Abstract: The locking folding T-handle door has a handle, a locking cam with a cutout portion, a latch cam, and a handle shaft rotatably fixing the handle, the locking cam and the latch cam together. A lock, a pan with an aperture formed therethrough for the handle shaft and an aperture for the lock are provided. A slide bar activation cam is fitted to the lock and is adapted to be turned by the lock. A slide bar located between the locking cam and the slide bar activation cam is provided. The slide bar is slidably retained by a slide retainer fixed to an underside of the pan. The slide bar is adapted to be moved into the cutout portion of the locking cam by locking the lock, which thereby prevents the handle from being turned to move the latch cam.

Abstract: An improved modular vehicle door lock and latch system is disclosed which includes a door latch mechanism, an inside door latch and door lock handle, and a unique outside door handle and door lock interface member, all of which are assembled into a pre-connected configuration together with all necessary control cables, thereby significantly reducing the labor required to assemble the lock and latch system into a door of a motor vehicle and correspondingly resulting in a significant cost reduction. A first module includes the inside door handle, the outside and inside locks, the door latch, and an outside door lock and door handle interface member, as well as linkages between these components. A second component is an outside door handle assembly which will be operatively connected to the outside door lock and door handle interface member.

Abstract: A plurality of closing cylinder devices are provided between a bolster of a press machine and a bed containing a lower mold of a hydroforming device. An upper mold is attached to a slide of the press machine. The upper mold and lower mold come together to form a cavity having the shape of the exterior of the desired molded product. A closing block, being movable between a first position which is between the slide and a crown of the press machine, and a second position, which avoids the slide, permitting free movement of the slide from the crown to the lower mold. When a material to be hydroformed is place in the lower mold, the upper mold is lowered. The closing block is fit into its first position, thereby restricting movement of the slide in the vertical direction. A inner work pressure is provided by a fluid inside the material to be molded.

Abstract: The disclosed method produces a spline-grooved cylindrical member, e.g. torque converter front cover, including a cylindrical portion having a target wall thickness t2, from a plate blank having a plate thickness t1. An outer peripheral portion of a disc-shaped blank is plastically deformed by pressing it against a mandrel with the concave peripheral edge of a thickness-increasing roller, so that a thick wall portion, of a thickness greater than the plate thickness t1 of the blank, is formed in the cylindrical portion. The thick wall portion is then pressed against the mandrel by forming rollers to form spline grooves therein. Thus, the other portions of the product have a wall thickness which is not unnecessarily increased. In this manner, the wall thickness t2 of the cylindrical portion is not entirely dictated by the wall thickness t1 of the blank material.

Abstract: A rolling machine for processing a metal container which has a longitudinal seam and is made from a flat metal plate to form a cylindrical body having adjacent or overlapping butt edges securely joined to one another by folding or welding, whereupon a disk-shaped lower bottom and, optionally, a respective upper bottom, is welded or folded to the cylindrical body to form a closed container, or an open-topped container, respectively, is configured as a continuous rolling machine and includes an upper carrier frame; an upper rolling drum rotatably supported in the upper carrier frame; a lower drum stand; and a driven lower rolling drum rotatably mounted in the lower drum stand.

Abstract: A forming press apparatus with which forming of a plurality of different workpieces can be carried out using a single press. The press has raise/lowerable upper and lower die sets. A plurality of forming die pairs corresponding to a plurality of forming steps to be carried out on a pre-drawn workpiece are mounted en bloc to the die sets. The forming die pairs are disposed in a row on the die sets in the order of the forming steps.

Abstract: There are disclosed an expanded tube processing method and expanded tube processing apparatus of a cylindrical tube, for inclining an opening end portion of a work formed of the cylindrical tube of metal with respect to an axis of a work to perform tube expansion, in which in order to simply perform an expanded tube processing, a punch is disposed on an opening end side of the work of the metal cylindrical tube and the punch is inserted from the work opening end to perform the tube expansion on a work end. A punch 18 is inserted from the work opening end at a predetermined angle to a tube axis A of a work 6. During insertion of the punch 18, the punch 18 and/or the work 6 are moved in a direction Y1-Y2 substantially crossing at right angles to an advancing/retreating drive direction Z1-Z2 of the punch 18 to perform the expanded tube processing.

