Manually Releaseable Latch Type Patents (Class 403/321)
  • Patent number: 5452554
    Abstract: A modular furniture construction system employing a main body element consisting of a longitudinal element as well as two secondary body elements extending transversely from the longitudinal element. Each of the secondary body elements is provided with a key-shaped guiding hole in which a fastening device is inserted adapted to join two main body elements together. These main body elements can be joined together in a number of different ways to form, along with one or more support element, various pieces of furniture, such as chairs, tables, desks shelves and other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Arturo P. Santana
  • Patent number: 5450910
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a snow thrower which has a motor, a wheeled support for the motor, an auger, and a support for the auger. The apparatus converts the snow thrower to a lawn care apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of lock assemblies connected to the auger support on opposite sides of the auger, support, a rollable lawn care assembly, and a pair of strut members connected at opposite ends of the rollable lawn care assembly. The strut members are adapted to connect with the lock assemblies on the auger support. Each of the lock assemblies includes a base plate attached to the auger support. A first bracket member is attached to the base plate and receives a portion of one of the strut members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Harold J. Strzyzewski
  • Patent number: 5439310
    Abstract: A releasable coupling device for connecting two members to one another where a collet type fastener has normally retracted latching fingers insertable into a latching recess and a longitudinally movable expander for activating the fastener. The longitudinal movement is retained with a paraffin actuated system which can reset. The longitudinal movement of the expander in one direction is through a one way threaded ratchet system which provides an automatic locking action and the expander is movable in either direction by an independently operated threaded action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Erik E. Evenson, Christian P. Lupo, Clarence J. Wesselski
  • Patent number: 5433550
    Abstract: A connecting device for releasably interconnecting first and second bodies includes a housing which can be applied to a holding means, and a locking pin having a locking head which can be turned to and fro between a starting position in which the locking head can be introduced into a receiving opening in the holding means and a locking position in which the locking head engages under a support portion formed by edge regions of the receiving opening. A stressing spring arrangement is operable to urge the locking pin from an axially advanced position in the starting position of the device into an axially withdrawn position in the locking position, in which the pressure contact surface of the locking head is pressed by the spring arrangement against the support portion of the holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Barvaria Cargo Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Huber
  • Patent number: 5426994
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Khalifa, Kenneth Budowick, Roger A. DeWulf
  • Patent number: 5421417
    Abstract: A backhoe or other similar earth working apparatus has a frame that mounts on a vehicle, such as a skid steer loader or tractor. A pair of stabilizer arms mounted to the frame member and pivotable along an arcuate path between raised and lowered positions, each have a stabilizer locking device. The stabilizer locking device comprises a hook member mounted on an exterior surface of an outer end of each stabilizer arm, and a latch member mounted to the frame member for releasably engaging each hook member such that when the hook member is engaged, the stabilizer arm is retained in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Troy D. Kraft, Henry J. Weber
  • Patent number: 5417513
    Abstract: A lever type connector includes a lever, and a first connector and a second connector to be connected to each other. Two pins formed on the first connector are inserted through the through-opening formed on each of two separate components of the lever. Then, the two components are connected to each other by, for example, an automatic ultrasonic welding device, so that it is unnecessary to expand one of the components of the lever in installing the components on the first connector in contrast to the conventional method. The components of the lever can be installed on the first connector with no deformation or breakage occurring in the components because no great force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5409321
