Abstract: Washing tunnel comprising a drum (16) with a horizontal axis, partitioned lengthwise to form successive adjacent compartments between which loads of laundry are transferred while undergoing prewash, washing and rinsing operations. The partitioning is achieved by means of partitions (30) the upper parts of which are pierced to create openings (32) that have the shape of circular sectors. Each compartment contains a blade (34) that transfers the laundry when the drum (16) makes a complete revolution. The blade (34) joins the opposing sides of the openings (32). It is formed of at least three more or less flat sections (36, 38) assembled using straight or circular welds. Automated production is therefore possible.

Abstract: A locking device to fit over a tractor trailer or container carrier air hose coupling consists of a rectangular cage of cut tubular steel with perpendicular welded flange and adjacent hole into which fits an angle flange with welded pin. Alternatively the locking device with semicircular flanges can be fabricated from sheet steel in a continuous bending, stamping, welding and laser drilling operation. A high impact strength plastic is required when the locking device is produced by injection molding. In use a flanged cage is placed over an air hose coupling with the hole directly over the air hole, and a pin or tongue insert is inserted while the hasp of the padlock passes through matching hasp holes. The locking device can be connected and color coded and used for an inventory control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel bicycle locking system for bicycles of all makes which embodies a conventional key and tumbler arrangement coupled to a cam and locking pin. The locking assembly of the system is installed on the steering column of the bicycle's frame and becomes an integral part of the bicycle. When in the locked position, the locking assembly renders the bicycle unrideable by virtually locking the steering wheel in a zero degree or forty-five degree angle. The locking assembly includes a first locking component with a semi-cylindrical surface positionable around the frame of a bicycle at an elevation adjacent to the elevation of an aperture therethrough. The assembly includes a second locking component with a semi-cylindrical surface positionable around the frame in mating contact with the first locking component to form a cylindrical component around the frame. The intermediate component has a radial aperture positioned in alignment with the aperture of the frame.

Abstract: A steering lock device including; a fixed housing, a cylinder body mounted to the housing, a rotor disposed in the cylinder body and made rotatable by an inserted key, a steering shaft having an engagement recess defined in a portion of a circumferential surface, a lock pin slidably supported in the housing and engageable at the top end with the engagement recess, and a look mechanism actuated in accordance with the rotation of the rotor to conduct engagement and release of engagement of the lock pin with and from the engagement recess, wherein the lock pin comprises an engagement pin section that slides being guided by a first slide hole in the housing and engageable at a top end with the engagement recess and a cam driven section that slides being guided by a second slide hole in the housing and actuated by an operation force of the lock mechanism by way of a cam, wherein the engagement pin section and the cam driven section are formed integrally by pressing into a plate-shaped member, and wherein burr esca

Abstract: A self powered lock is powered by a manually driven generator. The data input to the lock is entered by rotating the dial and stopping and waiting a predetermined amount of time when a desired number is displayed on the lock display. The drive of the power generator, a stepper motor, is through a unidirectional clutch such that the generator is only driven when the dial is rotated in a selected direction and remains stationary when the dial is rotated in the opposite direction. The data input, including entry of the combination, to the lock is provided by a stepper motor which generates a train of electrical pulses. The electrical pulses are used by the electronic controls of the lock to control the electronic controls including entering the combination. The data input pulses are generated by a stepper motor driven to act as a generator.

Abstract: A closure for a switchgear cabinet door, machine case or the like, having a safety device. A lock is attached to the switchgear cabinet door, machine case or the like with a first locking element, and a second locking element is attached to the door frame, machine case frame or the like. Both locking elements can be brought into and out of functional connection with each other under the control of an electric signal. Additional locking of the closure can be simply achieved with commercially available locks because the lock has a turnbuckle, which can be rotated by 90.degree., as the first locking element, and an electromagnet is attached to the door frame or the machine case frame, whereby a locking member as the second locking element can be displaced into and out of the pivot range of the turnbuckle.

Abstract: An electrically operated, strong, security system comprising a lock with remote control installed in a wall adjacent to a door frame. The lock comprises rods which extend into the door when the door is closed and in a locked state. In an unlocked state an actuator retracts the rods from the door, back into the door frame. The security lock system provides a manual control for the lock inside a house or building along with indicator lights showing the lock status. An emergency DC battery provides power for the security lock if there is a primary power outage. A remote control locks all doors in the house simultaneous that have such a security lock, and the remote control unlocks only the door or doors selected to be unlocked.

