Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for efficiently connecting components and subassemblies with the most diverse configurations to wall, ceiling and floor surfaces of buildings or frames. The connecting element has two coupling halves (1a, 1b) that can be interconnected by jointing and can be fixed to components or subassemblies to be connected by fixing means. The coupling halves and the fixing means are proportioned to guarantee that the connected components or subassemblies maintain a predetermined mechanically stable state during the exertion of operational forces.

Abstract: The invention discloses an elongate spliced member, particularly a tooth rack for a rapier loom, and a method for making same. The spliced member includes two elongate member segments joined at respective ends and having at least one through aperture positioned laterally from a respective first side to a second side adjacent the joined ends. An elongate recess is formed on opposed surfaces of the member segments, and each recess surrounds a respective aperture and communicates with the respective joined end of the segments. A carbon fiber strand is wound alternately through the aperture in each of the segments to splice the segments together end-to-end. The spliced member has the functional characteristics equivalent to an integrally-formed member of the same length.

Abstract: A drill member, or “drill steel,” is used in a drilling system for installing roof bolts in a mine. The drill member comprises an elongated bar having a central through bore and opposite open ends. The bar has a cross section that defines a circular outside perimeter and a polygonal inside perimeter. The polygonal inside perimeter is configured for coupling of the drill steel to drill bits at one end and to a motorized drill driving device at an opposite end.

Abstract: A fitting for releasably connecting two plates, particularly furniture plates, includes a clamping part rotatable between a released position and a locked position and a tightening bolt having a head received by the clamping part. The clamping part has gripping arms configured to engage behind the head of the tightening bolt when the clamping part is in the locked position. At least the surfaces of the gripping arms acting in the locked position of the clamping part against the head of the tightening bolt have a deformable intermediate layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for connecting an extension handle with a painting tool. The connector comprises a locking means in the form of at least one shoulder (1) on the connector engaging a hole in the tool handle. The shoulder (1) is connected to a knob (2) via a tongue (3) which is integral with the connector and the knob (2) is placed such that it is located outside the tool handle. The front part of the connector may be split into two halves by a slit (4). The connector holds the tool firmly during the painting work. Also, it is easy to disconnect the tool from the connector. The tool may be e.g. a painter's roll or brush.

Abstract: A self-centering line connector for insulated window spacer frame tubing. There is an elongate connector body having first and second ends. First and second ramps extend upwardly from the connector body towards a mid-point of the connector body. The base ends of the ramp portions are yieldingly mounted to the connector body, and the free ends have perpendicularly extending stop surfaces. Either end of the connector can be inserted into the open end of a section of spacer frame tubing. As this is done, the first ramp portion is depressed by the web of the tubing so as to permit the tubing to pass thereover until insertion is arrested by the end of the tubing coming up against the stop surface of the second ramp member, at approximately the mid-point of the connector body.

Abstract: A transducer mounting device comprised of a monolith of moldable material overlying and supporting a self-tapping screw at one end for coupling to a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing and a fabricated insert at an opposite end for mating with a monitoring transducer. In a further preferred form a transducer mounting device is comprised of a preform including an internal cavity overlying a magnetic component, an adhesive interposed between the magnetic component and a target such as a machine casing or bearing housing at one end for magnetically and adhesively bonding said preform to the target and a threaded member disposed at an opposite end of the preform for mating with a monitoring transducer.

Abstract: Multi-piece elevator links, which may be of variable length or capacity or both, are produced by cutting a unitary link into two parts and connecting different combinations of shanks and link ends to form the desired elevator link. Rotation of the link ends with respect to the shank may be prevented. Adapters may be employed between the shank and the link ends to provide varying connections.

Abstract: A method of rapidly installing a composite pile structure of timber pile sections and a pre-selected connector having an opening smaller than a transverse dimension of a working end of a timber pile section. The lower pile section is driven into the ground to a convenient distance, the connector is driven onto the lower pile and the upper pile driven onto the connector, and the connection is rapidly made rigid.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism secures a radiographic source connector to a drive assembly to prevent unintentional release. The source connector includes a cup sleeve with a sleeve slot cut along its axis. The sleeve is spring-loaded to capture the ball end of a drive assembly by applying a positive locking force from the spring. The sleeve slot provides clearance for the neck of the ball end of the drive connector ball. This clearance allows the source connector to pivot approximately 90° without detaching from the drive cable at any angle or orientation. The source connector cannot be disconnected from the drive assembly due to a force applied in any direction. The only mechanism for release is to intentionally move the sleeve in a direction opposite the urging of the spring and then remove the drive connector ball.

