Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing an elongated stock continuously are disclosed which permit plural types of drawings to be done at a narrower area than in the prior art by a series of automated works and which permits easy adjustment of the distance between a front end position of a plug and an outlet position of a die. A holding member with plural types of dies 18a and 18b mounted at a central position for reciprocation of an elongated stock is held movably. When the elongated stock is to be moved from one side to the opposite side with the dies holding member as the center, it is passed through an elongated stock passing space, not through the dies, while when the elongated stock is to be moved from the opposite side to the one side with the dies holding member as the center, it is passed through one of the plural dies.

Abstract: A device for driving a pair of vertical rolls or the support shafts thereof mounted in bearing chocks, wherein the necks of the vertical rolls can be coupled to drive gear shafts which are each mounted in a gear housing which is connected to and is movable together with the respective chock. The drive gear shafts are constructed as vertically mounted unilateral bevel gear shafts whose bevel gears mesh with the bevel gears of also unilateral bevel gear shafts in the form of hollow bevel gear shafts which are mounted horizontally and coaxially in the respective gear unit support housing. The hollow bevel gear shafts can be coupled to the drive unit through a floating intermediate shaft arranged between the two hollow shafts, wherein each hollow bevel gear shaft is connected through an internal spline to an external spline of the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: Pressing tongs have at least two pressing jaws wherein at least one of the pressing jaws is configured to be moved from a closed position into an open position. At least one first connector is provided to connect the pressing tongs to a motor-driven actuating device. At least one second connector is provided to connect the pressing tongs to a manual actuating device. The same type of pressing tongs can thus be operated manually as well as motor-driven.

Abstract: A sheet metal follower for a bending press that has a bottom fixed table carrying a bending matrix on its top face. The follower is of the type comprising in particular pivot means for pivoting the follower table about a pivot shaft, and means suitable for moving the follower table in horizontal displacement relative to its support structure and perpendicularly to the pivot shaft, the active length of the pivot means being variable between a fixed hinge on the support structure and a moving hinge on the follower table, and the moving hinge being suitable for sliding along said table in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft of said table.

Abstract: A device for calibrating drag test drives comprises a disk drive unit, a non conductive, non magnetic disk, and a magnet placed substantially planar to the non magnetic disk wherein the disk can spin in the disk drive through a magnetic field produced by the magnet. The device also comprises a current measuring device wherein the device measures the amount of current the disk drive motor draws while spinning the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for analyzing a gas are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated cantilever sensor array system that accurately detects and measures the presence of target substances in various environmental conditions. The integrated cantilever sensor array system comprises a cantilever sensor measurement head, a cantilever sensor system for measuring the oscillatory properties of the cantilevers and a measurement chamber. The measurement head includes a cantilever array having at least one cantilever, a light source and a detector positioned to detect incoming light reflected by the cantilevers within the cantilever array. The cantilever sensor system measures the oscillatory properties generated by the cantilevers within the cantilever array. The system includes the cantilever array and a detection system that measures a signal related to the bending of the cantilever. In addition, optional components such as a high frequency clock, Q-Control, may be added to more accurately measure the oscillation of the cantilevers within the cantilever array.

Abstract: A gas detector for sensing the presence of at least one predetermined gas is operative in conjunction with a power source and includes a detection circuit, a temperature controller, and a current controller, wherein the detection circuit includes a sensing device having first and second electrodes, the first electrode being connected to the power source for heating the first electrode, the temperature controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a temperature of the first electrode at a predetermined magnitude, and the current controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a current in the second electrode at a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor diode including a SiC semiconductor substrate, on top of which an AlN layer and a catalytic metal “gate” electrode are deposited is disclosed. The combustible gas sensor diode can be operated in either a D.C. forward conduction mode or an A.C. reverse bias mode. Methods of detecting combustibles in both D.C. and A.C. modes are further disclosed.

Abstract: A static pressure test fixture for use with centrifugal compressor non-contacting seals, also called dry gas seals, typically assembled and applied in cartridge form. Subject fixture consists of only three major components of simple shape for easy fabrication and easy assembly with the dry gas seal cartridge. This is done on site near the centrifugal compressor so that dry gas seal cartridges can be pressure-tested just prior to installation in the compressor or on removal from the compressor to verify their static sealing function as well as measure static leakage at different pressures. Subject fixture is also designed to rectify some high leakage conditions.

