Abstract: An automatic slack adjuster for a vehicle braking system includes a yoke assembly which is pivotally mounted on the adjuster body and in which is adapted to be connected to a push rod actuated by a fluid pressure actuator. The yoke assembly includes a recess having an entrance which is adapted to receive the end of the push rod. An adapter member is threaded on the end of the push rod received in the recess, and a U-shaped connector penetrates the body of the yoke to engage a circumferentially extending groove on the adapter, to thereby define a nonthrust transmitting connection between the yoke and the push rod. The yoke assembly defines a pair of thrust receiving surfaces which circumscribe the entrance to the recess, and a thrust washer slidable on the push rod is held at a thrust transmitting engagement with one of the thrust receiving surfaces by a nut which is threaded on the end of the push rod.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a packer positionable in a casing in which the packer has an upstanding male location member having a noncircular peripheral configuration having a circumferential slot adjacent the upper end, a female insertion member having means at the upper end for attachment to the lower end of a pipe string extending from the earth's surface and having a recess in the lower end slidably and nonrotatably receiving the upper end of the male location member and having an upper internal recess communicating with the tool open bottom, the recess having an internal enlarged diameter groove therein and a plurality of clips each configured as a segment of a washer positioned in the internal recess of the retrieval tool and having an elastomeric member therearound to inwardly bias the clips towards each other, the clips being expandable outwardly within the groove to receive the upper end of the location member and to enter into the external circumferential groove in the location member to ther

Abstract: A retaining ring locking device for preventing longitudinal relative movement of a shaft within a bore utilizes a flat or wire retaining ring. A groove is machined on the shaft as well as the bore and an access window is provided on either the shaft or the device containing the bore. The access window extends longitudinally from and beside the ring receiving groove formed by the alignment of the shaft and bore grooves to the exterior of the device and serves as the access point for threadable insertion of the retaining ring. The encapsulated design provides greater strength and eliminates the need for two separate retaining rings to prevent relative movement in two directions.

Abstract: In some types of electric incandescent lamps a cylindrical contact cap is connected to the part of the current supply conductor projecting beyond the pinch seal of the lamp envelope, which cap is mounted in an insulator sleeve. In known lamps the ceramic insulator sleeve 9 is secured on the pinch seal by means of cement.In lamps according to the invention, the insulator sleeve is coupled to the contact cap by means of a metal spring.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprising a center housing and a compressor housing. The compressor housing is fixed onto the center housing in such a way that the cylindrical inner wall of the compressor housing is fitted onto the cylindrical outer wall of the center housing. A single ring groove is formed on the cylindrical inner wall of the compressor housing. A snap ring and an O ring are fitted into the single ring groove for fixing the compressor housing onto the center housing while sealing therebetween.

Abstract: An improvement to a clutch housing, including a clutch mechanism manually operable to lock and unlock the vehicle axle to the vehicle wheel hub, is disclosed. The improvement comprises the clutch housing attachable to the vehicle wheel hub by a lock ring disposed around the clutch housing. The lock ring engages an annular groove within the vehicle wheel hub allowing the clutch housing to be secured to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A mode of assembly for a vane pump rotor and drive shaft provides a construction wherein a plain, i.e., sleeve or collar type bearing can be used for the support of the drive shaft. The arrangement affords axial positional securing, i.e., axial fixation of the drive shaft with a spring ring peripherally confined by a recess in the pump rotor to prevent its being dislodged and thus affording safety in maintaining axial securement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A diverless subsea tubular connector with male and female elements that can be remotely connected and disconnected using only axial movement of one of the elements with respect to the other. The connector elements are secured together by a snap spring that prevents their disengagement so long as an axial tension tending to pull them apart is maintained. A release of that axial tension facilitates unlocking the two elements so that they can be pulled apart without requiring hydraulic, manual, or rotational manipulation.

Abstract: An automated assembly, maintenance, and repair system for the construction of a large space structure. The space structure comprises a plurality of trusses and truss junctions that in turn are made up of a plurality of individual struts and nodes. The truss assemblies are progressively built by an assembler trolley as the trolley crawls along the constructed truss. The trolley comprises a forward crawler and a rear crawler joined by an articulated coupler. The crawlers are carried along the structure by belt transports incorporating grippers that engage the truss structure at the nodes. Manipulator arms for strut and node assembly are located on the forward crawler, and the majority of control, power, and communication systems are located in the rear crawler. Cargo canisters filled with component parts for constructing the space structure are carried by the forward crawler. The space structure configuration is determined by the arrangement of the individual struts and nodes during the assembly process.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for connecting a tension leg platform mooring tether to a subsea foundation, the apparatus comprising: a plug positioned on the lower end of the mooring tether for mating union with a receptacle positioned in the foundation so that the plug is readily positioned in the receptacle to maintain the mooring tether in connection with the foundation with the plug being readily removable from the receptacle when desired.

