Abstract: A drive unit having a drive gear rotatable about a drive-gear axis mounted on an angle transmission having a housing formed unitarily of one piece with a throughgoing passage centered on a longitudinal axis, a plurality of substantially planar outer faces each extending substantially parallel to the axis, one of the outer faces bearing flatly on the drive unit, a transverse bore opening at and extending between the one face and the passage along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of undercut grooves extending longitudinally the full length of the housing and opening at least at the one outer surface. Each of the grooves is substantially narrower at the respective outer face than inward therefrom measured in a direction transverse to itself and parallel to the respective outer face. A main gear is rotatable in the passage about the longitudinal axis and a drive gear is rotatable about the transverse axis in the transverse bore in mesh with the main gear.

Abstract: A panel connection assembly for providing a tight fit between a pair of panels for a pleasing seamless effect. A pair of elongate first connector members are connected to the panel edges respectively. An elongate second connector member has a narrow central portion and a pair of enlarged portions between which the central portion extends. Each of the first connector members has an opening including a throat opening into an enlarged inner cavity. The openings of the first connector members together have a complementary shape to that of the second connector member for receiving the central portion in both of the throats and the enlarged portions in the cavities respectively for connecting the panels. Fabric covers the outer sides of each panel.

Abstract: A shutter and retention assembly of modular members molded or extruded from a polymeric material includes a pair of side rails, each side rail having a front wall, an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall includes a retaining channel formed therein. The shutter further includes a shutter panel member having a central portion and a pair of runners extending along the sides thereof. Each of the runners includes a projection extending along at least a portion thereof. The projection has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the retaining channel of the side rails for securing the panel member to the side rails. The complementary shapes of the engaged projections and retaining channels resist disengagement of the side rails from the panel member.

Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.

Abstract: A seal plate attachment for earmuffs. The seal plate attachment has a first and second portion including substantially flat surfaces, outer perimeters, and inner perimeters defining central openings. The first portion of the seal plate attachment includes a first channel extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The seal plate attachment second portion includes a rim, projecting inwardly from and extending around a section of the outer perimeter. The rim of the seal plate attachment second portion forms a second channel to oppose the first channel on the seal plate attachment first portion, allowing the second portion to be slidable relative to the first portion. An improved earmuff design includes rigid earcup elements, a connecting band, and soft sealing elements in combination with the seal plate attachments for earmuffs.

Abstract: Structural members (80) having an intermediate web (81) and hollow tubular side flanges (83, 85) extending longitudinally of the web (81) are formed in a cold rolling operation such that one of the tubular side flanges (83) has an outside diameter of the opposite tubular side flange (85). The larger diameter side flange (85) has a longitudinally slotted aperture (87) to permit a composite structure (120) to be formed by nesting the smaller diameter flange (83) in the larger diameter flange (85) of an adjacent structural member (80). The composite structure (120) having a plurality of interconnected structural members (80) may be assembled as a closed or open structure.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a fastener having two mating pieces. One of the mating has a rigid surface of thickness q, and a hole in the surface, the hole including a slot defined by two generally parallel edges separated by a distance r. The other mating piece has a base and a pair of wings held above the base to define two generally parallel channels spaced to accommodate the two parallel edges of the slot, the channels having a thickness greater than q, the span of the wings being greater than r.

Abstract: An extrusion interlock assembly provides for the joining of two or more extruded pieces at an interlocking joint that may be slideably mated to produce an easily assembled and disassembled assembly. On one side, the interlocking joint has a first channel mechanically connected to the first side, and a first flange adjacent to the first channel also mechanically connected to the first side. On the other side, the interlocking joint similarly has a second channel and a second flange, both mechanically connected to the second side. The second channel slidably receives the first flange, and the second flange slidably receives the first channel. A fastener laterally displaces the first flange away from the second flange, and the first channel away from the second channel, causing the first flange to frictionally engage the second channel, and the second flange to frictionally engage the first channel.

