Abstract: A system for forming tubular metal products from tubular workpieces by hydroforming achieving single-step radial expansion of 70-150% with high dimensional accuracy. Enhanced single-step radial expansion is achieved by maintaining a predetermined functional relationship among the driving parameters of the hydroforming process and by increasing the plasticity of the workpiece by employing the fractional deformation effect and by applying ultrasound oscillations and alternating angular strains to the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce a honeycomb body having a multiplicity of at least partially structured sheet metal layers forming a multiplicity of fluid-permeable passages. A fork-like intertwining device is rotatable about a central axis and engages each stack. A former surrounds the intertwining device and has an inner contour corresponding to an outer contour of the honeycomb body to be produced. At least one opening in a wall of the former for stack ends extends substantially parallel to the central axis. In a production of the honeycomb body, at least one stack is layered from a multiplicity of at least partially structured sheet metal layers. Each stack is introduced into a former corresponding to the external shape of the honeycomb body to be produced, with at least one end of each stack projecting out of the former through at least one opening. Each stack is held by an intertwining device rotatable about a central axis, in a central region.

Abstract: A process and a device for dividing a strand of wire rolling stock and/or for cutting the strand of rolling stock into a wire rolling material strand and pieces of scrap by cropping and/or chopping, has the strand of wire rolling stock moving at a high speed of at least up to 80 m/s. The strand of wire rolling stock (1) is briefly and with high intensity deflected by an electromagnetic force "F" acting perpendicular to the actual direction of movement, in a way such that the strand (1) of wire rolling stock is either moved into or out of the acting range between two cutting heads (2a, 2b) for cutting the strand (1). The cutting heads are arranged with their axes parallel to each other and are rotating in opposite directions and each are fitted with at least one knife (3a, 3b).

Abstract: A device for changing the vertical position of the vertical rolls in universal roll stands for rolling girders of different heights, wherein the vertical cross section of the housing of the bearing chock is constructed asymmetrically and the vertical distances of the planes of the two slideways of the bearing chock from the horizontal longitudinal center plane of the vertical roll are dimensioned differently. The increase of the distance between the roller table and the center of the vertical roll can also be achieved by shims which can be placed and fastened on horizontal guide surfaces of the bearing chocks of the vertical rolls of the universal roll stand.

Abstract: A system and method for extending work roll useful life and controlling workpiece profile during thickness gauge reduction of continuous metal strip by axially shifting rotating work rolls during rolling, applying work roll bending forces at locations for maximum leverage and enabling work roll dressing apparatus to be located such that detrimental strip processing conditions of the working zone are not encountering by the dressing apparatus; shortening of work roll length is made possible by the location of the dressing apparatus.

Abstract: A fine steel or wire train with a multiple-stand roughing train, a multiple-stand intermediate train and a finishing block composed of six or eight or ten roll stands with a common drive, wherein at least the two last roll stands of the finishing block are each provided with an individual drive unit and the drive shafts of the last two roll stands which can be uncoupled intersect the principal drive shafts of the coupled stands.

Abstract: A device for hemming of sheet metals, particularly of coachwork sheet metals in automobile manufacture, wherein a driven ram with superposed hemming bed arranged in a base rack presses the sheet metals to be hemmed against stationary hemming tools. The working stroke and the force for hemming of sheet metals is pneumatically transmitted to ram by the aid of a compressed-air cushion arranged between base rack and ram.

Abstract: A spring producing device comprises a main body, a first axle, a second axle, a spindle and a motor. The first axle is arranged on the main body and has a plurality of bumps, the spindle has at least one bump, and the motor is connected to the second axle such that the motor can drive the spindle through the second axle. The rotation angle of the spindle can be precisely controlled and the yield is enhanced with little manual labor.

Abstract: In an inventive analyzing system (e.g. liquid chromatograph), an analyzing schedule includes data on whether or not to carry out a self-check for each sample, and data on what process to follow the self-check according to the check result, in addition to data on the analyzing order and analyzing condition of a series of analyses on a plurality of samples. In carrying out the analysis according to the schedule, a self-check is carried out after an analysis of a sample for which the self-check is scheduled. In the self-check, a data collecting unit 17 collects data on the degree of degradation of expendable parts and on the wavelength error of a spectrophotometric detector 14, etc., and a checking unit 18 detects abnormality by comparing the data to preset tolerable values. For example, in the case where the process specified to follow the detection of abnormality is "stop analysis on detecting abnormality", a control unit 15 stops each part of the system so that the rest of the analyses are deferred.

