Abstract: A thrust chamber assembly for liquid fueled rocket engines and the method of making it wherein a two-piece mandrel wrapped with a silica tape saturated with a phenolic resin, the tape extending along the mandrel and covering the combustion chamber portion of the mandrel to the throat portion. The phenolic in the tape is cured and the end of the wrap is machined. The remainder of the mandrel is wrapped with a third silica tape. The resin in the third tape is cured and the assembly is machined. The entire assembly is then wrapped with a tow of graphite fibers wetted with an epoxy resin and, after the epoxy resin is cured, the graphite is machined to final dimensions.

Abstract: A rocket nozzle having an inlet, a middle region, a throat and an outlet, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the inlet to the throat is about 1.1. The middle region preferably has a shape which rises to an apex. Such a configuration places particles resulting from combustion on a trajectory which misses the wall of the nozzle at the throat or choke point, thereby decreasing throat erosion/ablation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to the catalytic convertor, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the catalytic convertor.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: To reduce the amounts of HC, NOx and other emissions from a direct injection engine when a catalyst is still in its unheated state, and to promote catalyst quick light-off operation by increasing the temperature of exhaust gases, a control device comprises a temperature state identifier (31) for judging the temperature state of a catalyst (22) and a fuel injection controller (33) for controlling fuel injection from an injector (11).

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit which, when applied to a turning excavator having hydraulic actuators for the working arms and the turning excavator body supplied with pressure oil from three pumps, can increase the operation speed of the booms and arms without providing a separate hydraulic pump to improve the work efficiency. During the individual driving, the boom cylinder (CY1) is supplied with a pressure oil from the first and third pumps (P1, P3), the arm cylinder (CY2) from the second and third pumps (P2, P3), the bucket cylinder (CY3) from the first pump (P1), and the turning motor (M) from the third pump (P3). During the simultaneous driving of the boom and arm cylinders (CY1, CY2), the arm is supplied with an operation speed increasing pressure oil from the third pump (P3). When the boom cylinder (CY1) and the turning motor (M) are simultaneously operated, a part of the pressure oil to the turning motor (M) from the third pump (P3) is supplied to the boom cylinder (CY2).

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly includes a pilot operated proportional poppet valve in which the main poppet moves in response to pressure in a first control chamber. The pressure in a first control chamber is governed by a pilot poppet and movement of the main poppet controls fluid flow between a first inlet and a first outlet. A shadow poppet valve has a shadow poppet that controls fluid flow between a second inlet and a second outlet in response to pressure in a second control chamber. The first and second control chamber are connected together whereby the pilot operated proportional poppet valve and the shadow poppet valve open and close together. A unique hydraulic system utilizing a plurality of these hydraulic valve assemblies to operate two operators alternately in parallel or in series is described.

Abstract: An adaptive cooling system control system for controlling fluid delivery from a pump to a fan motor comprises an inlet, an outlet and a speed control structure. The inlet receives fluid from a pump. The outlet delivers the fluid to a fan motor. The speed control structure controls the speed of the fan motor, and comprises a valve including a first passage in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a bypass passage selectively communicable with the inlet, the bypass passage being placed in communication with the inlet upon receiving fluid from a pump in excess of a predetermined desired quantity of such fluid.

Abstract: A hybrid two-stage cryocooler includes a first-stage Stirling expander having a first-stage interface and a Stirling expander outlet, a thermal-energy storage device in thermal communication with first-stage interface, and a second-stage pulse tube expander with a pulse tube inlet. A gas flow path extends between the Stirling expander outlet and the pulse tube inlet, and a heat exchanger is in thermal contact with the gas flow path. The relative cooling power of the first and second stages may be controlled to increase the cooling power of the second stage relative to the first stage in response to an increased heat load to the second stage. The thermal-energy storage device acts as a thermal buffer during this period, and is later cooled when the relative cooling power is adjusted to increase the cooling power of the first stage.

Abstract: A cryopump in which the surface area of the condensing or adsorbing panels is increased without materially increasing the dimensions by applying a porous or roughened layer on the surface of the panels.

