Abstract: Traditional mechanical fuel gauges do not provide an accurate measurement of a vehicle's fuel capacity. As a result, vehicle manufacturer's incur considerable losses when delivering cars with unused fuel. The present invention, therefore, provides a method and system for accurately determining an amount of fuel required to transport a vehicle a known distance. This is achieved by utilizing a fuel measurement device (FMD) which can be inserted into a vehicles fuel tank. Upon removing the FMD from the fuel tank, one can then determine the amount of fuel that is required to travel a particular distance at a particular fuel consumption rate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the FMD is held by a holding device. The purpose of the holding device is to minimize the size of the FMD such that the FMD can be disposed of with minimal waste.

Abstract: A device for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes a duct segment in fluid communication with the conveying system. The duct segment is coupled to the conveying system by isolation fittings, which allow the weight of the duct segment to be measured independent of the weight of adjacent portions of the conveying system. Further, a method for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes weighing a duct segment having material free fluid flowing therein. The duct segment having a mixture of material and fluid flowing therein is also weighed. The difference of the two weights is used to determine a linear density of the material.

Abstract: Volume measuring apparatus is used in a closed space as in the case of volume measurement of liquid in a container placed on an orbit of an artificial satellite and permits the volume measurement in a state without mixture with gas, liquid, or solid. A volume measuring apparatus is an apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid or solid under microgravity, which has two or more containers coupled to each other by a pipe, a device for separating or fixing a gas phase, a liquid phase, or a solid phase, a pressure fluctuation source, a pressure signal receiver, a pressure gage, and a thermometer, wherein the separating or fixing device, the pressure fluctuation source, the pressure signal receiver, the pressure gage, and the thermometer are placed in the containers and wherein the pressure fluctuation source, the pressure signal receiver, the pressure gage, and the thermometer are connected to a signal analyzing unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting and localizing unwanted matter, e.g., cement deposits, internally in a drill string. A sleeve-shaped indicator body is dropped down through the drill string while the same occupies an operative position. Then, the indicator body lands either in a seat at the lower end of the drill string, or the indicator body becomes stuck within a pipe section at a higher level in the drill string. The drill string overlying the position of the indicator body may be considered free of deposits formed on the pipe section walls thereof, and these pipe sections thus may be re-used without any further examination or cleaning. If stuck at a higher level, the indicator body is subsequently localized at the surface through examination in context of disassembling the drill string. The indicator body also may comprise an indicator element that provides a detection signal or sign for its detection and localizing on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first tubular having an inside surface and outside surface defining an outside diameter; a second tubular concentric with the first tubular, the second tubular having an inside surface defining an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular, an outside surface, and a longitudinal axis; a plurality of spacers between the first and second tubulars, each spacer having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular, wherein at least one spacer is hollow; and at least one data sensing device and/or at least one data collecting device and/or at least one data transmitting device is carried within the at least one hollow spacer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining samples of pristine formation or; formation fluid, using a work string designed for performing other downhole work such as drilling, workover operations, or re-entry operations. An extendable element extends against the formation wall to obtain the pristine formation or fluid sample. The apparatus includes at least one extendable gripper element for anchoring the apparatus during testing and sampling operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A compound meter assembly (10) has a housing (15, 17, 19), a high volume flow meter (14) disposed in a main flow passageway (22) for detecting a flow rate of relatively higher volume flows and a low volume flow meter (12) disposed in the secondary flow passageway (29) for detecting a flow rate of relatively lower volume flows. A flow distributor (70) is disposed in the inlet and disposed adjacent the entrance (27) into the secondary flow passageway from the main passageway, said flow distributor (70) having a central opening (71) for receiving the main flow and having flow ports (72) disposed around its circumference for allowing portions of the main flow to flow towards interior walls (26) of the housing (15, 17, 19) such that the flow is better distributed across a cross section of the main passageway (22) to maintain the accuracy of the meter at a crossover region (61, 62) between low flows being metered by the low volume flow meter (12) and high flows being metered by the high volume flow meter (14).