Abstract: A safety harness consisting of a plurality of beveled rigid blocks connected in a string by loose couplings, having a fixed end fastened to one side of a vehicle seat by an adjustable mounting device and a free end fastened to an opposite side of the vehicle seat by a latch and latch release, wherein when the safety harness is fastened up, the rigid blocks are respectively side matched and connected into an arched rigid guard around the vehicle seat to protect the user.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a chair includes an elongated connector and an elongated armrest member. The elongated connector is mounted securely on the seat and has two opposite side surfaces formed with a respective open-ended horizontal slide slot. The slots are aligned with each other. The elongated armrest member has a horizontal top wall, and two generally L-shaped guide bodies disposed on two opposite side portions of the top wall. Each of the guide bodies includes a vertical plate portion secured to the bottom surface of the top wall at the top end portion thereof, and a horizontal plate portion connected securely to the vertical plate portion. The horizontal plate portions are respectively and slidably engaged within the slide slots of the connector so that the armrest member can be moved on the connector.

Abstract: A system for interlocking a plurality of modules, such as medical instrument modules (e.g., infusion pumps), in side-by-side relationship such that not more than one module can be mounted on each side of a center module. The modules are interchangeable in that any module of the system can be a center module or a side module. In the preferred embodiment, latching arms on a module are automatically moved as the module is mounted on a pole stand to allow other "side" modules to be mounted on that "center" module. The latching arms of the "side" modules prevent additional modules from being mounted on the side modules. Other embodiments are described as well.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture for a burial casket that provides a source of illumination to light decorative art work installed in the lid; at the same time it provides softly diffused light for a more pleasing illumination of the interior of the casket. The unit fits inside the concave area of the lid of the standard burial casket and requires no design changes. It is constructed of light weight rigid insulation. The housing is described in two forms; a modular unit with alternate methods of joining the walls; novel corner fittings (24), (26), (28) (30) and brackets (20) (22) attached by clips (32); self retaining "single half-blind dovetail" joints (76) or adhesive surfaces (74). It is also described as a single molded unit (78) formed of insulating material. The fixture has a powered light source (36), a reflector (84) and integral reflective surfaces (82).

Abstract: Hand-operated control devices for a motor vehicle comprising a shaft having a first upper end and a second lower end, the shaft having a length adapted to extend from a pedal of a vehicle to a location within the reach of a driver; coupling means for coupling the second lower end of the shaft to a pedal of a vehicle such that the shaft is rotatable and movable with respect to the second end, the coupling means adapted so that it may be removed from the pedal without using any tools; and a handle coupled to the first upper end of the shaft, enabling a driver to apply downward pressure from the handle through the shaft and coupling means in order to depress a pedal. Also included is a second device couplable to a second pedal of a motor vehicle for remote operation of the second pedal.

Abstract: Methods and structural configurations of modular barrier systems and cutoff walls used to isolate contaminated soils from the environment in situ. The cutoff walls comprise plastic sheets, preferably of high density polyethylene, inserted in or adjacent to dense soil (such as bentonite modified) walls, and they are connected to each other with tubular connectors having flaps to which the plastic sheets are connected, preferably by welding.

Abstract: A slip joint connector for joining first and second structural elements together. The connector has a first body member attachable to the first structural element and a second body member attachable to the second structural element. The first body member has a male protuberance including a conical portion and the second body member has a conical receptacle for cooperatively receiving the conical portion of the protuberance. The protuberance includes a bridging portion for spacing the conical portion from the remainder of the first body member and the second body member has a well communicating with the conical receptacle for receiving the bridging portion. The conical male portion internally carries a nut while the second body member may receive a bolt through the receptacle to be threadedly received by the nut to secure the first and second body members tightly together.

