Abstract: The latching device for a rotationally or translationally movable operating element is provided with a resiliently mounted latching projection and with a latching guideway which is in sliding contact with the latching projection and which has a plurality of latching depressions with latching elevations arranged between them. The latching depressions and the latching elevations form a substantially corrugated latching path along which the latching projection slides during a relative movement between latching guideway and latching projection. The latching projection has a surface which contacts the latching path along at least one contact line running substantially transversely to the longitudinal extent of the latching path. When sliding along the latching path. the latching projection experiences an upward and downward movement with periodic change of the orientation of its contact line with respect to the latching guideway.

Abstract: A thermal ratchet system includes a ratchet housing, a ratchet mandrel, a first ratchet, and a second ratchet. The first ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in an axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a first direction. The second ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in the axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one of the first ratchet and the second ratchet is engaged with the ratchet mandrel.

Abstract: A thermal ratchet system includes a ratchet housing, a ratchet mandrel, a first ratchet, and a second ratchet. The first ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in an axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a first direction. The second ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in the axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one of the first ratchet and the second ratchet is engaged with the ratchet mandrel.

Abstract: The high-performance sliding rack ratchet tensioner is inexpensively manufactured. A rack having rack teeth is slidingly received in a rack slot on the side of the piston. The rack slot is preferably open-ended on the end facing the tensioner arm. The rack and piston are both received in a piston bore in the tensioner body. The rack length is preferably shorter than the rack slot length to provide backlash. A pawl mounted in a pawl bore perpendicular to the rack bore engages the rack. The open-ended rack slot allows the rack to be inserted after the piston during assembly. The rack and pawl preferably have shark fin-shaped teeth. The pawl preferably has dummy teeth to ensure that the load is shared by the center teeth.

Abstract: Locking arrangement for locking a first element which is movably mounted in a first direction, by means of a second element which is movably mounted in a second direction transversely with respect to the first direction. First element has a toothed contour with at least two teeth and a tooth gap which lies between. Second element has a projection which has a projection length which is shorter than the tooth gap length. The projection can be introduced into tooth gap when there is movement in the second direction, to lock the first element. Each tooth has a face which points towards the second element and has a first contour. Projection has a face which points towards the first element and has a second contour. First and second contours are matched to one another so that the projection is deflected by the teeth from becoming inserted into tooth gap if first element moves faster than a predetermined locking speed and slower than a maximum speed of first element.

Abstract: The high-performance sliding rack ratchet tensioner is inexpensively manufactured. A rack having rack teeth is slidingly received in a rack slot on the side of the piston. The rack slot is preferably open-ended on the end facing the tensioner arm. The rack and piston are both received in a piston bore in the tensioner body. The rack length is preferably shorter than the rack slot length to provide backlash. A pawl mounted in a pawl bore perpendicular to the rack bore engages the rack. The open-ended rack slot allows the rack to be inserted after the piston during assembly. The rack and pawl preferably have shark fin-shaped teeth. The pawl preferably has dummy teeth to ensure that the load is shared by the center teeth.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly includes a threaded rod and a support collar that defines a bore. A portion of the threaded rod is disposed in the axial bore of the support collar. A ratchet pawl is pivotable carried by the support collar between locked and unlocked positions. The ratchet pawl has at least one tooth that threadably engages the threaded rod when the ratchet pawl is in the locked position to allow the threaded rod to threadably rotate with respect to the support collar for fine position adjustments. The ratchet pawl automatically pivots to the unlocked position when the threaded rod is forced in a direction from the first end toward the second end to allow for gross position adjustments.

Abstract: A brake actuating assembly for a vehicle having a brake system is provided. The assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting the brake actuating assembly to the vehicle, and a pedal arm mounted to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The pedal arm is connectable to the brake system such that movement of the pedal arm in a brake applying direction activates the brake system and movement of the pedal arm in a brake releasing direction de-activates the brake system. An arcuate rack of teeth is connected to the pedal arm, and a pawl that includes a tooth engages the rack. The assembly also includes a spring that has a first end that operatively connected to the pawl, and the second end that is operatively connected to the mounting bracket in an opening that includes a surface extending between a first stop and a second stop.