Abstract: A brake wire connecting device for a stunt bike has an upper shell and a lower shell threadingly connected together to form a housing. A connector disposed inside the housing has two branch wires attached on the bottom portion of the connector and each of the branch wires extends out of the housing through two stepped bores defined inside the lower shell. A main wire has a first end mounted with a stub and a second end mounted with a stopper. The second end extends into the upper shell and is pivotally received in a slot defined in the connector. The upper shell and the lower shell are detachable which allows inspection and maintenance inside the housing, and also the main wire pivotally received is detachable from the connector such that replacing the main wire and the branch wires is possible.

Abstract: A field serviceable device in conjunction with a pivoting means and a stationary means, such as a bicycle derailleur and a derailleur hanger, respectively. The device comprises a head, a barrel, a flange, and a pin. The barrel comprises a barrel-flange connector and barrel-pin connector on a first end, and a barrel-head connector on a second end. The head, flange, and pin are independently connected to the barrel. The pin has a pin-tool opening extending through the pin, and the barrel has a barrel-tool opening of sufficient dimension extending through the barrel such that a pin tool can extend into the barrel-tool opening without interference. The pin further defines a pin fracture notch that is designed to fracture before the pivoting means or stationary means is damaged due to a force applied to the pivoting means or stationary means by debris impacting the pivoting or stationary means or becoming wedged between, for example, the bicycle frame and the derailleur.

Abstract: A trunk element connecting structure for artificial Christmas tree, includes a first trunk element, a second trunk element, a coupling plate fastened to one end of the first trunk element, and a connecting plate fastened to one end of the second trunk element and coupled to the coupling plate through a rotary motion to secure the first trunk element and the second trunk element longitudinally in a line.

Abstract: A spacer coupler for ganging together two or more wall outlets by coupling the outlets together in a spaced manner. The outlets are fastened to the spacer coupler by spear connectors on the spacer coupler which are inserted into complimentary holes in the wall outlets. The spacer coupler can be used with existing communication cable receptacles and face plates to form a pleasing and easily accomplished ganging of the receptacles.

Abstract: A hinge device comprises a male hinge member and a female hinge member. The male hinge member includes a pivoting rod at an end thereof, and a first mounting plate at an opposite end thereof, the first mounting plate being used for fixing the male hinge member onto a display unit of a portable computer. The female hinge member includes a body and a second mounting plate for fixing the female hinge member onto a mainframe unit of the portable computer. A first contacting section is defined on an outer periphery of the pivoting rod of the male hinge member. A second contacting section is defined on an inner periphery of the body for contacting with the first contacting section. A pair of grooves are defined in the second contacting section for retaining lubrication grease.

Abstract: In a coupling of an axle member to a vehicle leaf spring or a longitudinal link, the axle member is coupled to a vehicle leaf spring or a longitudinal link with spring/damper elements therebetween. Arranged between the axle member and the vehicle leaf spring or the longitudinal link are at least two spring/damper elements, which, in the direction of travel, are arranged in front of and behind the section of the axle member to which the leaf spring or the longitudinal link is coupled. The stiffness of the spring/damper elements is greater in the horizontal directions than in the vertical direction. Vibrations of the body of a vehicle with a rigid axle that are caused by the vehicle drive, irregularities in the roadway and unbalance of the wheels are minimized.

Abstract: A joint for two flat structural members, in particular floor panels, wherein a groove and tongue joint joining the two flat structural members is provided functionally separate from a twistlock locking the two flat structural members. The twistlock is formed on one of the structural members, the is spaced apart from the groove and tongue joint, and engages with a correspondingly formed engaging element of the other structural member. The locking is preferably formed both at the longitudinal edges and at the front edges of a rectangular structural member, such as a floor panel. The locking allows for a joint of the floor panels to occur in flat position, i.e. without twisting.

Abstract: A drain cover locking device which fits into a drain pipe for the purpose of receiving and holding in place a standard drain cover. In general, the locking device is made of a solid generally rectangular piece of bar material, usually of metal, with one hole drilled through the center of the bar for receiving a fastener, such as a screw, and preferably a tamper-proof screw head, which is first inserted through a center hole in the drainer cover. A threaded rod having an “L” shaped hanger is threaded into each end of the bar material and the “L” shaped piece fits over the drain pipe for holding the mechanism in place. The center piece or generally rectangular piece of bar material is then turned with a wrench or other device until the bar material is firmly held in place over the pipe and the drain screw is then placed over the pipe with the center hole aligned with the center hole of the center bar.

