Abstract: An umbrella frame having a pair of mounting rings and frame members which are pivotally connected to each other and to the mounting rings. A frame member having an elongated rod with a notch. A joint assembly is attached to the elongated rod and includes laterally opposed connector halves which mate to form a sleeve over the elongated rod. The sleeve has an inner boss which fits within the notch in the elongated rod when the connector halves are mated over the elongated rod. A collar slides around the mated connector halves to clamp the connector halves together over the elongated rod and to retain the inner boss within the notch in the elongated rod. Strut frame members have an end joint assembly at each end. Rib frame members have an end joint assembly at their inner ends and midpoint joint assemblies at rib midpoints. A mounting ring having a mounting base with a ring of spaced and vertically extending teeth. The frame members are received between the teeth.

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: A feed auger is attached to the vertical drive shaft of a dispensing mechanism by a quick disconnect coupling which enables relatively high torque to be transmitted between the shaft and the auger.

Abstract: In this arrangement, each of two elements, namely a support element and a flow control element forms on at least one of its two outsides part of a flow control surface. A joint element couples the flow control element movably to the support element and is arranged at a distance behind the flow control surfaces. The support element and the flow control element have in the area of the joint element, end faces that face each other. These define a space which is filled up by a soft and elastic filler piece.

Abstract: In a shaft connecting structure, particularly suitable for fragile or brittle shafts of ceramic materials, used in high temperature environments such as conveyors in sintering furnaces, two shafts are connected in end-to-end driving relationship. Each shaft has one or more axial sector-sectional projections and sector-sectional grooves alternately formed at its end. The sector-sectional projections of each shaft enter the sector-sectional grooves of the other shaft, and the assembly of projections and grooves is clearance-fit in a cylindrical opening of a body which may be carried by the shafts or fixed to another structure.

Abstract: A gearshift rod for an automotive manual transmission includes two tubular shift rods that support stop plates welded to the inner surface of the rods. Spaced axially along an overlapping region of the rod, located between the stop plates are resilient damping members. A resilient damping strip is located between the longitudinal edges of semicircular portions of the shift rods.

Abstract: A car body for railway rolling stock wherein a plurality of outside plates forming the car body are joined to frame members of the car body by spot welding. The outside plates are produced of a ferrous material except for stainless steel and a film or coating is provided on an outside surface of the outside plates. By virtue of the joining of the outside plates to the frame members and the joining of the outside plates to each other by spot welding, less input heat is required as compared with a continuous welding; therefore, outside plate distortion can be reduced and time and labor for manufacturing of the car body can be reduced. Moreover, since the outside plates are produced of a ferrous material, the painting of the outside surfaces of the outside plates can easily be accomplished.

Abstract: The device for coupling a shaft provided with a rod (10) having a noncircular end (11) and a shaft provided with a yoke (20) having a U-shaped fork (21) capable of pivoting in a direction (25) perpendicular to their common axis (X--X) comprises a guide surface (321) on the yoke, a sleeve (330) at least partially enclosing the yoke and movable relative to the latter so as to unmask or mask the U of the fork, a resilient coil spring (340) normally biasing the sleeve to mask the fork, and a locking bolt (350) retaining the sleeve against the resilient bias.Application to motor vehicle steering systems when the rod is fastened to a pinion and the yoke is fastened to a universal joint jaw.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle including rear and front frame sections which are quickly and easily engageable and disconnectable one to another. The rear frame section has a pair of coaxial rear spaced wheels and a pair of locator pins laterally extending preferably from each side margin adjacent each forward corner of the rear frame section. These locator pins engage with a locking bar rearwardly extending from and adjacent each rear corner of said front frame section. Each bar has a notch formed into its lower and upper margins adapted to engage the locator pins in a pivotal motion to guide the front and rear frame sections into abutting generally coplaner assembled relationship, thus preventing fore and aft and vertical movement therebetween. A latch-type connector preferably centrally positioned releasibly secures this coplaner relationship during use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rod coupling combination is light in weight, compact in design, and having very little mechanical play, employs universal end sections which are compatibly mated with one another. The combination includes interlocking rods and a coupler. The rods each include a shaft having enlarged terminal ends which interlock with other such enlarged terminal ends, each of which includes a pair of square teeth and corresponding recesses. The coupler includes a central body and a pair of end caps, the end caps having externally threaded shanks which are secured to the body. The interlocked terminal ends are secured within the body by the coupler and caps.