Abstract: A location system for a motor vehicle in which the calibration of a displacement sensor is performed with the aid of satellite signals. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver may be used, and the current vehicle speed within a time segment is calculated using the Doppler method. The distance traveled is ascertained from the vehicle speed. By taking a mean, calculating the dispersion, and performing a weighting, a very accurate reference value for calibration of the displacement sensor is achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for driving a sensor with offset control. Such processes for driving are required, for example, to be used in acceleration transducers in motor vehicles for triggering, e.g., airbags or belt-tensioning devices. However, with existing processes the output nominal signal was repeatedly corrupted, e.g., by temperature-related interference signals, also known as the offset. In addition, existing systems are unreliable during turn-on. However, with the process according to this invention, the sign and the value of the difference between the output signal and a reference voltage is detected at a fixed or variable time pulse, with the sign changing the measuring voltage at the output and the difference value determining the clock frequency for this control process. Also, during turn-on a significantly increased clock frequency will be reduced in stages until the operating frequency is reached.

Abstract: A chromatography column for microwave heating either incorporates microwave absorbing material into the column itself or positions the column adjacent to microwave absorbing material so that the column and the chromatography sample contained therein are heated by the microwave absorbing material via conduction or convection. For example, a microwave absorbing material (e.g., ferrite) can be fused into the inner silica layer or incorporated in an outer polymer layer of the column. Microwave absorbing material can also be incorporated into an external element (e.g., an outer tube, sleeve, or spool) positioned adjacent to the chromatography column. A layer of thermal insulation can be placed around the column to decrease the rate of heat loss. Optionally, a gap can be provided between the chromatography column and thermal insulation to further reduce heat loss during the heating cycle and to accelerate cooling at the end of the heating cycle by making it possible to ventilate the heated column.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph includes a manifold having a plurality of gas conduits formed therein. A valve module includes a support, a first valve mounted to the support and having a plurality of ports, and a column coupled to the support and being in communication with a port in the first valve. The valve module is pluggably engagable with the manifold. A detector is coupled relative to the column to detect gasses expelled from the column.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor including a piezoelectric device with a hydrogen-interactive metal film that reversibly interacts with hydrogen to provide a correspondingly altered frequency response characteristic, relative to the frequency response in the absence of hydrogen. The piezoelectric device may be for example a quartz microbalance or a surface acoustic wave device, having a thin film (e.g., 10-100,000 Angstroms thickness) coating thereon of a hydrogen-interactive metal such as palladium, platinum, nickel or the like.

Abstract: A vibration gas density meter provided with a cylindrical resonator, a cylinder block that incorporates the above cylindrical resonator concentrically and has one end of the cylindrical resonator fixed to itself, and a case which concentrically incorporates the above cylinder block and supports both ends of the cylinder block, further comprising first and second elastic elements which are provided between both end faces of the cylinder block and the case respectively, and through which the cylinder block is supported by the case in the direction of cylindrical axis, sealing the gaps between the cylinder block and the case as well, and third and fourth elastic elements which are provided between both parts of the outer cylindrical surface on both end face sides of the above cylinder block and the case respectively and through which the cylinder block is supported by the case in the radial direction, sealing the gaps between the cylinder block and the case as well.

Abstract: The object of positioning a measurement probe (5) very close to but not in contact with moving measured material (9) is solved in accordance with the invention in that air is blown through a nozzle in the measurement probe between the probe and the material being measured, and in that the pressure in the flowing medium between the measurement probe and the material being measured is measured, and from this a regulation signal is derived for the spacing. The air cushion which forms between the material being measured and the measurement probe, on the one hand, prevents mutual contact and additionally serves as a medium in the measuring system for the measurement of the spacing.

Abstract: Providing an apparatus for detecting gas leakage from the periphery of a cylinder valve or the like of a plurality of gas cylinders, non-manually in a short time without failure, in place of manual detection.The apparatus for detecting gas leakage from a plurality of gas cylinders is characterized in that the apparatus is constructed such that one end of each of flexible hoses (2) is connected to each cap (1) put on a plurality of gas cylinders, the other end of each of flexible hoses is connected to one of the faces of an assembly panel (3), another flexible hose (4) is led out of the other face of the assembly panel and connected to a detector (6), a gas aspirator (5) for sucking gas from the cap, is connected upstream or downstream of the detector (6), and these apparatuses are controlled by a controller (7).

