Abstract: A boss configured for attachment to a pressure vessel includes a first bore therein and a bearing disposed at least partially within the first bore. A system for supporting a pressure vessel on a vessel mount includes a boss, a bearing, and an attachment element. The boss is attached to the pressure vessel and has a first bore therein. The bearing is disposed at least partially within the first bore and has a second bore therethrough. The attachment element is configured to be affixed to the vessel mount, wherein a portion of the attachment element extends through the second bore and is slidable within the first and second bores substantially along a longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel. A method is described for supporting a pressure vessel on a vessel mount.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a wear disc into the void between the eye portion of a strut and the yoke arrangement of a chassis or an undercarriage.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for coupling integrated segments of an assemblage. The coupler apparatus includes a carrier connectable to one segment and slidably receiving another segment and has an elongate slot defined at one wall portion of a cavity therein. A restraint includes a conic wedge receivable in the carrier and has an actuator arm angularly extending from the wedge that is receivable through the elongate slot of the carrier.

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.

Abstract: An oral-care implement having a housing extending along a longitudinal-extension direction, a functional element mounted at the housing for driven motion relative to the housing, a motion-transmitter element disposed within the housing and extending along the longitudinal-extension direction. The motion-transmitter element has a first coupling portion coupled with the functional element. The motion-transmitter element has a metal-sheet portion made from a punched and bent metal sheet. The metal-sheet portion can have at least one section having a non-flat cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal-extension direction, such as an L-shape, or U-shape, or S-shape.

Abstract: Head restrainer for immobilizing the head of patients for producing NMR images such as those which are based on the application of electromagnetic beams (X-rays, gamma rays) and/or for carrying out surgical procedures, having a C-bend (1), at each end region of which at least one mandrel (3) is attached, these being substantially diametrically assigned with respect to each other, wherein at least one mandrel (3) is coaxially attached to an axially moveable bolt (2) which can be acted upon in the axial direction via a clamping device (11), and a force indicator (12) assigned to the clamping device, wherein fixing means (14) are provided which serve to temporarily set the bolt (2) and the attachment of the clamping device (11) and force indicator (12) to the head restrainer is releasable while the fixing arrangement is retained.

Abstract: A medical head holder includes at least two opposing engagement members configured to engage the head of a patient, a frame, connector and coupling members, and a force applicator. The frame includes first and second frame sections which are displaceably coupled with each other, wherein each frame section supports at least one of the engagement members. The connecting member guides the first and second frame sections for displacement relative to each other, and selectively detachably fixes the frame sections with each other. The coupling member is selectively fixed to the second frame section and displaceably couples the second engagement member with the second frame section. The force applicator is detachably coupled to the second frame section and acts on the coupling member so as to cause the second engagement member to be displaced and/or fixed relative to the second frame section.

Abstract: In a steering column device, a small-diameter part of an operating shaft on one side of a step part on the operating shaft between a pair of clamp parts penetrates through an impact absorbing slot along a laminating direction. By operating an operating lever, the dimension of cam mechanism in the direction of the operating shaft is increased. Consequently, between the step part and an inner face of the other clamp part, a movable-side friction plate is brought into pressure contact with a stationary-side friction plate to be held. In this situation, when a load exceeding a set value is applied to the steering column device, the movable-side friction plate slides on the stationary-side friction plate to absorb the impact.

Abstract: A round rod guide (10) for mounting a stud bolt attached to a container side includes a plastic body, the stud bolt shaft (30) of the stud bolt being insertable onto and attachable to the plastic body. The plastic body has in its interior a channel (35) for receiving the stud bolt shaft (30) and on its free end, a receiving opening (19) for insertion of a round rod. The plastic body is formed as two parts with a first, cup-shaped base part (11) and with a second insertion part (16) insertable into the cup-shaped base part (11) in at least two different insertion positions that are rotated relative to one another at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement (10) for two panels (12, 13) that are movable relative to one another comprises a first and a second guide track (1, 2) and a first and a second guide pin (5, 6) for engaging in the guide tracks (1, 2). The first guide track (1) describes a straight path having a starting point (A1) and an end point (E1), and the second guide track (2) describes a first straight section (21) which is arranged parallel to the first guide track (1), a circle section (22) and a second straight section (23) which extends parallel to the first guide track (1). In the case of a piece of furniture (100) having a first panel (12) and a second panel (13), the panels are coupled together with the aid of a coupling arrangement (10) such that, from a starting position of the panels (12, 13), a guided translation (T1, T2) and a guided rotation (R1) of the panels (12, 13) with respect to one another can take place in succession.

