Abstract: Adjustable pliers includes a first plier half, a second plier half coupled to the first plier half, and a stud disposed in a slot of the second plier half. The first plier half includes a first handle and a first working tip opposite the first handle. The second plier half includes a second handle and second working tip opposite the second handle. The slot extends along a path from a first end of the path to a second end of the path, the path extends in a first direction at the first end of the path and extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction at the second end of the path. A performance parameter is defined, at least in part, by a relationship between dimensions of the slot or of the second working tip.

Abstract: Motion and video data from vehicle sensors and camera arrays attached to a vehicle collect video and sensor data along a path driven by the vehicle. A system processes such data to produce high-accuracy structured map data, as might be used to precisely locate a moving vehicle in its environment. Positions are calculated from the sensor data. The positions are updated based on the video data. Positions of features in the video are used to create or update structured map data.

Abstract: A pawl mechanism with a bias member that biases the pawl into engagement with the drive gear. The bias member can be a tube spring disposed within a bore to bias the pawl into engagement with the drive gear while eliminating the need for a spacer, as required by prior art ratchet wrenches.

Abstract: Tools, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, splined sockets, wrenches, etc., that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: Adjustable pliers includes a first plier half, a second plier half coupled to the first plier half, and a stud disposed in a slot of the second plier half. The first plier half includes a first handle and a first working tip opposite the first handle. The second plier half includes a second handle and second working tip opposite the second handle. The slot extends along a path from a first end of the path to a second end of the path, the path extends in a first direction at the first end of the path and extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction at the second end of the path. A performance parameter is defined, at least in part, by a relationship between dimensions of the slot or of the second working tip.

Abstract: Tools, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, splined sockets, wrenches, etc., that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: A button lock that selectively retains the angle of an object relative to a handle. The button lock is rotatable between an engaged position, where the angle is retained, and a disengaged position, where the object is disengaged from the handle and can pivotally move about the handle to change the angle. In the engaged position, button teeth on the button engage with handle teeth on the handle. In the disengaged position, the button teeth disengage the handle teeth to space the button from the handle and therefore allow free movement of the handle about the button. The button therefore quickly and easily retains the angle between the object and the handle.

Abstract: A lift arm of a floor jack is composed of a number of components made from metal bar stock. The lift arm is adapted to transfer power and motion from a power unit to a saddle, which is adapted to be placed at a lift point of the vehicle, thereby applying pressure to the lift point and raising the vehicle.

Abstract: Sockets, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, and splined sockets, that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. In general, the sockets engage the flank of the fastener at a distance of about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank away from the corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: Sockets, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, and splined sockets, that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. In general, the sockets engage the flank of the fastener at a distance of about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank away from the corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: Motion and video data from vehicle sensors and camera arrays attached to a vehicle collect video and sensor data along a path driven by the vehicle. A system processes such data to produce high-accuracy structured map data, as might be used to precisely locate a moving vehicle in its environment. Positions are calculated from the sensor data. The positions are updated based on the video data. When loops in the vehicle path are detected, a loop closure error is calculated and used to update the positions as well as to reduce bias in the sensors when calculating future positions. Positions of features in the video are used to create or update structured map data.

Abstract: A lift arm of a floor jack is composed of a number of components made from metal bar stock. The lift arm is adapted to transfer power and motion from a power unit to a saddle, which is adapted to be placed at a lift point of the vehicle, thereby applying pressure to the lift point and raising the vehicle.

Abstract: Motion and video data from vehicle sensors and camera arrays attached to a vehicle collect video and sensor data along a path driven by the vehicle. A system processes such data to produce high-accuracy structured map data, as might be used to precisely locate a moving vehicle in its environment. Positions are calculated from the sensor data. The positions are updated based on the video data. When loops in the vehicle path are detected, a loop closure error is calculated and used to update the positions as well as to reduce bias in the sensors when calculating future positions. Positions of features in the video are used to create or update structured map data.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench with ratchet heads coupled to a handle via a pin. The pin includes two ball detents that couple to the teeth of the spline in and an indent inside an opening of the ratchet head. The wrench can therefore be easily used in low profile applications and quickly adjusted due to the dual ball detent configuration of the pin.

Abstract: A button lock that selectively retains the angle of an object relative to a handle. The button lock is rotatable between an engaged position, where the angle is retained, and a disengaged position, where the object is disengaged from the handle and can pivotally move about the handle to change the angle. In the engaged position, button teeth on the button engage with handle teeth on the handle. In the disengaged position, the button teeth disengage the handle teeth to space the button from the handle and therefore allow free movement of the handle about the button. The button therefore quickly and easily retains the angle between the object and the handle.

Abstract: A tool that includes a wrench body a first drive end, and a ratchet gear disposed in an aperture in the first drive end. A first cavity is formed in the first drive end and in communication with the aperture. First and second pawls are disposed in the first cavity, and the first and second pawls each includes teeth adapted to engage the ratchet gear. A second cavity is formed in the first drive end and is in communication with the first cavity. The second cavity receives a reversing disc adapted to selectively engage the first and second pawls to cause engagement and dis-engagement of the first and second pawls with the ratchet gear. By orienting the pawls to allow the second cavity to have a minimum depth, the head of the wrench can be stiffened, thereby increasing fatigue strength and rigidity of the wrench.

Abstract: Tools, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, splined sockets, wrenches, etc., that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a corner of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener.

Abstract: A dual pawl ratchet tool with a leaf spring bias member. The leaf spring includes two bias portions that are coupled to one another by a fulcrum. The fulcrum can be placed in an indent of the pawl pocket to maintain structural stability while applying a bias force against the engaged pawl. In doing so, the bias member reduces the amount of lost motion that is incurred during the ratcheting operation.

Abstract: Motion and video data from vehicle sensors and camera arrays attached to a vehicle collect video and sensor data along a path driven by the vehicle. A system processes such data to produce high-accuracy structured map data, as might be used to precisely locate a moving vehicle in its environment. Positions are calculated from the sensor data. The positions are updated based on the video data. When loops in the vehicle path are detected, a loop closure error is calculated and used to update the positions as well as to reduce bias in the sensors when calculating future positions. Positions of features in the video are used to create or update structured map data.

Abstract: A pawl mechanism with a bias member that biases the pawl into engagement with the drive gear. The bias member can be a tube spring disposed within a bore to bias the pawl into engagement with the drive gear while eliminating the need for a spacer, as required by prior art ratchet wrenches.