Abstract: A length adjustable extension bar for connecting a mold ejector plate to a press ejector plate comprises a rotatable member threadingly secured on one end of a threaded stud. An opposite end of the threaded stud is connected to the press ejector plate and a distal end or head of the rotatable member is connected to the mold ejector plate. Rotation of the rotatable member relative to the threaded stud increases or decreases the overall length of the extension bar. A locking assembly comprising a locking sleeve biased by a spring into engagement with a locking nut is mounted on the extension bar to prevent adjustments in the length of the extension bar without first advancing the locking sleeve out of engagement with the locking nut. The locking sleeve is slidably mounted on the rotatable member shaft but is prevented from rotating relative to the shaft by a pin extending through the rotatable member shaft and aligned slots formed on opposite sides of the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A pitching practice device includes a frame with four sides and a net portion composed of longitudinal and latitude strings is defined within the frame. Each string has an end connected to a connection member and the other end of the string is connected to a handle. Each connection member is connected to a spring and an emitting member is connected to the connection member. Each connection member is received in a tube fixedly located in the frame and has a receiving member. When the strings are hit by a ball, the emitting members send a message to the corresponding receiving members to calculate the speed of the ball by the displacement of the strings.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic gear pump power pack [10], including a gear pump [12] and a motor [16], are secured together to form a single assembly. The gear pump [12] has a gear drive [14] that is in rotational communication with a drive shaft [18] extending from the motor [16]. An insert coupling device [20] is constructed of a plastic material and is slip fit onto the drive shaft [18] to dampen vibrations and fluctuations between the shafts [14, 18] and thereby minimize fluid borne noise in the pump [12].

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a vehicle having a rotatable steering shaft (32) and a locking mechanism (56) for preventing rotation of the steering shaft. The locking mechanism (56) is deactivated by an ignition key (58) in the vehicle's ignition. The apparatus comprises a vehicle steering wheel assembly (20) having a front side (68) facing a driver of the vehicle and a back side facing away from the driver, an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) for helping to protect the driver of the vehicle in a vehicle collision, and a mechanism (60, 110) for removably connecting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) with the steering shaft (32). The mechanism (60, 110) for removably connecting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (90) requires rotation of the steering wheel assembly (20) to accomplish removal of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device from the steering shaft (32).

Abstract: A damage resistant control, including: a first shaft; a second shaft having its proximal end attached to control apparatus; and adapter apparatus connecting the distal end of the first shaft and the distal end of the second shaft such as to permit a degree of axial movement between the first shaft and the second shaft so as to isolate axial force applied to the first shaft from being transmitted to the second shaft.

Abstract: A splice for concrete reinforcement bars includes two diametrically opposed half-shells spanning the aligned ends of the rebars. The half-shells interlock with upset bar ends to hold the bars together. An internally tapered sleeve is forced axially over the tapered exterior of the half-shells in a taper lock to secure the splice joint.

Abstract: A quick connect splice for concrete reinforcement bars includes two diametrically opposed half-shells spanning the aligned ends of the rebars. The half-shells interlock with raised ridges on the bar surfaces to hold the bar ends together. Two sleeve elements slipped over the bars are screwed to each other over the shell sections to secure the splice joint.

Abstract: A lineshaft turbine pump includes a packing container having a passageway longitudinally extending therethrough. Rotatably disposed within the passageway is a packing sleeve having a channel longitudinally extending between a threaded first end and an opposing threaded second end. A threaded first end of a line shaft is loosely threaded within the second end of the packing sleeve. Disposed within the channel of the packing sleeve is a thrust shaft. The thrust shaft has a second end biased against the first end of the line shaft. A threaded second end of a drive shaft is screwed into the first end of the packing sleeve such that the drive shaft biases against the first end of the thrust shaft, thereby applying longitudinal force against the line shaft.

