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 device for selectively securing a stripper assembly on a punch guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the stripper assembly in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The stripper assembly includes at least one retaining projection, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining projection to secure the stripper assembly and the guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper assembly on the guide assembly, and affecting relative movement between the stripper assembly and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the stripper assembly.

Abstract: A pair of structural members are releasably attached by providing an interlocking attachment of a boss on one member with a cavity in another member so that respective walls of the boss and cavity engage each other whereby a space is left between respectively opposed walls of the boss and cavity. A spacer is provided in the space between the opposed walls to maintain the interlocking attachment of the boss in the cavity. The spacer is maintained in position to prevent its inadvertent removal from the case by a detent which engages an indentation.

Abstract: A pipe coupling device wherein the connection between pipe members is made by rotating one member relative to the other member so that a plurality of radially extending surfaces of one member face corresponding radially extending surfaces of the other member. The facing surfaces can be flat and planar. The plurality of facing flat surfaces initially face each other in an interlocking arrangement which is not tight. A single threaded adapter is then tightened to draw the plurality of facing surfaces of one member tightly against the corresponding facing surfaces of the other member.

Abstract: An articulated door covers storage bays of a beverage body. The articulated door is formed by engaging a plurality of polymeric panel sections into a sequence such that a hinge is formed between adjoining panel sections. Each hinge allows adjacent panel section to be positioned at varying angles with respect each other. A resilient sealant bond between adjacent panel sections is made at spaced locations along each hinge. The articulated door is guided between an open position and a closed position by a door guiding track comprised of a left channel facing a right channel across a door opening. The sequence of panel sections is slidably positioned in the door guiding track by having a left end of each panel section extending into the left channel and a right end of each panel section extending into the right channel.

Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper plate on a punch guide assembly. The device includes an annular retaining ring adapted to retain the stripper plate on the guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the retaining ring in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The retaining ring includes at least one retaining surface, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining surface to secure the retaining ring and guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper plate on the guide assembly, placing the retaining ring on the stripper plate, and affecting relative movement between the retaining ring and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the retaining ring.

Abstract: A locked connection for structures engageable with abrasive material and the like including a pair of relatively elongated elements at least one of which is subject to abrasive wear, the elements having parallel longitudinally extending centerlines and spaced apart generally planar surfaces arranged at an angle to the centerlines and between which a bi-stress lock is positioned.

Abstract: A spline channel in a frame member is used in combination with a spline for securing a screen to the frame member. The spline channel includes a bottom wall having two end walls extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in inwardly extending lips. One of the lips extends further inwardly than the other of the two lips. The spline includes opposite side edges, one of which is forced into the recess beneath the longest lip so as to force the screen into the recess between the spline and the end wall of the channel. The opposite edge of the spline is then pressed downwardly until it snaps into the channel and holds the screen in place.

Abstract: A connector assembly adapted to quickly connect and disconnect tools and stem sections in wireline tool strings. Connector assembly (10) comprises box end (12) and pin end (14) adapted to be slidably engaged and locked by rotating either end 90.degree. relative to the other in either direction. Connector assembly (10) is released by the direct application of manual force to ears (48, 50) of locking plate (38) accessible in flutes (26, 27) of box end (12). Once the locking plate is retracted, pin end (14) is rotated 90.degree. in either direction relative to box end (12) and then withdrawn axially from box end (12). Flats (130, 131) are provided on box end (126) and pin end (128) to indicate relative rotational alignment. Disclosed also are provisions for limiting the rotation of axially spaced lugs (138, 140) before the lugs are axially aligned with annular channels (142, 144).

Abstract: To prevent relative turning between elements which are to be in threaded engagement with one another, one of the elements is provided with a recess and the other element with a non-circular through hole. When the two elements have been joined and brought into their intended relative positions, a locking element, having a cross-section conforming to the through hole, is inserted through the through hole and forced into the recess, deforming the material surrounding the recess, thereby locking the two elements against relative turning. The locking element can be a part of a tool used to rotate the element having the through hole when the elements are joined together. After the locking element is forced into the recess, the excess portion of the tool, extending beyond the element having the through hole, can be cut off or otherwise removed.

Abstract: For power transmission between a wooden beam and another building component, for example another wooden beam, a blind bore and a vent bore opening into the bottom of the bore are formed in the wooden beam. An insert body is pushed into the blind bore. This body comprises two spaced end plates whose outer cross-section corresponds to the cross-section of the blind bore, and at least one, preferably four, power-transmitting bars whose ends are welded to the opposing sides of the end plates. Bar dowels are then driven in from the side of the wooden beam so as to penetrate spaces between adjacent power-transmitting bars. Epoxy resin is then pressed into the blind bore from the outside until the entire blind bore and preferably also part of the vent bore are filled in with resin. When the resin has hardened, the resin body and the steel parts form a composite body. Connecting members may be attached to the outer end part.

