Abstract: A threaded shaft and retaining nut assembly having a shaft 4 with a first thread of a first hand along the shaft 4, and a second thread of a second hand opposite to said first hand along the shaft 4. The second thread at least partially overlaps said first thread. A tubular member is screwingly engageable for winding the shaft 4 into and out of the tubular member 3. A retaining nut 10 is screwingly engageable with the second thread for winding the retaining nut 10 back and forth along the shaft 4. In use, the second nut is engageable against an end of the tubular member 3 to prevent unintentional winding of said shaft. A locking member 12 is engageable with the tubular member 3 and the retaining nut 10 to effect a non-rotatable coupling between said tubular member 3 and retaining nut.

Abstract: A threaded shaft and retaining nut assembly having a shaft 4 with a first thread of a first hand along the shaft 4, and a second thread of a second hand opposite to said first hand along the shaft 4. The second thread at least partially overlaps said first thread. A tubular member is screwingly engageable for winding the shaft 4 into and out of the tubular member 3. A retaining nut 10 is screwingly engageable with the second thread for winding the retaining nut 10 back and forth along the shaft 4. In use, the second nut is engageable against an end of the tubular member 3 to prevent unintentional winding of said shaft. A locking member 12 is engageable with the tubular member 3 and the retaining nut 10 to effect a non-rotatable coupling between said tubular member 3 and retaining nut.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a tool for clearing fishing line of water fleas accumulated when fishing in waters containing water fleas and the method of use for this tool. A method for using the fishing line tool is also provided in which a section of fishing line is inserted into the channels of the knife and pulled out to scrape off any fleas which have accumulated on the fishing line.

Abstract: A silicon or quartz wafer for forming a SAW device is the subject of grinding and lapping operation to form its basic shape. The opposing surfaces, as well as the edges extending therebetween, are the polished to reduce the number and size of defects in the surfaces. Metal is deposited onto one of the opposing surfaces which, in use, will be under compression, to form electronic components thereon, and a multi-metallic coating having an outer layer formed of gold is applied to the other surface to form a solder pad by means of which the wafer may be fastened to a shaft or the like by soldering. Martensitic stainless steel is used as a mount, saddle or housing for the SAW substrate.

Abstract: A device for measuring torsional distortion of a body comprises first and second clip portions each having a central part and two legs depending from the central part, each leg having adjacent the free end thereof a groove or projection for engaging a respective projection or groove (14) provided in the body (16) to mount the clip portion the body rotationally fastened therewith. A bridge interconnects the clip portion. The bridge is less stiff than the clip portions whereby relative rotational displacement of the clip portions caused by torsional distortion of the body will cause proportional deflection of the bridge. Means, for example a SAW device (15), are provided for measuring the deflection of the bridge to provide an indication of the torsional distortion which produces the deflection of the bridge. Also (20) for the interior all of a hollow body.

Abstract: A wheel nut assembly includes a stud (1), a main wheel nut (4) mountable on threads (3) provided on the stud, and a retaining nut (6) engageable with threads (5) provided on the stud to prevent accidental loosening of the wheel nut (4). The threads of the wheel nut (4) and the threads for the retaining nut (6) are of opposite hand. A cap (11) is slidably mounted on the retaining nut (6) and biased into a first position by a spring (16). The cap (11) includes multi-hexagonal profiles (12, 14) for engaging hexagonal profiles (13, 15) provided on the retaining nut (6) and on the main wheel nut (4). Accordingly, in the first position, the retaining nut (6) and the main wheel nut (4) are rotationally locked to each other and because of the opposite hand of the respective threads it is not possible to remove the retaining nut. To release the retaining nut (6), the cap (11) is grasped and pulled to the limit permitted by the spring (16) to permit rotation of the retaining nut (6) and removal thereof.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system has a first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12) separated by a diaphragm. The diaphragm carries respective SAW devices on the respective sides thereof, the SAW devices having different resonant frequencies. Variations in pressure within the second chamber (12) relative to the pressure within the first chamber (11) will cause deflection of the diaphragm and the resulting changes in resonant frequency of the SAW devices can be analyzed to indicate the pressure differential between the chambers. The pressure-measuring device is incorporated within a valve assembly for a vehicle tire. When the vehicle tire is inflated, the inflation pressure is trapped within the first chamber (11) as a reference. Any subsequent loss of pressure from the second chamber (12), e.g. as a result of a puncture, will cause deflection of the diaphragm and a corresponding output from the SAW devices.

Abstract: A monitoring system, particularly suitable for monitoring conditions (e.g. pressure or temperature) of a vehicle tire comprises a passive sensor (102, 104), an antenna (106) associated with said passive sensor, and switching means (108) for controlling the connection between the passive sensor and the antenna such that, in a first state of said switching means, said antenna is prevented from transmitting a signal generated by the passive sensor, and, in a second state of said switching means, said antenna is permitted to transmit a signal generated by the passive sensor. The switching means is operated remotely by means of a control signal. The control signal may be derived from the sum or difference of RF signals (F1 and F2) applied to a filter (112) In alternative embodiments the control signal is the modulating frequency of an AM or FM modulated radio signal or a radio signal carrying a digital code.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system comprises a first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12) separated by a diaphragm. The diaphragm carries respective SAW devices on the respective sides thereof, the SAW devices having different resonant frequencies. Variations in pressure within the second chamber (12) relative to the pressure within the first chamber (11) will cause deflection of the diaphragm and the resulting changes in resonant frequency of the SAW devices can be analyzed to indicate the pressure differential between the chambers. As illustrated, the pressure-measuring device is incorporated within a valve assembly for a vehicle tire. When the vehicle tire is inflated the inflation pressure is trapped within the first chamber (11) as a reference. Any subsequent loss of pressure from the second chamber (12), e.g. as a result of a puncture, will cause deflection of the diaphragm and a corresponding output from the SAW devices.

Abstract: In order to reduce the number of components required and increase the service life by preventing friction resulting from large-diameter seals, a steering valve (1) is provided which has a closed center for supplying hydraulic pressure to an actuator and which comprises an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3), a torsionally resilient element (11) which is connected at one end to the input shaft (2) and at the other end to the output shaft (3), a control pressure switching arrangement (4), and an axial force conversion unit (19-23), wherein at least one hydraulic line (15) guides reaction pressure in the input shaft (2).

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system for a vehicle comprising a hydraulic motor (1) for providing vehicle steering assistance, an open center servo-valve (6) for supplying the hydraulic motor (1) with hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump (7) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the servo-valve (6) and to the hydraulic motor (1), and an electric motor (13) for driving the hydraulic pump (7). The hydraulic pump (7) is controlled by controlling electrical power consumed by the electric motor (13). At least one sensor (15) repetitively monitors at least one operating parameter of the power-assisted steering system. At least one microprocessor (17) repetitively calculates reference values that vary as a function of a monitored level of the at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: The invention is a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor which is distinguished by a compact and easily assembled structure. The control apparatus, the electric motor, the hydraulic pump section, the tank, the filter, and the resonator are accommodated within one housing. The hydraulic pump of the present invention includes a modular type of structure, special types of motors, such as a motor without commutator or a "dipped" motor, and is well suited for use in compact spaces in hydraulic systems of automotive vehicles.