Abstract: A twist-grip shift mechanism that includes a housing part, a rotating part and a ring disposed in the rotating part. The housing part includes a cylindrical extension and a housing extension. The rotating part is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical extension. The cylindrical extension has tongues with retaining profiles extending from one end of the cylindrical extension for releaseably connecting to the ring. The tongues and the retaining profiles do not extend beyond an outer diameter of the cylindrical extension so that the housing part may be formed by an injection molding process using a single half of an injection mold, thereby eliminating undercuts and other molding inaccuracies.

Abstract: A vibration-reducing control lever assembly which in one form comprises a knob, an elastomeric isolator coupled to the knob, and a lever coupled to the elastomeric isolator. The isolator acts as an intermediary between the lever and the knob and reduces vibrations transmitted from the lever to the knob. Thus, the knob is isolated from, rather than directly connected to, the lever. Alternative embodiments include a lever-receiving insert, one or more internal passageways which bypass the elastomeric isolator and a detachable hollow skirt. In some embodiments, the elastomeric isolator is captured and compressed by an isolator receiver.

Abstract: A method of operating a control pedal assembly includes the steps providing a pair of adjustable control pedals. Each control pedal includes a first support and a second support having a lower arm and moveable relative to the first support to adjust the fore-aft position of the lower arm upon operation of a motor. A predetermined fore-aft relationship is provided between the lower arms of each of the pair of control pedals. The predetermined fore-aft relationship is maintained during operation of the motor to move the second supports relative to the first supports while adjusting the fore-aft position of the lower arms. The motor is stopped during operation if the predetermined fore-aft relationship between the lower arms is not maintained.

Abstract: A composite control arm shaft for motor vehicles includes two longitudinal control arms connected through a transverse beam, wherein the transverse beam has a trough-shaped double-wall torsion section essentially having the form of a V or U, approximately circular or oval tubular end sections and transition sections whose cross-section continuously changes from the end sections toward the torsion section. The transverse beam has in the transition sections thereof an internal partial foam filling.

Abstract: A bicycle cable connector for connecting a first cable to a second cable includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector include a first cable retaining portion for retaining the first cable and a projection extending along a first connector axis, wherein the projection includes a radially outwardly extending locking member. The second connector includes a second cable retaining portion for retaining the second cable and a tubular portion defining a first connector opening for receiving the first connector therein and having a side wall extending along a second connector axis. The side wall includes a first passage for passing the locking member in the direction of the second connector axis away from the first connector opening, a second passage extending in a circumferential direction, and a recess communicating with the second passage and extending in the direction of the first connector opening for receiving the locking member therein.

Abstract: A steering wheel for vehicles is provided which comprises a hub for attachment on a steering column and a clamping screw. The hub has a central, substantially cylindrical passage for accommodation of an end section of the steering column and at least one slit extending parallel to the passage. Two hub sections are defined on opposite sides of the slit. The hub sections have aligned bores that extend substantially tangentially to the passage. A first one of these bores has an internal thread, and the clamping screw is adapted to extend through a second one of these bores and to be screwed into the first one of the bores, thereby clamping the hub on the steering column end section. A screw holder is attached to the hub for limited movement in an axial direction of the clamping screw against spring force. The screw holder has a recess for passage of the screw and simultaneous engagement into the thread of the screw. The screw holder is formed by a bracket of spring steel.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a bicycle gear assembly that includes an actuating part that may be moved by an actuating lever or a release lever to shift between the gears of the gear assembly. The actuating and release levers operate independently from each other. The actuating part has a winding groove for receiving a cable connected to the gear assembly and first and second toothed segments. The release lever controls a detent element having first and second detent noses that are alternately engageable with the first and second toothed segments, respectively. The release lever may also have a cam contour that allows at least two gears to be shifted upon actuation of the release lever.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive axle including a center housing, a pair of axle tubes, and a pair of axle bars in respective ones of the axle tubes. A gear assembly in the center housing includes a pinion shaft, a pinion gear on the pinion shaft, and a differential gear set. A pump driven by the pinion shaft has an inlet exposed to liquid lubricant in a pool in the center housing and a discharge connected to a pair of tubular spray bars in respective ones of the axle tubes. Each spray bar has a plurality of nozzles arrayed along its length aimed generally at the uppermost extremity of the inside surface of the corresponding axle tube. When the pinion shaft rotates, the pump pumps hot liquid lubricant into the spray bars at an elevated pressure and out of the spray bars through the nozzles as jets which impinge on the inside surfaces of the axle tubes near the uppermost extremities thereof.

Abstract: A transmission includes a main section substantially enclosed by a main case and an auxiliary section substantially enclosed by an auxiliary case. An intermediate plate is removably secured to the main case and to the auxiliary case. The intermediate plate includes bearings for supporting the main shaft and countershafts. The main section and auxiliary sections can each be accessed and serviced without disturbing the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising a steering wheel skeleton encased in foam and consisting of a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel further comprises a panel which is visible from outside on the steering wheel rim. A clip is provided which is constructed as a separate part and engages on the steering wheel rim. the panel is fastened to the steering wheel rim by means of the at least one clip and the panel together with the clip completely surround the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame and an axle assembly coupled to the frame. The axle assembly includes a first axle shaft and a first axle housing, with the first axle shaft disposed substantially within the first axle housing; a first wheel coupled to the first axle assembly; an axle lubricating fluid disposed within the first axle housing; and a first axle cooling device disposed within the first axle housing, in contact with at least a portion of the lubricating fluid, and including a first coil. Also disclosed is a method of cooling an axle assembly of a work vehicle. The method includes steps of removing heat from the lubricating fluid by placing the lubricating fluid in contact with the outer surface of a coil, and removing the heat from the inner surface of the coil by circulating the cooling fluid through the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel which comprises a steering wheel skeleton consisting of a steering wheel rim having an interior space, and of a hub and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the steering wheel rim. The vehicle steering wheel further comprises at least one additional mass fastened to the steering wheel skeleton and constructed as a separate part. The at least one additional mass is intended for reducing vibration and is provided in the interior space of the steering wheel rim. At least one flexible clip is provided which engages on the additional mass and holds the additional mass against the steering wheel skeleton.