    Abstract: A quick release clamp includes a handle pivotally fixed on a U-shaped bracket via a pin. The U-shaped bracket has a central hole at a base therein and two plates integrally and perpendicularly extended from two sides of the base. A bolt device having a head portion and a rod portion is threadedly engaged with a nut by a lower end of the rod portion with the rod penetrating the hole of the U-shaped bracket and the head portion being slidably received in the U-shaped bracket. A transverse hole is formed in the head portion of the bolt device for receiving a middle portion of the pin. The pin has a recess formed at a middle portion thereof suitable to receive a peripheral portion of the transverse hole of the head portion of the bolt device. The pin is rotatable in concert with the handle thus allowing the bracket to be manually moved close to or away from the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Kalloy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao F. Chen
  • Patent number: 5399045
    Abstract: A waterproof connector comprises a male connector housing and an outer hood circumferentially provided on the male connector housing with an annular space therebetween, which contains a seal ring and into which is inserted a hood portion of a mating female connector to be brought into contact with the seal ring. A resilient locking arm of a double support structure is provided inside an outwardly bulged portion of the outer hood such that it is rearwardly supported on the part of the male connector housing and forwardly supported on the part of the outwardly bulged portion. This allows a male connector housing to be locked to a mating connector with an increased force, while making it possible to protect the resilient locking arm from external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Nissan Motor Company Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoneda, Kimihiro Abe, Seiji Koumatsu
  • Patent number: 5395177
    Abstract: A PC board locking device has a support frame fixed on a mother board of a computer or other electronic equipment. The frame has upright grooves for receiving respective PC boards and elongated cylindrical insert rods adjacent each groove. Each insert rod has a plate at one end for engaging a PC board and at least one row of barbs along its length which can engage with respective pawls on the frame so that the height of the rods can be adjusted to engage and retain the PC boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Langchao Electronic Information Industrial Group Co.
    Inventor: Yulai Zhou
  • Patent number: 5394594
    Abstract: A ball locking device having a ball locking mechanism releasably attachable to a receptacle to lock the device thereto until released. The device has a handle which is removably attached to,the device so that the handle can be changed for another. The handle may be of a non-metallic material whereas the main components of the ball locking mechanism may be of metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Avibank Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Duran
  • Patent number: 5371919
    Abstract: An adjustable hand lever mechanism is provided that comprises a coupling element of a trapezoidal configuration embedded in a hand lever. The coupling element is made from a material, e.g. metal, that is harder than the material, e.g. plastic, from which the hand lever is made. The coupling element does not include lugs, projections or similar features, and is designed to engage a fastening element in such a manner as to effect rotation of the fastening element when rotational force is applied to the hand lever without rotational slippage between the coupling element and the hand lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: John Winkler
  • Patent number: 5366315
    Abstract: A multiple channel fiber optic connector (44) carries a plurality of fiber optic socket termini (58, 60, 62, 64), each of which includes an alignment sleeve (42) mounted on a forward end. In order to facilitate installation of the alignment sleeves and removal of the sleeves for cleaning of the sleeves (42) and the end (35) of the optical fiber (34) of each socket terminus, the alignment sleeves (42) for each terminus of the connector (44) are all securely mounted in an alignment sleeve carrier (46). The carrier itself is detachably connected to the connector 44 and, when so connected, positions each alignment sleeve on its respective fiber optic terminus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: James T. Hartley
  • Patent number: 5364201
    Abstract: A hinged strut construction has a pair of elongate, rigid strut members and a hinge structure connecting adjoining ends of the members to each other. A slide device releasably locks the strut members in an aligned, extended position. The slide device consists of an extendable and retractable locking pin which is axially movable on one strut member and which can be extended into or pulled out of an axial socket of the other member. A collar that is movable on one strut member connects with the locking pin to effect the movement of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Norco, Inc.
