Abstract: A multifunctional hexagonal driver includes a driver section that has a plurality of unique driver heads having various sizes for engaging fasteners. The driver further includes a mechanism for securing the driver heads to the housing and a mechanism for adapting the driver heads between extended and retracted positions. A handle section has a bore formed therein for effectively receiving the driver section therein. Such a handle section includes a sleeve slidably positionable thereover and an elongated socket formed at a proximal end portion of the handle section. The socket includes a ball bearing extending radially and inwardly therefrom.

Abstract: An tensile reinforcement-to retaining wall connection for a retaining wall (10) having stacked tiers (14, 16) of blocks (12) having channels (52, 54) in opposing surfaces (48, 50), which channels (54, 56) in adjacent tiers (14, 16) align to define a receiving conduit (18) between the adjacent tiers. An isolator sheet (20) overlies the channels (52) in the blocks (12) of the lower tier (14) at selected vertical intervals in the wall (10). A tensile reinforcement sheet (28) partially overlapped (26) defines a pocket (24) that receives a connector bar (22), which sit on the isolator sheet (20) in the receiving conduit (18). A portion of the tensile reinforcement sheet (28) extends from the wall (10) for receiving backfill to mechanically secure the wall to the backfill. The isolator sheet (20) protectingly reduces abrasion of the tensile reinforcement sheet (28) in the receiving conduit (18). A method of connecting a tensile reinforcement to a retaining wall with reduced abrasion is disclosed.

Abstract: A rod guide fixedly molded around the shank of a sucker rod string with the rod guide including a radially inner non-erodible zone and a radially outer erodible zone. The non-erodible zone includes a radially inner substantially sleeve-shaped portion having an inner cylindrical surface for gripping engagement with the rod. A plurality of flow through channels are spaced outward of the substantially sleeve-shaped portion. Each flow through channel extends axially along the rod guide and has a maximum circumferential width greater than any gap in the radially outer surface of the erodible zone circumferentially aligned with and radially outward of the respective flow through channel. The radially outer surface of the erodible zone may have a cylindrical outer configuration, such that a radially outward substantially sleeve-shaped portion is provided for engagement with the tubing.

Abstract: A rod guide fixedly molded around the shank of a sucker rod string with the rod guide including a radially inner non-erodible zone and a radially outer erodible zone. The non-erodible zone includes a radially inner substantially sleeve-shaped portion having an inner cylindrical surface for gripping engagement with the rod. A plurality of flow through channels are spaced outward of the substantially sleeve-shaped portion. Each flow through channel extends axially along the rod guide and has a maximum circumferential width greater than any gap in the radially outer surface of the erodible zone circumferentially aligned with and radially outward of the respective flow through channel. The radially outer surface of the erodible zone may have a cylindrical outer configuration, such that a radially outward substantially sleeve-shaped portion is provided for engagement with the tubing.

Abstract: A recording disk for either optical or magnetic recording having improved dimensional stability as a result of reduced water absorption comprising a copolymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and alphamethylstyrene prepared by anionic polymerization at a temperature above 61.degree. C.

Abstract: A current limiting device that, with increases of input voltage, the current increases to a first value and, as the input voltage increases further, the current decreases to a second value so as to protect any of a plurality of loads that may be used therewith.

Abstract: Carbonate polymer compositions comprise extruded blends of a carbonate polymer and a copolymer consisting essentially of a monovinylidene aromatic comonomer and an .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated comonomer having a polar group. Optionally, a small amount of monovinylidene copolymer can be blended with said composition. Such compositions exhibit high impact strengths, improve the melt processability of the carbonate polymer and are advantageously highly transparent and exhibit low haze.

Abstract: Electrical sockets used for mounting integrated circuits and the like are assembled by sequentially feeding electrically insulative bodies onto a track between a pair of endless belts which transmit motion to the bodies forcing them to move along a first path which extends beyond the belts. The socket bodies typically are provided with two parallel rows of contact receiving apertures which extend through the bodies from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof. A continuous carrier strip having spaced contact elements depending therefrom is directed along a second path which tangentially meets the first path so that the contact elements are sequentially received in one of the two rows of contact receiving apertures. The contact elements are securely seated by means of a seating roller and are then staked in position by one or more staking rollers after which the contact elements are severed from the carrier strip.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor mounting device is used in a wheel speed sensor assembly which has an annular rotor coaxially aligned with and connected to the wheel for rotation therewith and a generally cylindrical magnetic sensor to be fixedly mounted on the axle assembly. A support structure for the magnetic sensor includes a resilient plastic sleeve member which is generally cylindrical to closely encircle the magnetic sensor. An adjusting nut of the support structure acts on a tapered end of the sleeve member to inwardly wedge the sleeve member against the magnetic sensor to produce frictional contact therebetween for retention of the magnetic sensor at a desired axial location.

Abstract: A condition responsive electrical switch has relatively movable contacts and contact arms and the like secured in precisely predetermined locations relative to each other on a molded dielectric base by sensing the relative positions of the switch components to each other on the base and by fusing portions of the base to the switch components while they are held in the desired spaced relation to each other.

Abstract: A peak detecting circuit includes apparatus wherein an analog input signal is applied to a pair of sample and hold circuit elements with the output of the two sample and hold circuits connected, respectively, to the two input terminals of a voltage level comparator. The output of the comparator changes phase when a peak value occurs in the input analog signal. The output of the comparator is then applied to the input of the phase change detector which, in turn, produces an output signal whenever the comparator indicates that a peak has occurred in the analog input signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring usage of seat belt means in a motor vehicle includes electrically operable visual signaling means and electrically operable audible signaling means. A first switch is operable in response to initiation of motor vehicle operation for connecting the signaling means to an electrical power supply in the vehicle. An additional switch is operable in response to fastening of the vehicle seat belt means for preventing operation of the audible signaling means when the seat belt means are properly fastened. A pair of first electrical resistors of positive temperature coefficient of resistivity which are adapted to display a sharp increase in resistivity when heated to predetermined operating temperatures are arranged in series between the vehicle power supply and the visual and audible signaling means respectively for terminating operation of said signaling means individually when said first resistors are heated to said operating temperatures.