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: This invention provides a fastening system comprised of at least two pieces to be fastened together, the pieces exhibiting planar characteristics and each piece is characterized by having at least one slotted through bore in the material comprising the piece and, a fastener having a stem portion and orthogonally oriented cross bar portions at each of its ends to define an I-shaped configuration, the fastener interconnecting the pieces together in planar face-to-face orientation by having one of its cross bar portions passed through the slotted bore in one of the pieces and having the other cross bar portion passed through the slotted bore in the other of the pieces such that the stem portion is in a seated engagement within the bores of the pieces.

Abstract: A connector member for connection to a T-bar is in the form of a plate with a lug extending from one side. The T-bar has an aperture which snugly receives the lug when the plate is applied on the side of a web of the T-bar. The lug extends through the aperture and defines an opening with the side of the web opposite the side on which the plate is applied. The opening faces longitudinally of the T-bar. A keeper member is slidable longitudinally from a locking position in the opening in which it resists lateral withdrawal of the lug from the aperture to an unlocking position in which the keeper member disengages the lug and allows the plate to be separated from the T-bar web.

Abstract: Joints having utility in connecting together concrete reinforcing bars are improved by adding teeth to preselected interior side walls of the joint to increase the frictional engagement between the rebars and the joint. In a first embodiment, the joint is of oblong construction and includes a pair of flat, parallel walls and a pair of transversely spaced, opposing curved walls that interconnect the flat walls. Plural, parallel rows of elongate teeth are formed in the interior surfaces of the curved walls, and the teeth are normal to the plane of the flat walls. Each flat wall is apertured and receives a wedge that drives the rebars in the joint away from one another and into the teeth. In a second embodiment, the joint has an elongate "U" shape including a pair of transversely spaced flat walls interconnected by a curved wall and plural parallel rows of elongate teeth are formed in the interior surface of the curved wall.

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 connector having an improved mechanism for its lock onto a panel. A housing of the connector has a wall on which a sliding rail capable of slidingly fitting onto guide rails of the panel is provided. A flexible engagement member having an engagement projection engageable with an engagement projection of the panel is formed in a portion of the wall by cutting a part of the wall. When the sliding rail is slid on the guide rail to fit thereon, the flexible engagement member is deformed and has its position changed toward the inside of the housing while its engagement projection abuts on the engagement projection of the panel until the member recovers its original position upon the engagement between the projections. The arrangement of the flexible engagement member is advantageous in that it does not require any deformation distance to be provided on the outside of the housing, thereby enabling the entire connector to be compact.

Abstract: A coupling device for joining the ends of rebars in an overlapping relationship which can be utilized to join the end of one rebar to another which cannot be directly reached, which essentially comprises a body having two elongated and parallel, side-by-side, cylindrical sockets therethrough having a size within which two rebars can be tightly inserted from opposite directions. The edge of the body forming the entrance ends of the sockets being flared out to facilitate insertion of the rebars, and the sides of the body forming the sockets having slits cut therethrough with the edges of the sheet metal adjacent to the slits facing away from the entrance end of the sockets being curved inward to engage the edges of the rebar and lock them in place.

Abstract: A waste stripping tool comprising a grid formed of crossbar members consisting of a crossbar assembly of two members held side-by-side by a coupler. The assembly consists of a strap, which has two jaws having two triangular profiled teeth engaged in grooves in each of the crossbar members and threaded arrangement for causing a clamping of the jaws onto the members to hold them in a side-by-side relationship. The assembly can be utilized in a stripping station of a sheet die cutting machine and allows for the reduction of the number of bars needed to construct the frame of different sizes for the particular station.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable rod coupling 1, especially for connecting rod fittings for windows, doors, or the like, in which one connecting rod has a U-shaped coupling shoe with fine teeth at the insides of its legs. The other connecting rod is equipped on two narrow sides with a complementary fine teeth which can engage in the fine teeth of the shoe. The cross-section of the connecting rod is reduced in thickness in the region of the coupling shoe and correspondingly enlarged in width. The fine teeth have their profiles extending transversely over the total width of the portion of the connecting rod, section that is reduced in thickness. The lateral wings of the said connecting rod section that is reduced in thickness, which wings project beyond the width of the normal connecting rod cross-section, are bent approximately 90.degree. to the plane of the connecting rods and form the legs of the coupling shoe.

