Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turnbuckle mechanism in which a central link is provided with internal right and left hand compatible threads and which receives, at its opposite ends, one of a pair of longitudinally split, externally threaded shafts which are threaded in opposite directions. The split shaft members are manufactured from oppositely threaded cylindrical shafts which are machined along their threaded sections to split each cylindrical shaft into two symmetrical, longitudinally split shaft members, which are then paired with oppositely threaded split shaft members and secured together with the central link, preferably with a separation band of plastic or corrosion resistant metal between their opposing flat surfaces. The shaft members are also provided with distal clamps such as hooks, loops or full threads for attachment of cables, rods or similar members.

Abstract: A turnbuckle comprises first and second fastening parts, the first fastening part having a first end fitting and a first rod-shaped portion, and the second fastening part having a second end fitting and a second rod-shaped portion, at least the first of which rod-shaped portions is formed with threads. The turnbuckle further comprises a tightening device comprising first and second tightening members, each having an outer end piece and an inner end piece. The outer end piece of at least the first tightening member has a threaded through-hole to receive in screw engagement the threaded rod portion of the first fastening part. The inner end piece of the second tightening member has a threaded through-hole also to receive in screw engagement the threaded rod portion of the first fastening part. The tightening device is arranged to assume at least two different elongation conditions.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: A turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts. There is provided an easily assemblable and economical apparatus which preferably includes a multiplicity of energy absorption points which help to prevent damage to the expensive computer frame and which further assists in maintaining computer operations at peak levels even during certain seismological activity.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be secured to a truck or trailer bed, for transporting on roads or highways, using adjustable-length connectors with rigid shafts, rather than chains, ropes, or cables. Two steel "tine pins" (or comparable rigid structures, such as rounded eye hooks) are securely mounted on opposed ends or sides of the ATV. Similar tine pins are also mounted on the bed of a trailer or truck used to carry the ATV. The ATV is loaded onto the trailer or truck, moved into position (this does not require precise placement) and secured by turnbuckle-type securing connectors which have adjustable lengths. Unlike chains or ropes, these adjustable connectors become rigid and non-yielding after their lengths have been adjusted. An eyehole which accommodates a tine pin is provided at each end of each connector.

Abstract: A retained earth structure includes an upright soil retaining wall of interlocking facing panels and a plurality of horizontal elongated wire mesh reinforcement panels extending outwardly from the back surface of the modules into the backfill material. The wire mesh panels are connected in tiers to the retaining wall while embedded in the backfill material soil behind the wall by use of a three-way adjustable, turnbuckle-type connector assembly. The three-way adjustable turnbuckle-type connector assembly ensures verticality of the finished precast wall panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite turnbuckle comprising a pair of co-axial and spaced annular end fittings. Each end fitting has a threaded interior surface and an outer surface. The end fittings are made of metal. The turnbuckle has a body that extends between the end fittings. The body includes a non-metallic material. The end fittings are secured to the body to limit relative axial movement between the end fittings and the body. The turnbuckle may be used in connection with riggings of sailing vessels, for example.

Abstract: A short in-line turnbuckle having telescoping threaded parts and including grip screw locking structure to apply frictional forces to prevent relative rotation of the turnbuckle parts once the turnbuckle is adjusted to the desired length. In one embodiment a swivel connector element is provided for the turnbuckle. In another embodiment, a set screw acts against a threaded bolt of the turnbuckle structure while a separate lock screw provides a frictional force on separated sidewall portions of the turnbuckle to selectively prevent relative rotation of the threaded turnbuckle parts.

Abstract: A kit of readily assemblable parts to protect computer equipment and the like against destructive seismological motions. In particular, a turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: A main mount (52) having a central hub (58) is secured to a turnbuckle. A ring gear (66) surrounds the hub. A motionless bearing (70) fits over the hub and is held in place with a locking ring (82). The motionless bearing (70) includes several bores that receive a driving bit (90) that engages the ring gear. As the driving bit is rotated, the main mount is rotated about the motionless bearing thereby tightening or loosening the turnbuckle.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning the object focus of an elliptical reflector, such as positioned within the filament tube of a filament irradiating unit, with a directional axis, such as the centerline of the filament as it travels through the tube. The apparatus includes a support assembly for mounting the tube in a precisely fixed position, and three adjustable mounting assemblies connected to the support assembly at three spaced apart connection points for mounting the support assembly on a stationary base. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a pair of linkages each of adjustable length and forming two sides of a triangle with its apex at the point of connection to the support assembly.

