Abstract: A steering column locking mechanism. A stationary tube is provided with a movable tube telescopically positioned over it. A plurality of teeth is provided on the outer surface of the movable tube that mesh with teeth defined on the outer diameter of a ring-shaped gear. The ring-shaped gear has an axial opening defined therein and first and second camming pins capable of being arranged in both an unlocked and a locked position are placed within the opening of the gear.

Abstract: A movable prosthetic limb includes a drive linkage which is configured to move the prosthetic limb. An ultrasonic drive motor is coupled to the drive linkage and powers the drive linkage. The ultrasonic motor is non-backdrivable and has high torque at low speeds. Specifically, a prosthetic limb uses an ultrasonic motor to drive an elbow joint or prosthetic fingers. A movable prosthetic wrist includes a base configured to be coupled to an amputee. An ultrasonic drive motor is attached to the base, and a hand piece is attached to the ultrasonic drive motor to form a wrist joint. In this configuration, the ultrasonic drive motor directly moves the wrist joint. A harmonic drive can also be used for gear reduction in the wrist joint.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a furniture fitting that is detachably fastened to a furniture part. The fitting comprises a fitting body removably mounted on the furniture part, an expansion sleeve insertible into an opening arranged in the furniture part, and an expansion portion for the expansion sleeve and passing through the fitting body. A peg or bolt is provided for connecting the expansion portion to the expansion sleeve. The expansion portion has a body preferably tapered, at one end, and is articulated, at the opposite end, to a tiltable clamping lever supported by the fitting body. The fitting body includes projections directed towards the expansion portion. The expansion portion abuts a shoulder of each projection.

Abstract: There is provided an engagement device allowing two members to readily engage with each other at a position as desired by the user. A bracket has a left end provided with a fixed protrusion, and a right end provided with a vertically movable lever having a groove obliquely traversing both of the vertical and horizontal directions. When the lever is pushed downward, a Z-letter piece moves leftward relative to the bracket's lower portion. While the lever is pushed with a member desired to be attached to the bracket engaging with a left end of the bracket, a right engaging feature of the member is engaged with a right protrusion of the Z-letter piece.

Abstract: A release link for interconnecting first and second cables, includes a cylinder having an open first end and an aperture through a second end, a collar fixed to the cylinder first end, and having an annular internal flange, and a guide washer slidably disposed in the collar second end. The link further includes a piston extending through the cylinder aperture and through the guide washer, the piston including a neck portion and a head portion disposed at a first end of the piston. A cap is connectable to the collar. Balls are adapted to be disposed adjacent the piston neck portion and radially adjacent the collar internal flange. A spring is disposed in the cylinder and biases the guide washer toward the balls. A first connector is on the cap for attachment to the first cable, and a second connector is on a second end of the piston for attachment to the second cable.

Abstract: An improved universal joint device for socket wrenches. The improved device is constructed with non-slip spring retaining surfaces on the handle and socket portions of the device for receiving the ends of a coil spring which can maintain the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The device is otherwise free of grooves or apertures for mounting the spring to the handle and socket portions.

Abstract: When a sub board is detached from a main board, a movable part is slid toward the main board. At this time, a wedge part of the movable part intrudes between a main part and an engagement part to cause elastic deformation to an extending part of the engagement part, thereby releasing engagement between the engagement part and an engagement receiving part. Even if an operator removes his/her hands from the movable part, the movable part is not displaced away from the main board, and the state in which the engagement part is disengaged from the engagement receiving part is thus maintained. Consequently, after sliding the movable part to release the engagement between the engagement part and the engagement receiving part, the operator can proceed to the next operation of pulling out the sub board.

Abstract: A coupler for a horizontal directional drill for quickly and easily attaching and detaching a stakedown assembly from the drill. The coupler includes a first coupler member and a second coupler member with matching angular front and Fear ends so that the first member fits within the second member. A lever operated locking mechanism releasably locks the two coupler members together in attached relationship.