Abstract: A connecting element for connecting two parts (1, 2) generally in a connection plane has a first portion (4) for connecting the element (3) relative to a first (1) of the parts and second portion (5) for connecting the element relative to the second part (2). The second portion (5) includes actuation members (6) which on relative movement of the parts (1, 2) substantially along the connection plane urge the parts forcefully towards each other.

Abstract: A structural connector used to interconnect at least a first and a second member which includes a cone-shaped male part having an approximately elliptical cross-section attached to the first member and a female part forming a correspondingly elliptical cone-shaped cavity attached to the second member and adapted to receive the male part, whereby upon receipt of the male part within the cavity of the female part the first and second members are interconnected.

Abstract: A telescopic tailgate ramp (10) has a base tray (20) and a series of telescopically-connected trays (40, 60, 80) that are slidable with respect to one another and are stackable to replace a tailgate of a vehicle. Each tray (20, 40, 60, 80) is a plate with end pieces on each side that engage the end pieces of a preceding or succeeding tray. The end pieces have a channel and a tenon-like portion that engage a corresponding tenon or channel portion of a preceding or succeeding tray. Each plate has a corrugated surface (102) for enhancing traction. The trays (20, 40, 60, 80) are prevented from being fully withdrawn from one another due to the placement of pins in corresponding channels and tenons that engage each other. The trays (40, 60, 80) succeeding the base tray are prevented from sliding past the rear portion of a preceding tray or the rear portion of the base tray (20) securing an obstruction over the rear portion of each channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment of bicycle parts includes: a first attachment part attached to component parts of a bicycle and having a flat projected piece; a second attachment part having a fitting portion slidable with respect to the projected piece and provided for attaching the first attachment part by using the fitting portion and for fixing bicycle parts thereon; and a cord connected through the fitting portion of the second attachment part to the bicycle parts. When the projected piece and the fitting portion are engaged with each other, a portion of the cord is pressed by a tip end of the projected piece, thereby increasing the strength in the cord fitting.

Abstract: Wall construction, comprising a number of framework components, including uprights and horizontal beams, at a distance from each other, a number of wall components, including panels and casings, and coupling means composed of a number of couplings each designed for coupling a wall component to a framework component, a wall component coupled to a framework component having an essentially vertically running straight edge along which one or more couplings are fitted. A coupling comprises a guide means for the framework component, a sliding plate which is slidable vertically over or in the guide means, and a hook element fitted on a wall component with a lip extending essentially vertically, in such a way that after placing of the wall component against the framework component the sliding plate is slid by means of a pushing end of a tool from an uncoupled position in a vertical direction along the adjacent edge of the wall component to a coupled position over the lip.

Abstract: A coupling device and method of coupling especially suitable for coupling multiple components of surgical instruments are provided. A wedging portion provides an interference fit between parts so that a secure connection can be made that will not unintentionally dissociate. In a preferred embodiment, bores and counterbores within dovetail portions are provided. Especially preferred is the use of this coupling device to secure a reamer head to a shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste management system with interlocking portions to connect various refuse containers. The refuse containers are designated for holding different types of garbage, glass, paper, metal, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool holder which permits lateral insertion and removal of a tool means into and from the holder thereby making it unnecessary to move the machine or work piece to provide excess clearance. The tool holder includes a main body having a shallow tool cavity formed in one end thereof for receiving the tool means. A locking element having a u-shaped collar is rotatably mounted to the main body for clamping the tool means within the tool cavity. The u-shaped collar defines a tool slot having a tool slot opening which extends from the side of the locking element. When the locking element is in an unlocked position, the tool slot opening aligns radially with the open side of the tool cavity to permit lateral insertion and removal of the tool means into and from the cavity. When the locking element is rotated to the locked position, tool slot opening is moved out of alignment with the open side of the cavity thereby preventing removal of the to tool means.

