Abstract: In a multi-bit screwdriver, a locking mechanism is formed from a tubular shaft having a passageway for facilitating travel of a selected bit through the passageway. A locking finger is formed longitudinally in the shaft and cantilevered from the shaft at a rearward end of the locking finger for facilitating radial spring action at a forward end of the locking finger. A locked detent and an unlocked detent are formed in the locking finger and are longitudinally spaced from each other, the locked detent being rearward of the unlocked detent. A track extends from the locked detent to the unlocked detent. A locking sleeve is slidably positioned on the shaft proximate the locking finger. A roller ball is mounted in the locking sleeve portion for engaging the locked detent or the unlocked detent, the roller ball being rollable along the track between the locked detent and the unlocked detent.

Abstract: A screwdriver stores in a storage device multiple bits readily selectable for retrieval and use. The storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one bit. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Springs are employed for biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: In a multi-bit screwdriver, a locking mechanism is formed from a tubular shaft having a passageway for facilitating travel of a selected bit through the passageway. A locking finger is formed longitudinally in the shaft and cantilevered from the shaft at a rearward end of the locking finger for facilitating radial spring action at a forward end of the locking finger. A locked detent and an unlocked detent are formed in the locking finger and are longitudinally spaced from each other, the locked detent being rearward of the unlocked detent. A track extends from the locked detent to the unlocked detent. A locking sleeve is slidably positioned on the shaft proximate the locking finger. A roller ball is mounted in the locking sleeve portion for engaging the locked detent or the unlocked detent, the roller ball being rollable along the track between the locked detent and the unlocked detent.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing for use an item selected and retrieved from an opening in a storage device configured for storing one or more items, includes a tubular shaft extending from the opening in the storage device for receiving the selected item from the storage device. A passageway is defined within the tubular shaft for facilitating travel of the selected item from the opening in the storage device to an end of the shaft opposing the opening. At least one locking block and stop is configured for securing the selected item at the end of the tubular shaft opposing the opening.

Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Springs are employed for biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, or in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.

Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Magnets are secured to the receiver and at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, and in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.

Abstract: A storage device includes at least one cartridge defining a cavity for receiving at least one storage item. A receiver defines at least one cell for receiving the at least one cartridge, and a passageway extends longitudinally along the center of the receiver to an opening defined in an external surface of the receiver. Magnets are secured to the receiver and at least one cartridge for magnetically biasing the at least one cartridge in a first position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is not aligned with the passageway, and in a second position in the at least one cell wherein the cavity is aligned with the passageway. In one application, the storage device is adapted for storing bits in a multi-bit screwdriver.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing for use an item selected and retrieved from an opening in a storage device configured for storing one or more items, includes a tubular shaft extending from the opening in the storage device for receiving the selected item from the storage device. A passageway is defined within the tubular shaft for facilitating travel of the selected item from the opening in the storage device to an end of the shaft opposing the opening. At least one locking block and stop is configured for securing the selected item at the end of the tubular shaft opposing the opening.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism includes a base and a shaft having gear teeth rotatably mounted on the base. A bearing is mounted on the base and is rotatable to clockwise and counterclockwise positions, and includes first and second bearing magnets. First and second pawls are slidably positioned on the base, and are slidable between engaged and disengaged positions in which the pawls engage and disengage, respectively, the gear teeth. First and second pawl magnets are embedded in the first and second pawls in magnetic relation to the first and second bearing magnets such that when the bearing is rotated to the clockwise or counterclockwise positions, the first and second bearing magnets bias the first and second pawl magnets to cause the first and second pawls to slide to respective engaged and disengaged positions, or disengaged and engaged positions, thereby enabling the shaft to rotate one of clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub includes a support structure configured having three legs, and a wheel mounted at the end of each leg. A base block is mounted on the support structure, and a gas actuator is mounted on the base block. A wheel carriage is mounted on the air actuator, the air actuator being configured for facilitating vertical lift of the wheel carriage.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.