Abstract: A sensor for an interconnected lock assembly which can sense whether the door is in a locked or unlocked state. The interconnected lock assembly comprises a first lock assembly and a second lock assembly, both operably interconnected by a rack mounted on a carrier component. The second lock assembly is operably connected to a deadbolt latch assembly which comprises a deadbolt movable between an extended position when the carrier component is in a lowered position and a retracted position when the carrier component is in a raised position. The sensor is positioned within the interconnected lock assembly to detect when the carrier component is in a lowered position or in a raised position. The information is relayed to an electronic control module.

Abstract: A push-button steering wheel lock for attachment to an automobile steering wheel is provided having a housing and a push-button assembly disposed in the housing. The assembly is positioned in either a locked position for securing the steering wheel lock to the steering wheel or an unlocked position. In the locked position, the push-button lock assembly engages a rod slideably disposed in the housing to prevent movement of the rod with respect to the housing. The push-button assembly also includes two levers, one each on either side of the assembly to engage two surfaces within the housing to retain the push-button assembly in the locked position and also to retain the push-button assembly in the housing.

Abstract: Public storage lockers are designed particularly for storage of bicycles, such as at a public transportation terminal. In a preferred embodiment the storage lockers are on-demand, lockable by a user who must unlock the locker using the same electronic key and who must unlock the locker before using the key for any other locker. The lockers are visually open, with a secure screen or mesh on the locker door and optionally on walls and top cover. This reveals that the bike locker is occupied and prevents the use of the locker for unauthorized, privacy-requiring activities. The bike enclosure has a floor wheel guide for conveniently loading the bike, and a special door latch mechanism which provides for security by including a latch bar in a fixed frame, while a latch bar lifter, operable to permit door opening when the lock is unlocked, is on the door.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The electronic lock assembly includes a cylinder type locking mechanism, where a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby selectively allowing rotation of the key cylinder for operation of the locking mechanism. To prevent rotation of the key cylinder and loading of the solenoid plunger prior to the solenoid receiving an authorized signal to retract the plunger, a stop mechanism is provided which only allows rotation of the key cylinder in predetermined coordination with operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thumbturn assembly for an electronic lock assembly wherein a circuit board housing and microprocessor programmed for operation of the electronic lock assembly is housed in conjunction with a power source to allow programming of the lock assembly for operation using authorized electronic key mechanisms. An inside housing assembly is assembled and thereafter coupled to the inside thumbturn and cover assembly, and a thumbturn extension is provided in association with the inside housing to allow the tailpiece to engage the slot in the latch crank assembly, while concomitantly providing a female fitting to engage the inside thumbturn upon coupling of the inside thumbturn assembly and cover assembly to the inside housing assembly. Upon combining the inside thumbturn and cover assembly to the inside housing assembly, the thumbturn, thumbturn extension and tail piece rotate as one unit to throw and retract the bolt in the latch of the locking mechanism for operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic deadbolt flex assembly for transfer of data to and from a microprocessor associated with the electronic lock assembly. The flex assembly comprises an electrical connector coupled to a solenoid assembly for operating the electronic lock. A contact spring electrically couples a data pin positioned within the cylinder plug of the lock assembly, providing a path for data transfer to a microprocessor housed within an inside turn assembly. A signaling device, such as an LED, is mounted in association with the assembly to indicate operational signals to the user.