Abstract: A mobile patient support system includes a table plate, a support column for supporting the table plate and a transport carriage for transporting the table plate. Two pin-shaped connecting elements arranged on the table plate are receivable in complementary pin receivers of the support column for connection therewith. The table plate is transferrable by relative motion between the transport carriage and the support column from the support column to the transport carriage and the reverse. The table plate and the support column on one hand are provided with latching means and the table plate and the support column on the other hand are likewise supplied with latching means for exchangeable engagement with one another. On each connecting element are at least two latching members supported for movement between a latching position and a free position, and during the transfer process they are simultaneously insertable in a pin receiver of the column and a pin receiver of the transfer carriage.

Abstract: A plastic coupling device for connecting two building elements includes a T-shaped coupling member having two inwardly bent ends and an adjacent pair of W-shaped plates each having inwardly bent ends, respectively, for slidably, tightly receiving the T-shaped coupling member along adjacent side portions of the W-shaped plates so as to form a composite ceiling plate used in building ceilings.

Abstract: An assembly of wear element for installation on the wearable part of a structure engageable with abrasive material including a relatively elongated base element adapted to be secured to the wearable part and a relatively elongated wear element releasably, reversibly mounted on the base element, each of the elements having longitudinally spaced apart dovetail surfaces in one outstanding wall portion and at least one surface in a second opposed outstanding wall portion positioned between the spaced art dovetail surfaces. A method of designing the dovetail connection through a repeating pattern is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for attaching a flexible elastomeric panel integrally formed with one or more female connectors to an automotive body support surface having one or more associated male connectors in a blind assembly connection. Each female connector comprises a cutting-tooth shaped notch molded in an attaching flange of the panel while the male connector comprises a elongated stem projecting from the support surface. The elongated stem includes a backing plate positioned in parallel spaced relation to the support surface defining a layered gap therebetween. The panel flange is moved into flush contact with the support surface enabling the support flange to be received in a layer-like gap with the stem adapted to be received in a lean-in passage of the female connector.

Abstract: A rotary slot cutting tool having a flat sided disc shaped body with a central bore, a plurality of apertures spaced about the periphery of the body each aperture having in it a cutting insert held in position by the shape of the aperture against radial movement, each aperture being shaped in such a manner that on the application of a force acting radially outwards on the circumference on the bore of the body, faces of the aperture are caused to spread apart to permit removal and replacement of the inserts in an axial direction. The invention further provides an insert for use in rotary and other slot cutting tools.

Abstract: A locked connection for structures engageable with abrasive material and the like including a pair of relatively elongated elements at least one of which is subject to abrasive wear, the elements having parallel longitudinally extending centerlines and spaced apart generally planar surfaces arranged at an angle to the centerlines and between which a bi-stress lock is positioned.

Abstract: A self-mounting fastener adapted to mount to an aperture in a workpiece, comprising a fastener body having a base and a connecting stem; and a cage formed of a sleeve sized to slidably receive the base, having an opening in at least one side thereof, and having a fixed latch and at least one hinged latch operable and adapted to engage the aperture by the sliding of the base in the sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly of wear elements for installation on the wearable part of a structure engageable with abrasive material including a relatively elongated base element adapted to be secured to the wearable part and a relatively elongated wear element releasably, reversibly mounted on the base element, each of the elements having first and second pair of longitudinally spaced apart dovetail surfaces with one of the elements having third and fourth pairs of longitudinally spaced apart dovetail surfaces.

Abstract: An assembly of wear element for installation on the wearable part of a structure engageable with abrasive material including a relatively elongated base element adpated to be secured to the wearable part and a relatively elongated wear element releasably, reversibly mounted on the base element, each of the elements having longitudinally spaced apart dovetail surfaces in one outstanding wall portion and a single surface in an opposed outstanding wall portion.

