Abstract: An interlockable connection system is disclosed herein for releasably joining a selected number of tiles together wherein each tile includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to snap-lock with a retaining element used in common with other tiles so as to provide a composite object composed of multiple tiles of various polygonal shapes. The retaining elements may be of many shapes and tiles may be of a variety of geometric configurations. The connection system provides convenient repeatable joining and unjoining of the retaining elements with the tiles and permits rotation of the joint through a large angle about the axis of the joined tile edges.

Abstract: A universal attachment assembly for securing saw blades of different mounting configuration to the actuator shaft of an oscillating surgical saw. The blade is held firmly between a fixed receptor plate on the shaft and the selected surface of a selected profiled mounting disk by a locking nut. Each side of each mounting disk is differently profiled to mate with a different saw blade.

Abstract: A link for facilitating the joining of two rods while compensating for manufacturing irregularities in rod length and other manufacturing and assembly tolerances to produce a rigid assembly of proper length including a clip base for receiving an end of each rod and a sleeve to lock the assembly. The clip has an opening on one end for receiving a first rod and a threaded opening and longitudinal recess at the opposite end for receiving a threaded end of the second rod. The second rod may be pushed transversely to its axis into the recess and opening at any point along the opening to rigidly link the two rods together while compensating for manufacturing and assembly tolerance variations. The sleeve is telescopingly locked over the recess to secure the second rod in the clip.

Abstract: A trailer coupling has a removable unitary coupler-receiving element that includes both a ball configured to receive a spherical cavity coupler and a cylindrical neck configured to receive a drawbar eye. A latch is movable about a vertical axis between a closed position, where it engages the coupler-receiving element, and prevents removal of the eye from the neck, and an open position where it is separated from the coupler-receiving element and permits use of the ball. A locking mechanism locks the latch in its closed position and holds it against free movement from its open position. A trigger located in a finger-receiving cavity in the latch releases the locking mechanism. Because the latch rotates about a vertical axis, it can have a low profile and not extend substantially above the ball in the orientation.

Abstract: An engine coupler and adapter for installing an automobile engine into a vehicle in which a rear mounted engine was originally installed. The coupler comprises a body which is an elongated hollow cylinder, a mounting flange at one end of the cylinder for mounting the coupling device to the flywheel of a transaxle, and a mounting flange mounted at the opposing end of the cylinder shaft for mounting the coupler to an automobile engine crankshaft gear. The flanges, each of which is positioned at a right angle to the cylinder axis, consist of cylindrical disks. Each of the flanges contain properly positioned and shaped apertures to enable the flanges to be attached to the transaxle flywheel and the automobile engine crankshaft gear respectively. Threading is provided interior of the hollow cylinder for threadable connection of the coupler to a transaxle gland nut. An adapter is provided to connect differently-configured flywheel housing components.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron. A leg is reverseably mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The reverseable mounting of the legs permits height adjustment in accordance with the orientation of each leg.

Abstract: Apparatus and system including a hanger device which is releasably clampable to a rod. The hanger device includes a pair of blocks each having a plurality of differently configured bore sections therein adapted for cooperating with a plurality of differently configured bore sections of the other block such that predetermined ones of the cooperating bore sections may be aligned to clamp the rod therebetween, whereby the blocks may be clamped to rods of a plurality of different configurations. One of the blocks is provided with a member for suspending a hoist. The apparatus further preferably comprises structure for connecting the hanger device to a come-along device whereby the functions of the hoist and come-along device may be effectively interrelated to lift and substantially horizontally translate material in an efficient and coordinated process.

Abstract: An adaptor (25) is disclosed for use in mounting a transmission clutch housing (21) to a flywheel housing (11') wherein the flywheel housing defines a first bolt circle pattern (R1), and the clutch housing defines a second, substantially smaller bolt circle pattern (R2). The adaptor includes a first portion (27) and a second portion (29), the portions defining pluralities of bolt holes (37 and 43). The first portion defines a forward surface (33) and the second portion defines a rearward surface (41), both surfaces coinciding with an imaginary transverse mounting plane MP. The forward surface of the first portion engages a mounting surface (62) of the flywheel housing, while the rearward surface of the second portion engages a forward surface (54) of the clutch housing, such that the use of the adaptor (25) does not change the relative axial position of the flywheel housing and clutch housing, which would require a change in the configuration or length of the transmission input shaft (19).