Abstract: A device is provided for coupling a short-axle type motor with a pump, wherein the motor has a first side and a second side, and a short axle rotatably extending through the first side of the motor. The coupling device includes a large disk having a first side fixedly mounted on the first side of the motor and a second side, and defining a first center hole for passage of the short axle, a small disk having a first side fixedly mounted on the second side of the large disk and a second side, and defining a second center hole communicating with the first center hole, and a coupling having a first side connected with the short axle of the motor and a second side connected with a spindle of a pump. In such a manner, the large disk co-operating with the small disk can be adapted to couple a motor with a pump of different sizes.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: A suspension system (10) for mid-span connection of a paravane (P) or other article to a cable (C1) of a towed cable array (A) includes first and second hanger assemblies (20a,20b) connected to the cable (C1) in an axially spaced relationship. In particular, the hanger assemblies (20a,20b) are connected respectively to first and second bulbous cable regions. The bulbous cable regions are formed on the cable using inner insert elements (40), a first set of preformed helical rods (22), outer insert elements (42) positioned over the first set of helical rods (22) in the region of the inner insert elements (40), and an outer set of preformed helical rods (24). Each hanger assembly (20a,20b) includes a housing (30a,30b) and a rotatable collar (52a,52b) connected to the housing. An attachment member (80a,80b) is pivotally connected to the collar and rotates therewith.

Abstract: A quick-connect splice joint for concrete reinforcement bars. Two diametrically opposed semi-cylindrical shells span the adjacent bar ends. The two shells are held against axial displacement by mating to raised features such as ridges or threads on the bars, and are held radially by an outer sleeve. The splice is axially preloaded by nuts threaded on the bars.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling an arrow point to an arrow shaft. The adapter comprises a first body member having an exterior surface extending from an inboard end to an outboard end. At least a first portion of the exterior surface of the first body member comprises a high density groove structure comprising a plurality of grooves having a groove density of at least 4-grooves per centimeter; and a plurality of shoulders spaced apart by the grooves, wherein the ratio of the total cumulative widths of the shoulders of the first portion to the total cumulative width of the grooves of the first portion is in the range of from 0:1 to about 3:1. The present invention provides an arrow assembly comprising such an adapter.

Abstract: A device for forming a framework of a wooden building includes a steel made square tube which is capable of tightly receiving a top portion of a post in a lower portion of the tube and a bottom portion of another post in an upper portion of the tube. The device also includes a joint which has a belt-shape base portion situated in the vertical direction and a flange portion projecting perpendicularly from the center of the base portion. The device further comprises a bolt and joint stick. The bolt attaches the base portion of the joint to the square tube. The joint stick passes through a hole of a transverse lumber and an opening of the flange portion of the joint, while the flange portion is inserted in a slit at the edge portion of the transverse lumber.

Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and for rotating a spindle of that jack, which handle comprises a jack handle rod, a jack handle rod extension, and a jack handle coupling for releasably interconnecting the jack handle rod and the jack handle rod extension in co-axial alignment. The jack handle coupling comprises a sleeve mounted over and fixedly secured to a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod and adapted to receive a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension. A spring wire engageable with the knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension secures the two pieces of the rod in coupled engagement. Preferably, the knuckle joints of both sections of the jack handle are formed by bending the ends of the rods 180.degree. into a J-shaped configuration shaped to be permanently secured to the knuckle joint of one of the rods and to slidably receive the knuckle joint of the other rod.

Abstract: A flexible plunger apparatus includes an elongated flexible member having a pair of opposite end portions and a longitudinal length extending between the opposite end portions, with the flexible member being adapted to flex in transverse relationship to its length and to undergo free movement through a hollow tubing of a well. The apparatus also includes a physical barrier producing mechanism attached to and extending between the opposite end portions of the flexible member for substantially separating gas under pressure in the tubing below the lower end portion of the flexible member from a slug of liquid in the tubing above the upper end portion of the flexible member. The physically barrier producing mechanism is carried along the interior surface of the tubing in a substantially sealing relationship therewith as the flexible member undergoes free movement through the tubing of the well in response to the pressure of the gas and opening of the tubing of the well at the earth surface.

Abstract: A joinder piece for connection of sectional or segmental support members, at least one of the support members having a plurality of aligned slots to receive seating hooks of a cantilever bracket, comprises an elongate body having an opening or trough which is partially inserted into at least one of the support members. The elongate body has a base portion bordered by a first side portion and a second side portion to form the opening or trough opposite the base portion which is capable of being disposed in alignment with the plurality of aligned slots of the support member. The base portion of the elongate body preferably has an indentation to divide the base portion into a first base portion section and a second base portion section which are non-linear along their combined external base portion surfaces. The base portion may also have an inwardly extending ridge along at least a part of its length.

