Abstract: A surgical instrument is described that has a distinctive torque-transmitting coupling assembly. A tubular member made of super-elastic alloy has a driven end and a driving end with an integral tongue member, which defines a passageway that extends along a first axis. A fitting member defines a shape presenting a first mating interface surface. A tool-bit member has a second axis and presents a second mating interface surface adapted for receptive complemental facing with the first mating interface surface, including a recess formed in the second mating interface surface. Relative motion activates the super-elastic alloy of the tongue, which detentively snaps into the recess to align the first and second axes with one another. A flexible surgical reamer is similarly disclosed, where the fitting has an aperture opening onto the first mating interface surface and the tongue projects through the aperture.

Abstract: A bed panel assembly includes a vertical bedpost, a bed panel having a connecting end with a positioning piece that has neck and head portions, and a retaining unit mounted on the bedpost. The retaining unit includes a base plate having a retaining hole with large and small hole sections and a first passage, and a retainer having two resilient arms that confine a clamping hole for receiving the neck portion and that respectively include free ends which define a second passage therebetween. The free ends are resiliently movable away from each other to enlarge the second passage when the neck portion is forced to pass through the same.

Abstract: Elements are provided to erect a female blanking die for a die cutting machine for die cutting and/or blanking a carton blank, as well as for erecting a combination male blanking die/female blanking die. The elements include the following specifically-described elements: jogger members; auxiliary adjustable support members; grid orientation cylinders; grid support brackets; template corner locking clamps; center line orientation cylinders; center line clamps; and rail connecting elements. The rail connecting elements serve to erect a rectangular framework for the universal press frame of the female blanking die wherein the front and the rear rails are disposed at a higher level than the side rails. Embodiments of jogger members are provided which are selectively-disposed along the internal perimeter of the rectangular framework for erecting the female blanking die, each such jogger member having a particularly-recited structure.

Abstract: A gate assembly for diverting substantially flat articles is provided. The gate assembly comprises a mounting bracket having an upright support member and a mounting member secured to the upright support member and a diverter vane having a slot for slidably receiving at least a portion of the upright support member of the mounting bracket. A motion mechanism secured to the mounting bracket for selectively moving the combined mounting bracket and diverter vane thereby diverting the articles to a predetermined desired location.

Abstract: An interlock unit (10) for use with at least one other like unit (11) to form an interlock mechanism has a top face (13) and opposed pairs of side walls (12) with at least one runner bar (17, 18) mounted in the unit for lateral sliding movement. An actuator (14, 15, 22) is supported on the top face (13), to effect lateral sliding movement of the runner bar (17, 18). One wall of the unit is provided with one part (27) of a two-part connector with the other part (33) on the opposed wall whereby two similar units may be joined together by relative sliding movement of the two units in the plane of the side walls (12). Joining together of two units (10, 11) in this way also joins together the runner bars (17) or (18) of the two units such that sliding motion of the runner bar (17) of one unit (10) is transferred to the runner bar (17) of the connected unit (11), for at least one direction of sliding movement of the runner bars (17).

Abstract: A fastener assembly securely fastens a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing. The fastener assembly includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a fastening medium supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. The carrier member is operatively attached to the base member such that the carrier member is articulately moveable relative to the base member.

Abstract: An upright post has a socket for receiving a device at the end of a retractable strap. The device is wedge shaped at the free end of the strap. A releasable locking tab secures the device in the socket. A recess provided in the socket cooperates with the tab to prevent inadvertent release of the fitting from the socket. An actuator button is provided to manually release the locking tab from the recess.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for attaching a fairing to a body or aircraft wing are disclosed. A plurality of attach anchors is disposed on the body or aircraft wing to which the fairing is to be attached. Disposed in the fairing is a plurality of core pockets that are alignable with the plurality of attach anchors, and each of the core pockets defines a channel. The fairing is placed over the body or the aircraft wing such that the heads of the attach anchors are received in the core pockets. The fairing is then slid across the body or the aircraft wing with the channels sliding along the heads of the attach anchors such that the fairing is prevented from being lifted away from the body or aircraft wing.

Abstract: A fastening device for an ice maker of a refrigerator is provided which improves ease and efficiency of installation is provided. Mounting brackets formed along a side of the ice maker each include an insertion portion formed as an opening in the mounting bracket, and a catching portion formed as an opening adjacent to the insertion portion and with a smaller width than that of the insertion portion. Hangers having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion are affixed to the wall of the freezing chamber by a fastener, and the mounting brackets are slid onto the hangers until the small diameter portion of the hanger is caught in the catching section of the mounting bracket. The ice maker may be further secured by additional fixing brackets opposite the mounting brackets. This fastening device allows the ice maker to be more easily installed while also minimizing the potential for damage to the brackets or the wall surface of the freezer during installation.

