Abstract: A method for measuring the machinability of a material which includes piercing a hole through a material to be tested while simultaneously measuring a pierce time duration, T, of the piercing step, and calculating a machinability number from the pierce time duration. Also provided are methods for determining the machining speed of a material and for machining a material which calculate a machining speed for a material based upon the machinability number of the material. The methods used to measure the machinability number and calculate a machining speed for a particular material can include any combination of machining operations, including but not limited to AWJ cutting processes. Also provided is an apparatus which detects the time duration a piercing force takes to create a pierce-through condition through a material. The apparatus includes any of a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, a load cell, a mechanical switch, and combinations thereof to measure the pierce-time duration.

Abstract: Provided are a clutch ring and an overrunning clutch designed for use with engine starters and the like incorporating a plurality of teeth having ramped surfaces with a helical geometry. Also provided are a clutch ring and an overrunning clutch having teeth with profiles that are crowned.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a self-shifting transmission apparatus having a rotational drive and a rotational output spindle with a ratchet driven by the output spindle. A first transmission gear and an overrunning clutch are rotatably connected in series between the rotational drive and the rotational output spindle. A centrifugal clutch is rotatably connected in series between the rotational drive and the rotational output spindle. The centrifugal clutch is rotatably connected to a shaft which rotates in the overrunning clutch such that upon the drive rotating at and above a predetermined rotational speed, the centrifugal clutch engages to rotate the output spindle while rotating the shaft to overrun within the overrunning clutch. Upon the drive rotating below the predetermined rotational speed, the centrifugal clutch disengages thereby permitting the overrunning clutch to engage the shaft and rotate the output spindle through the first transmission gear.

Abstract: A center-of-gravity shifting apparatus for attachment to a load-handling apparatus having a bail, a bearing attached to the bail, and a clamping portion for maintaining the bearing in a first position when a weight of a load-handling apparatus is exerted on the bearing. The first position corresponds to a location at which the bail is in line with a center-of-gravity upon lifting a load-handling apparatus. A cam follower connected to the bearing guides the bail from the first position to a second position which corresponds to a location at which the bail is in line with a center-of-gravity of the load-handling apparatus when lifting a load. A load-handling apparatus for lifting and maneuvering a load incorporating the center-of-gravity shifting apparatus, a control handle, and an end effector which includes a pair of forks. The forks may be formed from two U-shaped structures joined into a triangular bracing configuration by a crossbar attached between the forks.

Abstract: An annular housing extension for an engine starter housing which facilitates and assists in the installation of the engine starter onto an engine. The annular extension extends from a mounting flange and has an inner diameter to form a cylinder which substantially surrounds and is concentric with a pinion gear of an engine starter. The annular extension may be provided as an integral part of a starter housing or as a separate piece. The annular extension is provided with a leading edge which is rounded to form a chamfer and preferably has a radius of curvature which approaches, and most preferably, equals the diameter of a cylindrical outer wall of the annular extension.

Abstract: A method for measuring the machinability of a material which includes piercing a hole through a material to be tested while simultaneously measuring a pierce time duration, T, of the piercing step, and calculating a machinability number from the pierce time duration. Also provided are methods for determining the machining speed of a material and for machining a material which calculate a machining speed for a material based upon the machinability number of the material. The methods used to measure the machinability number and calculate a machining speed for a particular material can include any combination of machining operations, including but not limited to AWJ milling processes. Also provided is an apparatus which detects the time duration a piercing force takes to create a pierce-through condition through a material. The apparatus includes any of a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, a load cell, a mechanical switch, and combinations thereof to measure the pierce-time duration.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump, including: a hollow tube having a first end; a hollow foot valve connected to the tube, the tube and foot valve defining a chamber, said foot valve having a first foot valve end and at least one inlet port formed at the first foot valve end; reciprocating member adapted to be movable in the chamber along a path defined by an axis; drive motor for moving the reciprocating means between a first retracted position and a second extended position; and a primer element connected to the reciprocating means, said primer element having a first dimension and a second dimension, said second dimension being equal to at least half of the first dimension.

Abstract: An ergonomically adjustable tool handle having a dual direction locking device including a modified swivel retaining plate having an external threaded portion and a corresponding modified jam nut which is threaded to receive the external threads of the retaining plate. A retrofit kit incorporating the locking device optionally includes an anchor bolt having a predetermined length for installation on a conventional tool handle.

Abstract: The invention is an improved rotary impact tool that uses a motor driven mechanism well known in the art as the Maurer mechanism comprising a hammer anvil frame and pins to cause impact loads applied through a rotary output shaft. The improvement is an improved striking surface geometry formed on the impact delivering jaw surface forming an involute profile generated from a base circle having an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A backup washer for clamping a diaphragm having a flexible washer disposed next to a rigid washer, the flexible washer including a material less stiff than a material of the rigid washer. The flexible washer may include an elastomer material such as rubber. A flexible washer having a varied stiffness profile may also be provided to the face by incorporating materials having different stiffnesses, contouring, or both. The rigid washer may include a metal, plastic, composite materials, or combinations of these and may also be bowed or ribbed. The flexible washer and rigid washer of the backup washer may mechanically fastened, bonded, or molded together. A diaphragm pump having a diaphragm which is clamped by at least one backup washer having a flexible washer which includes a material less stiff than the material of the diaphragm and a rigid washer next to the flexible washer which includes a material more stiff than the diaphragm material.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve including a valve housing having at least two housing surfaces, and a unitary wrap gasket having at least two sealing portions, the wrap gasket is adapted to be wrapped substantially around the housing so that each of the at least two sealing portions is located on the respective housing surface.

Abstract: A composite tube transducer cylinder is manufactured from molded material in which embedded strips of resistive and conductive material are exposed to the inside surface and wherein a piston operating within the cylinder may make contact between a conductive and a resistive strip as a means for determining piston position.