Abstract: An apparatus has frame loss detecting unit 14 for detecting frame loss of a data frame; dispersion amount control request transmission device for transmitting, when the frame loss detecting device 14 detects the frame loss in an undetected state of an input break of an optical signal by optical input break detecting unit 13, an optical signal of a dispersion amount control request pattern to the opposite apparatus at a bit rate lower than that for transmitting the optical signal of the data frame until the frame loss becomes undetected state; and dispersion amount control request receiving device for receiving the optical signal of the dispersion amount control request pattern transmitted from the opposite apparatus, wherein dispersion compensator 21 controls the dispersion amount of transmission line between the apparatus and the opposite apparatus when the dispersion amount control request receiving device receives the optical signal of a specific pattern.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench is disclosed, which comprises a body unit which has a circular groove at its one side and a stop member; a head unit which includes a housing rotatably passing through a circular groove of the body unit, and a ratchet gear engaged at an outer rim of the housing and is selectively rotatable in one direction as the ratchet gear is engaged with the stop member; a worm screw which is rotatably pin-engaged in the interior of the housing; and a pair of arms of which one end of each arm is inserted into the interior of the housing and is pin-engaged therein with a thread being formed on an upper side of each arm and being engaged with the worm screw.

Abstract: A device and method for rapid hardware sizing includes a ruler-like body having a fixed end and a distal end, a fixed jaw at the fixed end, and a sliding jaw opposite the fixed jaw being slidably connected to the body such that the sliding jaw slides there along from a point immediately adjacent to the fixed jaw to the distal end. A digital logic calculation and display means is secured to the sliding jaw such that it moves along the body with the sliding jaw. A measuring means is in communication with the digital logic calculation and display means, and measures a distance between the fixed and sliding jaws. The distance is then communicated to the digital logic calculation and display means and selectively displayed thereon.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modified nut assembly and locking assembly for locking the shank of a wrench in place. The nut assembly preferably includes a nut for engaging and disengaging the shank of the wrench and a spring for biasing the nut to a position where the shank of the wrench is locked in place. Threads internal to the nut matingly engage threads on the shank of the wrench when in a locked position, and grooves internal to the nut allow the shank of the wrench to slide freely through the nut when in an unlocked position. The locking assembly preferably includes a housing, a sliding portion, a locking portion, and a spring. The sliding portion and locking portion preferably abut each other within the housing. The spring is preferably located in the sliding portion and extends from the sliding portion to the shank of the wrench.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable wrench that permits quick and effortless speed slip adjustment and locked positioning.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is constituted by an elongated rod of a width less than the gap between a window glass pane and a facing inner edge of a window sill for an automobile door interior panel. A shield plate is fixed to and extends radially outward to one side of the rod at a distal end, and a wedge is fixed to and extends alongside the rod adjacent the proximate end, with the wedge having a thickness greater than the width of the gap and tapering over its length to a tapered leading edge facing the trailing edge of the shield plate. By inserting the shield plate into the interior of the door within the gap and twisting the rod about the axis, the wedge is forced into frictional locking position between the inside of the window glass pane and the window sill, with the shield plate covering the door mechanism actuating lever.

Abstract: The invention is a tool having contoured opposing jaws for fully engaging hexagonally shaped fasteners on at least four sides for any fastener within the operating range of the tool. The jaws include a two-surfaced jaw and an opposingly disposed three-surfaced jaw. The jaw surfaces are configured and positioned relative to one another in such a way as to maintain a shape which conforms to that of the fastener's hexagonal shape during adjustment.

Abstract: A tool for disengaging the swing bar from a swing bar guard assembly engaged on an entry door to a room where such disengagement is from outside of the room. The tool is formed from an elongate relatively flat shaft having a proximal handle end and a swing bar guard disengaging distal end. The tool has a centrally-disposed generally right-angle Z-bend for accommodating a door stop so that the distal end can be located inside the room when the door is shut. The distal end is centrally hinged to form an outer distal segment and an inner distal segment. The distal end also is biased to rotate the outer distal segment out of alignment with the inner distal segment. The tip of the outer distal segment retains an upstanding rod for contacting the swing bar of the swing bar guard.

