Abstract: To provide a very novel frictional wear testing apparatus and a frictional wear testing method by which injection material injected to a test piece is not dispersed, the frictional wear characteristics may be measured for a short period time in very simplified steps, a measurement error is suppressed with a good reproduceability and it is possible to make the apparatus small in size. The frictional wear testing apparatus for measuring anti-wear characteristics of a test piece such as a metal member or a ceramic member, includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the test piece and an injection mechanism for reducing a mass of the test piece by injecting injection material, in which grinding particles are mixed into liquid, to the test piece fixed to the fixing mechanism together with pressurized air.

Abstract: A gas-sensitive sensor membrane for the determination of gas concentrations in gas mixtures is proposed. Also proposed are a method and an apparatus for determining gas concentrations based on the change in the electromagnetic radiation absorption properties and/or the optical refraction index of an indicator substance, contained in the sensor membrane, which interacts with the gas to be determined.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting knocking combustion in an internal combustion engine, by evaluating the ionic current signal sensed in the combustion chamber, is especially adapted to correct or compensate the ionic current signal for longterm variations arising therein, for example due to variations in the composition of the fuel as a result of contamination with metallic components or the like. Thereby, erroneous knock recognition is prevented. To achieve this, a frequency-filtered time-sampled knocking component integral of the ionic current signal generated in the present combustion cycle is multiplied by a correction value determined from at least one integral value of the ionic current signal generated during at least one prior combustion cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the stretching characteristics of a polymer composition suitable for use in manufacturing a thermoplastic article, such as a bottle and preferably a bottle having PET, PEN and mixtures thereof, are provided. The method includes the steps of heating a bottle preform of the polymer composition to at least its glass transition temperature then free-blowing the preform in a manner so that the inflation pressure is varied inversely relative to the expansion of the article during at least a portion of the inflation step. An apparatus for free-blowing the thermoplastic articles in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for measuring properties of a material, such as surface tension, surface energy, absorption, adsorption, permeability, porosity and printability and the like. A chemical marker containing test liquid is applied to the material and excess test liquid not retained by the material is removed. Thereafter, either the removed test liquid or the test liquid retained by the material is analyzed to determine the amount of chemical marker substance in the test liquid and, thus, the desired property of the material.

Abstract: A fuel cap leakage tester is provided comprising a fuel cap support, a pressure source, and a monitor. The fuel cap support is formed to included a test chamber and is adapted to receive a fuel cap to be tested in the test chamber to establish a pressurizable region, therein and a sealed connection between the fuel cap to be tested and the fuel cap support. The monitor is positioned to communicate with the pressurizable region formed in the fuel cap support and is configured to measure air pressure in the pressurizable region. The fuel cap leakage tester further comprises a system for communicating a flow of pressurized air from the pressure source to the pressurizable region with a predetermined pressure drop of the pressurized air therebetween. The monitor measures the pressure level of the pressurized air in the pressurizable region to determine whether the fuel cap to be tested meets or exceeds a predetermined leakage flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the properties of a composition or a component thereof used in the processing of a paper or board web. According to the invention, a sample of the composition to be measured is taken into a measurement apparatus, the composition is measured at least for its density, viscosity, dry solids content and gas content, and is then passed out from the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A component is washed with a fluid to release particulate contaminant. The particulate-containing fluid is passed through a screen (22) having a known number of apertures of identical known size. The change in pressure caused by the accumulation of particles in the screen is measured and compared with the pressure when the screen is clean. From this, a control system (54) determines the number of particles in the fluid having a size greater than the aperture size. This is related to a unit volume by measuring the volume of fluid passing through the screen (22). If the screen blocks before all the fluid is passed through the screen (22), the fluid is pulsed in forward and reverse flow to re-distribute the particles on the screen. The fluid is then back washed from the screen to a second screen (28) having a known number of apertures of identical size. The number of particles per unit volume having a size greater than the size of the apertures of the second screen is then determined.