Abstract: A connector security latching mechanism for enabling the quick and easy mounting of a connector includes a connector bracket for positioning at least one connector. The connector bracket includes a first end and a second end. A housing bracket for receiving the connector bracket in a predetermined orientation. The housing bracket includes a first end and a second end. A latching mechanism is provided on at least one of the first end and the second end of the connector bracket for enabling a latch to normally engage and lock with at least one of the first end and the second end of the housing bracket. A tool is provided for permitting the disconnection of the latching mechanism from the housing bracket. The tool permits authorized personnel to disengage the latching mechanism for removal of the connector bracket from the housing bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ball-and-socket joint connection, in particular for a holding arm system for holding surgical instruments, with a joint ball sitting in a seat of a joint casing and permitting rotation in several axes and with a ball-shaped joint socket which can be axially displaced to and from the joint ball in a cylindrical section of the joint casing. A magnet is provided which produces a magnetic force between the joint ball and the joint socket such that they are drawn to one another. An actuation element is provided for displacing the joint socket and with this the joint ball is fixable in the seat of the joint casing by way of retracting the joint socket, wherein the joint ball by way of the magnet force is pressed into the seat of the joint casing, and wherein the joint ball by displacing forwards the joint socket with the actuation element is separable from the seat.

Abstract: A twist lock for connecting containers comprises a housing integrally formed with an upper fitting part and a lower fitting part each being capable of fitting into a fitting hole in a corner fitting of a container, a spindle inserted in the housing in a rotatable and vertically displaceable manner, an upper lock connected to the top end of the spindle and being engageable with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, and a lower lock being in positional agreement with and fixed securly to the lower fitting part of the housing and slidably fitted with a plurality of locking members which can engage with and disengage from the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container. In this twist lock, the spindle is urged by a spring member in such a direction that the upper lock can engage with the fitting hole in the corner fitting of the container, while each of the locking members is urged by another spring member in such a direction that it can retract into the lower lock.

Abstract: A quick coupler for mounting implements on excavators has an upwardly facing set of recesses for engaging one mounting pin and a laterally facing set of recesses for engaging the other mounting pin on the implement. A freely rotatable latch closing the lateral recesses is provided with two locking mechanisms, both of which provide positive metal to metal lock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chart chassis composed of a front and a rear cart frameworks bridged together, while the releasing and assembling mechanism comprises a handle bar, a turnable member and a joint assembly. By pulling the handle bar to turn the turnable member outwards, and separating the joint assembly from the turnable member thereby performing instant detachment of the cart chassis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closing bushing (7) which is intended for a clamping device (2) used for removably connecting two profiled parts (1). The clamping device (2) comprises an adjustment knob (6) in which a profiled part (1) can be locked and which can be inserted in a recess (5) formed in said profiled part (1). The closing bushing (7) is designed for the form-fitting reception of the clamping device (2) body through a recess (16), and comprises a bore in which the adjustment knob (6) can be received. The surface oriented in the introduction direction (12) of the clamping device (2) in the closing bushing (7) is larger than the corresponding surface of the adjustment knob (6). A clamping device provided with such a closing bushing (7) exhibits a greater resistance to the traction forces applied in the direction of the arrow (12). Clamping devices (2) of the above-mentioned type can also be used for profiled parts (1) made of materials different from the traditional ones, such as wooden parts.

Abstract: There is a joining slot under the connector, which matches the joining shaft of the framework. And there is also a socket in one end of the connector for a flat swing bar to be fixed in the connector. And in the other end of the connector is an inner fastening slot and an outer one, which is designed for the swing bar with a hook end to be fixed in the connector. Besides, there is an arc socket under the arc transverse part, with an active bolt, the swing bar with fixed jack can be connected and fixed. Because of the above-mentioned structure, the connector matches swing bars of different types to be fixed in the windshield wiper framework, and so it has great flexibility for use.

Abstract: A pivoting connection is described that uses an H-shaped connector secured within the X-shaped opening of a base. One end of the H shaped connector can be inserted into the X-shaped opening at an angle corresponding to one leg of the X but is secured in the opening when twisted to a vertical position. This pivoting connection provides a reliable connection that is durable, weather resistant, and does not readily seize.