Abstract: A release tool is provided to aid in the unlocking of extending towing arms. The tool is adapted to fit a tow bar assembly that has a telescoping towing arm which is locked in an extended position by a slideable collar. The collar is moveable between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in engagement with legs of the towing arm to hold the legs fixed relative to each other. When in the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. Stress can build-up in the towing arms making it difficult to move the collar from the locked position to the released position. The release tool of the present invention provides a mechanical advantage to aid in the movement of the collar from the locked position to the released position. A cam surface on the tool engages the collar and moves it from the locked position to the released position as a handle is rotated about a fulcrum means.

Abstract: A tool for non-destructively unlatching the door handle of a vehicle which has been locked with the window upraised. The tool comprises a relatively rigid elongate tube which is insertable into the door cavity, and the tube has a relatively rigid gripping rod slidably positioned therein. At its front end, the gripping rod has an eyelet which is adapted to hook onto a latching linkage rod located within the vehicle door. An operating handle is secured to the rear end of the gripping rod and, by pulling and withdrawing the gripping rod, a positive gripping force is exerted on the latching link rod so that the same may be moved to unlatch the door handle. Two embodiments are disclosed whereby the tool is effective for use with vertically or horizontally oriented linkage rods.

Abstract: A tool for effecting inspection, maintenance and/or replacement of pins within a lock cylinder. The inventive device includes a cylindrical portion having an outside diameter corresponding to a diameter of a plug being removed from a lock cylinder. A non-cylindrical portion colinearly extends from the cylindrical portion and includes a reducing exterior wall characterized by a decreasing radius from a longitudinal center of the tool. The non-cylindrical portion permits a desired number of pins to be lowered from the lock cylinder at a desired speed for inspection, maintenance and/or removal thereof.

Abstract: A universal tool enabling persons who are confined to a wheelchair to operate a variety of door-latches. The device also allows the individual to open the door more easily, once the latch has been operated, thereby improving mobility. The device includes a tubular shaft having a suction cup removably attached via a hinge to one end, a solid tubular hook-handle attached to the opposite end, and removable solid handles attached to the shaft near the suction cup end.

Abstract: A tool for use in opening a locked door from its outer side by means of a rotatable doorknob on the inner side of the door is provided. The tool comprises an arm having a cup rotatably carried thereby and a handle manipulable from the outer side of the door. The cup is collapsible to permit it to pass with the arm under the door, but is normally expanded to a shape enabling it to fit over the doorknob. When the cup is passed with the arm beneath the door, the arm and the cup may be rotated by the handle to a position in which the open side of the cup is opposite the doorknob and then drawn back by the handle toward the inner side of the door to permit the cup to fit over the doorknob. Means are attached to the cup that is operable from the outer side of the door to cause the cup to grip and then rotate the doorknob to permit the door to be opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening the hood of a vehicle wherein the normal hood latch release mechanism is inaccessible or has been rendered inoperable by fire damage to a release cable, by providing an narrow opening at an unanchored portion of the vehicle hood by lifting the hood portion slightly away from the vehicle body to create a slight opening into the engine compartment at a point where the release cable can be reached by a tool and without permanently deforming the hood; providing a cable manipulating tool with an elongated body portion capable of being inserted through the narrow opening, the tool end being provided with a structure for grasping and holding the hood release cable and applying a tensive or other force to the cable to effect release of the hood latch; and using the apparatus by inserting the tool through said narrow opening, engaging the hood release cable and manipulating the tool to apply a tensive force to said cable to effect release of the hood latch; and manually opening the h

Abstract: A device for unlocking vehicle doors without the use of a key comprising a device formed of a rigid material in a generally L-shaped configuration having a long component and a short component at right angles with respect to the long component; the long component having an upper extent and a lower extent, with a transition piece therebetween, the transition piece having a twist with respect to the upper and lower extent; and the short component being shorter than the long component and formed with a linear upper edge and a lower edge linear from its junction with the long component, the lower surface of the short component having a recess formed with a right angle perpendicular to the lower surface adjacent to the outboard end.

Abstract: A pair of surgical in situ rod benders having keyhole notches to prevent slipping off the rod while in use. The in situ benders also have a 20.degree. offset angle to allow a criss-cross pushing tension during bending. A flat tapered handle helps the surgeon counter rotational torques during bending.