Abstract: A coupling device has a transversely arranged, open-end groove (30) in a flange attached to a pipe end. The groove in the flange receives a circumferentially arranged locking flange element (76) on the other coupling member and permits alignment of the bores of the coupling members when the locking flange element is in the open end groove. Upon alignment of the bores of the coupling members, a trigger member (60) is activiated to automatically release a spring biased tubular member (33) in one of the coupling members. The tubular member has a conical end (48) which is displaced into the other coupling member to lock the coupling members to one another. A tensioning nut (72) is threadedly movable on a coupling member so as to be moved into tightening engagement with the other coupling member.

Abstract: A mechanical end joint system for connecting structural column elements and eliminating the possibility of free movement between joint halves during loading or vibration has a node joint body having a cylindrical engaging end, and a column end body having a cylindrical engaging end. Each of the cylindrical engaging ends has an integral semicircular tongue and an integral semicircular groove. The node joint body has a conical aperture at the center of its cylindrical engaging end. The column end joint body has an internal latch mechanism housed therein, with the internal latch mechanism having a latch bolt element slidably disposed along the longitudinal axis of the column end joint body at the cylindrical engaging end. The internal latch mechanism also has a spring mechanism disposed along the longitudinal axis of the column end joint body, as well as a compressible preload mechanism and plunger means housed therein.

Abstract: This fence assembly has a post, upper and lower horizontal rails with reduced dovetail tongue-and-groove connections to the post for slidable assembly of the rails on the post and vertically aligned paired openings along their respective lengths away from the post, and vertical slats received in these openings and supported from below by the lower rail.

Abstract: A transfer boom assembly for transferring workpieces in a workpiece manufacturing environment such as for example in an automobile manufacturing and assembly facility and which includes a quick disconnect device having nestable interfitting coupling parts for releasably connecting and/or disconnecting one or more workpiece transferring and/or fabricating units from its associated boom assembly.

Abstract: A portable tailgate ramp for attachment to pickup trucks, moving vans or the like is disclosed. The device is so constructed that it collapses to a shallow depth for storage on a tailgate and can be extended therefrom to form a ramp for running vehicles into the truck.

Abstract: An application apparatus for applying a flowable coating mass, in particular a hot-melt adhesive, to the surface of a substrate comprises a housing for a reservoir for the coating mass, a heating means for heating the coating mass and a conveying means for supplying the heated coating mass via a line from the reservoir to an application head. As a separate unit with a closed housing control means is provided which guided on rails is detachably secured to the housing. The electrical control means is connected via an arrestable electrical plug-type connection to the housing.

Abstract: A locking cam for locking a pair of tool elements together is disclosed. The locking cam member is rotatably mounted in one of the tool elements such that a clamping surface engages a female gib surface formed on the other tool element. Clamping screws exert a rotative force on the cam member so as to bring the clamping surface into contact with the female gib surface and forceably lock the tool elements together.

Abstract: A handle for removable attachment to a skateboard comprises a handle stem, a handle bar fastened to one end of the stem, and connecting structure secured at the other end of the stem for removably connecting the stem to the front end of a skateboard in upstanding relation thereto, the connecting structure having a base plate with a pair of opposed downwardly facing L-shaped grooves for sliding engagement with the slides of a generally horizontal flat plate member rigidly connected to the lower end of the stem. A fastening clip is connectable to said base plate for holding the stem in connection therewith. Alternative connecting structure may be employed by way of a removable hinge pin and related structure. Bracing strut member may be employed in connection with the handle stem for resisting twisting moments applied by a rider. The connecting structure is provided with a bolt hole pattern adapted to connect to the universal skateboard wheel truck bolt pattern.

Abstract: A deflector screen for mounting at the front of a vehicle includes an extruded mounting strip having a pair of flanges defining a vertical channel along the length of the strip for receiving a substantially rigid plastic screen. The screen is held within the channel by a shoulder on an inward face of the rear flange which cooperates with a groove formed along the length of the screen. A front face of the front flange carries a longitudinal slot to which can be attached a facing strip carrying a chromed surface. The base strip is of a mat black finish so that the facing strip can be applied or removed to provide different appearances. A rear mounting portion defined by a pair of horizontal flanges having a horizontal channel therebetween is formed on the mounting strip and includes transverse slots set at spaced locations along the length of the strip to allow bending of the strip at specific points.

