Abstract: A volkswagen gear shifter includes a frame, a first upright shaft and a universal pivot connecting the shaft to the frame to allow shaft pivoting relative to the frame, a second shaft extending generally parallel to the first shaft, and T-shaped handles on the upper ends of the two shafts; mechanism on the frame is connected with lower ends of the shafts to be manipulated in response to one-handed manipulation of both shafts; brackets connect the second shaft to the first shaft to allow endwise movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft, the brackets typically include ears rigidly attached to and lengthwise along the side of the first shaft, and guides for the second shaft connected to the ears and offset sidewardly relative to the first shaft, and a flexible shroud or boot extends over the universal pivot and over the lowermost bracket and has a looping head retained by an anchor lip on a base plate.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism suitable for robotic manipulators comprising a first actuator for rotating a first yoke about a first axis, a first crossed shaft carried by the yoke, a second actuator for pivoting the first crossed shaft about a second axis, a second crossed shaft carrying a second yoke, an actuator means for causing rotation of the wrist mechanism about a third axis, highly rigid side plates supporting the first and second crossed shafts in bearings, highly rigid cross members rigidly interconnecting the side plates, and gears for transferring motion between the first and second crossed shafts to allow pivotal movement of an end effector carried by the second yoke in excess of 180.degree. about the second axis, and at least 180.degree. about the third axis, and rotation in excess of 200.degree. about the first axis.

Abstract: Device for constant velocity transmission of movement between two parallel shafts with axes of rotation (16) and (17) connected by an outside gearing. The pinion (14) and the pinion (15) of the outside gearing are helical with a helix having the same angle and the same direction, so that a pinion (14) and the pinion (15) rotate in the same direction.

Abstract: The control device is of the type in which the movable elements for engaging the gear ratios are shifted by means of parallel slidable yokes (40, 42, 46, 48) on which acts a main control finger member (20) which pivots for alternately sliding each of the yokes in at least one direction and causing the engagement of a gear ratio. According to the invention, the device further comprises an auxiliary control finger member (54) which is capable of pivoting about the axis of the control shaft (12) for sliding a yoke (46) of the two lateral end yokes in a first direction and causing the engagement of the reverse gear ratio, it only being possible to shift the other lateral end yoke (48) by means of the main control finger member (20) in the opposite direction for selecting the forward gear ratio of the highest rank.

Abstract: A shiftlever mechanism for an automatic transmission is equipped with a shiftlever which can be moved freely from the drive position in the direction of shifting and an overdrive switch which is turned on or off by the shiftlever as the shiftlever is shifted from the drive position, so that the driver is able to perform the shifting into overdrive easily and without diverting his eyes from the road.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for use on vehicles with transmissions having no park gear, comprising a mechanism for shifting the transmission into neutral when the shift handle is moved to the park position and for applying a brake, said mechanism having a motion translator connecting the shift handle and transmission so that moving the shift handle from the reverse position, away from the neutral position and to the park position, shifts the transmission into neutral.

Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing for selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

Abstract: A speed-change operating lever is provided for a bicycle derailleur and includes a winding portion for a control wire connected to the derailleur, an operating portion in continuation of one side of the boss and extending outwardly therefrom, and a retaining portion for retaining one end of the wire. The boss has a winding amount changing device for changing the amount of the control wire wound on the winding portion so as to alter the operating stroke of the lever to adapt it for use with different sprocket assemblies having different distances between sprockets.

Abstract: Power assistance mechanism for a rack and pinion steering gear assembly and an assembly which includes such mechanism includes a main rack and pinion steering gear 1 mounted on which is an auxiliary rack and pinion unit 9. The unit 9 includes an auxiliary rack bar 11, the rack of which engages with an auxiliary pinion in an auxiliary housing 10. The auxiliary pinion is rotatable by an electric motor 23 in the housing 10 to drive the auxiliary rack bar 11. The housing 10 is bolted through brackets 14 to the housing 2a of the main gear 1 while the auxiliary rack bar is coupled through a bracket 16 to the rack bar of the main gear 1. The electric motor 23 is controlled by a switch 27 in the steering input 7 to the pinion of the main steering gear 1 so that when the main rack bar is driven by rotation of the main pinion, the switch 27 is actuated to energize the electric motor and drive the auxiliary rack bar 11 in a sense appropriate to assist the displacement of the main rack bar.

Abstract: A right-hand steering wheel for an automobile which is generally equipped with a left-hand steering wheel and at least a front right door, includes a clamp which is releasable attached to the left-hand steering wheel. A right-hand steering wheel is provided with a frame interconnecting the clamp with the right-hand steering wheel. Apparatus is provided for turning the left-hand steering wheel when the right-hand steering wheel is turned. The frame is attached to the right-hand door using an angle member which slips between the glass and the weather stripping belt of the right-hand automobile door. A telescoping rod is mounted in the frame and is connected pivotally to the angle member in a manner so that any misadjustment of the clamp on the left-hand steering wheel which would cause a lateral motion is accommodated by the telescoping apparatus.

Abstract: A coaxial type starter used to start an engine of a vehicle is disclosed. The starter comprises first and second bearings which are respectively disposed between the outer circumferential portion of a carrier of an epicyclic reduction gear which is formed integral with a clutch outer member of an overrunning clutch and a fixed portion of the starter and between the inner circumferential portion of the carrier and the outer circumferential portion of an armature rotary shaft of a d.c. motor. Accordingly, the carrier of the epicyclic reduction gear is prevented from becoming eccentric by the first bearing, and the armature rotary shaft of the d.c. motor which is supported by the carrier through the second bearing is also prevented from becoming eccentric. Thus, it is possible to eliminate any risk of the planet gears of the epicyclic reduction gear being damaged or generating noise.