Abstract: In order to easily, rapidly and precisely carry out a setting work after exchange of a pressuring unit, a shank module is provided that is capable of integrally exchanging a shank of a pressing unit. The shank module is configured to removably link a main body and a ram. By adopting the universal pressing unit, adjustment after exchange of the pressing unit becomes considerably easier. Additionally, in carrying out a universal design of a terminal-feeding mechanism, improved workability is implemented by linking the setting of press conditions with the feed conditions of a terminal belt. In order to accomplish this goal, an anvil unit of a press mechanism is configured to be detachable from a main body base. Furthermore, a positioning mechanism is provided on the anvil unit. The positioning mechanism positions the setting position of moving elements of a driving mechanism of a terminal-feeding mechanism corresponding to the terminal belt.

Abstract: A bump disk for accurate glide calibration has a new type of glass laser melt bumps that give the same signal amplitudes as conventional AlMg laser melt bumps for the same bump height. The present invention provides a solution to switch the calibration bumps from AlMg to glass, and can be used in disk manufacturing lines to save 30% on the cost of hard disks from inaccurate glide certification processes. The solution is to trim or burnish away loose and/or high particles on production disks before the glide tests. This additional processing step causes the responses from the glass bumps to become very similar to those of the AlMg bumps, thereby enabling glass and AlMg disks to become materially compatible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system includes a gas chromatography oven having a door adapted for integration with gas chromatography modules which are located outside of the oven cavity. For these purposes, the oven door has module receiving openings in which the modules are secured. The gas chromatography module includes a module housing containing a main coil of the capillary column, a pair of transfer lines sleeved on the free ends of the capillary column, a heater wire wound on the transfer lines, and, optionally, a pair of chromatography connectors which extend into the oven cavity and through which the free ends of the capillary column, as well as transfer lines, projecting into the oven cavity. A wall of the GC oven has an injector port and a detector port for injection of a sample into the oven cavity and for detecting the sample constituents. Column lengths extend within the oven cavity between the module and injector and detector, respectively.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus for testing at least the air brakes of trailers includes a portable air-brake governing or actuation system and a hand-held control pendent, operating off an independent compressed air supply. Without the coupling of, and connections with, a tractor, the air brakes of a trailer can be applied and released, and held in a charged mode for a period of time during which any loss of air pressure can be monitored. Using the apparatus a single person can conduct the entire air brake test process, including applying and releasing the brakes while simultaneously visually and manually inspecting the brakes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for calibrating a sensor for flowing fluid in a system including a dialysis monitor, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the method including applying a first pressure to the flowing fluid and detecting a first flow of the flowing fluid at the fluid input and the fluid output, applying a second pressure to the flowing fluid and detecting a second flow of the flowing fluid at the fluid input and the fluid output, and determining whether any detected differences between the first and second flows are the result of leakage in the system or are caused by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for localizing and correlating leaks in a pipeline includes a plurality of loggers for detecting and storing sound data, an interface unit removably connected to the plurality of loggers and a computer system removably connected to the interface unit. Each logger includes a housing and electronics disposed within the housing, the electronics comprising a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the logger, a battery source for powering the logger, a sound sensor for detecting sound data and data storage circuitry for storing sound data detected by the sound sensor. In use, the plurality of loggers are disposed along the pipeline and are programmed to record sound data. The sound data recorded by the plurality of loggers is downloaded onto the computer system which, in turn, localizes and correlates any leaks present in the pipeline.

