Abstract: Conductor feeding apparatus for selectively feeding conductors selected from a group or from feeding all of the conductors in the group comprises first and second clamping assemblies which are moveable towards and away from each other between remote and proximate positions. Each clamping assembly has a clamp for each one of the conductors. When it is desired to feed selected conductors, the selected conductors are clamped in the first clamping assembly and the non-selected conductors are clamped in the second clamping assembly. The second clamping assembly is moved towards the first clamping assembly so that the ends of the selected conductors project beyond the second clamping assembly. The projecting ends are gripped in a conductor puller and pulled along the feed paths.

Abstract: Optical fiber is scribed to produce a notch by the use of a fiber holder, a circular scribing edge which is spaced from the fiber holder by a first distance, a fiber deflector which is spaced from the fiber holder by a second distance and which is movable laterally to deflect the fiber by a third distance. When the fiber is deflected by the fiber holder, the fiber is brought into contact with the circular scribing edge and is moved along the edge for a short distance. The first, second, and third distances are selected to produce a scribing force which is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Vehicle gear shifting lever assembly comprises a lever having a knob on the end thereof. The knob is pivotally mounted on the lever for relative movement in the to and fro directions of movement of the gear shift lever. Signal generating means are provided on portions of the knob and on the lever which produce a signal when the knob is moved relative to the lever. The knob is releasably coupled to the lever by a coupling means which releases upon application of a force which is less than the force required to move the lever when changing gears. When gears are changed, the knob first moves relative to the lever and the lever is then moved. The signal generated by the signal generating means is used to deenergize the ignition system of the vehicle so that the clutch need not be depressed during gear changing.

Abstract: Connecting device, which may be used for the spring member of a flexible hose, comprises a web having parallel sidewalls extending therefrom. Wire-receiving slot means extend inwardly from the free edges of the sidewalls and contact portion extends forwardly from the web so that when a wire spring in a flexible hose is inserted into the slot, the connecting device will extend from the end of the hose and parallel to the axis thereof. The wire-receiving slot means has features which make it particularly suitable for spring steel wires.