Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking two foldable sections (2a, 2b) of a grip rod (2) of a baby carriage has two gears (26) meshing with each other. The grip rod sections are foldably interconnected by a coupling (12) which supports the gears (26) for rotation around their respective axes. One end surface of each gear (26) is formed with a locking recess (29) for receiving a locking plate (20) in the locked state. The locking plate is movable axially of the gears (26) for unlocking. The locking plate (20) is urged by a spring (32) into the locking recesses (29) to maintain the locked state. A push button (23) moves the locking plate (20) out of the locking recesses (29) against the force of the spring (32) to permit the folding.

Abstract: A shaft connecting mechanism is provided between a slip-on hub and a power takeoff shaft by means of a control ring which extends around the slip-on hub and which is formed to have a pressure screw extend through a threaded bore therein, the pressure screw engaging against a clamping wedge in the slip-on hub which is formed with a trapezoidal configuration generally conforming with the configuration of an axiallly extending groove formed in the slip-on hub. Blocking members are arranged in radial apertures in the slip-on hub and pockets are formed in the control ring. The pressure screw when angularly aligned with the clamping wedge, places the control ring in the locked position and when the pressure screw and the clamping wedge are angularly unaligned, the blocking members enter the pockets in the control ring.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling wherein the male coupler part has both threads and a groove so that it can be universally secured to a female coupler part regardless of whether the female coupler part carries a threaded nut or detent type securing or connecting means.

Abstract: An assembly for allowing quick removal of a wheel from a vehicle is provided. The original wheel axle is replaced with an elongated axle which is adapted to extend through a block clamped to the vehicle frame. The block includes a spring-biased plunger which interfits with an annular groove at the end of the axle to lock the wheel and axle in place. The plunger is withdrawn from the groove to release the axle and allow one to readily remove the wheel.Alternately, an indented shaft fits within the groove to lock the axle. Upon rotation of the shaft to align the indentation over the groove, the axle may be released and withdrawn from the block.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing anchors in the earth using rotational power and axial thrust from a power source includes an elongated torque tube for enclosing a guy rod of an anchor and having a lower end portion adapted to drivingly engage the hub of the anchor. A drive coupling is provided for detachably interconnecting the power source to drive the torque tube and install the anchor, and the coupling includes a body having a socket for receiving an upper end portion of the torque tube and an upper end portion of the guy rod. The socket has flatted side walls formed with radial ports which are positioned to face apertures that are provided in a torque tube which has been inserted into the socket. Lock pins are slidably mounted in the radial ports and are biased toward the center of the socket. The lock pins are adapted to project into the apertures of a torque tube when fully seated in the socket and also engage and hold the guy rod of an anchor as it is driven into the earth.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated, mobile patient transport table useful with a magnetic resonance scanner, which includes a magnet for producing a polarizing magnetic field, employs a hydraulic motor disposed at the base of the magnet and a hydraulic pump disposed at the base of the table. The hydraulic motor and pump are operatively coupled to enable transfer of energy from the motor to the pump without use of hydraulic connections therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling is implemented with a cone-shaped coupling member attached to the output of the motor and a complementarily-shaped coupling member attached to the input shaft of the pump which frictionally engages the cone-shaped member.

Abstract: A head-rest vertical adjustment device is disclosed which is provided with a lock mechanism to restrict the vertical movements of a head-rest stay in a guide cylinder into which the head-rest stay is inserted in a manner that it is free to move vertically. This lock mechanism comprises a lock spring of a wire material to be engaged into an engagement groove formed in the head-rest stay from a slit formed in the guide cylinder, and an operation lever to release the lock spring from its locked position. First ends of both the lock spring and operation lever are rotatably mounted onto the same projection provided in the guide cylinder and second ends of these two members are integrally connected to each other.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for providing a drive connection between the power take-off shaft of a tractor and an agricultural implement is formed in two drive shaft parts with one of the parts which is attached to the tractor joint being formed with a coupling sleeve and with the other drive shaft part which is attached to the implement to be driven being formed with a coupling hub engageable and disengageable in the coupling sleeve. The other drive shaft part is also formed with a length adjusting device comprising a pair of spring-loaded telescoping tubes arranged between the coupling hub and the end of the other drive shaft part which is attached to the implement to be driven and, as a result, the disconnecting point of the drive shaft assembly is thus located between the joint which is associated with the tractor and the length adjusting device of the other drive shaft part thereby to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: A connection system for respirator or anesthesia units with a Y-piece including an inhalation hose socket, an exhalation hose socket and a connector attachment piece as well as a tubular connector, connectable with the connector attachment piece, having a tube attachment for an endotracheal tube at one end, and at its opposite end a continuous annular groove in its exterior circumference, the connector attachment piece including a spring biased fastening member provided transversely to the longitudinal axis of the connector attachment piece for elastically engaging the annular groove under spring action. The connection system further includes a hand-operable unfastening mechanism for overriding the spring action of the fastening member, and the fastening member includes a lever having inner and outer arms, a pivot and a spring-loading member for the outer arm.