Abstract: A method for detecting a low level of refrigerant circulating through a motor vehicle refrigerant circuit having a compressor (12), a condenser (14), an evaporator (16), and an accumulator (18), includes detecting a partial loss of a refrigerant fluid by measuring the temperature difference of the refrigerant fluid between an evaporator inlet and an evaporator outlet. The method further includes detecting a complete loss of refrigerant by measuring the pressure of the refrigerant in the liquid phase between the condenser (14) and the evaporator (16). The temperature and pressure measurements are converted to engineering units and then compared to predetermined engineering units that correspond to separate ranges of ambient temperatures for determining the if the refrigerant level is low.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus for a refrigerator performs a cooling operation by using a refrigerating compartment temperature regulator directly connected to a power-supply input terminal even if a freezing compartment temperature regulator is turned off, thereby effectively restricting an increase of the inside temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerating unit capable of optimum operation with respect to load by finely changing the operating capacity in response to changes in load, and offering energy saving effects. The refrigerating unit has a scroll type inverter-driven compressor and scroll type constant-speed compressors; a pressure sensor installed on the suction side; a circuit for starting the inverter-driven compressor first; and a circuit for deciding the driving frequency of the compressor and the number of constant-speed compressors to operate, based on a suction pressure value detected by the pressure sensor after the compressor was started.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit comprises a conventional refrigeration circuit including a conventional primary capillary for reducing the pressure of refrigerant flowing from a condenser outlet to an evaporator inlet. During abnormal operating conditions, i.e., when outside temperature is above a predetermined value, a secondary pressure reducing capillary bypasses the evaporator to supply refrigerant flowing out of the condenser to an inlet of a compressor, also responsive to refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator. Refrigerant flowing from the compressor flows into the condenser.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control system and method for controlling a device, a subsystem, and/or a process using a flash mini-card. Preferably, the present invention is directed to an HVAC control system and method for controlling a chiller and the devices and subsystems associated with the chiller using a flash mini-card. More preferably, the present invention obviates the need for the HVAC control system and method to use at least one of the following: a hard disk, a disk controller, a card reader, or a card controller.

Abstract: A room air conditioner of the type having a chassis configured to be removably received in an outer housing. The chassis includes a basepan having an indoor region proximate the front of the basepan and an outer region proximate the back. The chassis further includes a condenser coil supported in the outdoor region. The condenser coil has a support structure including an upper portion overlying the upper end of the condenser coil. The chassis further includes a partition supported at its lower end by the basepan and configured to separate the indoor and outdoor regions. The upper end of the partition is configured to be in close proximity to the interior of the outer housing when the chassis is received therein. The outer housing defines a substantially rectangular structure having a lower section configured to receive and support the basepan thereupon. Vertically extending side walls extend from left and right sides of the lower section and a top wall extends between the upper ends of the side walls.

Abstract: A cooling device (1) for chilling a wine bottle (2) comprises a substantially cylindrical housing (3). A panel member (8) formed by a plurality of hingedly connected panel segments (9) is located in the housing (3) and forms a receiving compartment (12) for the wine bottle (2). The panel segments (9) each form a storing chamber (14) for storing a temperature conditionable liquid. An annular ring (7) is mounted on a carrier sleeve (16) which is rotatable and axially slideable within the housing (3) for varying the diameter of a receiving compartment (12) for accommodating bottles (2) of different diameter. A bearing rim (20) of the carrier sleeve (16) abuts wedge-shaped portions (21) of the panel member (8) so that as the carrier sleeve (16) is urged axially into the housing (3) the diameter of the receiving compartment (12) is reduced and vice versa.

Abstract: A generator/motor cooling apparatus comprising a cooler for cooling gas used to cool the generator/motor, the gas flowing serially across first and second heat exchangers that are supplied with water from an ambient source; and a chiller having an evaporator and a condenser with a closed refrigerant circuit between the evaporator and condenser; wherein water supplied to the second heat exchanger is chilled in the evaporator and returned to the second heat exchanger and water from the ambient source acts as the heat sink for the condenser side of the chiller.