Abstract: An improved adjusting sleeve for connecting together a pair of opposite, generally-collinear threaded rods, as may be found in automotive front-end suspensions, includes an elongate, tubular body. While the sleeve may comprise differing numbers of surfaces prior to and subsequent to a longitudinally-nonuniform crimping operation performed on each of its longitudinal ends, in a preferred embodiment the sleeve forms a modified octagon when viewed in lateral cross-section, including six wrenching flats extending along its entire length. A longitudinally-nonuniform crimping operation serves to radially inwardly displace the longitudinal end portions of each of the full-length diametrical crimping flats which otherwise complete the body's octagonal shape in lateral cross-section. The resulting localized deformation of the bore formed in each of the body's longitudinal ends achieves a consistent a prevailing torque without inducing connector "wobble.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly (10) comprising first and second axially aligned rods (12 and 14) and a turnbuckle (16) having a first end (18) threadedly engaging the first rod (12) and a second end (20) threadedly engaging the second rod (14) for axially adjusting the rods (12 and 14) relative to one another upon rotation of the turnbuckle (16). An adjustment sleeve (22) has first and second ends (24 and 26) and is in sliding and nonrotatable relationship with the turnbuckle (16).

Abstract: An adjustable tie rod assembly for a vehicle steering system (10) comprises first and second rod members (22, 24) having left hand and right hand threaded portions (30, 34), respectively. A tubular sleeve (20) includes first and second threaded portions (38, 40) for threadably receiving the threaded portions (30, 34) of the first and second rods (22, 24), respectively. A longitudinal slot (46) extends along the length of sleeve (20), but stops short of the distal ends (37, 39) of sleeve (20). The sleeve (20) further includes first and second radially aligned apertures (56, 58). A fastener means (26) extends through the apertures (56, 58) and, when tightened, applies compressive force on the engaged threads of the sleeve (20) and the rod members (22, 24) to restrict relative rotation of the rod members (22, 24) and the sleeve (20).

Abstract: System for the assembly and clamping of seats which can be dismantled, these seats, stools or chairs (11) or the like comprising a front element (12a) and a rear element (12b) connected to each other by lateral cross-members (15, 16) including terminal tenons (17) cooperating with containing mortises (18) made in the front (12a) and rear (12b) elements or other reciprocal connection means of a known type such as pins, hollows and like elements, the seams (11) being also able to consist of two opposed lateral elements connected together by front and rear cross-members, the system being characterised in that it comprises at least one tensioner means (20) the ends of which cooperate with anchorage means (19) included in coordinated positions in the respective opposed faces of the front (12a) and rear (12b) elements or of the lateral elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for the attachment of an axle (10) to a hub (3) capable of rotating around a rotational axis (2) is provided with a first thread (5) and with a screw (7) with a second thread (8) and a third thread (9), so that the second thread (8) has half the pitch of the third thread (9) and is screwed into the first thread (5). A clamping device of the apparatus consists of a first part (11) and a second part (12) which is screwed via a fourth thread (13) into the third thread (9). By rotating the screw (7) the first part (11) with the screw (7) can be moved in a first direction, so that the second part (12) is at the same time moving at twice the speed in the opposite direction to the first direction. The axle (10) can be clampingly held between the first part (11) and the second part (12) in a wide diameter range so as to be centered relative to the rotational axis (2) by turning the screw (7).