    Inventor: Berger A. LaBarre
  • Patent number: 5358354
    Abstract: A coupling comprising a first machine element having a recess, a second machine element which can be inserted into the recess and an elastic, U-shaped bracket, adjacent positioning devices being associated with the first and the second machine elements and the bracket having a direction of movement which extends transverse to the direction of coupling and being able to be brought into engagement with the positioning devices. The first machine element has in the region of its positioning devices in the direction of movement of the bracket at least two detents located one behind the other which are arranged in the direction of movement in front of and behind the recess for the second machine element. The bracket is provided in the direction of movement at least at its front end with a lock device which can be brought into engagement with the detents of the first machine element. The bracket can in retracted condition be brought into engagement with the first detent and is then arranged outside the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Michael Brummer, Volker Daume, Bernhard Gesenhues
  • Patent number: 5352057
    Abstract: A release key for adjustable track hurdles having telescoping members with a biased detent locking assembly located within a pair of longitudinal telescoping members, wherein the detent extends outwardly through aligned apertures in the telescoping members to selectively lock those members in predetermined longitudinal positions. The key features a pressure plate having inner and outer faces, with the inner face having an inwardly extending release protuberance and shaped portion which corresponds in conformation with at least a portion of the outer surface of the telescoping members. The outer face preferably includes a handle to further facilitate manipulation by the user, and the release protuberance is aligned with the biased detent in use and extends at least partially into the aligned apertures when its inner face is placed in contact with the outer surface of the telescoping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Charles R. Zody
  • Patent number: 5339464
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for enabling the use of night vision goggle having a plug-type mounting connector and a spring biased latch, with a head mounting assembly having a plate-type receiving carriage. The adapter comprises a housing having a plug-type receptacle which is configured to receive the plug-type mounting connector and a bar capable of engaging the latch. The adapter also comprises a mounting plate which is integrally formed to the hosing and configured to engage the plate-type receiving carriage. The plug-type mounting connector is secured within the plug-type receptacle by an engagement between the latch and the bar. The plug-type mounting connector is capable of selective disengagement from the plug-type receptacle by manual manipulation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Amotz Dor
  • Patent number: 5339916
    Abstract: A power assisted vacuum cleaner is provided with a hand grip neutralling arrangement which is self seeking or presettable to provide a neutral position for the actuating linkage of the cleaner. A neutralling spring constantly urges a neutralling pin towards neutralling position and it is freed by movement of a manually operated button to seek this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Louis
  • Patent number: 5338133
    Abstract: A lever operated clamping mechanism for adjustably engaging and locking in position structural members comprising two shoulder bolts and a disk spring for attaching and slidably guiding a slotted structure member relative to a fixed support structure. A threaded lever engages one of the shoulder bolts for frictionally locking the position of the structural member relative to the support structure. The device acts as a positional clutch permitting substantially firm frictional engagement of structural members when the lever is in one position and firm yet slidable engagement of the structural members when the lever is in another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Lino E. Tornero
  • Patent number: 5332330
    Abstract: A connector has a first connector member and a second connector member. The first connector has a pair of left and right shutter members at its left and right side ends. Each of the left and right shutter members has an eject portion which presses the second connector to separate the first and second connectors in accordance with a pivotal movement of the shutter member. The eject portion has a pair of connector press portions which are exposedly projected along front and rear outer surfaces of the first connector. The connector press portion is able to press front and rear outer edge portions of a surface of the connector opposite the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5324162
    Abstract: A construction machine having a mobile chassis, a boom mounted on the mobile chassis and capable of swinging vertically, and an arm pivotally connected to the boom. An accessory detachable mechanism connects to a tip end of the arm. An accessory is releasably held by the detachable mechanism. The mechanism includes a pivotal four-bar linkage defined in part by the arm. First and second attaching arrangements are associated with the mechanism and releasably engage respective first and second attachment parts provided on the accessory. The first attachment arrangement includes hooks which engage the first attaching part as defined by a connecting pin on the accessory. A pressure cylinder is associated with the mechanism to effect relative engaging or releasing motion between the first and second attaching arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Japanic Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Kishi