Abstract: An air flow compensator for use with flow meters which includes a main slide element, a secondary slide element and first and second spring elements. The main slide element includes a magnetic insert in one end thereof and is movable toward a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of the magnetic insert. The first spring element biases both the main slide element and the secondary slide element away from the proximity sensor and the second spring element biases only the secondary slide element away from the proximity sensor. The secondary slide element is both movable together with the first slide element and independently movable with respect to the main slide element.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining liquid level in a container, wherein the container can be subjected to attitude variations, comprising a plurality of transducers for emitting acoustic energy into the liquid in a plurality of predetermined directions towards the liquid surface from a position below the liquid surface and for receiving echoes; and control electronic for determining liquid level based on echo amplitude and time delay between the emissions and detection of the echoes.

Abstract: A method and a device for directly digitizing microwave signals reflected on a filling product surface of a filling product present in a receptacle, wherein the microwave signals reflected on the filling product surface are scanned, and the analog values resulting from said scanning process are stored in an analog value storage means. The stored analog values are then read out from the analog value storage means at a lower rate as compared to the scanning rate, and are converted into digital values. The digital values may then be made available to an evaluation means for determining the filling level height.

Abstract: An opto-electric levelmeter having a sensor that provides an output signal whose frequency represents the surface level of liquid in a container. The sensor's circuitry includes an oscillation circuit that uses “optical feedback” to modulate the sensor output signal. The signal is delivered to a monitor that provides an output signal for the user. The monitor also permits adjustment for both high and low levels of a particular container. The monitor sends electrical energy to the sensor, and receives the sensor output signal on the same electrical link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting an internal arc in a metal-clad electrical link, wherein the rising edge of the internal pressure surge generated by the arc and propagating inside the cladding is detected at a fixed location along the cladding. The invention also relates to a device comprising at least one one-way detection unit constituted by a pressure sensor disposed outside the cladding and connected to the inside the cladding via a horn-shaped duct which slopes relative to the axis of the cladding, which has its mouth opening out in the cladding, and which has its tip connected to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method of matching a tire to a wheel rim of a wheel to compensate for wheel rim run-out and tire force variations includes the steps of mounting a bare wheel on a spindle of a balancer and measuring the rim run-out, said wheel rim having a bead seat, mounting a tire on the wheel to form a wheel/tire assembly, mounting the wheel/tire assembly on the spindle and measuring tire force variation, determining a desired change in wheel rim run-out to reduce the tire force variation, removing the tire from the wheel, adding a shim to the bead seat of the wheel rim, the shim being selected to correspond to the desired change in wheel rim run-out, and remounting the tire on the wheel. The wheel shim is preferably elongate and has a width sized to fit in the bead seat of the wheel rim, the thickness of the wheel shim being substantially less than the width of the wheel shim, and the length of the wheel shim being substantially greater than the width of the wheel shim.

Abstract: A traction motor speed sensor support arrangement (30). A proximity sensor (34) is mounted within a housing (32) having a sensor support portion (44) cantilevered from a base portion (40). Dowel pins (60) extending from the base portion (40) position the sensor (34) at a predetermined locative relative to a rotating wheel (56) within the motor (10). A wire (50) leading from sensor (34) is formed in a rolling U (68) to accommodate movement of the motor (10) relative to the locomotive (52). The wire (50) is terminated at a connector (36) including a back shell portion (74) containing a stress-relieving loop (80) formed in wire (50). The natural frequency of the housing (32) is controlled to be greater than a predetermined value associated with the natural frequency of the motor operation.

