Abstract: A curl forming method for a can end which enables satisfactory curl formation in a thin can end without occurrence of wrinkles and without occurrence of scratches on internal surfaces of the can end and which can make a can end thinner. A punched can end is pressed and bended from an open end of annular flange and an opposite side by a primary forming die having an inner diameter larger than a final curl diameter by 0 to 2.0 mm to effect a primary forming, and then it is pressed and bended from the side of the flange open end by a secondary forming punch having a forming surface 14 having a final shape of a curl.

Abstract: When a semi-solidified metal composition is formed in a forging die assembly, it is formed under conditions satisfying particular mass fraction solid and flowing rate in the die and then held under a given pressure until the metal composition is completely solidified.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for use with a firearm includes a housing, a spring, and a follower. The follower is comprised of sheet metal that is cut and stamped to form a top section and two side sections. The top has a cartridge trough on its top side and a spring trough on its bottom side. The side sections and top section establish a spring receiving cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming curved needles from needle blanks of differing sizes and material characteristics having a guide die, driven by a linear actuator, for biasing the needle blank against a forming surface. Bending dies also driven by linear actuators are provided for bending the ends of the needle blank around the top of the forming surface. Adjusting micrometers are provided to adjust the contact point at which the bending dies contact the needle blank. The apparatus can therefore be readily adapted for differing needle stocks. The entire bending process is automated so that uniform needles may be rapidly produced.

Abstract: A pull tower for pulling upon a chain and correcting damaged portions of a vehicle includes a combination chain height adjustment and pulley mechanism which is positioned on the tower and with a collar having opposite side plates facing opposite side surfaces of the tower. A front end of the mechanism includes a pulley over which a chain is trained and a front crossbar extending between the side plates and adjacent the tower front surface. The mechanism has a rear end including a rear crossbar spaced from the front crossbar to loosely straddle the tower and a U-shaped spring which extends between the rear crossbar and lugs which extend from the tower rear surface to urge the rear crossbar away from the tower. The mechanism provides an angled, wedging fit of the chain height adjustment and a pulley mechanism on the tower at selected higher locations. Preferably, the tower is mounted to a carriage movably positionable about a work rack, although it can be floor mounted if desired.

Abstract: The invention described herein deals with a novel tool that will enable one to deform smooth pipe and pipe segments for use in building pipelines, wherein the deformation is used as the anchor point for pipe couplings.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a sensing mass supported relative to a frame by a plurality of beams having a plurality of resistors integral therewith. The resistance of the beam resistors varies as the sensing mass is displaced relative to the frame in response to acceleration of the frame in a direction generally normal to the plane of beam extension. The displacement of the sensing mass due to such acceleration produces a corresponding change in the output of a Wheatstone bridge incorporating the beam resistors in the legs thereof. At least one leg of the bridge additionally has a resistor of variable resistance in series with the beam resistor thereof, the resistance of which is controlled by a microprocessor, whereby the bridge output is adjusted to compensate for temperature effects and manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: Surface Volatile Material Detector including a vacuum chamber that is adapted to hold a silicon wafer for testing. The surface of the wafer is exposed to a heat source which evaporates the volatile contaminants on the surface of the wafer. A gas composition analyzer samples the atmosphere within the chamber to detect the evaporated contaminants. The device is designed such that the wafer is thermally insulated from the chamber, whereby the wafer is heated while the chamber walls remain cool, and any contaminants which might exist on the walls of the chamber are not evaporated. In the preferred embodiment, the wafer is heated by infrared light illumination.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing stators of a fluid cooled generator for ground (megger) and other tests. The method of automatically cycling into stator cooling coils gradually incremented pressures of super-desiccated air followed by subsequent rapid blowdown literally urges pockets of moisture out of the coils, freeing them by staccotic erosion or deterioration, as droplets and vapor. The process is carried out through the use of a palletized vacuum subsystem and conditioned air treatment/pressurization subsystem which includes a panel containing relay control logic for semi-automatic/automatic conduct of the testing protocol and including essentially relay logic, an air compressor with necessary valving, air filtration and drying apparatus, a receiver which affords storage of the treated, dried air and a sequencing valve with adjunct equipment for connection of the receiver output to the stator-under-test.

