Abstract: A sectional shelter is made of a set of panels of plastic material arranged side by side, along with a plastic roof cap. The panels are coupled by ribs projecting from one edge portion of each panel and a channel along the other edge portion. Retainers are pivotally mounted on the inside of the wall adjacent the channeled edge portion so that the edge portion carrying the ribs may be captured between the inside wall of the panel and the retainer. The shelter has curved and straight panels so that it may have various configurations. Door and window openings are formed in the wall panels and are closed by doors and windows fastened on the panels.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting a circuit board substrate with etching fluid or some other chemical includes a conveyor system comprised of upper and lower rotating disks for receiving and transporting the circuit board substrate while the substrate is contacted with fluid. The apparatus includes a labyrinth seal which is used to prevent fluid from escaping from the apparatus. A shunting system permits the type of fluid applied to the substrate to be readily altered. Housing units incorporated in the apparatus are readily secured together with a resilient clamp.

Abstract: A coupling between the piston and cylinder controlling and actuating member and the bending head of a portable pipe bending machine comprising a collar (5) made up of two half collars (5', 5") with concavities complementary with the side wall of the cylinder (3), which are removably joined (6, 6') to each other to clamp the cylinder itself, one of them (5') being rigidly joined (6, 6') to the bending head (1), a coupling which is desired further comprises structure for preventing the axial displacement of the collar (5) upon the cylinder (3), particularly a groove (9', 9") on the collar and a complementary ridge (9) on the cylinder (3).

Abstract: A pump casing made of sheet metal has an outer casing having a suction nozzle, and an inner casing housed in said outer casing and spaced therefrom. A resilient seal is disposed in a gap defined between the outer casing and an inner casing. An impeller is rotatably disposed in the inner casing with a clearance defined between a liner portion of the inner casing and the impeller. The resilient seal is effective to absorb deformations of the outer casing, such deformations of the outer casing are not transmitted to the inner casing.

Abstract: A breakaway base and upper-separation joint for use with highway luminaire supports. The breakaway base, circular in cross section, has a lower-base section with a first rim, an upper-base section with a second rim, a split-ring retainer, and a perimeter band. The split-ring retainer captures the first rim of the lower-base section and the second rim of the upper-base section. The perimeter band encircles the split-ring retainer. In response to a vehicle impact with the upper-base section, the perimeter band fractures, causing disjunction of the split-ring retainer and allowing the upper-base section to separate from the lower-base section. Alternatively, the breakaway base is radial-spoked when viewed from above and has a first plurality of rims on the lower-base section, a second plurality of rims on the upper-base section, a plurality of retainer segments to engage and capture the first and second plurality of rims, and a plurality of fasteners to secure the retainer segments against the rims.

Abstract: A turbine flowpath assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart airfoils disposed within an annular outer casing. Each of the airfoils includes outer and inner integral bands. A plurality of flowpath outer and inner panels are disposed between adjacent ones of the bands and circumferentially overlap the bands. The panels and bands are joined together at the respective overlaps using tripod plates and fasteners therethrough for allowing circumferential movement therebetween while providing sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a snow thrower which has a motor, a wheeled support for the motor, an auger, and a support for the auger. The apparatus converts the snow thrower to a lawn care apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of lock assemblies connected to the auger support on opposite sides of the auger, support, a rollable lawn care assembly, and a pair of strut members connected at opposite ends of the rollable lawn care assembly. The strut members are adapted to connect with the lock assemblies on the auger support. Each of the lock assemblies includes a base plate attached to the auger support. A first bracket member is attached to the base plate and receives a portion of one of the strut members.

Abstract: A plurality of tubes having flanged ends are assembled in end to end fashion by clamping the flanges between first and second portions of connector blocks, the portions of the connector blocks being provided with channels formed in the opposed surfaces thereof for defining a passage through the connector block when assembled to each other and a groove in the channel formed in the opposed surfaces for receiving the flanges formed around the ends of the tubes. Each of the portions of the connector blocks is provided with complementary projections and recesses for frictionally engaging one portion to the other and for frictionally engaging the connector blocks to the pieces of a multiple piece, snap-together, children's building toy set.