Abstract: In devices, such as well tools, components which must support heavy loads are connected by a simple fastening device capable of transferring the heavy load from one component to the other, with the load being accepted by the fastening means in compression, and with the fastening means occupying only a small radial space.

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 multi-stage sprocket assembly comprises a cylindrical member and a sprocket group and has therebetween a retaining device for preventing the sprocket group from axial movement with respect to the cylindrical member, the retaining device comprising an engaging groove extending circumferentially of the cylindrical member and an engaging member elastically engageable with the engaging groove and disengageable therefrom against the elastic engagement force. The engaging member engages with the engaging groove to mount the sprocket group to the cylindrical member in relation of being axially immovable and disengages from the groove to remove the sprocket group from the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Means for securing a member, such as a blade retainer, to a structure, such as a disc. An annular, preferably split, retaining ring is disposed in a recess of the disc and is shaped to receive a part of the blade retainer which is also disposed within the recess thereby securing the blade retainer to the disc.A method of securing the blade retainer to the disc is also provided and includes the steps of inserting the retaining ring into the recess and compressing the ring, inserting a part of the blade retainer into the recess and deflecting it axially, and releasing the retaining ring from compression and the blade retainer from deflection.

Abstract: A keeper assembly (10) includes an arcuate keeper member (46) having a pair of planar side surfaces (56,58) and a preselected U-shaped configuration in cross section adapted to be seated in a correspondingly profiled annular groove (64) in a first member (16) having a central axis (18). A second member (32) having a force transmitting surface (76) transverse to the axis (18) loads the keeper member (46) and the force is transferred into the first member (16). The keeper assembly (10) can be used in an endless chain joint (14).

Abstract: Relative rotation of the two rotational members of a fuze during dynamic dition of firing are eliminated by interlocking annular, serrated, axial seating surfaces of the two members. A radially sinusoidal split ring in between radially adjacent annular recesses of the members cooperates with an inclined wall of the outer member's annular recess to provide an axial force biasing the serrated surfaces into engagement during static conditions. The split ring further serves as a locking device to hold the two members together as an assembly.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00187 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 23, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 23, 1979 PCT Field Mar. 23, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/02059 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 2, 1980A keeper assembly transmits force from a second member (32) for a forced transmitting surface force (68) to first member (16) having an annular groove (42). A plurality of keeper segments (40) are located in the groove (42) and transfer force from the forced transmitting surface (68) into the first member (16). Each keeper segment has an axially outwardly opening side seat (56) and retaining means (44) are releasably connected to the side seats (56) for holding the keeper segments (40) positively in the groove (42).

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

Abstract: A retainer clip for tool bits comprises an annular strip having circumferentially spaced ends defining a gap therebetween. A pair of proximate projections and at least one remote projection project outwardly from the strip. The proximate projections are located on opposite sides of the gap. The proximate projections include positively oriented front surfaces, and the remote projection includes a non-positively oriented front surface disposed longitudinally rearwardly relative to forwardmost portions of the front surfaces of the proximate projections. Upon forward displacement of the clip within the hole of a holder, contact occurs between the proximate projections and a wall of a retaining groove of the holder to produce radial shifting of the gap of the clip toward the axis of the bit. Removal of the bit from the hole is possible only by shearing the remote projection.

Abstract: A snap ring consists of four plane rings with a gap for the possibility of radially deforming said rings within the limits of flexibility of the material. Two rings are set as inner rings and two outer rings are set as outer rings axially of the inner rings whereby the rings are axially behind each other fastened relatively to each other around a common axis. However the gaps of the inner rings are showing in another direction than the gaps of the outer rings whereby the outer rings are radially closing the gaps of the inner rings and vice versa. One of the snaprings can be utilized as an outer snapring to hold a cylindrical part therein and another of the snaprings can be an inner snapring for holding itself or a part in a cylinder or bore.

Abstract: Device for locking a male element such as a shaft engaging in the bore of a female element such as a wheel hub against axial displacement. An annular groove is provided in the bore of the female member and has a first annular surface engageable by an elastically deformable locking ring mounted on a reduced section of the shaft member. A displaceable member such as a nut is moveable relative to the shaft member and has a second surface engageable with the locking ring. At least one of the surfaces is tapered so that upon movement of the surfaces toward one another, the locking ring is displaced radially outwardly to engage in the groove and lock the elements together.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a plurality of objects at a plurality of different vertical levels comprising a vertical rod having a plurality of spaced circumferential grooves, a plurality of cylindrical collars each having a central bore therethrough of substantially the same size as the cross-section of the rod, each collar having a pair of opposite radial slots extending from the outside of the collar, a horizontal plate connected to each collar and extending radially outwardly from the collar for supporting objects thereon, and a plurality of clips for connecting the collars to the rod, wherein each clip is made of a continuous piece of wire bent intermediate its ends to form a substantially semi-circular loop with arms to engage the collar and the grooves.