Abstract: A handlebar gear shifter includes a sleeve rotatably mounted to the handlebar from which a support plate extends. An L-shaped mediate member has an end pivotally connected on the support plate and a first cable has one end thereof engaged with a recess in the sleeve and the other end of the first cable is engaged with the mediate member. A second cable is connected between the mediate member and a derailleur mechanism. A C-shaped member having notches is connected to the handlebar and a spring member is engaged with the sleeve. An index member is biased by the spring member and removably engaged with one of the notches. The mediate member is pivoted by rotating the sleeve which pulls the first cable, and the second cable is pulled together with the mediate member to shift the gear.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal includes a pedal shaft, a pedal body, first and second clamping members and a first biasing member. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal shaft. The first clamping member has a first cleat engagement surface and is pivotally coupled to one end, while the second clamping member has a second cleat engagement surface and is fixedly coupled to the other end. The second clamping member is configured to form an unobstructed longitudinal passageway. Preferably, the second clamping member includes two outer attachment points and an inner attachment point. Preferably, an adjustment member is arranged between the first clamping member and a biasing member to adjust tension of the biasing member on the first clamping member. The adjustment member has a head arranged in a hole of the first clamping member, an enlarged section and an adjustment plate adjustably mounted on the adjustment member.

Abstract: In an oil-lubricated helium compressor unit, the adsorber can retain all of the oil that might be transferred from the compressor to the adsorber before the system shuts down. No oil is ever transferred or transferable to, for example, the expander in a GM type refrigeration system connected to the unit. The compressor itself will shut down because of a protective switch or seize for lack of oil before any oil carries outside the compressor unit. The unit and the connected refrigeration system can run for more than a selected design life before the compressor shuts down because the limit of oil in the adsorber has been reached. The adsorber can retain as much oil as might leave the compressor over the life of the system plus a safety margin of at least 25%. The adsorber need not be serviced or replaced for the life of the system.

Abstract: In order to provide method of atomizing lubricant at a constant rate in a lubricant atomizer irrespective of the kinds of lubricant and the working conditions, the lubricant atomizer includes a compressed air valve having two branches on its downstream side, which one of two branches is connected to a Venturi mechanism, and the other branch is connected to a constant lubricant supplying pump. Compressed air is fed from the compressed air valve to the Venturi mechanism and to the constant lubricant-supplying pump, thus drawing the air from a sight dome while the compressed air is flowing in the Venturi mechanism. Lubricant is pumped to the sight dome via a constant lubricant supplying conduit, allowing the lubricant to fall in the center of the Venturi mechanism in the form of droplets.

Abstract: A transmission mounted in a housing and including a hydrostatic pump and motor mounted on a center section, having a motor shaft engaged to and driven by the hydraulic motor. An axle may also be mounted in the housing. The center section is secured to the housing using a plurality of bolts or other fasteners having a longitudinal axis parallel to the motor shaft and for the axle.

Abstract: Easy cord-passing structure of shift handle of a bicycle, including a fixing casing fixed around the bicycle handle and having an annular inner cavity. A rotary member is rotatably disposed in the inner cavity for pulling and releasing a steel cord. A cord-guiding link is disposed between the fixing casing and the rotary member. When the cord-guiding link is positioned in a maximum cord-loosening position, two ends of the cord-guiding link are respectively right aimed at the steel cord inlet and outlet of the fixing casing. Therefore, the steel cord can be nearly linearly smoothly passed from the steel cord inlet through the cord-guiding passage to the steel cord outlet and conducted out of the fixing casing.

Abstract: A selector for a bicycle gear mechanism. The selector has a housing fastened to a portion of a bicycle frame, a cable inlet, and a rotatable drum having a control cable wound onto for effecting cable travel. The selector also includes a rotary bushing for operating the selector and a mechanism for superimposing a correction or overshift travel on the cable travel. The mechanism includes a pivoting lever for guiding the control cable and a correction cam having a profile configured to provide the requisite correction travel for each gear stage as the rotatable drum is rotated.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly includes a compressor housing having a quantity of liquid lubricant therein. A compressor mechanism is provided within the compressor housing and a drive shaft is selectively rotatable and operably connected to the compressor mechanism. A liquid lubricant displacement element is engaged to the drive shaft and a support member is attached to the compressor housing. A pivotable magnetic member is provided between the liquid lubricant displacement element and the support member and includes a suction port provided therein. The liquid lubricant displacement element is in fluid communication with the quantity of liquid lubricant through the suction port in the magnetic member. At least a portion of any ferrous particles contained in the liquid lubricant are attracted to and retained by the magnetic member as the liquid lubricant is passed through the suction port of the magnetic member.