Abstract: The sliding joint assembly for a first part and a second part having different expansion coefficients comprises a plurality of radially-acting spring blades connected firstly at first ends to the first part only in the vicinity of a contact interface, and secondly via second ends to the second part only in a zone that is axially remote from the contact interface, the contact interface constituting a sliding contact interface between the first and second parts while the second ends of the spring blades are connected to the second part by mechanical fasteners constituted by detachable screw-and-nut type assemblies provided with spring washers for damping forces exerted in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: Cylindrical bodies of structural components, such as a spacecraft and a rocket section or two rocket sections, are coupled to each other by a releasable coupling device. The structural components have radially protruding flanges that face each other and are encircled by the coupling device. The coupling device includes a flexible tensioning element, such as a steel belt or link chain, the ends of which are interconnected by a clamping or locking device. The clamping or locking device is constructed as a two-armed lever, one end of which is connected to each of the ends of the tensioning element. The two-armed lever is rotatably supported and driven by an operating member such as a pipe section or rod. The two-armed lever is thus rotatable through an angle of about 180.degree. so that the ends of the tensioning element are brought into overlapping positions. When the ends are in such overlapping positions the device is locked. Rotation of the two-armed lever into the opposite direction unlocks the device.

Abstract: A pump casing made of sheet metal has an outer casing having a suction nozzle, and an inner casing housed in said outer casing and spaced therefrom. A resilient seal is disposed in a gap defined between the outer casing and an inner casing. An impeller is rotatably disposed in the inner casing with a clearance defined between a liner portion of the inner casing and the impeller. The resilient seal is effective to absorb deformations of the outer casing, such deformations of the outer casing are not transmitted to the inner casing.

Abstract: A full-circumferential flow pump has a circumferential fluid passage between a pump casing and a motor provided in the pump casing. The full-circumferential flow pump comprises a suction-side casing having a suction nozzle, and an outer cylinder connected to the suction-side casing and accommodating the canned motor therein. The suction-side casing and the outer cylinder have flanges, respectively extending radially outwardly from an open ends thereof. The adjacent flanges of the suction-side casing and the outer cylinder are clamped by clamping flanges to connect the suction-side casing and the outer cylinder.

Abstract: In a gas turbine having a blade carrier (2) which is suspended coaxially in a turbine casing (3), both the turbine casing and the blade carrier are provided with a horizontal junction plane. An exhaust gas casing (5), whose bounding walls consist essentially of an annular inner part on the hub side and an annular outer part (7), is gastightly connected by means of an annular flange (7A) to an annular flange (3A) of the turbine casing (3). Between the annular flanges a two-part separating ring (13) having at least one conically extending face (13A) is disposed. The angle of the conically extending face (13A) has a self-locking effect.

Abstract: A ring joint for a space vehicle subject to vibration forces during launch having anti-rotation key means to avoid relative angular displacement of parts on each side of the ring joint gap. The ring joint includes top and bottom flanges, each flange having an axial bearing surface and a radially outer tapered surface, and includes a ring having arcuate segments, each segment having a V-shaped groove with radially inner tapered surfaces for closing a gap between the axial bearing surfaces, and includes a radial key in at least one segment disposed in the V-shaped groove thereof, for keying the ring to each flange.

Abstract: An environmental conditioning apparatus including a control unit for conditioning a surrounding environment; a housing retaining the conditioning unit and comprising a flange defining an opening, the flange having inner and outer flange edge portions separated by oppositely directed front and rear flange surface portions; and a grill covering the opening and comprising a rim juxtaposed to the flange, the rim having inner and outer rim edge portions separated by oppositely directed front and rear rim surface portions and the rear rim surface portion facing the front flange surface portion.

Abstract: A drive and bearing arrangement for a rotatable member such as a concrete mixing drum has a first drive mechanism for providing a rotational drive force to the drum, a primary bearing coupled to the primary drive mechanism and the drum for supporting an end of the drum, an auxiliary bearing for selectively and alternatively supporting the end of the drum in the event of failure of the primary bearing, and an auxiliary drive mechanism for providing a drive force to the drum when the end of the drum is supported by the auxiliary bearing. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes a drive flange coupled to the output of a transmission which includes the primary bearing, and a driven flange which is coupled to the rotatable drum. Auxiliary bearings are provided between the first and second flanges. A removable locking element is provided to rigidly lock the drive and driven flanges together when the primary bearing is rotatably supporting the end of the drum.

Abstract: A two-part weaving machine includes lamellar side parts in both portions of the machine frame. The side parts are fitted with mutually associated, essentially horizontal rest surfaces and with mutually associated, essentially vertical stop surfaces. In addition, a tightening system containing tightening wedges is provided for each machine side to press the stop surfaces of the side parts against each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: An improved panel coupler has a hub assembly which releaseably and adjustably holds two or more panel clamps for coupling together two or more adjoining panels. The panel clamps have keeper ends which are captured and adjustable within a keeper channel in the hub assembly such that the panel clamps are infinitely adjustable about the hub assembly, and distal clamping ends which, in turn, are adjustable for clamping onto panels having different thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tamper-resistant fluid-operated brake actuator having a power spring housed within a head or cap which is attached to a flange case having one or more diaphragms or pistons responsive to changes of fluid pressure within the brake actuator chambers. In one embodiment, the head is attached to the flange case by a substantially continuous curvilinear annular metal retaining member which must be inelastically deformed or destroyed in order to remove the head from the flange case, thus rendering tampering more difficult. In another embodiment, the annular metal retaining member of the present invention is integral with the actuator head and which is metal-spun or the like onto the flange case.