Abstract: A beam joint for connecting the ends of two wooden beams, the beam ends having overlapping matching tongues for connecting them together and providing angular mating surfaces for strengthening the joint, the joint being capable of being supported by a post; a mortise can be formed in the joint for receiving a tenon on the post.

Abstract: A limitedly shiftable overlap connection between two platelike parts, as between a U-rail and a covering or blocking platelet of connection rod fittings in which the parts can be brought into connection with one another through a simple snap plug coupling without the need for riveting or welding.

Abstract: A connector for joining two strings in precise axial alignment including a first enlarged section having a bore with a recess for receiving a knotted connector string, a second reduced-diameter section having alignment surfaces, and a third section having clip ends. Two such connectors are clipped together by inverting one and placing its clip ends over the second section of the other connector. The connectors are preferably of unitary plastic design, such that the clip ends are substantially rigid, with some resilience to allow for clipping. The inner shape of the clip ends corresponds to the outer shape of the second sections, and may be circular, trapezoidal, or some other shape. Clip ends may be provided with elongated ends to assist in removing the connectors from one another. The connector is designed to clip coaxially to another connector, such that the two string lines are coaxial, thus avoiding lateral forces from being exerted by the string lines on the connectors when assembled.

Abstract: In this fastener which comprises a base plate suitable for being fixed to a batten, at least one retaining tab which is integrally formed with the base plate and which is suitable for retaining a piece of covering material, and two fixing tabs which extend sideways from two respective opposite parallel edges of the base plate and which, when the base plate is placed on a batten, are suitable for being folded down against opposite sides of the batten, there is provided, in addition, at least one spike integrally formed with each fixing tab and extending perpendicularly thereto for gripping the batten after the fixing tab has been folded down there against.

Abstract: A modular component nuclear fuel assembly design in which sub-assembly fuel modules are joined together to form an integral fuel assembly. The invention permits a defective or damaged fuel assembly to be reconstituted from new sub-assembly fuel modules thereby facilitating quick repair. By using sub-assembly fuel modules, the invention allows for modular enrichment and/or burnup variations within a fuel assembly and permits tailoring of reactivity and/or fuel burnup within the core thereby enhancing fuel management and utilization and enabling peaking factors to be reduced. The sub-assembly fuel module design permits easy access to interior fuel rods thereby affording an increased fuel rod surveillance capability and further permits advanced fuel design to be incorporated into a reactor core with a minimum of risk.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching atrial blades to a sternal spreader comprises an elongated bar having blade attaching means on an oblique surface, and having a heel, hook and adjusting screw on its bottom surface. The heel and the head of the adjusting screw are engageable with the upper surface of a spreader arm, and the hook is engageable with the lower surface thereof. The screw has a wheel formed on it, which is located between the bar and the spreader arm. When this wheel is turned to cause the screw to extend, the hook and heel of the bar and the head of the screw are pressed against the spreader arm, causing the adapter to be firmly secured to the spreader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve (1) for interconnecting rods (3, 5) provided with threads. The sleeve (1) has an opening in each end, said openings preferably having a different size and/or form. The inside form of the sleeve (1) is such that when the rods (3, 5) are combined to a mutual threaded engagement the sleeve (1) can be axially fitted to the overlapping area of the combined rods (3, 5). The inside dimension of the sleeve (1) is such that it makes separation of the rods (3, 5) in their position fitted on the overlapping area impossible as well as elimination of the mutual thread engagement. The sleeve (1) enables a rapid, simple and reliable joining of rods (3, 5) provided with threads with a free choice of the length of the overlapping area.

Abstract: A railroad switch mechanism wherein the switch points of a track switch are moved between normal and release positions by a switch machine connected to the switch points by throw rod, lock rod and detector rod assemblies which are adjusted to have predetermined lengths. The lock or detector rod assemblies have couplings which enable temporary disconnection from the switch points when testing to verify whether the operation of the switch to normal and reverse positions is within an allowable range of variations with respect to the stock rails with which the track switch is associated without affecting the adjustment of the length of the assemblies and requiring long and costly readjustment after the completion of testing.

