Abstract: A locking mechanism for machine parts having aligned grooves comprising a spring ring engageable in the grooves of the machine parts in a locking position and wherein the material of the spring ring is weakened continuously in the circumferential direction at the juncture between the machine parts to define a predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A playyard (10) includes a floor (12) and side panels (20) extending upwardly from the floor to provide an enclosure. At least one of the side panels has an opening (26) therethrough which is selectively covered by a pivotal door panel (30) to preclude access to and from the enclosure. The door panel (30) has a pair of retractable, spring-biased tube assemblies (40) that engage corners (16) which interconnect rails (18) that support the side panels.

Abstract: A coupling device in which locking and unlocking is controlled by an axial rod (T) sliding in a central bore (A) formed in a male portion (1). The movement of the rod is controlled by a pivoting member (15). The device is particularly suitable for coupling extensions to sockets.

Abstract: An angular body secures mitered ends of frame members together. A screw in the body displaces rows of balls to engage respective teeth which can be cammed outwardly and engage in opening of the frame members to draw the frame members tightly against one another.

Abstract: A turntable storage device which has a turntable and a plurality of storage containers for condiments and other granular materials. The turntable has a base member and a platform that is removably attachable to the base and rotatable on the base member. The base member has an upwardly extending hollow post. The containers are attachable to the turntable by means of mating projections and receptacles. The turntable storage device is convertible. It is provided with structure for selectively attaching and removing either a handle or a hanging support member. The hanging support member is adaptable to hang one or more turntables from a shelf, if desired. The support member also is shaped to fit into the hollow post of another turntable, whereby two turntables can be stacked on top of the one another. In one embodiment, a rotary measuring dispenser is mounted in each container for dispensing predetermined quantities of material.

Abstract: An axial and radial locking release collar adapted to be axially received on and to be removably fixed at any selected location along the length of an elongated shaft and radially locked in at least one direction around the shaft. The release collar includes an axially movable sleeve. Moveable balls are cammed into frictional engagement with the shaft. A tension ring includes angled segments removed from the inner surface thereof such that said movable balls are held in the angled segments to prevent radially movement around the shaft. The release collar may also be easily slid onto a threaded shaft and locked into place.

Abstract: A quick-release socket adapter includes a hollow elongated casing having a hollow polygonal coupling rod at one end for holding a socket, a hollow ratchet socket wrench coupling portion at an opposite end for coupling to a ratchet socket wrench, a spring, a stop rod inserted into the casing and forced by the spring to push a steel ball partially out of a radial locating hole on the polygonal coupling rod of the casing to lock the socket being mounted on the polygonal coupling rod of the casing, and a release control rod inserted through a transverse through hole on the ratchet socket wrench coupling portion of the casing and moved to lock/unlock the stop rod, the release control rod having a flank curved outwards on the middle ,the flank being engaged with a recessed top wall of a head at one end of the stop rod when the release control rod is moved to a first position in the transverse through hole on the ratchet socket wrench coupling portion of the casing, enabling the steel ball to be forced out of the ra

Abstract: A differential mechanism and output shaft connecting structure wherein an output shaft is tightly assembled to a side gear for preventing an oil seal for sealing a gap between a transmission housing and for preventing an output shaft from becoming damaged while the output shaft is being inserted into the side gear. The apparatus for connecting the differential mechanism and the output shaft includes a side gear of the differential mechanism, an output shaft designed to be splined to the side gear, and a connecting unit which serves to assemble the side gear and the output shaft by bringing one end of the output shaft into contact with the rotating shaft of a pinion gear when the output shaft is inserted into the side gear.

Abstract: A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the towing arm will automatically lock in the extended position as the towing vehicle is pulled away from the towed vehicle. The locking feature is accomplished by a slideable collar that moves between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in place between the outer leg and grooves in the inner leg, thereby locking the legs in fixed relation to each other. When in the collar is moved to the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. The catches have saddle-shaped surfaces to fit the contours of the grooves. The grooves only partially encircle the inner leg.