Abstract: A retainer catch assembly includes a receiver having an inner channel and an outer shell and a plurality of detents aligned on each of opposite sides of the outer shell. One or more spring clips are selectably positioned within a detent aligned on each side of the outer shell. A striker is further positioned within the inner channel so that it is removable from the inner channel under an adjustable force depending upon the relative position of the spring clip. The retainer catch assembly may be particularly suited to a vehicle center console wherein a cover is slidable with respect to a compartment and requires that the cover have an adjustable removal force depending upon the position of the cover relative to the compartment.

Abstract: A releasable fastener formed of a first, male (2), and second female component (4) is provided. Deformable arms (18) on the male component (2) extend back from the lead edge (14) of the body portion of the male component which is inserted into the female. Wedges (24) on the arms lock in apertures (40) in the second component (4). The gap between the arms (18) and the body portion is closed off by an end cap and grip portions on the arms to prevent trapping of fingers. The fastener is particularly suited to attaching nursery items, such as parasols, to nursery equipment such as pushchairs.

Abstract: An industrial quick-release connector for machine tools providing both rotational and axial stability that will permit easy replacements by an individual using only one hand without the use of hand tools to make the connection and reduce the time delays that normally ensue.

Abstract: An improved locking device for adjustable garment racks including an inner tube slidable in and out from an outer tube. The improved locking device includes a sleeve having a simplified locking tab for engaging and locking the inner tube in a position relative to the outer tube and a touch tab by which an operator may easily and safely manipulate the sleeve to an unlocked position for adjustment of the inner tube relative to the outer tube and again lock the inner/outer tube combination.

Abstract: A plurality of leg portions for mounting and a pair of engagement portions are formed at a mark. While the leg portions for mounting and engagement portions are being inserted through, the mark is mounted in a recess portion of a pad cover. Thereafter, a spring formed in a substantially annular shape is mounted to the leg portions for mounting, and bent end portions of the spring are resiliently engaged with the engagement portions. Accordingly, as compared with prior structures utilizing heat-caulking and metal-caulking, the mark can be mounted to the pad cover simply and reliably, and costs and the space which is used can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for clamping, substantially horizontally, a bottle having a bottom and a neck provided with a collar. The device comprises a body provided with an opening in which part of the neck is inserted, and an element pivotally attached to a face of the body directed toward the opening. The element pivots around an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of passage of the opening. Furthermore, the element has a first portion supporting a part of the neck directed towards the bottom of the bottle and a second portion supporting a part of the neck adjacent to the collar.

Abstract: A joint mechanism and connector includes a rounded member having at least one concavity and which is connected to a first part, at least one actuator having a tip that is received in the concavity to lock a second part connected to the actuator to the first part. The rounded member has a recess defined thereon which receives spherical members on the rounded member. The actuator tip is received in concavities defined by the spherical members.

Abstract: A crate fastener and retainer assembly includes a fastener for assembling two adjacent panels of a box or crate, and a retainer for securing the fastener to a panel. L-shaped fasteners assemble two adjacent cleated panels or slotted panels, and retainers mounted on the panel or cleat secure the fasteners to the panel. The retainer includes a plate with a substantially closed loop on one end. The other end of the plate is mounted to the cleat or the panel. The substantially closed loop of the plate is pivotally connected to an end of the L-shaped fastener. When the box or crate is disassembled, the L-shaped fastener remains secured to one of the panels.