Abstract: A tube loading apparatus and method for tensile strength and leak testing an elongated, hollow tube such as a steam generator heat transfer tube of a steam generator plant. The apparatus may be used to determine the axial or compressive load placed on a hollow tube.

Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting fugitive emissions from valves and other emissions sources is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a capsule enclosing at least a portion of the equipment and an ejector in fluid flow communication with the capsule. The ejector is connected to a compressed air source, which creates a pressure drop in the ejector which draws emissions from the capsule into the ejector. The apparatus may include a sensor chamber housing gas sensors to detect the presence and concentration of any emissions from the equipment being monitored, and may store emissions data, communicate the data to a plant process control system, and use the data to control plant conditions to reduce or eliminate the emissions.

Abstract: Method and equipment for the detection and identification of particles in a suspension with the aid of acoustic signals, directed at at least one measurement volume within the suspension, via reception of acoustic reflection signals, conversion of the acoustic reflection signals into electrical reflection signals, counting the number of electrical reflection signals which have an amplitude in excess of a predetermined value and converting the count into numbers of particles which are larger than a certain size, at least one curve being composed on the basis of a cumulative count of the number of reflection signals which have an amplitude in excess of a specific value as a function of the amplitude and the at least one curve being compared with predetermined standard cumulative count curves and material properties, particle concentration, particle size distribution and/or particle characteristics, such as particle shape, particle size and standard deviation thereof, are deduced from the comparison.

Abstract: An engine analyzing system includes an engine analyzer unit having a CRT display screen for displaying display data based on parameter data received from an associated engine. The system also includes a remote portable display unit with a second CRT display screen and a display control keypad. Each of the analyzer unit and the remote display unit has a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The data displayed on the analyzer display screen is transmitted to the remote unit for display on its screen. By use of the keypad display control signals are transmitted from the remote unit to the analyzer unit for controlling the analyzer unit display and, thereby, the remote unit display.

Abstract: A dipstick device with an integral wiper system is provided which comprises a wiping button which automatically resets the mechanism after actuating switch (i.e., a button) is pressed down to release a spring loaded dipstick tube guide which in turn moves in an upward direction to expose the dipstick to an elastomeric wiping assembly which wipes the dipstick as the dipstick is withdrawn from the dipstick tube guide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a rotary throttle position sensor for detecting the position of throttle shaft of internal combustion engine, and aims to increase the reliability in installation on a throttle shaft. The rotor prior to installation is provisionally retained in position to always ensure the initial point of rotation by making a protrusion provided on rotor touch and ride over a protrusion provided on the cover, thereby the rotor is pressed to the case when the cover is assembled on the case.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the wheel rpm values of the nondriven and the driven wheels and for comparing them with one another in order to improve vehicle stability, for example when the driving torque of the engine is too high. A friction clutch located between the drive motor and the wheels in the drive train is disengaged when the rpm of the driven wheels is less than the rpm of the nondriven wheels and the difference between the two wheel rpm values exceeds a given limiting value. The friction clutch is re-engaged when the difference between the two wheel rpm values reaches or falls below a second limiting value.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) and a battery are connected to an alternator via a changeover switch. The changeover switch connects either of the EHC and the battery to the alternator. The slip-detecting device detects the rotational speed of the alternator from the frequency of the ripple in the output voltage of the alternator when the EHC is connected to the alternator, i.e., when the battery is isolated from the alternator. When the battery is isolated from the alternator, the output voltage of the alternator is raised, and the amplitude of the ripple becomes large accordingly. Further, since the battery is isolated, the ripples in the output voltage are not smoothed by the battery. Therefore, the rotational speed of the alternator is accurately detected. The slip-detecting device detects the slip of the driving belt of the generator based on the rotational speeds of the driver and the alternator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an opening of a throttle valve to adjust an amount of air flow led into an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle. A depression sensor detects the degree of depression of an accelerator pedal. An electric component is provided for electrically adjusting the opening of the throttle valve based on the depression of the gas pedal. A mechanical component is provided for adjusting the opening of the throttle valve in response to the depression of the accelerator pedal. The mechanical component is rendered operable when the electric component fails to control the opening of the throttle valve. An electric control unit (ECU) prohibits the electric component from resuming control of the throttle valve until a certain condition is met, such as stoppage of the engine or the entire vehicle, even if the electric component is capable of controlling the throttle valve.