Abstract: A ratchet-type adjustment device for the ratcheting displacement of an adjustment body with respect to a fixed base element having an oblong actuating element, where the actuating element can be displaced along linear toothed portions, which are fitted to the adjustment body on either side of the actuating element, and latched into the first linear toothed portion, acting as driving toothed portion, by first ratchet elements, the adjustment device furthermore comprising at least two second ratchet elements mounted pivotably on the fixed base element, which ratchet elements can be latched into the second linear toothed portion, acting as blocking and braking toothed portion, to block a displacement movement of the adjustment body with respect to the fixed base element.

Abstract: A foot depressing parking brake apparatus including a brake pedal main body 3 pivotably supported by a support shaft 2, a ratchet plate 4 having ratchet teeth 4b and attached to the brake pedal main body 3, a ratchet pole 6 rotatably attached to a pivot pin 5 and constituting a shaft hole inserted with the pivot pin 5 by a long hole 7, and a toggle spring 10 for exerting a turning force to the ratchet pole 6, wherein a brake operating state in which a claw portion 6a of the ratchet pole 6 is brought in mesh with the ratchet teeth 4b of the ratchet plate 4 and a brake releasing state in which the meshing is released are realized.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.

Abstract: An attachment device for a bore-provided machine member on a cylindrical shaft. A two-part sleeve is arranged in an annular space between the shaft and the machine member to provide a clamping force between the machine member and the shaft. The sleeve parts have mating cooperating taper surfaces that face each other so that upon mutual displacement of the sleeve parts the overall radial size of the sleeve parts changes. A first ring member is arranged about the shaft and forms a stop for one of the sleeve parts and a supporting device is adapted to move the machine member with respect to the shaft to cause mutual displacement of the sleeve parts. A second ring member positioned between the two-part sleeve and the machine member has a tapering bore, a tapering outer surface, and an inwardly projecting abutment for a second one of the sleeve parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.

Abstract: A release mechanism for releasing a pretensioned shift cable connected to a gear changing mechanism. The release mechanism includes a toothed disk having retention and capture teeth and is nonrotatably connected to a cable spool and a sliding member that includes retention and capture pawls. When the release mechanism is actuated the retention pawl disengages from the toothed disk, the cable spool rotates until the capture pawl engages the toothed disk and when the release mechanism is released the capture pawl disengages the toothed disk and the retention pawl once again engages the toothed disk, resulting in a stepwise release of the shifting cable.

Abstract: An attachment device for a bore-provided machine member on a cylindrical shaft. A two-part sleeve is arranged in an annular space between the shaft and the machine member to provide a clamping force between the machine member and the shaft. The sleeve parts have mating cooperating taper surfaces that face each other so that upon mutual displacement of the sleeve parts the overall radial size of the sleeve parts changes. A first ring member is arranged about the shaft and forms a stop for one of the sleeve parts and a supporting device is adapted to move the machine member with respect to the shaft to cause mutual displacement of the sleeve parts. A second ring member positioned between the two-part sleeve and the machine member has a tapering bore, a tapering outer surface, and an inwardly projecting abutment for a second one of the sleeve parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator for a vehicle is provided having an eccentrically-mounted self-adjust cam assembly. The cam assembly is mounted eccentrically to the lever axis to provide a variable mechanical advantage during actuator stroke. The eccentric offset for the self-adjusting cam is less than the outside radius of the cam to reduce the overall space requirements of the actuator.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch for a torque converter utilizing a housing having an endless inner surface. A plurality of ratchet teeth are located on the endless inner surface of the housing such that each of the ratchet teeth possess a contact surface. A retainer having an endless outer surface fits within the inner surface of the housing. A series of recesses on the endless outer surface of the retainer hold or confine a plurality of spring actuated sprags. Each of the sprags extends from the recesses to bears on the contact surface of a ratchet tooth on the endless inner surface of the housing. Such contact takes place upon the rotation of the housing relative to the retainer.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly for a medical instrument having a handle and a trigger member for operating the medical instrument, the trigger member being movable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position and being biased by a biasing member toward the first position, the ratchet assembly comprising a rack disposed in the handle, an engagement member for engaging the rack, slidably disposed in the handle relative to the rack and connected to the trigger member so that displacement of the trigger member slides the engagement member relative to the rack, the engagement member being biased into engagement with the rack so that, as the trigger is displaced from the first position to the second position, the engagement member engages the rack in a plurality of positions so as to hold the trigger member at a desired point between the first position and the second position against the biasing member, and a cam member, arranged in the handle, for disengaging the engagement member from the rack when t