Abstract: An eccentric screw pump comprises at least one stator, a rotor having a core and received for eccentric rotation in the stator, a first coupling device adapted to connect one end of the rotor to a drive system, a second coupling device provided at another end of the rotor, the coupling devices having external dimensions which are smaller than a diameter of the core of the rotor.

Abstract: A saddle mounting structure comprising a connector for connecting a saddle to a golf cart's main frame, two symmetrical locating blocks for connecting said connector to the pillar of the saddle by a screw and a lock nut, two fastening plates for connecting the connector to the golf cart's main frame by a second screw. The connector has raised strips radially made on the outer wall surface alternatively engaged in a plurality of radial grooves on one symmetrical locating block for adjusting the angular position of the saddle relative to the golf cart's main frame.

Abstract: A universal starter motor assembly, which may be affixed to many different makes and models of internal combustion engines. A starter motor and solenoid assembly of the gear reduction type has a face plate which covers the armature gear, supports the idler gear and the outer bearing of the clutch assembly extends through the face plate. Many different styles of mounting adapters can be easily attached to the face plate and are shaped and configured to permit the starter motor assembly to be affixed to a particular style of internal combustion engine. The pinion gear of the starter motor is removable and replaceable from the exterior of the universal starter motor.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron disposed at an angle greater than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree.. A leg is mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The leg is movable from an active position where it extends downwardly beyond the apron to a stored condition where it is mounted against or in the base within the periphery of the apron.

Abstract: An aerobic step/bench exercise device includes a base having a horizontal platform with downwardly extending sides. The lower surface of the base includes a plurality of spaced leg receiving openings. Each of the openings has at least one notch extending upwardly from the lower surface into which a lateral projection from a respective leg would be inserted to control the extent to which a leg may be inserted into its respective opening.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron. A leg is reverseably mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The reverseable mounting of the legs permits height adjustment in accordance with the orientation of each leg.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron. A leg is reverseably mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The reverseable mounting of the legs permits height adjustment in accordance with the orientation of each leg.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform having a downwardly and outwardly extending apron disposed at an angle greater than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree.. A leg is mounted against the apron at each corner of the platform. The leg is movable from an active position where it extends downwardly beyond the apron to a stored condition where it is mounted against or in the base within the periphery of the apron.

Abstract: An exercise step/bench for aerobic climbing and dance includes a base in the form of a horizontal platform generally rectangularly shaped with a downwardly extending apron. Each corner of the platform is provided with a plurality of leg receiving openings. A leg is provided for each corner and is constructed so as to be reversibly mounted in its respective corner thus providing height adjustability in accordance with the orientation of the leg and the selection of the particular opening into which the leg is mounted.

Abstract: A lift apparatus has a load member, a lift cradle and a lifting arrangement. The load member has a rail or track portion which provides a path when raising and lowering the lift cradle. The load member also has a mounting portion for mounting the load member to an adjacent structure such as a dock, a pier or a wall. The mounting portion has a web, which stands off mounting hardware, such as a mounting plate, from the rail portion. The lift cradle has bearings for sliding along the rail portion. The bearings have a gap, which allow the bearings to slide along the rail portion without interference from the web. When the bearings are free of the web, the lift cradle can rotate, to deposit the load onto a dock. The lifting arrangement is rotatively coupled to the upper end of the load member, so as to rotate with the lift cradle. A lift system utilizes the lift apparatus and a wheeled cart. The load is located on the cart, which couples to the lift cradle.

Abstract: A laterally adjustable armrest assembly for a chair includes an armrest support adapted to be secured to the chair. A bracket is joined to an upper end of the armrest support. An armrest member defines a plurality of downwardly opening grooves dimensioned to receive the bracket in selectively adjustable lateral positions.

