Abstract: The invention provides a production method for a PMF. Two or more bores at regular intervals are formed in a glass rod including a core and a clad so that the bores may be located on a concentric circle around a center axis of the glass rod. A stress applying member is inserted into the bore. The glass rod and the stress applying member may be heated before or after inserting. The glass rod with the stress applying is drawn without exposure to the atmosphere after heating in order to form an optical fiber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing an optical fiber preform with the preform having a uniform refractive index profile for the deposited oxide material that ultimately forms the optical fiber core. One embodiment of the invention relates to a process for preparing an optical fiber preform comprising the steps of etching a substrate a first time to remove a portion of a deposited oxide material from the preform by using a gas comprising an etchant gas containing fluorine at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to create a fluorine contamination layer in the remaining deposited oxide material; and etching the preform a second time using a gas comprising an etchant gas containing fluorine at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to remove the fluorine contamination layer without any substantial further fluorine contamination of the remaining deposited oxide material. Further embodiments relate to similar processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circular knitting machine for multicoloured plush. A plush sinker (113) is provided with at least two planes (90, 91) for kinking loop threads of different loop length. The knocking-over sinker (112) has a bill comprising at least two webs (96, 97) for restretching pile loops of different loop length. Plush knitted goods having plush loops of different heights and different colours can be produced by means of said circular knitting machine. Knitted goods being combined of epinglé and velour can thus be produced by shearing the longer plush loops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating web-type textiles, nonwovens or paper in a continuous stream, using a gaseous treatment agent that circulates in the device. The product lies on the exterior face of a permeable drum (5), which is subjected to an induced draught and has two base sections (11, 12) on its front face, more precisely on a sieve-type or perforated surface (9), which covers the drum structure. A perforated drum jacket (15), whose edges are merely clipped into the two base sections. (11, 12) extends between said base sections (11, 12). To achieve this, an annular groove (17) is machined into the base sections (11, 12). The edge of the sheet metal (15) and a ring-shaped clip segment (23) are inserted into said groove and are retained there by means of screws.

Abstract: By forming a combination padlock from heavy duty metal throughout with an enlarged, heavy duty locking bar or shackle being employed having a tamper-proof holding cavity for the terminating, locking end of the locking bar, an effective, easily produced, high security padlock is achieved which employs a combination system for fully operating the padlock. In addition, the combination padlock of the present invention incorporates tumbler or clutch wheel constructions which cooperate with the rotating dials to virtually eliminate any possibility that an unauthorized person would be capable of gaining access to the padlock by known combination lock picking techniques by forming each tumbler or clutch wheel with a plurality of radially extending fins formed thereon, with each of the fins being arcuately spaced from the adjacent fin in a non-symmetrical pattern.

Abstract: An enclosure securing apparatus including a handle housing disposed in a cover for an opening in an enclosure; a handle lever pivotably attached to the handle housing, the handle lever having first and second ends; a cam surface disposed at the first end of the handle lever for engagement with a lock housing; and a lock assembly integrated with the enclosure securing apparatus for locking the enclosure.

Abstract: The lock comprises a frame (5), at least one bolt (4), in particular a latch bolt which projects in a predetermined direction out of the frame, a bolt operating mechanism (26, 31, 32) and means (20, 24) for mounting at least one hand operated actuating element (21) for said bolt operating mechanism on the frame so that this actuating element can rotate on the frame according to a rotation axis (25) extending in particular perpendicular to said predetermined direction. The bolt (4) comprises a shaft portion (38) and at least one laterally projecting lock wing (39) and is rotatably mounted on the frame according to a further rotation axis (37) extending in said predetermined direction, the bolt operating mechanism being arranged to rotate the bolt (4) between a first angular orientation, wherein the lock wing (39) of the bolt is in the locking position, and a second angular orientation, wherein the lock wing of the bolt is in the unlocking position.

Abstract: A cylindrical door lock includes an escutcheon member having a sleeve, a tube rotatably engaged in the sleeve, a knob rotatably secured to the sleeve and having a lock device, a barrel rotatably received in the escutcheon member and having one or more projections for engaging into the tube, an inner knob secured to the barrel, a rod slidably engaged in the inner knob and having two depressions, a spring catch engaged on the barrel and having two legs for selectively engaging with the depressions of the rod and for selectively locking the barrel to the rod.