Abstract: An accelerometer is based upon the monolithic integration of a Fabry-Perot interferometer and a p+n silicon photosensor. Transmission of light through a Fabry-Perot etalon is exponentially sensitive to small displacements in a movable mirror due to an applied accelerating force. The photosensor converts this displacement into an electrical signal as well as provides for additional amplification. Because the interferometer and photosensor are monolithically integrated on a silicon substrate, the combination is compact and has minimal parasitic elements, thereby reducing the accelerometer's noise level and increasing its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Abstract: A method for inspecting concrete structures includes the steps of exciting the structure to be inspected with a mechanical device such as a chain, sensing resulting vibrations with an acoustical sensor such as a microphone that is not physically coupled to the structure, processing the received signals to exclude signals with frequencies outside of response frequencies of interest corresponding to defects desired to be detected, and examining the received signals. In preferred embodiments, the mean square of the processed signals are compared to a threshold. Areas for which the total energy across the frequency bands of interest exceeds the threshold correspond to defects such as delaminations. The received signals are collected from various locations on the structure. In preferred embodiments, the location of the received signals is also maintained.

Abstract: A portable gas purge and fill system. The inventive system (10) includes a portable housing having gas inlet and outlet couplings. An electronic pressure gauge (30) is disposed within the housing (11) for measuring the pressure of the fluid at the outlet (24) thereof. A self-check mechanism (32) is disposed within the housing (11) for verifying calibration and operation of the electronic pressure gauge (30). A pressure regulator (20) is disposed within the housing and connected between the inlet (12) and outlets (24) thereof. A second gauge (14) is included for measuring the pressure of the fluid contained in the source. First, second and third two-way valves (18, 22, and 28) are included. The first two-way valve (18) is mounted between the second gauge (14) and the pressure regulator (20). The second two-way valve (22) is located between the pressure regulator (20) and the outlet (24). The third two-way valve (28) is located between the pressure regulator (20) and the self-check mechanism (32).

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential-pressure transducer having two sensors cross-coupled and independently excited. A first Wheatstone Bridge pressure sensor has a first sensitivity and is excited by a first voltage. A second Wheatstone Bridge pressure sensor has a second sensitivity and is independently excited by a second voltage different from said first voltage. The excitation voltages are independently adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivities of the sensors to substantially match. The outputs of the sensors are cross-coupled to each other to reduce the offset difference errors between the pressure sensors. Sensitive electronics are isolated within the sealed housing to protect them from harsh surrounding media. The transducer is configured to provide either a four pressure differential pressure measurement or a three pressure gauge differential pressure measurement.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor, for determining the differential pressure between two measuring points, comprises a pressure vessel which is filled with a transfer fluid; a measuring cell which is arranged in the pressure vessel and is surrounded by the transfer fluid, with two half-cells; a diaphragm-like deforming body which separates the two half-cells from each other in a pressuretight manner; two pressure supply lines, which respectively feed the pressure from one of the two measuring points outside the pressure vessel to one of the two half-cells; and at least one pressure accumulator, the pressure of which acts on the transfer fluid in the vessel. Elastic or compressible bodies with a linear or degressive characteristic are suitable as the pressure accumulator. The pressure accumulator compensates for changes in volume of the transfer fluid on account of temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: The transducer (1) includes a support structure (2, 3) in which a metal body (8) is mounted, having a flat surface (8a) and on the opposite side a cavity (8b) for exposure to a pressure to be transduced. A thin wall (8c), resiliently deformable like a membrane under the effect of the pressure, is defined between the bottom of the cavity (8b) and the flat surface (8a). An inductor (10) a body of ferromagnetic material (11)is securely fixed to the metal body (8) and has a flat surface (11a) facing the flat surface (8a) of the metal body (8) and an annular recess (12) which defines a central core (13) with a winding (16) arranged therein and a surrounding sleeve (14). A spacer wing (9) of paramagnetic or diamagnetic material, and a calibrated thickness, is interposed between the metal body (8) and the ferromagnetic body (11).

Abstract: An output device for a pressure transducer incorporates a cable connector and an electronic display. Both may be selectably positioned relative to the pressure transducer. In one aspect of the invention, the electronic display is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the display. In another aspect of the invention, the cable connector is positioned by adjusting the connection of the output device relative to the pressure transducer. In some embodiments, the adjustability of the output device is provided through a bayonet connection between the output device and the pressure transducer. The adjustments to position of the display and of the cable connector may be performed without the use of tools. An output device constructed in accordance with the present invention may be field-configured in a multitude of ways, largely eliminating the need for the preselection of particular output devices for particular installations.