Abstract: The locking device (100) includes a pivoting ratchete (10) and a component (30) that is movable between two extreme stop positions. The pivoting ratchet (10) is symmetrical about a plane including its pivot axis (35), and it includes first and second locking fingers (15, 25) each of which is designed to engage in stable manner and under the action of a load (F) acting on the moving component (30) in a corresponding one of symmetrical notches (50a, 50b) formed in the moving component. A spring (20) is mounted in a prestressed state so that for a given resilient reaction (R1) thereof, the distance of said reaction from the pivot axis (35) of the ratchet (10) in either of the two stable locking positions is such that the ratchet (10) is unlocked by applying the smallest load that is likely to be applied to the moving component (30) in the direction that tends to switch it from one extreme stop position to the other.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel having a locking device, includes a housing, a ratchet wheel disposed pivotally in the housing in such a manner that one end of its axle couples with an external rotating object, a braking member having a shank provided at one end thereof with a wedge angle and at other end thereof with a pivot, and a lock. The pivot is coupled pivotally with the housing in such a way that it moves between a first position and a second position. When the braking member is at the first position, its wedge angle meshes with ratchet wheel. When the braking member is at the second position, its wedge angle disengages from the ratchet wheel. The lock has a lock core capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking position of the lock core corresponds to the first position of the braking member, while the unlocking position of the lock core corresponds to the second position of the braking member.

Abstract: A combustion cleaning machine for removing coatings on the interior of combustion chambers for jet engines is provided and includes a rotatable turntable for carrying a plurality of the generally cylindrical combustors to and from at least one work station where a fluid, liquid or mixture is projected at a combustor under high pressure to remove the interior coating.The machine includes a revolvable main turntable or wheel having a plurality of individual minor turntables for supporting the combustor cylinders and rotating them. A computer or microprocessing control means is provided for monitoring and controlling various machine functions including the means for indexing the main turntable, the means for rotating the individual turntables and the combustors mounted thereunder, and the means for directing or spraying the material at the cylinders.

Abstract: A fastener group device includes a feeding gear for meshing with connecting elements of a fastener group, a feeding pawl for intermittent rotation of the feeding gear, a stopper for preventing reverse rotation of the feeding gear and a feeding cam for raising and lowering the feeding pawl. The feeding pawl includes a ratchet and spring, the spring for biasing the ratchet toward the feeding gear. An escape space into which the spring enters following rotation of the feeding gear is provided rearwardly of the feeding pawl. When the spring is received by the escape space, the spring is substantially inoperable for biasing the ratchet toward the feeding gear.

Abstract: A tray stacking apparatus includes a pawl having a projection piece, a roller for opening the pawl, a roller for returning the pawl, and an urging device for urging the pawl into an open position or a closed position. The pawl is opened during its descent, and is returned to its original closed position at a bottom limit position. The tray stacking operation is effected by one driving operation without the pawl rubbing against the tray and thus, powder is not produced by a rubbing of the pawl against the tray so that a clean working environment may be maintained.

Abstract: Improved flexible ratchet teeth are provided for allowing relative rotational movement of one peripheral surface relative to an encompassing peripheral surface. Such teeth allow relative rotational movement in one direction of rotation only during which the ratchet teeth of one peripheral surface slide over the ratchet teeth of the other. The flexible teeth which may be disposed on either or both peripheral surfaces prevent distortion of the encompassing peripheral surface obtained in the prior art when ratchet teeth of solid construction are employed.

Abstract: A roller skate is provided having a body portion adapted to be attached to the foot of a wearer, and front and rear axles attached to the body portion, the axles having wheels mounted to the ends thereof. At least the front wheels are characterized by an outer cylindrical rolling portion having a plurality of teeth integrally formed on an inwardly facing circumferential surface thereof. A pawl member having first and second ratchet-engaging portions has a cam follower portion and is mounted by a camming member to the body of the skate. The camming member is movable between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the camming member acts through its cam follower portion to elevate the pawl member to a position where it does not engage any of the teeth on the inwardly facing surfaces of the front wheels.

