Abstract: A shackle including a clevis (10) and a lock pin (12). Clevis (10) includes eyes (16, 18). Eye (16) includes ramps (30). Lock pin (12) includes a head portion (42), radial flange (48), shank (46), coil spring (62), and lock member (60). Lock member (60) includes detents (64, 66) adapted to engage ramps (30). Coil spring (62) biases lock member (60) toward flange (48) so that detents (64, 66) are in a "lock" position and engage ramps (30) when lock pin (12) is threaded into eyes (16, 18).

Abstract: A system for interlocking a plurality of modules, such as medical instrument modules (e.g., infusion pumps), in side-by-side relationship such that not more than one module can be mounted on each side of a center module. The modules are interchangeable in that any module of the system can be a center module or a side module. In the preferred embodiment, latching arms on a module are automatically moved as the module is mounted on a pole stand to allow other "side" modules to be mounted on that "center" module. The latching arms of the "side" modules prevent additional modules from being mounted on the side modules. Other embodiments are described as well.

Abstract: A boss is disposed in a polar opening in a pressure vessel which has a filament wound outer shell and a non-metallic internal liner. The boss has a tubular neck which projects outwardly from the vessel interior and an annular support flange which extends radially from the internal end of the neck and supports the perimeter of the polar opening. An offset attachment flange extends radially from the support flange and has two axially opposed surfaces with locking grooves formed therein. Each locking groove has a bottom wall intermediate a pair of mutually skewed sidewalls for maintaining positive engagement with and retention of complementary respective tabs on the liner. In an application where the liner is a blow molded component, an injection molded interface member is attached to the support flange and provides a site at which the liner is welded.

Abstract: A fixing device for securing a handlebar stem of a bicycle includes a handlebar stem having vertical and level portions. The level portion has a receiving element formed on a free end thereof for securing a handlebar therein, the vertical portion having a scroll-like tube with one end thereof overlapping the other to form an inner part and an outer part. An opening is formed in the outer part and a first lug is formed on an edge of the opening and a second lug is formed on inner part and extends outwardly through the opening, such that the tube securing an upper end of a front fork by screwing a bolt therethrough.

Abstract: A matable connector assembly, suitable for use in fluid dispensing apparatus, comprising (1) a male connector comprising a housing defining an outer male coupling distal portion and having an axial bore containing therewithin an inner male coupling element which is axially bidirectionally slidable in the axial bore, the outer male coupling distal portion comprising transversely protruding tang element(s) thereon, and a manually securable locking member, and (2) a female connector comprising a housing defining a cavity therein, wherein the cavity contains an enclosing wall member defining a first cavity compartment therewithin, and a second cavity compartment exterior to the enclosing wall member within the cavity. The first cavity compartment is of a size and shape to couplingly receive the inner male coupling element therein.

Abstract: A retainer for holding a circuit board between spaced surfaces comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped members slideably mounted end-to-end on a rod. At least one member is designed and constructed to receive and retain the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the one member includes a pair of opposing walls defining a longitudinal entrance through which the rod is inserted. The opposing walls are constructed to permit movement of the rod through the longitudinal entrance only when a force in a proper direction above a predetermined threshold is applied to the rod.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem mounting device which includes a handlebar stem having a hollow tapered mount at one end mounted on the head tube of a bicycle and a clamping device at an opposite end to hold a handlebar, a tapered ring fixated into the tapered mount and mounted around the head tube, a top cap covered on the tapered mount fasten a handlebar stem, an actuating disk engaged inside the tapered mount, a hollow truncated rubber cone inserted in the head tube, a screw nut received inside the truncated rubber cone, and a screw bolt screw up with the screw nut to connect the top cap, the actuating disk, and the truncated rubber cone together, wherein turning the screw bolt inwards causes the truncated rubber cone to be deformed, and therefore the truncated rubber cone firmly stops against the inside wall of the head tube.