Abstract: A dunnage bar system for freight containers utilizing a fixed elongated track cooperable with fittings mounted upon the opposite ends of an elongated bar. The bar fittings including a head captive within the associated track affixed to a neck extending through an elongated slot wherein the fitting may be adjusted along the track length and openings formed in the track selectively cooperate with head projections to lock the fitting against longitudinal track displacement. The dunnage bar fittings are releasable from the track openings by a rotative movement of the head either with, or relative to the bar, and with a relatively movable head a latch is associated therewith locking the fitting head relative to its bar.

Abstract: The socket wrench extension is provided with a push-on/quick release locking arrangement. The extension has a square drive end having a transverse bore in which the lock balls are mounted for movement between a lock position in which one ball projects from one end of the bore far enough to engage a cooperating cavity in the drive recess of a socket or other tool and a release position in which both balls lie within the cross section of the drive end. One end of the bore being closer to the drive end than the other end of said bore. An axially extending groove intersects the end of the bore further from the end of the extension. A sliding member moves between a lock position and a release position and has said lock tab engaging one of said balls when the member is in its lock position. The member has a limited range of movement enabling the lock tab to be raised above the groove by means of force applied to the tab by the balls.

Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed which is suitable for releasably locking two articulated pivoting members in a fixed position with respect to each other. The locking assembly comprises a spring biased reciprocating latch, a plunger attached to the latch, and a catch plate adapted to rotate into locking engagement therewith. The plunger and latch are preferably integral with each other, so that the latch contains a minimum number of moving parts. The latch is designed so that simple palm pressure will cause it to disengage from the catch plate, to permit the pivoting members to move with respect to each other. The present locking assembly is of simple design and inexpensive manufacture, and is durable in use. The locking assembly is particularly applicable for use in invalid appliances such as collapsible walkers, where the users have limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: A releasable joint structure comprises an engaging device, first and second biasing members, a receiving plate, a guide rod, and a stopper member. The engaging device is inserted into a main hole formed on the receiving plate in order to push back a plate member provided on the second biasing member against the force exerted thereby. The receiving plate is then pushed laterally relative to the engaging device by a force exerted by the first biasing member, until the engagement between the plate member and the stopper member is obtained. The engaging member in this condition is pivotally supported on the peripheral of the side hole. When it is required to remove the engaging device out of the receiving plate, the guide rod is operated to attain the engagement between the plate member and the stopper member. The engagement device is then automatically pushed out of the receiving plate.

Abstract: A drive unit comprises a motor with a motor casing, a gear box with a gear box casing, and a pulled-type clutch for torque transmission between the motor and the gear box. The gear box casing is to be fixed to the motor casing. The clutch comprises a clutch release system for transmitting a clutch release force from an actuating pedal to a diaphragm spring of the clutch. In this clutch release system there is provided a snap connection which is closed by approaching the motor casing and the gear box casing towards the relative operative position.

Abstract: A buffer coupling for rail vehicles comprises a first coupling part which has a receiving shoulder adjacent its end with a first cylindrical portion spaced from the end of said first coupling part of increased diameter from said shoulder and forming a rib in a second cylindrical portion of smaller diameter than the rib forming a cylindrical slide surface over which a sleeve is slidable. The sleeve is urged away from the rib by a spring so that it projects outwardly from the second cylindrical portion of smaller diameter so that it may engage over respective legs of a forked end of the second coupling part which engages with the first coupling part so that the shoulder of the first part fits within the legs of the second coupling part. The sleeve is urged by the spring to engage over the outer cylindrical surface of the second coupling part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a socket wrench drive extension incorporating a quick release and locking feature. The extension is used in conjunction with a ratchet drive and standard mechanic's sockets for driving threaded fasteners. The invention utilizes a longitudinal control bar which bears directly or indirectly on a detent contained in a transverse bore at the driving end of the extension. The longitudinal control bar fits a channel machined into the exterior surface of the extension and is operated through the retraction of a spring loaded collar.