Abstract: This patent is basically an Engineering design of a means to vary the length of a rod of two parts that are coupled together by an electrically operated motorized turnbuckle which can be activated remotely when it is difficult or impossible to access directly. This is accomplished by holding a wand that induces positive or negative pulses to the electrically operated motorized turnbuckle according to the direction of rotation desired for the electrically operated motorized turnbuckle to turn.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second structural members together has a first attachment member attachable to a first rebar member of the first structural member and a second attachment member attachable to a second rebar member of the second structural member such that the second attachment member is slidably connectable to the first attachment member whereby sliding of the second attachment member relative to the first attachment member permits relative motion of the first and second structural members and dissipates energy tending to cause such motion. The second attachment member is preferably slidably moveable relative to the first attachment member by approximately 1/4 inch in either direction and the second attachment member preferably moves relative to the first attachment member in response to force of at least 90,000 pounds. The first and second attachment members are preferably attachable to the first and second rebar portions via screw threads.

Abstract: The vertebral body prosthesis includes cephalic and caudal components with a separating setscrew therebetween. The cephalic component includes a generally horizontal member having an upper porous, water-permeable surface complementary shaped to the underside of the adjacent vertebral body, a securement element upstanding along one side for receiving screws to secure the cephalic component to the upper vertebral body and a depending guide element. The lower caudal component includes a generally horizontally disposed member having a porous, water-permeable undersurface complementary shaped to the upper surface of the lower adjacent vertebral body, a depending securement element along one side for receiving screws to secure the caudal component to the lower vertebral body and an upstanding guide element for engaging the depending guide element of the cephalic component to prevent rotation of the components.

Abstract: A longitudinally divisible crane boom segment includes a plurality of sections that are easily transportable. The sections each include at least one chord member, and a plurality of partial lacing elements. Each partial lacing element has a first end permanently attached to the at least one chord member and a second end connectable to one or more corresponding ends of plurality of partial lacing elements attached to a chord member of another section. Preferably the partial lacing elements are connected by dovetail connectors.

Abstract: A lightweight fabric structure having a plurality of arches, and more particularly, a pavilion type tent structure having arches to define the periphery of the structure with a flexible fabric membrane in tension between the arches. Adjustable length tension bars are placed between adjacent arches to maintain tension and hold the arches upright. Adjacent segments of the membrane are sewn back-to-back to provide a reverse curve seam to increase the usable space inside the fabric structure without the use of a center support or tension lines.

Abstract: A jack extension tube for use on power seat adjuster mechanisms for vehicles is provided comprising an elongated tube having a first section and a second section spaced from the first section. A threaded member includes a knurled outer surface and is frictionally retained in the first section by inwardly extruding the tube onto the threaded member, the threaded member being engageable longitudinally from one end of said tube by a jack screw. The second section of the tube includes a pair of transversely oriented opposing apertures formed in the tube sidewalls and adapted to receive a pin-like member or fastener. The material defining the apertures is extruded in the transverse direction followed by collapsing the tube sidewalls so that the opposing flanges abut one another. Thus, the flanges provide a continuous, enlarged, work-hardened bearing surface to support the pin-like member or fastener.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second structural members together has a first attachment member attachable to a first rebar member of the first structural member and a second attachment member attachable to a second rebar member of the second structural member such that the second attachment member is slidably connectable to the first attachment member whereby sliding of the second attachment member relative to the first attachment member permits relative motion of the first and second structural members and dissipates energy tending to cause such motion. The second attachment member is preferably slidably moveable relative to the first attachment member by approximately 1/4 inch in either direction and the second attachment member preferably moves relative to the first attachment member in response to force of at least 90,000 pounds. The first and second attachment members are preferably attachable to the first and second rebar portions via screw threads.

Abstract: A brake adjustment mechanism is provided for a bicycle wheel to allow cantilevered bicycle brakes to be adjusted quickly and easily and without the application of the brakes to the bicycle wheel. The brake adjustment mechanism employs a cable yoke which has a body adapted for connection to the flexible brake cable of a conventional cantilevered bicycle brake. The yoke has a pair of projecting supports that extend outwardly from opposite sides of a yoke body and toward opposite sides of the bicycle wheel. A separate socket is carried by each of the projecting supports. The sockets are movable in rotation relative to the yoke and each socket has a tapped opening facing a separate one of the bicycle brake lever arms. A pair of elongated rigid rods are each secured at one end to separate ones of the bicycle brake lever arms. Both of the elongated rods have externally threaded ends which are threadably engaged in separate ones of the tapped openings of the sockets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar anchor arrangement for bars subject to tensile stress, whereby the bar anchor (1) consists of an anchor body with a bore provided with an internal thread (5) for screwing in a tension bar (8) provided with an external thread (9) as well as of two parallel eye plates (3) adjoining the anchor body to accomodate an eye bar (10). A smooth tolerance compensating section (6 and 7) is provided on at least one side of the internal thread (5). The length of the external thread (9) of the tension bar (8) essentially corresponds to the minimum screw-in length of the tension bar plus the length of a tolerance compensating section. The length of the internal thread (5) is greater than the minimum screw-in length of the tension bar.