Abstract: A frictional coupling for a male member inserted in the bore of a female member, to couple together the two members when at a pre-determined axial position. The opposed surfaces of the male and female members define a clearance the radial dimension of which varies as the members are moved axially relative to one another. A frictional coupling element is provided in said clearance, which element comprises a strip of resilient material preformed to a polygonal shape such that the outer corners contact the bore of the female member and the inner flats contact the male member.As the clearance is reduced by relative axial movement of the members, the element is deformed to restrain further movement therebetween.

Abstract: A vacuum booster including a casing, a power piston having a resilient diaphragm and dividing the interior of the casing into two chambers, an input rod for actuating a valve mechanism to generate differential pressure between the two chambers, and an output rod receiving a force in accordance with the differential pressure from the power piston, wherein the inner end of the output rod is received slidably on a member of power piston side with male and female engagement therebetween, and a groove is formed in the male member for engaging with a clip which allows a predetermined amount of relative sliding movement between the male and female members.

Abstract: A keeper assembly (10) includes a keeper (46) having central axis (18), a pair of end surfaces (48), a planar side surface (60) for receiving force from a first member (32), and a convex side surface (64) facing away from the planar side surface (60) for transferring the force obliquely into a second member (16). The keeper assembly (10) can be used in a track joint (14).

Abstract: A retaining ring structure is adapted to be located in a circumferential groove in a first member and to engage a second member to restrain relative axial movement of said members under thrust loading. The retaining ring structure includes a ring portion of L-shaped cross section having a leg portion and a foot portion. The free end of the leg portion fits into the groove and the foot portion engages a surface of the member adjacent the groove. A surface of the leg portion is adapted to contact the sidewall of the groove and is undercut so as to avoid contact with the edge of the groove. One specific retaining ring structure includes a pair of sector ring portions in nested relation with the outer apex of the L-shape of one of the sector ring portions located at the inner apex of the L-shape of the other sector ring portion.

Abstract: In order to reliably and safely secure a flexible container, such as a glove, to an opening in a housing, which opening is surrounded by a tubular stud projecting outwardly from the housing, the stub is provided with at least two grooves in its interior wall, each groove having an omegoid cross-section, and the flexible container is clamped in each groove by a clamping ring having a circular cross-section corresponding to that of the central portion of the cross-section of its associated groove.

Abstract: A ring for locking and spacing two components situated in a cylindrical bore, characterized in that said ring has a closed uninterrupted angular shape and comprises a weakened part which allows the adjacent end parts to be pressed to each other without disengaging said end parts from said weakened part.

Abstract: A valve stem and disc for a disc-type valve assembly are held together by a retaining ring and constructed such that they may be assembled inside a valve housing while avoiding the possibility of the retaining ring binding upon either the stem or disc during assembly. The valve stem includes a truncated conical portion forming its distal end which acts to align the various valve members during assembly. In the method, the retaining ring is mounted on the valve disc first rather than on the valve stem. When the truncated conical end of the valve stem is inserted in the disc so as to spread the retaining ring until mating engagement is reached between the stem, the disc, and the retaining ring. The diameter of the truncated stem distal end is sized to preclude any binding on the retainer ring or disc during assembly.

Abstract: A fire hydrant having an improved means of attaching the lower stand pipe portion to the hydrant valve body. The lower stand pipe is sealed to the valve body by means of a well-known push-on joining method and is prevented from separating therefrom by use of novel keying means. The keys can be removed should it become necessary to separate the lower stand pipe from the hydrant valve body.

Abstract: An improved resilient retainer which provides a highly reliable clamping action upon grooved clevis pins and the like. The pinless retainer configuration comprises two essential sections; a clamping section which is spring loaded to be secured around the core diameter of a grooved clevis pin together with an entry section which prevents the retainer from being removed easily. The retainer requires a grooved clevis pin and the like to be inserted past a first entry section and then snapped into the clamping section. The retainer may be formed from any resilient material and operates effectively with a minimum of insertion force without sacrifice of positive clamping effectiveness. In a second form the pinless retainer includes an encompassing guard clip for the entry section with removal from a grooved pin requiring a first removal of the associated guard clip.