Abstract: A countertop clamping apparatus and method for use thereof are described which facilitate installation of a countertop or other shelving constructions, particularly those having a mitered corner. The apparatus includes elongated plates having longitudinal flanges and is fixed to the under surfaces of the countertop sections to be joined. Modified C-clamps connect the flanges for facile tightening by either a right or left handed installer and the apparatus may comprehend a drip catching slat between the elongated plates and seam to be joined for decreasing spills during gluing or otherwise filling of the countertop seam.

Abstract: An assembly for adaptably mounting observation equipment where the assembly s mated to an existing hole pattern on a vehicle. The assembly includes an adapter plate with holes for mating and a clamp ring for releasably mounting observation equipment to the plate. The vehicle may be a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle and the observation equipment may include night vision equipment.

Abstract: First and second annular clamping elements are coupled together by an annular clamping ring and a Belleville spring coupled to the clamping ring urges the clamping elements toward each other so that they grip the annular ceramic piece without the need to utilize fasteners which would call for the machining of the annular ceramic piece to weaken it. The clamping elements thus support the ceramic piece and can couple it to an annular gas turbine machine frame or the like.

Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a tamper-resistant clamp provided between a head (46) and a spring side of a flange case (18) which together form a spring chamber (16) housing a power spring (72). The head (46) has an annular rim (70), and the flange case has an annular flange (74) with a diaphragm (48) sandwiched therebetween in an interface (76). An annular retaining member (78) has a lip (86) which tightly captures a step (80) on the annular rim as the annular retaining member (78) is drawn over the interface (76) to form the tamper-resistant clamp.

Abstract: A device for coupling the detachable connection between a driving shaft of an engine and a driven cylindrical hub of a generator wherein the engine and generator are provided with collar members having corresponding annular flanges which are detachably clamped together by a ring formed from two pivotal clamping halves.

Abstract: Device for the releasable connection of two sections including an upper and lower profile strip, with corresponding grooves, which are connected to one another by use of screw bolts or the like.

Abstract: The color coded disposable-filter holder 1 of the invention comprises of a first molded pane-like housing part 2 with an intake stub 3 and a second molded pane-like housing part 4 comprising a discharge stub 5. The two housing parts 2, 4 are rigidly joined in pressure-resistant and hermetic manner at their radially outer zones 7 pointing to each other while enclosing a planar filter 6. This disposable-filter holder is provided with a color coding consisting of a dyed plastic in the form of a prefabricated plastic ring or plastic clip 9 present in an annular groove 8 in the radially outer zone of the disposbale-filter holder.

Abstract: A peripheral protection device for two metal pieces (10, 12) fitted into one another and having a general flange shape, the first (12) of which has an edge (18) extending outwards and the second (10) of which has a marginal zone, a first part (14) of which has substantially the form of a capital S whose vertical axis is substantially parallel to the edge (18) and a second part (16) of which is substantially perpendicular to the edge (18) consists of an arc having, in section, the general form of the capital letter C enclosing the edge (18) and the marginal zone.

Abstract: Large and small seal ring segments are interconnected to allow for circumferentially overlapping sliding engagement therebetween. The seal ring segments form an annular seal ring having a radial flange which is mounted within an annular radial groove formed in one end of a conduit. An adjoining conduit is formed with a sealing band having a spherical contour for engaging a cylindrical base portion of the seal ring with an axially slidable and pivotable fit.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a driving member having an end surface to a driven member having an end surface wherein a solid, deformable, non-compressible material is located therebetween and associated therewith to provide a space to permit limited relative movement therebetween so that when a force is applied to the driving member to move the driving member toward the driven member, the solid, deformable, non-compressible material deforms to compensate for any misalignment between the driving member and the driven member until it fills the space and the non-compressible characteristic thereof operates so that a uniform force is then transmitted across the end surface of the driven member to move the driven member.

