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: The invention is a swivel holster to enable the pouch of a holster to move in a rotational and/or swivel manner relative to the belt-engaging member. The holster has an adjustable assembly between the holster and the belt loop. The assembly includes a concave first member for mating engagement with a convex second member, there being at least one friction-increasing surface between the first and second members to prevent unwanted relative movement therebetween. A bolt is used to secure the portions together.

Abstract: A linkage support system for interconnecting first and second structures in a manner which allows deformation of the first structure while mitigating the transmission of structural loads to the second structure has a spherical bearing for attaching a first portion of the first structure to a first portion of the second structure; and at least two link assemblies for attaching a second portion of the first structure to a second portion of the second structure. Each of the link assemblies has a link member extending generally from the first structure to the second structure, a pivot pin for attaching the link member to one of the first structure and the second structure, and a second spherical bearing for attaching the link member to the other of the first structure and the second structure. The first spherical bearing cooperates with the link assemblies to mitigate the transmission of structural loads to the second structure when the first structure is deformed.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device having a steering pedal allows a main steering system to be controlled by either the hand-operated steering wheel or the foot-operated steering pedal. The device has a lift lever for enlarging the reciprocation angular motion of the steering pedal by leverage, a lever body for turning the direction of the reciprocation angular motion into the right-angled direction and transmitting the reciprocation angular motion to a crank lever, and a connecting rod for converting the angular motion of the lever body into a rotating motion of a drive bevel gear cooperating with a steering drive shaft of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A device for precisely positioning and locking an object in a selective position including a first arm, a second arm, a third arm and a fourth arm, as well as an L-shaped arm connecting the third and fourth arms. The arms are structured so as to movably connect a support for an object, such as a head rest, to a base member, such as an operating table. The arms are structured so as to slidably engage with one another in order to allow positioning of the support for the object in any desired position in a three dimensional space. The first arm is slidably mounted to a connection to the base member.

Abstract: A paint brush comprises tubular handle 12 and a device connecting the tubular handle 12 to the brush head. The tubular handle 12 is made of plastic material and the like with an opening 15 allowing extender to be inserted. The device has two locking systems, one connected to the tubular handle 12 and the other connected to the brush head. The device allows the angles and directions of the brush be adjustable. The brush head is equipped with a receiver to secure the device at the tip end of the ferrule of the head.

Abstract: A compliancy joint for a robot has six degrees of compliancy freedom and comprises a housing having an inner ring. A float block is movably disposed in the interior of the housing and a plurality of circumferentially arranged pneumatic cylinders on the housing apply force circumferentially to the float block. Sensors are used to detect when the float block is near its compliancy limit and a controller is operatively connected to the sensors and the cylinders for preventing the float block from reaching its compliancy limit. This joint is able to break away from the robot should the robot exceed the device's compliancy limit, preventing damage to the robot and robot end of arm tooling.

Abstract: A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.

Abstract: An improved clamp-type lamp holder which allows the lamp head to be vertically adjusted and all the directional and angle adjustments can be effectuated above the clamp seat.

Abstract: The present invention is convertible boom stands useful for supporting lights, microphones and the like in a range of angles from the vertical. The stand can convert from a vertical stand which can support objects above the floor between a range of heights, to a boom stand which can also support the objects between a range of angles from the vertical.

Abstract: This invention provides for the angular and lateral adjustment of a pair of fixator rods in an infinite number of planes. The angular adjustment member may be rotated about a center axis of the connector such that the connected fixator rods may be angled relative to one another in any plane called for. Similarly, the lateral adjustment may be rotated about the center axis of the connector such that the two fixator rods may be shifted laterally relative to one another in any direction. The adjustable connector provides for the adjustment of the fixator rods after the rods have been connected to the bone pins. Therefore, after a surgeon has reduced and stabilized the fracture, minor adjustments can be carried out to fully align the bone fragments without disconnecting the fixator rods or the bone pins. After all adjustments have been made, a series of locking bolts or pins can be engaged to hold the adjustable connector in a fixed position.