Abstract: An improved method of diagnosing shaft sensor failure in a reciprocating internal combustion engine verifies engine rotation by sensor information responsive to dynamic variation in engine air intake that occurs during engine rotation. Failure of the shaft sensor is diagnosed when the dynamic variation in engine air intake is detected in the absence of a shaft sensor signal. The sensor information used to detect the dynamic variation in intake air may be obtained from either a mass air flow sensor disposed in a throttle passage of the engine, or from a pressure sensor disposed in an intake manifold of the engine, and virtually all current engine control systems utilize at least one of these sensors. The dynamic variation is detected by recognizing rising and falling segments of the signal waveform, by comparing the relative manifold pressure to predetermined maximum and minimum values, or by using a derivative of the signal waveform to recognize its inflection points.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: A simultaneous measurement of small displacements, from which forces, moments, pressures, and other physical quantities can be determined, with a high degree of precision and accuracy. A computer may be used to resolve the displacement into the applied loads. More specifically, a class of precision instruments is provided whose chief task is to resolve the applied loads acting on a body into their component forces and moments relative to a fixed coordinated axis system. This class of instruments includes the measurement of forces and moments acting on models tested in aerodynamic wind tunnel facilities.

Abstract: A thermal airflow sensor highly resistant to thermal stresses due to cold-heat cycles, highly reliable even in the presence of corrosive gases, low dispersion of output characteristics, low output noises, compact, small number of parts to be assembled, good workability, and low production cost.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is combined with a two-stage actively controlled isolation system. The gravity gradiometer and two stage isolation system may then be mounted within (or on) a mobile vehicle such as, for example, an aircraft. It has been recognized by the inventors herein that the accelerations imparted to an aircraft during normal operations can be separated through system design into two relatively distinct regimes within the frequency domain. The invention provides a first isolation mount, which forms part of the isolation system, to isolate accelerations (and resulting translations) falling within a first of the two frequency regimes. The second isolation mount, which is mounted to the first isolation mount, isolates accelerations falling within the second of the two frequency regimes. A gravity gradiometer can then be mounted to the second isolation mount.

Abstract: Apparatus for balancing a rotary object, such as a disc drive disc pack. A balance correction member is provided as a C-shaped ring formed from a length of wire of nominally uniform cross-sectional area. The member has a substantially elliptical shape in an uncompressed state. During installation, the amount of imbalance in the disc pack is measured and a member with an appropriate length is selected and compressed to a substantially circular shape. The compressed member is then placed adjacent the disc pack so that the member expands to compressingly engage an annular recess in the disc pack. The member is preferably installed using an automated dynamic balance correction station as part of a high volume disc drive manufacturing environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending two or more force-versus-displacement sensors for measuring displacement of a pendular structure relative to a frame structure, wherein a suspension structure includes the frame and pendular structures, the pendular structure having a base structure suspended from the frame structure for rotation about a first axis, a beam structure spaced away from the first axis, and a flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure for rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure is positioned substantially intermediate between suspension positions of the force-versus-displacement sensors, and constrains the beam structure to motion substantially within the plane of the pendular structure.

Abstract: The disclosed invention mounts transmitting and receiving electrical coils (52, 54) within channels or chambers (48, 50) formed by the notched ends of magnets (24, 28) closest to the metallic structure under test (40) where said magnets (24, 28) are arranged to form annular arrays (20, 22) of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) pair applicable in non-destructive testing. The detection of one or more electromagnetically-induced resonant frequencies at shifted locations indicates the presence of one or more flaws (58, 60) in the metallic structure under test (40). The novel recessed mounting of the coils provided by the channels or chambers (48, 50) substantially reduces the observed electrical cross-talk between coils (52, 54) over the prior art and reduces the likelihood of the coils (52, 54) making contact with the subject metallic structure under test (40) as it is in longitudinal motion relative to the coils (52, 54).

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for testing a product in various climatic conditions. The testing apparatus includes a testing cabinet defining a first testing chamber for receiving the product therein and a vibration chamber. A vibration table is positioned within the testing apparatus and has an upper surface communicating with the testing chamber and a lower surface. A plurality of vibrators are operatively connected to the lower surface of the vibration table and are disposed in the vibration chamber. A climate control structure communicates with the vibration chamber for controlling the environment thereof.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a structure includes cavities on an outer surface and a fluid source at substantially constant pressure coupled to the cavities through high fluid impedances to create pressure differentials therebetween. A telemetry system has pressure differential switches across each of the high impedances for monitoring differential pressure changes across the impedances and providing a signal indicative of the location of the cavity associated with the high impedance across which the change is monitored. A fluid capacitance is associated with each cavity and the corresponding impedances to facilitate a transient fluid flow through the impedances.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor having higher pressure durability than conventional sensors. In this invention, a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor has a diaphragm made from boron-doped silicon, and the boron concentration at the top face of the diaphragm is equal to or greater than 1×1019 cm−3 and less than 9×1019 cm−3. Further, in this invention, a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor has a conductive diaphragm made by doping of an impurity and anisotropic etching, and the etch pit density on the top face of the diaphragm is equal to or less than five per &mgr;m2, and preferably equal to or less than one per &mgr;m2. As a result, the pressure durability of the diaphragm is greatly improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented which allow efficient environmental testing of components such as printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, sub-systems and other components. In one method of the invention, a component can be placed into a chamber having an internal space filled with a gaseous atmosphere. The component is indirectly cooled by smartly positioning one or more cooling coils near the component to be tested, and the cooling coils are fed with a cryogenic fluid from a source of cryogenic fluid. The warm cryogenic fluid is recycled by one of two means: a thermosiphon conduit loop, and a storage and compression facility for reusing the warm cryogenic fluid. The internal space is preferably filled with a dry gas.

