Abstract: A connector comprised of a hollow cylindrical casing having an annular inside groove; a bushing made to slide in said casing which has a plurality of steel balls respectively inserted in a plurality of radial holes thereof; a lock bolt device inserted into the bushing and locked by the steel ball; a spring element mounted around the bushing within the casing; and a control knob pulled to move the bushing relative to the casing; whereby the lock bolt device can be unlocked and removed from the bushing as the bushing is moved downward by the control knob to compress the spring element, permitting the steel balls to disengage from the lock bolt device and move into the inside annular groove of the casing.

Abstract: An improved tool holding apparatus includes a collet chuck or a steel ball chuck that clamps a pull bolt, which defines the forward end portion of a tool, by resilient force applied thereto from a coned disc spring. The tool holding apparatus further includes a temporary clamping device which is buried in a sleeve to temporarily clamp the pull bolt. A clamping force applied by the temporary clamping device is set at such a level that an arm can draw the tool from a main spindle by gripping the rear end portion of the tool.

Abstract: A removable cartridge seal and dilatable collet retainer for a hydraulic plunger is provided to permit ready removal and replacement of the plunger and seal in a hydraulic intensifier device or the like.

Abstract: A ball locking device having a ball locking mechanism releasably attachable to a receptacle to lock the device thereto until released. The device has a handle which is removably attached to,the device so that the handle can be changed for another. The handle may be of a non-metallic material whereas the main components of the ball locking mechanism may be of metallic material.

Abstract: A shaft drive includes a push button locking mechanism for releasingly locking the shaft drive to the attachment cavity of an attached tool. The locking mechanism can be used to positively couple one tool, such as a wrench drive, to another tool, such as a drive socket. A push button includes an inner end having a concave surface that interacts with the convex surface of a sliding locking bolt inside the shaft such that depression of the button moves the locking bolt to a release position. A spring in the locking bolt bore biases the bolt in its locking position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing means for the telescopic stick of a multiple-fold umbrella, mainly comprising a U-shaped resilient element having round holes disposed thereon mounting on a stub with the two end portions extending into the grooves situated on the sides of the stub. On the stub is transversely arranged a hole that provides rooms for a spring and a locating plunger. The stub, integrated with the spring and the plunger, is placed into an inner tube where the stub, in conjunction with detent balls and positioning holes on the peripheral walls of the inner and the outer tubes, can provide stable, reliable latching and positioning functions for telescopic tubes as the umbrella is opened.

Abstract: A lifting jack for automobiles has an extension arm with a particular fastener which may be used to connect longitudinally elongated tubular sections. A series of interlocking sections are provided which need not be identical (e.g. in particular having different ends). The sections are linked in a positive lock (snap fit) by a fastener having one or more resilient legs biasing a lug.

Abstract: A boat propeller wherein the blades are easily removable from the propeller hub on an individual basis to permit quick replacement for repair and/or for substituting blades of different pitch comprising a hub adapted to fit over and attach to a drive shaft; a plurality of removable blades positioned around said hub and extending radially therefrom, each of said blades comprising a water engaging blade portion and a rigid tang extending from the base and of such blade portion; a plurality of blade engaging sockets disposed on and around said hub, said sockets adapted to mate with and receive the tang of said blades; and preferably a cover plate adapted to fit over the portion of said tang within said socket, tang, cover plate each being provided with a plurality of aligned bolt holes; and a plurality of bolts extending through said aligned holes and holding each assembly thereof together. Further modifications include a blade assembly for use wherein less force will be exerted, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying a patient infusion device, such as an intravenous-fluid-containing bag or infusion pump. The apparatus includes an infusion device carrier that has a support connector from which a coupling rod extends. The support connector and coupling rod are releasably received in a support receptacle that is carried by a mobile stretcher, an infusion device support stand, a wheelchair, a bed, or a wall mount. The coupling rod includes a throughbore to receive a transversely slidable detent carried by the support receptacle, and alignment indicia are carried on each of the support connector and the support receptacle for properly aligning the two elements to permit them to be securely connected together. The releasable support connector permits the infusion device to be transferred from one mode of carrier to another, thereby eliminating the need for a separate person to guide an infusion device support stand to accompany a patient being transported.