Abstract: A device for the quick assembly and disassembly of an input rod (1) for operating a brake system and a brake pedal. A clasp (3) is secured to the input rod (1) connecting a spindle (4) fixed to the brake pedal. The clasp (3) has a guide yoke (31) which receives a retaining yoke (32) and blocking members (51,61) which maintain the retaining yoke (32) in a closed configuration with respect to the guide yoke (31). The blocking member comprise at least one lug (51) borne by the retaining yoke (32) which projects toward the guide yoke (31) and opening (61) in the guide yoke (31) which receives the lug (51) with the clasp (3) in moved to a closed configuration. On movement of the clasp (3) toward a closed configuration, parallel cheeks (325,326) of retaining yoke (31) which are squeezed together elastically expand when lug (51) enters opening (61) to lock the clasp (3) in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A hook and unhooking coupling device for enabling a user to easily attach or remove a latch hook from a boat or other object. The inventive device includes a pole member, and an engaging member having an opening and a tongue member secured to the distal end of the pole. The engaging member comprises a first member secured to a second member having an open V-shaped cross sectional area. A first edge is secured to the first member and a second edge is secured to the second member while leaving the opening unobstructed. The engaging member is removably positionable about the eyelet member of a latch hook for opening the spring latch while simultaneously retaining the latch hook firmly thereby allowing the user to manipulate the pole member so that the latch hook is positioned about a desired hook.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a push-pull rod (1) such as is used in motor vehicles between the gearshift lever and the tranmission. To achieve continuous length compensation, the invention uses a spring (4) to directly or indirectly effect clamping between the push-pull rod (1) and the housing of the adjusting device or a connector (6).

Abstract: A device for fixing a built in apparatus in a panel opening. Bolts, each having a base, fixed to the apparatus and a sliding piston are urged into contact with the panel by the action of compression springs. The piston includes push clips emerging into slots of the base to catch the piston on the base in an inoperative position and for triggering the locking by releasing the piston.

Abstract: This fixing device includes a cylindrical core (1) provided with an axial orifice (4) through which the front end (10) of a lever arm (2) can slide with a snug fit. The core includes to the interior a positioning projection (11) and two axial extensions (13) provided with securing projections (14) and linked to a coaxial circular ring (17). The front end (10) of the lever arm (2) includes an axial groove (19) adapted to take the positioning projection (11), and on its centered portion (21) a coaxial securing groove (22) adapted to take said securing projections (14).

Abstract: A fold latch assembly is provided for use with a collapsible stroller. The fold latch assembly includes a latch slidably connected to an arm of the collapsible stroller, a housing pivotally attached to the latch and slidably attached to the rear leg of the stroller, and a mount fixedly attached to rear leg of the stroller. The latch operates to releasably secure the collapsible stroller in an operative position and may be released to allow the stroller to be biased into a collapsed position.

Abstract: A device for connecting a first component to a second component includes a first lever provided with a first opening which, together with an axle on the first component forms a rotating articulation around which the first lever can be rotatably connected to the first component for rotation relative the first component. The lever is provided with a holding element which extends over the second component and engages an additional holding element located on thereon to connect the first component to the second component. In order to simplify the production of the first lever and to allow for assembly without using any tools, the first lever is fabricated from a strip of sheet metal by means of punching out and deformation, or is alternatively in the form of an extruded plastic part. The first opening is connected with an insertion cut-out which has a smaller diameter in the transitional area in a region adjacent the first opening than the axle.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device which includes a frame supported on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a longitudinal member supported on a rear wheel and transverse member supported on a pair of front wheels. The longitudinal member includes a descending section which is located substantially close to the ground to facilitate getting on and off the rehabilitation device, without having to substantially raise a leg. The frame assembly may be connected using the interconnect fitting. The interconnect fitting enables quick assembly of assembly and disassembly of the device so that the device may be transported as two lightweight, compact pieces.

Abstract: A switching cabinet has a frame made of stays and with open sides that may be at least partially closed by wall elements that can be secured to the stays of the framework. In order to secure the wall elements to the framework in an manner invisible from the outside, projecting hook elements are fixed on the inner side of the wall elements, matching hook elements can be hooked into the projecting hook elements and the matching hook element can be mounted on the framework stays so that the hook elements may be hooked onto them.