Abstract: Systems for use in leak detection and methods for leak detection are provided wherein a radioactive trace material is externally applied to a wall of a chamber which contains a fluid at a relatively high internal pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a small or gross leak in an evaporative emission control system of an automotive vehicle. The method includes initially purging and then sealing the evaporative emission control system. A vacuum switch coupled to the evaporative emission control system is then monitored for an opening event caused by a loss of a natural vacuum created in the evaporative emission control system. If said opening event is detected, the method determines if a leak check timer has exceeded a first or second predetermined threshold value. If the leak check timer has not exceeded said first predetermined threshold value a first fault code is set indicating that the gross leak has been detected. If the leak check timer has not exceeded the second predetermined threshold value, a second fault code is set indicating that the small leak has been detected. The first threshold value corresponds to an amount of time required for a leak to be detected having a diameter of about 0.070 inches or greater.

Abstract: An AFM that combines an AFM Z position actuator and a self-actuated Z position cantilever (both operable in cyclical mode and contact mode), with appropriate nested feedback control circuitry to achieve high-speed imaging and accurate Z position measurements. A preferred embodiment of an AFM for analyzing a surface of a sample in either ambient air or fluid includes a self-actuated cantilever having a Z-positioning element integrated therewith and an oscillator that oscillates the self-actuated cantilever at a frequency generally equal to a resonant frequency of the self-actuated cantilever and at an oscillation amplitude generally equal to a setpoint value.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a scanning system having one or several deflectable probe tips which are excited to oscillation at or near their resonant frequency. A saturation amplifier (16) is provided for detecting and measuring the phase shift between the excitation signal and the oscillation carried out by the probe tip. The saturation amplifier (16) generates a rectangular signal from the incoming sinusoidally-shaped signal (3e) while exactly maintaining the time-dependent position of the zero crossovers of the signal. The detection system, which is required for each probe tip, thereby acquires a very simple configuration of few commercially available components. Saturation amplified rectangular signals exclusively form the basis for the further evaluation. For this reason, a substantial independence of the signal intensity of the oscillation signal is ensured.

Abstract: An metrology apparatus includes an actuator with a first actuator stage to controllably move in first and second orthogonal directions, and a second actuator stage adjacent to the first actuator stage to controllably move in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second orthogonal directions. A coupling is coupled to the second actuator stage and to a multi-bar linkage assembly fixed to a second end of a reference structure. The second actuator stage and the coupling move the linkage in the third orthogonal direction in a manner that substantially isolates the linkage from any second actuator stage motion in the first and second directions. An objective is fixed to the second end of the reference structure and located between a light source and a position sensor. The position sensor measures first actuator stage motion in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A method of estimating the angular velocity of an electric power steering motor for an automobile is disclosed. The method comprises estimating an average angular velocity of the motor; estimating an instantaneous angular velocity of the motor; weighting the estimated average angular velocity of the motor; weighting the estimated instantaneous angular velocity of the motor; and combining the weighted estimated average angular velocity of the motor and the weighted estimated instantaneous angular velocity of the motor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for discerning the torsional mode response of a portion of a vehicle 12, such as but not limited to a drivetrain assembly, comprising a driveshaft 52, transmission assembly 50, and shaft 14, by the use of signals generated from a dynamometer 72 and pseudo-randomly varying signals which are specified by a pseudorandom waveform generator 94 and which are modified by a previously calculated error signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting decrease in air-pressure for use in a two-wheeled vehicle including: a wheel speed detecting means for detecting wheel speeds; an acceleration calculating means for obtaining accelerations of a vehicle body of the two-wheeled vehicle; a slip rate calculating means for calculating slip rates when the acceleration of the vehicle body is in a specified range which is proximate to zero; an average value calculating means for obtaining average values of the slip rates and average vehicle body speeds; a difference calculating means for obtaining differences between the average values of the slip rates and a reference value which is based on an average vehicle body speed as preliminarily set when an internal pressure is normal; and a means for judging decrease in internal pressure. A decrease in air-pressure in a two-wheeled vehicle can be judged so as to enable safe driving.

Abstract: A first cylinder drives a flap to a predetermined down position. Strain gages detect strains at each part of the flap while a load that corresponds to the down position is applied to the flap by a second cylinder that has been moved by an XY table so as to track the down position. Accordingly, actual aerodynamic forces are precisely reproduced by applying a load having a size and a direction that correspond to the down position of the flap. Thus, a stationary load test, a dynamic load test, and a durability test of the flap can be carried out automatically with a small effort and in a short time.

