Abstract: A strapping tool for tensioning and shearing strap has a tensioning wheel, a ratchet wheel means associated with the tensioning wheel, and a pawl adapted to engage the ratchet wheel means when the tensioning wheel is rotated in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. When the pawl is engaged, the ratchet wheel drives a single stroke cut-off mechanism. A latch means is provided to place the pawl into engagement with the ratchet wheel. A pawl positioning means connects the latch means and the pawl, and releases the pawl from engagement with the ratchet wheel means as a cut-off stroke is executed. The strapping tool is further provided with a cutting block which has a chamfer along the cutting edge of the block so that the edge of the cut strap is bent downwardly upon being cut, and wear on the cutting edge is minimized as the strap is tensioned.

Abstract: For dependently supporting an object, such as from a ceiling or overhead support, a pair of elongated support elements are locked into a clamp strap. An upper one of the support elements extends upwardly from the clamp strap for attachment to the overhead support while the other support element extends downwardly from the clamp strap with the object to be supported attached to its lower end. The upper and lower support elements are co-extensive for a portion of their lengths. The co-extensive portions of the support elements are contiguous to one another. The clamp strap has a pair of legs with at least one slot in each leg extending in the direction of the leg. The co-extensive portions of the support elements pass through and are held within the slots in the clamp strap. The slots have a shape generally conforming to at least a part of the transverse cross-sectional shape of the support element.

Abstract: A plough share made of metal having at least two spaced tongues pressed out of the metal and projecting rearwardly at an angle, the two tongues being adapted to engage in complementary holes formed in the frog of a plough. The plough share also has holes therein, these being formed by the tongues being pressed outwardly therefrom. These holes are covered by a reinforcement plate, which is attached to the side of the plough share opposite to the side to which the frog is to be attached.

Abstract: A weak link for securing a life raft painter to a vessel in such a manner that, upon sinking of the vessel, the life raft in its container floats toward the surface to extend the painter its full length. The buoyant force of the raft and container activate a raft inflation mechanism and the increased buoyant force of the inflated raft breaks the weak link and frees the raft from the vessel. In addition, the dual strength weak link can, with a force significantly less than the buoyant force of the inflated raft, be broken manually such that the raft may be freed from the vessel prior to its actual sinking.

Abstract: Overlapping ends of metal strap, or the like, are aligned and connected without the aid of an overlying supplemental seal or fastener by means of an array of longitudinally spaced joints which form a one-way interlocking relationship. The joints comprise juxtaposed protuberances formed by slits in the strap ends, integral with the overlapping strap segments, which override each other as the interlocking relationship is formed. A protuberance in the array on one of the strap ends is formed to additionally function as an integral anti-disengagement stop. This protuberance has an upturned corner forming a protruding tongue which, upon shifting of the joined overlapping lengths of metal strap relative to each other in a direction tending to disengage the joints, abuts a portion of the protuberance in a corresponding slit of the other strap to provide a stop preventing disengagement.

Abstract: A joint for electrical conductors includes a connecting member having a longitudinal groove therein for receiving joining portions on a pair of electrical conductors. Biasing means carried by the conductors act against the groove bottom for biasing joining surfaces on the conductors into firm engagement with joining groove surfaces. The joint accommodates longitudinal thermal expansion and contraction of busbars or the like.

Abstract: An actuating rod for interconnecting a throttle with an exhaust gas return valve has first and second rod portions which are interconnected in force transmitting relation by a spring. The second rod portion is bent to extend parallel to the first rod portion over part of its length and has a loop surrounding the first portion and engaging the spring.

Abstract: For connecting together two wires which are to be placed under tension in series connection, a connector has a rigid body pierced by two substantially parallel bores. The wires are passed through the bores and anchored against the tension at opposite ends of the body by suitable anchoring means. The lengths which are to be tensioned extend through the bores. Where a wire has ruptured under tension, the broken ends can be respectively connected to two such connectors, which are themselves joined by a supplementary length of wire. Tension can then be re-applied.

Abstract: Vibration testing apparatus in which the driver bar interconnecting the slip plate and shaker head in vibration transmitting relation supports the slip plate more closely adjacent the shaker head and in cantilevered fashion, opposite the locus of free-sliding engagement of the slip plate and its support block, and free of such locus.