Abstract: A device for measuring and monitoring the volume of liquid in a container comprises an adapter for mounting the device in an opening in the top wall of the container. The adapter supports a beam onto which one end of a float is connected such that the free end of the float extends substantially vertically into the container. A strain gauge is disposed on the beam so that the measuring direction of the gauge is parallel to the main axis of the beam. The device can also include a sensor for measuring physical parameters of the container. A processor is connected to the strain gauge and any sensor to take data from those input devices. During a calibration operation, a measurement function is derived to correlate strain gauge readings to the volume of liquid in the container. The function is recorded in a processor which takes data from the strain gauge and calculates the actual volume of liquid in the container. An output component displays the measurement.

Abstract: A navigation system and method for diving operation in view of facilitating navigation under water to a specific location, in particular navigation back to a dive starting point, i.e., to the place from which the diving was started. The system includes a base station fixed to the starting point, such as a boat or equivalent, and arranged to transmit a signal to its environment, and a mobile unit carried along by the diver. The mobile unit includes a compass and a locating part which receives the signal transmitted by the base station. The locating part converts the signal to information on the return direction, and combines the information on the return direction with the magnetic information on the direction obtained from the compass, so that the information on the return direction from the position of the diver when the signal is received is maintained irrespective of the momentary location and position of the diver and the mobile unit.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes: a column-shaped vibrating body; driving elements formed on side-faces of the vibrating body, for exciting a bending vibration in the vibrating body; detection elements formed on side-faces of the vibrating body, for detecting changes in the bending vibration of the vibrating body; pseudo-Coriolis force generating elements formed on side-faces of the vibrating body, for applying a force to the vibrating body in the same direction as that of a Coriolis force generated when a rotational angular velocity is produced about the vibrating body; and a pseudo-Coriolis signal generating circuit for supplying the pseudo-Coriolis force generating elements with a pseudo-Coriolis signal to apply a force in the same direction as that of the Coriolis force to the vibrating body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniaturized accelerometer of the type with spring compensation of the gravity effect. The accelerometer seismic mass (1), its support and the compensating spring (2) are produced in the same substrate (10), regulating means being provided for placing the spring under mechanical tension.

Abstract: A phased array of piezoelectric transducers is used to control and manipulate contained as well as uncontained fluids in space and earth applications. The transducers in the phased array are individually activated while being commonly controlled to produce acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming. The phased array is activated to produce a single pulse, a pulse burst or a continuous pulse to agitate, segregate or manipulate liquids and gases. The phased array generated acoustic radiation pressure is also useful in manipulating a drop, a bubble or other object immersed in a liquid. The transducers can be arranged in any number of layouts including linear single or multi-dimensional, space curved and annular arrays. The individual transducers in the array are activated by a controller, preferably driven by a computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing hydrodynamic performance characteristics of an object is operative for remotely manipulating the object using standing acoustic wave fields. The object is provided with a plurality of internal solid ies, each having a region of ordered voids. The object is placed in a fluid flow tunnel, and standing wave fields are propagated through the fluid by means of transducers mounted on the walls of the tunnel. The wave fields align the ordered voids in the solid bodies, and the alignment forces are transmitted to the bodies resulting in movement of the object. Matching pairs of transducers can be employed to create movement in roll, pitch, and yaw directions. Once a static position of the object is established by adjusting the power levels of the various transducers, movement of the object is accomplished by introducing ordered frequency shifts into the wave fields, or by physically moving the positions of the transducers relative to the object.

Abstract: The technology used in the present invention is acousto-ultrasonics (AU), in which a transmitted signal, at a controlled frequency is injected into a specimen with one transducer and received at another location by another transducer, permitting evaluation of the condition of the material in the signal path. In the experiments that were made using the present invention, the material within the press was a particleboard mat having the signal injected into the edge of one platen and received at the edge of the second platen. The AU signal received at the second platen is initially in response to pressure changes in the mat and subsequently follows the progression of internal bonding of the material. Since the propagated wave through the mat reacts to resin curing during the last phase of pressing, changes in material or press variables are reflected directly in shifts of the curve received at the second platen.