Abstract: A device for locking a position of a moving part with respect to a fixed part. The moving part is positioned with respect to the fixed part isostatically. The device generates a force opposing the loss of contact of all the points of isostatic contact between the moving part and the fixed part so as to lock the position.

Abstract: A sheet fixing device comprises an elongated support frame 1 having a narrow opening portion, a pressing frame 3 fitted in the elongated support frame 1 to hold a sheet 2 grippingly in cooperation with the elongated support frame, and an urging member 6 fitted in the pressing frame 3 to urge the pressing frame against an inner wall of the elongated support frame 1. The pressing frame 3 is prevented from being bent or warped.

Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable rack system including a plurality of members each including a tenon on selected external surfaces thereof, and a plurality of joint members each including a mortise section releasably clampable on the tenon of a first member and a tang receivable in the end of a second member, the tang including an adjustable bearing block which engages an internal surface of the second member to releasably lock the tang inside the second member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a floor covering formed of hard panels (2) which are provided, at least on two opposite edges (3-4, 5-6), with coupling devices (7) made in one piece with the panels (2), whereby these coupling devices (7) provide for an interlocking in a direction (R1) perpendicular to the plane of the floor covering (1), as well as in a direction (R2) perpendicular to the edges (3-4, 5-6) concerned and parallel to the plane of the floor covering (1). These coupling devices (7) comprise a tongue (8) and a groove (9). The lip (11) which is situated on the bottom side of the groove (9) is longer than the lip (10) on the top side. The edge (5) which is provided with the tongue (8) is made elastically flexible.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of floor panels (1) based on a fiber-like material bound by a binding agent, more particularly MDF or HDF, which, at least at their edges, are connected to each other by means of a connection, more particularly a tongue-and-groove connection (2-3) which connection consists of coupling parts which are made in one piece with the floor panels and is shaped in such a manner that the floor panels (1) are locked glue-free in the direction parallel to the plane of the floor covering and transverse to the connection, as well as in a direction perpendicular to this plane, characterized in that, at least at the location where the floor panels (1) cooperate with each other, a sliding agent (12-12A) is provided at least on one of the floor panels (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for motor vehicle suspension arms or subframes is provided. A motor vehicle apparatus and method is used with frame components. The motor vehicle component includes frame parts of lightweight design that have complementary profiles that can be inserted one another to create a locking connection between the frame parts. The invention frame parts may be designed as extruded profiles. The motor vehicle component allows for the individual frame parts to be manufactured separately from one another and combined wherein the number and cross section of the stiffening ribs are selectable in a load dependant way in the form a modular system and different materials may be used for individual components.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An interlocking device for connecting a shelf, drawer or similar component with respect to a frame preferably includes a mateable support and receiver. The support includes a groove extending at least partially through the support and a support ramp positioned on the support. The receiver preferably includes a protruding head and a receiver ramp positioned on the protruding head, the receiver ramp lockably engageable with the support ramp within the support.

Abstract: A profile-connecting device for connecting two profile bars. The first profile bar has an end side which abuts a longitudinal side of a second profile bar. At least the outer longitudinal side of the second profile bar which is directed toward the end side of the first profile bar and at least one outer longitudinal side of the first profile bar has an undercut groove.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting at least two profiled bars that are essentially perpendicular to one another and have grooves, in conjunction with sliding blocks, one plate connector unit is fastened to the end of a first profiled bar and anchored in a groove in the second profiled bar by way of screw units they extend in recesses in the plate connector unit. The geometry of the screw head of the screw unit is configured such that it centers the screw unit within the groove in the first profiled bar and the engages with a centering effect in the groove in the second profiled bar.

Abstract: A system and apparatus to couple a bracket member with a receiver member is disclosed. Embodiments may couple bracket members with receiver members, such as brackets to rails of racks, via a flexible member. The flexible member may secure a bracket member to a receiver member by fastening the bracket member to a corresponding extension or tab of the receiver member. Some embodiments may load a second portion of the flexible member such that pressure applied to the second portion can transfer the load to a first portion of the flexible member to facilitate coupling the bracket member with or decoupling the bracket member from the receiver member. In many of these embodiments, the load may transfer as a waveform along the flexible member. Further embodiments provide a lever for the second portion of the flexible member to facilitate transferring a load to the first portion.

Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism comprises a first clamp half 20 and a second clamp half 22. The first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 contact a linear guide rail 14 at one end thereof and a key 12 at another end thereof, with the key 12 being coupled to the moving member. A plurality of threaded shafts 40 pass through both the first clamp half 20 and the second clamp half 22 while also passing between the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. A plurality of cooperating nuts 42, 44 are provided on each end of the threaded shafts 40 to secure the first clamp half 20, the second clamp half 22, the linear guide rail 14 and the key 12. When the user desires to alter the position of the moving member relative to the guide rail 14, the user actuates a plurality of pistons 24 located within the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A model railroad interlocking roadbed, which is formed from sections with each section having two ends with each end having a male lock and a corresponding female lock in a side-by-side configuration. The female locks and the male locks have the same general configuration with the female lock being slightly larger. The base of both the female and the male lock is parallel to the end of the section with the sides of the locks being triangular in shape with the sides of the male lock converging inwardly to the end of the section and the ends of the female lock converging outwardly towards the end of the section.

Abstract: A connector is described comprising a longitudinally extending central portion, a plurality of planar walls, radially extending from the central portion, and a plurality of hammer-shaped members interposed between the walls, and radially extending from the central portion. An asymmetrical channel is defined between each of the walls and the members for retaining inserts.

Abstract: A guiding means at a joint between boards, the joint comprising groove and tongue preferably intended to be joined by means of glue. The tongue includes at least one guiding wedge. A fitting clearance between the tongue and the groove includes a first fitting clearance and a second, guiding, fitting clearance. The second, guiding, fitting clearance is obtained through the guiding wedges which are arranged parallel to the extension of the joint. The first fitting clearance comprises the main part of the fit and the second, guiding fitting clearance comprises a smaller part of the fit. The first fitting clearance is in the range 0.1-1 mm, while the second, guiding, fitting clearance is in the range 0.01-0.2 mm. The tongue of the joint is provided with at least one equalizing recess so that at least one equalizing cavity is formed in the joint, which equalizing cavity receives surplus glue used during the joining.

Abstract: A holding connector system is provided for connecting a microdevice feeder to an assembly line table having a plurality of latch stop pins and a plurality of alignment slots. A connector body having a guide rail, which is pivotally mounted to the first structure, engages one of the plurality of alignment slots for connecting the microdevice feeder and the assembly line table. A holding mechanism having a latch, which is pivotally mounted to the microdevice feeder engages one of the plurality of latch stop pins for holding the microdevice feeder to the assembly line table. The holding connector system allows for simple, easy installation and removal of the microdevice feeder without the possibility of front to back tipping.

Abstract: A joint arrangement joining adjacent edges of two structural elements (10, 11). The joint arrangement includes a joiner element (12) which has projections (17, 18), each of which is slidingly engageable in a groove (19, 20) of the respective structural elements (10, 11). The joiner element (12) has a spine means (22) which in the assembled joint engages between profiled edge portions of the structural elements (10, 11). The distal end (24) of the spine (22) has two oppositely disposed lateral projections (25, 26) each of which engage in a groove (27, 28) formed in the profile edge of the adjacent structural element (10, 11).

Abstract: A structural system is comprised of two components. The first component is an I-shaped bearing member having an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The upper and lower flanges have undercuts formed therein. The second component is a connection member having a notch in each corner for engaging the undercuts in the upper and lower flanges. The components of this system may be used to construct a structural component comprising a plurality of I-shaped bearing members positioned parallel to one another. A plurality of connection members interconnect the bearing members; the two upper notches of the connection member engage the undercuts in the upper flanges of two adjacent bearing members while the two lower notches engage the undercuts in the lower flanges of two adjacent bearing members. A method of constructing a structural component is comprised of positioning a plurality of bearing members parallel to one another.

Abstract: A one-piece elastomeric furniture coupling device for securing a first furniture panel to a second furniture panel, the coupling device comprising a top head portion and a downwardly-extending stem portion. The top head portion comprises a front face plate and a body portion extending rearwardly from the front face plate. The front face plate is molded in the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid, with a lower edge of the face plate being shorter in width than an upper edge. The body portion conforms in shape to the front face plate resulting in a truncated frusto-conical shape. The body portion has a plurality of securing ridges along its surface, for secure attachment within a mortise drilled into a first furniture panel. The stem portion is substantially cylindrical and has a plurality of barbs along its outer surface for secure attachment within a hole drilled into a second furniture panel to be assembled with the first furniture panel.