Abstract: A strut construction for holding aircraft cowlings in a raised position, comprises first and second telescoping members which are relatively shiftable between a collapsed inoperative strut position wherein the members are nested together, and an almost fully extended operative load-bearing position wherein the members are only partially nested, the relative shifting of said telescoping members to their partially extended operative position causing a blocking of any collapsing movement. The strut has a spring-charged collar which is slidable on one telescoping member between blocking and unblocking positions, and the collar has a latch which is responsive to its manual shifting to its unblocking position against the spring-action thereof, for holding the collar in an unblocking position. Such shifting unblocks the telescoping members, thereby to enable them to be relatively shifted to their collapsed position only after the cowling has first been raised to the full extent of its movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor having one end for activating a valve and another end for connection to a rod said adaptor including a socket at said one end to register with said valve for operating said valve, and including a slot at said other end for receiving and pivotally connecting to said rod. The invention also teaches a pin removal tool for removing pins underground from the surface.

Abstract: A telescopic element, particularly for frames of folding bicycles, comprising a sliding inner element that can be locked in an operating position within an outer element by a quick locking element, the locking element comprising a ring that is normally in the position for locking the axial movement of the inner element with respect to the outer element, the locking element being movable radially by means of a release button.

Abstract: A ball-exchange trailer bitch system having a post for receiving a ball where the ball is removable from the post for exchangeability with different size balls. The system includes at least a double locking feature between the ball and post. The double lock consists of a side pin lock and a ball and cage lock. The system may also include a third lock which includes threads on the post and the ball.

Abstract: A coupling between a motor vehicle steering shaft and a motor vehicle steering wheel including a primary socket on the steering wheel, a hub on the steering shaft plugged into the primary socket, a pair of V-shaped notches in the plug and in the primary socket cooperating in defining a polygonal chamber, and a cylindrical coil spring wedged in the polygonal chamber. The cylindrical coil spring thrusts the plug laterally against the primary socket to eliminate dimensional clearance, i.e., lash, therebetween. Lugs on the primary socket seat in notches in the plug and cooperate with the coil spring in transferring torque between the hub and the primary socket. A retractor on the steering wheel twists the coil spring to a smaller diameter concurrent with linear translation of the retractor in an arc around the primary socket thereby to reduce the diameter of the coil spring for installation and/or removal of the hub from the primary socket.

Abstract: A coupling between a motor vehicle steering shaft and a motor vehicle steering wheel including a first coupling element on the steering wheel having a cavity therein, a second coupling element on the steering shaft plugged into the cavity in the first coupling element, and a latch responsive to relative rotation between the first and the second coupling elements to couple together for unitary rotation the first and the second coupling elements with substantially zero lash therebetween. The latch includes a plurality of lugs on the second coupling element seated in extensions of the cavity in the first coupling element, a plurality of ramps in the cavity extensions operative to eject the lugs from the cavity extensions concurrent with relative rotation between the first and the second coupling elements, a plurality of sockets in the first coupling element, and a plurality of springs operative to thrust the lugs into corresponding ones of the sockets.

Abstract: First resilient portions (21) having a radially-acting resilient force, as well as second resilient portions (23) having an axially-acting resilient force, are provided on a support member (2). A connection member (1) has a fitting portion (4) for receiving the support member, and the fitting portion has retaining portions (12) for the resilient portions (21). The resilient portions (21) contact an inner surface of the fitting portion (4), and the resilient portions (24) are abutted against the fitting portion. Guide grooves (20) are formed respectively in four side surfaces of the support member (2), and the resilient piece portion (21) is provided in each of the guide grooves, and projects rearwardly, and the resilient arms (23) are formed on the outer surface of the support member, and project forwardly.

Abstract: A shaft coupling including a socket, a first shaft, a plug on a second shaft seated in the socket, and a clamp operative to clamp together the first and the second shafts in the direction of a longitudinal centerline of the shaft coupling to prevent dislodgment of the plug from the socket. The clamp includes an annular first flange on the first shaft, an annular second flange on the second shaft facing the first flange, oppositely facing frustoconical shoulders on the first and the second flanges, a plurality of clamp jaws pivotally mounted on the first shaft arrayed symmetrically around the first and the second flanges each having a closed position inducing radial thrust on the oppositely facing frustoconical shoulders, and springs biasing each of the clamp jaws toward its closed position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device for connecting a torque-transmitting shaft journal, which is provided with a channel toothing and has a annular groove adjacent to a free end surface of the shaft journal with a structural component, the connecting device including a sleeve for receiving the shaft journal connectable with the structural component and having an inner channel toothing corresponding to the channel toothing of the shaft journal, and a spring-biased bushing for receiving the sleeve and axially displaceable relative hereto, the method including effecting, after pushing the sleeve receiving bushing over the sleeve, a reduction of the bushing at least along a portion of its longitudinal extent thereof or an expansion of an end region of the sleeve to provide a form-locking connection between the sleeve and the bushing which defines a stop limiting a displacement path of the bushing relative to the sleeve, and a device manufactured by the above-described method.