Abstract: An attachment assembly is configured to couple a panel assembly to a support member. The attachment assembly includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member movably coupled to the first attachment member. As such, the second attachment member is configured to move relative to the first attachment member. The second attachment member defines a cavity portion. The attachment assembly further includes a locking member movably coupled to the first attachment member between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second attachment member is movable with respect to the first attachment member. In the locked position, the locking member is at least partially disposed in the cavity portion, thereby fixing the position of the second attachment member with respect to the first attachment member.

Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for connecting a first unit and a second unit together is illustrated. The connecting mechanism includes a first linkage bar, a second linkage bar for being coupled to the first unit, and a third linkage bar for being slidably connected to the second unit. The first linkage bar includes a first end with a latching protrusion and an opposite second end. The second linkage bar includes a third end, an opposite fourth end, and a number of teeth. The first end is slidably connected to the second linkage bar. The latching protrusion is configured to selectively interlock with any one of the teeth of the second linkage bar. The third linkage bar includes a fifth end pivotally connected to the second end of the first linkage bar and a sixth end pivotally connected to the fourth end of the second linkage bar.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, including a first body, a second body, a sliding module and at least one rotating module. The sliding module is coupled to the second body, so that the second body is suitable for sliding between a first position and a second position. The rotating module is coupled between the first body and the sliding module, so that the second body is suitable for rotating relative to the first body. The second body receives a force to rotate from the second position to a critical position. When the second body passes the critical position, the rotating module releases a potential stored when the second body receives the force to drive the second body to rotate to a third position and form an included angle between the first body and the second body. A sliding mechanism assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A telescopic side arm for a refuse vehicle has an inner and outer boom. A mounting assembly secures the outer boom with a refuse vehicle. A plurality of bearing pads is positioned between the inner and outer booms to provide smooth movement between the inner and outer booms. A plurality of shims is associated with the bearing pads to assure a tight fit between the inner and outer booms.

Abstract: A cantilever brake of bicycle is provided with a triangular cable stop including first, second and third corner attachments and a wheel between the first and second corner attachments; a first pivot member including a first trough; a first cable passing through the first corner attachment, the wheel, and the second corner attachment to be fastened at the first pivot; a second pivot member including a second trough; a second cable having one end fastened in the third corner attachment and the other end fastened in the second pivot member; a first brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the first trough and including two opposite first projections and a spring actuated first adjustment knob distal the first projections; and a second brake arm releasably pivotably secured to the second trough and including two opposite second projections and a spring actuated second adjustment knob distal the second projections.

Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.

Abstract: There is described a medical positioning apparatus for positioning and holding an object, comprising: a telescopic member; a support member for receiving the object; a base member securable to a base; a first and a second joint mechanism movably securing the telescopic member to the support member and the base member and each having at least two rotational degrees of freedom; a locking device operatively connected to the joint mechanisms and the telescopic member, the locking device operable between a locked position in which the configuration of the positioning apparatus is fixed, and a released position in which the configuration of the positioning apparatus may be changed, the locking device being passively biased in the locked position; and a lock activation device to unlock the locking device in order to change the configuration of the positioning apparatus.

Abstract: A ball-joint mechanism between a connecting rod (1) and at least one journal (3, 3?). A lateral protection part (12, 12?) interposed between the connecting rod (1) and the journal (3, 3?) is arranged as a one-piece ring comprising a wear member (14, 14?) and a fastener member (15, 15?) that are secured to each other. The fastener member (15, 15?) is made of hard material and is interposed with axial clamping between the journal (3, 3?) and a shoulder (20, 20?) of an assembly pin (7) between the connecting rod (1) and the journal (3, 3?) via opposite end faces thereof with a space being arranged between them to receive the wear member (14, 14?). The invention is applicable to a flight control mechanism for a rotorcraft that serves to vary the pitch of the blades of a rotary wing forming part of a rotor of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a platform which is securely mountable to an operating room fixture, and a plurality of arms or arm modules coupled to the platform and each with a grasper for holding a surgical instrument or port. The medical assembly is particularly applicable for laparoscopic surgery although it is not limited thereto.

