Abstract: This invention relates to coupling members for coupling an optical system to an endoscope shaft, of the kind comprising a locking ring whose proximal terminal surface has an excision through which may pass an annular collar of the optical system insertible into the shaft, and having a radial guiding stud which is engagable in a groove or slot of the shaft provided with an inclination and which, by twisting out of the insertion position of the optical system, couples the optical system to the shaft in the manner of a bayonet joint. According to this invention, the locking ring has an internal annular groove arranged to receive a spring bent into a circular or partially circular shape and bearing against the bottom of the groove. One end of the spring is connected to the locking ring and the other end of the spring is connected to the shaft. When the annular collar is inserted in the locking ring, the spring is reduced in circumference and is stressed by rotation of the locking ring.

Abstract: An improved reciprocating ram for an envelope inserter includes a pusher which drives an enclosure from a ram pick-up station to an envelope station. Cycle time has been reduced by providing a ram return path which is beneath the elevation of the pick-up station. Thus, the next enclosure is fed to the pick-up station before the ram has completed its return stroke. The ram mechanism includes a ram carriage which rides along a pair of longitudinal rods. A ram block carrying a ram blade rides with the carriage and is keyed for vertical movement relative to the carriage. The block includes a follower which engages a longitudinal box cam having a latch adjacent its envelope station end. When the ram blade reaches the envelope station, the latch directs the follower to a lower elevation camming surface for the return stroke. The pusher is secured to the ram blade by a leaf spring catch which engages a grating on the undersurface of the blade.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting an article such as a dispenser for toilet tank chemicals on a vertical wall member such as a toilet tank at a predetermined height adjustably selected by the user. The hanger includes a means for securing its uppermost end to the wall member, a bayonet member, a channel means into which the bayonet member inserts, at least one resiliently deformable projection located along a longitudinal edge of either the bayonet member or the channel means and a multiplicity of spaced, projection receiving means, complementary to the projection, located on a longitudinal edge of the other of either the bayonet member or the channel means and in the same plane as the projection. The projection extends outwardly from the longitudinal edge and is resiliently deformable in the plane of the member to which it is attached. The hanger is manually adjusted by the movement of the resiliently deformable projections between the projection receiving means.

Abstract: One of two elongate tubular frame members to be removably connected is telescoped over, and frictionally and also latchably removably secured to the intervening connector structure. The connector structure comprises a conventional rigid body component of inverted U-shaped configuration including apertured horizontal wall and two vertical flanking-walls, for respective broad frictional engagements with the apertured top-panel and the two vertical panels of the surrounding tubular frame member. Departing from the prior art, the connector structure herein comprises a J-shaped spring means, the longerleg extending along the inner surface of the connector apertured horizontal wall and being provided with an upwardly extending locking projection surrounded by said wall aperture, and the shorterleg extending below the bottom-plane of the body flanking-walls.

Abstract: A detachable luggage-supporting, ground-engaging convertible accessory unit comprises a base member and at least one slide member which is guided for sliding movement on the base member. The base member is secured to a piece of luggage. A caster roller device is mounted on one slide member to form a caster roller assembly. A runner skid is connected to another slide member to form a skid-type runner assembly. A cantilever leaf spring on the base member snappingly engages each slide member for interconnecting the base member and the respective slide member with snap-type action. An access opening is formed on each slide member to expose the spring to permit a disassembly tool to remove the slide member from the base member, to thereby effect the rapid interchange of one caster roller assembly for another, or for the skid-type runner assembly. The slide member covers the spring except at the access opening so that the members are not readily detachable during luggage transport.