Abstract: An electronic locking system is provided wherein an electronic lock's restriction of movement of a locked securing member, such as a door latch or bolt, can be selectively overridden from inside a locked enclosure by manual manipulation of a handle. The handle moves the securing member to open a locked barrier even though the electronic lock remains in a locked condition.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about −150 mesh, and preferably −270 mesh, with −400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: Ammonium sulfate nitrate composite materials useful as fertilizers having desirable levels of nitrate ions, superior stability against detonation, higher density, greater resistance to moisture, and a method for their manufacture. The ammonium sulfate nitrate composites have as essential constituents ammonium sulfate and the NH4SO4.2(NH4NO3) double salt with less than 5 wt. % in combined total of the more hazardous NH4SO4.3(NH4NO3) double salt and ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A drawing mold has a contoured mold surface receiving a metal sheet thereon. A tensile drawing machine applies a drawing tension to the sheet edges to deform the sheet onto the mold. Heated pressurized air supplied through air holes in the mold surface forms an air cushion between the sheet and the mold, to heat and support the sheet without friction. A forming method includes: a pre-stressing phase of pre-stressing and pre-bending the sheet at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; a heating phase of heating the sheet with the pressurized air at an elevated temperature and intermediate elevated pressure; a forming phase of maintaining the temperature and increasing the pressure to support the sheet on the air cushion, and drawing the sheet with the tensile drawing machine; and a cooling phase of cooling the sheet without further deformation, with the air at the intermediate pressure and cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A press die comprises an upper die and a lower die each including a die main body; at least one first guide post projected on one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die; and a first product pressing member mounted on the one of the die main bodies so as to be slidable along a middle portion of the first guide post, at least one guide through hole through which a middle portion of the first guide post penetrates being formed in the first product pressing member. The die main bodies of both the upper die and the lower die and the first product pressing member undergo an alignment for each other through the first guide post by inserting a tip portion of the first guide post into a first guide hole formed on the other one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die.

Abstract: A press die comprises an upper die and a lower die each including a molding surface and a die main body; at least one first guide post attached to at least one of the die main bodies of the upper die and the lower die from its molding surface side; and at least one product pressing member mounted to the die main body to which the first guide post is attached so as to be slidable along the first guide post, at least one first guide hole into which the first guide post is to be inserted being formed in the product pressing member from its molding surface side. The die main body and the product pressing member mounted to the die main body undergo an alignment for each other through the first guide post.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes two handles coupled to two cutter blades for forcing the cutter blades to cut the objects. Two or more poles are secured to the handles and extended outward beyond the handles for wire-bending purposes. One of the cutter blades includes a number of teeth and has a lever. A pawl is pivotally secured to one handle and biased to engage with the teeth. An actuator bar is pivotally secured to the other handle and has a post slidably received in the lever for selectively engaging with the lever to force the cutting edges to cut the object.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting a door hinge so that the door hangs properly. The tool is a tube with a slot extending from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube and having a bore to permit sliding the tube over the knuckles of the door hinge.

Abstract: A calibration system for a tube prover used in gas flow rate calibration equipment includes a low friction piston which provides an effective seal without the use of mercury. The low friction piston is easily movable in a prover tube of the calibration system in response to gas flow rates, even low flow rates. The piston is constructed of a light weight, low friction fluorinated hydrocarbon material. The piston has first and second seals which provide a positive seal with the inner surface of the prover tube and which maintain the alignment of the piston within the prover tube.

Abstract: A pressure transducer calibration device is disclosed having a housing which defines a first and second chamber separated by a compliant barrier. Two ports are in fluid communication with the first chamber, and one port is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be filled with fluid and connected, via a three-way stopcock, to a pressure monitoring line. The second chamber is configured to be connected in fluid communication with a pressure generation device. In operation, the transducer is isolated from the monitored pressure source. Fluid communication is established between the first chamber and the transducer. A known fluid pressure is applied to the second chamber such that the known fluid pressure is also applied to the first chamber through the compliant barrier. The pressure transducer is then calibrated based upon the known fluid pressure within the first chamber.

Abstract: A probe drive system of a precision liquid handler sequentially inserts probe tips of a multiple probe array into a locator well at a known position on a locator bed. The position of each probe tip is determined by driving the probe tip into contact with points on the side wall of the locator well and sensing the contracts. The positions of the probe tips are mapped and checked for skew of the probe array. The probe tip positions are overlaid to determine probe tip scatter. If a probe tip is excessively misaligned, it is inserted into the locator well and driven against the side wall to bend the probe and reduce the misalignment of the probe tip. The center of the probe tip scatter is determined and is used by the probe drive system as a global correction factor. Probe tips with known positions are inserted into spaced apart locator wells to detect skew of the locator bed.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) carries a probe and is controlled by a controller to drive the probe to take measurements on a workpiece. In order to reduce the effects of acceleration-induced deflections of the probe on the measurements made by the machine, accelerometers are provided to measure the accelerations of the probe and to produce signals indicative thereof. The acceleration signals (45) are passed to the controller (FIG. 2) where they are integrated (46) and filtered (48) before being passed as velocity signals (49) to a summing junction (50) from which they are fed to a velocity feedback control loop[ (34, 35, 36, 37) which reduces any changes in the velocity (and hence deflection) of the probe due to the accelerations.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method are disclosed for testing piles for load bearing capacity. The novel means and method of the present invention include applying a static compressive force on a pile or group of piles to be tested for load bearing capacity, receiving an equal and opposite reaction force on an I-beam, providing at least two reaction anchor assemblies on opposite sides of the pile, and bracing the I-beam by the two reaction anchor assemblies to hold the I-beam stationary in counter-action against the opposite reaction force on the I-beam. In one aspect, each reaction anchor assembly has an anchoring head, a pipe column, a center, a pulling rod passing through the center, a pair of the swingable anchoring plates, and a frusto-cone for pivoting the swingable anchoring plates. In one aspect, the pipe column has four fins welded longitudinally along the pipe column. In one aspect, the reaction anchor assembly is preassembled for transportation to a pile test site.