Abstract: A fixture for pressure testing sight glasses includes a base having a reced pressure chamber therein, a peripheral seal ring in the pressure chamber and a supply passage for supplying a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber. The test fixture is operable by securing a sight glass on the fixture so that the sight glass is received in sealing engagement with the seal ring above the pressure chamber in order to apply a predetermined fluid pressure to the sight glass.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a press machine comprises a connection link connected to a crankshaft of the press machine and reciprocated in accordance with the rotation of the crankshaft, a first slider provided in a frame of the press machine so as to be reciprocated in a first direction, and pivotally connected to the connection link, a first link mechanism provided with a pair of first links pivotally connected to each other, wherein one of the first links is pivotally connected to either the connection link or the first slider so as to be folded and extended while following up the reciprocating movement of the connection link, a second slider provided in the frame displaceably in the first direction and pivotally connected to the other first link, and a mechanism for adjusting the position of the second slider in the first direction, whereby the bottom dead center position and the stroke length of a slide can be adjusted by a common mechanism.

Abstract: To test a closed container having at least one flexible wall area in order to determine a leakage by an increasing of the inner volume of the container and a measuring of a correspondingly caused changed measured value, at least one outer wall area of the container is exposed to a medium having a pressure which is greater than a pressure produced by the increase of the volume of the container if such has no leakage. The increase of the volume can be made by a pneumatic or mechanical application of a force at a flexible wall area. The arrangement is specifically suitable when the wall of the container or its contents strive to self-seal a leakage spot in a wall area.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a network of plumbing pipes for leaks comprises a pair of housings and a slidable test plate. The test plate is interposed between the housings to block fluid flow through the housings when inspecting the pipe network for leaks. After testing is complete, the test plate is removed from the housings and the housings remain fixed as a permanent part of the pipe network.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing engine lubricating oil under simulated engine operating conditions including a tank with an interior space containing a quantity of engine lubricating oil, an elongated tubular enclosure for passing oil from one end to the other, and an oil pump to cause oil to flow from the tank through the tubular enclosure. The tank includes devices to introduce oil oxidizing agents to the oil. A metal rod extends centrally through the enclosure so that oil passes along its outer surface and the rod is selectively heated so that oxidation deposits form along the rod. Examination and analysis of the rod and its deposits permit rating of a particular oil for its oxidation resistant properties.

Abstract: A rotary viscosimeter has a control mode for measuring the viscosity of a liquid by a spring relaxation method and a control mode for measuring the viscosity by rotating a rotor 6a at a constant speed. In this rotary viscosimeter, a driving power is transmitted from a driving power source to a rotor shaft 5b via a spring 4a for rotating the rotor 6a. The rotor shaft 5b is supported on a pivot 11 and a bearing 12. When the viscosity is measured by the spring relaxation method, locking of the rotor shaft 5b is released after the spring 4a is biased while the rotor shaft 5b has been locked. When measurement of the viscosity is performed by rotating the rotor 6a at a constant speed, the rotor 6a is rotated while the locking of the rotor shaft 5b is released. When measurement is not being performed, the rotor shaft 5b is locked and the pivot 11 is separated from the bearing 12.

Abstract: A system collects fluid waste within a closed waste vessel where a waste disposal cycle is determined based upon the pressure level within the waste vessel. In the preferred embodiment, a closed liquid waste vessel accepts waste solutions through conduits having valves controlling conduit fluid communication with treatment vessels. A pressure sensor determines the level of pressure within the waste vessel. A pressurizing device reduces the level of pressure within the vessel. When the pressure within the vessel is lowered to a predetermined level, the valve is opened. When the pressure sensed within the liquid waste vessel then rises above an appointed value, the valve is closed, completing the waste collection of a treated sample. This corresponds to the point in time when the treatment vessel is empty, allowing a sudden rush of air into the waste vessel, raising the vessel pressure to ambient and closing the valve.

