Abstract: A hinged connector for joining a first structural member to a second structural member in a support structure, comprising first and second metal connector members each having a base portion for attachment to a respective structural member and a tab integral with the base portion. Each base portion includes an integral upset gusset welded to the tab of the respective connector member to add support to the tab and add stiffness to the connector member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap fit end cap for a control console positioned within a domestic appliance, particularly a washing or drying machine. Each of the end caps include mounting pins which extend through and support the control console. A stop surface is provided adjacent the mounting pins to limit the penetration of the pins into the control console and to prevent inward movement of the end cap relative to the control console. Resilient fastening devices are also provided by the end caps. The fastening devices extend through apertures provided by the control console, a shoulder surface of the fastening devices engaging an inner surface of the control console to prevent removal of the fastening device once installed therein as well as to prevent outward movement of the end cap relative to the control console.

Abstract: An external body of a soot extractor for effectively devoid of the previously mentioned sharp edges which are capable of inflicting injury on persons. The body includes a top sheet member having left and right edges bending downwardly to form a first fixing means respectively, and two side sheet members respectively attached to the left and right sides of the top sheet member and individually having a main plate portion and a arcuate plate portion, and a second fixing means extending downwardly from the edge of said arcuate plate portion for secured on the first fixing means.

Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper assembly on a punch guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the stripper assembly in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The stripper assembly includes at least one retaining projection, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining projection to secure the stripper assembly and the guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper assembly on the guide assembly, and affecting relative movement between the stripper assembly and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the stripper assembly.

Abstract: The connection for releasably joining two drum components of a hydraulically-actuated double friction disc clutch includes first and second drum components having circular cylindrical surface directed substantially axially, one overlapping the other. The inner component is formed with a catch groove or two catch recesses and the outer drum component includes catch projections, offset mutually 180.degree. and adapted to become locked within the catch groove. The outer drum includes tabs at an axial end adapted to fit within recesses formed on the periphery of the inner drum between catch projections. The drums are driveably connected by applying oppositely directed axial force sufficient to snap the catch projections into the catch groove. The drums are disassembled by elastically deforming the outer drum until the catch projections clear the catch groove and then applying an axial force that separates the drums.

Abstract: A structure interlinking the axle (2) with the hubs (3) of steering drive wheels, particularly for use on such agricultural machines as tractors and the like, comprising two cup-shaped bodies (4,5) respectively unitary with the axle and the wheel hub. The cup-shaped bodies are face coupled together in a relationship of relative rotation about the steering axis of the wheel by respective helical threadways (19, 20) having a coincident axis (X--X) with the steering axis.

Abstract: The reciprocating pump shaft is joined to a reciprocating motor shaft by the coupling of this invention. The pump shaft is provided with a knob-like end having a chamfered angle between the knob and a reduced diameter section adjacent the knob. A two piece annular collar that's about the chamfered shoulder and the reduced diameter section and the collar is provided with a chamfered shoulder having a slight angular mis-match with the shaft shoulder. A nut draws the pump shaft upwardly against the end of the motor shaft and is tightened to the point where the pre-load between the two shafts is greater than the alternating load imposed by the motor.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for an appliance having a shaft with a radially outwardly-extending boss with a cam surface thereon locked in an "OFF" position between a stop and a detent lug. The user is required to move (push) the shaft axially in order to enable the boss to clear the detent to permit rotary movement away from the "OFF" position stop for affecting a control function. As the boss is rotated past the detent to the desired "ON" position, and upon user release, the shaft is spring biased to return to its initial axial position. Upon return rotary movement of the shaft by the user, the cam automatically moves the shaft axially to enable the boss to pass by the detent to return to the "OFF" position against the stop.

Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper plate on a punch guide assembly. The device includes an annular retaining ring adapted to retain the stripper plate on the guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the retaining ring in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The retaining ring includes at least one retaining surface, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining surface to secure the retaining ring and guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper plate on the guide assembly, placing the retaining ring on the stripper plate, and affecting relative movement between the retaining ring and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the retaining ring.