Abstract: A device can be assembled by a coupling. The device includes first and second body members and positioning structure. The first and second body members are designed to be coupled relative to each other. The positioning structure is designed to provide an interface between the first and second body members, and to position the first and second body members relative to each other via first, second, and third contact areas. The first, second, and third contact areas are each substantially linear and are collectively configured to receive loads, and to limit positioning of the first and second body members relative to each other with regard to five degrees of freedom. A fourth contact area between the first and second body members is designed to limit positioning of the first and second body members relative to each other in a sixth degree of freedom, in a first translational direction.

Abstract: A connection element for attaching components such as trim parts to a structure of an aircraft, includes a retainer on the component, on which retainer an insertion pin is held so as to be adjustable to a limited extent in at least a Z-translational direction in relation to a component surface and mates a receiver coupled to the structure. The receiver has a recess contoured for receiving a trunnion portion of the insertion pin, providing a snap connection between the receiver and the insertion pin. The receiver on the structure includes a support flange, which is capable of coupling with a retainer mounted on the structure such that, the receiver rests flat against the retainer on the structure, and is adjustably held and attachable in a XY-plane that is arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the Z-translational direction.

Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.

Abstract: A system for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the ends of two essentially-coaxial shafts (1 and 2), whereby each shaft end includes a groove (11, 12) close to an axial end extension (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Moreover, the aforementioned ends are connected inside a sleeve (10) including the following: a first annular shoulder (13) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove of the first shaft, such that there is no clearance therebetween; a second annular shoulder (14) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove (12) of the second shaft, but with a clearance therebetween; and a cavity (16) which is intended to receive the shaft ends, said cavity having an axial height which is greater than the sum of the axial heights of the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Further, the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9) of the two shafts are in permanent mechanical and electrical contact.

Abstract: The worktable comprises a work platform and a multidirectional coupling for operatively attaching the work platform to an external structure. The multidirectional coupling comprises a first linear assembly comprising a first translation member and a second translation member engaging the first translation member and linearly movable relative to and along the first translation member between first and second limit positions and according to a first translation axis. The multidirectional coupling also includes a second linear assembly comprising a third translation member and a fourth translation member engaging the third translation member and linearly movable relative to and along the third translation member between third and fourth limit positions and according to a second translation axis that is transversal to the first translation axis.

Abstract: A front derailleur is configured to be accurately mounted to a bicycle frame in a prescribed mounting position. The front derailleur has a chain guide, a front derailleur main body, an intermediate piece and a fastening piece. The front derailleur main body has a mounting part with a curved mounting face having a circular arc arranged around a first pivot axis extending in a first direction. The intermediate piece has a first curved abutting face mating with the curved mounting face of the mounting part to pivot relative to each other about the first pivot axis, a second curved abutting face having a circular arc arranged around a second pivot axis extending in a second direction perpendicularly arranged relative to the first direction, and a first through hole extending in a third direction generally perpendicular to the first and second directions and passes through the first and second abutting faces.

Abstract: A compensating unit for a tool unit for inserting an element into a workpiece, in particular a setting unit for inserting a joining element into a workpiece. The tool unit is fastened to a mounting and being mounted, oriented in an axial direction, in such a way that, during the machining operation, a compensating movement in a plane oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the axial direction is made possible.

Abstract: An anti-rolling device of a ball and socket joint prevents the rolling movement of a moving body coupled to the ball effectively without hindering omni-directional tilt rotational movement of the moving body, i.e. a moving part relative to the socket, a fixing part. The anti-rolling device comprises: a bracket on the moving part that is fixed to the circumference of the moving body; a guide channel whose upper part is pivoted to the bracket on the moving part; a sliding bar coupled to the guide channel in a way being possible to be slid thereinto; and a bracket on the fixing part which is mounted on the fixing part and coupled with the lower part of the sliding bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light and compact slide-type constant velocity universal joint that can have a maximum operating angle of 30° or more through optimization of a ball contact angle relative to ball grooves, a ball contact ratio, and a cage offset amount.