Abstract: In the present method for monitoring and controlling a screwing process in creating a screw connection, ultrasonic pulses are coupled into the screw using a pulse-echo method before and during the tightening of the screw. The time for the pulses to traverse the length of the screw, i.e., the propagation time, is measured. A dependency of the propagation time on the predetermined tension of the screw is calculated from the material specific characteristic values of the screw and the measured propagation time. By comparing the values of a change in propagation time dependent on a parameter of the screw with the values of a change in propagation time dependent on the predetermined tension of the screw, the screwing process can be monitored.

Abstract: A method for analyzing creep characteristic of a plastic molded substance is provided wherein the creep characteristic can be analyzed of an actual plastic molded substance having various shape and fastening conditions with high precision. The main stress value for each section of the analysis target is read out, hydrostatic stress &sgr;m of each section is calculated from the main stress value, and the stress condition is determined to be tensile stress when &sgr;m is positive and to be compressive stress when &sgr;m is negative. Tensile or compressive characteristic value is assigned based on the stress condition at each section, and creep is calculated for a predetermined time period based on the characteristic value. By employing characteristic values depending on the stress conditions of each section, precision of creep characteristic analysis is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: There is provided a light emitting device comprising a plurality of triboluminescent particles dispersed throughout a low density, frangible body and activated by rapidly crushing the body in order to transfer mechanical energy to some portion of the particles. The light emitted by these mechanically excited particles is collected and directed into a light conduit and transmitted to a detector/indicator means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter comprising an outside wall of determined thickness to which a flange connected to a pipe is fixed via fixing members which penetrate into holes organized respectively in the thickness of said flange and in said outside wall in order to install said meter on said pipe, said meter having an opening for fluid feed which is organized in the outside wall and behind which there is provided a “feed” chamber into which the fluid coming from the feed opening flows, wherein the fluid meter also has studs disposed inside the feed chamber so as to modify the fluid flow, and in which internal perforations are provided in alignment with the holes for receiving portions of said fixing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (1) for fluids with the following features: a) the measuring apparatus (1) has a support tube (2); b) a rotor (3, 36, 42) is rotatably journaled in the support tube (2); c) the rotor (3, 36, 42) is configured for interaction with the fluid found in the support tube (2); d) the rotor (3, 36, 42) has at both ends axially-magnetized permanently magnetic rotor magnets (7, 8; 46; 47); e) permanent magnetic stator magnets (18, 19; 52, 53) connected with the support tube (2) are axially juxtaposed with the ends of the rotor (3, 36, 42); f) each stator magnet (18, 19; 52, 53) has such axial magnetization that the neighboring stator and rotor magnets (18, 19; 7, 8; 46, 47; 52, 53) are oppositely attractive. g) the rotor device (1 [sic]) has a magnetic axially-stabilizing device (22, 23, 27; 58, 59, 66) for the rotor (3, 36, 42).

Abstract: A torque sensor (32) for a power assist steering system (10) for sensing applied torque between relatively rotatable input and output shafts (16, 17) which are connected by a torsion element (18) comprises an input transformer (T1) and a rotary transmitter (60) connected for rotation with the input shaft. The rotary transmitter (60) has a plurality of transmitter pole segments (108) defined by a plurality of slots (106). The rotary transmitter (60) includes a transmitter coil (70) electrically connected with the input transformer (T1). The transmitter coil (70) completely encircles each of the transmitter pole segments (108) individually and has two sections disposed in each of the plurality of slots (106). A rotary receiver (72) is axially spaced from the rotary transmitter (60) and is connected for rotation with the output shaft (17). The rotary receiver (72) includes a pair of one receiver coils (76, 78). Output transformers (T2, T3) are respectively electrically connected with the receiver coils (76, 78).

Abstract: Torque in a torsion member, such as a rotating shaft, is sensed by a piezoelectric element that is attached to the torsion member. The piezoelectric element has a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the torque and is part of a transducer oscillator that produces a first signal. A reference oscillator has a similar piezoelectric element and produces a second signal having a frequency that varies in response to environmental parameters. The first and second signals are heterodyned, thereby cancelling the effects due to environmental parameters acting on both piezoelectric elements and producing a resultant signal that has a frequency which corresponds to the torque applied to the torsion member.