Abstract: A control device having a push to turn selector arrangement and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a support unit, a first selector member threadedly carried by the support unit so as to be rotatable and axially movable relative thereto, a second selector member rotatably carried by the support unit and being axially movable relative thereto, a coupling structure coupling the selector members together to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is axially pushed inwardly and then rotated, and a spring unit disposed between the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member, the coupling unit comprising a drive plate rotatably carried by the support unit intermediate the selector members and having parts thereof respectively splined to the selector members to transmit rotatable movement of the second selector member to the first selector memb

Abstract: A drawer for an article of furniture has a pair of oppositely disposed sides which are parallel to the direction of movement of the drawer when the latter is opened and closed. Each of these sides is formed with an elongated pocket which is designed to receive a runner for the drawer. Such a runner includes an elongated support which is symmetrical about a median plane dividing the support longitudinally and can be mounted at either side of the drawer. In its mounted condition, the support extends in the direction of movement of the drawer. The runner further includes an elongated guide rail which serves to guide the drawer during movement. The guide rail is designed to be releasably connected to the support in such a manner that the guide rail extends in parallelism with the support and is prevented from shifting longitudinally relative thereto. The means for releasably connecting the guide rail to the support includes one or two grooves in the guide rail and one or two cooperating detents on the support.

Abstract: A control device having a push to turn selector arrangement and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a support unit, a first selector member threadedly carried by the support unit so as to be rotatable and axially movable relative thereto, a second selector member rotatably carried by the support unit and being axially movable relative thereto, a coupling structure coupling the selector members together to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is axially pushed inwardly and then rotated, and a spring unit disposed between the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member, the couping unit comprising a drive plate rotatably carried by the suport unit intermediate the selector members and having parts thereof respectively splined to the selector members to transmit rotatable movement of the second selector member to the first selector member

Abstract: This invention concerns a box-shaped base formed by wedge coupling two identical moulded plastic half-shells, for use in the construction of chairs, armchairs, tables or other types of furniture.

Abstract: A room air conditioner is assembled from prefabricated modular units. A refrigeration system module allows the compressor, condenser and evaporator to be per-assembled on a base. An air system allows the fan motor, fans, shrouds and other partitions to be pre-assembled as a unit and the electrical controls and mounting panel are pre-assembled as another unit. these units are then sequentially assembled on a main assembly line into the finished air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting stator vane platforms formed in an extended arc length, such as 90.degree., in a compressor casing, comprising a circumferential flange formed in the compressor casing having spaced clamp arms, a flange carried on each stator vane platform having a surface which is formed with a plurality of radially outwardly extending wedge lock elements, and locking springs having inner and outer sides each formed with wedge lock elements extending radially outwardly therefrom. In order to mount the stator vane platform on the compressor casing, the locking springs are placed in an "unlocked" position on the flange of a stator vane platform wherein the wedge lock elements on the inner side of the locking spring extend between adjacent wedge lock elements on the flange. The vane platform flange and locking spring are then inserted as a unit between the clamp arms of the compressor casing.

Abstract: A quick connect-disconnect coupling for joining two drive shafts on a common axis for simultaneous movement where one drive shaft extends from a prime mover and the other from a piece of equipment. The coupling includes a first mating member mounted on one of the drive shafts that has socket means and drive pin means, and a second mating member on the other of said drive shafts that has a ball member matable with said socket and pin engaging means to receive said pins which when said pins are rotated will impart rotation to the first mating member for simultaneous rotation.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting stator vane platforms formed in an extended arc length, in a compressor casing, comprising a circumferential flange formed in the compressor casing having spaced clamp arms, a flange carrier on each stator vane platform having a surface which is formed with a plurality of radially outwardly extending wedge lock elements, and locking springs having inner and outer sides each formed with wedge lock elements extending radially outwardly therefrom. In order to mount the stator vane platform on the compressor casing, the locking springs are placed in an "unlocked" position on the flange of a stator vane platform wherein the wedge lock elements on the inner side of the locking spring extend between adjacent wedge lock elements on the flange. The vane platform flange and locking spring are then inserted as a unit between the clamp arms of the compressor casing.

Abstract: A connector assembly 10 is described which permits high pressure connection joints for either high temperature or cryogenic fluid conduits. The assembly 10 comprises in combination a translating carriage 20, a mandrel 50 and a tubular member 70, all including associated functional elements.

Abstract: A shaft alignment system for pumps which utilizes a clamp for holding a reciprocating shaft to a piston in an abutting relationship. The clamp can be loosened and retightened after the piston, which is attached to the reciprocating shaft, is inserted in a cylinder. Forces induced on the piston after insertion in the cylinder cause the piston and shaft to be realigned. Resecuring the reciprocating shaft assembly to the piston assembly causes the system to be precisely aligned in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a driving means to a driven means for reciprocating movement wherein a confined deformable, non-compressible material is in contact with a surface area of the driving means and with a surface area of the driven means and when a force is applied to the driving means to move the driving means toward the driven means, the deformable, non-compressible material deforms to compensate for any misalignment between the driving means and the driven means until it reaches its non-compressible state so that a uniform force is then transmitted across the surface area of the driven means in one direction to move the driven means.