Abstract: A structural joint and method of making the joint wherein an end portion of each of a plurality of tubes is partially flattened into an elongated, oval annular shape of a cross sectional contour that the flattened ends of the tubes can be telescopically nested within one another, the tubes are arranged to have their axes coplanar to intersect at the joint node with the tube flattened ends in a telescopically, mutually nesting relationship to each other, a splice plate extending into the interior of the nested array of flattened tube ends and having upper and lower surfaces in an underlying, closely adjoining relation to interior surfaces of each of the tube flattened end portions, and fastening means tightly clamping together the nesting, flattened tube ends and splice plate contained therewithin.

Abstract: An extensible reinforcing bar assembly for readily permitting a plurality of bars to be extended with respect to each other and establish a desired combined length. The assembly includes a plurality of improved plastic clips for attaching the two bars while permitting them to be movable with respect to each other under applied longitudinal force.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wheelchair having a pair of upright rear frame members has a support adapted to engage underneath the wheelchair in an upright condition of same with the chair pivotal on the support between erect and inclined positions. At least two endless tracks on the support carry same and the wheelchair thereon so that the tracks allow the wheelchair to move on an incline. A frame element pivotal on the support about a horizontal axis transverse to the tracks carries a vertically displaceable transverse mount having outer ends respectively juxtaposed with the wheelchair frame members. An adjustment spindle extending along and rotatable about a horizontal axis through the mount ends adjacent the frame members has oppositely threaded ends at the outer ends engaged in respective mounting blocks axially slidable in the outer mount ends and threaded on the adjustment-spindle ends.

Abstract: An adjustable torque rod having a pair of identical, transversely-serrated mating castings disposed intermediate the torque rod ends secured together by a bolt passing through mating slots formed in the castings for longitudinal axial adjustment.The transverse serrations preferably are formed on generally planar surfaces, said surfaces inclined at an angle up to about 40.degree., preferably about 20.degree., to the longitudinal axis of the torque rod.

Abstract: An improved knock-down, fold-up metal bed frame is disclosed which provides a sturdy and easily manipulated interconnecting mechanism for the cross-rail portions of the bed frame with a positive interlock between the cross-rail portions. A hand-manipulated positive interlocking mechanism is also provided for a center brace which is employed to interconnect opposed cross-rails or side rails.

Abstract: A beam member for use in a suspended ceiling system for retaining removable panel sections includes at each longitudinal end an integral tongue and a tongue-receiving recess for joining the beam member in end-to-end relationship with another beam member having an end of corresponding configuration. The tongue is characterized by inwardly diverging sidewalls, and an outwardly offset and a rearwardly extending detent. The detent has an edge defining a circular arc, and the recess includes an arcuate central portion for abutting the edge of the arcuate detent of another beam member when the beam members are joined and outwardly diverging sidewalls. Interlocked tongues of such configuration are capable of withstanding large tensile separating forces.

Abstract: A securing assembly for securing together a pair of adjacent round tubular frame members each having a pair of co-aligned apertures includes a elongated fastener, having an enlarged diameter central portion and reduced diameter end portions each of which is provided with a plurality of retaining projections. The enlarged central portion is adopted to fit in the two inner apertures and a pair of cap members having internal blind bores are fitted over the retaining projections and are disposed in the outer apertures. The retaining projections are each comprised of a continuous helical ridge of angular shape sloped toward the central portion and the internal blind bore of each cap member may have a plurality of unthreaded retaining ribs.

Abstract: The subject invention is a device for vertically connecting members relative to one another in order to prevent rotational movement relative to one another, and wherein the invention resides in an adapter plate structured to be sandwiched intermediate the upper surface of the lower connected member and the lower surface of the upper connected member. The adapter member is generally comprised of a rectangularly shaped plate member having on opposite sides thereof reverse flange projections, one such projection structured to ride down along the vertical wall of the lower connected member; with the opposite flange structured to ride vertically up the vertical wall of the upper connected member, or vice versa. An opening is structured in the plate to receive a portion of a bolt member, which may be used to interconnect the two members.