Abstract: A turning gear is used to rotate a turbine rotor under conditions where it is heating up or cooling down without sufficient motive fluid to cause it to rotate. The turning gear avoid the occurence of a thermal bow. A hydraulic turning gear is disclosed for application in confined areas where a substantial force is required to provide rotation to the rotor. A booster cylinder is used to elevate low pressure fluid for use in a reduced diameter hydraulic cylinder. A ratchet wheel and pawl mechanism uses an adjustable friction force to withhold the pawl from the ratchet wheel after initial contact and further employs a stationary guide rail to reset the pawl for the next contact.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver contains a magnetic clutch assembly which is accessible by external switching means. The switching means can alternately switch the clutch assembly from a first position to a second position and vice-versa. When the clutch assembly is in the first position the handle will be in a fixed relationship with the shaft and head when the handle is turned in a clockwise direction but will rotate relative to the shaft and head when the handle is turned in a counterclockwise direction. ALternatively, when the clutch assembly is in the second position, the handle will be in a fixed position relative to the shaft and head when the handle is turned in a counterclockwise direction but will rotate relative to the shaft and head when the handle is turned in a clockwise direction. Previous ratchet drivers do not operate smoothly or they are much too complex.

Abstract: The printwheel setting apparatus comprises a voice coil motor having a magnet reciprocating in a coil which magnet is connected by a flexible link to a picker link for advancing the printwheel. The picker link has a picker cam which cooperates with a cam stud to cause a tooth on the picker-link to engage a slot on the printwheel and to rotate the printwheel as the voice coil motor magnet moves to a position for again advancing the printwheel when the magnet moves in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A compact tap wrench includes a ring-base, a pair of diametrically opposed handles, and a chuck mechanism friction-fit into the ring-base. A ratchet mechanism is built into one of the handles. The chuck mechanism includes interchangeable jaws for accommodating different ranges of tap sizes.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus 10 for elongate flat articles such as newspapers is described. The mechanism uses a rachet or pawl mechanism 36 or 36a to control a roller 23 or 23a rotatably mounted on a shaft 24 or 51 for dispensing the articles with the shaft and roller locked together. The roller has a cylindrical cross-section in continuous contact with the uppermost article to be dispensed by turning a crank handle 53 or by pulling a pull bar 28. The rachet or pawl mechanism and support plate 18 for the articles P are constructed to be rugged and reliable in dispensing the articles. Self lubricating bearings 18a are mounted on the plate for movement on multiple posts 12. The rachet mechanism engages indentations 38 on the end 37 of the roll.

Abstract: A hammer drill having a drive spindle rotatable about a spindle axis and a hammer displaceable axially in the drive spindle has a chuck in turn having a generally tubular chuck body centered on a chuck axis, formed with an axially centered array of axially backwardly open recesses, and having a central axially extending passage adapted to receive the shank of a drill bit. The body normally is carried on the spindle and receives the shank of the drill bit in its passage with the spindle, shaft, and chuck axes all coaxial. The hammer projects axially forward into the passage and is engageable therein with the bit. A plurality of jaws radially but not angularly displaceable in the chuck body have inner ends engageable with the drill-bit shank. An adjustment ring centered on the chuck axis, rotatable thereabout on the chuck body, and coupled to the jaws can move same radially synchronously and thereby center the bit in the body by engagement of the inner ends with the shank.

Abstract: A drill chuck has a body carrying jaws displaceable between inner and outer positions and an adjustment ring operatively connected to the jaws for movement from outer to inner positions on rotation of the adjustment ring in a tightening direction. This adjustment ring has teeth engageable by an antiloosening detent and is urged by a spring into the teeth. The antiloosening detent is angled relative to the adjustment ring such that when engaging the teeth it blocks rotation of the adjustment ring opposite to the tightening direction and permits rotation of the adjustment ring in the tightening direction. An antitightening detent engageable with the teeth of the adjustment ring is urged by a spring outward into the teeth and is angled relative to the adjustment ring such that when engaging the teeth it blocks rotation of the adjustment ring in the tightening direction and permitting rotation of the adjustment ring opposite to the tightening direction.