Abstract: A novel toothbrush with a permanent handle. The apparatus provides for a permanent handle with a disposable toothbrush head. This permits use of an ornamental or exotic toothbrush handle, while avoiding the problem of the bristles in the brush head wearing out. The handle of the toothbrush secures the bristle head section with the use of a spring loaded plunger located in the handle. The spring mechanism is fully extended while the disposable brush is absent from the handle. When the disposable brush is introduced to the handle, the end of the brush will push against the plunger forcing the spring to retract. When the indent on the end of the brush is directly over the plunger the spring will extend the plunger into the indent and secure the brush within the handle.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring is equipped with a shell tube (12) which is telescopically guided on a pneumatic-spring cylinder (9) and which can snap into different positions. For bolting between the shell tube (12) and the pneumatic-spring cylinder (9), a bolt body (16) is attached to the cylinder bottom (17). In the bolt body (16), a bolt (18) is spring-loaded by a resilient force directed radially outward. In order to bolt the pneumatic-spring cylinder (9) relative to the shell tube (12), the bolt (18) engages in various breaches (19a and 19). Finger pressure required to release the bolting depends on which one of the two relative-shift directions between the pneumatic-spring cylinder (9) and the shell tube (12) is intended. (FIG.

Abstract: A removable control knob/brake assembly for an endoscope having a handle and an insertion tube. The assembly is intended to be used with endoscopes which use protective bags or sheaths to isolate the insertion tube and the remainder of the handle from the internal environment of a patient. The control knob/brake assembly is not otherwise protected so, after being used, it must be removed for cleaning. A simple push button release mechanism is provided to easily remove the assembly from the handle. Retaining screws and a retaining clip are provided to prevent the control knob/brake assembly from coming apart when the assembly is removed from the handle. To attach the assembly to the handle, it merely is pushed on the handle.

Abstract: A probe and socket assembly (10) for serving as a mechanical interface. The assembly comprising a socket (11) having a housing (14) adapted for connection to a first supporting structure and a probe (12) which is readily connectable to a second structure and is designed to be easily grappled and manipulated by a robotic device for insertion and coupling with the socket. Cooperable automatic locking means (35, 49) are provided on the probe shaft (43) and socket housing (14) for automatically locking the probe in the socket when the probe is inserted a predetermined distance. A second cooperable locking means (92, 25) on the probe shaft (43) and housing (14) are adapted for actuation after the probe has been inserted the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided that may be located in the head tube at the front of the bicycle frame. The system may be hydraulic, hydro-pneumatic or spring based, but in each case the degree of damping provided may be adjusted by a rotatable knob at the top of the head tube that is easily operable by a rider.

Abstract: An adjustable and movable hook, which comprises a base block, a click stop assembly and a hook stem; the front side of the base block has a round rod hole for receiving the hook stem; a screw hole is furnished on the top side of the base block, being in communication with the round rod hole. One side of the hook stem (i.e., the side which faces the screw hole) has a groove side, which includes a plurality of positioning grooves and guide flats. The front end of the hook has a hook-shaped section, while the rear end thereof has a round stub. The hook stem can be pulled back and forth in the round rod hole to adjust the hook stem in a length desired by means of a click stop assembly, which has a spring and a positioning ball for providing a resilient and click effect to the hook stem.

Abstract: An attaching device for attaching a tool to a tool manipulating arm is disclosed having a first attachment member affixed to the tool manipulating arm which is adapted to engage a second attachment member affixed to the tool. The first attachment member includes a locking device which is engageable with a cam surface formed on the second attachment member such that the engagement urges a seating surface defined on the first attachment member and a mounting surface defined on the second attachment member into sealing contact with each other. The seal effected by the contact of these surfaces hermetically seals the locking device such that it is not susceptible to contamination by the dust, water, sand, chips, oil, etc. which may be present in the working environment in which the robot is located.

Abstract: The grip of a plug-in module according to the present invention is rotatably supported on the upper side of a circuit board. A first end portion of the grip includes a convex portion which engages with a recessed portion in the housing to prevent the plug-in module from being dislodged from the housing by vibrations or the like. When the first and second engaging end are disengaged and the grip is rotated, a protruding end on one side of the grip abuts and applies pressure to the upper end of the housing to assist in removing the plug-in module from the housing. In addition, the above-described protruding end and an additional protruding end on the other side of the grip may be grasped by a robot to allow insertion or removal of the plug-in module by a robot.