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: A screw and guide rail coupling assembly is for a garage door operator. The garage door operator has a motor-driven rotatable screw at least partially within a nonrotatable guide rail and a slide guided by the guide rail and movable longitudinally therealong by engagement with the screw and connectable to open and close the garage door. The screw is in at least first and second screw parts, and a screw coupling is adapted to interconnect adjacent ends of the first and second screw parts. The guide rail is in at least first and second guide parts, and a guide coupling adapted to interconnect adjacent ends of the first and second guide parts. The screw coupling is longitudinally spaced or offset from the guide coupling wherein the screw coupling is completely contained and supported within one of said first and second guide parts. The offset provides a significant increase in the maximum torque of the screw and guide rail coupling assembly.

Abstract: A bone nail of elastic material bent at least in its proximal end portion and insertable into the medullary canal of the bone through an impact hole formed proximal to the knee joint area of the bone has the same cross section in its distal end area as the entire nail and is provided with a flattening for forming a coupling element for the non-rotatable connection with the tool in at least one site of the nail periphery at a distance from the distal nail end, with at least the front face immediately adjacent the distal nail end via which the flattening merges with the periphery of the bone nail, preferably both opposing front faces, extending inclined to the flattening, and thus form an angle deviating from 90 degrees, peferably an angle of about 45 degrees, with said flattening.

Abstract: The clutch element for coupling and uncoupling the coupling elements of the shaft coupling arrangement is rotatably mounted on one coupling element and is rotated by an actuating tool external to the clutch element. The tool includes a drive shaft, crank webs which extend transversely of the drive shaft and a pair of rollers which are disposed externally of the coupling elements. The clutch element includes a pair of wedges sandwiched between two circular segment plates and pivotally mounted on a projection of a push rod. The wedges engage in pockets on the exterior of the coupling elements.

Abstract: Presented is an arrangement for coupling two rod-shaped prosthesis sections that displays a clamping sleeve having at its ends contrarotating internal threads that can be screwed with corresponding external threads of the prosthesis sections. To prevent loosening of the connection, the free ends of the prosthesis sections are provided with complementary, sloping contact surfaces which, when tightening the clamping sleeve, produce a loaded diagonal thrust and thereby place the screw couplings under load.

Abstract: A connection for establishing a joint between materials having different coefficient of thermal expansion. The connection has a first and second members made from materials that have different coefficient of thermal expansion. The first member has a cylindrical end with a bore therein and a rib located on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical end. The second member has a first diameter section located in the bore of said first member and a second diameter section. A sleeve which surrounds a portion of the cylindrical end of the first member and the second diameter section of the second member has a groove for receiving the rib on the first member. Bolts extend through the sleeve into the second diameter section to establish an external compressive force between the sleeve and the rib to hold the first member and the second member in a fixed relationship and form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically actuated muscle has an elongated elastomeric bladder that is covered by a tubular sheath. A fluid conduit is coupled to the bladder to supply hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. A coil tension spring is attached to a distal terminator of the muscle and extends to the distal end of a compression tube covering the bladder and braid. The evacuation spring draws the braid and bladder towards their fully extended state when fluid pressure is relieved and ellshaped retaining pin in the muscle terminator has one end that extends radially outward to lodge between turns of the evacuation spring. Split shoulder washers secure the proximal and distal ends of the compression tube.