Abstract: A connector for joining a corrosion-protection tube to an anchor of a tendon of a post-tension system including a body formed of an elastomeric material and a seal formed interior of the body. The body has a first receptacle formed at one end thereof for attachment to an end of the anchor. The body has a second receptacle formed at an opposite end thereof for attachment to an end of the corrosion-protection tube. The seal is positioned between the first receptacle and the second receptacle so as to form a liquid-tight seal with a surface of the tendon passing therethrough. The first receptacle is an orifice that has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an end of the anchor. The second receptacle is an opening formed in the opposite end of the body and has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an exterior surface of the corrosion-protection tube. The orifice and the opening are coaxial. The seal is a membrane which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An attachment system, for erecting a tent having a flexible tent shell and a tent pole cooperating with the tent shell, includes a securing cord attached to a portion of the tent shell and a claw disposed at an end of the pole. The attachment system further includes an enlarged region disposed along the securing cord, which engages the claw, thereby retaining the tent shell in an extended position. The tent may also include a tent fly having an attached fly cord. An enlarged region disposed along the fly cord engages the claw to secure the tent fly.

Abstract: A coupling for a cable routing system includes wall guides spaced apart by a thickness equal to a thickness of the walls of fiber troughs to be joined by the coupling. The wall guides carry a fastener system including a bracket disposed to oppose an external surface of a trough or fitting attached to the coupling. A fastener is carried on the bracket and is axially drivable to pierce and penetrate into the wall thickness of a coupled trough.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and assembling reliable mechanical rebar couplers so that a short upstand of rebar that protrudes from an existing concrete structure can be connected to a new rebar at a retrofit work site out in the field so as to provide a connection between a new and the existing structure. According to a first embodiment, one end of the protruding upstand is upset, and a threaded male coupling member surrounds the protruding upstand behind the upset end thereof. The threaded male coupling member is mated to a threaded female coupling member that is affixed to the new rebar such that the upset end of the upstand is retained between the male and female coupling members. According to a second embodiment, one end of each of the protruding upstand and the new rebar is upset, and a threaded male coupling member surrounds the protruding upstand and the new rebar behind the respective upset ends thereof.

Abstract: A splice system having two rails to be connected end to end and splice member having a center part and a pair of end parts sized for insertion in open ends of the two rails. The rails to be connected end to end having first and second opposing walls and a hole in the first walls. The end parts of the splice members having threaded openings adapted to register with holes in the rails. The splice member is connected to the rails with bolts, the arrangement being such that, when the bolts are tightened, heads of the bolts outside the rails are drawn toward first walls of respective rails and end parts of the splice member inside the rails are pulled away from second walls of the rails and tight against the first walls of respective rails thereby to splice the rails together.

Abstract: A linking assembly for reliably and securely interconnecting thin-walled welded tubes in order to assemble a floor lamp pole includes a hollow plug member which fits securely into one hollow tube member and mates with a socket securely fitted into an adjacent tube member. Each of the plug and the socket are provided with several slots therethrough, which provide arc flats, which are bendable inwardly to provide additional elasticity and assist insertion into a corresponding tube. An internal strengthening circumferential flange is provide to increase rigidity, and longitudinal channels in the socket and plug prevent rotation relative to the tubes of the lamp pole.

Abstract: An inexpensive and reliable method and apparatus for selectively coupling the bulb stem of an electrodeless lamp to a rotatable drive shaft does not require side access to a set screw or an RF sealing arrangement. The coupler accommodates angular and eccentric misalignment of threadedly engageable members at relatively low manufacturing costs. A cylindrical coupler connected to the bulb stem is provided with a cylindrical cross-hole extending diametrically through and exposing the proximal end of the bulb stem in the longitudinal bore. A seating lock nut of generally rectangular configuration, and having a pair of opposite compressible turned out comers or "wings", is insertable through the cross-hole and is loosely retained at the intersection of the bore and cross-hole. The seating lock nut is sized, relative to the cross-hole and longitudinal bore, such that, upon being released within the cross-hole, the lock nut is loosely retained.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for connecting first and second shafts in axial alignment comprises a first and second stop members attached to the shafts adjacent their respective ends; a cylindrical body; anti-rotation devices on the cylindrical body for preventing the first shaft from rotating with respect to the second shaft; first and second caps; and threads on the inside of the caps cooperative with threads on the cylindrical body for drawing the first and second shafts together. The coupler assembly is adjustable to compensate for differences in axial positioning of the shafts, such as due to bearing wear in a drive train, but upon installation prevents axial displacement of the shafts, as well as prevents relative rotation of the shafts.