Abstract: A bicycle utility carrying rack has a two piece clamp and a separate carrying grid. One clamp piece is bent to form a square-ended head which fits in a channel in the grid. The grid can be assembled to the clamp in one of two mutually perpendicular orientations for flexibility in mounting at various points of a bicycle frame. A single bolt secures the grid to the clamp and once assembled, the grid cannot turn about the bolt to another position unless disassembled from the clamp.

Abstract: A faucet handle assembly is described for replacing a handle on a faucet valve stem, which can mount on a wide variety of types of stems. The assembly includes a pair of jaws (30, 32, FIG. 1) having inner surfaces for engaging opposite sides of the periphery (22) of the valve stem and having outer camming surfaces (42, 43) that can be pushed together. The assembly also includes a faucet handle (12) with a hole in the top for passing a screw (28) that screws into a threaded hole of the valve stem, and having a cavity (44) for receiving the jaws. The cavity has camming surfaces (54, 56) that engage the jaw camming surfaces, so as the screw is tightened the jaws are pressed tightly against the valve stem peripheral surface.

Abstract: An apparatus having two slide supports, adjustable with respect to one another, which have attachment surfaces for attaching two holding devices. The balance of the holding devices attached to the attachment surfaces of the slide supports are compensated by having the slide supports each divided into a slide support base plate and an attachment plate with the attachment surface. The attachment plates are connected in a limited adjustable manner with the slide support base plates under spring tension using spring-stressed bolts oriented perpendicular relative to the attachment surfaces. The attachment plate of the first slide support is adjustable in a limited manner through use of an adjustment bolt oriented perpendicular relative to the direction of adjustment of the slide supports on the coordinated slide support base plate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two piece connector for the rapid assembly of modular playground equipment, each connector half having a flange at one end for attaching to various components and a jaw at the other end having a tongue cooperative with grooves on a vertical support column for attaching the connector to the support column. A connection is made by placing the tongue of each connector half in an opposing or facing pair of grooves in the desired location on the support column, pulling the flanges together, locking the two connector halves in position on the support column, and then locking the two connector halves together when attachment to a component is made.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure actuated firing assembly for use in connection with a tubing conveyed perforating system is provided. The firing assembly is connected to a cable and lowered into engagement with the tubing conveyed perforating apparatus set within the well. The cable is removed and pressure is applied to the tubing annulus. At a predetermined pressure a shear member breaks, arming the firing assembly. Force is exerted upon an impact firing rod by a spring member causing fluid to move from a reservoir through a flow path traversing a piston attached to the impact firing rod. In one embodiment, the flow path may be restricted to provide a time delay before the impact firing rod is released whereby the force exerted by a spring forces the firing rod into a percussion firing assembly to thereby detonate the percussion firing assembly and the attached perforating apparatus. Alternatively no flow path may be provided to give instantaneous firing.

Abstract: A system for attaching a material handling tool to an arm of an excavating device includes a forward hook for engaging with a pin on the material handling tool and a rearward latch mechanism for engaging with a rearward fixture on the material handling tool. The rearward latch mechanism uses a rotating pin to lock the latch mechanism. By uniformly spacing the latch mechanism from the forward hook, and by also including a second latch mechanism, spaced from the rearward latch mechanism, a versatile standardized attachment device is created.

Abstract: An adaptor for converting a chain saw into a circular saw by means of a collar secured to both the clutch housing and the hub of the existing chain saw, the collar being held by a washer and a nut from the chain saw, said collar being cylindrical with a concentric opening through it, the concentric opening having a smaller diameter for a minor portion of the length of the collar and a larger diameter for a major portion of the length of the collar, the portion of the opening with a larger diameter being threaded and portion of the opening having a smaller diameter being ribbed, the adaptor further including a shaft extension plug threaded into the threaded opening of the collar, the shaft extension plug having a face plate and a concentric threaded shaft which extends concentrically from the face plate, for mounting a circular saw blade with a nut being threaded on the concentric shaft to hold the circular saw blade.