Abstract: A container coupling tool including a tool body having a flange and positioning protrusions provided on top and bottom of the flange. The tool body is formed with a bore extending therethrough from the top surface of one of the protrusions to the bottom surface of the other. A rotary shaft is received in the bore and has at its top and bottom ends top and bottom cones. Also, handle is inserted in a hole formed in the tool body and is coupled to the rotary shaft. The tool body is formed with a stopper hole opening to the bottom of the flange and communicating with the bore. A stopper having a stopper pin is vertically movably inserted in the stopper hole.

Abstract: A locking spring-biased latch for removably attaching a first component, such as a seat, to an elongate member, such as the tubular frame of a wheelchair. The locking spring-biased latch comprises a body portion having a top and a pair of leg members that are adapted to removably receive an elongate member, a catch arm pivotally attached to the top of the body portion, and a release lever pivotally attached to the top of the body portion. The release lever has a bore passing transversely therethrough. A locking button is reciprocatable within the bore and is secured to a pin in the base. The locking button is biased upwardly through the top of the release lever by a spring. The spring, when extended, blocks pivotal movement of the release lever. Depression of the locking button into the bore depresses the spring to clear the spring from the release lever for pivotal movement of the release lever.

Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A marine connector that facilitates docking of large floating objects during a sea state that produces significant relative motion between the two objects. A toggle nose is mounted on one floating object and a mating device, a toggle nose receiver, is mounted on the second floating object. The toggle nose contains a toggle mechanism that extends and retracts two opposed transverse pins having conical ends. The toggle nose receiver is provided with corresponding conical sockets to receive the ends of the pins.

Abstract: A portable vehicle fluid drain device is disclosed. The device includes a vertical drain tube which supports a vehicle fluid drain bowl. The drain tube is manually adjusted to an elevated position, latched in place while the vehicle fluid is drained, and unlatched to descend at a rate less than that of free fall due to the use of a friction brake. The friction force imparted by the brake on the drain tube is adjusted by rotating a wing nut on a carriage bolt to squeeze the inner edges of two wishbone arms against the drain tube. A method of using a vehicle fluid drain device with a brake and a self-latching mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a rotatable platen for receiving a polishing pad. The polishing pad is attached to a polishing pad support plate. The polishing pad support plate is removably secured to the platen by a fastening assembly.

Abstract: In a control lever fixing mechanism, a shift lever and a shaft are inserted into through-holes of two side plates of a control lever. A lockup plate is inserted into a space defined by the two side plates of the control lever. The control lever and the shift lever are pulled upward by screwing a nut to a bolt of the control lever from the outside of the control lever. Thereby, the shift lever, the shaft and the control lever are brought into close contact with one another and fixed firmly as a unit, preventing angle deviation relative to each other.

Abstract: An eyepiece adapter mechanism for providing a quick positive engagement to an interfacing instrument such as a B-styled endoscope. The adapter mechanism comprises a rigid back plate for providing a permanent attachment for the mechanism. A C-clip retainer positioned within a circumferential chamber of the back plate acts as a locking ring under the elastic force of the C-clip material itself to provide a grip around the interfacing instrument when installed into the back plate. An outwardly protruding portion of the C-clip, acting as a lever, releases the interfacing instrument when the level is moved toward a fixed post located a predetermined distance from the lever to facilitate single handed operation. An alternate embodiment provides a quick attach/release adapter without an eyepiece and employing a C-clip retainer.

Abstract: An interlocking device includes two opposed racks having intermeshable teeth, respectively, a guide surface disposed on one of the opposed racks, a guide, and a resilient retainer holding the guide against the guide surface for sliding movement of the guide relative to the guide surface. The guide and the guide surface cooperate with each other to provide an arrangement wherein when the one rack is pressed against the other rack, the guide comes into engagement with the other rack and the guide surface slides on the guide, causing meshing engagement of the teeth of the one rack with the teeth of the other rack.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade connector may be used in connecting a windshield wiper blade to pin-type and hookslot wiper arms. The connector includes a side wall that defines a hole sized to receive a pin of a pin-type wiper arm. A movable beam is positioned relative to the hole in the side wall so that the beam engages the pin of the pin-type wiper arm when the pin is received in the hole to secure the connector to the pin-type wiper arm. A tab extends from the movable beam and is positioned so that the tab engages a slot of a hookslot wiper arm when the hookslot wiper arm is attached to the connector to secure the connector to the hookslot wiper arm.