Abstract: A lock with a plug (2) removable from a housing (16) is disclosed. The plug (2) includes a restraining member (46) and a protrusion (40) which engages a concentric groove (52) formed onto a plug housing. Intersecting the concentric groove is a longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting an operation key the restraining member is forced into engagement with the concentric groove thereby preventing plug removal even upon alignment of the protrusion with the longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting a removal key (42) the restraining member (46) is disengaged from the concentric groove so that the plug may be withdrawn upon rotationally aligning the protrusion (40) with the longitudinal groove (50). In this manner a simple and compact removable plug is provided to aid rapid lock re-keying.

Abstract: Teeth are ring rolled in a closed die formed between upper and lower clamping elements in a starting workpiece that is a pretreated blank whose shape outside a region to be deformed by upper and lower profiled tools already corresponds generally to a desired finished shape. Prior to rolling the region to be deformed is heated and the upper profiled tool together with the upper synchronously rotating clamping element form a closed cavity around the heated region to be deformed of the workpiece with the upper tool angled relative to the workpiece. The tools and elements are rotated while engaging the workpiece and deformation takes place between the rotating tools. The angled upper tool is advanced along its symmetry line into the workpiece as the workpiece is deformed. The upper clamping element is axially retracted opposite to the upper tool and away from the workpiece during the rolling process along the symmetry line of the upper profiled tool as the workpiece is deformed.

Abstract: A work roll crossing type rolling mill has back-up rolls arranged in such a manner that their axes are not inclined in a horizontal plane. Work rolls are constructed in such a manner that their axes can be inclined in a horizontal plane relative to the backup rolls such that the axes of the work rolls cross the axes of the back-up rolls and such that the axes of the work rolls cross each other. A lubricant supply device is provided for supplying a lubricant between each work roll and each back-up roll combination to greatly reduce the thrust exerted to the work rolls, whereby the rolling mill is given an excellent ability of controlling the crown of the material to be rolled.

Abstract: In the present sensor element failure or end of life judging method, the internal impedance of a gas sensor element is measured and, if the thus measured internal impedance goes beyond a previously determined threshold value, then it is judged that the gas sensor element fails or comes to the end of life.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for calibration of an analysis system (1) having a diaphragm (2), the outside of which is immersed into a medium (3) to be analyzed, and on the inside of which a carrier fluid (9) for the admission of a species penetrating the diaphragm (2) is flowing. On this system a calibration in situ should be possible, without causing high costs for constructional measures. For this purpose, the carrier fluid is, in a calibration step, retained on the inside of the diaphragm (2) for a predetermined sojourn time, and then the load of species in the carrier fluid (9) is determined. In a further calibration step, the carrier fluid is led past the diaphragm at a speed also used for measurements, and the load of species in the carrier fluid is measured. Then the penetration behavior of the diaphragm is determined on the basis of both load values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking a sensor which generates an electrical measuring signal on the basis of a non-electrical physical value. A test value transmitter is used to generate a non-electrical physical value (which is the same type as the physical value to be measured by the sensor) when an electrical checking signal is applied. The electrical checking signal and the electrical test signal are compared with each other and thus simulate a measuring operation of the sensor. The sensor is effectively checked, on the basis of its own physical measuring operation over the sensors entire measuring range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real time gas analysis involving determining individual concentrations of fluid constituents in a mixture of known constituents by measuring properties of the mixture and solving a set of equations, which relate the individual gas concentrations to the measured properties of the mixture, for the unknown individual gas concentrations. The individual concentrations of four gasses in a mixture are determined by: passing the mixture through a flowmeter, a capillary, an orifice, and a sonic oscillator; transducing temperature, pressure and acoustic frequency measurements taken from the sensors; determining the density, viscosity, and the specific heat of the mixture; forming three equations which respectively relate these three properties to individual gas concentrations; and solving the three equations and the constitutive equation which requires that the sum of the concentrations equal unity, for the four unknown individual gas concentrations.