Abstract: When the unevenness quantities of the surface of a surface-treated, existing concrete are measured at a given pitch by a measuring device 10, the measured unevenness quantities are automatically collected by a CPU 21 to calculate the characteristic quantities of the surface-treated form of the existing concrete. The CPU 21 compares the calculated characteristic quantities with characteristic quantities beforehand stored in a data ROM 23 to give an evaluated result of the surface-treated form automatically. The evaluated result is displayed on a display device 40 or printed by a printer 50, so that the result can be immediately checked. An ideal surface-treated form is a surface-treated form in which the average height of unevenness of the surface of the existing concrete is from 13 to 35% of the maximum particle size of aggregates contained in the existing concrete, and the slope length ratio thereof is 1.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus of an engine cooling system includes a cooling water temperature sensor 14 for detecting a cooling liquid temperature. A control unit 12 calculates a rise value of the cooling liquid temperature in a measuring section, and judges a liquid temperature convergence time at which the rise value of the cooling liquid temperature in the measuring section becomes smaller than a predetermined value, and if the cooling liquid temperature, when the liquid temperature is converged, is lower than a criteria value, the apparatus diagnoses that an abnormality is generated in the cooling system.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the performance characteristics of at least one selected vehicle component utilizes a plurality of variables and takes into account the interrelationship of those vehicles. Specifically, a detected temperature, load and road grade condition are utilized to determine a rate of change in a performance characteristic of a selected component relative to time. The rate of change information is provided to a vehicle operator on a real-time basis and stored in memory for later use by a service technician. Determining a performance characteristic based on a plurality of variables and storing information regarding that characteristic over time provides additional useful information to a service technician enabling the technician to more quickly and effectively diagnose potential problems with the vehicle components.

Abstract: A device for measuring the braking moment in a motor vehicle with disk brakes incorporates a measuring hub mounted on a wheel axle and connected with a wheel rim. Viewed in the radial direction, the hub is divided into an inner part close to the axle and an outer part that forms the marginal area of the measuring hub and surrounds the inner part concentrically. These two sections are connected to one another by ribs which extend radially, with sensors mounted thereon for measuring the bending stress acting on the ribs as a result of the introduction of a torque. In order to determine the braking moments acting on the disk brake without superimposition of other moments acting on the vehicle wheel, the brake disk of a braking device of the motor vehicle surrounds the outer part of the hub concentrically, and is fastened only to the outer part.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle, a tire having a predetermined air inflation pressure rotatably supported on the axle, and a tire inflation system for detecting an actual tire inflation pressure less than the predetermined air inflation pressure, replenishing the tire with air, and producing an inflation signal. An inventive electronic recorder receives the inflation signal, increments a count register, and transmits count register data to an output device. In a first embodiment of this invention, the electronic recorder is mounted at an easily accessible location on a vehicle which includes the axle assembly. In a second embodiment of this invention, the tire is mounted to a wheel assembly and the axle assembly further includes an electronic hub odometer for detecting a revolution of the wheel assembly and producing an odometer signal.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method are provided for collecting data from a subsurface formation during drilling operations. The tool includes a tubular mandrel adapted for axial connection in a drill string positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subsurface formation and a stabilizer element or sleeve positioned about the tubular mandrel for relative rotation between the stabilizer element and the tubular mandrel. A plurality of elongated ribs are connected to the stabilizer element. A means is connected to the stabilizer element for frictional engagement with a wall of the wellbore so as to prevent the stabilizer element from rotating relative to the wellbore wall. An actuator system is carried at least partially by the stabilizer element, and a probe is carried by one of the elongated ribs and adapted for movement by the actuator system between a retracted position within the one rib and an extended position engaging the wellbore wall such that the probe collects data from the formation.