Abstract: A torsion bar for a slow-acting rotation shaft device is formed from a U-shaped wire rod so that hook portions formed at both ends of the torsion bar are distanced from each other by a length at least more than a diameter of the wire rod. Hook portions for latching are formed at each end and at the U-shaped bend of the torsion bar.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling between a drive source and a load object. The coupling includes a tube which at one end is covered with a plate and at its other end is provided with a weak flange with holes for securing the coupling to the drive source by screws. Concentrically in the coupling and to the plate, one end of the transducer shaft is attached. The other end of the transducer shaft is connected to the load object with the aid of a joint.

Abstract: A ring joint for a space vehicle subject to vibration forces during launch having anti-rotation key means to avoid relative angular displacement of parts on each side of the ring joint gap. The ring joint includes top and bottom flanges, each flange having an axial bearing surface and a radially outer tapered surface, and includes a ring having arcuate segments, each segment having a V-shaped groove with radially inner tapered surfaces for closing a gap between the axial bearing surfaces, and includes a radial key in at least one segment disposed in the V-shaped groove thereof, for keying the ring to each flange.

Abstract: A locking member for a stabilizer bar includes a deformable inner element and a substantially rigid outer element. The outer element is shaped to accept the inner element. The inner element includes a tapered section, and the outer element includes a tapered section engageable with the tapered section on the inner element for applying a clamping force to the bar for holding the locking member on the bar. The outer element includes a flange that supplies the outer element with sufficient structural integrity to permit deformation of the inner element while strengthening the outer element against radial deformation.

Abstract: A conduit sealing assembly for sealing a conduit for carrying high voltage wiring from a neon tube through a backing panel of the neon display includes a hollow connector member for securing to the backing panel so as to project through an opening in the panel. One end of the connector member on the rear side of the panel is secured to a conduit for guiding the wiring from the panel for connection to a power supply. A hollow sealing plug is secured in the opposite end of the connector member, and a hollow insulating tube for guiding wiring from the neon tube through the backing panel has one end inserted into the connector member through the plug member, which seals against the surface of the tube to provide a weather proof seal.

Abstract: A one-piece attachment device for mounting an end of a fluid actuated member on a support component. The attachment device has a plurality of first flexible fingers which terminate at a tip provided with an outwardly extending shoulder and a tapered camming surface. The fingers are moved inwardly by engagement of the camming surfaces with the support component as the fingers pass through an aperture formed therein, and thereafter attempt to return toward their original position. The finger shoulders engage the support component to secure the attachment device to the support component. A second plurality of inwardly and upwardly extending flexible fingers are also provided on the attachment device and define an interior opening.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: In a manually operated dispensing appliance for a double dispensing cartridge for two-component substances, said cartridge in plugged onto said appliance by means of a flange. For the purpose of a solid attachment of said cartridge to the housing of said appliance, a securing flap is provided which is hinged on said housing and comprises a locking portion which engages behind the upper edge of said attaching flange as well as a portion which engages in a recess of said housing and whose end is shaped as an articulation. A manual dispensing appliance having such a nonlosable securing flap is more reliable in operation and will not drip when the trigger lever is released.

Abstract: The subject apparatus is an improved coupling apparatus utilized for various work vehicles, on which is integrally disposed a front end functional member capable of a plurality of movements and work functions controlled by the operator of the work vehicle, such coupling apparatus comprising a connecting member which is comprised of an upright support member wherein such support member has parallel vertical slots to receive movable connecting arms from the work vehicle, along with a V-shaped guide on the upper portion to receive a portion of the device to be coupled to the coupler.

Abstract: An engine coupler and adapter for installing an automobile engine into a vehicle in which a rear mounted engine was originally installed. The coupler comprises a body which is an elongated hollow cylinder, a mounting flange at one end of the cylinder for mounting the coupling device to the flywheel of a transaxle, and a mounting flange mounted at the opposing end of the cylinder shaft for mounting the coupler to an automobile engine crankshaft gear. The flanges, each of which is positioned at a right angle to the cylinder axis, consist of cylindrical disks. Each of the flanges contain properly positioned and shaped apertures to enable the flanges to be attached to the transaxle flywheel and the automobile engine crankshaft gear respectively. Threading is provided interior of the hollow cylinder for threadable connection of the coupler to a transaxle gland nut. An adapter is provided to connect differently-configured flywheel housing components.