  • Patent number: 5322384
    Abstract: Apparatus to axially hold a featureless shaft has an abutment for abutting the side of the shaft and a cam to wedge the shaft against the abutment. The cam has a convexly radiused face which is generally opposed to the abutment. The generating radius for the face is offset from the pivot axis of the cam in the direction in which a shaft is inserted into the apparatus. Consequently, once the cam wedges the shaft against the abutment any withdrawal force on the shaft will tighten the wedging effect since the eccentric radiused face will attempt to move closer to the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Spar Aerospace Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Szirtes
  • Patent number: 5322383
    Abstract: A lever type connector which includes a set of a female connector part and a male connector part to be fitted to each other, and a lever member pivotally journalled on the female connector part. For temporarily stopping the female connector part and the male connector part in place, temporary stopper recesses of the female connector part and temporary stopper projections of the male connector part are engaged with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to expand the lever member by depression, with guide pins of the male connector part. Thus, combining and releasing of the connector parts are simplified for quick operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Saito, Hajime Kawase
  • Patent number: 5309325
    Abstract: An injector/extractor for circuit boards is disclosed. The device includes a slideably engagable locking member adapted to engage a locking pin mounted on a circuit board to prevent accidental release of a circuit board from a chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: EG&G Birtcher, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Dreher, Raymond G. Bond
  • Patent number: 5284399
    Abstract: A connecting fitting for securing a rail of a drawer to a rear or side wall thereof. A supporting member supports a rear end of the rail. A securing element is screwed into the rear end of the rail and includes a locking device by which the securing element is suspended in the supporting member. The supporting member has an open slot which widens in the manner of a keyhole into a receiving opening. A spring ring is located in the receiving opening, or the securing element is lockable in the receiving opening by friction or by locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Klaus Brustle, Andreas Tofferl
  • Patent number: 5256026
    Abstract: A construction machine typically comprises a mobile chassis having an arm vertically swingably mounted thereon, and a working accessory is detachably retained by the tip end of the arm. The arm has a link arrangement with pin holes at upper and lower portions thereof, and retaining grooves at upper ends thereof. The accessory has pin holes at front and rear portions thereof. Retaining elements such as rings or pin are fixed to the accessory. The retaining rings or pin are fitted in the retaining grooves to position the accessory so connecting pins can be inserted into the pin holes to connect the accessory to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Japanic Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Kishi
  • Patent number: 5193929
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining structures, an active structure (10) and a passive structure (12), and imposing a tensile pre-load on the joint by a remotely operable mechanism comprising a heat contractible joining element (15). The method and apparatus include mounting on the structure (10) a probe shaft (15) of material which is transformable from an expanded length to a contracted length when heated to a specific temperature range. The shaft (15) is provided with a probe head (21) which is receivable in a receptacle opening (41) formed in the passive structure (12) when the active structure (10) is moved into engagement therewith by an appropriate manipulator mechanism. A latching system (45) mounted on the structure (12) adjacent to the receptacle opening (41) captures the probe head (21) when the probe head (21) is inserted a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jon B. Kahn
  • Patent number: 4953640
    Abstract: A quick detach bit apparatus includes a wear sleeve having a chuck threaded thereinto. A bit is mounted within the chuck. The bit and chuck are interconnected by mating, axially extending splines and grooves. The chuck includes a resiliently mounted segment urged into engagement with the bit. A quick release tool is accommodated in a passage between the bit and chuck. The tool is inserted into the passage and has a thickness sufficient to urge the segment out of engagement with the bit so that the bit is removed from the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Ewald H. Kurt
  • Patent number: 4947289
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for use with a plug-in cartridge or the like. The latching mechanism comprises a body portion; a pair of walls extending from the body portion; a camming portion; and an actuating portion. The walls of the latching mechanism are snap locatable onto pivot pins on a face plate of the plug-in cartridge, or the like, and thereby allow the latching mechanism to pivot on the face plate. Furthermore, the walls of the latching mechanism have apertures which are snap locatable onto detents on the face plate thereby resiliently latching the latching mechanism when it is fully inserted into a cabinet. The camming portion projects from the latching mechanism and is used for engaging a cooperating projection on a cover of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: Ernest R. Dynie