Abstract: A tapered dovetail mortise and tenon joint is formed within typically a post and beam or within two joists which intersect perpendicular to each other. The tapered dovetail shaped mortise portion cavity is shaped to interfit with a dovetail shaped tenon portion. The tenon portion has incorporated therein a plurality of acute angles which permit easy assembly, cause precise alignment and cause forces to be created when components are connected using the joint which forces tend to bring the mated components into very rigid tightly interfitted assembled relationship. The joint, when assembled, is not visible because of the unique configuration of the mortise and tenon portions. A very large load bearing capability of inherent in the joint partly because of the large mating surface incorporated into the side surfaces and the bottom surfaces and also partly becuase the integrity of the chords and the web of the "I-Beam" cross section of the components is not violated.

Abstract: A cornice for the headrail of a window covering has an elongated front panel with grooves on a front surface for receiving decorative slats and a pair of longitudinal slots on the back surface. Clips hanging on the headrail have parts received within the front panel. Adjustable length side plates are assembled to the front panel by end pieces.

Abstract: In order to reduce the rail height to proportions corresponding to those of original railways while maintaining enough ground clearance, for wheels provided with European wheel flanges (3), a groove (12) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rails andhaving a dove-tailed cross-section is formed in the sole surface of each rail foot (11) of both rail sections (1) mounted on sleepers (2). A projection (20) is formed on the upper side of each sleeper (2), corresponding to both rail sections (1) and having a cross-section profile form-fitting and/or frictionally engaged within the groove (12).

Abstract: A GRP ladder rack of which the longitudinal rails have a cross-sectional shape which is S-formed, the cross rungs of the ladder being glued and dowelled in the lower channel fo the S-form. A short length of rail can be used to splice ladders to each other end to end using pop rivets and epoxy glue.

Abstract: The head of a hammock is maintained in a spread condition and attached to its support ropes by an extruded elongate member having open and closed longitudinal slots within which the ends of the hammock support ropes and the corresponding head of the hammock are respectively secured, with the transverse profile of each slot being of a substantially C-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The connecting arrangement is applied to each of two panels to be joined and has a lateral upright comprising at least one hollow support which extends over the entire length of the upright. Each support defines a substantially cylindrical seat and a passage which extends to the outside, which are respectively capable of accommodating a cylindrical portion and a web of a shaped connecting member. The member can be removably slid in with the portions thereof in the seats of two hollow supports of two contiguous panels. The connecting member is made in one piece from plastics material and the web may be flat or curved at variable angles. This permits the arrangement of contiguous panels in a coplanar configuration, at 90.degree. to each other or at 120.degree. to each other. The connecting member may be fixed in place after it has been slid in by members blocking the ends of the sets.

Abstract: A pedestal for supporting a seat. The pedestal includes a tubular support connected to a raised portion of the base through locking tabs and a peripheral flap located on the lower plate member which carries the tubular support.

Abstract: A separable hook for a hanger (for garments) is pivotably mounted to the hanger about a horizontal axis, so that when the hanger is not in use, the hook may be swiveled about the horizontal axis and folded or collapsed within the frame or main body portion of the hanger, thereby saving space for storage or shipment of the hanger. Additionally, the hook includes a base portion and a hook portion pivotably mounted to each other about a vertical axis. With this arrangement, when the hanger with its garment is in use, that is, attached to the hook and the hook received on a fixed horizontal support, the hanger (with its garment thereon) may be swiveled about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A wear runner for an excavating bucket which includes a plurality of base elements secured to the bucket in end-to-end relation, a runner element for each base element removably mounted thereunder by means of a rearwardly divergent dovetail.