Abstract: An opener, especially for opening tab-top beverage containers and certain vehicle door handle systems has an essentially flat, rectangular handle portion with a curved tail end and a hook disposed at an opposite end of the handle portion. The inventive opener simplifies the tasks of opening tab-top beverage containers end certain vehicle door handle systems, while protecting a user's hands and fingernails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lock picking and decoding tools and a method of using the same. The lock decoding tools comprise a torquing tool, a picking tool, and decoding tools. The method comprises using the torquing tool to bias the locking bar out of a notch in the inner wall of the cylinder housing, picking the tumblers using the picking tool, turning the cylinder lock slightly so as to permit the torquing tool to be removed, turning the lock cylinder to the "ON" position, and decoding the cylinder lock using the decoding tools.

Abstract: The lock cylinder with an external housing accommodates, on its rear face, a closure element acting upon a mortise lock or the like and with an exchangeably inserted core unit the casing of which contains housing pins as tumblers and a cylinder core equipped with a key channel, said cylinder core also receiving core pins as tumblers and being connected merely in a plug-in manner to coupling pins which issue from said closure element and project freely into a socket in said external housing serving for insertion of said core unit, wherein engagement of said coupling pins extends only over a rear region, which is free from key channels, of said cylinder core.

Abstract: A universal tool or device for enabling persons with impaired hands to more easily open automobile doors whether they have a fixed type handle or a movable type handle. It is a six inch cylindrical solid member e.g. having at one end an inwardly and downwardly extending slot for use in opening the movable type door handle, and swingable on the body of the device there is a hook having a bight adapted to be placed over the fixed handle and utilizing an end portion of the device for simultaneously impinging upon the usual fixed handle latch opening the door.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating the doorknob of a locked door. An elongated rod is inserted under the door and rotated to a vertical position. A gripper is attached to the rod and engages the doorknob as the rod is rotated. A cord is attached to the gripper, and manipulation of the rod and cord in combination turns the doorknob and opens the locked door.

Abstract: A relatively thin bend formed shim tool formed of sheet metal, or plastic, is provided to help a locksmith view and have access to lock release mechanism of a locked vehicle door from the outside when the vehicle door key is lost, or left inside the vehicle. The tool insert sheet portion is inserted downwardly between the outer surface of the door window glass and the outer window sill rubber seal to hold the rubber seal deflected back out of the way when two wedges are pushed down between the door window glass and the tool insert sheet at opposite ends thereof. The tool has a curved back bottom edge at the lower edge of the insert sheet portion that depends from a rounded top that spans a portion of the door outer sill rubber seal to an outer diverging outward sheet continuation to a further outwardly extended handle.

Abstract: An unlatching device for disengaging door security latches, of the type with a swing arm and a stationary arm, from the exterior. The security latch opener comprises a thin piece of metal; two finger like prongs formed at one end of the piece of metal; a series of four bends creating an offset area approximately at the center of the piece of metal; said prongs having notches at an outer end for engaging said swing arm of said security latch.

Abstract: A replacement metal cap clinching tool for recapping automobile door and trunk lock cylinders. The tool has a base, that may be mounted in a bench vice, having a cap receiving pocket that has a resiliently compressible rubber cushion seated in the bottom thereof and upon which replacement metal cap is placed that receives the head end of a lock cylinder that is to be recapped. Two opposing handles that are each pivotal pin mounted in the tool base, are each formed with an inwardly directed clinching nose that engage respective opposite side cap tabs aligned therewith that are first bent inwardly by the handle clinching noses that translate with continued handle inward rotation to a semi-vertical action with final crimping action of tabs with force reaction through the lock cylinder and the cap resiliently compressing the rubber cushion in the tool.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped flashlight, especially adapted for being inserted between a closed window of a vehicle door and the exterior rain seal at lower regions thereof so as to create a gap between the window and the rain seal and to enable the illumination of the inside of said door, comprises a body portion and a flashlight portion. The body portion is formed having a first wedge-shaped region at one end of the body and a second wedge-shaped region at the opposite end of the body, the first wedge shaped region having a first knife-edge and a first recess formed into the body portion from the first knife-edge, and the second wedge-shaped region having a second knife-edge and a second recess formed into the body portion from the second knife-edge, the first and second wedge-shaped regions having different angles of taper for use with different types of vehicles.