Abstract: An improved engine fuel control detects combustion instability due to the use of high DI fuel during cold start and warm-up and compensates the fuel control for detected combustion instability through temporary enrichment of the delivered air/fuel ratio. The usage of high DI fuel is detected during an engine idle period following starting by monitoring the engine speed to identify an engine speed excursion more than a calibrated percentage below the desired idle speed. The detection method is enabled under specified environmental conditions, provided the engine run time is greater than a specified time and the engine temperature is within a specified range. Additionally, the method is disabled for a prescribed period following commanded load transitions associated with the air conditioning system and the automatic transmission.

Abstract: In order to check the phase adjustment of a camshaft, in which process the present phase angle of a variable phase camshaft can be detected reliably, a first value which corresponds to the actual noise level of the internal combustion engine is determined during a predetermined evaluation window and is compared with a second value, which corresponds to the actual noise level after phase adjustment of the camshaft, with the operation of the phase adjustment of the camshaft being assessed as a function of this comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dynamic load characteristics of wheels, which can be relatively easily installed on a portion between the body of the vehicle and the wheel to receive force from the road surface, which is cheap yet makes it possible to grasp the dynamic load characteristics of the wheel during the travel maintaining a sufficient degree of accuracy. The apparatus comprises a washer-type strain sensor incorporated between the body of a vehicle and a wheel, at a portion where it receives force from the road surface, e.g., at a portion where a shock absorber of the suspension system is attached to the main body of vehicle, and a means for measuring an output of the washer-type strain sensor while the vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring tires mounted to the vehicle in which thermal radiation detecting devices are arranged external of and apart from the tires for detecting the temperature of the tires. The detected temperature of the tires is analyzed, e.g., relative to a threshold or as to the magnitude of a difference between mated tires, and an action is effected in response to the analysis. The thermal radiation detecting devices are preferably supplied with power wirelessly, e.g., through an inductive system, a capacitive system or a radio frequency energy transfer system.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for a program controlled wheel alignment measurement of the running gears of vehicles the various steps or groups of steps of the measurement procedure are carried out under the control of a central computer of the wheel alignment system or a microprocessor in a machine-like device for turning the steering wheel of the vehicle. The wheel of the steerable axis are turned and positioned, respectively, under the control of the program to the positions required for carrying out the wheel alignment measurement of the running gears.

Abstract: The volume measuring device has a reservoir of known volume attached to a measuring tube. The measuring tube is also attached to a container mount configured to sealably engage a container. Liquid partially fills the measuring tube and the volume of liquid contained therein can be measured by measuring its height. The measuring tube pivots between two measuring orientations. In the first measuring orientation, the volume of liquid in the measuring tube equals the total volume of liquid minus the volume of the reservoir. In the second measuring orientation, the volume of liquid in the measuring tube equals the total volume minus the volume of the container. Thus, the difference in the volume of liquid contained in the measuring tube in the two orientations equals the difference between the known volume of the reservoir and the unknown volume of the container, and the volume of the container can be calculated.