Abstract: A subsea clamp comprising a drive member and an attachment member for location on respective ones of a first and second subsea structure. The drive member and attachment member can be wedged together by a locking member. In preferred embodiments the locking member is a collet with a deflectable end that can be moved longitudinally from a first position in which it is free to a second position where it wedges the drive member in the attachment member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor for activating a valve, the adaptor includes a socket at one end thereof to register with the valve, the socket including at least one displaceable engageable ball plunger for gripping the valve when the socket is urged against the valve for operating the valve. The invention also relates to a service box assembly for a water valve disposed in the ground which utilizes the adaptor as well as the method of exposing a water valve to reinstall an inoperable service box rod in a service box assembly having a water valve below ground level. The invention also teaches installation tools to locate and maintain a service box rod within a service box assembly.

Abstract: A joint for joining two tubes together that provides a connection that is highly resistant to relative rotational movement of the two tubes and that provides for connecting the tubes without requiring tools. A tube with a swaged end of smaller diameter that is to be joined to a second tube with a larger diameter contains an interconnection member disposed within the swaged end of the tube. The interconnection member is a button that is spring-biased to extend through a hole in the swaged tube. The end of the swaged tube also includes two slots, disposed on opposing sides of the tube, that receive within them a rivet that extends transversely through the larger diameter tube. As the swaged tube is inserted into the larger diameter tube, the button in the swaged tube springs into a corresponding hole in the larger diameter tube when the holes in the swaged tube and the large diameter tube are in alignment.

Abstract: A coupling for axially fixing a hub on a shaft has locking members slidable in slots of the hub and which are engaged in recesses in the shaft by a collar which holds the locking members in the recesses so as to fix the hub axially on the shaft. In a released position, a shoulder on the collar catches behind a ledge formed on the hub, but only when the shaft is removed from the hub. When the shaft is in the hub, it cams against uncocking members in the form of balls which prevent the collar from being tilted so as to engage the collar shoulder with the ledge on the hub. One embodiment for a larger application has a collar biasing spring radially inside of the collar and axially between the locking members and the shaft entry end of the hub. An embodiment for a smaller application has the spring radially outside of the hub and on the opposite axial side of the locking elements. A shield is provided in this embodiment to enclose the spring chamber.

Abstract: A shoulder belt anchor adjusting device comprises an adjusting unit supported on a side pillar of a vehicle so as to be movable in substantially vertical directions along the side pillar, and having a stud bolt as a shoulder belt anchor support projection projecting toward the interior of the cabin of the vehicle; and a shoulder belt anchor unit detachably mounted on the stud bolt of the adjusting unit, and having an anchor member through which a seat belt is passed. The stud bolt is provided with an engagement groove in its head portion, the shoulder belt anchor unit is provided with a latch member or members which engage with the engagement groove in a spring action to hold the shoulder belt anchor unit on the adjusting unit, when the shoulder belt anchor unit is moved toward the adjusting unit along the axis of the stud bolt. It is not necessary to remove a cover of the shoulder belt anchor unit before the anchor unit is assembled with the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A loudspeaker suspension system for suspending a plurality of individual loudspeakers from an overhead support in spaced apart relationship for adjustment to different related positions and orientations relative to one another to selectively focus the acoustic throw of the loudspeakers. The system includes a plurality of frame members mounted to the respective loudspeakers and a plurality of connectors for connection between respective adjacent pairs of frame members. The connectors include a pair of elongated oppositely disposed connecting arms for connection from their respective distal ends with the respective loudspeakers and further include a pivot joint connecting the medial ends of the connector arms together so that the respective connecting arms may be pivoted to angle the respective adjacent pair of loudspeakers relative to one another.