Abstract: A sensor (10) for sensing stress applied to an object (12), wherein the sensor includes a first core member (e.g., 100) aligned substantially parallel to the direction of applied stress and a second core member (e.g., 200) aligned substantially perpendicular to the direction of applied stress. A central core portion (18) connects the first and second core members (e.g., 100 and 200). An excitation coil (20) is operatively associated around the central core portion (18). The excitation coil (20) produces magnetic flux within the object (12) and the first and second core members (e.g., 100 and 200). A first detection coil (e.g., 104) is operatively associated around the first core member (e.g., 100). A second detection coil (e.g., 204) is operatively associated around the second core member (e.g., 200). The first and second detection coils (e.g., 104 and 204) detect changes in the magnetic flux as affected by applied stress.

Abstract: A magnetically excited, resonant cantilever sensor apparatus has a cantilever as the transducer element. A static magnetic field is directed in the plane of the cantilever(s) cooperating with a current loop in/on the latter. Orienting the magnetic field along or perpendicular to the cantilever axis and controlling the current apprpriately allows for selective excitation of resonance or non-resonance modes and/or in a self-oscillation mode. The deflection of the cantilever is detected using piezoresistive or magnetic readout. The apparatus may be used as gas sensor, scanning force microscope, mechanical filter, temperature sensor or the like.

Abstract: A bearing assembly which couples a road wheel to a suspension system component on an automotive vehicle includes a hub to which the wheel is attached and a housing which is attached to the suspension system component. The housing has two tapered raceways which surround raceways on cones that are fitted to the hub. Organized in two rows between the raceways of the housing and cones are tapered rollers which roll along the raceways when the wheel rotates. The rollers as they pass over the outer raceway impart minute flexures to the housing and these flexures are monitored by multiple strain sensors on the housing. The strains—and the signals produced by the sensors—reflect conditions at the region of contact between a tire on the road wheel and the road surface over which the tire rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transverse force sensor with a bridge circuit having strain-sensitive resistors, the strain-sensitive resistors being arranged immediately on a component on which bending forces act directly without intermediate support, as a result of which an electric signal corresponding to the strain of the thick-film resistors can be tapped at the bridge circuit.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a self-contained insert that can be placed within a catch basin or manhole in a closed conveyance stormwater drainage system. The device provides a means for isolating the water entering a catch basin from flows from other catch basins such that flow rate and water quality for water entering the catch basin can be measured, without contamination from flows from other catch basins. The device enables the use of various types of flow rate meters for determining the quantity of water passing into the catch basin and provides a volume of water from which samples may be collected for analysis of pollutant mass loading rates.

Abstract: A contactless, resistive heating device applies heat energy non-invasively to a target zone of liquid contained by a non-conductive substrate or capillary. The heating device supplies an AC signal to two spaced-apart electrodes, which are disposed externally of the substrate. A circuit is established in which the source of the AC signal is capacitively coupled with the liquid through each electrode. The zone of liquid between the electrodes is heated due to the resulting flow of electrical current across the zone.

Abstract: A tire sensor assembly that is embedded in an elastomeric tire at a particular radial depth inwardly from a contact patch of the tire includes a flexible generally pyramid-shaped body and a pair of first strain sensors disposed on first opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the first strain sensors detecting a force in a first direction. In addition, the assembly includes a pair of second strain sensors disposed on second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the second strain sensors detecting a force in a second direction. Moreover, each face of the first and second opposed faces is non-planar. Preferably, the first and second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body are curved and generally symmetrical about an axis extending longitudinally through the apex of the body so as to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor assembly generally independent of the radial depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll (1) for measuring the flatness of a band (M) comprising a tubular body (12) with a cylindrical external face (11) and a number of sensors each consisting of a feeler (2) mounted in a housing (3) provided in a recess in the thickness of the tubular body (12) and closed by a protection wall (50) whose deformations are measured by the feeler (2).