Abstract: A method for measuring the cover thickness of a reinforcing bar in concrete. An impacting device and a receiver are disposed on the concrete surface along the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing bar with a predetermined distance H provided between the impacting device and the receiver. Then, an impact is applied on the concrete surface by the impacting device, to generate a dilatational wave which propagates into the concrete and is totally refracted at an interface between the concrete and the reinforcing bar, and is received by the receiver. Then, the cover thickness of the reinforcing bar is calculated according to the travel time for the dilatational wave from the impact device through the reinforcing bar to the receiver.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify localized anomalies internal to the wooden members substantially smaller than the full width of the ultrasonic beam. Multiple spatially displaced measurements allow generation of comprehensive maps of the wooden members to aid in computer cutting and grading of the wooden members.

Abstract: To suppress the projection of an O ring when a plurality of O rings fitted onto a pipe are inserted into the respective O ring storage chambers of a cup, first and second O ring storage chambers corresponding to the plurality of O rings are formed in the cup, and the line diameter of an O ring which is inserted later is made larger than the line diameter of the O ring which is first inserted.

Abstract: A pressure transducer having a redundant fluid pressure sensor can be used to determine if the pressure transducer needs to be recalibrated. The pressure transducer comprises a fluid pressure sensor for measuring differential pressure. The fluid pressure sensor includes a pair of substantially identical pressure sensors for providing a variable electrical output as a function of a differential fluid pressure and a reference sensor for providing an electrical output independent of the differential fluid pressure. A conditioning circuit is provided for generating a frequency-based signal whose frequency is a function of the electrical output for each fluid pressure sensor. The electrical output of the first and second pressure sensors can be compared to determine whether the pressure transducer needs to be calibrated. In one embodiment, the pressure sensors comprise variable capacitors.

Abstract: The disclosed pressure transducer assembly includes a first body, a second body, a diaphragm, and an electrode. The first body induces a case, one or more spokes, and a hub. The case has an interior surface. Each of said spokes extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of each spoke contacts the interior surface and the second end of each spoke contacts the hub. The diaphragm is mounted between the first and second bodies. The first body and the diaphragm form a first chamber. The second body and the diaphragm form a second chamber. A portion of the diaphragm flexes in a first direction in response to pressure in the first chamber being greater than pressure in the second chamber. A portion of the diaphragm flexes in a second direction, opposite the first direction, in response to pressure in the second chamber being greater than pressure in the first chamber. The electrode is disposed in the first chamber and is fixed to the hub.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring in situ the strain and stress of concrete, and having an initial stress resulting from existing stress in the concrete and stress caused from varying externally applied forces on the concrete, by placing a strain gauge on an outer face of the concrete and reading the output to determine an original baseline reading, then cutting spaced slots above and below the gauge to define a segment of the concrete, placing flat jacks into the slots, pressurizing the flat jacks to restore the initial strain to the original baseline reading in the gauge to determine the initial stress in the segment, as alternatives, then leaving the flat jacks pressurized with constant pressure in the slots to measure variations in the strain in the segment over a period of time caused by creep in the concrete, or determining the modulus of elasticity of the concrete by incrementally varying the pressure on the segments while measuring corresponding strain, or adding an adjacent strain gauge to measure t

Abstract: A device and method of measuring and controlling the flow rate of a fluid determine analog process variables which are dependent on a volumetric flow of the fluid, and the values thus obtained are converted into digital values, the latter being corrected by an offset value which is dependent on a change of the operating parameters of analog components of the measuring system occurring in the course of operation of the system. To obtain the offset value, an analog process variable is determined during interruptions in operation, when the volumetric flow is zero, and converted into a digital value. This digital value is memorized and used as the offset value when operations are resumed. The digital corrected measured values are supplied to a digital signal processor and the flow rate control is carried out digitally. Preferably, at least one parameter memory is provided for the digital control.

Abstract: An earring force tester for clip-on type earrings detects the spring force of an earring and provides a visual output signal including whether the spring force is above (too tight), below (too loose) or within an acceptable range of force. The output signals are different colored LEDs. The lower and upper boundaries of the range can be adjusted such as to calibrate the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a rotary position sensor to a linkage pin housing and a linkage pin. The linkage pin is rotatably positioned within the linkage pin housing. The apparatus includes a sensor housing adapted to mount to the linkage pin housing, and a linkage pin adapter located within the sensor housing and having a first end adapted to mount to the linkage pin. The linkage pin adapter is adapted to rotate within the sensor housing as a function of a rotation of the linkage pin. The apparatus also includes a first coupling member connected to a second end of the linkage pin adapter. The first coupling member is flexible and has a general cup shape extending away from the linkage pin adapter. In addition, the apparatus includes a second coupling member connected to the first coupling member. The second coupling member is adapted to drivably rotate the rotary position sensor in response to the rotation of the linkage pin.