Abstract: Catamaran sailboats have their user support platforms improved to prevent the trampoline from disengaging from its support tubes by interposing a plurality of small plastic retainers having a hook-like cross-section spaced apart along the inboard side of the tube slots of the pair of support tubes located approximately at the beam of the sailboat by which the trampoline is supported.

Abstract: The aspirator system of this invention is directed to an economical regulator assembly which can provide a substantially uniform vacuum without the need for periodic adjustment. The vacuum of the system can be easily and accurately adjusted, thereby accommodating changes in system pressure demands. The system is not prone to vacuum leakage or undesired vacuum fluctuations.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect assembly for a microphone holder enables ready removal and secure repositioning for optimal angular orientation.

Abstract: A locking key prevents a slotted boss, which is secured to a spindle by a pinch bolt, from working its way off the spindle, or, in some cases, from twisting excessively in relation to the spindle.The locking key is positioned within the slot of the boss, has a hole which the pinch bolt goes through, and has a tang which engages a hole in the spindle, thus forming a loose link between the spindle and the pinch bolt. An anti-rotation tab of the locking key prevents the locking key from rotating about the pinch bolt, and prevents the tang from coming out of the tang hole in the spindle. To remove the boss, the pinch bolt must be withdrawn. The device is applicable to splined, serrated, keyed, or cylindrical spindles mounting corresponding bosses.

Abstract: An elevated display ramp for an automotive vehicle constructed of parallel hollow rods in joinable sections where adjoining sections are aligned through common nipples and tabs and joined rods are locked together to securely and safely lock elevated sections together. The elevated sections are supported on trestles of varying height which determine the angle of the elevated sections.

Abstract: A retaining and locking clamp, mounted onto a first apparatus, for retaining and locking a second apparatus to the first apparatus. The first apparatus has a plate which in turn includes an aperture. The clamp comprises an inner rod that has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being adapted to be received within the aperture of the first apparatus plate so as to mount the inner rod to the first apparatus. The clamp also includes an outer sleeve that is rotatably mounted onto the inner rod, the outer sleeve has a retaining and locking flange and a surface. The clamp further comprises a turn knob that is rotatably mounted onto the inner rod, the turn knob has a surface that is adapted to frictionally engage the outer sleeve surface, whereby rotating the turn knob causes the turn knob surface to frictionally engage the outer sleeve surface so as to permit the outer sleeve flange to retain the second apparatus.

Abstract: When installing security devices for securing releasable connections against unintentional release, the danger exists that during the assembly or erection of a machine, the installation of such security devices may be forgotten without such being noticed. To prevent this from happening, the invention contemplates using a securing or security element which, for instance, in the case of a rotary connection between a bolt member in a housing, is displaceably guided in a groove or groove structure of such housing. This securing or security element engages or latches, under the action of the force of a spring, in a groove or groove structure of the bolt member after the bolt member has been inserted into the housing, and in this way there is automatically secured the desired connection.

Abstract: A clamping device is illustrated for securing the elements of a fishing pole, once the extensions have been taken apart.

Abstract: Annular, circumferentially segmented components of a gas turbine engine are secured to a support structure by C-shaped couplings which prevent movement of the components in a radial and circumferential direction. The coupling has spaced apart legs which trap the component and support structure therebetween, and a key between the legs which engages a keyway formed by cooperating slots in the component and support structure.

Abstract: Anti-rotation lock asembly includes a male threaded member that may be releasably locked in any desired axially adjusted position relative to a mating female threaded member by means of one or more wedge keys that are forced axially into notches in an end face of the female threaded member and radially against flats or keyways on the male threaded member. Surrounding the male member is a key retaining ring which retains the wedge keys on the male member when the wedge keys are disengaged from the female member to permit relative rotation between the male and female members for adjustment of the male member in or out relative to the female member. The wedge keys are retained in radial slots in the retaining ring which prevent relative axial movement between the wedge keys and retaining ring while permitting limited radial movement therebetween.