  • Patent number: 4909658
    Abstract: A quick safety release for bull ropes and bare back riggings. One ring on the bull rope is held to the release device by a first ring latch which is pivoted to a release frame. A pivoted spring-loaded latch arm which in its normal position is perpendicular to the ring latch holds the ring latch in position preventing it from rotating about its pivot. A release line or cord is connected to the latch arm. When the bull rider pulls the release line the latch arm is pulled away from the ring latch permitting it to come unlatched from the ring of the bull rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Blue H. Townsend
  • Patent number: 4869615
    Abstract: An improved tension leg joint with a first or receptacle member having an opening to receive the second or tension leg member end, the first member opening includes an internal recess including an upper downwardly facing shoulder and a lower shoulder, the second member end includes a latching element carried on a lower upwardly facing shoulder of the second member and normally biased outward so that it moves into the internal recess of the first member when the second member end is inserted therein sufficiently far so that the latching element moves past the downwardly facing shoulder, and a release sleeve movable within the first member recess and having means for releasably engaging the latching element when it is moved into the interior of the release sleeve subsequent lifting of the second member and its latching element causes the release sleeve to be raised to engage the downwardly facing recess shoulder and allow the latching element to pass thereby in its upward movement without coming into latching e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Cameron Iron Works, USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Galle
  • Patent number: 4815887
    Abstract: A connector with a locking mechanism and a connector box therefor. The connector box is made with one side for a connector element and the opposite side includes a holding element. Therefore, connector boxes are secured in a device to be secured together so that the connector boxed are oppositely disposed. A connector element is secured in each connector box and rotated to cooperate with the oppositely disposed holding element to secure the two devices together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: DS Industrial & Marine Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Seiford, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4804289
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking a refuse container to a trash compactor in the form of a pair of identical locking arms projecting outwardly from the container at either side of the loading opening in the end of the container. The locking arms are of plate material with leading edges inclined downwardly and toward the container to cam the container upwardly on corresponding locking pins projecting horizontally outwardly from the sides of the compactor. A vertically extending notch in each arm receives its corresponding pin to lock the container to the compactor as the container is moved into loading position adjacent the compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: H.E.P. Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Blough
  • Patent number: 4759177
    Abstract: A shackle safety keeper for keeping the threaded eye bolt of closing a U-shaped shackle from rotation of the eye bolt and ultimate disengagement of the shackle. The shackle safety keeper is a single wire continuously bent to form the disclosed keeper. This wire is bent intermediate its two ends at a bowed spring portion. This bowed spring portion has two depending shackle engagement sections extending downwardly and at right angles from the bowed spring portion. These sections are for clamping to the side edges of the U-shaped shackle adjacent the protruding eye on the shackle bolt. The lower end of each shackle engagement section has protruding angularly outward therefrom two eye reaching legs. These eye reaching legs extend from the bottom of each shackle engaging section out into registry with the eye on the protruding bolt when it has closed the shackle. The two eye reaching legs end the all wire constructed keeper with two opposed and overlapping eye piercing lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Rex K. Brazell
  • Patent number: 4720206
    Abstract: 44A clip for securing a handle shaft in a shaft-receiving opening in a tool is disclosed. The clip comprises a central portion and a tab portion integral with the central portion to project through a radially-directed slot in the structural portion of the tool which surrounds the shaft-receiving opening. One or the other of the central portion or the tab portion is configured for positioning on the interior of the structural portion of the tool which surrounds the shaft-receiving opening, and the other on the exterior. A flange depends from the central portion. The flange has an elongated aperture through which the handle shaft passes. The edge of the aperture remote from the central portion, preferably provided with teeth, is angled and biased towards the handle shaft to anchor it. Instead of the apertured flange, a tongue depending from the central portion and angled and biased towards the handle shaft may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Melnor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul C. Aquilina
  • Patent number: 4697783