Abstract: A lens holding system is provided for the rear lens system of a camera lens arrangement having front and rear lens systems divided by a shutter housing. The lends holding system includes a first lens holder for biasing the rear lens system in a first axial direction, a second lens holder for biasing the rear lens system in a direction opposite the first axial direction, the first and second lens holder including respective first and second coupling parts extending from peripheral portions of the respective lens holders for interengagement and for supplying the biasing through elastic deformation of at least one of the first and second coupling parts.

Abstract: The connecting device for housing-shaped elements and the application thereof to the making of housings for air conditioning systems for vehicles is characterized in that one of the elements has a projecting lip (8) thereon, while the other element has a receiving flange for the projecting lip (8) bearing (14) and retaining (19, 21) means being provided alternately between the projecting lip (8) and the receiving flange.

Abstract: A reciprocable device comprising a reciprocable member mounted for reciprocating movement within a chamber and a valve system for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of such member. The valve system includes first and second valve elements, a connector joining the valve elements and a bistable spring, which is actuated by the reciprocable member, for driving the connector.

Abstract: A pile splice includes two splice plates, each having a dove-tail shaped groove aligned with the groove in the abutting plate. Slip cams are disposed in the channel, defined by the grooves, for outward movement to draw the plates together. Drive wedges are driven between the slip cams to drive them outwardly to draw and hold the plates together and to form a massive, strong pile splice. Wedge forces are distributed to increase clamping forces. Headed reinforcing bars are securely held in the splice plates by plastic bushings to facilitate splice plate alignment and pile casting. Methods are provided.

Abstract: A steering wheel center pad is formed to have a pair of coaxial upper and lower sleeve section on which a pair of upper and lower internal gears are rotatably mounted, respectively. The lower internal gear is held stationary relative to a column by means of one or more tapered anchor legs provided to the lower internal gear and holes provided in a combination switch fixedly attached to the column.

Abstract: A valve manifold is provided of the type commonly referred to as an instrument manifold and used in systems designed to detect pressure differential. The manifold includes first and second passageways interconnecting a pair of input ports and a pair of output ports. Removable flanges are provided on the input and/or the output ends of the manifold. Each flange may be structurally secured to the valve manifold body by special nipples, and is provided with apertures for receiving bolts to mount the flanges to related process-side or instrument-side equipment. A threaded end of the nipple is adapted for sealing engagement with the manifold body, while the other end of the nipple is adapted for sealing engagement with elliptical-shaped flanges or a differential pressure transmitter. The versatility of the valve manifold is substantially increased, since the removable flanges allow the same manifold body to be used for either direct or remote mounting.

Abstract: A flexible coupling (11) is formed with a toroidal diaphragm (21-22) as its flexible member. A pair of half-toroids (21-22) are fixed to inner rings (25, 26) and outer rings (27, 28) in order to effect connections. The inner rings (25, 26) are connected, respectively, to drive shaft sections (13, 14). The outer rings (27, 28) are used to connect the half-toroids (21-22) to each other. Torque from one of the drive shaft sections (13) is passed through one of the inner rings (23), through one of the diaphragms (21) through the outer rings (27 and 28) to the other diaphragms (22), the other inner ring (26) and to the other drive shaft section (14). Advantages include increased flexibility of a flexible coupling of a type which uses no bearing parts.

Abstract: An electrically operated fuel pump apparatus comprises an electric motor and a regenerative pump having a pump housing and a disc-like impeller. The motor shaft has an end portion extending into a central axial through-hole formed in an end wall of the pump housing. A joint member comprising a ring-like base and a circumferential row of axial rods extending therefrom is rotatably disposed in the axial through-hole in the end wall of the pump housing and secured to the end portion of the motor shaft. The impeller is rotatably and axially movably mounted on an impeller shaft provided separately of the motor shaft and secured to the other end wall of the pump housing. The impeller is formed therein with a circumferential row of axial apertures with which the axial rods of the joint member loosely engage to transmit the rotation of the motor shaft to the impeller while permitting axial movement of the impeller relative to the motor shaft and the pump housing.

Abstract: A helicopter transportable mud pump made into three stages, each of which is separable from one another. Each pump stage is made into a lightweight sub-assembly which can be lifted by a helicopter into inaccessible locations. The adjacent crankshaft ends of the assembled pump stages are series connected in axially aligned relationship respective to one another by a special coupling and drive means. The coupling means is comprised of two coacting coupling members, each of which have confronting faces connected together in a manner to dispose the adjacent shaft ends of the multi-stage pump 120.degree. out of phase respective to one another. The coupling halves are identical in design so that only one member must be duplicated during fabrication of the device.