Abstract: A method and a sensing device of measuring a concentration of a gas component of a measurement gas, which method includes the steps of: introducing the measurement gas containing the gas component, from an external measurement-gas space into a first internal space, under a diffusion resistance; controlling an amount of oxygen in the measurement gas within the first internal space, so as to produce an atmosphere which does not substantially affect measurement of the gas component and which does not convert the gas component; introducing the atmosphere from the first internal space into a second internal space, under a diffusion resistance; and measuring the concentration of the gas component present in the atmosphere in the second internal space.

Abstract: An electric-component transferring apparatus having a suction testing function, including at least one suction device which sucks and holds an electric component by a negative pressure; a suction-device moving device which moves the suction device; a negative-pressure control device which controls the negative pressure supplied to the suction device; a negative-pressure measuring device which measures the negative pressure of the suction device; and a test control device which controls the suction-device moving device, the negative-pressure control device, and the negative-pressure measuring device so that the suction-device moving device moves the suction device to a position where the negative-pressure measuring device is present and the measuring device measures the negative pressure of the suction device.

Abstract: A device for measuring the concentration changes of a vapor at various moisture contents ranging from saturation to dry and under different confining stress as it diffuses through a porous media which includes a porous central housing having a central space and a fluid conveying line extending into the central space of the central housing and an outer housing which encompasses for containment of the central housing and is positioned in an outward spaced relation from the central housing to form a medial space, between the external housing and the internal housing and having a second fluid conveying line extending into the medial space.

Abstract: A probe for use in sensing moisture content of bulk grain or other granular material comprises a cylindrical tube, for example of plastics, having a tapering nose, and having adjacent said nose first and second electrical conductors wound helically around the tube so that the turns of one conductor are spaced from, and alternate with, the turns of the other conductor. The conductors are electrically insulated from one another by the plastics tube but are exposed on the surface of the tube, or project slightly from such surface, for direct electrical contact with the granular material. The conductors extend through respective apertures in the plastics tube and are connected within the tube to respective insulated conductors extending to electronic measuring circuitry within a handle of the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning apparatus, providing for an excursion of a tool (12) with respect to a sample or medium to be interacted with. The positioning apparatus comprises apparatus for applying a driving force (F.sub.D) which causes the excursion of the tool (12). Counteracting apparatus is provided which exerts a counteracting force (F.sub.C) to the driving force (F.sub.D). The counteracting apparatus comprises a deformable substance (25) which is mechanically coupled to the tool (12) and effects the counteracting force (F.sub.C) and further comprises adjustment means (28) allowing to adjust the deformability of the deformable substance (25).

Abstract: A measuring procedure and a flowmeter for the measurement of liquid flow in a hole bored in the ground, such as rock. The flowmeter consists of a long cylindrical body comprising: ring-shaped sealing elements (5) placed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction to seal off a certain volumetric section from the rest of the hole; dividing elements (6) for dividing the volumetric section into at least three sectors (1) extending from one sealing element to the other; flow ducts (2) interconnecting the sectors; an impulse source (3) placed at the junction of the flow ducts; and sensors (4) placed in the flow ducts for measuring the magnitudes and velocities of currents between sectors by monitoring the velocity and direction of motion of an impulse.

Abstract: A sewer basin has a tube mounted longitudinally in the basin to isolate the level sensing elements from particulate and non-soluble materials present in the basin which could contaminate the elements, which are used for selectively activating a pump in the basin. The liquid level in the tube is kept in equilibrium with the liquid outside of the tube by an aperture below the normal low liquid level. A filter is provided in the tube between the aperture and the level sensing elements. The filter is formed by a stack of filter elements mounted on an axial post extending into the tube from a bottom end cap. The elements are limited in their axial mobility on the axial post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects in computed tomography (CT) data are disclosed. Sheet-shaped objects such as sheet explosives can be detected by analyzing a neighborhood of voxels surrounding a test voxel. If the density of the test voxel is sufficiently different from the mean density of the neighboring voxels, then it is concluded that the test voxel is associated with a sheet object. Sheet objects can also be detected by eroding the CT data so as to eliminate voxels associated with thin objects. Remaining objects are then subtracted from the original data, leaving only thin sheet-shaped objects. Erosion of the data can be performed by identifying a neighborhood of voxels surrounding a voxel of interest. If the number of voxels having densities below a predetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined number, then it is assumed that the test voxel is a surface voxel and is removed from the object.