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 environmental conditioning apparatus including a control unit for conditioning a surrounding environment; a housing retaining the conditioning unit and comprising a flange defining an opening, the flange having inner and outer flange edge portions separated by oppositely directed front and rear flange surface portions; and a grill covering the opening and comprising a rim juxtaposed to the flange, the rim having inner and outer rim edge portions separated by oppositely directed front and rear rim surface portions and the rear rim surface portion facing the front flange surface portion.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to centrifugal water pumps and consists of a union of lateral suction and support covers with the water pump housing by a plurality of non-screwing pressure elements and of an external gasket adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A removable three-piece paddle shaft assembly (30) for use in a mixing machine such as a mortar mixer (11) is disclosed. Three-piece paddle shaft assembly (30) includes paddle shaft drive spindle (31), main paddle shaft (32), and a paddle shaft supporting spindle (33). Main paddle shaft (32) is coaxially coupled at its ends to paddle shaft drive spindle (32) and the paddle shaft supporting spindle (33) using a pair of removable coaxial couplers (35). Removable coaxial couplers (35), here each consist of a spline type connection and a cooperating coupling nut (38). Coupling nuts (38) are provided with radially extending hammer protuberances to facilitate rotation of the coupling nuts using only a hammer. Complete removal and reinstallation of main paddle shaft (32) can be accomplished without disassembly of cylindrical mixing drum (12) or double-action bearings (15) and (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting castings includes an elongated screw having a threaded shank and head, a washer mounted on the screw, and a rigid bracket removably and operably mounted on the screw shank. Each connecting apparatus is mounted between the abutting edges of a pair of castings, so as to align and retain the castings in their aligned position. The castings each include a vertical edge having a flange therealong with a generally flat exterior surface, such that the exterior surfaces of the flanges of abutting castings will be parallel and adjacent. The connecting apparatus bracket has a pair of diverging legs which will engage the vertical flanges when moved along the screw shank towards the screw head. Each casting also includes upper and lower flanges, the flanges of a pair of castings being positioned in abutting contact so as to stack the castings. The screw of a connector apparatus is interposed between the abutting flanges with a washer abutting the exterior surfaces of the castings.

Abstract: An improved conversion custom hard top or roof for vehicles is aerodynamic and provides greater headroom or interior vertical space for the occupants of the vehicle. The replacement roof comprises three separate levels distinguished by the three riser portions. Two of the riser portions are convex and the third riser portion is concave.

Abstract: A hinged and quick mount guard for an electric fan. The fan guard includes a concave, dish-shaped rear guard member having an axial opening for the reception of a fan motor shaft, and a plurality of key holes for the reception of thru-bolts on the fan motor for securing the rear guard member to the fan motor. The fan guard includes a concave, dish-shaped front guard member hingedly and releasably retained on the rear guard member.

Abstract: A die set having a pillar slidable in a bush which are secured to plates, to maintain alignment of the plates, by connector devices which comprises clamping members clamped by fasteners to the plates so that clamping surfaces abut abutment surfaces on flanges on the pillar and bush; and the surfaces are inclined so that the clamping members are driven radially outwards by the flanges if the pillar and bush seize together.

Abstract: A robotic connector or interface includes a roughly conical male member in which the conical side may be concave. The male member includes a radial indexing pin, and a central bore in which polarized electrical connectors are located. A mating female member includes a cavity with a fundus and movable peripheral lips adapted for grasping the base of the male member when engaged for drawing the male member into full mating relation with the cavity. A tapered slot in the side of the female member guides the index pin to impart rotational forces so that mating can take place even if the approach is skewed. The electrical connectors are mounted on a separately indexed, spring loaded connector plate at the fundus of the cavity. A motor-driven linkage operates the peripheral lip members.

Abstract: A load transmitting device for use in transmitting load from a tie rod to a beam used as a support for a concrete casting formwork, has a bridging member which bridges between adjacent lateral flanges of the beam, and restraint means acting between the bridging member and a surface of the beam facing oppositely to the flange surfaces bridged by said member, in such a manner as to resist bending of the flanges engaged by the bridging member as a result of bending force applied to the bridging member by the tie rod loading the flanges at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the beam.