Abstract: A fertilizer comprising at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH) compound containing at least one nutrient anion. In another aspect, the fertilizer comprising at least one clay material mixed with at least one nutrient cation. The fertilizer preferably comprises at least one layered double hydroxide (LDH) compound containing at least one nutrient anion and at least one clay material mixed with at least one nutrient cation. Methods for treating soil, for manufacturing the fertilizer and for enhancing plant growth are also described, as are soil conditioning agents and soil-less culture media.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping down a radially expandable stent to a pre-determined profile, the apparatus has at least one set of rollers, each set including a first roller having at least a first groove and a second roller also having at least a first groove, the first groove on the first roller having the same dimensions and corresponding in relative location along the roller with the first groove on the second roller. The first groove on the first roller is aligned with the corresponding first groove on the second roller so that the respective first grooves together define an aperture whereby on rotation of the rollers, a stent advanced toward the rollers is drawn into the aperture thereby crimping down the stent to the pre-determined diameter.

Abstract: A trailered brake workstation mounts on the horizontal frame of a two-wheeled trailer, a pair of longitudinally-spaced transverse horizontal guide bars at an elevated position above the frame. The guide bars mount slides which are secured to the bottom of a longitudinally-disposed brake. Thus the brake, via the slides, can be shifted laterally on the horizontal guide bars between an internal or centered position it which it may be locked for hauling and storing, and a side position in which it may be locked and available for operative use. A box and a cover protect the brake in the internal or centered position from the elements. A work table may also be transported, being stored in the throat of the brake during transportation, and disposed for use on the other side of the trailer when the brake is operative.

Abstract: A calibration adaptor for a gas sensing device having a gas entry port therein includes a base piece having a gas entry port therein which is fixedly attached to a surface of the gas sensing device, and provided with means for releasably retaining the base piece in a first position in which the gas entry port of the gas sensing device is open to detect ambient gases, and means for moving the attached base piece to a second position in which the gas entry port of the base piece is aligned with the gas entry port of the gas sensing device, and controls entry of gas into the gas entry port of the gas sensing device. A calibration gas source may be attached to the gas entry port of the base piece.

Abstract: The invention creates a micromechanical component, in particular a pressure sensor, comprising: a substrate (2) that has a membrane region (10) and a surrounding region of the membrane region (10); at least one measuring resistance (4a, 4b; 41, 42) provided in the membrane region (10) and modifiable by deformation of the membrane region (10); a corresponding evaluation circuit (50) provided in the surrounding region, an interference effect on the measuring resistance (4a, 4b; 41, 42) being producible by way of a deformation of parts, in particular conductor paths, of the evaluation circuit (50) relative to the substrate (2); and at least one patch (60; 70, 70′) provided in the surrounding region and/or in the membrane region (10) and made of a material such that by way of a deformation of the patch or patches (60) relative to the substrate (2), an analog interference effect can be generated in such a way that the interference effect acting on the measuring resistance (4a, 4b; 41, 42) can be compensated

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a detection element for detecting a gas component of a gas to be measured, a casing for holding the detection element and a seal member forming a reference gas space together with the casing. The seal member has an end surface exposed to the atmosphere and a through-hole for establishing communication between the atmosphere and the reference gas space. A cylindrical insert member is inserted in the through-hole of the seal member. A sheetlike air permeable filter is sandwiched between an inner surface of the through-hole of the seal member and the cylindrical insert member so as to cover an atmosphere side opening portion of the cylindrical insert member. The atmosphere side opening portion of the cylindrical insert member is retracted from the end surface of the seal member toward the interior of the through-hole, whereby an atmosphere side face of the air permeable filter is retracted from the end surface of the seal member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the barrier properties of porous materials particularly at low flow rates through the porous materials with the capability to separate flow through a test sample from flow through a particle counting means. The invention approximates real world situations and provides significant advantages in time and cost, especially in medical applications.