Abstract: One of two frame elements to be removably connected is telescoped over and removably latchably secured to the intervening connector structure. The removable latching means takes the form of a cantilever mounted spring component located internally of the connector structure hollow body component, the spring resilient forward portion including a locking projection upwardly urged through an apertured wall of the body component and into a registering-aperture of the telescoped frame element. The cantilever spring is of novel structural and internally mounted relationship with the hollow body component to prevent longitudinal slidable movement of the spring and to ensure that it will reliably, though yieldably, upwardly urge the locking projection through the apertured wall and into the registering-aperture of the frame element to be removably latchably secured.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved releasable locking connector particularly adapted for use in connection with a display apparatus. The connector includes an elongated base which has one end adapted to be secured to a member of a display apparatus and the other end of the base is free. The base has a catch aperture formed on the base adjacent to the free end. A stop is formed in the base adjacent to the end adapted to be secured to a member of a display apparatus. A holding strap is formed integral with the base between the stop and the catch aperture. A catch is mounted on the base. The catch includes a resilient flat beam having one end positioned in engagement with the stop and being positioned between the strap and the base. The catch has a dog formed integral with the end of the beam opposite to the end abutting the stop. The distance from the edge of the beam abutting the stop to the dog is substantially equal to the distance from the stop to the catch aperture.

Abstract: A novel shelf support system which is capable of bearing heavy loads and provides a large measure of adjustability, yet is completely self-contained and only very minimally visible where the shelf meets the wall. The system comprises threaded fasteners for securement to a wall, e.g. at the stud locations, each fastener bearing a support shaft and a spring clip for interengagement with detent grooves which run lengthwise of elongated recessed chambers within the shelf.

Abstract: An adaptor (30, 130, 230, 530, 630) is provided for connecting different style windshield wiper arm ends (20, 120, 220, 220A, 320, 420, 520, 620) to a cross-pin-type wiper blade (25) using the same principle of operation for locking the different style arm ends to the adaptor (30, 130, 230, 530, 630) prior to assembling the adaptor on the blade (25). A latch member (45, 145, 245, 545, 645) carried by a leaf spring (41, 141, 241, 541, 641) engages with and retains any one of several different style arm ends (20, 120, 220, 220A, 320, 420, 520, 620) on the adaptor (30, 130, 230, 530, 630) with another latch member (44, 144, 244, 544, 644) dependent from said leaf spring (41, 141, 241, 541, 641) which cooperates with the cross-pin (26) of the cross-pin-type blade (25) to prevent the latching member (45, 145, 245, 545, 645) from releasing the arm end (20, 120, 220, 220A, 320, 420, 520, 620) when the adaptor (30, 130, 230, 530, 630) is assembled on said cross-pin (26).

Abstract: A mounting bracket for fastening replaceable earth engaging tools such as rotary hoe blades or trench digger teeth in which the shaft of the tool fits within a recess in the bracket and a spring biased pin is arranged to pass through both the shaft and the bracket at right angles to the longitudinal dimension of the shaft. This arrangement does away with the need to use bolts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for a splice joint used to releasably join two poles together end to end. The lock prevents the inadvertent withdrawal of the leaf spring finger from the superimposed holes of the splice joint. The lock comprises a ring rotatably positioned on one of the poles astride the leaf spring and having an inner surface comprised of a first, relatively large diameter segment which, when rotated into radial alignment with the leaf spring, permits withdrawal and a second, relatively smaller diameter segment which, when rotated into radial alignment with the leaf spring, frictionally engages and clamps the leaf spring to the pole and prevents withdrawal of the leaf spring finger.

Abstract: An improved tuning apparatus for a receiver of the automotive type which includes a tuning core axially slidable within a tubular coil form having an inductance coil wound therearound in which vibratory movement is minimized. The tuning core is formed with a channel at one end to receive one end of an elongated flexible member. The opposite end of the flexbile member extends away from the axis of the tuning core and abuts against the interior surface of the tubular coil form. In this manner, sliding movement between the tuning core and tubular form and wire is permitted during the tuning operation but a resistance to side-to-side (radial) movement of the core is maintained at other times to minimize the effect of mechanical vibrations thereon which give rise to undesirable microphonics on an associated receiver.