Abstract: The condensing apparatus in a refrigeration cycle includes a condenser having a condensing portion and a receiver-dryer. The receiver-dryer includes a tank main body, a desiccant-filled-portion arranged so that an upper space is formed at an upper part in the tank main body, a refrigerant-introducing-passage for introducing the condensed refrigerant into the tank main body from the condenser, and a refrigerant-discharging-passage for discharging the liquefied refrigerant in the tank main portion. The refrigerant-introducing-passage has an outlet which opens toward an inner bottom of the tank main body. The refrigerant-discharging-passage penetrates the desiccant-filled-portion and has an inlet formed so as to open toward the upper space at an upper end of the desiccant-filled-portion and an outlet formed at a bottom portion of the tank main body.

Abstract: A system for generating refrigeration wherein a multicomponent refrigerant is compressed in a compressor lubricated with polyalphaolefin-based oil, the oil is removed from the compressed refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant is expanded to generate refrigeration at a cryogenic temperature for provision to a refrigeration receptor.

Abstract: Nitrogen gas at a single pressure is produced from a two-column cryogenic distillation of air. The bottoms liquid product from the high pressure column is divided into portions, at least one of which does not enter the low pressure column as a feed stream. By these means, a portion of an oxygen-rich stream is removed from the distillation, further enhancing nitrogen recovery and achieving low specific energy consumption for nitrogen product.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fibrous insulation includes a porous conveyor mounted for transporting fibrous material in a machine direction in the form of pack. A pack lift blower is positioned beneath the porous conveyor, in a direction transverse to the machine direction, to direct gases upwardly through the porous conveyor to fluff the fibers within the pack. The pack lift blower has a nozzle that is readily removable and replaceable for cleaning without requiring interruption in the motion of the conveyor. The nozzle may also include slots which allow the passage of air and a reciprocal member which cleans the slots.

Abstract: A circular knitted double fabric having an inner and outer layers which are basically separated from each other. At first group of yarn feeder knitting only by dial needles is done, while at second group of yarn feeder knitting only by cylinder needles is done. A stitching between the inner and outer layers by using both of the dial and cylinder needles is done along a closed outline of a garment. A cutting of the fabric along the closed outline is done in such a manner that the stitched parts are, at least partially left. As a result, a cutting of the fabric along the closed outline allows a garment to be separated from the fabric, which fabric has a front and back bodies, which are along its outline firmly connected with each other by the stitched parts.

Abstract: A mounting device for securing a firearm to a support structure such as a motor vehicle includes: a base plate defining a generally planar mounting surface; a locking pin, a guide pin, and a plurality of mounting posts extending away from the mounting surface in orthogonal relation thereto. The mounting posts primarily support the firearm and are arranged on the base plate to receive the firearm in a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface and to retain the predetermined firearm against removal from the mounting surface in directions parallel thereto. A cover plate includes an opening through which the locking pin extends and a slot through which the guide pin extends for support of the cover plate in spaced, generally parallel and overlapping relation to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A lock box mounting bracket is provided for securely locking a lock box to a door and hinge which includes a one-piece bracket body having interior and exterior portions, and a bracket locking device mounted on the interior portion of the bracket body. The bracket locking device is mounted so as to be positioned in the interior space on the secured side of the door thereby preventing removal of the mounting bracket when the door is in the closed position. In addition, when the door is in the open position, the bracket locking device impedes the ability of unauthorized personnel from easily removing the lock box mounting bracket from the door and hinge. The bracket locking device includes connector portions formed on an upper section of the interior portion and a lower section of the interior portion for engagement by a connecting element. The lock box protection device includes a side wall extending outwardly from the exterior portion to protect the lock box and its shackle from side access.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for engaging a strike includes a frame having a receptacle configured to receive the strike and a locking pin reciprocally mounted to the frame for reciprocating between a retracted position and an extended position. The locking pin is configured for mating with the strike when the locking pin is disposed in the extended position. A drive link extends from the locking pin and a motor is provided for driving a drive shaft. A spring shaft has one end engageable with the drive shaft. A coupling is disposed between a second end of the spring shaft and the frame. The drive link is configured to engage individual coil surfaces of the spring shaft during rotation thereof to drive the locking pin towards the retracted or extended position.

