Abstract: A fixing tool including a nose for guiding of fixing elements and a striking plate for striking of the fixing elements, wherein the fixing tool is configured to fire a fixing element of a first type and a fixing element of a second type with dimensional and/or geometric characteristics which are different from those of the fixing element of the first type.

Abstract: A magazine for a fastener tool comprising a first guideway for heads of fastener elements of a first type, the first guideway extending in a direction (A) and being configured to position tips of the fastener elements of first type near a front edge extending substantially parallel to the direction (A); and comprising a second guideway for heads of fastener elements of a second type, the fastener elements of the first type having a different length from that of the fastener elements of second type, the second guideway being configured to position tips of the fastener elements of second type near the front edge. The magazine further comprises a poka-yoke configured to prevent inserting of the fastener elements of second type in the first guideway.

Abstract: A fixing tool including a nose for guiding of fixing elements and a striking plate for striking of the fixing elements, wherein the fixing tool is configured to fire a fixing element of a first type and a fixing element of a second type with dimensional and/or geometric characteristics which are different from those of the fixing element of the first type.

Abstract: A magazine for a fastener tool comprising a first guideway for heads of fastener elements of a first type, the first guideway extending in a direction (A) and being configured to position tips of the fastener elements of first type near a front edge extending substantially parallel to the direction (A); and comprising a second guideway for heads of fastener elements of a second type, the fastener elements of the first type having a different length from that of the fastener elements of second type, the second guideway being configured to position tips of the fastener elements of second type near the front edge. The magazine further comprises a poka-yoke configured to prevent inserting of the fastener elements of second type in the first guideway.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the content level of components in materials based on the response of the materials to near infrared radiation. One embodiment comprises electronically receiving a near infrared reflectance spectrum of a material from a customer, predicting the content level of a component in the material based on the spectrum, and electronically reporting the prediction to the customer. Another embodiment includes the exchange of the customer request and prediction report on a Web site or by electronic mail. Other embodiments include the prediction reports, and uses of the predictions, for example in quality control and toxicity evaluation.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the content level of components in materials based on the response of the materials to near infrared radiation. One embodiment comprises electronically receiving a near infrared reflectance spectrum of a material from a customer, predicting the content level of a component in the material based on the spectrum, and electronically reporting the prediction to the customer. Another embodiment includes the exchange of the customer request and prediction report on a Web site or by electronic mail. Other embodiments include the prediction reports, and uses of the predictions, for example in quality control and toxicity evaluation.

Abstract: A holding device hold a first member in position relative to a second member on a clamping pin. Two racks respectively one connected to the first and second members and adapted to interengage in a locked position. A return spring separates the racks in an unlocked position. An additional spring co-operates with a bracket. The racks, return spring and additional spring are mounted on the clamping pin. The additional spring bears against the bracket and operates on the mobile rack to assure complete interpenetration of the mobile rack and the fixed rack. The main application of the device is to automobile vehicle steering columns.

Abstract: A homokinetic joint for linking a driving shaft and a driven shaft of an automotive steering column for transmission of rotation between the driving shaft and the driven shaft. The joint has two opposite end yokes with a coupling yoke intermediate the two end yokes. The end yokes each have an end hub for linking a respective one of the shafts thereto and branched arms defining a yoke or fork opposite the hub for linking the end yoke to the coupling yoke. Two pivotable cross-pieces link the two end yokes respectively to the coupling yoke for positioning the axes of the shafts for homokinetic transmission of torque. A center ball joint unit has a ball stud and spherical ball fixed on one of the end yokes and a guide carried by the other of the end yokes. A sleeve is disposed in the guide and the ball is disposed in the sleeve. The spherical ball is angularly movable in the sleeve for angular offset variation between the shafts during transmission of torque.

Abstract: The column comprises a column body (1) mounted on the frame via brackets (5, 6) comprising openings (15, 16) for the passage of fixing elements (12) to the frame, and capsules (10, 11) enclosing the brackets and retained by the fixing elements (12). The openings comprise guiding surfaces (21) disposed two by two on both sides of a vertical plane (31) containing the axis (32) of the column. In the event of an impact occurring, the brackets integral with the column body (1) move with respect to the capsules fixed to the frame, the guiding surfaces (21) sliding into the capsules (10, 11). These movements absorb a portion of the energy due to the impact and the surfaces ensure the axial guiding of the column. The capsules are made of plastics and a metallic insert is inserted between the fixing elements and the capsules. The column is particularly useful for motor vehicles provided with an inflatable safety air bag should an impact occur.

Abstract: A depth-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle whose shaft is disposed in a tube body including two tubes (2, 3), one sliding in the other, a sheath (5) being disposed between the two tubes (2, 3). The sheath (5) comprises projecting elements which are flexible in a radial direction and come into contact with at least one of the tubes (2, 3). The projecting elements are orientated longitudinally, namely parallel to the axis of the tubes (2, 3).

Abstract: Steering column for a motor vehicle and comprising a body (1), a fixed portion (2) rigidly linked to the frame of the vehicle and a mobile portion (3) rigidly linked to the body (1). The column also comprises a fixed notched element (70) integral with a bracket (21) of the fixed portion (2), a mobile notched element (71) connected to the mobile portion (3), and fixing elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) making it possible to render integral the mobile (3) and fixed (2) portions in a locked position in which the notches (80, 90) of the two notched elements (70, 71) cooperate by shape mating. An elastic device (72) is provided between the fixed (70) and mobile (71) notched elements, causing the elements (70, 71) to be moved apart from each other, when the fixing elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) are inactivated and thus allowing to unlock the link between the fixed (2) and mobile (3) portions.