Abstract: A hub-spider assembly for a Hooke's joint in which the arms of the spider (2) include a first shaft (4), having a through-hole (41) bored in a central boss (42), the through-hole (41) axis being perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft (4), and a second shaft (5) coupled with slight interference with the first shaft (4) in its through-hole (41). At least one end of the shaft (5) is threaded or predisposed equivalently for coupling. In a double Hooke's joint a rotating coupling is realized by a bearing pair (31, 32) housed in the branches (11, 12) of a hub (1) and support the second shaft (5), the bearings (31, 32) being held in place by end ring-nuts (61, 62) at the threaded pivot ends (51, 52) of the shaft (5).

Abstract: A self aligning joint and linkages employing the self aligning joint. The joint includes a stem; a clevis mounted for rotation on one end of the stem and defining a pair of spaced arms; a stud having a circumferential groove proximate one end thereof; a body member positioned between the clevis arms and defining a socket mounting the one end of the stud for rotation about the axis of the stud; and an axle pin mounted at opposite ends in the clevis arm, passing through the body member to mount the body member for angulation about the pin axis, and including an intermediate portion positioned in the stud groove to preclude axial displacement of the stud out of the socket.

Abstract: A tensioning device for the canvas of a light shelter in the shape of a tent on a supporting structure. The structure comprises a plurality of inclined bars whose lower ends are supported by anchoring device formed of a frame, maintained at a distance from the ground by supporting posts, at least two bars being connected at their respective upper ends by a rigid linking element which is connected to the upper end of at least one other bar by spacer device which is able to vary the distance separating the upper ends of the inclined bar in the horizontal plane in such a way as to cause a rotation toward the upper part of each bar around its lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus for movably connecting proximal and distal workpieces such as the limbs of a doll or mannequin is disclosed. A first shank has a first positioning means at one of its ends and a second shank has a second positioning means at one of its ends. The first positioning means and second positioning means are movably connected by means of a joint molded therearound.

Abstract: A light weight, mobile, and flexible holder assembly for cutting tools is described. It enables the user to make three dimensional adjustments to the orientation of the cutting tool so as to make cuts in a plurality of patters on workpieces of practically any size. A single holder may be adapted for tools of a range of sizes.

Abstract: Two arm sections are interconnected by a connection to provide an articulated arm. The connection includes mating gear wheels with one such wheel on each of the two arms. The connection also includes side pieces for providing a fixed distance between the respective axes of the gear wheels. The side pieces include an extension which constitutes a lever. As the angle between the sections of the articulated arm, varies the lever moves to increase or decrease the tension in a spring that counterbalances the varying forces on the articulated arm.

Abstract: Linkage assemblies for doors or windows, in which the leaf frame is partly lap-jointed to the fixed frame, where an upper and lower assembly are respectively fixed in fillisters, both assemblies of which include an auxiliary compass arm. The upper and lower assemblies are each also fitted with a second compass arm of which one extremity is mounted slidingly in the lower and upper rail of the fixed frame. The configuration of the assemblies enable the offsetting, in the course of French opening, the rear stile of the leaf frame in the relation to the rear stile of the fixed frame. The doors or window, which can be of considerable size and weight, nevertheless are securely supported for the aforementioned movement, including movement about a vertical axis through an angle of opening of more than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A heald frame, constructed to have upper and lower framestaves and left and right side stays coupled to one another, the coupling between the framestaves and the side stays adjustable to increase or decrease the distance between the upper framestave and the lower framestave. The heald frame is also able to change the distance between upper and lower carrier rods, which are fixed to the upper and lower framestaves respectively, thereby permitting the adjustment of the distance between the ends of a multiplicity of healds which span a distance between the upper and lower carrier rods. The coupling is made from a side stay with a jointing convex part capable of being adjustably coupled to a holder. The adjustable jointing convex part and the holder, which are mounted together in the framestaves, are adapted to be fixed in a selected position.

Abstract: A limiting stop for the swinging angle of an arm which is pivotally mounted on a fixed structure. The stop consists of a pair of parallel links which are connected for relative sliding motion between at contracted position and an extended position. At least one of the links has an elongated slot and the other link has a laterally projecting tongue which extends into the slot for movement along the slot. One end of the slot has a stopping surface which is engaged by the tongue when the links are in the extended position for determining the swinging angle of the arm.