Abstract: A system for applying metalworking lubricants to working surfaces of tools, dies and/or workpieces prior to forming said workpiece in a metal forming operation, particularly forging, is described. The system comprises lubricant particles, each comprising a lubricant coated with a protective surface having poor electrical conductivity, and electrostatic deposition means for applying such particles to working surfaces of tools and/or dies, or to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calibrating a dissolved oxygen analyzer are disclosed. In the method, a zero point is first determined and set on the analyzer by filling into the analyzer a saturated aqueous solution of an oxidizer that contains 0 ppb oxygen. A span point is then set on the analyzer by filling a sample solution in the analyzer and flowing a cell current through a Faraday electrode until a 20 ppb oxygen is produced and then setting the point as a span point for completing a two-point calibration process. A slope for calibration can be obtained between the zero point and the span point.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 (FIG. 1), for testing samples of friction material 31, 32 in rubbing contact with a surface 33 of a rubbing element 34, comprises a table 12 for supporting the rubbing element and a load cell 16 for sensing the load imposed by the frictionally coupled rotating samples from which the coefficient of friction can be determined. To make the tests repeatable rapidly and with identical starting conditions cooling means 40 is interposed between the rubbing element and table. Cooling means 40 comprises a fluid cooled heat exchanger 41, conveniently cooled by local main supply water supplied at its natural temperature, and thermoelectric cooling means 75. The thermoelectric cooling means consists of an array of planar peltier cooling elements which develops a temperature gradient there across which, with reference to the heat exchanger temperature, is able to cool and re-cool the rubbing element to temperatures as low as −25° C. within a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A method for detecting leakage of an expansion vessel 14 that, in an inflated form, occupies or has occupied at least a portion of a cavity 24 of an elastomeric article. The method includes the step of adding a tracer gas to a pressurized fluid. The method is characterized by the step of examining the atmosphere within the cavity of the elastomeric article, not within the expansion vessel, for evidence indicating that a portion of the tracer gas has escaped from the expansion vessel.

Abstract: A tire testing apparatus and method for detecting leaks in tires used on lawn mowers. The tire testing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a roughing pump, a hi-vac pump, an airtight seal, and a spectrometer. The roughing pump and hi-vac pump evacuate the air from the vacuum chamber, creating a vacuum. The pressure sensor detects the level of vacuum in the vacuum chamber and reports this information to the PLC. A method of detecting leaks in tires using the tire testing apparatus is also provided. The method includes the steps of inflating the tire with a mixture of air and 10% helium by volume, placing the tire in the vacuum chamber, sealing the vacuum chamber and removing the air creating a vacuum, then detecting the amount of helium in the chamber, and removing the tire from the chamber and placing it either in the rejected conveyor, or the acceptable conveyor.

Abstract: The fluid tightness of containers having a first deformable section and a second deformable section spaced from the first deformable section is checked by changing the pressure applied to the first deformable section, preferably without causing fluid to flow through the first deformable section out of the container, and without changing the pressure applied to the second deformable section, thereby causing a deformation of the first deformable section and a change in pressure within the container; and thereafter monitoring a predetermined characteristic, preferably the position, of the second deformable section. This process can be used to check the fluid tightness of the containers with relatively fragile seals, for example, a foil lid of a food container without mechanical contact. Automated apparatus for carrying out this process is described.

Abstract: A method of imaging a sample present in a solution by employing an atomic force microscope comprises providing an atomic force microscope having a cantilever that is under the solution, contacting the cantilever with energy to cause the cantilever to bend and vibrate, and detecting the amplitude of vibration of the cantilever from the energy. The cantilever has at least one coating present thereon to absorb energy such that the cantilever bends and vibrates.

Abstract: A fuel management system for an internal combustion engine including an intake manifold is presented. The fuel management system includes a thermal reactor having an inlet port and an outlet port. The thermal reactor receives liquid fuel through the inlet port and is adapted to heat the liquid fuel and discharge fuel vapor through the outlet port. A pressure sensing device is configured to measure pressure within the intake manifold to determine engine load. A plenum is adapted to receive the fuel vapor from the outlet port and mix the fuel vapor with air, and the plenum is adapted to be connected to the intake manifold to provide the fuel vapor and air mixture to the intake manifold. A fuel metering device is operable to regulate the amount of fuel vapor provided to the plenum in response to the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for measuring the sag properties of a drilling fluid by using a conically or frustro-conically shaped inner body and an outer body having an opening with contours closely matching those of inner body such that in conjunction inner and outer body are separated by a narrow gap defining a conically or frustro-conically volume with a vertex; a motor drive for rotating the inner body with respect to the outer body; and a sampling access to determine the density of said drilling fluid within a localized part of said volume, wherein said sampling is permanently located in vicinity on said vertex.