Abstract: An assembly which involves a ratchet wheel adapted to be rotated by incremental steps to drive a shaft connected thereto. A rotatable pushbutton is mounted through a hole in the chassis and is connected to a rod to which a flexible pawl is mounted parallel to the rod. When the pushbutton is in one rotary position, inward pressure strokes on the pushbutton cause the pawl to engage teeth in one region of the ratchet wheel causing it to move in a clockwise direction. When the pushbutton is rotated 180.degree. to a second rotary position, each inward push on the pushbutton causes the pawl to engage respective teeth in another region of the wheel thereby moving the wheel incrementally one step in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: Press for producing pellets from bulk material with an annular perforated die rotatable about its axis and with a non-rotatable holder, arranged coaxially therein, of press rollers which virtually touch the die with their circumference, while a wheel which is attached to the shaft of the die exhibits on its circumference projections which can be engaged in each case by a hydraulically slidable ram mounted in the housing of the press and movable counter to a spring force.

Abstract: A roller skate includes a selectively engagable ratcheting plate that can be positioned for engaging a plurality of teeth formed integrally in one or more wheels of the skate. The plate rides on a cam that is slidably positioned for selective racheting or freewheeling operation. In the ratcheting mode the skate is prevented from rolling backwards thereby making it easier for a beginning skater to use.

Abstract: A click brake for a fly reel includes an adjustment mechanism whereby line may be released either soundlessly or with an accompanying clicking noise. In the soundless condition no braking force is applied, but in the clicking condition, the braking force may be steplessly increased by increasing the pressure on a pawl engaged with the click gear. The pressure on the pawl is applied via a spring which is adjustably tensioned by a cam and control lever arrangement.

Abstract: A two wheeled occupant propelled vehicular device having a pair of wheels mounted on the opposite end portions of an elongated axle extending therebetween with the axle including a pair of opposed offset portions or cranks intermediate the ends thereof with each offset portion being provided with a board or pedal structure on which the feet of an occupant are placed so that the occupant or user of the device may balance himself and stand on the boards and by moving his feet in a pedaling action, the axle can be caused to rotate about an axis extending through the aligned end portions on which the wheels are mounted.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for converting reciprocating motion into intermittent rotary motion for use in a decimal counter or the like having an integrally molded drive member having two flexibly mounted pawls which are spring biased to insure engagement with the ratchet teeth and two fixed mounted, escapement type, driving and stopping pawls and an integrally molded, driven ratchet wheel, having two concentric rings of teeth, which in turn is coupled to the number wheels. On the impulse movement, the lower, escapement type pawl disengages a ratchet tooth whereafter, nearly simultaneously, first the rear, flexible pawl drives (pulls) the outer, larger diameter ring of teeth at the rear circumferential side thereof a portion of the first clockwise increment of rotation and then the upper, escapement type pawl smoothly engages and drives the smaller diameter ring of teeth for completion of the first clockwise increment of rotation.

Abstract: A releasable lock mechanism is provided in combination with a stationary first member and a second member, the latter being adapted to assume various selected positions of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member. The lock mechanism includes a first lock component carried by one of the members and a complemental pivotally adjustable second lock component carried by the other member. The first lock component has a rounded periphery which is provided with a plurality of annularly spaced pockets; each pocket corresponding to a selected position of rotary adjustment of the second member with respect to the first member. The second lock component assumes an interlocking engagement with a peripheral pocket, when the second member is disposed at a selected position of rotary adjustment with respect to the first member, and retains the second member in the selected position.

Abstract: A vibration generator has a driven excitation shaft on which are fixed two axially-spaced first eccentric weights. A second eccentric weight positioned between the two first eccentric weights also rotates with the excitation shaft but is angularly adjustable thereon about the longitudinal axis of the shaft in order to adjust the vibration amplitude. Such adjustment employs a pawl mounted on one of said first eccentric weights for two-and-fro movement tangentially of a gear ring mounted on said second eccentric weight and with the toothed periphery of which the pawl engages. The second eccentric weight is lockable in adjusted position by a friction disc mounted on said one first eccentric weight and into frictional engagement with which the second eccentric weight is urged by a set of annular disc springs disposed in compression between the second eccentric weight and the other of said first eccentric weights.

Abstract: A transport system for a dot matrix printing mechanism including an improved overall design for the transport system and improved designs for individual elements of the system and combinations of elements. The overall design of the present invention uses snap fits extensively throughout for ease of assembly and disassembly, integrates many previously separate parts into one-piece members, employs common part designs wherever possible, and uses single parts to perform multiple functions wherever possible. For examples, the strike bar and ribbon frame of the present invention are combined into one piece and the ribbon cartridge is releasably mounted to the ribbon frame using one end of a latch member while the other end of the latch member is used to bias a pressure roller against the paper advancing roller. The overall design also includes a common drive train interconnected between the moving parts of the transport system whereby all of the moving parts can be powered by a single motor.