Abstract: A residual fuel quantity measuring device for automobiles has a fuel flow rate sensor provided in a filler neck of a fuel tank for measuring the flow rate of liquid fuel supplied to a fuel tank. A computer computes the quantity of liquid fuel remaining in the fuel tank from a previously stored residual quantity of liquid fuel, the measured fuel flow rate, the injection rate of fuel from fuel injection valves, and the purge quantity of fuel evaporated in the fuel tank. A fuel meter visually displays the thus computed residual quantity of liquid fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: In flow detection by a thermal-type flow measuring instrument, a flow rate valve with reduced measurement error due to temperature variation can be obtained even under environment where a fluid temperature and a circuit temperature are different. A measurement error due to temperature variation of the fluid of the thermal-type flow measuring instrument can be corrected on the basis of a temperature of the fluid by adjusting the measurement error to be constant ratio irrespective of the flow rate. On the other hand, a temperature characteristic of the circuit is adjusted to be substantially zero %.

Abstract: A first heating resistor is placed in a fluid flow path. A second heating resistor is placed downstream of the first heating resistor. A power supply unit supplies power to each of the first and second heating resistors. A measuring unit measures directly or indirectly a heating factor value of each of the first and second heating resistors. A subtracting unit subtracts the heating factor value of the first heating resistor from the heating factor value of the second heating resistor. A calculating unit performs one of multiplication and division on the subtracting result and the heating factor value of one of the first and second heating resistors.

Abstract: A float for a level sensor has a center through hole and a position limiting hole formed in an upper portion of the center through hole and having a larger diameter than the center through hole, and an annular hollow space opening downward. An inner annular groove is formed in a wall defined between the center through hole and the annular hollow space, and an outer annular groove is formed in an outer wall defining the annular hollow space for disposing a magnet ring, an inner gasket and an outer gasket for facilitating closing an annular cap on the two gaskets. An oval base with a magnet ring is fixed in the position limiting hole. Then this float may be combined with various types of level sensors without any extra processes or modifications.

Abstract: A detection circuit for a vibratory gyro includes a first circuit which detects a detection signal output from the vibratory gyro and produces an output signal indicative of an angular velocity applied to the vibratory gyro, and a second circuit which is operatively coupled to the first circuit and reduces a leakage component included in the detection signal.

Abstract: A microfabricated vibratory rate gyroscope to measure rotation includes two proof-masses mounted in a suspension system anchored to a substrate. The suspension has two principal modes of compliance, one of which is driven into oscillation. The driven oscillation combined with rotation of the substrate about an axis perpendicular to the substrate results in Coriolis acceleration along the other mode of compliance, the sense-mode. The sense-mode is designed to respond to Coriolis accelerationwhile suppressing the response to translational acceleration. This is accomplished using one or more rigid levers connecting the two proof-masses. The lever allows the proof-masses to move in opposite directions in response to Coriolis acceleration. The invention includes a means for canceling errors, termed quadrature error, due to imperfections in implementation of the sensor. Quadrature-error cancellation utilizes electrostatic forces to cancel out undesired sense-axis motion in phase with drive-mode position.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor acceleration sensor which is small in size, light in weight, simple in manufacture, low in manufacturing cost, and high in accuracy, and which, with a switch-on time set to a predetermined value, is stable in operation. In a semiconductor acceleration sensor in which a central board 1 having a central contact section 11, and outside boards 2 at least one of which has an outside contact section 21 are stacked; the central board 1 has a weight 12 near the central contact section 11, and the outside board 2 having the outside contact section 21 has a weight confronting section 11 which confronts with the weight 12, for squeezed damping effect.

Abstract: Pressure-compensated transducers and accelerometers, and force-sensing and acceleration-sensing methods are described. In a preferred embodiment, regression techniques are utilized in the context of a vibrating beam force transducer to provide a measure of acceleration which is both temperature-compensated and pressure-compensated.