Abstract: A device for locking a shaft in driving engagement within a sleeve including radially movable locking members mounted in the sleeve adapted to be held in a position to effect locked engagement with the shaft by an annular locking member operating to hold the spherical members radially in locking position relative to the sleeve. A helical spring is provided in engagement between the annular locking member and the sleeve and the spring includes first radial portions which engage the sleeve and second radial portions which engage the annular locking member in order to enable a large clearance to be provided between the sleeve and the annular locking member so that operation will not be adversely affected by accumulation of dirt.

Abstract: A push-pull collar or a yoke sleeve ramps locking pins radially outward when the collar is pushed away from a power takeoff stub shaft so that the yoke sleeve may be removed from the shaft. The pins engage detents in the ramps to hold the pins outward and to hold the collar axially inward on the yoke sleeve. Pushing the sleeve on a shaft locks the pins, releasing the collar. When the pins move inward in engagement with a shaft groove, a spring moves the collar axially outward, partially covering the pins to hold them in an inward, locked position.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism is disclosed which is adapted for transverse coupling to a keeper pin. A housing is provided for transversely receiving the keeper pin. Detent bodies associated with the housing are included for releasably coupling to the keeper pin. A sleeve is slidably associated with the housing for releasably locking the detent bodies in a coupled position with the keeper pin. A spring is included for normally biasing both the detent bodies and the sleeve to the detent locking position.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for securing a shaft or the like in a hub, wherein an annular groove is provided on the shaft or in the hub to accommodate an elastic securing ring of round cross-section. A shoulder is provided on the hub or shaft radially facing the annular groove and the hub or shaft has an adjusting member displaceable in axial direction with a conical face axially facing the shoulder. This face together with the shoulder forms an annular recess widening towards the opening of the groove. The floor of the annular groove on the side of the adjusting member is at a radial distance from the shaft or hub at least as great as the thickness of the securing ring.

Abstract: A means for mounting an exchangable disk pack. The disk pack's hub includes an open ended stub with two retractable steel balls mounted adjacent the open end. The disk drive's spindle has a coaxial recess for receiving the stub. The recess has an interior annular groove adapted for registration with the balls. The stub is inserted into the recess when mounting the disk pack. When the hub and spindle are in abutment, the balls are positioned just anterior to the annular groove. The stub is mounted on a diaphragm mounted on the hub. Depression of the diaphragm moves the balls into registration with the annular groove. The balls then move from their retracted condition and into the groove under pressure from a push rod moveably mounted in the spindle recess. After the balls have been pushed aside, the push rod pops up between them and prevents their retraction from the annular groove. The lodging of the balls in the annular groove prevents the stub from being withdrawn from the recess.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for use with an office chair, such as a secretarial chair, to allow vertical adjustment of the seat back. The mechanism includes a slide which is mounted on the chair back and is vertically slidably supported on an upright which projects from the seat portion of the chair. The slide has a latching lever pivotally mounted thereon and spring-urged into engagement with one of a series of notches formed along one side of an elongated slot formed in the upright. The notches, together with the latching projection formed on the lever, are defined by upper and lower edge surfaces which are individually generated about a centerpoint which is coincident with the pivot axis of the lever to maintain the chair back securely latched when either upward or downward external forces are imposed thereon.

Abstract: A universal joint shaft and a power take-off shaft, particularly between an agricultural implement and a tractor, may be coupled and uncoupled by a device which includes a coupling sleeve adapted to be axially locked and unlocked relative to the power take-off shaft by operation of a control ring which is moved in generally parallel relationship with the power take-off shaft between a first and a second position. The coupling sleeve is locked in axial engagement with the power take-off shaft by a spring device which, when engaged by the control ring when the control ring is moved to its second position, operates to unlock the coupling sleeve from the power take-off shaft. The control ring is pivotally mounted and is subjected to the force of an over-center snap spring which maintains the control ring in its first or second position under a spring-biasing force, with the control ring when in its first position being out of engagement with the locking spring device.

Abstract: A coupling for two co-axial torque transmitting shafts having the features of a splined torque transmitting joint (5, 6), a screwed joint (9, 10) for effecting axial engagement of the splined joint, interference members (15, 16) axially movable to a locked position in which unscrewing of the screwed joint is prevented, and a detent (32, 33) for preventing axial movement of the interference members from the locked position, the whole being housed in a readily hand grippable housing 19, hand movement of which effects sequential operation of all the features.

Abstract: A dental handpiece assembly equipped with an improved latch mechanism for detachably connecting a motor section to a straight or angular handpiece section. The latch includes a ring disposed between the two sections, the ring having an outer surface which is substantially flush with the casings of the respective sections when the parts are assembled and the ring is in its normal latching position. Unlatching is accomplished by displacing the entire ring in a transverse direction, by finger pressure applied at any point along a semi-circumferential area of the ring's outer surface, to shift an arcuate rib out of engagement with the neck portion of the other section of the assembly.