    Abstract: A bracket (10) for releasably engaging a goggle (14) to a headgear (12). The bracket (10) includes a receptacle (52) with inside tapered sidewalls (124) matable with a goggle stud (55) having corresponding outer tapered sidewalls (125). A release lever (22) is housed in said stud (55) and includes a transverse notch (140) latchable with a lug (146) on a catch arm (144) adjustably fixed within the receptacle (52). The catch arm (144) is adjustable by an eccentric (162) while the goggle stud (55) is engaged within the receptacle (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Varo, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Kastendieck, Richard T. Hart, Wayne Isbell
  • Patent number: 4696596
    Abstract: An interface mechanism for the mounting of one component to another, especially useful where the components have to be boresighted and where the boresighted components have to be removed and replaced without disturbing the accuracy of the boresighting. Locking means are provided to retain the two sections of the interface in a rigid state when mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: W. Vinten Limited
    Inventor: Lionel V. F. Russell
  • Patent number: 4695184
    Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventors: Alces P. Robishaw, Paul A. Robishaw
  • Patent number: 4681476
    Abstract: Unique flex-lock dovetail mounting apparatus (300) is described that may be advantageously utilized for mounting radio transceivers (100) and accessories (200) in harsh environments. The housing of the radio transceiver (100) includes on one side thereof at least two channels (101 and 105) producing a dovetail. The mounting apparatus (300) includes a top plate (304); a slide plate (308) attached to the top plate (304), having on at least one end a cut-out portion (310) producing a gap (320, 321 and 322) between the cut-out portion (310) and the top plate (304), and having at least two rails (301 and 305) producing a dovetail and each adapted to insert into a corresponding one of the channels (101 and 105); and locking apparatus including a lever (306) or a thumb screw (706) coupled to the top plate (304) and the cut-out portion (310) of the slide plate (308) for flexing the cut-out portion (310) toward the top plate (304) thereby locking the rails (301 and 305) in position in the channels (101 and 105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Mischenko
  • Patent number: 4657427
    Abstract: System of coupling of the head of a drive unit to the body of a driven unit, characterized in that, the head bears a longitudinal key having two slopes inclined in relation to the axis of the head, and the body has a guiding or key-way groove for this key, this groove opening on an annular clearing in which a segment can be rotated against a spring and in which a pin is fastened radially, so that, while the key is engaged, this pin, by cooperation with the first of the slopes controls the rotation of the segment, then by cooperation with the second slope controls the blocking of the head in its driving position, and the segment can also be operated by hand so as to free the pin and allow the withdrawal of the head by drawing the key rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Micro-Mega
    Inventor: Jacques Pernot
  • Patent number: 4632588
    Abstract: A latching lever for use with a printed circuit board and being of a width similar to that of a faceplate for the PCB, includes an actuating member and a hooked portion projecting therefrom. The actuating member is flexibly hinged to a body portion of the latching lever by a hinge formation which includes a thick section located in a plane of the hooked portion for defining a preferred resilience of the hinge, and a thinner section away from the thick section for stabilizing the actuating member in relation to the body portion. A stud carried by the PCB is engaged by the hooked portion to latch the lever. The hooked portion is disengaged from the stud by moving the actuating member thereby freeing the lever to rotate about its pivot point. A portion of the body remote from the actuating member and extending beyond the pivot point includes a stop formation for contacting an edge of the PCB to prevent unnecessarily extreme rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: Michael H. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 4601603
    Abstract: A ball joint in which the ball of a ball stud is accommodated in an accommodating section of a socket. The accommodating section has an annular seat on which a stopper is provided and a cap to be fitted in the accommodating section has another stopper. The two stoppers are received in a gap in an elastic ring-like member mounted in the annular seat such that a turning of the cap will increase the width of the gap to increase the diameter of the elastic ring-like member. In this state, the ball of the ball stud can be accommodated in the accommodating section of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 4582444
    Abstract: A laboratory joint is provided for a pair of male and female members having matable tapered ends which are connected together by a sleeve which can lock the members together to prevent accidental separation, which sleeve is capable of separating the assembled members when desired in a safe and expedient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Robert J. Miskinis
  • Patent number: 4570977
    Abstract: A connector apparatus for releasably securing two separate force transmitting assemblies in a force transfer relationship is disclosed. A first connector assembly having a tubular member forming a central opening having a locking recess formed therein is anchored at a desired location. A second connector assembly having a primary and a secondary housing operably connects with the first connector assembly for transferring the static forces therebetween. The primary housing mounts an expandable locking ring which fits in the recess of the first connector assembly for effecting the mechanical securing. The locking ring may be released by two separate modes of operation. When released, all operating parts of the connector except the first connector assembly may be retrieved to a convenient location for inspection or repair. Should the locking ring fail to release by either mode, the secondary housing may in the alternative be released from the primary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: James A. Burton, Richard B. Lee