Abstract: A shaft (270) is provided along the Z-axis on a semiconductor substrate (100), whose upper surface extends along the XY-plane, to fit a rotor (200) consisting of dielectric material. The rotor is supported by the shaft so that it can be inclined and can be rotated. The peripheral portion of the rotor constitutes weight bodies (211, 212), and stators (111, 115) consisting of conductive material are disposed at the periphery thereof. When a.c. voltages of predetermined period are delivered to the stators, the rotor is rotated while floating in accordance with the principle of the induction motor. When angular velocity .omega.x about the X-axis is applied to the substrate 100, Coriolis force Fcz in the Z-axis positive direction is applied to the weight body (211) passing through the X-axis with velocity component in the Y-axis positive direction so that it moves away from the substrate.

Abstract: A detector detects an exciting force externally exerted on a vibrating gyroscope by measuring a cross vibration of a regular triangular prism-shaped vibrating body having piezoelectric elements. The detector comprises an oscillator for oscillating the vibrating body at a constant frequency, a differential amplifier for differentially amplifying the piezoelectric voltages from two of the piezoelectric elements, a rectifier for rectifying an alternating current signal from the differential amplifier based on the oscillating phase of the oscillator, a direct current amplifier for amplifying a direct current signal from the rectifier, a controller for controlling output from the direct current amplifier, two operators for operating the oscillating signals from the oscillator with the signals supplied from the controller, and switches for switching on and off the output-lines of the two operators so that the piezoelectric signal supplied to the amplifier becomes a periodic linear signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic accelerometer includes a peripheral frame, a mass suspended from the peripheral frame, a plurality of strain gauges configured to detect displacement of the mass, and a magnetic motor. The magnetic motor includes a first pole piece defining a chamber, a second pole piece positioned in the chamber and coupled to the mass, a permanent magnet coupled to the first pole piece, and a coil coupled to the first pole piece. The permanent magnet and the coil surround at least a portion of the second pole piece.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor includes a support of silicon substrate having an epitaxial layer of silicon applied on the silicon substrate. A part of the epitaxial layer is laid bare to form at least one micromechanical deflection part by an etching process. The bared deflection part is made of polycrystalline silicon which has grown in polycrystalline form during the epitaxial process over a silicon-oxide layer which has been removed by etching. In the support region and/or at the connection to the silicon substrate, the exposed deflection part passes into single crystal silicon. By large layer thicknesses, a large working capacity of the sensor is possible. The sensor structure provides enhanced mechanical stability, processability, and possibilities of shaping, and it can be integrated, in particular, in a bipolar process or mixed process (bipolar-CMOS, bipolar-CMOS-DMOS).

Abstract: An acoustic rotor monitor that is an autonomous self-powered measurement instrument which can detect embedded and hidden fatigue cracks in remotely inaccessible devices such as helicopter rotor system components. A predictive maintenance-related problem for rotor craft is the detection of fatigue cracks as a continuous real-time monitoring process under dynamic rotor system loading conditions. The rotor monitor focuses on the embedding an acoustic emission-based smart sensor directly into the rotor system to measure the high frequency stress waves indicating that a structural crack has propagated as a "self-powered" measurement without reducing structural integrity.

Abstract: By measuring two or more physical parameters of a thin sensing film which are altered when exposed to chemicals, more effective discrimination between chemicals can be achieved. In using more than one sensor, the sensors are preferably integrated on the same substrate so that they may measure the same thin film. Even more preferably, the sensors are provided orthogonal to one another so that they may measure the same portion of the thin film. These provisions reduce problems in discrimination arising from variations in thin films.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting the inside of a large diameter, substantially vertical, limited access pipe. The probe includes an elongated probe housing having a series of flexible joint along its length to permit the probe to be positioned within the pipe. A plurality of radially extendable guide arms are attached to the lower end of the probe housing for positioning the probe within the pipe and, in the preferred embodiment, a stabilizer weight is attached to the elongated housing adjacent to the guide arms for preventing unstable movement of the probe much like a tail on a kite. In the preferred embodiment, the probe further includes a rotational drive for rotating the plurality of radially extendable guide arms with respect to the elongated housing. In addition, sensors are located on the ends of each guide arm to permit the inside surface of the pipe to be more completely inspected for defects.