Abstract: A stairs rail connector which is pre-manufactured as a semicircular turning rail, including two curved tubes with identical dimension. Each curved tube has an interconnecting end and a connecting end. The interconnecting end of one curved tube is disposed with a shaft seat therein, while the interconnecting end of the other curved tube is disposed with a shaft ring therein, whereby the interconnecting ends are rotatably connected with each other, permitting the curved tubes to be freely 360 degrees rotated relative to each other. After the curved tubes are rotated to a position corresponding to the turning angle between an upper and a lower rails, the connecting ends of the curved tubes are inserted into and secured in the openings of the upper and lower rails to connect the same at the turning angle.

Abstract: A switch lock plays a key role to combine a plurality of four embodiments covering Cube, Trigonal Prism, Right Pyramid, and Quadrant Column plus accessary Segment Column blocks through a ring opening lying centrally on every side of these embodiments, except of Segment Column only one surface sharing it. By the sliding between rounded corners and that happening between sphere surfaces, assembly purpose is then achieved. What they really touch is only three small pieces of are and six points; therefore, assemblage and disassemblage among blocks turn much easier. After assemblage, six semi-circular knobs below the ring opening will stable hold the middle lower part of three ball-like projections on the enlarged head of the switch lock in pairs by the strength of expelling each other. In addition, taking the advantage of expelling each other between the rounded corner behind a neck line and that below the head of the switch lock, the blocks can match each other firmly and correspondingly without any rotation.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of tubes having ends has a ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a center and formed with an outwardly projecting pin extending along an axis radial of the ball and center. The pin is dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of one of the tubes. Another pin dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of the other of the tubes has a seat shaped to complementarily fit against the surface of the ball. The other pin is secured to the surface the ball at any of a multiplicity of angular offset positions thereon. A threaded bore is formed in the ball and centered on a bore axis traversing the center and another bore is formed in the other pin, opening into the seat, and centered on a bore axis extending at an acute angle to the respective pin. A screw extends through the bore of the other pin and is seated in the threaded bore of the ball. Normally the bore axis of the threaded bore extends at an acute angle to the axis of the pin of the ball.

Abstract: A splice system having two rails to be connected end to end and splice member having a center part and a pair of end parts sized for insertion in open ends of the two rails. The rails to be connected end to end having first and second opposing walls and a hole in the first wall. The end parts of the splice members having threaded openings adapted to register with holes in the rails. The splice member is connected to the rails with bolts, the arrangement being such that, when the bolts are tightened, heads of the bolts outside the rails are drawn toward first walls of respective rails and end parts of the splice member inside the rails are pulled away from second walls of the rails and tight against the first walls of respective rails thereby to splice the rails together.

Abstract: Two plate-like members are connected to each other by a connector for subsequent simultaneous feed thereof to, for example, a press. The connector includes a main body having two rectangular grooves, which have respective upper and lower walls and are open on opposite sides of the main body for receiving ends of the two respective plate-like members. A plurality of vertically movable pressure members and a plurality of locking screws are mounted on the main body to retain the ends of the two plate-like members within associated rectangular grooves.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a cable to a support. The anchoring system has a fitting for attachment to a cable to be anchored and a receiver for the fitting. Structure is provided for connecting the receiver to a support. Structure cooperates between the fitting and receiver for maintaining the fitting in an anchored state on the receiver. The structure for connecting the receiver to a support includes an anchor element having an operating portion that is manipulatable to selectively a) effect connection of the receiver to a support in an operative position and b) release the receiver from the operative position. The structure cooperating between the fitting and receiver blocks access to the operating portion of the anchor element with the fitting in the anchored state on the receiver to prevent release of the receiver from the operative position.

Abstract: A connector device for interconnecting an antenna with a novelty toy or display item, the connector device having a disk-shaped base with a radial slot that extends from an outer base portion edge to the approximate center of the base portion, and two or more spaced-apart prongs extending upwardly from the base portion. The slot is wide enough to accept the vehicle antenna, thus allowing the antenna to be slidingly engaged within the base portion. The prongs have an inwardly angled upper portion which terminates with a sharp tip so as to easily insert the prongs into the material of the novelty at the bottom of a hole therein. The upper portion also provides a horizontal downfacing lip that prevents the novelty from being easily removed from the device and a horizontal upfacing lip that prevents the prongs from being inserted too far into the novelty. A crushable material plug is used to assure a tight fit between the antenna and the novelty.