Abstract: A hybrid ceramic/metallic fastener (bolt) includes a headed ceramic shank carrying a metallic end termination fitting. A conventional cap screw threadably engages the termination fitting to apply tensile force to the fastener.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism comprising a pair of interconnecting members. One of the members has a cavity for receiving therein a terminal end on the other member generally configured to the cavity. The terminal end is laterally placed in the cavity and a spring biased plunger in the member having the terminal end engages the exterior wall of the cavity and moves backwardly allowing a locking sleeve on the member having the terminal end to be slid to a position surrounding the engaged terminal end in the cavity and locking the same. A frictional-held release sleeve is also provided on the member having the terminal end rearward of the locking sleeve which may be slid forwardly to release the locking sleeve from locking engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembled driveshaft in the case of which individual driving elements, especially gears, are non-rotatingly connected to a hollow shaft, with the connection between the hollow shaft and the driving elements essentially being achieved by a force or friction locking connection between the plastically expanded hollow shaft and the elastically pretensioned driving elements. For improving the bending and torsional stiffness of the driveshaft, at least one driving element has been produced to comprise at least two toothed discs with different diameters connected to each other by a sleeve, with the sleeve either being positioned directly on the shaft to form a basis for the connection or radially spaced from the shaft between the discs.

Abstract: An air bag assembly comprises a retainer having a main wall on which an air bag and an inflator are mounted and a peripheral wall projecting from the main wall and a cover having a main wall and side walls forming a cavity in which the air bag is received in folded relation and flanges extending from the edges of the side walls and engaging in face-to-face relation the outer faces of the peripheral wall of the retainer. The cover flanges have outwardly projecting beads along their free edges. The flanges are clamped by plates engaging the outside surfaces of the flanges to the peripheral wall, and the edges of the plates are engaged by the beads, whereby the loads on the flanges resulting from loads on the cover when the air bag inflates and breaks the cover are transmitted by the beads to the plates.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling the hydraulic system of a construction machine, such as a hydraulic shovel, having a structure capable of being simply and quickly changed from one setup for another setup suitable for a desired mode of control operation. The control unit comprises a control lever pivotally supported for movement in longitudinal and transverse directions, and first and second link rods for transmitting the operating force of the control lever to first and second hydraulic control valves when the control lever is shifted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively. An operating force transmitting member is put on the control lever so as to be rotatable about the axis of the control lever, and a locking member is mounted on the control lever so as to be slidable along the axis of the control lever and so as to be unable to rotate relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A removable end plug for closing off the open end of a hollow vehicle bumper. The end plug comprises a molded unitary body of flexible deformable material having four side sections in the form of a hollow square and a four sided truncated pyramid shaped operator portion connected to one transverse edge of the side sections. The operator portion has a normal position whereat the truncated pyramid extends longitudinally away from the bumper opening and a reverse truncated pyramid position to cause said side sections to be bowed transversely outwardly and thereby substantially increase the force of engagement between the outer surfaces of said side sections and the four inside surfaces of the bumper to thereby lock the plug to the bumper.

Abstract: A system for the rapid balancing of revolving shafts, in particular, the revolving shaft of a gas turbine. The system comprises two mutually adjacent bores provided in the stator of the turbine, which can be closed by relevant plugs, and which are collimated on the screw-threaded bores of the rotor. The system also comprises a special rigid rod for elastically holding a screw-threaded balancing mass, and for causing it to rotate.

Abstract: In a fluid handling appartus comprising a multi-stage mechanical seal assembly, an additional mechanical seal assembly to maintain a substantially constant exit pressure of leakage from the last stage of the multi-stage mechanical seal assembly, and a novel driving arrangement between the motor and the fluid machine.

Abstract: An improved means for securing planking to a horizontal support in a platform having a plurality of vertical support frames laterally joined with cross braces for use in constructing bleachers, risers and stages. The vertical support frames have horizontal supports for planking and means are concealed within the underside of the planking to prevent the planking from uplifting or shifting from end to end or back and forth on the horizontal support. The means are in the form of male and female mating endcaps for the planking in cooperation with a hook provided on the horizontal support.