Abstract: A profile open/fold-up truss for use in the building industry comprises: a collapsible roof member; at least one floor beam; a pair of wall studs, each wall stud including top and bottom half studs pivotably connected to opposite ends of the roof member and the floor beam, respectively; a hinge arrangement for pivotably connecting the top and bottom half studs; and a pair of foundation studs pivotably connected to opposite ends of the floor beam to support the truss. The truss is transported to the construction site in a preassembled state and subsequently unfolded to form a complete truss structure requiring minimal on-site labor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge arrangement for hinging and coupling a first element (1) to a second element (2), of which elements at least one includes an internal cavity (1a) adjacent the hinge location (3) and a hinge member (4) which functions as a pivot pin or pivot arm and also holds the elements together. The elements (1) provided with cavities (1a) have formed therein one or more slots (5) which are oriented at right angles to the rotational axis (6) of the pivot arm or pin. The hinge member (4) is intended for insertion through respective slot for retention in the cavity (1a). The hinge member (4a) is retained in its respective slot through the agency of a bearing and guide surface provided on the member and intended for co-action with a corresponding bearing and guide surface provided in the cavity (1a) in the immediate vicinity of the slot (5).

Abstract: A collapsible structure is provided comprising pairs of parallel posts interconnected by pairs of expansion link-like connecting rods. Connecting rods of each pair have their centers pivotably connected, wherein their outer ends are pivotably connected with the corresponding posts and wherein at least one outer end of each rod is slideable along the corresponding post. The pairs of parallel posts can be superimposed while corresponding posts are at their meeting ends hingedly connected for a zig-zag-like or an accordion-like collapsability in the vertical plane. Further pairs of parallel posts can be laterally positioned while adjoining posts of adjoining pairs of posts are hingedly connected for a substantial change in the angle enclosed by the planes extending through said pairs of posts.

Abstract: A jointed two bar for towing one vehicle by a second vehicle which incorporates joints in such a way as to allow folding and imprecise alignment during attachment, but a fail safe rigid structure for towing. A rotating cross bar joint on beams can be lifting out of the fixed towing position for storage or attachment but is prevented by structure from downward movement. Lateral movement of beams can also be accomplished from a pivot joint after beams are lifted out of a keyed slot. In towing position, slots and structure prevent folding movement from tensile, compression or lateral forces. When not in use, tow bar can be tipped up and folded on front of towed vehicle or removed and conveniently carried to a trunk of a vehicle.

Abstract: A high lift scissors jack has three sets of scissor members. Each set is joined to the adjacent sets at the corners using connectors which maintain the base and the platform parallel as the structure extends and retracts. The connectors have angularly spaced pivots and the pivots have shoulders which provide lateral support to the ends of the lever arms. The scissor sets are joined to a support base and a platform by similar transition assemblies. The transition assemblies each include a pivoted strut for each set of scissor members. The strut has its base pivotally mounted on the support base or platform and its opposite vertex connected to the end of the scissor set. Extension and retraction are performed by rotating the support base struts about their base pivots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tilt-pan head for controlling the movement of instruments in which panning and tilting motions are required. Each function, the pan drag, the tilt drag, the pan locking and the tilt locking are controlled by four coaxially mounted knurled control rings that are stacked one on top of the other, and independently rotatable to control an individual applicable function.