Abstract: A loose-leaf personalized album comprising a top cover having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The top cover contains a recess in the exterior surface thereof. A personal indicia is positioned within the recess so as to permanently maintain the personal indicia in position in the recess whereby said personal indicia is visible. A bottom cover has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The bottom cover contains a recess within the interior surface thereof for receipt of a second personal indicia. The album i includes a means for maintaining the second personal indicia within said recess. A plurality of feet project from the exterior surface of the bottom cover. A ring assembly is affixed to the interior surface of the bottom cover. A spine has an interior surface an an exterior surface. The spine is hingedly connected to the top and bottom covers.

Abstract: A window crank handle extension adapter for a motor vehicle is provided and consists of a spacer member that will allow the crank handle to extend away from a speaker mounted within a door panel of the motor vehicle so that a person can turn the crank handle without hitting the cover of the speaker.

Abstract: A ball hitch for towing trailers and the like may be assembled in either of two possible configurations so that the resultant assembled ball structure has a selected diameter complemental to the socket of the trailer tongue. The hitch includes an integral body presenting two end portions having a truncated spherical configuration, and a specially adapted bolt may be inserted in either of two directions in a central bore of the body so that the selected end portion of the latter may be located in an outermost disposition for use. Preferably, a smoothly rounded head of the bolt has a radius of curvature equal to the average of the radii of the end portions of the body so that the bolt head and the selected end portion of the body, when the hitch is installed in the vehicle, cooperate to present a rounded structure of a generally spherical configuration.

Abstract: An adjusting device permitting the operator of a planter to easily and accurately adjust the depth of planting by vertically adjusting the height of the planter frame through use of an adjustable spacer device in the support for the gauge wheels. The adjustable spacer has two main parts, one of which has a multiple series of axially spaced steps affording selective adjustment of the planter frame relative to the ground.

Abstract: A universal, direct drive fan coupling designed to attach a radiator cooling fan to a water pump of an internal combustion engine for an automobile or like vehicle wherein the subject coupling is specifically designed to efficiently replace the fan idling clutch present in many relatively current models of American made automobiles, or like vehicles. The inherent versatility of the subject direct drive coupling enables the elimination of any clutch mechanism normally found in the aforementioned automobile type which is positioned between the rotating shaft associated with the conventional cooling fan and a subsequently positioned and driven component of the circulation system such as the water pump.

Abstract: An adapter consists of a more or less cylindrical body having a rear outer portion and a front inner portion, projections (or other suitable coupling means) on the rear outer portion for effecting the coupling to an automatic adjusting device, and at least three different recessed configurations located at different depths within the body's front inner portion for mating respectively to at least the three most common types of residential thermostat knobs. The most recessed configuration receives the smallest such knob, which is of the "lever" type. The middle configuration is a circular ring of inwardly projecting teeth for engaging the intermediate size "serrated" type of knob. The least recessed configuration is of an internal bevelled shape for receiving the largest such knob, namely the "bevel" knob. These various recessed configurations are so located and dimensioned with respect to the body of the adaptor to allow each type of knob to reach and mate with its corresponding recessed configuration.

Abstract: A joint is provided which can serve for connecting two elements, but can also be employed for making a column or pole like structure. The joint consists of two superposed plates or frame shaped bodies which are interconnected by two pairs of crossing rods. The joint serves to connect two modular parts in a chain-like construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining sections to a knuckle in a spatial structure and including a first hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped out shell provided with a first plurality of equidistantly positioned holes and an inwardly bent perimeter area, a second hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped outer shell provided with a second plurality of equidistantly positioned holes, components for joining the first and second hollow base pieces to each other to form the knuckle with all holes of the first and second plurality of holes equidistantly positioned from each other, an internally threaded single piece element, a section having a face and being rigidly attached to the internally threaded single piece element so that the face rests upon the outer face of the knuckle, and a tightening screw having a head resting on the inner face of the knuckle and a body passing through one of the equidistantly positioned holes of the knuckle so as to engage by threading the single piece elemen

Abstract: A pair of pipe clamps each having a pair of gripping members for clamping a pipe therebetween with the pipe extending through the clamps beyond opposite sides and with each clamp having a generally L-shaped projection away from the gripping members with the plane of the web lying in the plane of a pipe clamped in the gripping members and means for pivotally connecting and adjustably clamping the webs.