Abstract: Modular apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of a fluid product comprising a dispensing unit, an actuator unit and mutually engageable locking means on each. A housing of the dispensing unit defines a reservoir which contains the fluid product to be dispensed under pressure. Within the housing is a ball-type valve mechanism. A deformable diaphragm isolates the reservoir from the valve to prevent (1) the undesirable entry of the fluid product into the actuator unit on operation and (2) the release of fluid product on disconnection of the modular unit. The diaphragm may be of a number of shapes, depending upon the operation of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit is readily removable from the actuator unit and can be readily replace with another dispensing unit. The modular apparatus may also include readily exchangeable nozzles of various sizes.

Abstract: A first coupling device is particularly destined for a dispersing apparatus and comprises a first coupling part having a flange and a tubular connecting piece fixed thereto, the connecting piece having at least two borings for receiving one ball each, and a concentrically surrounding, free moving ring. The diameter of the boring is slightly greater than that of the balls, but in the vicinity of the inner surface of the connecting piece, it is slightly smaller so that the balls may in part protrude into the interior of the connecting piece. The lower portion of the ring has an inner circular recess so that, when the ring is raised, the balls may travel backwards into the circular recess. The second coupling part is adapted to be introduced into said connecting piece and has circular recesses for receiving said balls.Another coupling device for the slippage free connection of high speed rotating shafts of dispersing apparatuses comprises two coupling parts which both have six teeth whose flanks are of 60.

Abstract: A stackable container which is capable of being knocked down or taken apart is provided with connection joints used to assemble the container. The connection joints have an outer support collar and an inner support guide which combine to translate bending forces, produced in use, along the length of the container support columns. When being transported without a load, the container can be disassembled (i.e. knocked down) to reduce shipping costs.

Abstract: A releasable coupling 10 includes a first element 12 which is rotatable about a rotational axis 18. A second element 14 is axially aligned with the first element 12, the first element 12 and the second element 14 being axially displaceable relative to each other. The first element 12 and the second element 14 define complementary drive formations 24, 26 which, when the first element 12 and the second element 14 abut axially are engaged with each other, and when the first element 12 and the second element 14 are spaced axially from each other by a predetermined amount are disengaged from each other.

Abstract: A coupling which serves to transmit torque from a shaft to the end portion of a rotary mandrel in a web winding or unwinding machine has a socket which is defined by a sleeve-like insert in the end portion of the shaft. The socket has a lateral inlet which can be closed by a pivotable gate, and the gate can be held in closed position by a wheel which is pivotable on the end portion of the shaft between operative and inoperative positions. The sleeve and the gate extend beyond one axial end of the wheel to define a relatively long socket for the end portion of the mandrel so that the latter can stand pronounced bending and other stresses.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a tube made of plastic composite material to be used as a structural member and having an end portion formed with a plurality of acute cutouts, a fitting having a small-diameter front end portion and a bell-shaped tapering rear portion, and a bell-shaped sleeve having an inner wall surface of a shape corresponding to that of the tapering portion of the fitting. The end portion of the plastic tube is held between the fitting inserted into the end portion and the sleeve mounted on the outer periphery of the taper fitting, and a nut threadedly engaged with external threads of the fitting is tightened to assemble the fitting, the plastic tube and the sleeve as a unit.

Abstract: In order to connect the case parts (10, 12) of several potentiometer planes, a heat-shrinkable sheath (36) is used. On the outer faces (18, 20) recesses are provided along the contact faces (14, 16), between which recesses a connecting bead (30) is formed. The bead has a knurled edge (34). A heat-shrinkable sheath (36) is tightly applied, after heating and shrinking, to the bead (30), thus connecting the case parts (10, 12) in an axial and angular manner.

Abstract: A driving unit which can transmit torque to one end portion of a driven part, such as mandrel or a spindle for convoluted textile or other material, has a rotary driving member one end portion of which has a socket for the one end portion of the driven part and carries a wheel-shaped confining member which is pivotable on the driving member between an operative position in which it prevents removal of the end portion of the driven part and an inoperative position in which the end portion of a driven part can be inserted into or removed from the socket. The confining member is pivotable by a toggle joint which is partially recessed into the driving and/or confining member and is actuatable by a motor and a spring. The spring biases the links of the joint to positions in which the confining member assumes the operative position, and the motor can be actuated to pivot the links in a direction to move the confining member to the inoperative position.