Abstract: Within a housing of a multi-position switch there is arranged a forwardly and backwardly indexible stepping mechanism comprising two actuation elements which can be individually brought into engagement with a pinion of a character support or carrier by accomplishing a linear working movement. Each actuation element comprises a push-button, a switching or indexing element and a preferably hairpin-shaped spring element, or is operatively connected with a coil spring mounted in the housing. By means of each push-button the related actuation element is moved in a first direction, whereby its switching element, guided by a first pin along a cam or equivalent structure, is deflected, and a second pin comes into engagement with the pinion, so that this pinion, which is rotatably mounted upon a shaft, can be moved in a predetermined direction against the restoring force of a latching spring engaging into a tooth gap of the pinion by means of a latching cam or nose.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tool for rotating elements, such as nuts, bolts, screws or like fasteners, and includes a ring having ratchet teeth, the ring being driven by a lever, a pawl carried by the lever for engaging the ratchet teeth, a flexible tension-applying member in at least partial surrounding relationship to the ring, means for supporting the pawl, and the tension-applying member being disposed between the supporting means and the lever whereby upon movement of the lever in a first direction the pawl rotates the ring through the engagement of a tooth of the ring and the tension-applying member deforms slightly to frictionally grip the ring.

Abstract: The present invention is a bi-directional valve actuator with a ratchet mechanism for use in combination with a control valve which includes a stem which, when turned, adjusts the flow through the control valve. The bi-directional valve actuator includes a frame which is mechanically coupled to the control valve adjacent to the other end of the stem of the control valve. The valve actuator also includes a shaft which is disposed within the frame and which is rotatably coupled thereto with the shaft being mechanically coupled to the stem of the control valve so it can turn the stem thereof, a first ratchet wheel and a second ratchet wheel. Each ratchet wheel is coaxially aligned with the shaft and is fixedly coupled thereto.

Abstract: Control lever apparatus for speed change devices for bicycles comprising a pivotal lever for controlling speed change and a shaft rotatably supporting the lever. The shaft is fixed and the lever rotatable and a sound producing mechanism is mounted between the shaft and the lever for producing an audible sound as the lever undergoes rotation. The sound producing mechanism comprises a toothed wheel secured to the shaft and a shoe mounted in a recess in the lever for undergoing relative angular movement with respect to the wheel as the lever is rotated. The shoe is supported in the recess for undergoing limited radial and angular displacement relative to the wheel. The shoe has a plurality of teeth arranged along an annular sector for engagement with the teeth of the wheel. Elastic blades are formed on the shoe and bear against the lever at the recess to yieldably urge the teeth of the shoe and the wheel in engagement.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is fixed to the frame of a powered vehicle of the type driven by a trojan bar. An extension coil spring extends downwardly from the bracket. Attached to the lower end of the spring is the upper end of a spring tension adjustment chain. The lower end of the chain is attached to a second mounting bracket, which is fixed to the trojan bar. The device partially supports the weight of the trojan bar.

Abstract: A uni-directional mechanism having an input element and an output element arranged to be coupled for power transmission from the input element to the output element when the input element is rotated in one direction, but not when it is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A cable winch shaft, adapted for rotational mounting adjacent its opposite ends in laterally spaced supports, has an end extension formed as a ratchet gear which is confined in a cavity in a base member also adapted to be secured to one of the supports. An adjacent, communicating cavity in the base member guides the reciprocative movement of a spring-loaded ratchet arm provided at its inner end with a ratchet dog which is urged resiliently into engagement with the gear to secure the winch shaft against rotation in one direction but allowing its rotation in the opposite direction. The opposite end of the arm projects from the base member for manual manipulation, against the resistance of the spring loading, to disengage the dog from the gear and thus release the winch shaft for rotation in both directions.

Abstract: A tape feeding apparatus for perforators or reader of punched tape in which a circular cam continuously rotates in a slot machined in a first lever. A second lever, selectively activated by an electromagnet, enables the first lever to be operated by the cam for jogging a saw tooth wheel integral with a sprocket pulley, feeding the paper.