Abstract: Main rotor pitch control rod assemblies on helicopters constitute means for ranslating an aviator's control impulses in the cockpit to the main rotor blades. Pitch control rod assemblies typically include means for locking the assembly into a predetermined attitude setting. The setting may be held by locking nuts. This invention provides a passive locking means using spring tension to maintain the desired setting if the locking nuts loosen due to stress loads or improper torquing during maintenance. The invention also provides passive means for maintaining expansive stress within the control rod to prevent distortion of the assembly under compressive loads.

Abstract: The invention is an improved head support stand used to smoothly and accuely position a patient's head when imaging the patient's upper spinal area. The improved stand includes a compound turnbuckle mounted between a base of the stand and a head cradle or face plate mounted to the base. The compound turnbuckle includes two rods threadingly engaged to a turnbuckle body so that the rods translate with respect to the body when it rotates. When the compound turnbuckle is in a fully retracted position, the rods are in a telescoped configuration within the turnbuckle body. When the compound turnbuckle is in a fully extended position, the rods are axially remote from each other and project substantially all the way out of the turnbuckle body.

Abstract: Axial slots are provided within threaded ends of connection rods which are oppositely threaded into axially aligned tapped bores within longitudinally spaced end walls of an elongated hollow frame turnbuckle body. Elongated lock plates are pivotally mounted, respectively, at one end thereof to the connecting rod, within the axial slots. The lock plates have limited rotation between a first axially aligned position with the axis of the connection rods and a second position at some angle thereto. In the second position the end of the lock plates project radially outwardly of the connection rod slots into contact with a side wall of the elongated hollow turnbuckle body to prevent rotation of the turnbuckle body relative to the connection rods.

Abstract: A connector for joining a wire or a second machine element (associated with a harness frame, for example) to a first machine element (a Dobby machine, for example) has a bracket including spaced-apart opposed side plates, a bearing and a wire connecting mechanism. The bearing is unmovably engaged with a mating holding portion connected to the first machine element and includes a body member made from synthetic resin, and which body member defines a shaft hole having a supporting shaft rotatably inserted therethrough, and a lubricant storing recess in the upper portion thereof. A lubricant retaining member is inserted in the recess to keep a lubricant infiltrated in the lubricant retaining member. A bottom surface of the recess is open to a lubricant feeding slot of a small diameter which extends to the inner circumferential surface of the shaft hole of the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turnbuckle having two adjusting rods, miter gear elements, bearing elements for the gear elements and a casing surrounding the rods and elements, the casing having a longitudinal axis, the gear elements and rods situated on the longitudinal axis; thread means; the adjusting rods and gear elements connected by the thread means; an external casing formed of one piece and provided with holding means for fixing the gear elements, bearing elements and adjusting rods, and a lateral access aperture in the casing.

Abstract: A retaining wall construction is comprised of a first portion which includes compacted granular fill defining a three dimensional earthenwork bulk form including a plurality of tensile members dispersed within that bulk form to enhance the coherency of the mass. The tensile members project from the bulk form and are connected to a second component portion which defines a face construction. The face construction is comprised of a plurality of facing panels connected to tensile members with concrete layers enveloping the connection between the facing panels and the tensile members.

Abstract: Truck rails for pickup trucks and the like include the use of swivel connectors which permit the rails to be attached concurrently to the truck sides, headache rack, and tool box.

Abstract: A clamp for use in testing machines to prestress a joint between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, both of which are externally threaded with each having a flat surface abutting the other in a plane substantially perpendicular to the driving axis. The clamp is internally threaded to cooperate with the external threads and has bolts which, when tightened, produce a force on the abutting surfaces to compressively preload the joint from forces on the flanks of the external threads.