Abstract: A coupling system is provided that includes a male coupling having a cylindrical distal end including a recess that includes follower surfaces, a female coupling having a cylindrical interior for receiving the distal end of the male coupling, and a pair of opposing jaw members movably mounted within the interior and including external cam surfaces for engaging the follower surfaces of the male coupling when the jaw members are radially moved apart, and a drive train for radially and forcefully moving the jaw members apart. The drive train includes a wedging ball that freely floats in recesses between the opposing jaw members, and a drive rod for axially moving the wedging ball into and out of engagement with wedge surfaces located in the interior of the jaw members. The drive rod includes a distal end having a bore for slidably receiving the wedging ball.

Abstract: A motion transmitting assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path by a core element (12) is movably supported in a conduit (14) which is, in turn, supported by a ferrule (16). A slotted swivel tube (24) is supported by the ferrule (16) and a terminal (24) is slidably disposed in the swivel tube (24). The assembly is characterized by the terminal (28) having a cross pin bore (30) and a cross pin (32) disposed in the cross pin bore (30), the cross pin (32) having a hole (34) extending transversely or diametrically therethrough with the core element (12) extending through the hole (34) to retain the cross pin (32) in the bore (30). The cross pin (32) extends through the cross pin bore (30) and out of each of the slots (26). A crimped section (36) of the terminal (28) is deformed into gripping engagement with the core element (12) to retain the terminal (28) to the core element (12).

Abstract: A lock including a lock bolt (12) equipped with a locking body (14) of cylindrical overall shape intended to be locked by snap-fitting into a locking orifice (16) of complementary shape made in a striker plate (18). The lock bolt (12) additionally includes an anti-hammer ring (76) surrounding a region of the locking body (14) which, when the lock bolt (12) is locked, is in contact with the periphery of the locking orifice (16). As a preference, the body (14) is equipped with a releasable snap-fitting mechanism including bearing limits (40) for axial bearing which are intended to interact with a first face (36) of the striker plate, and at least one retractable locking ball (42) intended to interact with a second face (38) of the striker plate. When the lock bolt (12) is locked, the anti-hammer ring (76) extends axially between the bearing elements (40) and the ball (42), lying adjacent to the first face (36) of the striker plate.

Abstract: The handle of the handle assembly can be detachably mounted in at least two different orientations relative to a defined apparatus axis. Furthermore, actuating elements of the particular instrument can be reached without difficulty via a suitable cutout in the handle without it being necessary for the operator to significantly change the manual hold on the handle. The handle assembly is especially advantageous on a surgical microscope.

Abstract: A connector for an elongated member which is composed of a male part and a female part. The female part is fixedly mounted onto an end of an elongated member with the male part being fixed onto a separate structure or vice versa. The male part includes a fluid operated piston which is to be supplied fluid pressure from a remote source. Axially pressing of the female member in contact with the male member will result in the connector being located in a locked relationship. Application of fluid pressure from the remote source will cause the connector to move to an unlocked relationship permitting locating of the female part in a spaced apart relationship from the male part.

Abstract: Armrests for chairs which are laterally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A high-speed fastening system includes a conventional yoke coupled to a likewise conventional shaft provided with specific fastening elements, via a vertically movable outer casing and a central body into which the shaft is inserted so as to secure the yoke to the aforementioned shaft. The auxiliary components, in addition to those already mentioned, include a catch fitted in the arch of the yoke, an intermediate sleeve inserted into the inner part of the central body, an inner spring situated inside the sleeve, and an outer spring whose ends rest in the arched part of the yoke and in the lower part of the outer casing. The shaft is fitted or dismantled from the interior of the yoke body by conventional ball bearings in combination with an annular zone situated in the insertion zone of the aforementioned shaft.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for releasably fixing an externally splined power take-off shaft to an output shaft of off-highway equipment such as a tractor. The output shaft has a hollow, internally splined hub portion adapted to axially receive the externally splined power take-off shaft to prevent relative rotational movement between the power take-off and output shafts. The locking mechanism includes a locking member guided within a radial opening on the output shaft so as to be radially movable between an inner locking position and an outer unlocking position. In the inner locking position, the locking member is engageable with a recess formed on the power take-off shaft to prevent relative axial movement between the power take-off shaft and the output shaft. In the outer unlocking position, the locking member is disengaged from the recess in the output shaft to permit such relative axial movement.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for releasably fixing an externally splined power take-off shaft to an output shaft of off-highway equipment such as a tractor. The output shaft has a hollow, internally splined hub portion adapted to axially receive the externally splined power take-off shaft to prevent relative rotational movement between the power take-off and output shafts. The locking mechanism includes a locking member supported within a radial opening in the power-take off shaft so as to be radially movable between an outer locking position and an inner unlocking position. In the outer locking position, the locking member is engageable with a recess formed in the hub portion of the output shaft to prevent relative axial movement between the power take-off shaft and the output shaft. In the inner unlocking position, the locking member is disengaged from the recess in the output shaft to permit such relative axial movement.