Abstract: A linking means is disclosed for releasably connecting and quickly disconnecting two relatively discrete members in longitudinally aligned load bearing or load transmitting relationship to each other. The discrete members are connected by the coaction of hook-like flanges strategically disposed upon one member with angularly disposed retainer flanges disposed upon the other discrete member and the containment of a portion of one member between spaced outreaching flange members integrally formed upon said second member while a portion of the confronting edges of both members engage.By disengaging the confronting edges of the member and vertically moving the first member relative to said second member, a quick disconnect is achieved.

Abstract: For use in service and maintenance of oil and gas (or water) wells, a truck mounted line and cable winch. A winch has dual drums each of which is independently driven by a direct coupled radial piston hydraulic motor. An improved flexible coupling connects aligned motor and drum shafts.

Abstract: A system for connecting corresponding edge areas of adjacent thin-walled bodies. Each edge area is provided with at least one bent notch portion which engages a corresponding bent notch portion carried by the other edge area, such that apertures provided in the notched portions are coaxially aligned to receive a common connecting member for securing the bodies together. A plurality of such notch portions may be spaced along the lengths of the corresponding edge areas to define a series of coaxial apertures through which an elongate connecting member is inserted for securing the bodies together.

Abstract: A machine tool has a circular support including a series of separable sections, with a gear movable thereon and connected to a plurality of spaced workpiece supporting pallets with rollers movably mounted between a plurality of work stations around the support, upon a pair of rails, one rail having a cam surface. A plurality of abutments are mounted on the support at each work station and supportably engage a pallet when at such station, the pallet being anchored to the abutments for machining of a workpiece. The pallet is lifted off the rails when at a work station and solely supported by the abutments. As the pallet leaves a work station, on advancing of the gear, the cam rail lifts one side of the pallet upwardly to a transfer position above the abutments, with the other side of the pallet lowered for engagement with the other rail.

Abstract: The device comprises a resilient fastener which has branches clipped on a first of the two elements of the homokinetic joint and serves to hold the second element of the joint assembled with the first element. One of the branches of the resilient member carries an adjustable abutment device which cooperates with a second abutment device on the first element. The fastener can be made to exert a prestressing force by adjustment of the adjustable abutment device. The adjustable abutment device may be a screw which is screwthreadedly engaged in a nut carried by the corresponding branch of the fastener and has an abutment surface which abuts an abutment surface formed on the first element.

Abstract: A graphite target disk for a rotating anode x-ray tube is adapted for mounting it on a rotor stem in a manner which reduces the probability of the target cracking when it is subjected to high magnitude thermal and rotational shocks. The graphite disk has a counterbore in its front and rear faces which are connected with a smaller central bore so the counterbores define annular shoulders. A washer having a slot which serves as a keyway is brazed concentrically onto the shoulder of the front counterbore. The rotor stem has a threaded end which registers complementarily in the slot to effect a driving connection and the stem has a radially extending shoulder which interfaces with the shoulder in the rear counterbore. A nut on the threaded stem end secures the target to the stem.

Abstract: The invention refers to an overload control device between two revolving machine parts having substantially semicylindrical lugs or extensions uniformly distributed over the circumference. Two lugs, pertaining to two different machine parts, form cylinders with partition areas parallel with the direction of rotation of the machine parts, surrounded by hollow power-transmitting carrier drive links connecting the machine parts, and severing the connection by breaking in case of an overload. The carrier drive links consist of hollow cylinders made of high-duty, inflexible material mounted upon and surrounding the lugs under an initial stress.

Abstract: A coupling is mounted between a valve stem of a valve and a rod of a valve actuator. The rod includes an extension having a piston member at the end thereof which is received within a cylinder member mounted on the end of the valve stem. The extension and piston member thereof define with the cylinder member a chamber within the cylinder member. Force can be transmitted from the rod to the stem by full insertion of the piston member within the cylinder member. A pressurized gas is contained within the chamber to limit the force transmitted from the rod to the stem when the relative position of the rod with respect to the stem causes the piston member to be located intermediate of the cylinder member.

Abstract: A rotary power transmitting shaft decoupling device has a driving element sposed coaxially within a driven element and keyed thereto by a plurality of rollers held in aligned grooves and slots of the driving and driven elements, respectively, by an indexing ring that is coaxial with and surrounds the driven element. Actuation to effect decoupling is effected by arresting rotation of the indexing ring until the rollers become aligned with slots in the ring through which the rollers are ejected.