Abstract: A micro electro mechanical sensor that uses capacitive readout electronics. The sensor involves a micromachined low frequency rocking accelerometer with capacitive pickoff fabricated by deep reactive ion etching. The accelerometer includes a central silicon proof mass, is suspended by a thin polysilicon tether, and has a moving electrode (capacitor plate or interdigitated fingers) located at each end the proof mass. During movement (acceleration), the tethered mass moves relative to the surrounding packaging, for example, and this defection is measured capacitively by a plate capacitor or interdigitated finger capacitor, having the cooperating fixed electrode (capacitor plate or interdigitated fingers) positioned on the packaging, for example. The micromachined rocking accelerometer has a low frequency (<500 Hz), high sensitivity (&mgr;G), with minimal power usage.

Abstract: A low thermal strain flexure support for a micromechanical device includes a substrate; a micromechanical device having a rotational axis and a longitudinal axis; an anchor structure disposed on the substrate proximate the longitudinal axis of the micromechanical device; first and second support members extending outwardly oppositely from the anchor structure; and first and second flexures extending inwardly in the direction of the axis of rotation of the micromechanical device from the first and second support members, respectively, to the micromechanical device for suspending the micromechanical device from the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses ultrasonic techniques to inspect critical pipe joints and other critical industrial areas that are normally inaccessible. A waveguide including one or more flexible fibers is embedded in concrete or whatever else embeds the piping which includes the critical area. One end of the waveguide is accessible so that an ultrasonic transducer can be used to transmit ultrasonic signals along the waveguide and receive reflected echoes to provide an ultrasonic image of the critical area. In a case where the area to be inspected is submerged, the waveguide takes the form of a flexible fiber bundle which is manipulated until its end is adjacent to the critical area. Some of the fibers in the bundle can be used to illuminate the critical area, and other fibers can transmit optical images for display on a video monitor. In an alternative embodiment, a single optical fiber waveguide is used to transmit illumination, optical signals and ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A method for product assurance for semiconductor devices having wire bonded die and carrier assemblies comprises “puffing” the arc of each bonded wire individually with a stream of gas to force the wire arc into a substantially vertical plane which is positioned laterally away from adjacent wire arcs. The “puff” may be accomplished by a stream of compressed gas from a nozzle positioned beneath the wire or alternatively, by a vacuum drawn from a nozzle positioned above the wire arc, or by both techniques. The force exerted is sufficient to debond defective bonds, break structurally deficient wires and move debonded wires or broken wire ends away from the die, lead frame and other wires. The method is preferably applied just following wire bonding andlor just prior to encapsulation of the die.

Abstract: A flowmeter and flow measurement method employing the determination of convection speed of turbulent spots. A plurality of sensors is employed, preferably thin-film gauges operating in constant temperature, constant current, or constant voltage mode. Airspeed (or fluid speed) is determined from the convection speed, preferably via dividing the streamwise sensor spacing by the product of the time lag to the peak of a crosscorrelation function and a calibration constant. Turbulence may be artificially induced, such as by intermittent jets, electrical sparks, or protuberances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beam strain gauge to measure strain in a material which incorporates the theory of beam mechanics and the use of a full Wheatstone bridge circuit. In all cases the beam or beams used are not attached directly to the material to be measured, thereby making the beam or beams insensitive to transverse strain. The use of beam mechanics allows the use of the full Wheatstone bridge circuit, which has many desirable properties for strain measurement. Some of these properties are self compensation for temperature and a higher gauge output signal. The beam strain gauge can be employed using silicon chip technology and provides many advantages over the current conventional strain gauges.

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying polydisperse aerosols includes aerosol and sheath gas conduits for conducting a sample aerosol and a sheath gas toward a merger area. At the merger area the sheath gas and about ten percent of the sample aerosol merge, then travel through a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and along a tubular electrode of the DMA. Selected particles, i.e. particles having electrical mobilities within a narrow range, pass through a collection aperture of the electrode. The DMA output, an aerosol consisting of the selected particles, is provided to a condensation particle counter or other device for determining the aerosol concentration. The remainder of the sample aerosol is conducted away from the merger area along a bypass flow conduit. The bypass flow and an improved aerodynamic design provide for a slit at the merger area that is sufficiently narrow to minimize unwanted electric field penetration at the slit and DMA entrance.