Abstract: A metallic windscreen wiper connecting element comprising an elongate first part having screw connecting means for detachably connecting the first part to a straight wiper arm end portion having cooperating screw holes, a second part spaced from and generally parallel to the first part, detachably connectible to a wiper adaptor, and a reinforced connecting web joining the first and second parts.

Abstract: A screw tightening type connector having a female connector and a male connector fitted in the female connector. The female connector is provided with a female screw body, while a male screw body is provided on the male connector. The male connector is screwed into the female screw body and is tightened whereby the female connector and the male connector are fitted in each other. A rotational-force imparting section is provided for imparting a rotational force to the male screw body. The rotational-force imparting section has a rotary shaft extending in a direction intersected with a fitting direction of the male connector into the female connector. A rotational-force transmitting section is provided for converting the rotational force from the rotational-force imparting section to a rotational force in a direction intersected with the rotary shaft to transmit the rotational force to the male screw body.

Abstract: An attaching device for attaching a tool to a tool manipulating arm is disclosed having a first attachment member affixed to the tool manipulating arm which is adapted to engage a second attachment member affixed to the tool. The first attachment member includes a locking device which is engageable with a cam surface formed on the second attachment member such that the engagement urges a seating surface defined on the first attachment member and a mounting surface defined on the second attachment member into sealing contact with each other. The seal effected by the contact of these surfaces hermetically seals the locking device such that it is not susceptible to contamination by the dust, water, sand, chips, oil, etc. which may be present in the working environment in which the robot is located.

Abstract: An upper steering assembly for a bicycle includes a lower race mounted on an upper end of a head tube of a bicycle, an upper race above the lower race, ball bearings between the lower and upper races, a compression socket, a ratchet wheel, an outer socket, a compression ring, and an actuating socket. The steerer tube has a longitudinal groove on an upper section thereof. The compression socket is mounted around the steerer tube and has a longitudinal slit in alignment with the longitudinal groove. The ratchet wheel is mounted around the compression socket and has a protrusion projecting radially and inwardly through the slit and received in the longitudinal groove. The outer socket is mounted around the ratchet wheel and has a radial threaded through hole through which a bolt passes to abut on a tooth of the ratchet wheel, such that the ratchet wheel cannot rotate.

Abstract: Coupling devices have a housing comprised of first and second housing parts together forming an interior cavity which houses a rotatable coupler, preferably comprised of first and second coupler segments, the device being coupled or not depending upon the coupler's position within the cavity. Each housing part has one or more concave cavity wall portion(s) for rotatably retaining the coupler or a coupler segment in the cavity or in a housing part cavity portion. The coupler or each segment has one or more convex outer surface wall portion(s). The concave cavity wall portion(s) slip fit engage the coupler or coupler segment convex surface wall portions and rotatably retain the coupler or segment(s) within the housing cavity or housing part cavity portion.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column is pivotally attached to vehicle structure including a bracket member attached to vehicle structure, a collar disposed within the bracket member and adapted to receive the steering column, and structure disposed between the bracket member and the collar for selectively positioning the collar relative to the bracket member.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an optical disc whereby the yield strength of the disk is maintained. An upper section includes an end cap having a central bore, a deformable annular finger section, and a compression face for receiving a deformable O-ring. A lower section includes an insert having a cylindrical axial projection about which a deformable washer may be fitted. As the upper and lower sections are secured in the central aperture of the optical disk, the disk is captured between the finger section, O-ring, and washer.

Abstract: A system for coupling two bodies together and for transmitting torque from one body to another with mechanical timing and sequencing so that (1) the bodies are handled in a safe manner and nothing floats loose in space, (2) electrical connectors are engaged as long as possible so that the internal processes can be monitored throughout by sensors and (3) electrical and mechanical power and signals are coupled. The first body has a splined driver for providing the input torque and the second body has a threaded drive member capable of rotation and also of limited translation embedded within that will mate with and fasten to the splined driver. The second body also has a bevel gear member capable of rotation and also of limited translation embedded within and this bevel gear member is coaxial with the threaded drive member.