Abstract: An outer cylinder having patterns of open windows of first to fourth channels is formed of a magnetic-shielding or antimagnetic substance. An inner cylinder is inserted in the outer cylinder, is formed of a magnetic substance and has patterns of nonmagnetic windows of the first to fourth channels. First to fourth coils excitable by A.C. are provided for the first to fourth channels. For each of the channels, the pattern of the open window in the outer cylinder and the pattern of the nonmagnetic window in the inner cylinder are arranged to overlap with each other.

Abstract: A magnetoclastic transducer for sensing a torque in a shaft (150) is formed by circumferentially magnetising a magnetisable, integral portion (156) of the shaft. To assist in the emanation of a flux-dependent torque, the transducer element portion (156) of the shaft may have further circumferentially magnetised portions (154, 158) to each side. These further portions (154, 158) are of opposite polarity magnetisation to that of the transducer element (156). The external magnetic flux emanated by the transducer (156) is a function of torque and is detectable by a magnetic field sensor (160). An alternative means for the same purpose is to provide the transducer element at a portion (172) of the shaft (170) having an integral annular section of raised profile projecting beyond adjoining portions of the shaft. The shaft may be provided with a series of circumferentially magnetised portions of alternating polarity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for measurements of the principal strain magnitudes and directions, and maximum shear strain that occurs in a porous specimen, such as plastic, ceramic or porous metal, when it is loaded (or subjected to a load). In one embodiment the invention includes a capacitive delta extensometer arranged with six sensors in a three piece configuration, with each sensor of each pair spaced apart from each other by a predetermined angle, such as 120 degrees.

Abstract: A sampler is provided for melts, especially for slag lying on top of molten metals, having a one piece or multi-piece body arranged on a carrier. The body of the sampler has an intake and a sample chamber, wherein the intake has a surface which is at least partially formed by a slag-repellant material.

Abstract: An air buffer type apparatus for key durability testing upon a keyboard is provided to carry out a durability test that can mimic a real finger typing operation. The apparatus includes a driving unit, a buffer unit and a depressing unit. The driving unit has a closed air space with a constant internal air pressure. The depressing unit is driven by the driving unit and further includes a plurality of abreasting air cylinders. Each air cylinder includes a pressure zone and a depressing head for depressing the key in the testing. The buffer unit can provide pressure buffering during the key pressing operation.

Abstract: A gel is used as the joining agent to mount a rain sensor to a windscreen of an automobile. The gel used does not harden even in the long term, and air pockets which form inside the gel or on the boundary surfaces with the glass pane or the sensor migrate into the area around the sensor. The rain sensor is attached to a glass pane without special elastic intermediate elements, using the elasticity of the joining agent for tolerance compensation.

Abstract: A control lever for a control console of a work vehicle comprises an arm and a knob. One end of the arm is coupled to the control valve linkage for positioning the control valve. The other end of the arm is mounted to the knob. The knob is provided with a cylindrical shaft having a first groove and a second groove. The first and second grooves adjoin one another. The first groove is deeper than the second groove. A rubber boot extends between the knob and the control console. The rubber boot has a circular control lever opening through which the control lever extends. The circular control lever opening is provided with an inwardly extending flange. The inwardly extending flange is received in the first groove. A downwardly extending foot extends from the inwardly extending flange and is received in the second groove. The inwardly extending flange and the foot are separated from one another by a step that corresponds to the radial differences between the first and second grooves.

Abstract: An integrated circuit tester includes a fail-safe mechanism for moving an integrated circuit chip between an initial position where the integrated circuit chip is inserted into the tester, and a test position where the integrated circuit chips is actually tested. This fail-safe mechanism includes a motor and a shaft which the motor rotates to move the integrated circuit chip. An electronic control circuit can be included to automatically stop the motor when the integrated circuit reaches its initial position, or its test position; but if the control circuit fails to operate properly, then damage to the integrated circuit tester is prevented by the fail-safe mechanism.