Abstract: A pressure in a pressurizing chamber of a micromachine apparatus for transferring a fluid is measured inexpensively under an actual-use or a similar condition. A piezoelectric element used as an actuator for applying a pressure to the fluid in the pressurizing chamber is also used as a pressure sensor. A charge amplifier is used to measure the amount of charge Q.sub.1 applied to an electrode of the piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is driven while the pressurizing chamber filled with the fluid, and the amount of charges Q.sub.2 when the piezoelectric element is driven while the chamber contains no fluid. The obtained signals are inputted to a storage and operation processing device to determine (Q.sub.1 -Q.sub.2) to determine the pressure of the fluid in the pressurizing chamber. The piezoelectric element or capacitor for the purposes of comparison can be used to simultaneously measure Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2.

Abstract: Media compatible packages for pressure sensing devices include molded polymeric housings and diaphragms which mount and isolate pressure sensing devices in operative contact with any type of corrosive or non-corrosive media for pressure measurement. The various pressure sensor package housings include a main cavity in which a pressure sensor is mounted, a polymeric diaphragm bonded to the housing within the main cavity, at least one media port which leads to a pressure port on one side of the diaphragm, and a pressure transfer cavity on an opposite side of the diaphragm in which a pressure sensor is located. A fill port through a wall of the housing between the diaphragm and the pressure sensor allows the pressure transfer cavity to be filled with a pressure transfer medium such as oil and then sealed, without introducing any excess pressure. The use of bondable polymers to form the housing and thin film diaphragms provides excellent media compatibility for pressure measurements in corrosive environments.

Abstract: A liquid sample collector and liquid return apparatus which takes the form of a first tube which has an open lower end which is to be submerged within a liquid source. This first tube is connected to a vacuum source located exteriorly of the liquid source which is to cause removal of aliquots (or samples). Mounted about a portion of the first tube is a second tube which has an open outer end which is spaced from the surface of the liquid source. This open outer end forms an annulus about the first tube. A valving arrangement is provided so that any liquid that is returned to the liquid source is returned only through the second tube.

Abstract: A method of determining or assessing remaining life in insulation material includes using a computerized analytical model and supporting equipment to assess margin between an electrical insulation sample's given (i.e., known) void parameters (such as size and density) and void parameters corresponding to the threshold to integrity failure. The margin is then correlated to remaining life through use of known void growth rates, which are a function of temperature and other environmental service factors.

Abstract: In an engine starter comprising: a DC electric motor; an output shaft; a pinion unit; a reduction gear unit for transmitting an output of the electric motor to the pinion unit through the output shaft; a solenoid device for axially moving the pinion unit into mesh with a ring gear of the engine; a cover member for surrounding at least the pinion and the reduction gear unit, the cover member having an opening facing the electric motor; a substantially cylindrical member for surrounding the electric motor so as to serve as a yoke for the electric motor; a disk-shaped plate for covering an end of the electric motor facing away from the pinion unit; and an annular separator disposed between the reduction gear unit and the electric motor so as to separate them from each other, the disk-shaped plate is provided with at least one axial protrusions for engaging an inner surface of one end portion of the substantially cylindrical member so as to align the disk-shaped plate and the substantially cylindrical member with

Abstract: A starter for a motor vehicle comprises an electric motor having an output shaft which drives a coaxial starter head through a speed reducer. The speed reducer incorporates an epicyclic gear train, including a cylindrical casing within which the internally toothed crown wheel of the epicyclic gear train is mounted in rotation. The crown wheel is coupled in rotation to the casing through a friction type torque limiting device, which is interposed axially between the crown wheel and a transverse plate of the casing. The torque limiting device includes at least one annular transverse friction surface of the crown wheel, which is biased elastically into axial engagement against a reaction surface coupled in rotation to the casing.

Abstract: A shift range control system for an automatic transmission, comprising: a first range switching mechanism for selecting a shift range mechanically; and a second range switching mechanism for outputting an electric signal, while a predetermined shift range is being selected by the first range switching mechanism, to switch the shift range electrically. Further comprised is a return switch mechanism for releasing the shift range, which is lower by two or more steps than the predetermined shift range selected by the first range switching mechanism, to switch the same to the predetermined shift range. Thus, it is possible to improve the conveniences for switching the shift range of the automatic transmission by the electric operation.