Abstract: A pin for fastening a number of floats together includes an inner pin and a stop member mounted therein. When the inner pin is rotated through an angle, the stop member extends beyond the pin for engagement with recesses defined in holed ears of the floats to thereby prevent rotational movements of the pin.

Abstract: A quick-locking pin including a longitudinal rod, a first tightening stop at one end of the rod and a second tightening stop at the second end of the rod. The second tightening stop includes a second tightening ring, a lever mounted and journalled at the second end of the rod beyond the second tightening ring, the lever having a tightening cam off-centered with respect to its axis of rotation. The axle of the lever is borne by a cap located at the end of the rod between two arms. A transversely movable beam located between the arms of the cap is situated between the periphery of the cam and the external surface of the second tightening ring.

Abstract: An improved release device for safety equipment has a housing including a body, a cover attached thereto with a resilient flexible membrane inserted therebetween, and an attachment portion releasably secured to the cover. The cover has shoulders protruding radial inward within the bore. The release device has a cap rigidly mounted to the membrane and an annular gap exits between the shoulders and the cap. The attachment portion has elastically flexible legs with enlarged ends that extend into the bore. The ends deflect inwardly when engaged by the shoulders and then spring outwardly and are retained in a recess below the gap because the enlarged ends are wider than the gap. When the pressure forces the membrane to move away from the bore, the cap moves with it to enlarge the gap and allow the legs of the attachment portion to escape from the cover, whereby the safety equipment is released when the water pressure is sufficiently high. The device is testable and may be reset and reused at will.

Abstract: A fail safe hold open telescoping rod movable from a retracted to an extended position. A locking member coacts with telescoping tubes of the rod to allow the tubes to be fully extended by pulling the member away from the tubes and locking the same in a retracted position permitting extension of the tubes without need for manually holding the locking member. When the fully extended position is reached, the locking member automatically returns to a lock position holding the tubes in a fully extended position.

Abstract: An elbow joint assembly including two elbow joints mounted on two opposite ends of a shaft around a screw rod, each elbow joint including a fixed elbow having a barrel raised from the periphery and fixed to a locating rod of a mechanism, two movable elbows turned about the shaft and having a respective barrel raised from the periphery and holding a respective rod, two constraint blocks mounted on the shaft and forced to hold down the movable elbows and the fixed elbow in between the movable elbows, two spring elements mounted around the shaft between the movable elbows and the constraint blocks to force them apart; and two levers respectively pivoted to the shaft and turned between a first position in which the constraint blocks are forced into engagement with the movable elbows, causing the movable elbows and the fixed elbow to be firmly retained in position, and a second position in which the constraint blocks are released from the movable elbows, for permitting the movable elbows to be respectively turned

Abstract: A closure operator member (E) is urged by a fastening member (F) extending across opposed brackets (D) into sealing relation across an opening in an end member (C) extending about a tubular housing (B) for receiving a bar magnet (A). A camming action or wedging is achieved thereby exerting a compressive force against a deformable sealing member. A mounting apparatus includes opposed transversely spaced longitudinal brackets (H) which are pivotally adjustable at (I) for providing support locations for elongated bar magnets (A).

Abstract: A frame corner joining apparatus for joining two metal picture frame members at a predetermined angle to form a frame corner. The joining apparatus includes first and second legs disposed at the predetermined angle relative to each other, each leg receivable in a corresponding frame member channel. Each leg includes a fillet surface and a sloping surface, having a slot and a wedge piece with tab received in the slot. The wedge piece may be in two positions: an unlocked position in which the wedge piece is at the lowest point on the sloping surface, and a locked or raise position in which the top side of the wedge piece engages a surface of the picture frame. The wedge piece may be adjusted manually with needle nose pliers or automatically with a pneumatic device until the fillet surface of the frame corner joining apparatus tightly abuts the back lip edge of the picture frame member.