Abstract: A sensor device is shown for detection of soil moisture levels using thermal diffusivity techniques. The sensor device has a porous media in a first zone, a heated temperature sensor arranged within the first zone, a second zone of a thermally conductive dense media containing a second reference temperature sensor, and leads connecting the sensors to a circuit to provide power to the heated temperature sensor and to the second reference temperature sensor. The circuit includes a comparator to compare outputs from the heated temperature sensor to the second reference temperature sensor so as to provide a signal indicative of soil moisture levels when the sensor device is operationally placed to receive soil moisture into the first zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing torsional stress/strain states of a power transmitting member of an internal combustion engine to detect an abnormal combustion condition, including misfire or roughness. A first signal is obtained relating to the torsional stress in the member produced by a first combustion event or series of events. A second signal is obtained which relates to the torsional stress in the member produced by a second combustion event or series of events. The first and second signals are compared to detect the abnormal combustion event in the operation of the engine. A magnetostrictive sensor may preferably be used to obtain the signals relating to the torsional stress in the power transmitting member, such as the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: In a misfire detecting apparatus for a multicylinder internal combustion engine, a rotational signal outputting unit outputs a rotary signal at every predetermined rotary angle, and a tentative misfire decision unit tentatively decides, on the basis of the rotary signal, whether or not misfire has occurred in each cylinders of the engine. A tentative misfire number counting unit counts the number of tentative misfires decided for respective cylinders, and a counting result storage unit stores the counting results. After a given number of tentative misfire decisions have been made, it is decided that misfire has actually occurred, only if the counting result, for a part of the cylinders, among the counting results for respective cylinders stored in the counting result storage unit is larger than a predetermined number.

Abstract: The device for determining a misfiring of a cylinder of a multicylinder engine determines that a misfire has occurred when a change in the angular velocity of the crank shaft detected by a crank angle sensor mounted to the engine body becomes larger than a predetermined set value, and to prevent a misjudgement caused by engine vibration, the device changes the mode of operation for determining the misfire when the engine is operated in a region in which the engine vibration is increased, i.e., in this operating region, the determination of the misfire is not carried out, or the above predetermined set value for the change in angular velocity is increased.

Abstract: A target carrier is clamped between a constant velocity joint and a spindle bearing inner race such that an encoded target mounted on the target carrier rotates with a wheel spindle over which the spindle bearing inner race is mounted. A sensor probe is mounted on a steering knuckle within which the constant velocity joint is mounted for the encoded target and for generating a signal indicative of rotation of the wheel spindle. The target carrier may be held by a capturing cup before installation of the constant velocity joint and may serve as a pilot during installation of the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing telemetry and other equipment on the railway car coupler of the end train includes a split strap secured about the rectangular coupler shrank and tightened by a screw bolt. The bracket has one or more stabilizing flanges in bearing engagement with surfaces of the coupler knuckle, and the equipment is mounted to one of such flanges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cavity examination method of a paved road which can examine cavities which are present under the paved road such as the asphalt-paved road in a reduced length of time. By collecting data of the structural conditions of areas under the paved road while traveling on the road by a pavement structure examination vehicle mounted with underground radar means, and scrutinizing according to the above results around the place which may contain a cavity by a pushcart type underground radar means, the cavity examination method of the present invention specifies presence and a planar extent of the cavity. If a cavity is actually detected, a hole with a small diameter is bored in the place and its inner circumferential wall is photographed by a camera to confirm the conditions of the cavity and the area under the pavement by a visual inspection in order to grasp the three dimensional conditions of the cavity.

Abstract: Methods of draw-down and build-up testing on existing production wells are disclosed. The testing may be accomplished without removing the production tubing string from the well. The production of the well is shut down and then a coiled tubing test string is run down into the production tubing string. The coiled tubing test string includes a coiled tubing string, a tester valve carried by the coiled tubing string, and a test packer carried by the coiled tubing string. The test packer is set within one of the casing bore and the production tubing bore above perforations which communicate the casing bore with a subsurface formation. Draw-down and build-up testing of the subsurface formation can then be accomplished by opening and closing the tester valve to selectively flow well fluid up through the coiled tubing string or shut in the coiled tubing string.

Abstract: A plurality of probes 3 or 10 are arranged in a conveying path of a web 1 or 9 comprising a slit sheet or a nonwoven fabric for contact with the web 1 or 9. The probes 3 or 10 are rotatably supported and arranged so that if a defect portion exists in the web 1 or 9, the probes 3 or 10 rotate to the defect portion of the web and protrude under the web, and when the probes 3 or 10 protrude under the web, a detecting means 6b outputs a defect detection signal.