Abstract: A three-gear position type transmission mechanism for a remote control toy car is constructed to include a driven gear wheel, a transmission shaft, three transmission gear wheels mounted on the transmission shaft, and three idle gears mounted on a center shaft and respectively meshed with the transmission gear wheels. The third transmission gear wheel is rotated with the idle gear set and the transmission shaft when said driven gear wheel rotated at a low speed. The second transmission gear is rotated with the third transmission gear and transmission shaft and the second idle gear by means of the action of a centrifugal force-activated clutch when the driven gear wheel accelerated to a medium speed. The first, second and third transmission gears are rotated with the first, second and third idle gear and the transmission shaft by means of the action of a centrifugal force-activated clutch when the driven gear wheel accelerated to a high speed.

Abstract: A control device for a actuator applied in a transmission includes a maximum electric current value detecting device that detects a maximum electric current value supplied to the actuator. The maximum electric current value detecting device includes a determining unit, an electric current supplying unit, a detecting unit, and a setting unit. The determining unit determines a target electric current value supplied to the actuator, the electric current supplying unit supplies electric current to the actuator on the basis of the target electric current value determined by the determining unit, the detecting unit detects the maximum electric current value actually supplied to the actuator independently of the target electric current value determined by the determining unit, and the setting unit sets the maximum electric current value supplied to the actuator on the basis of the maximum electric current value detected by the detecting unit.

Abstract: The ball scooping position of a ball is setted downwardly of a reference line and the angle of the ball scooping position with respect to the reference line is setted at an angle of −15°. The end face of the rising portion of a tube is disposed so as to coincide with the reference line. The axis of the rising portion is setted so as to be present outside of a line corresponding to the ball center locus of a raceway. The inner surface of the pickup portion of the tube is connected with the ball scooping position of the ball rolling groove of a nut by a surface which exists outside of the ball rolling groove of the nut.

Abstract: A shift-lever unit for converting tilting movements of a shift lever (30) into pulling movements of two cable lines (40, 70), comprising a housing unit (10) which defines two rotation axes (100, 200) perpendicular to one another, a frame unit (20) which is mounted on the housing unit (10) so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis (100) and to which the first of the two cable lines (40) is fastened, a deflecting unit (60) which is mounted in a rotatable manner on the housing unit (10) parallel to the first rotation axis (100) but so as to be offset from the latter and to which the second of the two cable lines (70) is fastened, and a shift lever (30) which is mounted in said frame unit (20) so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis (200) and which is operatively connected to the deflecting unit (60) in such a way that tilting of the shift lever (30) about the first rotation axis (100) essentially leads to a pulling movement on the first cable line (40), and tilting of the shift lever (30)

Abstract: A pedal construction includes an adjustable pedal subassembly having a lower pedal member adjustably supported on an upper pedal member by an adjustment device. The lower pedal member includes a pedal lever and a lever mount including abutting mounting sections forming a fixed joint. The mounting section of the lever mount has a channel with sharp edges and the mounting section of the lever has a ridge interference fit into the channel. The sharp edges shave marginal material from sides of the ridge when the ridge is forced into the channel, but the ridge has depressions adjacent its bottom that receive the shaved marginal material when the ridge is forced into the channel. Fasteners extend through the ridge and channel to hold the assembly together, with the ridge and channel interface forming a primary mechanical structure providing torsional strength to the joint.

Abstract: A handle folding structure of a foldable bicycle comprises a joint connected to a head tube below a handle; a clamp inserted to a fork pivoting tube pivoted through a stem; a positioning bit with a conic stop to extend into the fork pivoting tube; the upper section including an upper and a lower sections pivoted to each other; one longitudinal chute being provided on one side of the upper and the lower sections of the joint to allow the conic stop extending into the fork pivoting tube to hold against the chutes; a circumferential groove at the lower end of the chute so to pull out with the joint at the lower end of the head tube for the conic stop to hold against the lower end of the chute; and the joint, the handle and a front wheel being able to execute free rotation to minimize the size of the bicycle when folded up for storage.

