangement for a soil sampling tube and head support therefor including nesting, aperture-aligned tubular wall sections of the sampling tube and head support with a pin extending through aligned apertures and held in position by a spaced stop and movable detent extending radially from the pin on opposite sides of the nesting tubular walls.

Abstract: In a composite aircraft formed of graphite reinforced epoxy plates forming walls of the aircraft and walls of fuel tanks therein, for example, there is an adhesive seal for bonding overlapping faying plate surfaces together. The seal is formed of spaced glass fibers mixed with a conductive material and impregnated with a resin. The resin is cured between the surfaces of the plates to which it is bonded. The conductive filler is carbon in the form of approximate microspheres, generally hollow and having diameters in the range of 5 to 150 microns. The carbon microspheres function to weaken the adhesive seal between the plates so that they can be forcibly separated by a wedge without structural damage to the plates. The conductive material equalizes negative and positive static charges in the aircraft, particularly in fuel tanks, to eliminate electrical potential differences in the wall structures and in the materials therein.