Abstract: A device for mounting a data transmission apparatus to a rotating, tapered and instrumented shaft is provided. This device permits attachment without interfering with shaft rotation or the accuracy of data output, and prevents both radial and axial slippage of the data transmission apparatus. The mounting device consists of a sleeve assembly which is attached to the shaft with clamps that are situated at some distance removed from the instrumented area of the shaft. The data transmission device is secured to the sleeve such that the entire assembly rotates with the shaft. Shim adjustments between sleeve sections assure that a minimum compressive load is transferred to the instrumented area of the shaft and a rubber lining is affixed to a large portion of the interior surface of the sleeve to absorb vibration.

Abstract: An articulated robot has a pincer-like attachment with a central part and two pivoting parts articulated to the central part, the attachment serving to connect the robot to a support beam in a fixed or slidable manner.

Abstract: An alignment and mounting apparatus for mounting two modules (10,12) includes a first portion having a cylindrical alignment pin (16) projecting normal to a module surface, a second portion having a three-stage alignment guide (18) including a shoehorn flange (34), a Y-slot (42) and a V-block (22) which sequentially guide the alignment pin (16) with successively finer precision and a third portion in the form of a spring-loaded captive fastener (20) for connecting the two modules after alignment is achieved.

Abstract: First and second annular clamping elements are coupled together by an annular clamping ring and a Belleville spring coupled to the clamping ring urges the clamping elements toward each other so that they grip the annular ceramic piece without the need to utilize fasteners which would call for the machining of the annular ceramic piece to weaken it. The clamping elements thus support the ceramic piece and can couple it to an annular gas turbine machine frame or the like.

Abstract: A coupling for securing a handlebar to a bicycle frame comprising a bowl engaged on a front fork of the bicycle frame, a compression nut threadedly engaged on the front fork and including an annular groove formed in an upper portion thereof, and a sealing ring including a lower portion engaged in the annular groove of the compression nut and including an annular ring formed in an upper portion thereof for engagement with the front fork in order to form a seal with the front fork.

Abstract: Joint for mechanically connecting, on the one hand, a scanner for symbol codes and, on the other, a processing device for processing the signals produced by the scanner, for varying through a first angle the relative position of the scanner and the processing device at least provided with an at least partially conical axle for providing a first rotational axis, which axle is movable disposed in an at least partially conical recess in a supporting block, and further provided with at least one resilient element for pressing the axle in the recess. For varying the relative position of the scanner and the processing device about a second rotational axis, the joint is provided with a disc-shaped element which is connected to the axle through an arm. At least the disc-shaped element and the arm are preferably made hollow for passing a cable through the inside of the joint.

Abstract: A wind instrument is equipped with rotary valve units or keys for changing the length of vibrative air column, and a link mechanism transmits a lever action to the rotary valve unit or the key, wherein a joint incorporated in the link mechanism comprises a shaft member having an external thread and coupled with the manipulating lever, an adjustable screw member with an internal thread, a tubular member actuating the rotary valve unit or the key and retained by the adjustable screw meshed with the external thread, and an elastic member inserted between a bottom surface of the tublar member and a leading end of the external thread portion so that gaps on both sides of the tubular member are adjustable, thereby allowing the tubular member to smoothly rotate.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an optical disc whereby the yield strength of the disk is maintained. An upper section includes an end cap having a central bore, a deformable annular finger section, and a compression face for receiving a deformable O-ring. A lower section includes an insert having a cylindrical axial projection about which a deformable washer may be fitted. As the upper and lower sections are secured in the central aperture of the optical disk, the disk is captured between the finger section, O-ring, and washer.