Abstract: A device for gas sampling for gas analysis is provided which uses detector tubes. The device includes a test gas container with a gas inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, a mounting opening for the detector tube and with a break-off device for a detector tube tip located in the mounting opening. Nonreturn valves are provided on the gas inlet pipe and the gas outlet pipe. The closing bodies of the nonreturn valves are pressed by springs against corresponding valve seats and are held in a closed position, and are arranged in relation to one another such that a sample gas flow can be established from the gas inlet pipe to the gas outlet pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the effect of strangulation. The apparatus includes a model of a human having an artificial neck, and at least one sensor for measuring physical characteristics of the artificial neck during application of an applied force on the artificial neck. In one aspect, the model further includes a circulation system for circulating a fluid, and the at least one sensor includes a plurality of flow sensors to measure a flow of the fluid in the circulation system at predetermined locations and a plurality of pressure sensors to measure a pressure of the fluid in the circulation system at predetermined locations. In another aspect of the invention, the model includes a closed tube, and the at least one sensor includes a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the air in the closed tube. The invention also includes a method for measuring the effect of strangulation on a model of a human.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission gear with a steplessly adjustable translation for converting rotation speeds and torques between two shafts. Such converters are employed in all areas of the drive technology, as for example in machine tools and vehicle drives. The transmission gear according to the present invention allows a uniform motion transfer from the drive shaft to the driven shaft while simultaneously inducing substantially less wear appearances at its function determining transmission gear elements, in particular of the transmission gear part system at the side of the driven shaft. Means are furnished for reducing wear, which means superpose an additional motion influencing the speed of the driven shaft only unsubstantially to the translation motions of the translation device.

Abstract: A single actuator such as an electric motor is used to actuate a shift range changing mechanism of an automatic transmission. The motor has a plurality of torque generating units each of which is capable of generating a torque sufficient to effect any shift range changes of the shift range changing mechanism. All of the torque generating units are driven electrically normally in response to a shift range change command. Operation of each torque generating unit is monitored separately from each other. When one of the torque generating units fails in operation, the torque generating unit in failure is not driven but the other torque generating units are driven to effect a shift range change. The failure of the torque generating units is indicated on an indicator in a vehicle. The motor may be a brushless type or a reluctance type.

Abstract: Shift control assembly for a power transmission device includes an electric drive motor and gear train having an output which is coupled to and bi-directionally rotates a shift rail. The shift rail includes a pair of spaced-apart cam followers. Freely rotatably receiving the shift rail and disposed thereon between the cam followers is a shift fork assembly. The shift fork assembly includes a body having a pair of spaced-apart helical cam surfaces engaged by the cam followers and a fork engaging a shift clutch collar. As the shift rail rotates bi-directionally, the shift fork assembly and clutch collar bi-directionally translate. A circular plate is disposed for rotation with the shift rail and includes an array of apertures. A plurality of sensors are disposed in adjacent, sensing relationship to the circular plate.

Abstract: A form of gearing having teeth with different face widths along the tooth height and a method thereof of designing and manufacturing. Different gear tooth face widths are introduced along the tooth height to alter the tooth stiffness characteristic to provide a pair of gears with reduced mesh stiffness variation. The use of variable face widths along the tooth height changes both the geometric properties of the tooth and the load distribution/concentration to reduce the self-excited component of dynamic load, in effect reducing gear noise and increasing power density.