Abstract: A locking device for coupling an externally splined power take-off shaft with an internally splined coupling hub which may be part of a universal joint shaft of an agricultural implement, including locking elements which are radially movable between an inner locking position and an outer unlocking position, the elements being engaged in the locking position with a circumferential groove in the power take-off shaft. A retaining member is axially slideable on the coupling hub to a position to engage the locking elements to hold them in their radially inward locking position. Insertion of the power take-off shaft into the coupling hub causes an actuator device which includes radially movable members extending into the bore of the coupling hub to be moved radially outwardly by engagement with the power take-off shaft thereby to engage the retainer member to urge the retainer member toward its position holding the locking elements in the radially inward locking position.

Abstract: A semi-trailer having at its front end at least one landing leg (8) which may be supported in its operative position by a strut (12) which is mounted slidably and pivotally to the chassis by means of a mounting (16) and which leg(s) is(are) raisable by a power unit; the strut(s) (12) may be locked by pin or pins (22) engaging in holes (29, 52) in the strut and the pin(s) latched in at least a partially disengaged position for movement of the strut between the operative position of the leg and an inoperative position, the pin(s) being unlatched to engage in a hole (29, 52) by movement of the strut in the mounting.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling including a housing, an opening in the housing, a portion of the opening being non-circular, the opening further being adapted to receive a non-circular portion of a shaft. Locking structure is provided for selectively locking the non-circular portion of the shaft into the opening in the housing, such locking structure being biased to a locked position and selectively movable to an unlocked position. The locking structure includes a plurality of bores radially disposed in the housing, a locking element slidably disposed in each of the bores and being radially movable from an inner, locking position, wherein the elements are engageable within the recess of the shaft to thereby prevent relative axial movement of the housing with respect to the shaft; and, an outer, unlocked position, whereby the elements permit relative axial movement of the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: A pair of connection devices serve as the upper connection between a traction vehicle such as a skid steer loader and an accessory apparatus such as a backhoe. Each connection device includes an anchor element including an anchor element outer end extending from the traction vehicle towards the accessory apparatus and a channel element including a channel element outer end extending from the traction vehicle and towards the accessory apparatus. The anchor element outer end and the channel element outer end have a selectively engaged position for connecting the accessory apparatus to the traction vehicle. A sleeve member is slidably disposed over and operatively connected to the channel element for movement thereon. The sleeve member has a surface adapted for selective locking contact with at least one of the outer element ends for retaining the element ends in an engaged position.

Abstract: A releasable latching mechanism for a checkrein having a body fixed to a harness and in which is removably accommodated an anchor secured at one end to a checkrein. Locking balls are accommodated in openings formed in a wall of the body, the balls being of larger diameter than the thickness of the body wall. An operating sleeve is mounted on the body for sliding movements between positions in which the anchor member is latched and released. When the operating sleeve is in its anchor latching position the inner surface of the sleeve bears against the locking balls and forces them inwardly of the body so that portions of such balls project into an annular groove formed in the anchor member, thereby preventing separation of the anchor member from the body.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting one end of a strap to a musical instrument or other body consists of a post fixed to the instrument and a catch fixed to the strap and cooperable with the post. The post has an enlarged head which is movable laterally into and out of a cavity in the catch. When the post head is received in the catch cavity a spring biased plunger of the catch enters a central opening of the post to prevent the catch and post from moving laterally out of assembly, while nevertheless permitting the catch and the associated strap to pivot or swivel relative to the post. The plunger is movable by hand out of the path of the post head during connection and disconnection of the post and catch relative to one another. Further, the two coupling parts can be quickly and easily connected and disconnected relative to one another with one hand of the user and without requiring extremely precise movements.

Abstract: A low cost, highly convenient, and non-complicated push button adjuster for chair backrests eliminates bulky and unsightly protruding levers, hand wheels and other external operators. A simple push button normally flush with the rear face of a backrest is depressed to shift a connected locking pin out of a detent slot in a backrest support bar so that the backrest is released for height adjustment. The push button and locking pin are spring-biased to the active locking position.

Abstract: A telescoping-type connector comprising outer and inner telescoping members, the inner telescoping member defining an outer circumferential groove, and adapted to sealingly fit in telescoping relation within an aperture of the outer telescoping member. The outer telescoping member includes retention means for releasably projecting into the outer circumferential groove, to retain the inner and outer members in the desired sealing, telescoping relation. In accordance with this invention, the inner telescoping member defines, between the circumferential groove and the forward end of the inner member relative to the outer member, a recessed portion on its outer surface for facilitating molding and the like. Ribbed members are positioned within the recessed portion, to prevent the retention means from projecting therein and providing inadequate locking of the connector.