Abstract: A dual speed film drive apparatus to achieve high speed and low speed film drive employs a limited speed range stepper motor with pinion input drive gear, and an output driven gear connected to a film advance mechanism. High and low speed drive is achieved by use of a pivoted intermediate gear drive module having high speed and low speed gear set positions to interconnect the stepper motor input drive gear to the output driven gear. Shifting of the gear module between gear set positions is accomplished by a DC motor operated cam drive mechanism which pivots the gear module selectively between the high speed and low speed gear set positions. The cam drive mechanism includes a camming slot having dwell segments at each end of the slot. An open loop control gear mesh procedure includes is also described for meshing the high speed and low speed intermediate gear drives with the input drive gear and output driven gear.

Abstract: A motorcycle reverse gear transmission that precludes inadvertent shifting into a forward gear when in reverse and inadvertent shifting into reverse when in a forward gear. The reverse gear transmission requires the forward ratio gears to be in neutral before shifting into reverse; during shifting, the apparatus locks the forward gears in neutral and then engages the reverse gear. The forward ratio gears are unlocked from neutral after the reverse gear is disengaged.

Abstract: A rack guide (30) in a rack and pinion steering gear housing (12) comprises a cylindrical structure having a peripheral wall (42), an end wall (52), and an inner wall (71). The peripheral wall (42) has an outer surface (40) with a contour complementary to an inner surface (44) of the housing (12). The end wall (52) has a rack guide surface (54) configured to engage the rack (14) in line contact along a first straight line (57) parallel to the longitudinal axis (17) of the rack (14). The inner wall (71) has a linear configuration adjoining the end wall (52) along a second straight line (101) parallel to the first straight line (57).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rack gear (14) and a sector gear (16) which are disposed in meshing engagement. A housing (30) encloses the rack and sector gears (14 and 16). A sector shaft (22) has an inner end portion (34) connected with the sector gear (16) and an outer end portion (36) disposed outside of the housing (30). A lash adjustment assembly (56) is operable to move the sector gear (16) and shaft (22) relative to the housing (30) to reduce clearance between teeth (18 and 20) on the rack and sector gears. The lash adjustment assembly (56) is manually actuatable at the outer end of the sector shaft (22). The lash adjustment assembly (56) includes an elongated member (60) which extends through the sector shaft (22) and the sector gear (16) into engagement with the housing (30).

Abstract: A plastic gear is rotatably supported on at least one plastic fixed support stud, which is preferably formed of plastic and molded on a metal support plate. The fixed support stud has three equiangularly spaced lobes extending from its outer surface without any nominal clearance with an inner surface of a hub of a plastic gear defining a bore in the gear hub to receive the fixed support stud. The lobes cause deformation of portions of the gear hub between the adjacent lobes. By increasing the clearance between the outer surface of the fixed support stud and the inner surface of the gear hub, spaces are provided between the adjacent lobes to allow portions of the inner surface of the gear hub to extend thereinto due to the deformation of the plastic. This reduces the vibration or jitter of the plastic gear, which is the output gear of a gear train for driving a photoconductive drum of a laser printer to improve its print quality.

Abstract: A power transmission changeover device for an automatic-transmission, four-wheel drive vehicle which can prevent rattling of gears while the gear position of the sub-transmission is being changed over. Air pipes extending from a negative pressure source for actuating an actuator for changing over gears of a sub-transmission, and electromagnetic valves have inner diameters of 4 mm or over. An accumulator is provided between the electromagnetic valves in the air pipes and the negative pressure source. This makes it possible to increase the operating speed and operating force of the actuator and, to shorten the duration of the neutral position when gears are changed over, and to increase the meshing force with new gears. It is thus possible to prevent rattling of gears due to improper meshing of gears.

Abstract: A shift-lever device includes a shift lever rotatably supported to a casing, a restraining lever rotated with the shift lever and formed with a groove, a plate spring having one end pressed on the groove of the restraining lever and a middle portion between one and another ends, a spring support arranged with a side wall of the casing for supporting another end of the plate spring, and a middle support arranged with the side wall of the casing for contacting the upper side of a middle portion of the plate spring.