Abstract: A three axis flexure joint is provided which is very stiff against translational forces along its long axis but is operable with three degrees of freedom over small angles with no lost motion. The flexure comprises two spaced metal connectors, which are connected to each other by a wire which runs through the metal connectors along an axis and is integrally joined to each connector, and at least one snubber pin. The snubber pin snugly fits into a bore of one connector of the flexure, the bore being arranged to accept the pin and to be parallel to the wire axis, while in the second connector, the pin has a loose fit in a corresponding hole similarly located. In this manner, the integrity of the connecting wire is maintained as the pins act as stops to rotation if rotation of either connector around any of its axes exceeds a predetermined limit. The flexure is also preferably configured with each connector being a bolt or screw so as to permit easy connection of the flexure to rods and master and slave devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and folding an extension jib in a wheeled type crane including a telescopic boom, and a suspension-rod-supported compression column type extension jib to be supported in a flat posture at the fore end of the boom in stretched state through right and left jib foot portions rotatably engaged with horizontal boom point pins extending transversely of the boom at the fore end thereof, the method including the steps of (a) providing on opposite sides of the extension jib right and left jib foot portions disengageably engageable with the boom point pins, one of the jib foot portions being rotatable relative to the boom about an axis extending in the axial direction of the jib; (b) stretching the jib from a folded position in which the top and bottom sides of the jib are disposed in an upright posture along one side of the boom, by engaging the one jib foot portion with the boom point pin on the folding side and turning the boom into an inclined position from a horizontal position, rotatin

Abstract: A movable joint device for coupling a column to a base resting on the sea bed and comprising a male member and a female member each including associated assembling means allowing the joint to be obtained by assembling both members in fitting relationship with positive unilateral connection, the said members being maintained in the assembled position by means for ballasting the column to ensure a constantly downwardly directed load, whereas the said members are disassembled by merely modifying the ballasting means so as to reverse the load and impart it in an upward direction.

Abstract: A multiple jointed support member comprising three members normally aligned in a generally co-planar end to end relationship. One of the members disposed at one end of the support has a swivel joint connection to the centrally disposed member. The other member disposed at the opposing end is provided with a hinged joint connection to the centrally disposed member and has an axis of rotation disposed at right angles to the axis of rotation of the swivel joint connection. Spring members are associated with each of the joint connections to bias each of said outer elements toward the central element in multiple, releasably latched positions about the axis of rotation of the respective pivot pins associated with each of said joint connections.

Abstract: The tongue or drawbar of a boat trailer is severed intermediate its ends; and the cut ends are then releasably hinged together by a pair of spaced, parallel hinge pins, either of which can be withdrawn to permit the forward end of the drawbar to be swung about the remaining pin, and rearwardly into an inactive position in which it effectively shortens the overall length of the drawbar, so that the associated trailer can be readily stored in a conventional garage. The hinge mechanism comprises a pair of tubular members designed to be slid over the cut ends of the drawbar, and then to be bolted and/or welded to the associated drawbar section. Confronting ends of the hinge members have thereon two sets of cooperating hinge barrels, which releasably support the two hinge pins about spaced, vertical axes adjacent opposite sides, respectively, of the drawbar. These tubular hinge members can be manufactured in various sizes so that they can be inserted onto drawbars of the most conventional sizes, e.g. 3".times.

Abstract: A device for mounting a support and articulation arm of a sun-glare shield of a vehicle in which the sun-glare shield is engaged in a horizontal aperture of a bearing and in an orifice of a pull-rod member which is elastically biased upwardly. This pull-rod is guided in a support fixed to the roof of the vehicle. The support may be fixed to the roof so as to be downwardly detachable by means of an elastically expansible ring acted upon by a push-member. The latter is guided by the support and is acted upon by the upper surface of the bearing.

Abstract: The joint of this invention is pivotable and lockable about two perpendicularly intersecting axes. It is particularly suitable for a reading stand for patients confined to bed. Be means of the joint, the supporting surface of the reading stand can be adjusted as to slant as well as transverse tilt. The joint comprises a T-shaped component (12) supported in bearings (11) so as to be tiltable and lockable about its cross beam. The bearings (11) are mounted on a base plate (10). The base plate (10) itself is pivotable and lockably secured to a support plate (20). In order for a sick person to be able to adjust the joint with a minimum of physical exertion, locking levers (14 and 23) are provided for each of the two adjustable positions. The locking is effected by detent means (13--13' and 17-26).

Abstract: Adjustable support apparatus for temporarily supporting a door frame or the like in a fixed relationship with one or more fixed supports suitably spaced therefrom, comprising: an elongated brace assembly including first and second telescoping members movable between contracted and extended positions and a setting device for fixing the first and second members in one of the contracted and extended positions; a first connector assembly at one end of the brace assembly adapted for removable attachment to a door frame; and a second connector assembly at the other end of the brace assembly adapted for removable attachment to one of the fixed supports.

