Abstract: The ratchet tool comprises an elongated housing and a drive body carried by the housing and being rotated by a ratchet ring the toothed opening of which is in engagement with a pawl carried by the drive body. A pocket in the ring has semi-cylindrical side surfaces which engage mating semi-cylindrical surfaces of the pocket. The front of the pocket is flat, thereby increasing the thickness of the region between the pocket and the toothed opening. With increased thickness, the stress in such region is reduced and the ring is less likely to crack during use.

Abstract: A freeze plug installation tool kit includes a drive tool having a coupling ball and a plurality of selectable carrier heads respectively sized for mating engagement with different-sized freeze plugs and detachably mountable on the coupling ball. Each carrier head has a cylindrical socket with an annular groove in which a split ring is disposed for snap engagement with the coupling ball to retain the ball in the socket. A flexible disk in the socket cooperates with the split ring to limit movement of the ball when it is retained in the socket.

Abstract: Self-adjusting pliers for single-handed manual manipulation will automatically adjust to positions of positive gripping and holding of any size workpiece within the size range defined by the maximum opening between the jaw portions of the pliers, which jaw portions respectively extend parallel to jaw portion axes. Upon closure from the maximum opening, parts first undergo a sliding action along an axis until the workpiece is engaged and then a pivoting action. The plier handles have bearing surfaces inclined at angles in predetermined ranges to the sliding axis and to the jaw portion axes to facilitate shifting from the sliding action to the pivoting action.

Abstract: A detent ball is retained in a recess against a bias spring by deforming the material around the open end of the recess radially and axially inwardly of the recess to define a retaining lip to hold the ball in place, the lip having a substantially part-spherical outer surface. The deformation is accomplished by an embossing tool having a part-spherical embossing surface which converges from an end wider than the recess to an end narrower than the recess. A part-spherical cavity in the end of the embossing tool accommodates the ball during the deformation process.

Abstract: An inductive pickup assembly senses the electromagnetic fields of plural ignition elements of an automotive engine, access to which elements is prevented by associated engine housing structure. The pickup assembly includes a frame having a flat platform on which multiple sensors are mounted, each sensor comprising an electromagnetic pickup coil with a magnetizable metal core integral with a magnetizable metal shield plate which covers one end of the coil. The frame has a support member with depending feet having apertures which mate with fasteners on the housing structure to serve as a template for accurately locating the pickup assembly on the housing structure.

Abstract: The rectifier structure comprises a plurality of diodes including opposed first and second terminals. A plate electrically connects the first terminals to one another. A retainer locates the diodes on the plate. A plurality of individual links including an outer end portion, an inner end portion, and a fuse portion therebetween are located on the retainer such that the outer end portion of each link is in contact with the second terminal of a respective diode. A washer is in contact with the inner end portion of each link for electrically connecting the second terminals to one another. The links provide fuses for disconnecting the diodes from the washer when excessive current flows through a diode.

Abstract: A drive element includes a drive bore having an entry end within which is formed a sloping entry surface. The entry surface extends from an outer surface of the drive element partially into the drive bore and has discrete portions respectively inclined with respect to a central axis of the drive bore at different slopes. The sloping entry surface may include a portion with a continuously varying slope. A driver is disclosed for use with the drive element.

Abstract: A torque measuring wrench includes a deflection beam provided with a socket head at one end and having a region of reduced cross-sectional area. Four strain gauges are mounted on the beam and connected in a measuring bridge, with one gauge disposed at the region of reduced cross-sectional area and the other gauges disposed closer to the ratchet head. A tubular handle is connected to the othe end of the beam and encloses battery-powered control circuit including indicating means. The torque wrench measurements are independent of the position along the handle at which the force is applied by the user.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled digital engine analyzer recieved analog input signals from an engine being analyzed, engine parameter data entered via a keyboard, and function data, selecting one of several operating modes for the analyzer and which information is to be displayed, entered via the keyboard, and displays on a CRT screen the selected information such as cylinder firing order, RPM, Dwell, KV and DC volts, alphanumerically, information such as primary and secondary ignition and voltage, alternator and fuel injector information through the use of continuous waveform patterns, and additional information pertaining to Dwell, KV and Cylinder Shorting through the use of bar graphs.