Abstract: A basketball rim assembly for removably mounting a rim to a backboard is disclosed. The rim assembly includes a base defining a locking hole mounted on the backboard. A support member mounts the rim and is removably locked to the base by a locking pin which is received by the locking hole. A cam socket which is mounted on a handle engages one end of the locking pin to lock and unlock the pin relative to the locking hole.

Abstract: An unlocking device (10) for unlocking a vehicle door in the absence of a key. The unlocking device (10) comprises an elongated shank (12) having a first end portion (14) and a second end portion (16). The first end portion (14) of the shank (12) carries a first linkage engaging means (18) and the second end portion (16) of the shank (12) carries a second linkage engaging means (20). The first and further linkage engaging means each defines an arm (22) having an outboard end provided with a U-shaped engaging member (24) for selectively engaging and actuating the door lock linkage (28) of the vehicle door.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a the door opening apparatus and method of using same which includes a rigid member, a flexible patch member suspended on the rigid member having an area for grasping a door knob and the like and control lines connected to the patch member for moving the patch relative the rigid member. The upper section of the rigid member defines a frame. The flexible patch member has openings at its corners. Elastic and non-elastic supports are threaded through the openings and connected to the frame for suspending the patch member on the frame in balanced relationship thereto. Two control lines are threaded through two of the openings for moving the flexible patch and for unbalancing same.

Abstract: A device is provided for the unlocking of car doors despite the existence of anti-theft devices such as an inner shell. The device is bent in such a way so as to circumvent the inner shell placed in car doors by manufacturers which prevent the use of other door unlocking devices. The device also is bent in such a way so as to unlock a car door despite the existence of anti-theft devices such as plastic coating on the locking bar that prevents other earlier devices from being used. The device is a continuous metallic rod bent at precise angles and at precise lengths so as to take advantage of the spaces in between the window and the outer shell, the hole within the inner shell, and the distance between the hole and the inner shell and the locking device. The device is constructed very efficiently and cheaply.

Abstract: Keyless apparatus for unlocking from the outside doors of automobiles having door locks comprises a slender, stiff rod formed having a tight U-bend defining an elongate, first leg portion and a shorter, second leg portion. The second leg portion has, at its upper end a relatively large, inverted U-shaped portion with a relatively short depending third leg portion which terminates in a short, elastomeric coated hook which, in turn, projects inwardly towards the first and second leg portions. The first and second leg portions are substantially parallel with one another and the first, second, and third leg portions lie substantially in a common plane. The first leg portion is about 16 inches long, the second leg portion is about 12 inches long to the top of the inverted U-shaped bend, and the third leg portion is about 6 inches long from the top of the inverted U-shaped bend. The free end of the first leg portion terminates in a manipulating end portion which is at an angle of between about 20.degree.

Abstract: A new tool for a purpose of actuating vehicle door, and other, handles, a purpose never before performed by any tool. A type of hook designed to replace one's fingertips as the operative force in opening an automobile door. The preferred embodiment has a hole (4) for attachment of a key ring and keys to serve as a handle. It may have a hinge (10), limited in the degree to which it will open by bumps (12), to make it collapsible and thereby unobstrusive when not in use. It may be made of plastic (FIGS. 8 & 9) or given a plastic or rubber coating (8) over parts that make contact with the vehicle, to prevent marring said vehicle, when the tool is made of metal. This tool is intended to be useful to women who wish to avoid damage to their real or artificial fingernails, or polish on said fingernails. It is also intended to be useful to arthritics or others similarly disabled.

Abstract: A device for extending reach of a driver within a vehicle for operation of toggle, push-pull and lift levers and other buttons such as door lock devices. The devices comprises an elongated handle having an operating end and an opposing gripping end. A T-shaped plate member is coupled at the operating end and includes an annular grommet for use with headless, anti-theft lock knobs, a slotted channel for conventional lock knobs and a domed recess to provide a homing location for the head of the lock knob when depressing it to its locked configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle door unlocking device utilizes a pair of spaced, rigid hollow guide tubes to form a guide member that is insertable into the interior of a vehicle through an opening in the vehicle formed by the door or window and a resilient seal. A pair of flexible wires are slideably carried in the guide tubes and have manipulating handles on ends thereof which remain on the exterior of the vehicle. The ends of the wires positionable interiorly of the vehicle are manipulatable from outside the vehicle to form an enlarged loop that is positioned about a poor unlocking rod. Once the loop has been properly positioned, its size is reduced and the door lock rod can then be raised to unlock the vehicle door.