Abstract: A stone pecking damage analyzer is provided which includes an enclosure frame. A pivotal first conveyor wheel is also provided. Spaced from the fixed conveyor wheel is a second conveyor wheel. A conveyor belt is fitted upon the two conveyor wheels. An automotive tire/wheel combination is mounted for rotation in contact with the conveyor belt planar surface. A variable speed motor torsionally coupled to the shaft powers the tire/wheel combination. A tubular conduit delivers stones to the conveyor's planar surface. An aggravator manipulates the tubular conduit to increase the delivery of stones to the conveyor. A deflector is also provided for redirecting stones delivered to the tire by the conveyor and thereafter accelerated by the tire. A mounting system hangs an automotive vehicle coated body panel in a position commensurate to its position with respect to the vehicle wheel well.

Abstract: A constant-head soil permeameter for determining hydraulic conductivity of earthen materials is inserted into a borehole at the desired test depth. A calibrated reservoir, disposed on the ground surface, is attached thereto with a suitable length of hose. Water is added to the calibrated reservoir and allowed to flow freely into the borehole until an equilibrium level is reached in the borehole and inside the soil permeameter. The water flowing to the permeameter is throttled by buoyant float pressure that is greatly increased by a lever-and-link valve control assembly which provides considerable mechanical advantage, thereby allowing better constant head control and much greater depths of testing than previously attained by known permeameters. A filtered vent system, backflow check valve, and seals restrict entry of soil particles and debris, thereby minimizing cleaning and maintenance of the invention.

Abstract: An integral gear life monitor system and method for determining gear use and damage is disclosed. The system includes a first and second sensors for measuring the rotational speed and torque of a driveline component, such as an input shaft of a vehicle transmission, for a particular gear ratio at one or more time intervals over a period of time. Each time interval may be in the range of 40 ms to 100 ms. The period of time may be hours, days, month, or even years. A processor performs a statistical summation technique to transform the signals from the first and second sensors into an equivalent amount time for the particular gear ratio during that period of time. A driveline vibration analyzer can perform an online determination of the torsional vibrations for the particular gear ratio to determine whether vibration is a root cause of why a gear ratio is worn or damaged.

Abstract: A sign of abnormality of a valve apparatus during its operation is grasped, an abnormal position and a portion requiring repair are specified, a range of inspection of an electric valve is limited and the degree of the sign of abnormality is judged without touching at all the valve apparatus. A driving force sensor provided to a driving portion of a valve apparatus is connected to a diagnosing apparatus, an energy sensor for detecting feed energy to the driving portion and a vibration sensor for detecting vibration of the valve apparatus are provisionally fitted to the valve apparatus. A data conversion unit converts the detection signals outputted from these three kinds of sensors to predetermined signals.

Abstract: The invention proposes a level-measuring device in which a signal generator device, a sampling device and a transmitting and/or receiving device are optimally connected to one another for various applications and signal shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, presenting, recalling and recording the maximum running speed of a user over a prescribed distance in miles per hour or meters per second. The result is shown in digital and iconic form on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus incorporates a micro-controller, a LCD, a motion sensor, a sound generator, press switches, and light emitting diodes. The motion sensor is used to generate a signal, in response to external motion, which is input to the micro-controller for use in calculating the speed in accordance with a prescribed formula. Upon completion of running over a fixed time period or distance, a message is displayed on the LCD to indicated the maximum speed achieved by the user during an interval of the fixed time and over the prescribed distance. The apparatus may be adapted for use on shoes, a user's wrists, or the like, for the purpose of encouraging the user to run as fast as possible, and to ensure safety of the user at night.

Abstract: A speed sensor for sensing a rotating speed of a wheel is provided. The speed sensor includes a thermoplastic sensor body. A mounting ring is connected to the sensor body. The mounting ring can include a flange portion. A plastic insert is integrally molded into the sensor body adjacent the mounting ring. An active sensor element is located in a lower end of the plastic insert, a face of the active sensor element being vertically spaced a predetermined distance from the flange portion. A pair of terminals is electrically connected to the active sensor element. The pair of terminals extends from an upper end of the plastic insert. The flange portion, when pressed onto a hub associated with the wheel, is adapted to space the active sensor element an operating distance from a tone wheel mounted to the hub.