Abstract: A scaffold plank correction arrangement comprises a pair of identical connectors, each having a horizontal flat portion attached to a plank and a folded-down tongue portion integrally formed therewith. A transverse slit is provided in the flat portion of each connector, which slit extends parallelly to the common boundary between the flat portion and the tongue. When the connectors are placed in an overlapping relationship, the tongue of one connector protrudes through the slit in the other connector whereby a direct connection is formed between the ends of two adjacent planks (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Bed frame members are provided for quick, snap-together, interlocking assembly for preventing relative rectilinear motion between members without loose or screwthread parts. One member has a first slot with an enlarged retaining portion and a mating member has a projection thereon for entrance into the slot. The projection carries a Belleville washer having its conical convex face disposed for engagement with the slot for compression as the projection moves thereinto and for retaining engagement with the periphery of the enlarged retaining portion of the slot when the projection has been fully inserted in the slot. A second slot in one member has a portion disposed at a substantial angle to the first slot and receives a second projection disposed on the other member.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for supporting an insulation panel or blanket on furnace walls which includes an extension member adapted to be fastened to an existing anchor member in order to extend the length of the anchor assembly to accommodate insulation of greater thickness. The extension member has attaching means which engage notches in the existing anchor to hold to extension in position. Different species of the attaching means are disclosed.

Abstract: A ferrule joint for a fishing rod blank made from joining plural flexible tapered resin shafts having hollow cores disclosed. The ferrule joint comprises a ferrule integral with one end of a first shaft. The ferrule has a tapered bore extending inwardly from the end of the first shaft. The hollow core end of a second shaft is insertable into the bore to frictionally interlock the shafts together. A transition section integral with the first shaft has a tapered bore joining the tapered bore in the ferrule to the hollow core of the first shaft. The tapered bore in the ferrule and the tapered bore in the transition sections are formed from plural overlapping patterns of fiber reinforced resins superimposed on the first shaft around the hollow core.

Abstract: This coupling device locks together overlapped lengths of coil-thread rebar by positively interengaging segments of the device with the threading of the respective rebar rods, and positively interengaging the segments themselves for alignment, and to complete the stress transfer.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for precision low load applications has cylindrical crankpins mounted on concave peripheral grooves on the ends of a crankshaft and coupled thereto by clamps which lockingly engage aligned annular grooves in the crankshaft and crankpin.

Abstract: Elongated width, depth and vertical posts of a structural metal frame are joined in mutually perpendicular relationship at the frame corners by a gusset sub-assembly consisting of a right angle brace reinforced by a gusset plate. The posts are each of C-shaped cross-section to provide a coextensive slot flanked by flanges having preformed therein corresponding hole patterns utilized by self-tapping screws to secure the gusset sub-assembly thereto. Integral fingers bent back from the terminations of the brace penetrate the slots to resiliently engage the width and depth posts and impart tension to the corner assembly joint.

Abstract: An electrical heater comprising a heating element, a sheath surrounding the heating element and spaced therefrom, the sheath having an end spaced from an end of the heating element, electrical insulation between the heating element and the sheath, an internal lead pin electrically connected to the heating element and extending toward the end of the sheath, an electrically insulating end plug within said sheath at the end thereof and an external lead having an inner terminal. The insulating end plug has an opening in its inner face into which the end of the pin is received, and a hole in its outer face having its centerline offset from the centerline of the pin but laterally bounded in part by a lateral surface of the pin, the hole in the end plug receiving the inner terminal of an external lead.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling structure for the support of lighting fixtures, pipe support racks, and the like utilizes an adjustable coupling device to couple two threaded support rods. The coupling device includes a clearance hole and a parallel threaded hole through a rigid body. The minor diameter of the threaded hole is tangent to the clearance hole thereby providing meshing of the threads of the two rods. Adjustment is provided by turning either of the threaded rods.

Abstract: A hanger carrying device for simultaneously carrying multiple clothes hangers upon which garments have been mounted comprising a flexible, support member having hanger-accommodating aperture means for removably fixedly mounting clothes hangers. The carrying device also includes handle means extending from at least one end of the flexible support member, the handle means usually having a generally cylindrical shape adapted to conform to the human hand.