Abstract: A wiping arrangement for a vehicle window has a wiping blade element, a support element, an axle insertable into the elements so as to pivotally connect them with one another, and a substantially V-shaped spring member having a central portion surrounding the axle and two diverging legs located at opposite sides of the latter. The legs of the spring member extends through holes of one of the elements and outwardly beyond the latter, and are biased to the element so as to be retained under the spring action of the spring member. The spring member is movable between one position in which it engages the axle and retains the same in a position in which the axle is inserted into the elements, and another position in which the spring member is disengaged from the axle so that the latter can be withdrawn from the elements to thereby disconnect the latter from one another.

Abstract: The anchored end of a mast of a gin-pole derrick is pivotally mounted on a releasable connector. The connector comprises a pair of laterally spaced support brackets having a retaining pin reciprocally mounted thereon for movement between a first position attaching the mast on a large portion of the pin and a second position whereby the mast may be released and detached from a smaller portion of the pin. A compression coil spring is mounted between the pin and one of the support brackets to normally bias the pin to its former condition of operation, attaching the mast on the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically decoupling two bodies that are coupled and are under a tension load. Unlike the prior art, the decoupling is actuated and accomplished entirely mechanically, and without the use of any explosives; and, the apparatus is reusable.

Abstract: A chair rest member supported upon a back post includes a spring-urged laterally shiftable lever journalled within a housing carried by the rest member. A cutout in the back post includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock recesses selectively engageable by an offset catch on the lever to fixedly retain the rest member at a selected elevation.

Abstract: An adjustable seat-back mechanism for use with a secretarial chair or the like to allow vertical adjustment of the chair's seat back from among a series of discrete vertical locations. The mechanism includes a bracket attached to the seat back, a pivotal lever attached to the bracket and a mounting bar with edge notches that are engageable by the lever to define the discreet vertical locations. The lever is easily operated to allow quick and effortless movement of the seat-back.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch for transmitting rotary power in one direction and preventing the transmission of rotary power in an opposite direction. A shaft coupling being disposed for rotary movement within the overrunning clutch to provide a locking mechanism for connecting or disconnecting a shaft to the overrunning clutch.

Abstract: A male member is connected to a female member by providing a rolling location element between a wall of the male member and a relatively inclined cooperative wall of the female member and biasing the location element into a position in which, should any attempt be made to remove the male member from the bore of the female member, a wedging action is obtained which prevents removal of the male member.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling of a type having a housing with an opening therein which has a plurality of longitudinal splines along one part thereof and having another portion thereof which is circular. A sleeve is rotatably disposed within the circular part of the opening in the housing and this sleeve has a plurality of splines around the inner periphery thereof. The sleeve has a pin attached thereto which extends through a radial slot in the housing. A collar is slideably received on the exterior of the housing and is slideably movable in a longitudinal direction only and is biased to one position. Camming means are formed in the collar for moving the pin attached to the splined sleeve and thereby for rotating the splined sleeve from a first position which locks a shaft into the coupling to a second position which unlocks the shaft to be used in conjunction with the coupling. A free spinning shield is disposed around the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted lift assembly having latch mechanisms for latching pivoted lift arms in an uplift position whereby an implement, particularly a powered rotary mower, connected to the lift arms can be automatically latched in an elevated position while other implements are being raised or lowered by the lift assembly. The latch mechanisms each include a pivotal and an axially translatable bolt having a non-circular end portion which is slidably received in a complementary non-circular opening when in an arm latching position. The bolt is manually movable to an unlatched position with the non-circular portion moved axially out of engagement with the non-circular opening, and with the bolt then being pivoted about its axis to preclude registration of the non-circular portion with the non-circular opening.

Abstract: A crutch construction for underarm and forearm crutches, wherein the handgrip is mounted, at least in part, forward of the longitudinal axis of the crutch, and the arm support is mounted, at least in part, rearward of said longitudinal axis. The arm support is adjustably mounted for movement at an angle within a range of about 5.degree.-20.degree. to said longitudinal axis. The thrust line of the crutch is located slightly forward of the longitudinal axis of the crutch. The handgrip is substantially centered relative to the thrust line of the crutch, and the longitudinal axis of the handgrip is substantially normal to said thrust line. The arm support is laterally adjustable relative to the handgrip for proper palm placement and wrist angulation and to enable to the user of the crutch to apply a forward rotational bias to the crutch sufficient to hold the arm support securely and comfortably against the arm of the user, but insufficient to render the crutch unstable.