Abstract: An electric light display assembly for displaying electric lights which contains at least two rods and electric lights removably connected to the rods. A connector located between the rods engages each of the rods. Each of the rods contains a top rail section which, optionally, may contain an orifice. A wall located within the connector limits the extent to which the rods can be inserted into the connector.

Abstract: A panel, particularly a floor-covering panel, is provided that has separate horizontal and vertical locking structures. The panel has a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge has a groove and a locking lip, and the second side edge has a tongue and a locking tongue. The first side edge of one panel interlocks with the second side edge of another panel without adhesives or fasteners such that the tongue and groove form a joint that provides a vertical interconnection lock and the locking lip and locking tongue form a joint that provides a horizontal interconnection lock. Advantageously, one or more first side edge surfaces opposite surfaces of the second edge locking tongue have a space between them. The separate horizontal and vertical locking structures reduces, if not prevents, damage to the locking structures during joining of panels.

Abstract: A glide board, especially a ski or snowboard, is provided with a profile rail system on the top of the board at least in the area of the binding consisting of at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the glide board and serving to fasten functional elements, for example a binding or elements thereof or a binding plate, by pressing functional elements onto the rail.

Abstract: An external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration thereinto includes a securing metal fitting installed at an upper side portion and a lower side portion of an external wall panel. The external wall panel is mounted on an underlayment. The external wall panel has a notched recess formed on left and right side portions along the vertical direction. A sealing fixture is arranged between the adjacent left and right external wall panels. The sealing fixture has a base plate portion fixed to the underlayment, a rising plate portion erected at the base plate portion, and a front plate portion arranged at the rising plate portion, wherein a front resilient material is provided at the front face of the front plate portion. The front resilient material and the front plate portion are engaged in the notched recess of the external wall panel.

Abstract: A modular structural system for building models and structures. The system comprises a plurality of connector hub members each having spherical symmetry, and a plurality of strut members having longitudinal symmetry, wherein, each of the connector hub members provides a strut joining feature adapted for receiving the strut members, and each of the strut members provides a hub joining feature adapted for engaging the strut joining feature of the connector hub members, such that the strut members are removably engagable with the connector hub members in alternative first and second positions placing the strut members in corresponding radial and tangential positions relative to the connector hub members.

Abstract: A dovetail positioning device including a fixed base member with teeth in at least one angular dovetail surface a moveable member with dovetail cross section of shape and size to interfit with the fixed base a clamping means to force the teeth of the fixed and moveable members to mesh thus establishing a repeatable position in three planes.

Abstract: A siding boards attachment structure includes siding boards, at least one underlayment, securing metal fittings and at least one sealing member. The sealing member is disposed between left and right adjacent siding boards and has a base plate portion, a rising plate portion, a front plate portion, and a front resilient material. The base plate portion is secured to the underlayment. The rising plate portion is bent forward from the base plate portion. The front plate portion is bent from a front end of the rising plate portion in the opposite direction from the base plate portion. The front resilient material is provided on a front surface of the front plate portion. The front plate portion engages with a front surface of the lateral underlying tongue portion of the siding board. The front resilient material is in tight contact with a front inner surface of the notched recess and a back surface of the lateral overlying tongue portion of the siding boards.

Abstract: Connecting element (1) for connecting two components of a partition wall, comprising two clamping flanges (2,3) interconnected by a connecting rod (4). Said element has an asymmetric configuration due to the fact that the clamping flanges (2,3) have different cross sections. At least parts of the contour of the first clamping flange (2) are unrounded while at least certain parts of the contour of the second clamping flange (3) are rounded.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: Interlocking cover members made of a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and formed by an extrusion process are each defined by a main panel having a top side with a top surface, a bottom side, and opposite first and second longitudinal edge zones. Longitudinal rib members extend downwardly from the bottom side of the panel in spaced, parallel relation to one another to strengthen and stabilize the panel in supported, spaced relation above an underlying surface being covered. An attachment lip extends outboard of the second longitudinal edge zone, below a level of the panel, and includes a lock channel for interlocking receipt of a barbed rail extending from the bottom side of an adjacently positioned cover member. The attachment lip is structured to rest on the surface being covered and accommodates screw fasteners, at spaced intervals, for securing the cover member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A desk includes a desk top, a plurality of legs, a plurality of stretchers, and a coupling unit including a plurality of first and second linkages. Each of the first linkages includes a cylindrical part formed with a plurality of alternately disposed first engaging grooves and engaging ridges. Each of the engaging ridges is defined by a ridge-confining wall that has a C-shaped cross-section. Each of the second linkages is in the form of a clamp that has two opposing clamp arms. The clamp arms have two opposing curved ends which are inserted into two adjacent ones of the first engaging grooves, and which have inner faces substantially conform to and abut tightly against the ridge-confining wall of a respective one of the engaging ridges so as to secure the stretchers to the legs.