Abstract: A modular, multi-configuration robotics system having basic interchangeable component parts including a base (10), turret (110), rails (20), mounting blocks (30), motors (80), arm links (60) as the primary components and also including bearings (180), pillow blocks (170), gears (176, 178), various shafts, pulley, belts, electronic controller and optical encoders (184) as additional essential component parts. The system is intended as a tutorial device in the field of educational robotics.

Abstract: An actuating shaft assembly for use with recliner-type chairs including a footrest and a carriage assembly for moving the footrest between extended and retracted positions. The actuating shaft assembly includes a first shaft member coupled to the carriage assembly, a second shaft member telescopically coupled to the first shaft member for adjustment relative thereto to accomodate chairs having different side wall thicknesses, bolts or the like to fixedly attach the first and second shaft members to one another, and a handle attached to the outer end of the second shaft member for allowing the shaft members to be manually rotated to move the carriage assembly and footrest between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A rope or cable connection is made between first and second lengths of rope or cable by a clamp device including an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member which are hinged together. The upper jaw member defines an open ended engagement slot through which the lengths of cable or rope extend. The jaw members may be pivoted apart to an open position, or alternatively, pivoted together to a closed position. When in the closed position, the open end of the slot is bridged by the lower jaw member and the lengths of rope or cable are compressed within the slot. A latch means holds the upper and lower jaw members in their closed position while permitting quick attachment or disengagement of the clamp device without the need for tools. Slot inserts may also be provided with the clamp device which are dimensioned to be received within the slot. The slot inserts permit cable or rope lengths of different diameters to be clamped together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing rotational movement and comprises a rotatably element such as a cog-sector (3) or the like, arranged in a housing (1). The sector can easily be connected to rotatable machine elements of various kinds by being provided with an easily exchangeable coupling element (7) which can be displaced axially through a bore in the sector and through two bearings (8, 9) and be detachably fastened to the cog-sector by e.g. screws (14, 15) provided in threaded bores in the sector and abutting radially directed support surfaces in recesses in the element (7) between the bearing surfaces of the bearings (8, 9).

Abstract: A method of making an infinite number of hangers from a single sheet metal blank. The hangers are for connecting wood sawn and "I"-type members in the building construction industry. The hanger may be bent to form left and right skew hangers, up and down sloping hangers, and carry supported members of different widths as well as heights. By inserting spacers in the die, hangers of different heights, top flange and top tilted flange hangers may be provided. The design uses a hinged seat and an asymmetrical seat and back plate member. Tab members are outwardly turned and the tabs are constructed from a portion of the back plate member.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to lift an object, such as a metal block, having a threaded socket for engagement of a lifting device. The lifting device comprises a ring, to which is rotatably mounted a hub having three outwardly extending threaded studs of different sizes. The appropriate stud, having a diameter matching that of the socket of the object to be lifted, can be moved into the lifting position for threaded engagement with the socket.

Abstract: The Paint Roller Apparatus with Inherent Cleaning Capability constitutes a roller type apparatus upon which can be mounted a conventional paint roller pad, and which includes a means for coupling rotary energy to the roller part of the Apparatus and a means of swiveling the handle of the said apparatus and locking the said handle into either of two positions: one position for use of the apparatus as a paint applicator; the other position for use of the apparatus to clean the paint roller pad by applying the said rotary energy.