Abstract: A removable crank for driving various manually powered rotary devices, such as winches. The crank includes an improved mechanism for locking it to the device. The locking mechanism involves a manually retractable locking element located in the crank extension which interacts with a groove disposed in the crank receiving socket of the rotary device.

Abstract: A shaft coupling includes a shaft with a circumferential groove near one end, a shaft receiving member and a resiliently loaded shaft retention member in the shaft receiving member. The shaft retention member is fitted about a clamping bolt with one end of the spring engaging in the groove of the shaft. The shaft can be a vehicle steering column shaft and the shaft receiving member can be a yoke of a universal joint.

Abstract: A fastening element with a dowel-like bushing which can be fixed in a bore is described. In the axial bore of the bushing there is a retaining pin that can be urged into the bore. The pin can fix a member that is to be fastened between its broadened head having a slot, or a cross-recess and the bushing. The shank of the retaining pin is provided with at least one transversely extending groove into which, in the pressed-in state of the retaining pin, a spring-loaded snap-in locking element engages and is guided in a cross-slidable manner in the bushing and is forced back into its released position by turning the retaining pin.

Abstract: A coupling for axially fixing a hub on a shaft has locking members slidable in slots of the hub and which are engaged in recesses in the shaft by a collar which holds the locking members in the recesses so as to fix the hub axially on the shaft. In a released position, a shoulder on the collar catches behind a ledge formed on the hub, but only when the shaft is removed from the hub. When the shaft is in the hub, it cams against uncocking members in the form of balls which prevent the collar from being tilted so as to engage the collar shoulder with the ledge on the hub.

Abstract: A corner finisher spreads mastic on a joint formed at an inside corner of drywall. The drywall corner finisher is conventionally used with a plurality of alternative tools for supplying a plurality of coats of mastic in different thicknesses. Therefore, a quick disconnect coupler is provided to rapidly change the tools and yet to hold them so securely that there is almost no chance for an unwanted disconnect between the drywall corner finisher and one of the alternative tools for supplying mastic. The invention provides such a coupler in the form of a ball and socket behind a sliding locking plate having a key hole slot in it for receiving a ball on a mastic delivery device.

Abstract: A boom latch system for a boom movable between use and stowage positions. The boom latch includes a latch member that is operatively connected to the power supply which moves the boom, so that the boom is automatically unlatched when moved from its storage position. The boom latch includes a latch body which pivots to align with the boom latch receiving element, thereby aligning the latch members even under varying load conditions. The latch body also provides a length adjustment so that the latch system can be used with various sizes of booms and hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting an externally splined shaft having a circumferential groove therein to an internally splined member. The internally splined member has a plurality of radial openings in the sides thereof which receive a corresponding plurality of balls for protrusion between the splines in the groove in the externally splined shaft. A twist collar is positioned on the internally splined member and is rotatable through a predetermined angle. The twist collar has cam structure extending around the interior periphery with a plurality of dwells at spaced locations corresponding to the plurality of radial openings in the sides of the internally splined member. An inclined cam surface interconnects two adjacent dwells and is positioned to engage one of the balls during rotation of the twist collar to force the one ball into the groove in the externally splined shaft.