Abstract: A flooring member comprising a top, a bottom, a first edge, a second edge, a tongue member configured to be received within a groove member of an adjacent flooring member, the tongue member extending generally perpendicular from the first edge and having a top surface and a bottom surface, the tongue member top surface is inclined away from the flooring member top at a first angle, the tongue member bottom surface is inclined toward said flooring member top at a second angle, the second angle being less than the first angle so that a gap resistant interconnection of the tongue within a groove of an adjacent flooring member is achieved.

Abstract: A device for coupling a pair of square bars made of metal or some other material and arranged squarely in abutment relative to each other at a squarely abutting corner of the bars can remarkably reduce the time and effort required for the coupling operation and improve the coupling strength with which the square bars are coupled to each other and also the appearance of the coupled area. When coupling a pair of square bars, the first and second square bars provided respectively with first and second anti-release grooves are arranged to abut each other rectangularly and the first and second engagement sections of the inner joint are loosely put into the first and second anti-release grooves respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a butt joint of wooden construction components such as frame components, joined together with contact surfaces, and in particular to a post-and-lock bolt joint. Such a joint has at least one connection element that is symmetrical with respect to a center plane and has the form of a dovetail-shaped double wedge, or other undercuts. This connection element engages grooves that are open toward the contact surfaces and are adapted to the cross sections of the connection elements extending on both sides of the center plane, and bridge the contact plane between the wooden construction components. The grooves are open toward the same side edges of the wooden construction components. The butt joint is secured by at least one long-stretching second connection element that is received in sections of the wooden construction components, bridging the contact plane, and which transversely penetrates the first connection element.

Abstract: A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it's associated device's inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between.

Abstract: The crank arm quick release device of a bicycle includes a fixing threaded sleeve screwed on the rotation shaft of the pedal, and a crank arm formed with locking recesses for locking and fixing the fixing threaded sleeve. Thus, the pedal may be mounted on the crank arm easily and quickly.

Abstract: An modular storage rack, display or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.

Abstract: A LCD frame and bracket mounting arrangement is constructed to include a frame with a screw hole at one side, a coupling block, the coupling block having a bottom screw rod threaded into the screw hole of the frame and a top retaining notch, and a bracket, the bracket having an opening for receiving the coupling block and a spring plate suspended in the opening in, the spring plate having a retaining block adapted for engaging the top retaining notch of the coupling block to secure the bracket to the coupling block and the frame.

Abstract: Connectors for use in a retaining wall and a retaining wall having grooved blocks configured to receive the connector. Connectors can be used in various orientations within the grooves of the blocks. In a retaining wall, a flexible geosynthetic material fits into a channel of a channel connector, and is held in place by an elongate bar. The connector prevents abrasion of geosynthetic material. The connector can also be a plurality of spaced-apart projections for use with an apertured, relatively rigid geogrid. The connectors hold geogrid firmly in place, providing for increased connection capacity.

Abstract: An embodiment of a component assembly for use in a mechanism includes a first member having a pair of spaced flanges with fastener receiving openings through the flanges. A second member is a hardened powdered metal part including spaced seats engaging the flanges and slots in the seats connecting with enlarged recesses. The slots and recesses have openings extending through sides of the second member. Inserts extending into the recesses through the openings have fastener engaging openings aligned with the fastener receiving openings in the flanges of the first member. Fasteners extend through the flanges and the slots to the insert openings, fixing the flanges of the first member to the seats of the second member. Exemplary assemblies are illustrated. The assemblies provide hardened wearing surfaces made from powdered metal with manufacture simplified by the fastener inserts received in openings formed parallel to the other major surfaces of the powdered metal components.

Abstract: A fastening structure for tubular apparatus includes a transfer tube element fixedly fastened to the top end of a first tube member having one end formed a first collar section by extrusion, and a second tube member having one end tapered to form a first neck section matching the first collar section. The second tube member further extends from the first neck section to form a free end coupling section with an anchor plug fixedly engaging therein. The transfer tube element is fastened to a sealing element through engaging a fastener with the anchor plug thereby to form a secured and sightly fastening among the first and second tube member and the transfer tube element.