Abstract: A balustrade including a handrail supported on a row of balusters, each of which is attached with two cross bars at different heights, and a plurality of vertical axles respectively connected to the cross bars between each two adjacent balusters by connectors, wherein each connector has a transverse rod on one end respectively and movably inserted into an axial hole on the respective cross bar, and an axle hole on an opposite end at right angle to the axial hole and through which a respective vertical axle is inserted and secured in place by a tapping screw.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle tightening device comprised of an adjusting axle, a locating cylinder, two eye bars and two locknuts, and used in securing a bicycle saddle to a seat pillar or securing a bicycle's seat pillar to a seat tube, wherein said adjusting axle has two left-sided eccentric circular blocks at two opposite ends and a right-sided eccentric circular therebetween; two eye bars include a first eye bar having two loops at one end respectively mounted on the two left-sided eccentric circular blocks and an opposite end locked by one locknut, and a second eye bar having a loop at one end mounted on the right-sided eccentric circular block and an opposite end locked by the other locknut. Rotating said adjusting axle on the locating cylinder in one direction causes the two eye bars to move toward each other into a "tightened" position; rotating the adjusting axle on the location cylinder in the other direction causes the two eye bars to move apart from each other into a "loosened" position.

Abstract: A plug connector for use in a computer system comprised of an upper shell side-hinged to a lower shell by a connecting portion. The upper shell has pins respectively inserted into pin holes on the lower shell, a pair of opposite eye end posts side-matched to a pair of opposite eye end posts on the lower shell respectively and retained together by respective screw bolts, a pair of opposite semi-circularly notched upright blocks end-matched to a pair of opposite semi-circularly notched upright blocks on the lower shell in providing two round holes respectively aligned with the eye end posts for inserting and supporting the screw bolts.

Abstract: A one piece shaft which supports two rotatable members is provided with shafts for energizing the rotation and for controlling an energized force of each member separately. The shaft includes a shaft body which connects two hollow shaft bodies attached to each rotatable member unrotatably on the same central shaft axis so as to rotate relatively, two members attached unrotatably to the fixed member attached rotatably to both sides of this shaft, and two torsion bars bridged between the separated hollow shaft bodies and the cap member respectively.

Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a pair of segmented leg members that are tandem-operated to capture and hold a circuit board or module in and to chassis slots. The leg members each comprise a plurality of distinct wedge segment having complementary, confronting wedge surfaces.

Abstract: An improved and process for creating a lining in a bore transfers strip wrapped in overlapping spiral fashion about a mandrel to the bore wall such that the edge-to-edge relation of the spirally-wrapped strip is maintained from the mandrel to the bore wall. Adhesive is applied to the strip surface during wrapping thereof on the mandrel. The invention provides a new bore with a thin, strong, corrosion resistant lining over a preselected portion of its length that is substantially pressure tight internally and externally and leak proof thus permitting substantial reuse of the lined bore.

Abstract: An improved trailer coupler is provided for a trailer having a forwardly extending tongue, which consists of a housing fixed on and extending forwardly from the tongue. A pair of opposed jaws are pivoted on vertical axes on the housing. Each jaw has an inner side formed with a spherical concavity for embracing a hitch ball and a surface for forcing said improved trailer coupler to align with a said hitch ball. A jaw locking bail has a bight portion with a finger tab to facilitate operation of the bail and a pair of side portions, each with an ear extension. The side portions are horizontally pivoted on the housing at the ear extensions at opposite sides of the housing. The ball is swingable forwardly and downwardly from an elevated retracted position to a horizontal jaw-locking position, wherein the side portions completely engage the outer sides of the jaws and the bight portion completely engages the forward ends of the jaws in the closed positions of the jaws.

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles includes at least two shaft portions which are movable relative to each other in order to reduce the length of the steering shaft in case of an axial load due to an accident. The end portions of the shaft portions face each other and are located next to each other and are preferably angled or bent. Overlapping flanges are mounted on the end portions. In the overlapping areas, one of the flanges has bores which are equipped with sleeves of macromolecular materials. Guide bolts fastened to another flange extend into the bores. The free ends of the guide bolts project beyond the flange with the bores. Tearable stops are provided at the free ends of the guide bolts. The stops may be in the form of disks.

