Abstract: The invention is directed to a wedge for splitting wood. The wedge has a thin cutting member which has a first end and a second end. The fist end defines a sharp edge. The cutting member is disposed where the first end first engages the wood to be split. A wedge member is pivotally connected to the second end of the cutting member. The wedge member has a substantially triangular shape. The apex of the triangular-shaped wedge member is pivotally connected to the second end of the cutting member. The base of the triangular-shaped wedge member is spaced apart from the cutting member. The wedge member pivots as the wood is split to follow the grain of the wood to reduce the splitting force required to split the wood.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a detent and a method for maintaining a valve body of a valve in a predetermined position. The valve has an outer housing and a valve body is slideably positioned in the outer housing. A raised diameter section is located on the outer periphery of the valve body. A resilient detent member is positioned around the outer periphery of the valve body. The detent member has a diameter less than the diameter of the raised diameter section. The detent member is positioned to engage the raised diameter section when the valve body is in the preselected position. The engagement of the raised diameter section by the detent member maintains the valve body in the preselected position.