Abstract: A metering device and method for delivering fluid that employs a compensating element. The metering device has a housing defining a fluid chamber that contains a pressurized fluid. The-housing further encloses an actuating drive, a valve needle and a compensating element. The housing terminates at a housing opening for delivery of fluid to the outside of the housing. Fluid is delivered from the housing by moving the actuating drive which in turn displaces the valve needle in an opening direction. Upon displacement of the valve needle, the valve needle moves axially in the opening direction with little, if any, lift loss due to the compensating element. The compensating element further acts to compensate for shifting or movement of metering components due to external factors, such as varying thermal loads, aging effects, and settling effects.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the level of liquid in a storage or dispensing tank has an elongated tubular hollow body that carries a threaded coupler adapted for engaging a threaded nipple on top of the tank. A buoyant float is attached to a lower portion of the elongated body. The body slides in relation to the coupler while the coupler remains stationary in relation to the tank. As the liquid is dispensed from the tank, the buoyant float that was positioned on the surface of the liquid in the tank, lowers in relation to the tank, moving the elongated body into the tank. Measuring indicia placed on the exterior surface of the elongated body allows visual observation of the changing level of liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An accelerometer has a movable electrode between two fixed electrodes to form a differential capacitor. Drivers provide AC drive signals to the fixed electrodes. The movable electrode is coupled through reading circuitry to an output terminal. In response to a sensed acceleration, feedback is provided from the output terminal to one or both drivers to null any AC signal on the movable electrode and to keep the electrostatic forces between the movable electrode and each of the fixed electrodes equal.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a well controlled dispersion in the detection characteristics and improved detection characteristics in the low frequency detection comprises a first piezoelectric plate (11), a second piezoelectric plate (12) bonded to the first piezoelectric plate (11) by direct bonding, a first external electrode (13) provided on the main surface of the first piezoelectric plate (11) and a second external electrode (14) provided on the main surface of the second piezoelectric plate (12). The first piezoelectric plate (11) and the second piezoelectric plate (12) are bonded together with their polarization axes reversed to each other. Appearance of the acceleration sensor resembles to a letter “L” in the cross section; thickness of the supporting section (15) is greater than that of the rest part (free vibration section).

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a valve (2) that can be actuated by a position controller via a drive. The diagnostic system includes a device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, body sound spectra on the valve. In order to enable a valve to be diagnosed in a particularly reliable manner, a body sound spectrum which is recorded when the intact valve (2) is slightly open is stored in the device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, whereby the valve can be closed for diagnostic purposes and the resemblance of the recorded body sound spectrum to the stored body sound spectrum is used as a criterion for evaluating a non-sealing condition of the valve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing system for testing the circumferential girth welds of a tank for defects utilizes a probe trolley to which six probes are attached. The probe trolley is clamped to a drive unit which runs upon a track that is removably attached to the interior surface of the tank. The track is positioned so that the probe trolley travels over the weld as the drive unit negotiates the track. Coupling fluid is supplied to the probe trolley so that a layer of coupling fluid exists between the probes and the tank interior surface adjacent to the weld. Ultrasonic beams emitted by the probe travel through the coupling fluid, into the tank wall and weld and are reflected. Data from the probes is directed to a processor where it is analyzed, displayed and stored.

Abstract: A first circuit board includes a first plurality of holes to receive an electronic module and to provide an electrical circuit environment to test the electronic module. A second circuit board includes a second plurality of holes cooperatively arranged with the first plurality of holes. The second circuit board is slidably coupled to the first circuit board and slides between an insertion position in which the first and second pluralities of holes are aligned to receive the electronic module and a holding position in which the first and second pluralities of holes are offset to hold the electronic module. A biasing member urges the second circuit board toward the holding position.