Abstract: A connector for joining a wire type body to a machine element which includes a bracket, an insertion member and a connecting bolt. The insertion member is connected to the bracket and couples the bracket to the machine element. The connecting bolt includes a male threaded portion screwed into a female threaded part, one of which is mounted on the bracket and the other of which is connected to the wire type body. The connector is useful in a weaving machine for connecting a setting lever of an actuating device to a wire type body attached to a harness frame. The connector offers the advantages of reduced wear while providing easy replacement of various parts of the connector.

Abstract: A wire gripping apparatus for use with a tensioning device to stretch wire in preparation for mounting to fence posts. An elongated rod has a slotted wire locating plate mounted at its forward end, a support plate extending along the rod and a clamping member movable axially along the rod from its rearward end toward the rear end of the support plate. The support plate has a rearward edge provided with a slot which faces the clamping member. The wire is placed within the slot in the wire locating plate, bent or crimped into the slot in the support plate, and the clamping member is axially moved along the rod and into contact with the rearward edge of the support plate to capture the wire. The wire clamping apparatus is connected by an eyelet at the rear end of the rod to a suitable tensioning device, such as a come-along or winch for stretching the wire. Slot openings in the locating and support plates are radially spaced at 90.degree.

Abstract: A bolt type, split ring clench clamp as used to apply a clamp-up force to the slotted end of a turnbuckle has an orientation washer supported by the clench bolt between the terminal lugs of the clamp so that one end portion of the orientation washer loosely extends into the slot whereby to effect radial orientation of the clamp relative to the slot, the orientation washer also including means to abut either against the end of the turnbuckle or the blind end of the slot whereby to effect longitudinal orientation of the clamp on the turnbuckle so that a desired clamp-up force can be applied to the slotted end of the turnbuckle.

Abstract: A portable pair of skis may be packed in a small case for convenient storage and carrying. In one embodiment each ski is readily disassembled into two pieces, each ski piece having an end plate which mates with the end plate of the other ski piece. An assembled ski, which will function as originally designed and intended, comprises a bottom joining plate, which spans the two pieces, having four posts which are fixed to the bottom joining plate and which protrude through holes in the ski pieces and a top plate securing nuts, nut bearing plates and a removable over-center cam-action fastener which joins and applies tension to the two adjacent posts at the end plates. In another embodiment, the bottom plate is hinged and permanently fastened to the two ski pieces and two posts, which are fixed to the hinge, protrude through holes in the ski and the top plate. A removable over-center cam-action fastener is removably connected to the two posts via the grooved securing nuts.

Abstract: A turnbuckle is formed with a sleeve having a first fixing member threaded into one end and a second fixing member rotatably received in the other end of the sleeve. The second fixing member is formed by a shank and a screw threaded into the end of the shank and fixed in place by a transverse pin. The head of the screw is trapped internally of the sleeve against an internal shoulder. The structure of the second fixing member allows the turnbuckle to be readily dismantled and portions thereof replaced.

Abstract: A U-strap mounts a nut between the legs of the strap for rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The nut is provided with a threaded bore which threadably receives an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is also threaded internally reversely to its external threads and threadably receives a stud connected to or constituting a first member to be placed under tension with respect to a second member coupled to or constituting the strap. The turnbuckle is particularly useful in mounting standard wire or rod rigging on a sailboat or sailing yacht.

Abstract: A trolley for use by invalids which can be attached to the frame of a wheelchair, and comprising a frame with wheels and supporting a load carrying portion and clamping arms attached to the frame members and provided with clamps for attaching the trolley to the wheelchair frame.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioning device for stays, rigging, guides and the like, includes an anti-separation member intermediate two adjusting members which are threadably engaged with two threaded members which are themselves threadably engaged with the anti-separation member on opposite sides thereof. A moveable member is associated with each adjusting member and moves correspondingly because of its location between the adjusting member and a restricting member. Each moveable member is connected to an associated attachment receiving element by a number of connecting members moveably engaged with the anti-separation member such that the anti-separation member is intermediate the adjusting member and the attachment receiving element. The anti-separation member may incorporate a yieldable compensator such as a spring or hydraulic cylinder in which case the anti-separation member. In either event a locking device may be included to hold a desired tension adjustment.