Abstract: An exemplary inspection apparatus for inspecting an article comprises a flexible sensor for sensing a characteristic of the article, which sensor conforms to a surface of the article, a finger cover which fits over a finger of a user, and an attachment device for removably attaching the sensor to the finger cover. The apparatus allows the user to traverse the sensor over a large range of smoothly varying concave or convex inspection surfaces, for example, while providing the user with direct control of the sensor.

Abstract: A gear control system intended in particular for an electrically operated automatic transmission of layshaft design comprises the following elements: a hydraulic system with pressure lines; a pump (5) for generating a system pressure; a first pressure reduction valve (6) for adjusting the system pressure; and switching elements (1, 2, 3, 4) at least one of which takes the form of a higher gear (1) for forward drive, another takes the form of a lower gear (2) for forward drive, another takes the form of a switching element for reverse drive (3) and another takes the form of a clutch (4). The switching elements can be actuated by pressure via the pressure lines with pilot valves (10, 11, 12) and switching of one of the switching elements (1, 2, 3) or clutch (4) is defined by the switching position of the pilot valves (10, 11, 12) and of a multi-directional valve (16) connected upstream of the switching elements (1, 2, 3).

Abstract: A gear reduction system is provided including two-stage gear reducers that may be converted to three-stage gear reducers by addition of a modular input stage. The modular input stage converts the input stage of the two-stage reducers to an intermediate stage of the three-stage reducers. Gearing, preferably including both drive pinions and driven gears, of the input stages of the two-stage reducers are used in the intermediate stages of the three-stage reducers, thereby reducing the overall number of parts needed for a family or series of reducers. Gearing is also common between input (and intermediate) stages of smaller gear reducers and modular input stages used with larger gear reducers, further reducing the number of different parts. The two-stage reducers and modular input stages of the three-stage reducers are preferably driven by modular transmission adapters that support the drive pinions of the input stages.

Abstract: A control system for the axes of movement of handling machines with linear drives and/or pivoting drives for transporting and for positioning workpieces relative to and in a target point, particularly relative to and on processing machines. The control system combines a speed adjustment or speed control of the axes of movement of the handling machine for moving a workpiece into the area of a target point, on the one hand, and a position control of the axes of movement for the precise positioning of the workpiece in the target point, on the other hand.

Abstract: Manually-operated remote-control device, especially hydraulic manipulator, comprising: a body (1) containing at least one moving signal-generating member, controlled by a push-rod (2) projecting above the body (1) and movable by a rocking cam (4) fixed to the top of the body (1); means (5) of rotary articulation, comprising a fixed clevis mount (5a) secured to the body (1) and a moving clevis mount (5b) secured to the cam (4), these clevis mounts (5a, 5b) being coupled together so as to allow the cam (4) to rock with respect to the body (1); a base (6) secured to this cam and supporting an operating handgrip (7); characterized in that the moving clevis mount (5b) of the articulation means, the cam (4) and the base (6) are constructed in the form of a single monobloc component (14).

Abstract: An over-the-highway truck or tractor equipped with a gear shift lever selectively foldable from an operating position to a folded position is disclosed. The gear shift lever includes upper and lower lever portions relatively telescopically and rotatably connected. The upper lever portion includes a generally L-shaped slot, while the lower lever portion carries a pin slidably engageable with and guided by the L-shaped slot for relative guiding movement of the lever portions. A tapered leg of the slot is arranged to allow relatively telescopic and pivotal movement between the lever portions and a foot of the slot extends laterally from the leg. The foot allows relatively rotatable movement between the lever portions to engage the pin and foot in the operating position. A coil spring urges the lever portions apart so that when the pin is within the leg the lever portions are relatively moveable axially.

Abstract: In a shift lever assembly for a vehicle comprising a base member and a shift lever pivotably supported by the base member, the shift lever is detachable from the base member when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever. Typically, the base member comprises a retaining member for holding the shift lever in an operable position and the retaining member is given a strength so as to break when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the retaining member to thereby release the shift lever. In this way, when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever for example by being hit against by a driver or a passenger in a traffic accident, the shift lever is detached from the base and retracted into the instrument panel, thereby effectively preventing the shift lever from causing damage to the driver or passenger.