Abstract: A hypsometer for use to calibrate thermometers having 1) an elongated vessel for containment of a working fluid, 2) a heating element for heating the fluid to its boiling point, 3) a vapor jacket to provide an escape path for the vapor, 4) a vapor chamber near the lower end of the vapor jacket, and 5) a thermometer holder to hold a thermometer at a position with its sensor tip inside the vapor chamber. Equalization of pressure between the interior of the vessel and the outside atmosphere is assured by allowing the vapor to escape through the vapor jacket. Near the lower end of the vapor jacket is a narrow opening where working fluid, in liquid state, collects to form a liquid seal, thus forcing the vapor through the vapor chamber before it can escape.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a Bourdon tube coupled to a pinion of a spindle with a link and a sector gear, and to rotate the spindle in correspondence with a pressure in the Bourdon tube. The rotational movement of the spindle or the deformation of the Bourdon tube may be converted into a digital output and shown in a displayer. A disc is secured to the spindle and has a number of openings formed in the peripheral portion. A photo detecting device may be used for detecting a light emitted through the openings of the disc and for detecting the rotational movement of the disc.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed high temperature pressure transducer assembly including: a sensor wafer that includes a plurality of sensor structures and contact areas selectively interconnected and formed on a surface thereof is provided. A first header assembly coupled to the sensor wafer includes a plurality of pins, each of which are electrically coupled to an associated contact area. A second header assembly is coupled to the first assembly and to a sleeve, and includes a plurality of tubes into each of which one of the plurality of pins is positioned. A temperature insulated cable is partially positioned within the sleeve and includes a plurality of wires coupled to the pins. A third header apparatus is coupled to the sleeve and includes a plurality of closed-ended tubes for serving as leads, where each one of the plurality of wires is partially positioned in and coupled to a respective closed-end tube.

Abstract: An intermediate displacement board (120) composed of a metal plate is arranged on a printed circuit board (110) having electrode patterns (E1-E7) and then a strain generative body (130) composed of silicon rubber is arranged on top thereof. Then, the arrangement is fixed to the printed circuit board (110) with attachments (140). Depressing a displacement portion (133) causes a connecting portion (132) to be deflected and an electrode (F0) to be brought into contact with the electrodes (E1, E2) to make them conductive, thereby allowing the pushbutton switch to be turned ON. Depressing further the displacement portion (133) causes an elastic deformation portion (134) to be elastically deformed and crushed and the intermediate displacement board (120) to be pushed downward. The capacitance of capacitors (C3-C7), which are constituted by the electrodes (E3-E7) and the intermediate displacement board (120), are varied according to the depression of the intermediate displacement board (120).

Abstract: A plurality of sensing units are buried at suitable intervals in an area of ground or a snow accumulation section to be observed. Each of the sensing units includes a gyro-sensor for, when external force acts on it as a result of the displacement of the ground or the snow accumulation section, sensing impulsive acceleration from the magnitude and direction of the displacement and the inclination of the sensing unit itself, and a transmission section for transmitting the sense data by radio. A base station acquires the sense data transferred from the sensing units, processes the sense data for each measuring point in real time, determines the movement of the ground and/or the snow accumulation section, and judges a state of the ground and/or the snow accumulation section on the basis of the movement.

