Abstract: An adapter for adapting use of a universal socket tool or wrench to a tool bit is disclosed. The universal socket contains a plurality of spring biased pins closely packed in parallel to apply torque to bolts, nuts, and similar fasteners. To broaden the utility of such a universal socket, the adapter holds a hex shanked screwdriver bit into the socket so that the pins can apply torque to the screwdriver shank. The adapter further stabilizes the bit drive end so that the bit does not wobble. The adapter has a body with a hole at one end to receive a bit and a recess at the opposite end to receive the socket. The adapter is made of an elastomeric material so that the bit can easily be forced into the hole and the socket can be forced into the recess. The recess has a minimum inside width or diameter at its open end so that a lip of the recess contacts the socket exterior away from the socket end.

Abstract: A stepless ratchet one way clutch mechanism, which provides an improved ratchet tool, is disclosed. A drive head is rotatably fitted into a cylindrical recess in a wrench housing. The drive head includes a partially triangular shape with three flat sides equally spaced around its circumference. A latch is positioned between each flat side and the internal wall of the recess. A selector mechanism provides a rotational bias to the three latches about the rotational axis of the drive head. The drive head may rotate in the wrench in the same direction that the selector is turned. The drive head is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction by wedging the latches between the drive head and the cylindrical internal wall of the recess. The selector bias may be switched either way. When the bias is switched, the latches rotate slightly about the drive head and corners of the drive head contact spaced apart segments of each latch.

Abstract: A stepless ratchet one way clutch mechanism as applied to an improved screwdriver tool is disclosed. A wheel is rotationally fixed to a drive shaft. Two couplings are rotatably mounted about the drive shaft and extend away from the drive shaft. The wheel is between the couplings. A lever is pivotably attached to the couplings at a pivot pin between the couplings. The pivot pin is beyond the wheel outer diameter. When the lever is rotated in relation to the couplings an engaging edge of the lever presses the outer diameter surface of the wheel. The interface between the lever and wheel is of high friction. The interface has a "V" groove on one of the lever or wheel, and a "V" chamfer rib on the other of the lever or wheel. An elongated resilient spring biases the pivot pin either directly or through the lever or coupling to cause the lever to rotate in relation to the couplings. When the lever is held at a distal end while the pin is biased, the wheel is prevented from rotating in one or the other direction.

Abstract: A system for measuring changes in an environmental parameter such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, or pressure, includes a laser for providing a pulsed, coherent light signal, and an interferometer having a first and second optical legs of unequal optical path lengths. The signal is split into first and second beams that are directed into the first and second optical legs. Either a fixed mirror disposed on a frame or a moving mirror on one side of the proof mass reflects the first beam received at the end of the first optical leg. The frame also suspends a proof mass at opposite ends. An optical pick-off embodied in a movable mirror formed on the proof mass reflects the second beam received from the end of the second optical leg. The proof mass with mirror moves in response to changes in the value of the parameter to be measured.

Abstract: A simplified fastening tool which uses the energy stored in a spring to install fasteners by an impact blow is disclosed. A housing body is preferably cast or molded. A one-piece plastic hand lever is pivotably attached to the body where the pivoting action is by sliding in a circular arcuate channel. A staple feeding track is slidably mounted to the bottom of the housing and includes a rear end element with forwardly extending resilient latching elements to secure the track. A hand grip opening extends forward up to the plunger and the hand lever is hinged at the rear of the housing.

Abstract: An accelerometer is fabricated by forming a proofmass and at least one associated hinge in a silicon substrate by ion implantation and the formation of an oxide support layer below the proofmass, subsequently integrally bonding two complementary proofmass and substrate structures together, and then removing the oxide support layer to leave the proofmass supported by the hinge within the body of silicon material. The proofmass may be electrically connected to a lead extending through an etched recess in one of the substrates; and the proofmass may be electrically isolated or separated from the substrates by an oxide layer and by a change in conductivity type of the semiconductor material where the hinge is structurally mounted to the substrates.

Abstract: An accelerometer is fabricated by forming a proofmass and at least one associated hinge in a silicon substrate through a variety of a etching and bonding processes is disclosed. The processes entail ion implantation and formation of an oxide support layer below the proofmass, integrally bonding two complementary proofmass and substrate structures together, and then removing the oxide support layer to leave the proofmass supported by the hinge within the body of silicon material. The proofmass may be electrically connected to a lead extending through an etched recess in one of the substrates, and the proofmass may be electrically isolated or separated from the substrates by an oxide layer and by a change in conductivity type of the semiconductor material wherein the hinge is structurally mounted to the substrates. In a bond and etch back process, the wafer is processed, sawed in half, and then bonded together again wherein the complementary halves are joined to obtain the finished accelerometer.

Abstract: A self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable pins bundled in parallel within a housing is disclosed. The bundled pins may displace longitudinally and are biased by spring force away from a frame onto which the pins are slidably held. A spacer pin may be positioned at the center of the socket and is similarly biased away from the frame under spring force. When the socket is forced over a fastener, nut, or bolt head, groups of pins are pushed inward toward the frame and into the housing thereby conforming the pins to the contours of the fastener. Applying a torque to the socket transfers the torque through the bundled pins to the fastener. Each pin has a circular cross-section and the interior walls of the housing containing the bundled pins has a hexagonal shape and does not contain any right angles. The pins are packed in a hexagonal arrangement.

Abstract: A simplified fastening tool which uses the energy stored in a spring to install fasteners by an impact blow is disclosed. A housing body is preferably cast or molded. A one-piece plastic hand lever is pivotably attached to the body where the pivoting action is by sliding in a circular arcuate channel. A staple feeding track is slidably mounted to the bottom of the housing and includes a rear end element with forwardly extending resilient latching elements to secure the track. A hand grip opening extends forward up to the plunger and the hand lever is hinged at the rear of the housing.

Abstract: A windshield wiper adaptor system that fits hook, bayonet and small and large pin wiper arm styles is disclosed. A bracket semi-permanently snap fits to a spring steel flat strip wiper frame. Adaptors fit to the bracket. The bayonet arm adaptor uses an easily molded slot to provide the detent for holding the arm. A resilient element presses the bayonet arm from below. The hook/bayonet adaptor pin, and pin arm adaptors, are held in the bracket by a barbed resilient arm attached to the pins. A further extension on the resilient arm of the pin arm adaptors engages the pin arm annular groove. Deflecting the arm causes the barb to engage the bracket while the same motion engages the pin arm groove. The adaptors could also be used in a convention frame where the bracket is not applicable.

Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow is disclosed. An actuating lever engages a plunger in an upward motion against a spring bias and in a sideways direction in a release motion. An arcing motion of the lever causes an element of the lever to rotate and slide rearward from the plunger and disengage from the plunger, thereby allowing the lever to slide sideways off an angled surface of the plunger. The plunger, once released and under spring bias, strikes a staple and drives the staple out from the tool into the object.

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger comprising of a frame depending from a hook is disclosed. The frame is comprised of two inclined arms intersected by an optional cross bar. Within each inclined arm is an integrally formed locking bar that extends from the integral base to a free distal end. Each locking bar includes notches and a pushbutton at the distal end. Ribs that form channels and that may form ramps are disposed on the sides of the inclined arms. Movable covers having internal ribs slide onto each inclined arm while the internal ribs engage the ramps, channels, and notches. The ribs when supported by the ramp causes the outer ends of the covers to be tilted upwards. Other ribs located on the covers engage the notches of the locking arms thereby fixing the relative extended or retracted position of the covers to the inclined arms. The locking arms are biased outward away from the frame thereby placing the notches into engagement with the ribs of the cover.