Abstract: Constant or transient forces and displacements between a motion snubber and its associated load are detected and converted to an electrical signal. Electrical signals from the detection devices are transmitted to a receiving device which is electrically connected to a recording means. The signals from a plurality of detecting devices are encoded to identify the snubber having the detected force and displacement.

Abstract: An adjustable locking strut is connected to a pair of relatively movable mechanical elements and permits relative motion between these elements below a predetermined motion threshold. Above this predetermined motion threshold relative movement between mechanical elements is prohibited through the engagement of nonoverhauling threaded members connected to the mechanical elements. These nonoverhauling threaded members are specially designed so that when synchronized they do not engage one another. One of the nonoverhauling threaded members which is internally threaded forms a relatively large tubular inertia mass for sensing accelerated movement between the relatively movable mechanical elements.

Abstract: An adjustable locking strut is connected to a pair of relatively movable mechanical elements and permits relative motion between these elements below a predetermined motion threshold. Above this predetermined motion threshold, relative movement between the mechanical elements is prohibited through the engagement of nonoverhauling threaded members connected to the mechanical elements. These nonoverhauling threaded members are specially designed so that, when synchronized, they do not engage one another. A synchronizing, overhauling threaded member is utilized to maintain the nonoverhauling threaded elements synchronized below the predetermined motion threshold, but is inoperative above the predetermined motion threshold so that said relative motion between the mechanical elements is prohibited above this threshold.

Abstract: A safety belt retractor having a frame, a strap receiving reel mounted for rotation on the frame with the reel being urged into a strap wound position and a pawl having a tab for engaging the teeth of a ratchet wheel. Inertia responsive means are associated with the pawl which is normally biased into a position out of engagement with the wheel, the inertia responsive means being responsive to a first rate of acceleration of the strap off the reel for causing the pawl tab to engage with the teeth.