  • Patent number: 4530615
    Abstract: Device for locking a panel plate to a housing and releasing it therefrom is comprised a saddle body including a saddle seat and a pair of parallel leg plates extending therefrom. Each of the leg plates has an aperture bored at a portion remote from the seat, and a pin which is made integral with one leg plate by means of a plurality of thin film strips extends outwardly from the periphery of the aperture in that plate in a direction normal thereto. After positioning the panel plate between the leg plates and bringing the apertures in the leg plates into alignment with the aperture bored in the corner of front side of the panel plate, the pin is driven into the apertures, whereupon the device is pivotally attached to the panel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Nikko Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Katsuura, Takashi Furusawa
  • Patent number: 4514708
    Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for holding a waveguide assembly and a down converter module in locked force multiplied engagement within a transceiver housing. The mechanism includes a lever arm which pivots about a first end which is secured to a bracket. The bracket in turn is secured to the transceiver housing. A knob which includes a locking structure is coupled to the second end of the lever arm. The locking structure is retained in a channel in the transceiver housing. The channel allows the locking structure to move within the channel between a first and second position. There is a camming surface on the lever arm that is more proximate to the first end of the lever arm than to the second end of the lever arm. An aligning pin is mounted on said first assembly in a location so as to engage the lever arm camming surface when the locking structure is physically moved along the transceiver housing channel from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald W. Ludtke
  • Patent number: 4511531
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring, not only the fuel assemblies, but other component assemblies including control-rod assemblies, thimble-plug assemblies, poison assemblies and the like during refueling of a nuclear reactor. The apparatus includes an outer mast for guiding and protecting the component assemblies which are transferred, an inner mast movable vertically within the guiding mast. The inner mast has grippers for engaging and lifting or lowering fuel assemblies. The outer mast has internal grooved rollers along its length. The inner mast is formed at oppositely facing channels held in a rigid assembly by plates to which the channels are secured. Opposite corners formed by the flanges and the webs of the channels penetrate into the grooves of the rollers and the inner mast is guided and held in position by the rollers. The apparatus also includes an elongated tube within the inner mast movable vertically relative to the inner mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Swidwa, Leonard P. Hornak, Edward F. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 4507005
    Abstract: A pivot joint mechanism for connecting together two relatively movable members which includes a pair of cone-type locks at the respective ends of a pivot pin which can be readily assembled and tightened to hold all of the internal parts locked in place by means of a single nut on a bolt extending through the pin, and which can be readily disassembled by inserting jack screws in the ends of the mechanism and backing the female locking members out again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Siewert, Edmund K. Varnelis
  • Patent number: 4458965
    Abstract: A drawer of plastic has a front plate, a body part with a front face to arrange the front plate parallel to the latter and a plurality of side walls each forming a downwardly open chamber and having a front region adjacent to the front face, and elements for connecting the front plate with the side walls and including a hasp arranged in the front region of each of the side walls and having a transverse bolt, an elongated bracket having a longitudinal axis and an end provided with a fork which is snappable on the transverse bolt, and at least one tightening cam outwardly engaging the fork, wherein the bracket is held on the front plate so that its longitudinal axis extends normal to the front plate and also is movable in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Ohlendorf, Hans Riepe
  • Patent number: 4439971
    Abstract: A concealed connector for detachably coupling two panels together comprises a keeper entirely recessed within an edge of one panel and a rotatable latch outwardly projecting from a surface of the other panel. The latch includes a cam portion in the form of a partial thread which is inserted within the keeper recess for engagement with a flanged lip on the keeper. A stylus key is passed through a narrow access slot in communication with the recess and is selectively received within circumferentially spaced holes in the latch periphery. Turning of the latch in one direction by the key draws the abutting edges of the panels together in locked disposition while turning the latch in the other direction effects release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Woodrite, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Rutherford