Abstract: Fretting caused by movement of adjacent structural members at high stress is prevented by providing a tetrafluoroethylene layer between the moving surfaces. The tetrafluoroethylene may be applied directly to the mating surfaces of parts or on the surfaces of shim stock inserted therebetween.

Abstract: A wire connector. A body member has a lower hollow internally threaded portion and an upper portion with a slot in the lower portion. A pair of spaced electrodes are mounted in the upper portion, the lower ends of said electrodes being pointed and extending into the area of the slot. A ring member has a central portion bridging the ring, and the ring member is slidably mounted on the lower portion of the body member. An externally threaded member is threadedly connected to the internally threaded hollow portion of said body member. Whereby an insulated two conductor cable may be inserted through said slot between the lower ends of the electrodes and the ring member and the externally threaded member may be screwed into the body member to force the electrode points through the insulation of the cable and causing each electrode point into contact with one of the conductors of said cable.

Abstract: A coupling device for container lashings comprises two tensioning members (1, 3; 11, 13) having coacting teeth (2, 12) and a clamping means (20) for keeping the members with the teeth (2, 12) in mesh. One flank of the teeth (2, 12) inclines at an angle (.alpha.) of between 95.degree. and 110.degree. to the tensional load direction (r) of the member. The other flank of the teeth inclines at an angle (.alpha.) of between 30.degree. and 50.degree. to the tensional load direction (r). The clamping means (20) is an eccentric clamping collar, surrounding the members (1, 11) in their toothed zone and in an open condition affording a clearance (s) between the top land planes of the elements (1, 11) in the same order of magnitude as the tooth depth (t) but in a closed condition the collar (20) maintains the teeth (2, 12) of the members in mesh. Each of the members have means (4, 14) against which a tensioning apparatus (30), e.g. a hydraulic tensioner can be applied.

Abstract: A sealless strap connection is provided between a first and second overlapped length of strap and comprises an array of longitudinally spaced joints with each joint comprising lengthwise opposed protuberances displaced from their respective planes of the overlapped lengths of strap and interlocked with each other. The protuberances on the first length of strap are longitudinally spaced in a first and second group with the protuberances of the first group equally spaced from each other and with the spacing of the adjacent protuberances of the second group progressively increased in the direction away from the first group. The protuberances on the second length of strap are longitudinally spaced in first and second groups with the protuberances of the first group equally spaced from each other and with the spacing of the adjacent protuberances of the second group progressively increasing in the direction away from the first group.

Abstract: Bed frame members are provided for quick, snap-together, interlocking assembly for preventing relative rectilinear motion between members without loose or screwthread parts. One frame member has a first slot with an enlarged retaining portion and a mating frame member has a projection disposed thereon for entrance into the slot. The projection carries a Belleville washer having its conical convex face disposed for engagement with the slot for compression as the projection moves into and for retaining engagement with the periphery of the enlarged retaining portion of the slot when the projection has been fully inserted in the slot. A second slot in one of the frame members has a portion thereof disposed at a substantial angle to the first slot and receives a second projection disposed on the other frame member.

Abstract: A conveyor system including an overhead conveyor rail system for a plurality of traction members each having a depending tie rod provided at its lower end with a snap coupling for releasably receiving the outer end of a handle rod of any of a plurality of wheel supported carts belonging to the system, for moving the carts on the floor along a predetermined path. The snap coupling an elongate extension member on the tie rod having adjacent its top end a snap latch arrangement for receiving an outermost transverse standard handle bar on the handle rod, and the lower end of the extension member having a transverse portion for abuttingly engaging the adjacent portion of the handle rod itself, when the handle bar is received in the snap lock arrangement, such that by stoppage of the traction member the cart is prevented from moving further by its inertia, without the handle rod having to be of any special design for being usable in the system.

Abstract: A self-equilibrating coupler suitable for simultaneous tensioning of two ends of cable, said coupler having two uniformly curved surfaces in one plane, in fixed position one to the other, the two curved surfaces curving from each other in an amount sufficient to permit jacking and anchoring of both cable ends, the two curved surfaces being separated in the said plane, at the coupler geometric center, in an amount at least as great as twice the diameter of the cable, and the tangents at the entering point of each cable on the curved surface being separated within the plane in an amount equal to one cable diameter.