Abstract: An eccentric drive mechanism includes two shafts that are coupled to a wheel-like drive member such as a pulley, with one of the shafts being in offset relation to the other shaft and the central axis of the drive member. Each shaft represents inclined, flat wall portions in mutual inter-engagement, and the wall sections are releasably brought into a position of wedging contact with each other and to the drive member in order that the rotative position of one of the shafts is retained in a certain, predefined orientation relative to the rotative position of the other shaft and to the drive member. The drive member is supported on both sides to avoid imposition of cantilever-type loadings, and the mechanism can be readily disassembled and re-assembled when desired to realign and reposition the rotative orientation of the two shafts relative to the drive member. The eccentric shaft is coupled to a sway bar of the header for oscillation of the sickle.

Abstract: A modular knifeback for a sickle knife assembly that is made into lengths that are standardized for permitting ease of shipment, storage and handling, and which lengths can be spliced into a desired extended length knife assemble for use in harvesting machinery, or the like, without sacrificing rigidity and strength where the modular sections are joined together. The modular sections are made sufficiently long so that the bolts or rivets used where the modular sections join are capable of withstanding the loads that are incurred on the knife assembly during use. The modular sections of the sickle are easily kept, and stored, and are assembled using standard components without specialized tools.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling used to connect two members of a linkage in such a manner as to form a rigid coupling capable of transmitting push, pull or rotational forces, and allow quick and easy manual disconnection without longitudinal or rotational movement of either member or loosening of components which would affect linkage adjustment. An eye and clevis are provided with two holes therethrough. In each hole is a placed a spring pin connector comprising a pin for insertion into the hole, a snap for attachment to the body of either the clevis or eye, and a strap connecting the snap and pin.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow is disclosed which has a body with a foldable rear section and stable front section, a rack, and front wheels fixed on both ends of a wheel axle. The wheel axle is supported at both its sides with a flexing case which provides elastic movement to the wheel axle by means of a spring and a pushing plate. A braking device for the front wheels is also disclosed, as well as auxiliary rear wheels. The wheelbarrow has three different configuration and is capable of safe movement while reducing the amount of force necessary for its use.

Abstract: An extruder for plastic materials wherein an end portion of the extruder screw extends from the extrusion cylinder and is coupled to the adjacent end portion of the drive shaft by a U-shaped coupling element which partially surrounds the two end portions and by a claw-shaped coupling element which overlies flats on the end portions of the extruder screw and drive shaft and is secured to the U-shaped coupling element by a screw. The flat on the end portion of the extruder screw is inclined with reference to the axis of the extruder screw if the shaft is to transmit torque to and to reciprocate the extruder screw. A U-shaped clamping device is used to secure the U-shaped coupling element to the end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer coupling safety device includes a housing mountable about the curved medial area of a pair of joined coupling elements and presenting opposed inwardly directed projections serving to contain and prevent the members from separating from the housing while allowing normal angular relative displacement between the joined coupling elements.

Abstract: A T-bolt assembly having a first elongated stud with a cross bar at one end adapted to be positioned within the T-slot of a machine table and externally threaded at its other end. A second elongated stud is externally threaded at both ends while an internally threaded collar threadably engages the external threads on the first stud and one end of the second stud when the studs are axially aligned and adjacent each other. A non circular projection extends axially outwardly from one end of one stud and is received within a like shaped recess on the end of the other stud to prevent the studs from rotation relative to each other.