Abstract: A method and system to deposit rapidly, accurately and efficiently liquid droplets onto a sample plate. A liquid from which the droplet is formed contains sample molecules, matrix molecules or a mixture of both sample and matrix molecules. A sample plate is positioned with respect to a position below a portion of the liquid, such as a droplet. A power supply forms an electric field between the sample plate and the liquid, which pulls the droplet to a target location on the sample plate. A plurality of capillary columns is provided for simultaneous or successive multiple depositions via application of one or more high voltage pulses between the liquid sample array and a sample plate.

Abstract: A pipette assembly for automatic pipetting machines including a stepped mandrel and tip for providing a minimum contact seal between the pipette tip and mandrel. The mandrel includes a first cylindrical portion with a first exterior diameter and a second cylindrical portion with a second exterior diameter. Raised bands on the first and second cylindrical portions contact the interior wall of the pipette tip to form seals. Because only a portion of the mandrel, specifically the seal portions, contacts the pipette tip, lower forces are required to insert the tip onto the mandrel.

Abstract: Substrate processing parts are stacked and arranged in a multistage manner around a transport robot arranged at the center of a processing area. Rotary application units are arranged on a second layer through an indexer and the transport robot. Rotary developing units are stacked above the rotary application units respectively on a fourth layer located above the second layer. Multistage thermal processing units and an edge exposure unit are horizontally arranged in line above the indexer. In place of the processing units, inspection units performing a macro defect inspection and pattern line width measurement may be arranged in the upside region of the indexer space.

Abstract: A sensor device, for diagnosing a processing system, generally includes a support platform and one or more sensors mounted on the support platform. The sensor senses a condition, such as direction or inclination or acceleration in one or two axes, of the sensor device and outputs a signal indicative thereof, which is then sent to a transmitter, also mounted to the support platform, for wireless transmission of the signal to a receiver mounted on or near the processing system. The support platform generally has physical characteristics, such as size, profile height, mass, flexibility and/or strength, substantially similar to those of the substrates that are to be processed in the processing system, so the sensor device can be transferred through the processing system in a manner similar to the manner in which production substrates are transferred through the processing system.

Abstract: A sensor positioning apparatus comprising a mounting plate, a sensor housing, a sensor assembly pivotally mounted to the sensor housing, and a sensor pivotally mounted within the sensor assembly. The sensor housing includes an upper plate and a base plate connected in a spaced relationship and a central axis. The upper plate is coupled to the mounting plate and the base plate includes a socket adapted to receive a ball joint. The sensor assembly is carried by the housing and comprises a cylindrical body having an opening therein and defining a body axis. The sensor assembly also includes a piston within the body movable between a retracted and an extended position, a ball joint rotatably coupled to the base plate socket, a resilient member for maintaining the body axis substantially coaxial with the central axis, and three contact members for contacting a surface and orienting the sensor assembly normal to the surface.

Abstract: The cam device of the invention includes individually rotatable first and second cam followers performing predetermined movement along a groove defined by first and second sidewalls. The cam followers are positioned so that their axes extend in the same direction. Movement of the first cam follower is restricted by at least part of the first sidewall, and movement of the second cam follower is restricted by at least part of the second sidewall.

Abstract: An automated twin-clutch multi-speed transmission adapted to transfer power from the engine to one or more drivelines of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes a first engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a first input shaft, a second engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a second input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a geartrain for selectively establishing a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratio drive connections between the input shafts and the output shaft.

Abstract: A force coupling transfer device for use in marine equipment, snowmobiles, boats, automobiles, machinery, aircraft, recreational vehicles and other industries. The force coupling transfer device allows linear or rotational forces to be transferred from an input device to a controlled device. The force coupling transfer device includes an elongated flexible outer sheath and a movable flexible inner spring member. The inner spring member substantially transfers forces between two remote points located in a control space. The elongated flexible outer sheath is preferably a coiled spring and allows lubricating materials to pass through the surface to lubricate the inner spring member. A strain relief device, which may be a coiled spring, is preferably positioned around the outer sheath, adjacent to its ends, to prevent excessive bending of the outer sheath.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement (1) for attachment to a vehicle structure (37), an accelerator pedal (6), a brake pedal (7), and a clutch pedal (8). The pedals (6, 7, 8) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement (1) and define a first pivot axis (9). An adjustment element (5) is pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure (1) and defines a second pivot axis (4). The adjustment element (5) selectively moves the pedals (6, 7, 8) between a plurality of operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized by the pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment element (5) wherein the second pivot axis (4) is generally parallel to the first pivot axis (9). A driving mechanism with an electric motor (11) and gear assembly (12) is used to rotate the adjustment element (5) about the second pivot axis (4).