Abstract: A flexible coupling shaft which is suitable for plug-in installation between the splined output shaft of a turbine engine and the splined input shaft of a testing apparatus for the production test of the engine, includes a shaft member having opposed end flanges which are connected by: (1) bayonet connections to hub members, each having a splined central portion for receiving the splined shaft of either the engine or the testing device; and (2) flexible joint connections in the form of stacked arrays of flat metallic shims, with the stacked shims being separately connected respectively to the flange parts of the shaft and the associated hub. By this arrangement, axial misalignment between the splined input and output shafts is compensated by the splined interconnections, while lateral misalignments are compensated for by bending of the stacked shims which define a diaphragm-type coupling.

Abstract: A shaft decoupler wherein driving and driven components having grooved fles are keyed together by rollers held in the grooves by lands between recesses of a retaining assembly that normally rotates with the mentioned components and is momentarily arrested to allow the driving and driven components to advance the roller carrying grooves to alignment with the recesses to effect decoupling. The decoupler is characterized by the use of high strength plastic rollers, cooperating indexing elements to limit relative rotation between the driving component and the retaining assembly, and a solid lubricant filled plastic thrust and journal bearing.

Abstract: A two-part quick-attach detachable, triple-locking connection providing for "two-handed" assembly of cutter-shields to housings in mass production of filament trimmers and the like but requiring "three-handed" disassembly to insure safety in subsequent use of the filament trimmer. An embodiment includes: (1) a housing with a circular interrupted-flange male connection around the lower end periphery, and (2) a shield with a complementary circular interrupted-flange female connection for coaxially yielding to the male flange and, after yielding, for locking to it by a half-turn of relative rotation. The locking is by means of a plurality of inwardly-directed flexible locking fingers, located in the flange interruptions of the female connection and being of a length to snap down into the flange-interruptions of the male connection and prevent unlocking counter-rotation of the male and female connections when they are assembled together.

Abstract: An indicator for use in monitoring and determining axial deflection or positioning of a coupling, e.g., of the flexible diaphragm type, wherein a pair of suitably configured indicia such as stepped edge decals are located on opposite ends of the coupling torque tube or spacing member adjacent each coupling hub. Initially each coupling guard ring covers a portion of the indicia, while leaving the remainder exposed. This is indicative of the normal nondeflected position of the diaphragm or similar flexible coupling component. As the shaft rotates, a stroboscope is employed to flash a light frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the shaft and in the event there is axial misalignment the indicia will appear to deviate from their normal nondeflected position such that more or less of the indicia will be seen as the torque tube or spacing member is observed with the strobe light applied to it.

Abstract: A device to position two components in each of three mutually perpendicular directions. One component having a projecting pin and the other such a conical bore that, on the components being pressed together, a spherical surface on the pin bears against the conical wall of the bore thereby causing the bearing surfaces to be deformed when the components abut.

Abstract: A coupler for joining optical devices. It receives a peripheral flange. The coupler includes a socket to receive the flange. Each of a plurality of radially movable retainer studs has a shoulder which can project through a respective aperture in the side wall of the socket to overhang and engage a shoulder on said flange, thereby to hold together optical devices that are in turn integral with or fastened to the flange and to the coupler. Means is provided for moving the retainer studs in the apertures, both into and out of the socket.

Abstract: A control device having a support and a first selector member rotatably carried by the support. A second selector member is rotatably carried by the support and is axially movable relative to the support and the first selector member. The selector members are coupled together in a manner to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is rotated. A pair of spaced spring members are disposed between and respectively engage the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member. The first selector member has a cylindrical part extending therefrom and the second selector member has a C-shaped shaft rotatably disposed against the cylindrical part of the first selector member.

Abstract: A press of the kind for the preparation of pellets of cattle feed or other pelletisable material and comprising an annular die having a plurality of radial bores therein, which is mounted on a driving rim for rotation around a stationary support fitted with a number of pressure rollers, each freely rotatable on a stationary shaft and in closely spaced relationship with the interior surface of the die, the arrangement being such that material fed into the interior of the die is forced through the bores therein by the action of said pressure rollers, characterized in that the die and driving rim therefor are provided with complementary circumferential mating male and female conical surfaces, there being a plurality of circumferentially spaced links each of which is arranged to be pivotally connected at its opposed ends to the driving rim and die respectively such that transmission of torque from the driving rim to the die causes pivoting movement of said links to bring said mating surfaces into pressurised enga

Abstract: A joint for connecting a driving means to a driven means for reciprocating movement wherein a confined deformable, non-compressible material is in contact with a surface area of the driving means and with a surface area of the driven means and when a force is applied to the driving means to move the driving means toward the driven means, the deformable, non-compressible material deforms to compensate for any misalignment between the driving means and the driven means until is reaches it non-compressible state so that a uniform force is then transmitted across the surface area of the driven means in one direction to move the driven means.