Abstract: In an acceleration sensor including a vibrator subject to a sliding vibration and a weight section connected to the vibrator and supported at a position different from the position of the center of gravity of an assembly of the vibrator and weight section, for detecting an angular moment about the support point, which is produced at the weight section by application of acceleration, as sliding vibration with the vibrator, the acceleration sensor includes a rectangular substrate having a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the vibrator, a formation pattern of the plurality of electrodes is symmetrical about an axis parallel to at least one side of the substrate, and the plurality of electrodes have substantially equal thickness. Since the formation pattern of the electrodes on the substrate is symmetrical and the respective electrodes have substantially equal thickness, the vibrator that is bonded to this substrate does not incline and the detection sensitivity does not vary.

Abstract: An acceleration detecting device comprising a movable weight, a movable electric contact disposed on the weight, a fixed electric contact, an resilient member, and a friction creating mechanism. The movable electric contact slides on the fixed electric contact when a force is given to the weight for moving the weight in a first direction. The resilient member urges the weight continually in a second direction opposing to the first direction. The friction creating mechanism gives a frictional force to the weight when the weight travels a distance in excess of a certain amount in the first direction. The friction creating mechanism increases the frictional force as the weight continues to advance further in the first direction.

Abstract: Within the scope is a method for detecting the variator slip in continuously variable transmission (CVT transmission). The tribologic slip is detected by monitoring a rotating variator according to vibration and a subsequent evaluation.

Abstract: An electronic pressure sensing device comprises a pressure sensing/transmitter module including at least one pressure sensor having a pair of opposed sensing elements, and a pair of inlet ports on the module to supply fluid under pressure to the sensing elements, and a plurality of adaptors each having a pair of outlet ports for connection to the inlet ports on the module whereby each adaptor can be selectively coupled to the module, each adaptor being capable of being connected to a different configuration of pressurized fluid supply to feed the associated supply to at least one of the inlet ports on the module, the module further including electronic means for interpreting and transmitting the values of pressure sensed by the sensing elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue testing a material comprising a first clamp and a second clamp to secure the material, means for rotating the first clamp in one direction relative to the second clamp and means for rotating the second clamp in an opposite direction relative to the first clamp thereby bending the material, and a pair of cam mechanisms for translating the first and second clamps in opposite directions thereby stretching the material. The apparatus is capable of bending and stretching the material within one complete cycle.

Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the mounting grips.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of inserting an edge of a cutting blade into an upper layer of the structure, moving the cutting blade substantially in parallel with an interface between the upper layer and a lower layer of the structure while a depth of the edge of the cutting blade being controlled to such a depth slightly upper than the interface and a cutting piece remains on the cutting blade, and measuring a force exerted on the cutting blade substantially in parallel with the interface.

Abstract: A no purge sampler for collecting fluid samples includes a flexible tube having a sealed first end and a second end, the tube defining an interior cavity, a buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment secured to the tube, and a check valve disposed at the second end of the tube. To collect fluid samples, the no purge sampler is lowered into the fluid to be sampled. The buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment is filled with an appropriate ballast to allow the sampler to sink to a desired level. Once the sampler reaches the desired depth, the sampler is moved up and down to pump water into the collapsed tube. The check valve is opened each time the sampler is pulled upwards allowing fluid to enter the interior cavity. The up and down motion is repeated until the interior cavity of the tube is filled with fluid. Once the interior cavity is filled, the pressure of the fluid in the tube causes the check valve to close, thereby preventing additional fluid from entering the interior cavity.

Abstract: Hand-held pipettes are provided which have automatic volume setting and either manual or power assisted piston operation. Power assisted piston operation may be achieved with a fly-by-wire operation wherein movement of a plunger button is detected and used to control a drive for the plunger. A data transfer capability in at least one direction may also be provided for the pipette.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting and inspecting semiconductor substrates (6), having at least three workstations (8, 10, 12), a changer (14), which has at least three arms (14a, 14b, 14c) which are designed to load the individual workstations (8, 10, 12) with semiconductor substrates (6). A measuring device (15) is assigned to the second workstation (10), determines the deviation of the current position of the semiconductor substrate (6) and makes it available to the arrangement (3) for the further inspection of the semiconductor substrate (6). In addition, the changer (14) is not equipped with means for exact positioning of the semiconductor substrates (6) in the workstations (8, 10, 12).