Abstract: An anti-slip brake lever includes a body portion formed with a recess having a plurality of holes, and an anti-slip member including a base and a soft anti-slip layer mounted on one side of the base, another side of the base being provided with a plurality of projections snugly-fitted into the holes, the base being made of a harder material than the anti-slip layer, whereby the anti-slip member can be easily replaced with a new one as desired and required.

Abstract: Method and device for producing ball-shaped metallic particles at least almost equal in diameter are disclosed comprising a cylindrical metallic housing, a vessel provided on the cylindrical metallic housing, the vessel having a plurality of small openings through a bottom plate thereof, a vibrator disposed on a mount to locate above the vessel in a manner that the vessel may be subjected to vibration, a pair of pipes provided to locate at an opposition portion of the cylindrical metallic housing to deliver and fill nitrogen or inert gas within the housing, an inclined bottom plate having a soft layer arranged at a bottom portion of the housing to form a shielding structure, an exhaust pipe provided outwardly at an outlet of the inclined bottom plate and a selector arranged at a bottom outlet of the shielding structure.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: Although particular detailed embodiments of the apparatus and method have been described herein, it should be understood that the invention is not restricted to the details of the preferred embodiment. Many changes in design, composition, configuration and dimensions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

Abstract: An improved structure of a screw mounting device comprising a machine body, a machine tubing, a controlling module and a retractable adjusting device located at one lateral side of the machine body, the end face of the front end of the machine body being a sloping side to allow a sliding wheel of the controlling module to urge against the sliding, the controlling module comprising a guiding rod, the sliding wheel and a cavity body and the controlling module located at the side of a screw insertion slot module, characterized in that the lateral side of the sliding rod is extended to provide a “”-shaped holding block, and the holding block is appropriately mounted at a recess located at the bottom section of the screw-pushing plate, the sliding wheel is pivotally mounted at the top section of the guiding rod, and the bottom section of the guiding rod is provided with a spring within the cavity body, thereby when the sliding wheel urgingly slides together with the sloping side, the guiding block is s

Abstract: A second handle assembly used on a driver-tool, the tool having a handle and shank extending perpendicularly from the handle, the assembly attached by prescribed method, location fixed upon, relative the shank, and having separate shaped halves, one discrete half being held by, guided to against work by, serving to position rotatable about the shank, a one hand-portion of a user/operator's hand which positioned, positions a second portion of the hand free to orbit, grasp, hold, and release the assembly's other half, the hand's second portion as positioned used for improving ratcheting, spinning the other half-assembly spinning the shank, and acting as clutch releasing the shank to move easily within the grasp thus enhancing an alternating two handed continuous spinning of the shank.

Abstract: A strap wrench comprising a handle with a central channel and detachable strap anchored at one end of the handle. The strap is held in place in a channel by means of a rocker arm which is biased to press the strap against a portion the strap positioned in the channel. The strap is initially positioned in the channel by the user pressing one side of the rocker arm to open the channel. Once the strap is initially seated, the rocker arm may be released and the loop may be further tightened by pulling the strap through the channel. Free movement of the strap may be enhanced by applying pressure to the rocker arm.

Abstract: A one-piece speed wrench has a handle and two engagement prongs joined at an engagement area. One prong, the in-line prong, may be parallel with the length of the handle. The other prong, an offset angle prong, contains at least one notch. The notch has two faces. When viewed from the side, one face, the inboard face closest to the engagement area between the two prongs, is at an angle with the face of the in-line prong. The inboard face of each notch is in a preferred embodiment approximately a third as long as each face of the hexagonal fastener. The outboard face adjacent to the inboard face of each notch is at a decreasing angle with the in-line prong in the direction away from the prong engagement area. This decreasing angle of the outboard face of each notch allows for a ratcheting effect. There may be more than one notch, with each notch corresponding to a different size hexagonal fastener.

Abstract: A tool for tightening a bolt in a very narrow place. A substantially circular plate 1 has a thickness approximately the same as the thickness of a hexagonal bolt head 3. The substantially circular plate is provided in a center thereof with a socket 5, which has a hexagonal shape corresponding to said hexagonal bolt head. The socket has a stopper portion 7 adapted to contact a top surface of the bolt head so as to prevent the bolt head from passing through the socket. The substantially circular plate is provided on a periphery thereof with engagement projections 9. The substantially circular plate is easily turned by pushing one of the engagement projections by means of a tip of a screwdriver.