Abstract: An inboard outboard drive having a structural part which passes through an opening in the hull of a boat. A mounting shield for supporting the structural part is at its inner portion provided with symmetrical receiver grooves into which the support flanges on the structural part may be selectively inserted in either one of two reversed positions and has in an outer portion an asymmetrically located flange for securing to the hull. The shield may according to need be put on the inner or outer side of the hull, depending on which of them is more even than the other.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a wheeled vehicle, comprising a suspension arm having a pair of arm portions aligned with each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle body and pivotally connected to the vehicle body for being rockable about a first axis fixed with respect to the vehicle body and transverse to the vehicle body; a wheel axle which is pivotally connected to the suspension arm and rockable about a second axis fixed with respect to the suspension arm and perpendicular to the first axis and which has a spindle portion having a center axis about which a wheel-and-tire assembly is rotatable; and angle adjusting means engaging the suspension arm and the wheel axle and adapted to permit adjustment of the angular position of the wheel axle with respect to the suspension arm about the second axis.

Abstract: A crank for a bicycle, which mounts a pedal shaft into a through bore of each crank arm so that the angular position of the pedal shaft can be changed to change the effective length of the crank arms employs first and second adapters, each having a mounting bore for the pedal shaft which is eccentric with respect to the center of the through bore and an engaging portion engageable with one side of the crank arm, the pedal shaft screwing with at least one of the adapters, at least one of the adapters and the crank arm having therebetween an anti-rotation mechanism so that each adapter is fitted into the mounting bore in relation of being changeable in position and non-rotatable at the changed position with respect to the crank arm, the adapters being drawn toward each other to urge the engaging portions to the crank arm, thereby fixing the pedal shaft to the crank arm through each adapter.

Abstract: A photography stand system is disclosed assembled from elongate support members into either a tripod or framework structure. The elongate support members form the legs of the camera tripod, each assembled to a tripod platform by mating engagement of fittings into tracks formed in the elongated support members in order to be height positionable. Cameras and various photographic accessories may be mounted to the platform and secured to any adjusted position along the length of each of the support members by coupling fittings including T-bolts fit within the tracks in each of the tripod legs. The support members may also be assembled in end-to-end relationship by a coupling element secured in each end of the support members, and erected into a framework with the camera and various accessories similarly positionable along the length of any of the support members.

Abstract: A device for limiting the stroke of a hydraulic ram of mining apparatus employs a segmental stop which partly surrounds the piston rod of the ram. The stop locates between the cylinder of the ram and a head piece at the end of the piston rod. The cylinder of the ram makes contact with the stop during retraction of the ram thereby limiting the stroke of the ram. The stop is connected to the head piece via replaceable or adjustable pins. These pins permit the distance between the head piece and the stop element to be altered at will. The connection pins also enable the stop to be arranged to partly surround the piston rod periphery over different regions thereof.

Abstract: A replacement starting motor of the type for use in starting a passenger vehicle internal combustion engine is provided by converting a donor motor originally manufactured for one engine installation into a form making it a substitute for a starting motor manufactured for a different engine installation. The motor shell and solenoid housing and internal features contained therein are retained as a core from the donor starting motor in the replacement starting motor. A newly developed end cap assembly having a shape and spacial dimensions enabling the retained components of the donor starting motor to fit the different engine installation of the starting motor being replaced is attached to the donor core. A newly developed pinion sleeve having a unique length dimension is provided in the replacement starting motor to enable the retained components of the donor starter to properly bring the drive pinion into and out of driving engagement with the flywheel associated with the different engine installation.

Abstract: A clamp for scaffolding and temporary building and similarly acting fittings in which the curvatures of the pipe carrier and the pipe holder forming the clamp for receiving and holding the pipes are determined at a substantially intermediate value among the curvatures of the pipes of different diameters and a bolt embracer provided at the free end of the pipe holder is substantially directed to a radial direction of the circle formed by the pipe carrier and the pipe holder of the clamp, thereby averting the nut from slipping off the bolt embracer and securing a positive clamping effect.

Abstract: A tubing connector for connecting lengths of round or square tubing includes a base block with an integrally molded connecting arm. Additional connecting arms are connected to the base block by screws which extend through a hollow bore in the connecting arm and an aperture in an end face of the connecting arm. The screws are threadably received in the base block.