Abstract: An erosion control revetment and wall made from preformed blocks which are secured to elongate support members by interlocking sleeves. The block is formed with transversely extending slots which extend from the top end to the bottom end of the block and have an enlarged opening on the top end for receiving a tubular sleeve which encircles the elongate support members. The outer diameter of the sleeve is snugly received within the enlarged opening, but is larger than the width of the remainder of the slot, preventing unintended removal of the block from the support member. The elongate support members may be semi-rigid rods or cables. The revetment is formed from alternating rows of blocks which are offset by one elongate support member relative to blocks in adjacent rows. Alternatively, the blocks may be assembled into a wall having vertically aligned blocks or blocks which are offset relative to one another in adjacent rows.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling for releasably connecting a lift truck attachment to a lift truck carriage including a body adapted to be connected to the attachment. The body includes a vertically extending opening and includes a horizontal opening. A locking slide is vertically movable in the vertical opening for extending upwardly for attachment to and movable downwardly for disconnection from a lift truck carriage. A release and locking button is horizontally movable in the horizontally extending opening and extends through a bore in the locking slide. Coacting shoulders on the slide and on the button hold the slide in an extended and locked position when engaged and allow the slide to retract when disengaged. Spring means urge the button in a direction to engage the coacting shoulders. Releasing means on the button are provided for moving the button to a disengaging position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a buckle assembly suitable for use in a vehicle seat belt. The buckle assembly includes a clinched anchor block fixed on a wire and having an interlocking portion projecting downwardly therefrom, a buckle base having a bottom wall defining a matching interlocking portion, which is in engagement with the interlocking portion of the anchor block, and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the bottom wall. The anchor block is connected directly to both of the side walls of the buckle base. The interlocking portion of the anchor block is press-fit in the matching interlocking portion in the bottom wall of the buckle base. The clinch force of the anchor block against the wire is thus not reduced by the fixing work of the anchor block to the buckle base.

Abstract: An angle joint, consisting of a ball socket and a ball pivot, is pivotally mounted, by means of the ball, in a ball socket recess which is shaped like a spherical cap and acts as a ball seat. On one side of the ball socket is a rigid locating or contact shoulder, which is integral with the ball socket and partially grips the rear of the ball when the ball has been inserted into the recess.A locking element, which is situated opposite the locating shoulder, also partially grips the rear of the ball when the ball is inserted into the recess. The locking element is slidably located in a guide recess in the ball socket at an acute angle, between 15.degree. to 30.degree., to the direction of insertion. A locking spring presses the locking element in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion. The locking element is loaded by a pretensioned helical spring, acting as a locking spring, which bears both against the locking element and a section in contact with the ball socket.

Abstract: A clip for securing inner and outer members of the splined joint against relative axial movement includes a first resiliently supported ear nested within a recess formed on the splined surface of the inner member and contacting an end face of the outer member. A second ear at the opposite axial end of the joint engages an end face of the outer member and is connected by way of an axially directed arm to the first ear. In a second embodiment a third ear coplanar with the first ear engages another arcuate portion of the groove and is connected by a second axial arm with the second ear. Provision is made in the outer member for the arms to extend axially along the joint. The clip is preferably made from a single length of steel wire.

Abstract: A mortice and tenon joint of two structural members which avoids the protrusion of the tenon beyond the mortice. Across the tenon (11) of one member (10) there is cut a dovetail aperture or slot (12), and a movable tapering wedge (16) of similar dovetail cross-section is slidably housed within a tapering channel also of similar dovetail cross-section which crosses the mortice (14) of the other member (13) such that when the tenon (11) is inserted wholly into the mortice (14) the wedge (16) may be driven along the tapered channel to become firmly engaged within the dovetail aperture or slot (12) thus to lock the members (10, 13) together and prevent them from separating until the wedge (16) is withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus providing an improved stabilizer pad assembly or foot construction for outriggers or stabilizer arms provides a housing containing a stabilizer pad in a manner to provide for a three dimensional relative movement therebetween under shifting load conditions. The housing of such apparatus is shell-like in character and has openings in its side and bottom, the side opening accommodating a slip fit therein of a stabilizer pad and its containment without any positive interconnection thereof to the housing. The containment of the pad is achieved by the application of a readily releasable rod to and across the side opening to the interior of the housing. The opening in the bottom of the housing provides for the dependency therethrough of an anchoring element forming part of the pad, which may be reversible in character.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling together various objects includes a first profiled tube mounted on a first object, a second profiled tube mounted on a second object to be coupled together with the first object, and a locking rod. The tubes are essentially identical at least in their cross section and have a longitudinal open slot with smaller width than the cross section of the tubes. For coupling, a first circumferential portion of the first tube is inserted through the slot in the second tube, while a circumferential portion of the second tube is inserted through the slot in the first tube. Inside each tube the circumferential portion of the coacting tube is brought into contact with a portion of the interior boundary surface of the respective tube, so that the two tubes will form a sleeve-like unit. The locking rod is inserted into a cavity in this unit to lock the two tubes to each other.

Abstract: A device for releasably connecting a furniture leg with a piece of furniture wherein the leg has displaceable portions which are displaceable from and against each other under the influence of a locking member which is adapted to displace the displaceable portions of the leg from a position where connection means on the displaceable portions do not or only incompletely engage connection means on the furniture, to a locked position wherein the connection means on the leg and furniture are in complete engagement with each other and the furniture leg is connected with the piece of furniture.