Abstract: A shifter assembly (10) for automatic transmissions is disclosed having a base (12) and a detent member (14) supported by the base (12). The detent member (14) defines an automatic (18) and manual (20) shift path and a plurality of gear positions (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) within the shift paths (18, 20). A transmission control arm (60) is pivotally connected to the base (12) for movement about an axis (A) and is adapted for connection to a linkage for operating an automatic transmission. The shifter assembly (10) also has a shift lever (42) movable through the gear positions (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34). The assembly (10) is characterized by including a pivotal connection (80) interconnecting the control arm (60) and the shift lever (42) for supporting the shift lever (42) on the control arm (60) and pivoting the shift lever (42) relative to the control arm (60) for changing between the shift paths (18, 20).

Abstract: A manipulator includes a first arm having a first reduction gear unit built therein, a second arm fitted through the first arm and having a second reduction gear unit built therein, and a third arm fitted through the second arm and having a third reduction gear unit built therein. To avoid any possible interference between, for example, a welding torch, and a portion of the manipulator during operation of the manipulator, the drive axis of the third reduction gear unit is spaced apart a distance from a drive axis of the second reduction gear unit.

Abstract: An improved vehicle pedal arm assembly made from a one or two-piece stamping of relatively thin gauge material. The preferred pedal arm assembly preferably includes an integral pedal pad. The opposite end of the stamping is formed or spread so that it is equal in width to the arms mating bracket. This arrangement allows for the assembly to pivot without a tubular hub, or spacer.

Abstract: An awning is attached to and wound on a spring loaded roller. The roller rotates on shafts secured to shaft mounts at each end. The shaft mount is secured on the end of a support arm. A crank has a two prong engagement member that fits in a slot of the shaft mount. The shaft mount is released from the support arm and the crank is turned to adjust spring force in the roller.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal assembly is provided attaching a shoe thereto via a cleat. The bicycle pedal has a pedal body rotatably coupled to the second end of the pedal shaft for supporting a cyclist's foot. The pedal body preferably has a pair of side portions, a tubular portion extending between the side portions and a pair of cleat engaging members pivotally coupled to the side portion. At least one spring is coupled between the pedal body and each of the cleat engaging members. The springs are mounted on pivot pins that extend between the side portions of the pedal body. The ends of the pivot pins are preferably located in unthreaded blind bores such that the pivot pins can freely rotate relative to the pedal body during movement of the cleat engaging members. One of the side portions of the pedal body is removably coupled to the remainder of the pedal body for easy assembly and disassembly of the pedal.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal includes a pedal frame having a H-shaped receiving chamber and a rear opening, a clamping member pivoted to the pedal frame for holding down a rubber block on the pedal frame, the clamping member having a protruding rod inserted through the rear opening into the receiving chamber, a compression spring mounted in the receiving chamber and stopped at one side of the protruding rod to hold the clamping member in engagement with the loaded rubber block, an adjustment block mounted in the receiving chamber and stopped at one end of the compression spring, and an adjustment screw rotated to move the adjusting block in adjusting the spring power of the compression spring.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a solenoid to a vehicle transmission includes a clamp portion adapted to reach over and engage an outer end of the solenoid to releasably attach the bracket to the solenoid and secure the solenoid to the transmission. The bracket also includes an anchor portion adapted to attach the bracket to the transmission, and a support structure connecting the clamp portion to the anchor portion.

Abstract: An electric drive device for a bicycle includes a motor connected to a speed reduction device which has a bevel gear engaged with an annular gear mounted to a rotatable tube that extends through the bottom bracket of the bicycle frame. A crank axle rotatably extends through the rotatable tube with a first unidirectional device connected between the crank axle and the rotatable tube. The annular gear has a plurality of notches defined in the inside thereof and a second unidirectional device is connected between the annular gear and the rotatable tube. The second unidirectional device has a socket with a plurality of pawls pivotally connected thereto which are engaged with the notches when the motor is actuated to drive the rotatable tube while the first unidirectional device releases the connection between the crank axle and the rotatable tube.