Abstract: A golf trolley includes a stationary tube and a push tube which has one end connected pivotally to the stationary tube. A locking device includes an engaging bolt provided on the stationary tube and a lock casing which is provided on the push tube and which has a blind bore to receive the engaging bolt therein. A press member extends through the lock casing. When the push tube is pivoted relative to the stationary tube so as to place the push tube in a substantially parallel position with respect to the stationary tube, the engaging bolt extends into the blind bore of the lock casing, and the press member locks the engaging bolt in the blind bore of the lock casing.

Abstract: A locking device is made of a casing having a substantially trapezoidal shape and a rod extending through the casing. The rod has a central portion and two side guides to permit the central portion to come into locking engagement with a toothed roller placed inside toothed triangular recesses of a V-shaped member. The V-shaped member has a top portion provided with a fork. One side of the V-shaped member is connected to an inner edge of the casing and the other side has a cutout with a lower rounded portion and an upper straight portion provided with a slope. The cutout cooperates with a cam comprising a flat portion and a finger.

Abstract: The coupling and locking device of the present invention can be used to join together a rod and a tubular member of an auger flight section. Such a joint can be used in an auger drilling apparatus, or as the joining element in a structural space frame. The joint includes a push button contained in the rod member and an corresponding locking aperture in the tubular member. A retaining pin in the rod member can be used to selectively engage the push button against release from the locking aperture.

Abstract: A steering helm (11) for a boat (13) having a motion-transmitting core element assembly (10) connected between the steering helm (11) of a boat (13) and a steering system (15). The motion-transmitting core element assembly (10) has a motion-transmitting core element (12) extending through a conduit (14) to the steering system (15). The conduit (14) is attached to the steering helm (28) via a coupler (16). The coupler (16) comprises a female housing (28) and a male coupler (22). The male coupler (22) is attached to the flexible conduit (14) and is substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter smaller than the first inner diameter of female housing (28). The male coupler (22) has a leading chamfered surface (24) and a relief (26) disposed adjacent to the leading chamfered surface (24). The female housing (28) has a locking assembly (30) comprising a ring (32) and a spring ( 34).

Abstract: A floor polisher of the present invention is provided with a main body having a motor incorporated therein, and a driving shaft coupled to the motor and protruding out below the bottom face of the main body. A front end of the driving shaft is polygonal, and a stepped portion is formed in the outer periphery thereof. Moreover, a rotary cleaner unit is detachably mounted to the driving shaft, which is provided with a polygonal axial hole to be engaged with the polygonal end part of the driving shaft. A lever is provided to engage with the stepped portion of the driving shaft to thereby prevent the rotary cleaner unit from shipping off the shaft. The lever is slidable forward and backward, is urged toward the stepped portion, and has an inclined face formed at its front end.

Abstract: A tool fastening apparatus for industrial robots comprises a coupling unit attached to the arm of a robot and a coupling unit attached to a tool to be used with the robot. When the two coupling units are joined together, their relative position can be easily and accurately fixed by means of positioning couplings comprising ball rings carrying a set of annularly arranged balls slightly sticking out from the plane of contact between the two coupling units. Accurate positioning is achieved by bringing the balls on the two ball rings into engagement, which, in turn, is achieved by fitting each ball on one ball ring into between two adjoining balls on the other ball ring.

Abstract: A handlebar mounted to a snowmobile framework has an accessory bar secured spanning opposed legs of the handlebar, wherein the accessory bar is arranged to include a heating coil selectively operative to effect heating of an exterior sheath of the accessory bar organization.

Abstract: A lifting jack for automobiles has an extension arm with a particular fastener which may be used to connect longitudinally elongated tubular sections. A series of interlocking sections are provided which need not be identical (e.g. in particular having different ends). The sections are linked in a positive lock (snap fit) by a fastener having one or more resilient legs biasing a lug.

Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable tripod for support of a camera or other apparatus is disclosed. The tripod includes a central column having three sides, each side having a channel longitudinally formed therein. Three leg assemblies, each comprising a leg member and a brace, unfold to support the tripod and collapse to a closed position within the channel in each side of the central column. A first latch mechanism associated with each leg assembly allows the top of each leg member to be slidable within each channel and lockable in a series of positions within each channel. Each brace is pivotably mounted to the bottom of the central column. A second latch mechanism allows the opposite end of each brace to be slidable along the leg member and lockable in a series of positions on each leg member. A neck telescopically extends from the top of the central column. A third latch mechanism allows the neck to be lockable in a series of positions above the top of the column.

Abstract: A door operator for a reversibly operable door, such as a garage door includes a frame, a motor on the frame, a flexible drive member connected to the motor, and a carriage is mounted for movement along the frame. The carriage moves generally parallel to a portion of the frame and is attached to the door to open and close the door by movement of the carriage along the frame. The carriage can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the flexible drive member using an actuating member extending from the carriage. The carriage and the flexible drive member are engaged and disengaged upon successive motions of the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the carriage.

Abstract: A tool reach extender includes a pair of elongated, telescopically coupled, first and second, extension members and a locking assembly for releasably locking the members in a selected position. The second member is slidably received within the first member and also includes a locking hole defined therein. The preferred locking assembly includes a tubular housing coaxially mounted to the first member supporting a transversely shiftable locking pin for receipt in the locking hole for locking the members in a selected relative position.

Abstract: A skateboard accessory for attaching a stretchable handle member or one or more of a variety of such handles to a point near the center of the skateboard in a readily disconnectable manner that does not protrude from or take up space on the surface of the board. In a preferred embodiment, two thin discs of lightweight material connect together through a hole near the center of the skateboard and present one mating part of a quick release snap-in connector to the upper side of the board. A second mating part of the quick release snap-in connector having the opposite gender is attached to a stretchable strap or tube handle member, which may take many forms, including an elongate member of rubber-like material 10 to 30 inches (0.25 to 0.76 meters) long and having a tether at its other end for attachment to the rider or the rider's clothing.

Abstract: The tension head of a strand carrier for a braiding machine comprises coaxial head members, the first of which is fixed and the second of which is axially displaceable toward the first member, and a plurality of tension spring cartridges therebetween biasing the second head member away from the first head member. The carrier further includes a bobbin and strand guide components coaxial with the tension head, and the tension head further includes a clutch arrangement including a clutch plate interposed between the bobbin and the second head member of the tension head, and a plurality of clutch spring units interposed between the first head member of the tension head and the clutch plate to bias the latter toward the bobbin. The tension head, bobbin and strand guide components are releasably mounted on a support shaft of the carrier by a latch arrangement between the shaft and first head member of the tension head.

Abstract: A gas spring has a housing closed at one end and a piston rod brought out of the other end of the housing. The housing is detachably mounted in a surrounding tube and is able to be pushed into the latter as far as an end position. Securing elements are mounted respectively at the outer end of the piston rod and on the surrounding tube. So as to ensure that a part supported by the gas spring is reliably held also when the housing is partly pulled out of the surrounding tube a locking element for the detachable locking of the housing with the surrounding tube is provided in an intermediate position in which the housing respective to the end position is partly pulled out of the surrounding tube.

Abstract: A robot arm coupling apparatus. This apparatus has an inner assembly attached to a robot arm, an outer assembly to which a tool or the like is attached and a locking means to lock both assemblies to each other. Said locking means comprises a piston member supported by the inner assembly slidably between the locking position and the unlocking position, a plurality of ball members surrounding said piston member and supported by the inner assembly, and a ball retainer which is provided at the outer assembly, which is contactable at its tapered surface with the ball member and holds both assemblies together, when the piston member moves to the locking position, in cooperation with the ball member. The working surface of the piston member including first and second tapered surfaces and at least an axially extending cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A bundle of wiring and piping lines, for supplying a control signal and working a first arm from a control unit to a hand, passes through a first flexible pipe, one end of which is connected onto a fixing jig attached to a base unit and the other end of which is connected onto a second arm, a second flexible pipe, one end of which is connected onto the second arm and the other end of which is connected onto a hollow third arm, and the third arm. One end of the bundle is connected to the control unit and the other end thereof is connected to the hand.