Abstract: The two parts of a splined coupling are held together axially by a resilient split locking ring. The locking ring is seated in grooves of the two parts, which are formed in the splines of the parts. The ring is formed from a stainless steel having a nitrided hardened surface layer to resist galling or damage to the ring as a result of the spline notched sides of the grooves.

Abstract: A ball socket assembly having a ball received in a socket member to swivel relative to the latter with the ball initially inserted into a first end portion of an elongated slot in the socket member and then shifted to the second end portion of the slot. A flange is formed on the socket member at the opening of the slot generally around the second end portion thereof to retain the ball in the socket member and a wedge is slidable in the socket member across the first end of the slot to assume an active position in which it holds the ball in the second end portion of the slot. A lip on the wedge engages the ball and holds the wedge in the active position.

Abstract: A fast action disconnect for releasably coupling parts together such as a power line stringing block and a conventional dog nut at the lower end of a power line insulator. The disconnect has a receiving socket for the dog nut insertable through one side of the disconnect and includes a barrier for releasably but positively locking the dog nut assembled to the disconnect. The barrier is movable between a retracted locking position and an extended release position permitting disassembly of a dog nut relative to the main body of the disconnect.

Abstract: A ball and socket coupling in which the ball is positively retained within the socket by means of a cap, removably secured to the socket for closing the open end of the latter and having a hole through which the ball stem extends. The cap hole allows pivotal movement of the ball relative to the socket. The socket and the cap have inter-engaging interrupted threads for securing and releasing the cap by a simple one-quarter turn of the same. A lever is pivoted to the cap and engages between ears on the socket in the secured position of the cap to provide a safety lock. The resulting coupling is much stronger than conventional ball and socket couplings, because the cap forms an abutment face all around the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel toggle means which is used for the mold locking and opening of injection molding machine or for the like.

Abstract: For adjustable length linear rods, such as the rods of linear actuators, employing threadedly connected internally threaded female and externally threaded male members, an antirotation lock is provided which includes a pair of semi-circular keys each including a projection fitting in a notch on the end face of the female member and an internal flat cooperating with an external flat on the male member. Each key includes a conical surface cooperating with a conical surface of a ring driven toward the female member by a nut threaded on the male member, thus axially to force the projections into the notches, and radially to force the flats of the keys against the flats of the male member.

Abstract: A retainer of generally U-shape having slightly diverging legs detachably secures the proximal part of an excavating tooth within a complementary recess in its holder. The proximal end of the tooth has a generally rectangular cross-section with opposed outward extending ears and rearwardly thereof is formed with a spindle having a shoulder at the back. In the operative position of the retainer, a portion of the retainer straddles the spindle immediately in front of the shoulder. At least one leg of the retainer is formed with an upper offset leg portion and with oppositely offset lower leg portion with an interconnection there-between. The upper offset portion fits ahead of the shoulder to retain the tooth in place when the retainer is in operative position; but when the retainer is retracted to inoperative position, the upper offset portion of the leg clears the shoulder of the spindle of the tooth.

Abstract: A winch mounted to an automobile bumper and comprising a cable winding drum rotatably mounted between a main drive housing and an opposite end idler housing. The main drive housing has a main lower section of integral box-like construction and an open top closed by an upper housing section. The drive end of the drum and an intermediate drive member are inserted laterally into the lower housing through access openings, and are retained in place by a downwardly inserted retaining plate. The remaining drive components are inserted into the lower housing section through the top opening or positioned in the upper housing section. This construction provides for easy assembly of the drive components, with box-like construction of the main housing being better able to withstand the substantial force loads exerted thereon.

Abstract: A locking device for releasably fastening parts to rotors of fluid flow machines, the base portions of the parts to be secured fitting in a form-locking manner in at least approximately axially extending fixing slots provided at the circumference of the rotor, the locking device including fixing elements which can be inserted into depression means extending transversely with respect to the axially extending fixing slots and provided in the rotor and into recesses provided in the base portions of the parts to be secured. The depression means are provided at the region of the axially extending fixing slots and divide the flanks of each such axially extending fixing slot into approximately equal parts and the recesses provided in the base portions of the parts to be secured in the assembled condition of such parts coincide with the depression means.

Abstract: A structural lock for locking in each of three axes, during the launch phase, the rotatable structural portion of a spacecraft and a despun structural shelf commonly used in dual spin spacecraft. A single sliding pin which connects the two sections, is withdrawn by a pyrotechnic device prior to achieving orbit. The pin engages an adjustable spring biased, two piece member which includes serrated mating surfaces for providing a positive shear path in the Z direction.