Abstract: A corrugated gear includes a rigid internally geared gear; a flexible externally geared gear within the internally geared gear; a wave generator to bring the gear with the external teeth into a cross-sectional shape in such a way that the gear with the external teeth is only meshing partially with the rigid internally geared gear and the engagement segment of the two gears rotates in the direction of the circumference; by the rotation of the wave generator a relative movement of the two gears can be produced; the flexible gear and the rigid gears are both rim gears; and in order to avoid engagement obstructions, the tooth profile of the rigid gear and the tooth profile of the flexible gear are coordinated or matched.

Abstract: A can opener used with a can having an operating rim and an opening to be covered in an air-tight manner by a cover having an operating flange includes an operating medium for being operated against the operating flange to open the can covered in the air-tight manner by the cover, and an attaching medium secured to the can for always attaching thereto the operating medium in a position ready for opening the can.

Abstract: A power tool has a tool part having an axis and including interreacting driving and housing portions so that during an operation of the power tool the driving portion has a tendency to turn in one direction at a given force while the housing portion has a tendency to turn in an opposite direction at a same given force, a sleeve part with a first outer sleeve and a second inner sleeve connected with one another by a thread and with a friction ring axially moveably connected to the inner sleeve, so that when the outer sleeve is turned on the friction ring, the inner sleeve moves axially and displaces axially a threaded connector engageable by the inner sleeve, a first connecting element which connects the driving portion with the outer sleeve, and a second connecting element which connect the housing portion with the inner sleeve, the connecting elements being formed so that during the operation of the power tool, the inner sleeve axially displaces relative to at least one of the interreacting tool portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and breaking a threaded connection between a drill head and a stabilizer mounted on an end of a drill string includes a wrench capable of operatively engaging a portion of the drill head so as to substantially prevent rotation of the drill head with respect to the wrench. A gripper assembly is operatively mounted on the wrench. The gripper assembly is capable of operatively receiving a portion of the stabilizer, and releasably locking the stabilizer against rotation relative to the gripper assembly. Finally, at least one drive unit is operatively coupled between the gripper assembly and the wrench for driving rotational movement of the gripper assembly with respect to the wrench.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head in which a gear wheel is rotatably mounted. A pawl is mounted in the head and includes a toothed first side engaged with the gear wheel and a second side facing away from the gear wheel, with the second side of the pawl including two spaced operative sections. A ball is biased to engage with one of the operative sections of the pawl, thereby biasing the pawl teeth to mesh with the gear wheel teeth and biasing the pawl to bear against a wall of the head. A switch member is pivotally mounted to the head and includes a first end engaged with the pawl to move therewith and a second end for manual operation. The switch member is pivotally movable between two positions to optionally cause the ball to engage with one of the operative sections of the pawl, thereby allowing change in ratcheting direction of the ratcheting tool.

Abstract: A turnable tightening device includes a stationary member having a lower end portion adapted to be actuated by a driving tool to turn about an axis, and an upper end portion with a slot of a dimension adapted to permit only a joining member of a screw hook to have access thereto. A movable member is disposed on the stationary member and is movable relative to the upper end portion longitudinally, and has a retaining groove formed away from the upper end portion and adapted to retain a hook body of the screw hook. A biasing member is disposed for biasing the movable member away from the upper end portion such that a shoulder portion of the screw hook abuts tightly against an upper wall of the upper end portion, and such that the hook body of the screw hook engages tightly the movable member.

Abstract: A handle structure for a screwdriver, which includes a handle fixedly provided at one end of a blade, the handle having a longitudinal slot through two opposite sides of the periphery thereof, a pivot pin fixedly mounted in the handle across the longitudinal slot, and a handle plate turned about the pivot pin, the handle plate having a longitudinally extended, serrated slot coupled to the pivot pin for enabling the handle to be turned about the pivot pin and set between the non-operative position received in the longitudinal slot at the handle, and the operative position arranged perpendicular to the handle.