Abstract: A manual transmission shifter for operating a pair of transmission control cables includes a shift lever, a base, and a cross having first and second axles defining the first and second intersecting orthogonal axes. The first axle ends are pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement. A shift lever bracket mounts the shift lever and has a pair of spaced legs which are pivotally mounted on the second axle ends to enable relative pivotal movement of the shift lever about the second axis. A cable control member is attached at its lower end to one of the control cables and has a pair of spaced flanges at its upper end which are pivotally attached to the second axle outwardly of the shift lever bracket legs to enable pivotal movement of the cable control member about the second axis independent of pivotal movement of the shift lever. A bellcrank is pivotally mounted on the base on a third axis that is coplanar with the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A stress isolation technique for an accelerometer of the type that has a reed that includes a paddle, a support, and flexures connecting the paddle to an area of the support. The support includes one or more mounting pads through which the reed is mounted. The area of the support adjacent to the flexures is divided into first and second portions, such that the flexures are connected to the first portion and such that the mounting pads are positioned solely on the second portion. The flexures are therefore isolated from stress coupled into the reed through the mounting pads.

Abstract: The device comprises a transducer which supplies, in response to an exciting signal, a detection signal that is representative of its angular speed, and a circuit which responds to this detection signal to supply an angular speed measurement signal. For this measurement signal to be readily usable regardless of the transducer, the circuit measures the phase difference between the detection signal and the exciting signal, this phase difference being representative of the angular speed of the transducer.

Abstract: A transmitter with a flame arresting header senses a pressure of a process fluid with a diaphragm which is sealed to the header. The diaphragm transfers the pressure of the process fluid acting an outer surface of the diaphragm to a fill fluid that isolates an inner surface of the diaphragm, and a pressure sensor enclosed in the transmitter senses the pressure of the fill fluid providing an output representative of the pressure of the process fluid. The header includes a chamber on the header's outer face and a passageway extending from the chamber to a tapered opening inside the transmitter with a first portion adjacent to the tapered opening shaped to receive an inlet tube leading to the sensor and a second flame isolating portion open to the chamber. The fill fluid fills the chamber, the passageway, and the inlet tube and is sealed in with a tapered seal pressed into the tapered opening around the inlet tube.

Abstract: A device for testing fasteners such as nuts and bolts is described which consists of a fixed base plate having a number of threaded and unthreaded holes of varying size for receiving the fasteners to be tested, a torque marking paper taped on top the fixed base plate for marking torque-angle indicia, a torque wrench for applying torque to the fasteners being tested, and an indicator for showing the torque applied to the fastener. These elements provide a low-cost, non-destructive device for verifying the strength of bolts and nuts.

Abstract: A method of changing the sensitivity of a transducer includes applying to the transducer a cyclic excitation signal. The excitation signal has a number of recurring phases of different amplitudes. The transducer's output signal has a like number of recurring phases, each of which corresponds to a phase of the excitation signal. One of the phases of the output signal is selected for data acquisition. Selection of a different phase changes the effective measuring range of the transducer. Preferably, the excitation signal is an a.c. signal, and the output signal is partially demodulated as part of the selection of a phase for data acquisition.

Abstract: A thermomechanical analyzer for efficiently measuring the dynamic viscoelasticity of a sample piece. The analyzer is provided with a function generator, a stress applier, a strain detector, an analog-to-digital converter, a memory and a Fourier transform processor. The function generator generates a sine wave signal to induce a sine wave stress-strain response in the sample piece. This response is Fourier-transformed by the processor to calculate the dynamic viscoelasticity of the sample piece.

Abstract: A bottom strength-inspecting apparatus for bottom-closed hollow pipes is disclosed. This apparatus includes an air chuck 2 for holding an outer peripheral surface of the bottom-closed hollow pipe W, and a pressing elements coaxially provided with the air such an elastic pressing element 8 adapted to contact a bottom surface 9 of the bottom-closed hollow pipe W from an axially outer side of the hollow pipe and press the bottom surface by given forces.

Abstract: The drive train of a computer mechanism of a counter assembly for a fluid meter includes a linkage assembly with a telescoping rod and sleeve connected between a crank and an input hub.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring multiphase flow in a pipeline with an electric measurement system which includes a plurality of capacitors, which capacitors are formed of at least two plates of non-conducting material, each plate being provided with an array of electrodes. The plates are arranged in the interior of the pipeline and extend substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction thereof.The liquid and gas flowrates are gauged by continuously measuring both the velocity and cross-sectional area of the pipeline occupied by each phase.

