Abstract: An assembly is provided for fixing the position of an adjustable component (22) of a vehicle, comprising in combination a fixed reference frame (20) within the vehicle such as a dash or a firewall, an adjustable component (22) also disposed in the vehicle such as an adjustable steering column (10), pedals, or a seat. Interconnecting the fixed reference frame (20) and the adjustable component (22) is a fluid locking mechanism (50) which permits selective positioning of the adjustable component relative to the fixed reference frame (20) and holds the adjustable component (22) in position. The fluid locking mechanism (50) is preferably a non-Newtonian flow fluid locking mechanism which uses a magneto-rheological fluid (97) to fix the position of the adjustable component (22) in place once the desired position is selected.

Abstract: A vibration mixer for use in a simultaneous analyzer includes a carrier for holding solutions or reagents for mixing, a first motion unit for reciprocating the carrier in a first direction, and a second motion unit for reciprocating the carrier in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second motion units each have two parallel rails, a sliding device coupled to and movable along the rails, and a drive coupled to the sliding device and controllable to reciprocate the sliding device in the first or second direction.

Abstract: An LED lamp assembly includes a lamp holder, which has a hollow light-transmittable shade that defines an inside chamber and a bottom opening at the bottom side of the inside chamber and a hollow base connected to the bottom side of the shade, and a light-emitting board, which has a resistor, LEDs and two contact members installed in a circuit board thereof and electrically connected to the circuit pattern of the circuit board and mounted with the circuit board inside the hollow base with the LEDs aimed at the inside chamber of the shade of the lamp holder.

Abstract: A fluid storage and injection mechanism for use in a simultaneous analyzer includes a rotary table, a driving unit for rotating the rotary table, and a plurality of storage and injection units fastened to and equiangularly spaced around the periphery of the rotary table. Each storage and injection unit has a storage tank having storage chamber for containing a fluid, and an actuating member mounted in the storage tank and movable forwardly and backwardly in the storage chamber for forcing the contained fluid out of the storage tank upon movement of the respective storage and injection unit with the rotary table to a predetermined position.

Abstract: An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms, a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm when one of the ends is in said first position. An adjustment member is provided adjacent the biasing member for adjusting the biasing force of the lever pin against the lever arm.

Abstract: A transmission shifter assembly is provided having a lever cooperating with at least one linking lever such that movement of the lever results in a corresponding movement of one of the linking lever to select a desired gear, an assembly for selectively locating the lever at a desired gear selection position, and at least one fluid locking assembly cooperating with the locating assembly for locking the lever in a desired position and preventing accidental disengagement. The fluid locking assembly includes at least one linear actuator whose movement is controlled by a magneto rheological fluid.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column has a tube and a shaft. The shaft has a slide portion at one end and a midregion adjacent the slide portion. The slide portion and at least a portion of the midregion are received in sliding engagement in the tube. The tube has a crimp which is formed about a portion of the midregion and slidably engages the midregion. Rotational torque is transmitted between the shaft and the tube through the midregion and crimp. Further, the slide portion of the shaft abuts the crimp and is blocked from passing through the crimp. Finally, a slide lock is provided to fix the position of the shaft relative to the tube in a locked position and whereby the shaft slides relative to the tube in an unlocked position.

Abstract: The programmable control apparatus includes an absolute position transducer capable of being mechanically coupled to a machine and electrical circuitry for generating signals indicative of and related to the machine position, a programming unit including a microcomputer, visual display device, program input circuitry, one or more programmable memory position output devices (PMPODs) each of which includes a non-volatile memory, latching circuitry and output interface circuitry, and terminal blocks for interconnection of the absolute position transducer to the programming unit or the PMPOD.

Abstract: The method of forming a compact resolver/encoder assembly which is impervious to moisture, comprises several steps. First a number of electronic components of the resolver/encoder are mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. The circuit board is then folded into a generally cylindrical envelope and placed in a generally cylindrical container having a closed bottom end and an upper open end. The folded circuit board tens to unfold against the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of said container. Then a form made of stiff but flexible paperboard is inserted within the cylindrical envelope and tends to unfold to take on a tear drop cross section. Next a heat insulating potting compound is inserted into the generally annular space in the container between the form and the cylindrical wall of the container where the folded, printed circuit board is located.

Abstract: The programmable control apparatus includes an absolute position transducer capable of being mechanically coupled to a machine and electrical circuitry for generating signals indicative of and related to the machine position, a programming unit including a microcomputer, visual display device, program input circuitry, one or more programmable memory position output devices (PMPODs) each of which includes a non-volatile memory, latching circuitry and output interface circuitry, and terminal blocks for interconnection of the absolute position transducer to the programming unit or the PMPOD.

Abstract: The compact digital resolver/encoder assembly comprises a resolver and a flexible printed circuit board having a number of electronic components for decoding the resolver mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. A generally cylindrical container is provided having a cylindrical wall, a closed end and an open end. The circuit board is folded into a generally cylindrical shape and received in the container separate from the resolver. The circuit board is insulated from the container by an electrical insulating potting compound situated in the container and surrounding the circuit board. The resolver is received in the container and is spaced a predetermined distance from the encapsulated circuit board. Preferably a voltage regulator is mounted to an inside wall of the container and electrically coupled to the circuit board.