Abstract: The object is to reduce the weight of the outer race of cross groove constant velocity universal joints. The cross groove constant velocity universal joint includes a disc-shaped outer race (10) having ball tracks (14) in the outer race inner circumferential surface (12), an inner race (20) having ball tracks (24) in the inner race outer circumferential surface (22), balls (30) set between the pairs of the ball tracks (14) of the outer race (10) and the ball tracks (24) of the inner race (20), and a cage (40) that retains all the balls (30) within the same plane. Bolt holes (16) are arranged between adjacent ball tracks (14) of the outer race (10), and the outer circumference of the outer race (10) is cut out as denoted at the reference numeral 18 between adjacent bolt holes (16) so that the outer race (10) has a corolla-shaped outer contour.

Abstract: A holder for a hand-held urinal that is for releasable mounting from a bed rail or the like. The holder includes a mounting bracket having at least one plate member that is supported from the bed rail; and a holder for receiving the hand-held urinal. The holder is removably supportable from the plate member and includes a headed stud constructed and arranged facing the plate member and for engagement with an arcuate slot in the plate member to permit pivotal support of the holder from the mounting bracket while providing limited sliding motion between the headed stud and slot so as to enable the holder to stay substantially vertical even as the mounting bracket tilts.

Abstract: A coupling device for an artificial model includes a male joining part, a female joining part and an insertion member. The male and female joining parts have a base disk attached with a front positioning plate and a rear lock plate respectively. The insertion member further includes an insert head, an adjustable bolt, a first elastic body, a cap, a pin, a ball, a second elastic body and a setscrew. The insertion member is inserted into the male and female joining parts such that the male joining part can open any angles with respect to the female joining part smoothly.

Abstract: A clamp system for attaching accessory devices to a railing structure includes a first clamping jaw member and a second clamping jaw member designed to clamp on a railing structure. An accessory mounting device includes a cylindrical collar portion with a plurality of diametrically aligned holes arranged around the circumference. One of the clamping jaw members has an opening, sized to receive the collar portion and one pair of holes that can be aligned with the holes of the collar portion. When the mounting device is in a desired orientation, a pin is inserted through the aligned holes to hold the orientation. A locking nut is mounted on a threaded portion of the collar portion and, when tightened, tends to withdraw the collar portion against the pin, firmly securing the assembly together.

Abstract: A securing device for a window includes a fixed support, a slide rod pivoted to the window and displaceably passed through a transverse hole of the fixed support, and a knob screwed into an axial screw hole of the fixed support for securing the slide rod after the window is moved to an intended position; a pair of curved pads is used for protecting the slide rod from scratching of the fixed support; each pad has a curved main body with convex and concave sides, an engaging protrusion on the convex side, and several ribs formed around and connected to the engaging protrusion; the pads are respectively positioned in the axial hole, and the fitting cavity with the concave sides facing each other, and with the ribs being pressed against inner sides of the fixed support for preventing the pads from falling off.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle is securable to a tubular member that defines a central axis and is secured to the vehicle. The mirror assembly comprises a clamping assembly including a concave surface that is engagable with the tubular member. A housing is coupled to the clamping assembly and supports a mirror. A latching assembly engages the clamping assembly and the housing and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the housing is held substantially fixed with respect to the tubular member. In the unlatched position, the clamping assembly is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis and is pivotable about the central axis, and the housing is pivotable with respect to the clamping assembly about a pin axis that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a joining or locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a tab or disk that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly. The invention provides a friction assembly fixture recessed in the end of a first limb member to be joined. A tab formed as part of, or attached to, a second limb member is inserted into the first limb member to contact the friction assembly fixture. The first and second limb members are held in pivotal contact.

Abstract: An accessory holder is provided for use with a patient support. The holder is configured to position an accessory relative to the patient support.

Abstract: A portable child's bed is a bassinet hangably suspended from a pair of frame members. The bassinet includes a pair of opposing sidewalls that have a seam which allows for the sidewalls to inwardly pivot and then fold so as to allow for the compaction of the bassinet unit. The bassinet also includes a plurality of storage pockets capable of holding such infant-care related items such as diapers, powder, ointments, small blankets, towelettes, formula, feeding bottles and many other related items. The bassinet may also include a canopy for shielding the infant's head while resting or sleeping. The frame members include a telescoping strut which extendably expands or contracts within a strut housing. The telescoping strut and strut housing are in fluid communication and connected by a rotatable joint having an anterior and posterior sleeve to accommodate the pair of frames.