Abstract: A detachable connection for use in applications where detachment or shear of the connection is desirable or foreseen as a necessity. An improvement in a connection between two structural elements having identical, but oppositely oriented complemental connecting portions which mate, forming an enclosed space through which is inserted a deformable coupling member with cross section different from the cross section of the enclosed space. The improved connection will disconnect when subjected to predetermined forces, leaving the oppositely oriented structural elements undamaged.

Abstract: A gritless seal, a method for making the seal, and a method for forming a joint with the seal between overlapped ligature segments is provided. The inner gripping layer is brittle and has a hardness greater than that of the outer, ductile layer. In forming the joint, the seal is disposed about the overlapped ligature segments and is folded, squeezed, and/or crimped about the segments under pressure sufficient to deform the outer, ductile layer and produce fracture cracks in the inner gripping layer which present sharp edges to engage and hold the surfaces of the overlapping ligature segments. The interior of the sheet steel seal is case hardened by known cyaniding techniques.

Abstract: A connection between two string-like members, as for instance a heddle and the rubber cord which biasses it downwardly, is effected by first stretching the end portion 2a of the rubber cord 2, applying the stretched end portion longitudinally along the corresponding end portion of the heddle 1, preferably between the two wires 1a, 1b of which the heddle 1 is made, binding both end portions by an appropriate adhesive 7 and closely winding on the whole a covering sheet 5, such as an aluminium foil.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering shaft assembly having two complementary steering shaft pieces adapted to be connected to the vehicle steering gear and steering wheel, respectively. Each shaft piece has an end portion arranged in adjacent, overlapping relationship with the end portion of the other shaft piece. The two shaft pieces are connected by at least two independent, torque-transmitting plug connections which are axially spaced relative to each other along the overlapping end portions. Each of the plug connections includes projections or "plugs," attached and extending parallel to one of the shaft pieces, and corresponding receptacles, adapted to receive the projections, attached to the other shaft piece. As a result of this construction the two shaft pieces of the steering shaft assembly may be disconnected upon application of a predetermined axial force, but the steering shaft assembly will not bend upon application of a transverse force thereto.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly comprises a semicircular cross-sectioned wedge member attached to the outside surface of a pole. A pin protrudes through the surface of the pole opposite the wedge member to provide a means of registration between the pole and a hole in a mounting portion of an accessory tool. A locking sleeve is slidably positioned on the pole so that the accessory tool is clamped firmly next to the pole when the locking sleeve is positioned around and jams against the wedge surface. A collar member is also provided to prevent the locking sleeve from sliding off the pole at the end opposite the wedge.

Abstract: A latching mechanism is described for removably mounting a handlebar to a lawn and yard implement. Also described is a powered lawn and yard implement for removing trash or like material from a lawn or yard and discharging the material into a wheeled pushcart. The implement includes a wheel supported housing to which the wheeled pushcart is releasably connected. A chute assembly directs trash from the housing into an upwardly open bin of the pushcart. The pushcart includes an elongated support roller and a pushbar assembly that facilitate independent movement of the pushcart assembly when detached from the housing. The housing includes a latching mechanism that may be operated from one side of the housing to secure or release the pushcart relative to the housing. Also associated with the latching mechanism is a deflector assembly that operates in response to operation of the latching assembly to open or close the discharge chute leading to the open bin.

Abstract: A first and a second element have respective abutting surfaces which together form an interface. One or more connecting members, such as screws, rivets or the like, connect the elements together. The juxtaposed sides of the elements are formed with respective matingly inter-engaging projections and recesses which resist forces that are being transmitted between the elements and act in the plane of the interface. The invention is especially advantageous for use in erecting trusses or arches of halls and other buildings, and in such a case the elements may be structural plates having the recesses and projections grouped about the locations of the respective connecting members.

Abstract: A U-shaped plate has locating notches in the ends of the legs providing surfaces that are received between the ridges forming the standard configuration of a concrete reinforcing bar. The plate is clamped against either a pair of rods to hold them in interengagement, or against one rod to secure an additional rod attached to the legs of the plate in parallelism to the clamped rod.