Abstract: The table assembly comprises a first longitudinally grooved and elongated supporting member disposed substantially vertically. A mounting device removably connects the first supporting member to a fixed structure. A second longitudinally grooved and elongated supporting member is disposed substantially horizontally and bears a table plate at its distal end. The first and the second supporting member are connected together by a brace member. A first locking device is provided between the brace member and the first supporting member for locking the brace member on the first supporting member. A second locking device is provided between the second supporting member and the brace member for locking the second supporting member in the brace member at a selected height. The table assembly is easily adjustable in a wide range of positions and foldable away for storage. It is particularly well adapted for use on locations where space is limited, such as balconies, patios, decks, verandas, mobile homes, boats, etc.

Abstract: A telescopic hot stick or pole for manipulating a tool from a position a selected distance away from a workpiece wherein the hot stick includes a tubular first section having a female end and a predetermined non-circular cross-sectional shape. A second section has a male end slidably engaged within the first tubular section and a predetermined non-circular cross-sectional shape conforming in a close-fit relation to the shape of the first section to prevent significant relative rotation of the second section therein. A locking assembly maintains the second section in an extended position where locking is accomplished in response to a sliding of the second section to the extended position and may be disengaged to permit ready removal of the second section from the first section.

Abstract: An automobile ignition system that includes an ignition key lock cylinder mechanism and an ignition switch mechanism located within an automobile steering column and interconnected by an ignition actuator rod that includes two detachably interconnected sections adapted to separate from each other, when tampered with, to help prevent the operation of the ignition system without a proper ignition key.

Abstract: A centering device for steering valves contains a torsion bar (1) that is clamped between a drive part (2) and a power take-off part (3). Because torsion bar (1) does not permit any exact central positioning, a radial borehole (6) of a valve bushing (3A) connected with the power take-off part (3) is provided. A pin (7) which includes a ball-shaped end engages an oblique surface groove (8) and the pin (7) is loaded by a ring-shaped spring (11). Spring (11) sits in a ring groove (10) and includes a flattened section (12). In the area of the flattened section (12), pin (7) engages a recess (13) of spring (11). The mutually rotatable structural parts can be set exactly in the neutral position by this centering device.

Abstract: A socket wrench extension includes an axial bore for receiving a rod and includes an opening and an orifice for receiving a ball and an actuator. The actuator includes a tapered surface for moving the rod inward of the axial bore. The rod includes an aperture for engaging with the actuator and a cavity for receiving the ball. A spring biases the rod to move the ball partially outward of the opening so as to engage with a socket member. The ball is received in the cavity when the rod is moved inward by the actuator. The elements may be easily assembled in the extension.

Abstract: A hammer including a handle, a base frame at one end of the handle, two hollow holder frames at two opposite ends of the base frame, two U-shaped spring plates respectively mounted inside the holder frames, and two tool elements, which can be bells, claws, hatchet blades, etc., respectively coupled to the holder frames and secured in place by the U-shaped spring plates, and two pairs of control bolts moved in holes on the holder frames and depressed to release the U-shaped spring plates from the tool elements for permitting the tool elements to be disconnected from the holder frames for replacement.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine has a rotatable shaft which extends through and is exposed in an end shield to secure a part such as an impeller thereto. To secure the shaft against rotation for attachment of the part thereto, the shaft and end shield are provided with axially aligned bores through which a rod may be journaled.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling including a hub, an internally splined opening in the hub being adapted to receive an externally splined shaft. Locking structure in provided for selectively locking the shaft into the opening in the hub, such locking structure being biased to a locked position and selectively movable to an unlocked position. The locking structure includes means for automatically locking the shaft into the hub upon insertion of the shaft into the hub and further includes a structure for allowing unlocking of the shaft from the hub. The locking structure includes a plurality of bores radially disposed in the hub, 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 a recess of the shaft to prevent relative axial movement of the hub with respect to the shaft; and, an outer, unlocked position whereby the elements permit relative axial movement of the hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A lock-up device for a firearm which utilizes a ball and cam arrangement to interlock two members. The interlocked members include ball engagement surfaces which are curved so that a substantial portion of the ball surface is in contact with the engagement surfaces. The lock-up device disposed in a firearm absorbs recoil forces and utilizes the absorbed recoil force to cycle the firearm.