Abstract: A telescopic construction includes a first tubular section provided with an axially extending slot and a guide seat having a central through hole and an inclined guide notch extending downward from a top side of the guide seat and communicated with the central through hole. The first tubular section extends into the central through hole such that an upper portion of the axially extending slot directly faces the inclined guide notch. A second tubular section is slidably disposed inside the first tubular section and has a radial hole aligned with the axially extending slot. A positioning member, disposed inside the second tubular section, has a stud biased to project through the radial hole and the axially extending slot. The stud engages the inclined guide notch and an upper end of the axially extending slot when the second tubular section is expanded from the first tubular section.

Abstract: An improved opening lock for use in a sunshade or a parasol which is housed in a cavity defined on the shaft of the sunshade. The present opening lock has a stop block having a smoothly curved guide bottom at the front end and a bias spring disposed behind the stop block and a fixing element for mounting the spring, and a cover plate which confines the stop block and the spring and the fixing element inside the cavity so that the runner of the sunshade slidably disposed on the shaft is able to move against the lock, pushing the lock into the cavity when the runner traveling upward to make the sunshade open, and the stop block is able to pop out when the runner passing the same and to support the runner in place, keeping the sunshade opened. To close the sunshade, the stop lock must be pushed into the cavity to permit the runner slide downward.

Abstract: A quick disconnect constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, having a hollow pintle-type inner joint member fixed to one of the rotative members, an outer member fixed to the other of the rotative members, and a plurality of roller balls received in apertures provided in the inner joint member. The roller balls engage grooves provided in the outer member. A resiliently biased plunger disposed in the hollow inner joint member has an inclined surface which engages the roller balls and displaces them radially into the grooves provided in the outer joint member. A manually displaceable plunger actuator provides for the manual displacement of the plunger disengaging the roller balls from the inclined surface and permitting the roller balls to move inwardly in a radial direction, and the separation of the inner joint member from the outer joint member.

Abstract: A two-part jack system includes a mechanical jack stand with a ratchet mechanism and a ratchet release, and a power unit that may be selectively aligned with and attached to the jack stand for raising or lowering it. A unitary control mechanism carried by the power unit selectively locks the power unit in an aligned position relative to the jack stand, and also selectively releases the ratchet release of the jack stand. A locking mechanism is carried in part by the jack stand and in part by the power unit. The unitary control mechanism has three different operating positions. In one operating position the locking mechanism is kept locked while the ratchet release is left in an unreleased state; in a second operating position the locking mechanism is kept locked while the ratchet release is released; and in the third operating position the locking mechanism is held in an unlocked condition while the ratchet release is left in an unreleased state.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the rim of a vehicle which including a buffer wheel head mounted adjacent a wheel mounting device and being pivotable toward the rim about a first axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The buffer wheel head includes a pair of buffer wheel mounted on a drive shaft in the buffer wheel head, at least one of the buffer wheels being axially adjustable on the shaft so that the pair of buffer wheels can be positioned immediately within the side flanges of the rim. The head is pivotally about another axis spaced from and perpendicular to the first axis so as to allow the pair of buffer wheels to swivel to turn the buffer wheels at a slight angle relative to the side flanges first to one side and then to the other to thereby simultaneous engage both flanges with an enhanced buffing action.

Abstract: The invention is a quick-release connector to be used with a collapsible display frame structure as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,560. The invention permits quick coupling and release between a rear and front hub as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,210. During use, the quick-release connector provides a solid lock when mounted in a coupled position with a hub. The release of the connector from a coupled position occurs upon movement of a slidable sleeve. A spring maintains contact between the slidable sleeve and the connector collar during coupling. Engagement of the slidable sleeve separates the sleeve from the collar permitting the connector to be pulled free from the hub. A split housing couples the connector to the hub. A spring-loaded slidable sleeve maintains the split housing in a locked position. The rear end of the connector is releasably mounted to a hub of a collapsible display frame structure.

Abstract: A connector for wires comprises a body (20) having through passage (21) adapted to receive a pair of oppositely directed wire end portions (22A, 22B) in close lengthwise relationship with each other, channels (23A, 23B) within the body (20) one to each side of the through passage acutely inclined to and, at their inner ends, breaking into the through passage, and wedge structure (24A, 24B) within the channels adapted upon attempted withdrawal of either of the wire end portions (22A, 22B) from the through passage (21) to urge the wires therebetween forcibly towards each other, whereby friction secures them firmly in the connector.