Abstract: A circular discoid member is secured in a cylindrical member by means of a resilient split ring received in an annular groove formed in the internal surface of the cylindrical member. The resilient ring projects radially inwardly into engagement with an abutment zone of a peripheral surface of the circular member to retain the circular member against a biasing force applied thereto in one axial direction, while permitting displacement of the circular member in the other axial direction. A peripheral surface portion of the circular member on the opposite side of the resilient ring to the abutment zone has a diameter less than the internal diameter of the resilient ring when received in the groove and at least equal to the internal diameter of the ring when compressed for introduction into the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An inertial ring lock, in the form of a semi-circular ring washer, is used as a retainer for a threaded fastener in threaded engagement with a threaded aperture in a support element, the ring lock being snapped into a relief groove in the threaded fastener to loosely encircle the threaded fastener in position to loosely engage the support element when the threaded fastener is fully threaded therein.

Abstract: This invention provides a locking device for securely engaging a mounting body having a cylindrical end portion with a body having a projected end portion formed with an engaging portion. According to one embodiment, a resilient engaging member having an engaging portion engageable with said engaging portion of the body is provided. The elastic engaging portion is movable between a first position where it closely contacts with one of the side surfaces of the inner and outer surfaces of the projected end of the mounting body and a second position where the engaging portion is released from said one side surface. At the first position the mounting body is engageable with the body and at the second position both bodies are disenageable.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing a pram wheel to its axle and similar applications includes a groove in the axle and a post extending tangentially of the axle and which is resilient to deflect about its root so that it can snap engage in the groove. The post is carried in a cap secured to the wheel. A pin is located parallel to the axle in the cap to displace the post to enable the parts to be separated when required.

Abstract: A thermal hair styling appliance includes interchangeable attachments, such as hair retaining clips, comb-brush clips or other types of attachments which are selectively attached to an operating button that is pivoted on a handle of the appliance. The appliance further includes a main electric heater which is controlled by a thermostat which, in turn, responds to a pair of auxiliary heaters. By selectively energizing the auxiliary heaters, the temperature of the main heater is controlled. A versatile hair styling appliance is thus provided. According to one embodiment, the operating button includes at least one projection which engages a slot in the end of the attachment being used. The attachment is held within the button by detents which engage other slots in the end of the attachment.

Abstract: A nozzle is releasably locked in a drilling fluid passage of a rotary rock bit by a retainer member which bridges between matching grooves in the periphery of the nozzle and in the wall of the passage respectively. The retainer member is introduced to the matching grooves through a first passageway that extends from the surface of the bit to the matching grooves. The grooves lie in a common plane. A second passageway extends at an angle to the common plane from the surface of the bit to the matching grooves. A drive-out tool is inserted through the second passageway to remove the retainer member.

Abstract: A connector for elements of floating pollution containment booms having a sliding tongue-in-groove joint with members formed to direct transverse forces, generated by tension in the joint, inwardly of the joint to affect stronger interconnection between the elements.

Abstract: The missile launching assembly includes a mount tube having a circumferenl tapered continuous groove, a launch tube within the mount tube, a shatterable end closure on the end of the launch tube adapted to be shattered when the missile is launched, a locking device in the form of a single split ring or a plurality of arcuate-shaped ring segments with a cross-section to match the groove taper positioned within the groove and between the mount tube and the flange of the end closure, and one or more circumferentially oriented spreading elements, such as expanding jackscrews fitted into the ring or ring segments for increasing the ring circumference to bring pressure to bear on the closure flange. The launch tube is designed to contain therein in a lengthwise direction the missile to be fired.The mount tube is a permanent part of the vehicle such as a submarine, from which the missile is to be launched.

Abstract: A piston and rod assembly wherein the rod has a pair of axially spaced grooves and the piston includes recesses disposed in opposite faces. One of the grooves is radially larger than the other and locking members are disposed in the grooves of the rod and extend into the recesses. A retaining means including a snap ring and an annular ring which is L-shaped in cross section are disposed radially outwardly of the locking members in the first recess for removably retaining the locking members in the first recess. A pair of threaded screws may also threadedly interconnect the retaining ring and the piston.

Abstract: This device for retaining the ball-shaped ends of piston-rods in the corresponding cavities of a swash or impeller plate of a rotary cylinder-barrel hydraulic machine. The device comprises a clip provided in turn with spaced radial stardisposed loops, each adapted to co-act with one portion of the surface of the relevant ball-shaped end, the upper or outer portion of each loop being retained by an axial abutment element rigid with said swash or impeller plate, the segment of said clip which interconnects the adjacent loops being adapted to co-act with a retaining member rigid with said swash or impeller plate.

Abstract: A back support for a chair having a seat and a back pad. The support includes an elongated support member attached at one end to the chair seat and at its other end to the back pad. The back pad attachment includes a flexible block attached to the back pad with a clip disposed in part between the block and the pad. The clip includes top and bottom portions disposed on either side of the block with one of the portions including a lip along one edge thereof. The block and the clip are forced into a pocket on the support member. The pocket includes a slot to receive the lip thereby securing the back pad to the support member. The flexing of the block permits the back pad to pivot thereby adjusting the back pad position to the contour of the back of a person seated on the chair.