Abstract: A fabric or other suitable, flexible material is cut, sewn and furnished with joinable hook and loop fastener portions to become a re-sizable pouch which itself envelopes the rearward portion of a foot operated pedal, preventing the undesirable movement of the pedal from the desired location of operation during use. A base portion of the pouch is fitted with joinable hook type fasteners on the posterior section of the base. The re-sizable pouch is then affixed with joinable hook type fasteners, attached to the posterior section of the base, to a secured portion of loop type material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bicycle riding training system are disclosed. The system includes a crank assembly that is removable from the bicycle without disruption of the sprocket and chain. The invented system comprises coaxial shafts that rotate preferably together in a hub bearing assembly. The coaxial shafts preferably include an external shaft within the bearing retainer cups of a bicycle frame bottom hub assembly and an internal shaft that connects to the crank arms. The internal shaft preferably is made of two parts that connect at a midpoint within the external shaft using a bolt, screw or other connector. Removing the connector permits withdrawal of the internal shaft while leaving the external shaft and sprocket assembly intact. An additional feature of the connector in the internal shaft is that it may serve to expand or otherwise tighten the internal shaft inside the external shaft, and thereby fix the internal shaft to the external shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a reduced mass balancer shaft that effectively balance first or second order imbalances in an internal combustion engine. The balancer shaft is symmetrical with offset masses that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction and orientation, and preferably comprises front and rear offset masses between a center section and a front and a rear journal respectively. In a preferred embodiment, there integrally formed stiffening members in the front and rear offset masses that symmetric about the balancer shaft centerline. The front and rear offset masses are each comprised of solid partial annular configurations that extend equally away from the balancer shaft centerline. The center section is comprised of an annular configuration.

Abstract: A transmission adapted for use with a motor comprises a basic transmission, which comprises a basic transmission input shaft, borne in a housing via rolling bearings, at least one subsequent transmission stage arranged in the housing, and a variance gear designed for meshing with a drive pinion of the motor and pressed onto the basic transmission input shaft from the input side of the transmission. A support is arranged in the housing, in fixed position relative to the housing, in such a manner that the basic transmission input shaft contacts the support, under the effect of the pressure force necessary for pressing the variance gear onto the basic transmission input shaft, so that the support essentially bears the pressure force and distributes it over the housing.

Abstract: A container-restraining and closure-rotating assembly includes a base plate with a container-gripping strap that tightens about a sidewall of a container located on a counter beside the base plate when a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the container and a closure-rotating implement for rotating and unscrewing a closure on a container restrained by the container-gripping strap. The closure-rotating implement includes a closure-gripping strap that tightens about a sidewall of a closure when a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the closure through the closure-gripping strap by a counterclockwise movement of the implement handle.

Abstract: A device for removing the filter medium from the spool of an oil filter, includes a spindle assembly having (1) a spindle which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the hole in the first end of the spool, (2) a plurality of bearings, and (3) a cutter. A holder/crank having a rotational rim is attached to the spool of the oil filter and locked in place. The holder/crank and spool are then installed in the spindle assembly so that the spindle engages the hole in the spool and rim engages the plurality of bearings. The holder/crank is then rotated as the cutter is brought to bear against the filter medium so that a circumferential cut is made through the filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe cutter apparatus that includes a housing having a base and lid. The lid is moveable between a storage position and an operative position. A motor is retained within the housing and has a shaft operatively connected thereto and rotated thereby. A cutting wheel extends radially from the shaft and is rotated with the shaft. A pipe conveyor is also retained within the housing, adjacent the cutting wheel. The pipe conveyor may be operated to urge a pipe placed therein into engagement with the cutting wheel. The pipe conveyor is preferably adjustable to receive pipes of various diameters. Notably, when the lid is in the operative position, a work area is provided for cutting a pipe or similar work piece. When the lid is in the storage position, a carrying case is provided such that the pipe cutter apparatus is readily portable. A cleaning brush also extends from the shaft that is rotated by the motor.