Abstract: A flow sensing head for a magnetic flow sensor may be configured as an insertion probe having one or more flow passageways oriented perpendicular to the magnetic axis of an electromagnet. When a conductive liquid flows through the passageway a voltage is induced between two electrodes spaced out along a line perpendicular to the passageway and to the axis of the electromagnet. A portion of the lead wires from the electrodes is fed through an axial throughhole in a conductive core of the electromagnet in order to electrostatically shield the wires from extraneous voltage sources. A preferred flow sensing head has two flow passageways, each with its own pair of electrodes. Signals from the two pairs of electrodes may be combined in a series-aiding arrangement, or in a parallel arrangement, or the signals from the two pairs of electrodes may be processed independently of each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus useful for detecting and measuring flow of a fluid along a flow path. In a method according to the invention, the temperature of a flowing fluid is altered at a selected location for a selected duration so as to generate a pulse in the fluid moving in a downstream direction along a flow path, and the fluid is monitored at a sensing region to detect the pulse passing therethrough. An apparatus according to the present invention may comprise a conduit, a sensor element disposed therein, an energy source proximate to the conduit, and a controller operative to generate an on signal and an off signal respectively operative to activate and deactivate the energy source. The present invention also relates to a liquid chromatography device having a fluid flow detecting and measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: A wind deceleration and protective shroud that provides representative samples of ambient aerosols to an environmental continuous air monitor (ECAM) has a cylindrical enclosure mounted to an input on the continuous air monitor, the cylindrical enclosure having shrouded nozzles located radially about its periphery. Ambient air flows, often along with rainwater flows into the nozzles in a sampling flow generated by a pump in the continuous air monitor. The sampling flow of air creates a cyclonic flow in the enclosure that flows up through the cylindrical enclosure until the flow of air reaches the top of the cylindrical enclosure and then is directed downward to the continuous air monitor. A sloped platform located inside the cylindrical enclosure supports the nozzles and causes any moisture entering through the nozzle to drain out through the nozzles.

Abstract: A housing is described for use in preparing a sample for chemical analysis, the housing having a sample entrance, a sample exit, and a passageway therebetween; the housing further comprising at least three ridges, the ridges integral with the housing, depending into the passageway, and defining a supporting profile for holding a sorbent retaining member.

Abstract: In the case of a navigation computer of a motor vehicle, the housing of a gyroscope is arranged in the housing wall of the navigation computer such that the angle of the gyroscope can be adjusted. For this purpose, the invention provides that the housing of the gyroscope has two mutually opposite spring tongues (5, 6) which are directed upward and simultaneously radially outward from the top side of the gyroscope, and the housing wall has a holder (2) with two opposite passages (7, 8) for pushing through the spring tongues (5, 6) and, adjacent in each case to the passages (7, 8), a rotary member (9, 10) each in the shape of a circular arc as bearing surface for the spring tongues (5, 6).

Abstract: A slidable and rotatable first control shaft (61) and a slidable and rotatable second control shaft (67) for respectively shifting main and auxiliary speed change mechanisms (26, 29) project outwardly to one side of a vehicle housing (2) and are connected respectively to a main change lever (74) and an auxiliary change lever (75) which are pivotally supported by a support member (70) fixedly provided at one side of the vehicle housing. Preferably, the main change lever is disposed at a location where an operator on a seat (76) can operate the lever easily whereas the auxiliary change lever is disposed at a location where the operator is hard to operate the lever. The support member is preferably composed of a cover member which surrounds the control shafts, lower portions of the change levers, and connecting members (80, 87) therebetween. An opening (70b) provided to the cover member for assembling the connecting members is closed by a closure member (70c).

Abstract: An automatic shift-down apparatus for an automatic transmission which comprises vehicle speed detection device for detecting the speed of a vehicle; vehicle-speed variation rate calculation device for calculating the variation rate of the detected vehicle speed; shift-start vehicle speed calculation device for calculating, on the basis of the calculated vehicle-speed variation rate and a time required to complete a shift operation, a shift-start vehicle speed which enables the shift operation to finish before the vehicle speed attains a shift-completion speed; and a shift device which starts a shift operation when the detected vehicle speed attains the calculated shift-start vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method for determining a shift stage (transmission ratio) for a discretely shifting transmission of a motor vehicle wherein an output rpm of the transmission is detected and an optimal motor rpm is pregiven. It is provided that computed and/or measured input rpms (22, 23) of the transmission are detected. An rpm (25, 26) for each shift stage is fixed via a hysteresis circuit (24), a difference of the input rpm (22) of a next-higher shift stage and the rpm (26) supplies an upshift limit (10) and a sum of current input rpm (23) and the rpm (25) supplies a downshift limit (12); and, shifting into a higher shift stage takes place when the upshift limit (10) exceeds the optimal motor rpm (28) or shifting into a lower shift stage takes place when the optimal motor rpm (28) exceeds the downshift limit (12) (shifting necessity (27)).