Abstract: Components with defects are identified from the response to strains applied at acoustic and ultrasound frequencies. The relative resonance frequency shift |&Dgr;ƒ/ƒ0|, is determined as a function of applied strain amplitude for an acceptable component, where ƒ0 is the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and &Dgr;ƒ is the frequency shift of the resonance peak of a selected mode to determine a reference relationship. Then, the relative resonance frequency shift |&Dgr;ƒ/ƒ0 is determined as a function of applied strain for a component under test, where fo ƒ0 the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and &Dgr;ƒ is the frequency shift of the resonance peak to determine a quality test relationship. The reference relationship is compared with the quality test relationship to determine the presence of defects in the component under test.

Abstract: An apparatus for subjecting a disc drive to rotational vibration test profiles includes a mounting base, a disc drive mounting plate, and a rotary vibration motor assembly mounted between the mounting plate and the base in which the disc drive mounting plate may be vibrationally rotated about an axis through the base and plate. The motor assembly preferably includes a plurality of voice coil motors mounted and radially spaced about a tubular shaft supporting the disc drive mounting plate. The voice coil motors are connected and driven in series to impart the rotational vibrational profile to the disc drive mounted on the mounting plate. The method involves providing a support structure, a rotatable shaft carried by the support structure, a voice coil motor connected to the shaft for reciprocally rotating the shaft, mounting a device to be tested on the shaft, and applying a current to the voice coil motor to reciprocally rotate the shaft to vibrate the device.

Abstract: A differential pressure transducer comprising: a housing having a first end containing a first recess, and an oppositely disposed second end containing a second recess; first and second isolation diaphragms respectively enclosing said first and second recesses and forming in conjunction therewith first and second cavities; first and second headers secured within said housing and being electronically coupled together; and, a pressure sensor being adapted to withstand an excess in either said first or second pressures and secured to said first header so as to isolate said first and second cavities from one another and being responsive to a first pressure applied to said first diaphragm and a second pressure applied to said second diaphragm to produce at least one signal indicative of a difference between said first and second pressures.

Abstract: A pair of grips for holding a specimen which includes a pair of through openings for receiving tension pins and a pair of spaced apart, parallel edges. Each of the grips includes a pin, a Davis adjustable key, and a housing. The Davis adjustable key includes a key housing, a movable key portion and a mechanism to move the key portion relative to the key housing. The housing includes a bore for receiving the Davis adjustable key, a bore for receiving the pin, and a slot for receiving that portion of the specimen which includes the through opening and the edge. The Davis adjustable key bore and said pin bore are substantially parallel to each other. The slot is substantially perpendicular to and completely bisecting the pin bore.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system employs a path through a fluid to determine fluid density by a differential reflection coefficient measurement of fluid impedance Z and a fluid sound speed c. Preferred configurations use clamp-on (external) transducers and combine ultrasonic measurements of flow velocity V over one or more paths, to obtain the mass flow rate. Z is determined by comparing reflections from a reference target, which may be totally reflective, with reflections from a sensor target having an effectively lower Z, which may be close to that of the fluid. Both targets are preferably located to be cleaned by the natural flow of the fluid. The low-Z target is interrogated at least once. Vee blocks provide a compact combination of reference and sensor targets that can be integrated with a velocity-sensing flowcell. Folded-path flow cells compactly measure V alone or in combination with density.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a flow tube of a device for measuring properties of a material flowing through the flow tube having a casing and a veneer. The casing substantially encloses flow tube from inlet end to outlet end and withstands the structural load of the flow tube. The veneer encloses the casing and provides a sanitary surface for said casing.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A tool and method for its use in taking a sample of liquid from a tank. The tool is used to open the valve of the tank and cause a sample of the liquid in the tank to flow by gravity into a container below the tank without allowing the liquid to contact the person taking the sample. The tool is especially suited for taking samples of the fuel of a helicopter or other aircraft. The tool includes a head having an axially extending wrench socket that fits over the valve and has a transverse inner base wall to limit movement of the socket over the valve. The head has a fluid passageway extending therethrough with an upper inlet communicating with the socket and a lower outlet opening through the lower end portion. When the valve is opened by the tool, the liquid flows out of the tank, through the valve and into the passageway, through which it is channeled to the container.