Abstract: A technique for continuously determining and displaying the peak and mean velocities of spectral Doppler information is disclosed. Received spectral Doppler data is examined over a predetermined period to determine the signal to noise ratio of the Doppler signals. Individual instantaneous measurements, or lines, of Doppler spectral information are analyzed in the power versus frequency domain to compare the line information against a noise threshold determined by the signal to noise ratio. The maximum frequency signal component is thereby identified as the peak velocity of the spectral line. Mean velocity is calculated as an intensity weighted mean about the maximum power frequency of the line data. The identified peak and mean velocities are displayed in contrasting colors or shades on a continuously updated and displayed flow velocity versus time spectral display.

Abstract: A mass flow meter for flowing media that works on the Coriolis Principle includes a line inlet, at least one Coriolis line carrying the flowing medium, at least one line outlet, at least one oscillator, influencing the Coriolis line, at least one oscillating transducer detecting Coriolis forces and/or Coriolis oscillations based on Coriolis forces and a meter housing. The Coriolis line is connected to the carrier system and the line inlet and the line outlet are connected between the carrier systems and the housing. The flow meter is largely "oscillation self-sufficient" because the carrier system has a natural frequency that is substantially greater than the Coriolis lines natural line frequency and the Coriolis natural frequency. Also, the natural frequency of the flow meter as a whole is substantially smaller than the carrier-system natural frequency.

Abstract: An actuator has a driven shaft for an armature, a final torque switch and at least one electric lead. A process for verifying the cutoff torque of an actuator of an armature includes lifting the actuator away from the armature while keeping at least one electric lead connected to the actuator, connecting a torque measuring shaft and a brake connected to the torque measuring shaft to the driven shaft of the actuator, operating the actuator in the immediate vicinity of the armature and then braking the actuator until response of the final torque switch to ascertain a cutoff torque, and comparing the cutoff torque with a set-point cutoff torque. An apparatus for verifying the turnoff torque of an actuator of an armature includes a torque measuring shaft and a brake being connected to each other.

Abstract: A transducer (30) for sensing tension loading of a conveyor chain (12) of the type including single and dual links (14,16) pivotally connected in an alternating relationship includes a transducer link (40) having opposite ends (42,44) for connection along the chain and also includes a transducer member (46) mounted by the transducer link (40) between its ends. The transducer member (46) includes an opening (48) and at least one strain gauge (50) mounted thereon. A clamp (52) of the transducer compresses the transducer member (46) as tension loading is applied between the opposite ends of the transducer link to provide a strain gauge indication of the extent of the tension loading. The clamp (52) includes a clamp member (54) that opposes a clamping seat (56) on the transducer link (40) with the transducer member (46) clamped therebetween by a connector (58) that extends to one end (42) of the transducer link.

Abstract: A strain-gauge transducer comprises a strain gauge enclosed between pressure members which deform the strain gauge, the strain gauge comprising a plate-shaped substrate provided with strain-detection elements. At least one spring having a flexibility larger than that of the substrate is arranged between the strain gauge and at least one of the pressure members, said substrate and said spring being in contact with one another so as to be jointly subjected to deformations. The spring may be a blade spring, a helical spring, or a cylindrical buffer spring. The excursions of the pressure members can be limited by means of stops. In the case of a blade spring the contact between the substrate and the spring can be controlled by giving the substrate a toothed shape or by providing it with contact elements.

Abstract: A heatable pipette apparatus, includes a pipette tube having a first zone and second zone. The first zone includes a tip end and a first heater for heating the first zone. The second zone includes a second heater for heating the second zone. Regulators are provided for separately regulating the temperature of the first heater and the second heater, the first heater being able to more accurately and precisely alter the temperature of fluids in the tube to reach a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of measuring a state of an IC lead frame are disclosed. The method has the steps of detecting a first projective position of an upper edge of a lead terminal of the IC lead frame on a reference surface and a second projective position of the upper edge, the second projective position of the upper edge having a projective angle different from that of the first projective position of the upper edge, detecting a first projective position of a lower edge of the lead terminal on the reference surface and a second projective position of the lower edge, the second projective position of the lower edge having a projective angle different from that of the first projective position of the lower edge, and computing the state of the lead terminal from the detections of the projective positions.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a press machine comprises a rotary shaft rotated around a first axis by the rotation of a flywheel and an arm mounted on the rotary shaft and pivotally connected to a first link. A second link is pivotally connected to the first link so as to be rotated around a second axis, eccentric from the first axis, by the rotation of the arm. A lever is pivotally connected to the second link so as to be rotated around the first axis by the rotation of the second link and is also connected to a crankshaft so as to rotate the crankshaft. A rotor and guide constrain the rotary motion of the second link relative to the second axis to movement along a hypothetical circle centered on the second axis.