Abstract: A pinion slip-off preventive structure of a starting apparatus is provided in which a bearing applied to a snap ring 17 can be decreased to make the snap ring 17 less prone to being worn out and damaged, thus preventing the snap ring 17 from slipping off from a pinion shaft 7. The pinion slip-off preventive structure includes a projected portion 52 extending from an end face of the pinion shaft 7 in an axial direction thereof and having a groove 51 formed on a smooth surface thereof in a circumferential direction thereof, the snap ring 17 fitted in the groove 51, and a stopper 57 having an abutting surface 54 in abutting engagement with an end face of the pinion 9 and an engaging portion 56 engaged with the snap ring 17.

Abstract: A pinion gear of a starter motor is driven into engagement with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine by a driving lever having a leaf spring upon energization of an electromagnetic actuator. The leaf spring of the driving lever is coupled to a connecting member of a plunger of the electromagnetic actuator. The connecting member includes a surface engaging with an engaging portion formed at one end of the leaf spring. A center portion of the engaging surface is projected toward the leaf spring, so that the engaging portion of the leaf spring always contacts the engaging surface at the center of the engaging surface, even if the leaf spring is slantedly coupled with the connecting member.

Abstract: A constant power mechanical transmission with seamless, ripple free, infinitely variable torque multiplying outputs comprises an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is coupled to a pair of oscillating levers whereby rotation of the input shaft causes oscillation of the oscillating levers in opposite directions. The oscillating levers are linked to the output shaft with one-way clutches in order to cause rotation of the shaft upon movement of the oscillating levers. The rotational speed of the output shaft can be infinitely varied by changing the throw of the oscillating levers.

Abstract: An executed time of a backward slipping moderation control is counted by a timer, and after a predetermined period of time is elapsed, the control is terminated. Upon the termination of the control, a control of operation of a brake actuator is executed so that a wheel cylinder pressure is decreased with a gentle slope in comparison with a normal operation of the brake actuator for terminating the control. Where the backward slipping moderation control is executed by controlling a brake fluid pressure of the brake actuator, an acceleration &agr; of a vehicle is estimated. If the acceleration is larger than a predetermined value, a target pressure P is increased, thus generating a relatively large braking force.

Abstract: A centrifugal force generator and converter device for increasing or decreasing the thrust of a moving vehicle, in either of an acceleration mode or in a deceleration mode. The centrifugal force generator and converter device includes an engine housing for receiving a thrust assembly having a retaining ring with an inner perimeter rim surface thereon; a plurality of weight roller assemblies; and a center drive hub assembly for rotating and driving the plurality of weight roller assemblies relative to the inner perimeter rim surface of the retaining ring for creating a centrifugal force. The centrifugal force generator and converter device also includes a power transfer shifter having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft; and a power drive train for rotating the horizontal shaft in a first direction and for rotating the vertical shaft in a second direction through the operational use of the power transfer shifter.

Abstract: In a steering assist system for providing steering assist by transmitting the rotation of an electric motor to a steering shaft via a worm shaft and a worm wheel meshed with a worm of the worm shaft, an output shaft of the electric motor and the worm shaft are inteconnected via a joint. The joint includes a cylindrical first transmission member mounted on the output shaft, a cylindrical second transmission member to which the worm shaft is mounted, and a cylindrical elastic body formed of rubber or the like and interposed between the first and second transmission members.

Abstract: A starter wheel is provided for a motor vehicle or the like that is connected with twisting strength to a motor shaft. The starter wheel includes a starter element with which an outer toothed rim is associated. A driver element is connected with the starter element on the one hand, and to the converter of an automatic transmission on the other. The improved starter wheel is capable of absorbing radial and primarily axial forces without adversely affecting the operational efficiency. To accomplish this absorption, the driver element includes rocker areas located adjacent to the toothed rim of the starter in the area of the connecting elements which connect the driver element with the converter, such areas bulging outwards in the axial direction.

Abstract: A gear change device comprising a select actuator for operating a shift lever in a direction of selection and a shift actuator for operating the shift lever in a direction of shift, wherein the select actuator comprises a casing, a shift lever support member that is disposed in the casing so as to slide in an axial direction and supports the shift lever, a magnetic moving means disposed on the outer periphery of the shift lever support member, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving means, and a coil disposed on the inside of the fixed yoke.