Abstract: A connector for in-line electrical wires of the same or differing gauges in which an insulating casing envelopes a continuous, wire thread which tapers from each end of the casing towards the middle of the casing and the direction of the thread is right-handed from one end of the casing to the center of the casing and left-handed from the remaining end of the casing towards the center of the casing thus providing an easily applied, low cost connector and one which has minimum insertion resistance and maximum reliability.

Abstract: Two facing walls have portions 1 and 2 connected together by a tie rod comprising a central section 4 and two end sections 5 and 6 joined to the central section by two bars 3 each with a ball head 7 at its opposite ends. The ball head in section 5 or 6 is disposed in a respective socket 8 or 33 attached to the wall portion 1 or 2. Central section 4 is essentially a turnbuckel comprising an outer tube with internal threads engaging sockets 25 for the ball heads in the central section.

Abstract: A single tire chain adapted to be placed on an automobile tire and be anchored at its ends in front of and through an opening in the wheel.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly has a self-contained tension pre-load indicator utilizing internally mounted compact conical spring washers (belleville washers) and a radially projecting movable stem which is rendered immovable when the washers are fully compressed into a flat configuration. The turnbuckle sleeve has an arcuate slot through which the stem extends for accessibility to the operator who determines the attainment of the desired tension pre-load force by the immovability of the stem. The stem is connected to a plane washer disposed adjacent to but slightly axially spaced from the peripheral convex edge surface portions of the end spring washer which when flattened engages the plane washer and prevents it from moving.

Abstract: A boot cover for turnbuckles and the like has an upper cap portion that fits around a stay, and fits snugly over an elongated central portion that covers the entire turnbuckle. Both the upper cap portion and the elongated central portion are made of resilient material and are slotted, or openable, and may be stretched apart to permit both portions to be fitted around the stay and turnbuckle assembly to cover the assembly to reduce abrasion of the sails or any cordage that must pass by the turnbuckle area. The lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate may also be covered by a lower cap portion that also fits snugly over the elongated central portion, and is also slotted to fit over the lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate without removing them or disconnecting them.

Abstract: A structural member having an elongated body shell, which may be fiberglass, and a pair of caps engaging the ends of the shell. A plurality of bands extend through the shell connecting the caps and pulling them toward each other, thus rigidifying the member and securing the caps. At one end of the member, the bands are secured to the corresponding end cap by a distribution member that engages a pull member. The distribution member can pivot on the pull member to at least partially equalize tension on the bands. A tensioning member engages the pull member so that tension can be applied. At a predetermined tension, a drive piece connected to the tensioning member breaks away. Contact between the interior surface of the shell and the side edges of the bands can cause the shell to resist collapse.

Abstract: A manhole cover support ring adapted to be placed within an existing manhole frame for raising the height of a manhole cover. A circular ring is formed by a generally vertically extending flange having an annular bar welded on its lower end which provides an inwardly extending manhole cover support ledge. The flange and bar are split at a common point on their peripheries. An expansion mechanism is pivotally mounted on and extends between the spaced ends of the bar formed by the split in the ring. The expansion mechanism includes a pair of eyebolts pivotally mounted on the spaced ends of the annular bar. The eyebolts each have a threaded shaft which is engaged in a respective threaded end of a tubular member. One of the threaded shafts has a right-hand thread and the other shaft is formed with a left-hand thread, whereby rotation of the tubular member in one direction will contract the ring sufficiently to place it within the manhole frame opening.

Abstract: A slack absorbing device in the bending operation mechanism of an endoscope. Slack absorbing members are moved along the passage ways of connecting wires as the bending section is bent. Each slack absorbing member has a long groove extending along the direction of movement of said slack absorbing member and a theaded groove formed in a portion of the long groove. Threaded rods connect the ends of the wires extending to the bending section provided in the top end part of the endoscope in such a manner that the threaded rods are moved together with the wires at least when the wires are pulled towards the manual operating section. A part of each threaded groove is cut off so that the threaded rod can engage the threaded groove by aligning the theaded rod, in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the wire, and placing it into the groove.