Abstract: Handebars 50 contains one or more swivels 10. Swivel 10 are typically mounted between handelbar segments 11 and 12, and between segments 13 and 11 . Each swivel 10 comprises an inner tube 23, spring loaded buttons 28, adapter tube 31 and outer tube 25. Inner tube 23 is free to rotate within outer tube 25 only when buttons 28 are depressed.

Abstract: A snap lock will hold in assembled relationship two tubular parts one within the other in telescopic relationship. The locking mechanism has a rectangular base with rectilinear outer ends and a button urged by a spring perpendicularly away from the base. The base will slide within tracks along the inner walls of the male tubular part and the button will project through an aperture in the wall of the male part which is complementary to the shape of the button. The female tubular member has an aperture in its walls which is also complementary to the shape of the button such that the button will project into the aperture in the female member when one aperture is aligned over the other.

Abstract: A telescopic wrench extensioner includes a tubular member with a closed end portion that has a polygonal axial recess which is adapted to engage a socket wrench, and a shaft member having a first end slidably extending into the tubular member and a second end extending out of the tubular member and being provided with an axial socket operating portion that is polygonal in cross section and that is adapted to engage a wrench socket. The shaft member can be maintained at a selected position relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: A shape memory wire latch mechanism for releasably connecting two separable structural members. The latch mechanism utilizes the unique material properties of shape memory alloys as a means for releasing the structural members. The latch mechanism includes a pair of mating latch elements and a shape memory wire mounted on one of the latch elements. The mating latch elements attach to the two structural members and, when engaged, latch the structural members together. The shape memory wire disengages the latch elements when heated above its transition temperature, thus allowing the structural members to separate. The latch mechanism is particularly useful for securely stowing collapsible antennas and solar panels in a launch vehicle and then providing safe and reliable deployment of the antennas and solar panels once in space.

Abstract: The invention provides an easily assembled connector for handle sections of a wheeled appliance in which the connector is formed from a plastic having an agressive memory for enabling a pair of opposed tab members thereon formed from the same material to cooperate with respective apertures in the handle members to be joined or connected. The handle members are slip-fitted the one onto the other with the connector occupying a reinforcing position on the inside surface of the end of the innermost handle member in one embodiment and, according to another embodiment in which the connector housing comprises two half portions, joins the handle members in an abutting relationship.

Abstract: A skate shoe to which a replacement runner may be rapidly, removably coupled. No manual manipulation of locking devices is required. A first end of the runner is pivotally coupled to the shoe's base via a slot and pin arrangement. The second end of the runner is then pivoted into snap-locking engagement with a locking mechanism in the base of the skate shoe. Finger pressure on the lock mechanism serves to unlatch the runner; and, a spring drives the runner outward from its engagement with the shoe base.

Abstract: Snow-ploughs for frontal mounting on road vehicles are provided with an avoidance device, which in known types can be implemented by means of two circular curved guides. This poses problems, however, during mounting as well as during avoidance, particularly on hard surfaces. In order to ensure firm and reliable mounting of the plough blade (1) on the curved guide and hence problem-free avoidance, the curved guide is designed as a sliding bearing. To this end, it comprises a first and a second curved actions. A forced limiter with a descending characteristic curve is also provided. The snow-plough is suitable for use as road snow-plough.

Abstract: A modular retaining device provides ease of assembly and disassembly as well as versatility. Conversion from spring loaded plunger type retention to through hole pin type retention by pressing the retaining module in or out of a through hole cavity provides this versatility without the weakening effect of the intersecting bore hole required for known spring loaded plunger retention systems. A variety of configurations for the retaining element is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a clamping device to be mounted to an elet of a crane and which provides contact surfaces for limit switches that maintain the movement of a movable crane structure within predetermined limits. The clamping device defines a body having a top wall which is contacted by the limit switches and a side wall which cooperates with a plunger to clamp the device to the crane element. The plunger is spring-biased so that its head applies constant pressure against the crane element. The housing, in which the plunger is contained, includes a handle which acts as a lever to compress the spring to allow retraction of the head from the crane element and quick removel of the clamping device from the crane element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for compressing a helical spring of the type typically used in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking device extendible over the respective helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operation. The two shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes a separate tool engaging configuration on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.