Abstract: A car door opening tool for opening a car door of the type having a locking bar located within that functions to open the car door in response to the application of an unlatching force thereto. A shaft of sufficient length to access the locking bar through the car door's window slot from a position outside of the car door is provided with coupling device at its gripping end for both engaging the locking bar and for gripping it in response to a force-couple applied to the handle end of the shaft. By inserting the gripping end of the shaft through the window slot to engage the locking bar and then applying a force-couple to the handle end while simultaneously impressing the unlatching force to the shaft, the car door is caused to open.

Abstract: A tool set and a method of opening and decoding a side bar lock employing wafer type tumblers. A spring compressor tool configured for insertion into the lock mechanism keyway raises all the tumblers to a radially outward position and compresses the springs that normally bias the tumblers inwardly. A spring retainer tool inserted into the keyway with the spring compressor tool engages the tumbler springs to retain the springs in a compressed position but frees the tumblers for movement. A tumbler adjusting tool is inserted to grasp the tumblers, and move the tumblers to a position where the lock mechanism can be opened. A decoding tool is inserted to measure the radial position of each tumbler and provide a number which can be used to make a new key. A dust cover holding tool is provided to hold open the spring actuated dust cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is improved locksmith tool of the probing type wherein a locksmith, stationed externally of a locked motor vehicle operator's compartment, inserts the elongate probing tool between the door glass window and the hollow door supporting the window, and fishes deeply beneath the glass pane within the hollow door for the lock-rod which (upon tool engagement and manipulation) will unlock the vehicle door. Unlike prior art elongate probing tools which entail the tedious and unreliable hooking-around flexure of the lock-rods, the improved elongate probing tool concept herein disclosed easily and reliably engages the lock-rod (whether it be of the horizontal or vertical type) with an aptly positioned sawteeth member as the tool forward lower end, and which sawteeth member includes at least two multi-teeth rows that occupy distinctly different planes.

Abstract: A tool that can be used to manually lock and unlock a passenger door of a motor vehicle from the driver's seat of said vehicle has an elongated handle and a head. The head has two channels and a hook that can be used to lock or unlock different types of locking mechanisms on passenger doors.

Abstract: Apparatus for keyless entry into locked automobiles of the type having a horizontally movable door interior locking linkage comprises a slender, stiff, elongate rod bent through about 90 degrees at the lower end so as to form a short, sidewardly projecting arm. The free end of the arm is bent into an inverted U-shaped hook sized to fit downwardly over the horizontally movable door lock linkage. The upper end of the rod is bent through a small angle in the direction away from the arm and hook so as to form a handle. The upper end of the handle is bent into an open loop, the loop also being directed away from the arm and hook. The entire rod is formed to lie in a single, common place. A thin, flexible wire or cable is connected at one end to the hook and is releasably connected at its other end to the open loop of the handle.

Abstract: A lock opening method and mechanism for opening locks in minimum time while requiring very little skill on the part of the operator. The mechanism includes an adapter assembly, a tension arm and an oscillator unit. The assembly asserts rotary force to a lock cylindrical plug. This causes the lock pins to release and allowing the lock to be opened.

Abstract: A tool for use in opening and closing the buckle of a boot such as a ski boot. The tool consists of a handle member and engagement member set at an angle to the handle. The opening in the engagement member fits over the tongue or clamp of the buckle and permits the user to apply greater leverage to the clamp making it easier to open or close the buckle.

Abstract: A wrench having an adjustable jaw on a neck slidably supported by a guide on a handle with segmental threads on at least one side of the neck. An adjusting nut is threaded on the neck and has segmental threads rotatably and drivingly engagable with the threads on the neck. The threads on the neck are axially slidable between the ends of the segmental threads on the nut in at least one rotated position of the nut. A U-shaped spring has spaced arms which springably engage the opposite axial faces of the nut to confine the nut therebetween. The spring has a connecting bight which is nonrotatably opposed to wrench handle. The arms of the spring defining openings through which slidably and nonrotatably pass the neck.