Abstract: A shift mechanism for motor vehicle transmissions having a selector lever (14) supported in bearings in a housing (10) that can be pivoted about a transverse axle (24) in longitudinal direction and about a longitudinal axle (50) in the transverse direction. At the selector lever (14) or at components (26, 82) moving with the selector lever (14) on the one hand and on components (96, 100) fixed to the housing on the other hand, position indicating elements (128, 130) or sensors (102-114, 120-126) are arranged in such a way that the sensors (102-114, 120-126) respond upon the approach to position indicating elements (128, 130) and transmit signals to a transmission control arrangement corresponding to the pivoted position of the selector lever (14).

Abstract: A vehicle control device, in particular a clutch mechanism for a tractor, includes a control lever and guide mechanism in which the lever is selectively movable from a first rest position to a second engaged position. The control lever is subjected to the action of an elastic apparatus operable to move the lever into the first rest position if the lever is released before reaching a given point along the guide mechanism. The elastic apparatus also being operable to move the control lever into the second engaged position if the control lever is released past the given point.

Abstract: A spacer and method for facilitating removal of a cork from a bottle with a corkscrew. The spacer has a bottom surface that abuts the bottle, a top surface that abuts the bottom of a corkscrew, and a side opening that is sufficiently large to receive the cork. Once the corkscrew has been used to partially remove the cork, the spacer is placed around the exposed cork by pulling the body of the corkscrew away from the bottle while the screw is still inserted in the cork and inserting the spacer in the resulting space. Force is then reapplied to completely remove the cork from the bottle. One or more spacers may be attached to the corkscrew by a flexible cord for convenience. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism interconnects a number of spacers of various thicknesses and opening sizes.

Abstract: A unidirectional ratchet wrench essentially comprises a wrench body (10), a ratchet (20), an expending ring (30) and a plurality of clamping blocks (40). The ratchet (20) is rotatably mounted inside the wrench body and has the clamping blocks (40) evenly spaced around the ratchet (20) to engage the wrench body (10), whereby the unidirectional wrench has excellent torsion-resisting efficiency and an endurable extension life.

Abstract: A wrench includes a fixed jaw formed on one end of a handle, a pivotal jaw pivotally secured to the handle and having one end for engaging with a fastener. The pivotal jaw has a middle cavity for receiving a spring-biased engaging member which may engage with the handle to force the pivotal jaw toward the fixed jaw. The fixed and the pivotal jaws each includes a flat engaging surface and a notch for alternatively engaging with the opposite flat surfaces and the opposite corners of the fastener and for allowing the handle to be rotated for only thirty degrees relative to the fastener.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a ratcheting feature by which its movable jaw retracts away from its fixed jaw when the handle is pulled in one direction, enabling the wrench to slip over the facets of a polygon-shaped nut, but which locks the jaws in position when the wrench handle is turned in the opposite direction. A jaw adjustment screw is positioned for rotation in the wrench head and is axially movable with the lower jaw, but only when a support wedge is slidingly retracted out from its normal position supporting the bottom end of the adjustment screw. The tool can have a ruled edge adjacent to the jaw for indicating jaw opening size. Another feature is a slidable fence device on the fixed jaw, to be moved slidably over a face of the nut when the wrench is in place, providing a stop against sliding of the wrench off the nut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint adapter for a power drill screw driver having a driving shaft, a slide socket, a compression spring, a packing ring and a screw driver bit. The driving shaft is provided with an insertion groove and an insertion piece. A neck is located in the middle of the driving shaft. A strong magnet is fixed at the front end of the axial insertion hole. A clamping ring is arranged at a proper place of the axial insertion hole. The compression spring is inserted around the neck of the driving shaft and rests on the clamping ring of the slide socket. The packing ring closely sits at the end of the neck of the driving shaft in a tight state while the compression spring presses against the packing ring so that the compression spring and the slide socket are located in place. A plurality of screw driver bits in a plurality of shapes and sizes each being selectively inserted into the insertion groove of the driving shaft for tightening the screws.