Abstract: A fine displacement device for establishing a measured micro displacement includes first and second plate members disposed in spaced relation to each other to define a gap therebetween with the plate members being secured to each other at opposed portions thereof. An internally threaded hole is formed through one plate member perpendicular thereto and an externally threaded screw is fastened in the hole with an end of the screw abutting against the other plate member. Upon turning the screw in one direction, the plate members will be deformed elastically in a direction perpendicular to the plate members and a distance between a plane of the first plate member and a deformed portion of the first plate member is used as a measure for establishing the micro displacement.

Abstract: A method of making recirculating ball nut and threaded shaft, and race and splined shaft assemblies comprising, cutting the grooved shaft to desired length, relatively moving the shaft and ball nut or race to cause the nut or race to move over the end of the shaft and axially along it to a location removed from the terminal end of the shaft, selecting a pre-machined shaft end component having an external bearing surface of the required size for the diameter and length of shaft which has been cut, and having a sleeve with internal groove and land portions, coating at least one of the grooved portions of the pre-machined shaft end component and the one end of the shaft with a hardenable adhesive, relatively moving the pre-machined shaft end component and shaft to cause the sleeve to move over the terminal end of the shaft and axially along the shaft to dispose the pre-machined end component on the shaft with its sleeve covering the adhesive, and curing the adhesive to form an integrated axially extending key be

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt type steering system having: a steering column having its one end part into which a handle shaft fixed with a steering wheel is rotatably inserted; a pivotal supporting unit for pivotally supported the other end part of the steering column; an adjusting unit for adjusably locating and releasably fixing the steering wheel in an arbitrary position with respect to the car body within the range of pivotal movement of the steering column; a tilt lever for controlling the fixation and the release of the steering column with respect to the car body by the adjusting unit; and a shearing bolt having a head part sheared off when undergoing predetermined or greater torque in order to fix the tilt lever to the adjusting unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating a hydraulic power steering system for automotive vehicles, wherein the steering shaft (1 ) is allowed to roll off on the gear rack (3) to a small degree to actuate the steering valve. To enable this rolling motion, the steering shaft (1 ) is supported in a sleeve (9) which, in turn, is supported through needle bearings (10) so as to be rotatable in relation to the steering gear housing (4). To prevent inadvertent steering maneuvers in the event of partial or complete system failure, the needle bearing axis is arranged in parallel to the center line of the steering shaft (1) as well as in one plane with the steering shaft and with the point of force transmission between pinion (2) and gear rack (3). The needle bearing axis is radially outward from the central point of the steering shaft axis than the point of force transmission. A captivated spring (24) is provided to retain the valve slide (19) in its neutral position.

Abstract: A hand actuated link cable or piston displacement system utilizes a four-bar linkage system attached to a hand-operated lever. The four-bar linkage system is connected by bolts that permit pivotal movement and enable the hand-operated lever to move with little or no longitudinal travel relative to the longitudinal axis of displacement. Adjustments to the lever's angle of operation can be made, as well as adjustments to the power ratio of the system, for applying force.

Abstract: A bicycle speed control apparatus attached to a handlebar having a grip. This apparatus comprises a bracket fixed to the handlebar and having an extension extending away from the handlebar; a support shaft attached to the extension and extending substantially perpendicular a direction in which the grip extends; a shift lever having a control knob provided in a distal end region thereof; and a control device for controlling a change speed wire based on a pivotal displacement of the shift lever. The shift lever is pivotable about the support shaft and has a range of pivotal movement such that a tangent to a substantial locus of movement of the control knob approximates the direction in which the grip extends. This locus of movement is substantially within a width of the grip as seen from an end face of the support shaft. Consequently, the control knob is maintained at a substantially constant short distance to the grip throughout the range of pivotal movement of the shift lever.

Abstract: A cover for vehicle steering wheels that includes a base panel adapted to be stretched over an annular steering wheel and a pair of gripper panels secured to an outside surface of the base panel. The gripper panels are oriented on the base panel to provide preferred, safe positions for the vehicle operator to grasp. A plurality of spaced nodules extend outwardly of the gripper panels which provide an improved grip of the steering wheel and massage the vehicle operator's palms and fingers during extended periods of vehicle operation.