Abstract: A stick such as a ski-stick, walking stick or same, provided with a handle comprising a gripping element and a length-adjustable pole in addition to a regulating device that contains a joint and is arranged outside the pole, whereby the gripping element can be positioned at an angle to the pole and a tubular part of the pole can be pushed through the joint into the gripping element of the pole when the regulating device is oriented in a rectilinear position. This ensures that the regulating device is substantially protected against the effects of the environment and the diameter of the pole is increased to a lesser degree. In order to achieve this, a regulating element is respectively formed by the handle on a lower extension piece of the gripping element and a cap that is firmly connected to the upper end of the pole, whereby one respective regulating element is pivotally and moveably accommodated in a recess of the other regulating element.

Abstract: A joint for rotatably connecting a distal part to a proximal part of a testing and training target the joint including a first member attachable to one of the distal part and the proximal part of the target, a second member attachable to the other of the distal part and the proximal part of the target with the first and second members being rotatable relative to each other and engageable with each other such that the first member may be rotated with respect to the second member between first and second positions and upon the application of a predetermined force rotated past the second position to a third position. A detent communicates with one or both of the first and second members preventing movement of the members past the second position to the third position until at least the first predetermined force is applied to one or both of the members.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: A movable body supporting mechanism supports a movable body (12, 42) to be moved in a direction orthogonal to a flat surface, on which a fixed member (11, 41) and the movable body are both mounted. The movable body supporting mechanism is provided with: a lever (13a, 13b, 46a, 46b) rotatably linked to the fixed member and the movable body; a movable body gear (18a, 18b, 52) mounted on the movable body at a side thereof opposed to the fixed member; and a pinion (14a, 14b, 44a, 44b) engaged with the movable body gear and driven in conjunction with the lever.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transconnector for coupling first and second spinal fixation rods or other elongate fixation elements. The transconnector includes a male member, a female member, and a locking member. The male member has a body with a linking element (such as a hook) associated with the lateral end for receiving one of the fixation elements, and a projection extending from the medial end. The female member has a body with a linking element associated with the lateral end for receiving the other fixation element, and a cavity with an opening on the medial end for receiving a portion of the male member projection. The locking member adjustably and rotatably secures the male member projection portion in the cavity in order to accommodate different orientations and separation distances between the first and second fixation elements.

Abstract: An end effector has a base on one end for mounting to an end of a robot. A mount plate is fastened to the base. The end effector also has a cylindrical body to which is mounted a mating plate. Each of these components have axial holes which align with one another. The mount plate has a pair of precision-ground bumps which mate with a pair of dimples in the mating plate. One matched bump and dimple pair is smaller in diameter than the other pair to facilitate alignment between the base and the body. The end effector also has a retaining extension spring which extends between the base and the body in tension. During routine operation, the robot moves the end effector and a tool fixture at its distal end to assemble components such as in a pick-and-place tasks. In the event that the end effector crashes into an object, the body will rotate away from the base and the bumps slide out of the dimples. The spring keeps the parts together as the base remains rigidly mounted to the robot arm and the body deflect away.

Abstract: A locking pivot connector for a cot-chair back rest and a swivel joint for a sun shade supported by the back rest are disclosed. The locking pivot connector permits longitudinal placement of the back rest on the cot-chair with selective angular adjustment of the back rest on the cot-chair to allow its use as a cot, chair or chaise lounge. The sun shade swivel connection permits almost 360.degree. angular rotation of the sun shade by a spring-loaded ratchet assembly.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder having a quick release hinge assembly for attachment to a computer input device having a medium receiving surface and an associated aligned flat bed bezel with at least one receiving sleeves includes a plurality of interconnectable modular assemblies where one of the assemblies functions as a hinge mount and includes a set of protrusions complementary in shape to a corresponding set of stops tilts on an attachment hinge secured removably to the hinge mount. The attachment hinge and hinge mount cooperate to permit the automatic document feeder to be swiveling mounted to the computer input device in a precisely aligned manner to facilitate the moving of documents in seriatim from an input tray to an output tray of the automatic document feeder via the medium receiving surface of the computer input device.

Abstract: A positioning device (500) for positioning workpieces along translations and through angular rotations about two or more axes of rotation. In particular, the positioning devices (500) can be employed in method for aligning an optical fiber (510) with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber (510) is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface (508) of the optical fiber (510) is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam. The positioning devices are for use laser-to-fiber set-ups, laser-to-spatial filter set-ups, fiber-to-fiber set-ups and the like.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.