Abstract: An apparatus, particularly suitable for automated assembly, has two uncoupled rotational degrees of movement about two non-coincident remote centers. The apparatus has a resulting pivot point which is "smeared" between the two remote centers.

Abstract: A rotary blade retention system comprises a rotor hub rotatable about a central axis and a retention assembly coupling at least one blade to the rotor hub. The blade extends generally radially from the hub and rotates with the hub about its central axis. The retention assembly includes a frictionless thrust bearing and an elastomeric thrust bearing connected together in series. The two bearings are mounted relative to the blade and the rotor hub such that when a centrifugal load is imposed on the blade, the bearings are loaded in compression and cooperate to restrain the blade against the centrifugal load. The frictionless bearing permits free pivotal movement of the blade about its longitudinal axis so as to effect variations in the pitch of the blade. The elastomeric thrust bearing includes at least one laminated bearing having a plurality of layers of rigid and elastomeric material which alternate lengthwise of the blade.

Abstract: Multiple control linkages are provided between pivotally connected frames of a vehicle such that no change in the linkage geometry takes place due to the pivotal movement of one frame relative to the other. Specifically, in single or double articulated vehicles, the control levers or pedals are mounted on a first frame with the function that is to be operated being mounted on a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame about a pivot. Translation motion of links by movement of the levers or pedals is converted to rotary motion, which motion is transmitted from elements on the first frame by double universal joints to elements on the second frame where the rotary motion is converted to translation or other motion for controlling the operation of a functional piece of equipment, such as the throttle, transmission range or direction selection, or the bucket lift or tilt control.

Abstract: A mount is supported at the forward portion of a farm tractor or the like adapted to pull draft implements therebehind and the mount is swingable about an upstanding axis for angular displacement between opposite limit positions with a mounting portion of the mount spaced laterally of the aforementioned axis disposed at opposite sides of the forward portion of the vehicle. An elongated horizontal arm having base and free ends is supported at its base end from the mounting portion for angular displacement relative thereto about an upstanding axis and with the arm swingable between a horizontal laterally outwardly projecting position and a trailing position when the mounting portion is disposed at either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mirror system employs a cable control system interconnecting a control unit with the mirror backing plate, the backing plate being pivotally mounted relative to the mirror housing by means of cooperating semi-spherical head and socket portions thereon, which permit pivotal adjustment of the mirror about the two axes which are mutually perpendicular to the cable control system at its point of attachment to the mirror backing plate. Pivotal movement of the mirror about another axis parallel to the cable control system is prevented or restricted by interference between a pin secured to the socketed member and the side walls or surfaces of a slot in the head.

Abstract: A shear head is mounted in a housing of the shaver and includes two cutters one of which is reciprocable relative to the other. An electric motor has a rotatable output shaft and motion-transmitting linkage connects the output shaft with the reciprocable cutter. The linkage includes a crank which is movable by the output shaft and a swing arm which is connected with the reciprocable cutter, and a joint which connects the crank and the swing arm with one another. The joint includes a spherical surface provided on the crank or the swing arm, and a pair of socket members provided on the swing arm or crank and contacting portions of the spherical surface along annular lines, there being sufficient play in the joint to permit relative tumbling movements of the element thereof about the center of the spherical surface.

Abstract: An improved, easily disconnectable coupling between a spring-loaded piston and a socket-type sleeve member adapted to receive such piston in a high-pressure radial piston pump is described. The piston terminates at a rear end thereof in an enlarged spherical section that defines a volume smaller than a hemisphere. The socket member includes a spherical recess that receives the spherical section of the piston, and a surrounding edge region that is crimped inwardly at diametrically opposite portions to define a plane of oscillation of the sleeve member with respect to the piston and to capture the spherical member in the sleeve. In order to retain the coupling parts in operative association with each other, an external abutment ring is pressed over the piston adjacent the spherical section, such abutment ring extending radially outward to contact the front end of the sleeve member when the latter has oscillated through a limited predetermined angle with respect to the piston.