Abstract: This invention is a flue liner collar designed to secure liners within a masonry chimney. It further comprises a liner interlock comprised of two interconnected metallic bands of identical configuration forming an expansible and contractible collar for the sides of two stacked chimney liners and said bands having inwardly extending flanges for seating the ends of said adjacent liners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping and unclamping of components with the aid of a clamping flange, at least one of said components being clamped by the hook of said device, the clamping force being transferred via a bolt linked with the hook and a nut that can be operated from the external side. The invention provides for a device clamped and unclamped by means of a tool such as an impact wrench, the head of which need not be tilted, lifted or lowered.The aim of the invention is achieved by means of nut (5) that is arranged in a fixture and that can be turned but yet remains in a defined position, and by means of hook (10) that is linked with bolt (6) and guided with the aid of element (12) in groove (11) of fixture (5), the hook thus performing upward and downward motions and being swivelled by at least 45.degree. around its longitudinal axis for unclamping the flange.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting shafts for rotation. The coupling can include as few as two major parts, including a reaction ring and an adjustable clamping structure. The shaft or shafts to be coupled are provided with outwardly flared ends, each defining an inner and outer surface, and the noted major parts with corresponding flared portions. Both the inner and outer surface of each outwardly flared end is subject to a pressure force exerted by the major parts to effect a pressure clamping of the flared ends, and thereby a connection. Also, at least one of the two major parts and the shafts at their flared ends include compatible alignment and torque transmitting structure. Rather than two major parts, either shaft can be modified to include, as an integral part thereof, one of the major parts.

Abstract: An integrated hydraulic quick change side tilting coupler for attaching and detaching a tool for use on wheel and track loaders and material handlers. A coupler frame is hingedly mounted at the end of the loader arm for swinging in a vertical plane actuated by the loader hydraulic system. A radius plate on the frame has an upwardly projecting curved rim adapted to engage two bearing points on the tool for mounting and dismounting the tool. A central pivot pin projects forwardly from the frame and fits a bore in the tool. The axis of the pin is on the focal point of curvature of the plate permitting pivoting of the tool and consequent side-tilting of the tool about that axis. When the frame is coupled to the tool the upper portion of the plate is locked in a retainer at the top rear of the tool. A pair of locking and tilt cylinders is mounted on the frame, their rods carrying trunions which are retracted and extended thereby.

Abstract: A connector with a locking mechanism and a connector box therefor. The connector box is made with one side for a connector element and the opposite side includes a holding element. Therefore, connector boxes are secured in a device to be secured together so that the connector boxed are oppositely disposed. A connector element is secured in each connector box and rotated to cooperate with the oppositely disposed holding element to secure the two devices together.

Abstract: A ganging clip (10) is adapted to mount to a pair of neighboring work surface support brackets (12) to secure together the work surfaces (14) mounted thereto and to adjust the relative heights of the work surfaces (14). The clip (10) comprises a central portion (36) and a pair of end portions (38) positioned in overlapping relationship to the central portion (36) so as to form a pair of resilient jaws (52) having extending therethrough a pair of screws (56). The jaws (52) are adapted to engage a pair of opposing horizontal legs (32) of the support brackets (12). Tightening of the screws (56) results in closing of the jaws (52) to securely clamp the clip (10) to the support brackets (12) and thus to secure together the work surfaces (14) mounted thereto. The relative heights of the work surfaces (14) may be subsequently adjusted by tightening or loosening either of the screws (56).

Abstract: A modular robotic remote manipulator is disclosed. The manipulator utilizes a base module, any number of generally identical but appropriately sized articulating modules, extender modules as may be needed, and an end effector module to accommodate the task assigned to the manipulator. The articulating modules are constructed to afford three different motions about three different axes which intersect at a common point lying between the input end and the output end of the module to effect a range of possible motion for the module output which defines an imaginary sphere. This module is also constructed to provide a separate rotary torque through the output coupling to the next module. The couplers for interconnecting the modules utilize toggle operated spool shaped locks. An end effector or gripper employs a rotating shaft and follower connected through a cable and pulley arrangement to operate the gripper jaws.

Abstract: A retaining and locking clamp, mounted onto a first apparatus, for retaining and locking a second apparatus to the first apparatus. The first apparatus has a plate which in turn includes an aperture. The clamp comprises an inner rod that has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being adapted to be received within the aperture of the first apparatus plate so as to mount the inner rod to the first apparatus. The clamp also includes an outer sleeve that is rotatably mounted onto the inner rod, the outer sleeve has a retaining and locking flange and a surface. The clamp further comprises a turn knob that is rotatably mounted onto the inner rod, the turn knob has a surface that is adapted to frictionally engage the outer sleeve surface, whereby rotating the turn knob causes the turn knob surface to frictionally engage the outer sleeve surface so as to permit the outer sleeve flange to retain the second apparatus.

Abstract: A motor cycle disc brake has a disc secured by an outer peripheral portion to the rim of a wheel which is rotatable about an axle held by a pair of fork legs. A brake caliper is secured to a fork leg and straddles the inner periphery of the disc. The disc is secured to the wheel rim by bolts which allow the disc some axial play relative to the rim to compensate for any run out of the rim. The caliper is fixed to the fork leg by a pair of securing members one of which engages in a recess in a lug on the fork leg so that the caliper can be released quickly from the fork leg.