Abstract: A knocked-down kit for assembling a shower stall or bath tub enclosure comprises a base panel, dome panel and three side panels, the side panels being interlocked by a split clamping tube which resiliently clamps together outwardly extending flanges along the abutting vertical edges of the side panels, and the side panels being interlocked with the base panel by a resilient flange which snaps over an outwardly extending flange along the upper periphery of the base panel as the side panels are lowered onto the base panel. The interlock between the dome and side panels is symmetrically opposite to the base-side panel interlock.

Abstract: A device for connecting the superstructure of a wiper blade in side-by-side relationship to a wiper arm. The device comprises a pin which extends through both the superstructure and the wiper arm and has an enlarged portion on one end of the pin operable to limit longitudinal and to prevent rotational movement of the pin relative to the superstructure of the wiper blade. The device also includes a member which is at least partially supported by a portion of the pin outside the wiper arm with a second member resiliently urging the wiper arm toward the superstructure. The superstructure acts as a stop limiting the relative movement of the wiper arm in the direction of the superstructure.

Abstract: A three-part extension handle includes only two interfitting telescopic parts which provides a strong handle for a small heavy-duty collapsible hand truck. The handle has great strength. The two-part handle is fixable at the end of the upright support and includes means that release the locked telescopic portions. Collapsing the handle is the reverse procedure, leaving the handle firmly locked closed.

Abstract: A tool handle is fitted with a spring member having thumb buttons extending through one set of handle apertures and locking buttons extending through another set of handle apertures, and a pool pole is connected to the handle by being fitted within the handle and provided with a set of apertures through which the locking buttons also extend.

Abstract: A snap-on handle structure including a handle mountable on a splined operating shaft having a series of teeth, said handle having an internal recess to receive the shaft and having spaced, splined sections in said recess to interfit with the splined operating shaft, and a pair of members extending interiorly along the length of the recess and interfitted with the handle at locations between the splined sections, with each member having a pair of spaced-apart, inwardly-turned elongate flanges to fit between splined teeth on said operating shaft.

Abstract: A drive member in a printer is radially oriented and linearly positioned in the fastening thereof on a shaft at one of a plurality of selected positions. The shaft has a flat portion which receives a hub of the drive member, the hub conforming in shape with the shaft and having a tongue portion thereof fitting along the flat portion of the shaft with the tongue portion being flexibly supported and having a lip engageable with grooves or slots in and across the flat portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An articulated windshield wiper blade superstructure for distributing applied pressure proportionately along the length of a wiper blade which includes a central primary lever and a pair of secondary end levers arranged end to end. The end levers are pivotally connected to the central levers. A single flat spring extends from end to end through the central lever. At each end it engages a projection on the end levers which extends inwardly of the pivotal connection. The spring functions to distribute the arm pressure to the end levers and also functions as a latch to retain the blade on the arm.

Abstract: A store display fixture for hanging garments and the like is disclosed hag at least one hangrod affixed to at least one downwardly extending rectangular or round or square tube in telescopic engagement with another rectangular tube. The inner tube includes a compression spring-biased plunger projecting therefrom and through one of a column of openings vertically spaced apart along the outer tube. The end of the plunger is beveled to form both an upward and a downward inclined surface such that the tubes are locked into place against collapse during use but may be extended by merely pulling the downwardly extending tube upward. The tubes are retractable by manually depressing the plunger and allowing the downwardly extending tube to slide into a lower position.

Abstract: A sheave for a speed variator comprising a fixed and a movable side mounted for rotation with a common shaft. A diaphragm spring urges the movably slide towards the fixed side to clamp a V-belt therebetween. The fixed side may be removed and turned around and then tightened with its own threaded fastener on the shaft to urge the movable side against the force of the diaphragm spring to a retracted position. A retaining member, e.g. a screwdriver, cooperates with the movable side to temporarily hold the same in its retracted position while the fixed side is removed again and turned around and secured by the threaded member in its normal position. The V-belt is then repositioned between the side and the retaining member released. Alternatively, the retaining member may be released automatically, e.g. centrifugally, when the variator is set into motion again.