Abstract: A contoured, corrective seat is disclosed for use in connection with a wheelchair wherein the mounting between the seat assembly and the wheelchair is of the quick-release type, and the seat assembly includes a seat frame which is adjustable as to height, depth, and angular relation between a molded buttocks supporting portion and molded back supporting portion thereof, and is also adjustable between the seat proper and the wheelchair. The buttocks and back supporting portions include separate custom molded cushions which are removably positioned in a single frame member capable of functioning as either a buttocks supporting frame or a back supporting frame. Adjustability between the two body supporting frame members allows the respective cushions to be moved relative to one another to compensate for growth in individuals, especially children.

Abstract: There is provided a shelving system for use in storage compartments, which shelving system utilizes slidable horizontally extending bracing members which by creating a static frictional force between the shelf and the compartment walls holds the shelf in place and for heavy loads, the same shelving system which utilizes slidable horizontally extending bracing members engaging with vertical columnar members whereby free access is provided to the shelves with elimination of any outboard columnar members or legs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for combining a pair of components that form part of an item of stationery. The pair of components are connected to each other at one end of the opposing surfaces of the components. The components each have a locking portion at a side edge thereof. A connecting member is fitted into these locking portions.

Abstract: A coupling between a motor-driven shaft and a mandrel for winding or unwinding reels has a recess provided in the end portion of the shaft and serving to receive the end portion of the mandrel. The end portion of the shaft has a wheel which is pivotable between an inoperative position to permit insertion of the end portion of the mandrel into the recess and an operative position in which the end portion of the mandrel is confined in the recess. The end portion of the mandrel has a non-circular peripheral surface which is surrounded by the complementary surface of the end portion of the shaft when the end portion of the mandrel is properly inserted into the recess and the wheel is held in the operative position.

Abstract: A seperable multiple-wheel cycle includes an upper coupler operatively coupling or uncoupling a left top-tube portion of a top tube secured toward a rear wheel and a right top-tube portion of a top tube secured toward a front wheel, a lower coupler operatively coupling or uncoupling a left down-tube portion of rear wheel and a right down-tube portion of a front wheel and a wire coupler also operatively coupling or uncoupling a first wire secured to a brake or clutch fixed on a rear wheel and a second wire secured to a lever fixed on a front handle bar, so that the couplers can be operated to uncouple the front-wheel part from a rear-wheel part for breakdown uses, or to couple the front part with the rear part for assembling a cycle for running purpose.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus having a pair of connector elements each having an end piece to which a line, such as a rope or a cable etc. is connected, and which has a complemental opposed end face so as to come into contact with each other without relative rotation therebetween. The end pieces are connected together in and by a nut member. One of the end pieces has an outer peripheral threaded portion which can be screwed in the nut member.

Abstract: A tree saw uses a flexible sapling or tree limb as a handle extension to permit a person to cut tree branches beyond his normal reach. The tree saw comprises a foldable saw having a pair of swingable rings mounted to the back of the saw handle. A fulcrum is secured to the handle back surface intermediate the rings. The limb is inserted through the rings and over the fulcrum. The limb is bent into a concave shape. One of the rings is swung along the limb as far as possible. When the limb is released, its natural elasticity tends to straighten it and thereby force it into tight and rigid connection with the rings and fulcrum.

Abstract: A linear coupling device is disclosed for a play-free, safe and dust-protected transmission of large tractive, alternating or radial forces by means of coupling members comprising of fir tree-shaped cones. The coupling members are secured together in combination with corresponding connection members comprising of a plurality of segments and a locking member comprising of a sliding coupling sleeve.

Abstract: A mechanism for coupling a strut (30) to a nodal element (32) comprises a female coupling fixture (31) and a male coupling fixture (33). The female coupling fixture (31) includes an elongate cylindrical member (35), a distal end of which is hemicylindrically configured with an inner surface that is contoured to receive a conjugately contoured knob on a distal end of the male coupling fixture (33) in mating engagement. The female coupling fixture (31) also includes a sleeve (36), which is slidable coaxially from an OPEN position around an intermediate portion of the cylindrical member (35) to a LOCKED position around the matingly engaged distal ends of the cylindrical member (35) and the male coupling fixture (33). Spring-biases locking bars (50) and (51) maintain the sleeve (36) in the LOCKED position.