Abstract: A flexible double U-joint assembly that includes structure for locking the assembly in a single U-joint mode to permit easy insertion into a pipeline with an associated inspection device. When in the pipeline, the assembly may be converted to a double U-joint mode by applying tension to the device.

Abstract: A coupling for securing a handlebar stem on a front fork including a tube engaged on the upper end of the front fork, a shank fixed on the tube, an opening formed in the shank close to the tube, the tube including a pair of panels, a lug extended from each of the panels, and a bolt engaged between the lugs for coupling the lugs together in order to fix the tube on the front fork.

Abstract: A quick connect modular unit retainer assembly for easily installing or removing a modular unit such as a disk drive in a computer housing. Threaded inserts having elastomer sleeves are mounted to the modular unit. The insert assemblies are inserted first vertically, and then horizontally, into L-shaped channels on bosses projecting upward from the computer base. Cooperating fingers extending downward from a pivoted computer cover are maneuvered into the L-shaped channels adjacent to the insert assemblies, thereby locking the insert assemblies, and hence modular unit, into place.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a canopy support to a segment of a stroller structure. The joint has a first element and a second element. The first disk-shaped element has on a side thereof a cavity surrounded by a plurality of indents and on the other side thereof a channel matching with the segment of the stroller structure. A hole extends centrally through the first element. The second element has a pocket-shaped portion having a chamber surrounded by three walls and a wall formed with a window and a disk-shaped portion being integrated with the wall opposite to the wall with the window and formed with two slots beside the pocket-shaped portion. A hole extends through the second element. A flexible tab has a first end integrated with the canopy support and a second end diverged from the canopy support.

Abstract: A lightweight bicycle seat post apparatus with a wraparound clamping device, for use with saddle seats having two parallel mounting rails, which provides detachable secure clamping but allows for adjustment of the angle of seat tilt as well as adjustment of the fore and aft positioning of the seat relative to the seat post by adjustment of only a single bolt.

Abstract: A pivot joint is disclosed for pivoting together first and second members. The first at least is of channel section at the joint and the second seats within the first. The pivot joint has a joint body intermediate the first and second members. The joint body has a pair of inwardly extending trunnions each provided with a coaxial bore. Each trunnion cooperates with apertures in the second member and the coaxial bores in the trunnions are aligned with apertures in the first member. A pivot pin extends through the apertures of the first and second members and through the bores of the trunnions of the joint body. The pin is retained in the bores by positive engagement of portions of the pin with inwardly directed resilient collars in the trunnions of the joint body. A joint body for use in the pivot joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: Main rotor pitch control rod assemblies on helicopters constitute means for ranslating an aviator's control impulses in the cockpit to the main rotor blades. Pitch control rod assemblies typically include means for locking the assembly into a predetermined attitude setting. The setting may be held by locking nuts. This invention provides a passive locking means using spring tension to maintain the desired setting if the locking nuts loosen due to stress loads or improper torquing during maintenance. The invention also provides passive means for maintaining expansive stress within the control rod to prevent distortion of the assembly under compressive loads.

Abstract: The component parts of a drill rod assembly on a blast furnace tap hole drill are joined together by providing a unique threaded coupling in which the threads do not torque tightly against each other but maintain a loose, floating relationship to thereby permit the coupling to be threaded together by hand without the use of a wrench, and such that the drilling action of the percussion drill will maintain the components in a joined relationship.

Abstract: A robot-friendly coupling device for an Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU). The invention will provide a coupling that is detached and attached remotely by a robot. The design of the coupling must allow for slight misalignments, over torque protection, and precision placement. This is accomplished by using of a triangular interface having three components. A base plate assembly is located on an attachment surface, such as a satellite. The base plate assembly has a cup member, a slotted member, and a post member. The ORU that the robot attaches to the base plate assembly has an ORU plate assembly with two cone members and a post member which mate to the base plate assembly. As the two plates approach one another, one cone member of the ORU plate assembly only has to be placed accurately enough to fall into the cup member of the base plate assembly. The cup forces alignment until a second cone falls into a slotted member which provides final alignment. A single bolt is used to attach the two plates.