Abstract: A device for fastening a pair of structural pieces in face to face relationship which has a pair of conical socket members adapted to be secured to each of the pieces and opening out of respective faces thereof for rotatably accepting opposite end portions of a dowel which has a pair of diametrically opposed longitudinally extending flat portions terminating in abutement faces which are engaged by free ends of a spring leaf detent outer ends of which are secured to the socket members near the open ends thereof, the dowel having a notched central flange which can be gripped by a tool extended between the pieces for rotating the dowel so as to move the abutment faces out of and into registration with the detents.

Abstract: A quick release latch assembly for a portable cabinet, such as that of a tape player, for providing ready attachment and release of a carry strap or like accessory to said cabinet. The latch assembly comprises a fixed member integrally constructed with said cabinet having a pair of angled grooves and resilient tongue means, and a removable member including a lower portion having a pair of pivot rod ends and an upper portion having means for coupling to the carry strap, the rods ends inserting into the grooves when the tongue is depressed and upon reaching beyond the angled corners of the grooves being held in position by said tongue abutting the lower portion of said removable member.

Abstract: A removable wheel and handle apparatus for use with trash receptacles such as garbage cans or the like includes a handle adapted to engage the open edge of the trash receptacle, a bracket affixed to the bottom of the receptacle and a wheel assembly adapted to removably receive an extending portion of the bracket. The handle permits easy tilting of the trash receptacle on to the wheel assembly, thereby permitting the receptacle to be readily moved from one place to another. The handle and the wheel assembly may then be removed and applied to another receptacle in a like manner.

Abstract: An articulated windshield wiper blade superstructure for distributing applied pressure proportionately along the length of a wiper blade which includes a central primary lever and a pair of secondary end levers arranged end to end. The end levers are pivotally connected to the central levers. A single flat spring extends from end to end through the central lever. At each end it engages a projection on the end levers which extends inwardly of the pivotal connection. The spring functions to distribute the arm pressure to the end levers and also functions as a latch to retain the blade on the arm.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid coating to a suitable object includes a pad and a detachable handle. The pad includes a cushion, working means applied to the cushion lower surface, and a backing plate secured to the cushion upper surface. The plate is provided with hooks extending upwardly from its upper surface, and each hook is arranged along one of three sides of an imaginary square so as to capture an object slidably inserted into this imaginary square from the fourth side thereof. The handle has, adjacent one end, an outturned square perimetrical flange which is adapted to be inserted into engagement with the hooks at any of four angular positions. The applicator may further include an adapter arranged to be inserted into the open end of the tube-like handle, to modify the same to matingly receive the threaded end portion of an extension pole.

Abstract: This specification discloses a tube connector system adapted to convenient and removable assembling of square, round or other shaped hollow tubes. It finds use in the construction of temporary and permanent store displays, furniture, shelves, and the like. In one embodiment the connector comprises a joining member having a plurality of insertion members each of which is closely but slidably fitted to the aperture in the end of a hollow tube. Each insertion member has a plurality of recesses on the side thereof. Each recess is provided with a resilient spring member, said spring member having a portion resting on the bottom surface of said recess, and a portion protruding above the top of said recess, permitting forceable entry of the insertion member and retaining it removably in place in the tube. No rotation of the parts is necessary for secure assembly, and no external parts such as screws, bolts, and the like are needed.

Abstract: A generally H-shaped knob spring is provided which comprises two flat members joined by a center bowed member. The spring is received in an undercut slot adjacent one side of a recess in a knob for receiving the end of a shaft, the bowed portion extending into the recess. When the shaft is inserted in the recess, the bowed portion of the spring is flattened out causing the end strips to be bent to bite into the surface of the slot and the surface of the shaft adjacent the slot wherein the spring releasably grips the knob and the shaft to hold the knob securely on the shaft so that it does not wobble or twist thereon.