Abstract: A rotatable driving tool for imparting torque to a driven member, such as a threaded fastener having an axial recess in the head thereof, comprises a circularly cylindrical body with a plurality of substantially circularly helical driving portions projecting laterally therefrom and equiangularly spaced about the cylindrical axis, each of the driving portions having a small helix angle, preferably between one and three degress. The driving portions mate with lobes of the fastener recess but are slightly inclined with respect thereto to provide a wedge fit to retain the fastener in engagement with the tool body.

Abstract: A strobe light power source includes a capacitor which is alternately charged through an inverter transformer and a rectifier and discharged through a strobe lamp. A MOSFET switch is connected in series with the transformer primary and has applied to its gate electrode a rectangular wave output signal from an oscillator. The oscillator and the transformer primary are coupled to a power supply independently of each other. A breakdown diode is connected in parallel with the MOSFET to limit the voltage thereacross.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has a hollow handle portion in which are disposed a DC motor mechanically coupled to the handle portion with a mass eccentrically mounted on its shaft, a control circuit for the motor and a battery for powering the motor and the control circuit. A strain sensor on the wrench produces an output signal when the torque applied to a workpiece equals or exceeds a predetermined torque level for causing the control circuit to actuate the motor to vibrate the handle portion and provide a tactile indication to the user.

Abstract: The modular electronic device includes a main unit and at least one plug-in module adapted to be removably slid on to and mounted on the main unit. There are first and second interfitting connectors respectively on the main unit and the module which automatically interfit when the module is mounted. First and second interfitting track structure are respectively on the module and main unit to facilitate sliding the module onto the main unit. Finally, there is first and second interfitting latching elements respectively on the main unit and the module to hold the module latched in place.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition interface unit for use with an engine analyzer for analyzing an internal combustion engine includes a processing circuit which responds to analog signals representing true and wasted firings for the cylinders of the engine under test to determine the number of cylinders of the engine and the polarity of the firing of each cylinder and to then characterize the engine by determining the order of the true and wasted firing signals produced during an engine cycle and for producing a parade pattern of true or wasted secondary signals for application to the engine analyzer.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism in a reversible ratchet wrench is sealed by novel means. The sealed reversible ratchet wrench includes a ratchet body having a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion has a head cavity formed therein, which cavity receives the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism communicates exteriorly of the head cavity via at least two journal bearings which respectively receive journal pins associated with the ratchet mechanism. The novel sealing means comprises a pair of annular lip seals, each of which includes an opening that receives one of the journal pins. The annular lip seals bridge the gap between the exteriorly communicating journal bearings and journal pins, thereby facilitating the retention of lubricant and hindering the entry of foreign particles in the head cavity and ratchet mechanism housed therein.

Abstract: The tool is a pliers or cutters having two members that are pivotally joined. The portions of the members on one side of the joint define cutter jaws or plier jaws as the case may be. On the other side of the joint, the members define handles located on the same side of the jaw axis. The rear handle has a first section nearest its associated jaw extending away from the jaw axis at an acute angle, and a second section extending from the first section at an obtuse angle. The other handle also has two sections, the first section nearest the jaws having a slight curvature and the second section having a curvature which is convex outwardly and is more pronounced than that of the first section.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage has a chassis with a plurality of swivel casters, and a locking assembly actuated by a foot pedal located along the front of the carriage. Pushing down on the foot pedal rotates a cam that engages a cam follower on a "T" bar frame supporting two locking rings which respectively overlie two of the caster wheels to move the rings into a locking position in engagement with the wheels to lock the wheels and the casters in any position. The cam follower surface includes a ramp portion engageable by the cam for driving the rings to their locking position and a horizontal latch portion engageable by the cam in its "overcenter" position for holding the rings in their locking position. A lifter bar is engageable by the user's foot to rotate the cam back off the follower and permit the rings to resiliently return to their release position.