Abstract: A simplified, electronic circuitry, testing apparatus for performing voltage, continuity, open circuit or dynamic signal substitution testing of each individual major component within an automotive-type transistor ignition system preferably having a multi-function control for connecting a single pair of test probes to any of various test circuitry subcircuits thereof, a signal generator may be included therein, a plurality of discrete display components integral to the test subcircuits may display test results, this testing apparatus being capable of being powered by the electrical power source for the engine ignition system and preferably containing safety devices for preventing electrical damage to the ignition system under test or to the testing apparatus itself; preferably a separate adapter component and a separate spark indicator component which establishes a precise test spark gap may be connected as part of the testing apparatus.

Abstract: A pair of pliers are provided for fastening a split annular hose clamp whose opposite ends are provided with ratchet teeth adapted for interlocking engagement. The pair of pliers has a pair of primary jaw members used in fastening the hose clamp and a pair of secondary jaw members used for removing the hose clamp by applying force in opposed lateral directions to the interlocked members. The primary jaw members and the secondary jaw members are located on the same side of the pivot stud remote from the plier's handles.

Abstract: A spark indication apparatus connectable between the secondary winding tower of an ignition coil or a spark plug distribution tower of an auto distributor or a spark plug wire coming from the distributor, and chassis ground having, preferably, a transmission cable including two separated portions, the intermittent connection thereof may provide a spaced air gap or spark gap space for the generation of an electric spark by current passing through the transmission cable; and having a housing which may encase part of each transmission cable portion and the spark gap space, this housing preferably having a cavity defining a spark chamber, wherein the spark chamber may be vented to the atmosphere through the housing.

Abstract: Faulty alternator diodes are identified by detection of a voltage ripple across the terminals of the automotive storage battery. A diode is forward biased whenever the battery has adequate charge to be designated a "good battery", and the forward bias condition is utilized as a reference potential. A voltage divider scales the reference potential, and couples it to the inverting terminal of a comparator. The non-inverting terminal is biased at a predetermined differential from the inverting terminal, and the probe signal is AC coupled to the non-inverting terminal. If a diode is bad, the superposition of the AC with the bias will switch the comparator and energize a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A manually-operable tool is provided for insertion between the inboard and outboard caliper-mounted disc brake pads for the purpose of spreading the pads to facilitate placement over the rotor. The tool employs a screw having an elongated partially-threaded shank and a handle at the rearward end for manually rotating the screw about its axis. Supported on a non-threaded portion of the screw shank is a pivot-stud body having pivot studs extending laterally in opposite directions. Supported on the pivot studs, on each side of the screw shank, is a pair of scissor-like jaw levers or spreaders. Supported for sliding movement on the screw shank rearward of the pivot-stud body, i.e., between the pivot-stud and the shoulder of the handle, is a shoulder-stud body having camming studs extending laterally in opposite directions into the rearward jaw openings of the scissor-like spreaders.

Abstract: A load handling mast for lift trucks including an extensible assembly of three rail sections nested together and interconnected by load supporting chains and a hydraulic rising piston and cylinder ram mounted on the middle rail section. The chains are reeved over sheaves mounted on the ram piston rod and the rail sections to provide a four to one ratio of mast extension relative to piston rod extension. The full extension and retraction of the mast and the support of the load manipulated by the mast is effected entirely through the chains and hydraulic ram without the use of a latch system.

Abstract: A spring compressor especially adapted for use with MacPherson strut assemblies. Two parallel end plates having apertures sized to allow the insertion of the tubular shock assembly of the MacPherson strut assembly engage the housings containing the ends of the spiral spring of the strut assembly. The two end plates are joined by threaded support rods which allow the perpendicular distance between the two end plates to be varied to compress the spring as desired. Pivoted latches allow the quick insertion or removal of the MacPherson strut assembly from the spring compressor. Quick release safety catches lock the latches to their respective end plates, to hold the strut assembly securely while the spring is compressed.