Abstract: Building components are disclosed for constructing of frames, enclosures, and the like, comprising hollow edge struts all of uniform cross section, with the ends of each edge strut providing a female joint. Interlocking members are provided having a central member with a plurality of legs extending outwardly from the central member and at fixed angles to each other, the legs each defining a male member adapted to be inserted in said female joint. The legs have locking clip recesses formed therein in at least two adjacent surfaces of the legs, the locking clip recesses spanning substantially the entire width and length of the surfaces of the legs. An abuttment shoulder is formed at the central member and end of the locking clip recess which the edge strut butts up against when installed.

Abstract: A combination support bracket and self-adjusting wedge for mounting and supporting objects on the upper edge of planar panels of varying thicknesses. The support bracket includes an inverted U-shaped saddle member which overlies and surrounds the upper edge of the panel and a self-adjusting wedge member is mounted within the saddle member adjacent one of the side walls thereof and is vertically slidable to vary the spacing between the wedge member and the opposite side wall of the saddle member to thereby accommodate panels of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor is rotatably mounted by a bearing on a spindle; the bearing has a U-shaped spring supported thereon and wrapped about the spindle; the U-shaped spring presses against the spindle; snap together, hook-like fastening elements hold the legs in the U-shaped spring together to squeeze them against the bearing spindle.

Abstract: A canopy frame for a bed constructed of resilient plastic material with the longitudinally extending members connecting cross tie rods, the longitudinal members each including two parts telescopically related via a stabilized joint.

Abstract: A system for the emergency debarkation of personnel from an aircraft includes a first container member mounted to the door of the aircraft and a second container member hingeably mounted on the first container member to form a container for an inflatable raft or slide. A first latch assembly attached to the first container member and a second latch assembly attached to the second container member cooperate to secure the container when the container is closed. The second latch assembly includes first and second latch arms pivotal on the second container member between a first position in engaging relationship with the first latch assembly and a second position in disengaging relationship with the first latch assembly. Locking members cooperate with the latch arms for positively locking the second latch assembly in the first position to inhibit opening of the container.

Abstract: A retainer for securing an operating knob to a control shaft comprised of an elongate member having a hollow interior and respective ends each having a periphery in first part arcuate and in second part substantially straight includes a slit extending longitudinally in the periphery first part to provide opposed arcuate sections for resiliently engaging the interior walls of the knob and the periphery second part embodies spring fingers for engaging the control shaft. In its preferred form, the retainer includes longitudinally extending spring fingers joined to one another interiorly of the retainer, one spring finger having a greater average section modulus than that of the other spring finger.

Abstract: A professional squeegee comprising a handle, wiping blade holder and a resilient wiping blade of rectangular cross section. The blade is retained by the blade holder in a floating restraint by means of a longitudinal groove in the blade or the upper leg of the holder and a corresponding longitudinal bead or other protrusion in the other element for mating engagement with the groove. Removable pins engage the holder and detents at the end of the wiping blade to support the wiping edge at the extremities. Holding the blade in this manner allows it to float and assume its true wiping edge without distortion or influence from external clamping.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump assembly especially adapted for use in conjunction with ink reservoirs of printing press apparatuses. There is provided a centrifugal pump assembly comprising motor mounting means for mounting the motor with respect to the cover member of an ink reservoir. The shaft of the motor extends downwardly into the reservoir and has secured thereto a coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve includes means for securing the same to the motor shaft and means for releasably engaging the impeller shaft of the pump assembly. The impeller shaft is provided with a positive drive pin adapted to fit into a slot formed in the coupling sleeve to thereby properly align said impeller shaft with respect to the impeller housing and to insure proper positive connection of the impeller shaft with respect to the motor shaft for corresponding rotational movement therewith.