Abstract: A reciprocating scotch yoke drive mechanism connectable to a motor drive shaft, includes a yoke member connectable to the shaft which moves the yoke member in a linear reciprocating motion and a guide having one or more slide tracks configured to define a reciprocal sliding path for the yoke member. The yoke member also has a sliding formation configured for slidingly engaging the slide track. And the sliding formation and the slide track have complementary configurations for maintaining alignment of the yoke member during reciprocal sliding motion and engagement of the yoke member in the slide track under a variety of angular stresses.

Abstract: A steel for a gear which is formed on a drive plate gear includes; C: 0.32 to 0.38%, Si: 0.1% or less, Mn: 0.60 to 0.90%, P: 0.03% or less, and S: 0.035% or less.

Abstract: A parallel mechanism is capable of positioning and orienting an end platform with up to six or more degrees of freedom. In preferred embodiments, the mechanism includes six links having a first and second ends. The first end is connected to an end platform for supporting a tool, while the second end is connected to an actuator capable of translating the second end. A rotational drive mechanism may be provided for rotating an object mounted on the end platform at varying orientations of the end platform independently of movement of the end platform as a whole. The links may be curved in order to avoid interference between adjoining links, thereby permitting an increased range of motion and improved dexterity of the mechanism.

Abstract: A pedal assembly (10) is mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is used to generate a control signal for vehicle system. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm (12) having a lower end (14) connected to a pedal pad (16) and an upper end (18) pivotally supported on a pivot shaft (22) to define a pivot axis (24). A housing (20) supports the pivot shaft (22) such that the pedal arm (12) is mounted for movement relative to the housing (20) about the pivot axis (24). A non-contact sensor assembly with a magnet member (26) spaced apart from a non-contact sensing surface (30) is used to generate the control signal based on pedal movement. The magnet member (26) is pivotally mounted on the shaft (22) for pivotal movement with the pedal arm (12) about the pivot axis (24) and the non-contact sensing surface (30) extends across an interior face (28) of the housing (20) to interact with the magnet member (26).

Abstract: In a method of stripping and removing shielding from a cable, an end of the cable is stripped from an outer insulating sheath to expose a portion of the shielding which envelopes an inner electrical conductor. The exposed shielding portion is compressed in axial direction of the cable to so deform the shielding portion as to assume a donut shape which exceeds an outer dimension of the insulating sheath. A cutting unit is movable approximately transversely to a longitudinal orientation of the cable to shear off a circular section of the shielding portion.

Abstract: A planetary ratchet wrench with an optional add-on pipe cutting tool. The basic tool includes first and second intermeshing gear members, where one of the gear members includes a pair of arcuate shaped segments, pivotally engaged, that open to receive a pipe connection and close to form a continuous circular gear member. To the second of the gear members, a ratchet arm, removably secured to the second gear member, is provided to effect rotation of the respective gear members. Stabilizing arm is provided to allow the rotation of the gear members from a position remote from the meshing gear members. Further, a pipe cutting tool may be an add-on to the tool for rotation with the first of the gear members.

Abstract: A screw holder mountable on a drive unit having a tubular passage with two axially-aligned sections, each provided with locking and centering elements, such that a screw inserted into such holder can initially only penetrate until the screw head is reliably held and suspended in the first section by the locking elements. The force of the centering and locking elements upon the screw head is overcome when the apparatus is placed on the screw location and an engagement tool coupled to a drive shaft is brought into driving engagement with the screw head, which driving movement forces the locking elements radially outward in response to the axial load upon the screw head and the passage of the screw head therethrough. After the screw head passes through the first section within the tubular passage, the screw shaft is engaged by the centering elements of the second section. The centering elements of the second section are then also forced back as the head of the screw passes therethrough.