Abstract: A structure for controlling the displacement of a vehicle pedal comprising: a pedal bracket fixed to a first vehicle body structural member which displaces in substantially the rearward direction of a vehicle when an external force of a predetermined value or more acts on the front portion of the vehicle; a suspended-type vehicle pedal which is swingably supported by the pedal bracket and which is provided with a treading surface at the bottom end thereof to which a treading force is applied by the foot of the driver; a treading force transmission member which transmits the treading force applied to the treading surface of the vehicle pedal towards a hydraulic conversion device; a linking device for linking the vehicle pedal and the treading force transmission member, which has a center of rotation of the link which is independent of the center of rotation of the vehicle pedal, and which presses the treading force transmission member, which is rotationally displaced around the center of rotation of the link i

Abstract: A bellcrank mechanism (52) for applications in which unequal transverse forces (F.sub.i, F.sub.o) act on the two legs of a bellcrank support clevis includes a bellcrank bracket (64), a bellcrank (54) having a support clevis (56), and a set of bearings (84a, 84b) having unequal load bearing areas (99a, 99b). The bearings are installed in apertures (80) in the support clevis and are axially clamped to the support bracket to pivotably and transversely support the bellcrank so that relative pivotal motion occurs at the interface (102a, 102b) between the exterior surface (99a, 99b) of each bearing and the perimeter surface (100a, 100b) of the corresponding clevis aperture (80). The bearing having the larger load bearing area is aligned with the larger transverse force and the bearing with the smaller load bearing area is aligned with the smaller transverse force to improve the durability and reliability of the bellcrank mechanism.

Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and rotating a spindle of that jack. The two-piece jack handle includes a jack handle rod having one end for engaging the jack spindle and a sleeve secured to an opposite end. The sleeve has a cavity configured to receive in driving engagement one end of the jack handle rod extension. A clip slidably mounted on the first end of the jack handle rod extension is slidable over the coupling and releasably connectable to the jack handle rod to releasably secure the jack handle rod and jack handle rod extension in coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a steering shaft, a steering hand wheel, and an attachment between the steering shaft and the steering hand wheel. The attachment includes a cone-shaped outside shoulder on the steering shaft, a cone-shaped inside shoulder in a bore in a hub of the steering hand wheel, a retaining nut on on the steering shaft, and a plurality of outside spline teeth on the steering shaft in mesh with a plurality of inside spline teeth in the bore in the hub of the steering hand wheel. Two of the inside spline teeth are merged to define a double-wide blocked tooth. One of the outside spline teeth is eliminated to define a substantially double-wide longitudinal blocked tooth groove. The blocked tooth has a lip extending beyond the ends of the inside spline teeth which seats on and slides over the ends of the outside spline teeth until the blocked tooth registers with the blocked tooth groove.

Abstract: Forged connecting rod, in particular of an internal combustion engine, including a body (1), a connecting rod small end (2) and a connecting rod big end (3), forming two connecting rod small end and connecting rod big end bearings for receiving respectively a piston pin and a crankpin. The connecting rod is constituted by two half connecting rods (5) which are substantially symmetrical relative to a longitudinal median plane (6) of the connecting rod, which plane contains the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, the joint surface (9) of the half connecting rods being essentially disposed in the median plane (6), the half connecting rods (5), each of which has a connecting rod half bearing (7) and a connecting rod big end half bearing (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle pedal with a crank arm at whose radially outer end a pedal body is provided in the usual way. The latter, with respect to the crank arm, can rotate freely around a horizontal transverse axis (1) that runs perpendicularly to the crank arm, while the pedal body itself (2, 24, 25) can also pivot around a longitudinal axis (32) that runs in the direction of travel in a horizontal plane and that intersects the transverse axis (1). The pedal system also has first connecting elements (30, 35) that can be detachably connected to complementary second connecting elements provided on the shoe of a user. The longitudinal axis (32) running in the direction of travel of the bicycle and permitting rotation of the pedal lies either between the pedal body (2, 24, 25) and the first connecting elements (30, 35) or between the second connecting element and the shoe of the user.

Abstract: An axle assembly for use in lawn tractors, pedestrian walk-behind mowers and snow blowers in the form of a housing having an internally disposed hydrostatic transmission and speed reducing gearing. An input shaft supported in the housing for driving a variable-displacement hydraulic pump of the hydrostatic transmission, the pump fluidly coupled to a fixed-displacement hydraulic motor of the hydrostatic transmission, and where the motor is drivingly connected through the speed reducing gearing to an output axle shaft or shafts. A mechanical differential disposed within said housing for applications requiring differential speeds of said axle output shafts. The housing being formed by three housing members and joined together along a substantially planar and horizontally peripheral seam formed there between such that two of said housing members are to one side of said seam and join with the third housing element.