Abstract: A method for assessing the deterioration of motor oil is presented, in which the oil viscosity of the motor oil is measured by a sensor, and the length of an oil-change interval is determined in an evaluating electronics having a display device. According to the invention, it is provided that a temperature sensor for the simultaneous determination of the oil temperature is assigned to the sensor for measuring the oil viscosity, and the oil viscosity and oil temperature are measured in the cooling phase of the engine after it has been switched off.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically assessing the contents of a plurality of reservoirs that are typically provided as an array. An acoustic radiation generator is employed for generating acoustic radiation having an image field of a size sufficient to interrogate a plurality of selected reservoirs at one time. The generator is placed in acoustic coupling relationship via a fluid acoustic coupling medium to the selected reservoirs, and acoustic radiation generated by the generator is transmitted through the coupling medium, an exterior surface of the selected reservoirs, and the selected reservoirs. A characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation is analyzed so as to assess the contents of each of the selected reservoirs. Fluid may be ejected from the selected reservoirs according to the assessment. Optionally, a means is provided for removing fluid acoustic coupling medium from the exterior surface after acoustic assessment.

Abstract: A dynamometer is coupled to a single cylinder version of a multi-cylinder engine. The dynamometer control system calculates the instantaneous dynamic torques (e.g., inertial, combustion, and/or other torques) that would normally be generated in the multi-cylinder engine. The control system then inputs the torque from the missing cylinders of the engine to the dynamometer, preferably by a hydraulic system capable of accurately applying these torque pulses. By inputting energy to the engine as well as receiving it, the single-cylinder engine can replicate the rapid transients that are experienced in multi-cylinder engine operation, and can therefore be made to have an instantaneous speed profile matching that of the multi-cylinder engine.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for measuring the injection quantity of injection systems (32), in particular for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles and especially in production testing, includes a measurement chamber (45). A connecting device (28) is also provided, by which at least one injection system (32) can be made to communicate with the measurement chamber (45) in pressuretight fashion. A piston (40) is passed through a wall of the measurement chamber (45). A detection device (58) is also provided, with which a motion of the piston (40) can be detected. To increase the measurement accuracy of the apparatus (10), it is proposed that the detection device (58) function in noncontacting fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the uniformity of a vehicle tire. A roller (5) drives a vehicle tire (1) that is received on a machine frame (4) via a piezo measuring hub (3). The roller is received by a displaceable slide (10) via a radial bearing (9) and is exclusively supported in the axial direction via force-sensing cells (11).

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a pneumatic tire is designed to be loosely disposed within the tire and rim combination. The monitoring assembly includes a protective body that surrounds a monitoring device. The protective body at least includes a rigid encapsulation material and may include a cushion layer disposed outside the rigid encapsulation layer. One embodiment of the invention provides channels disposed through the protective body to speed the temperature response of the monitoring assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of the stresses and pressure perturbations surrounding a well, and a system for computing the optimum location for initiating a hydraulic stress fracture. The technique includes using sensors attached to the wellbore casing connected to a data analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing the stresses on the well system. Using an inverse problem framework for an open-hole situation, the far field stresses and well departure angle are determined once the pressure perturbations and stresses are measured on the wellbore casing. The number of wellbore measurements needed for the inverse problem solution also is determined. The technique is also capable of determining the optimal location for inducing a hydraulic fracture, the effect of noisy measurements on the accuracy of the results, and assessing the quality of a bond between a casing and a sealant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the volume of a flowing media. The apparatus includes a pulse sensor and a temperature sensor wherein the temperature sensor and the pulse sensor are utilized to provide data for calculating the volume of the flowing media.

Abstract: A sprinkler measuring cup device is provided for use in evaluating sprinkler performance. The device is of a one-piece construction and allows measurement of depth of water applied. The measuring device is shaped to allow a plurality of devices to be stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: The invention suggests the use of microwaves in the spinning industry in order to determine the band mass of an elongated, substantially non-twisted fiber structure. In addition, a method for measuring the sliver mass from the frequency detuning and the damping of resonance signals of a microwave sensor while taking into consideration the moisture of the fiber structure with a computer is suggested. Likewise, a corresponding spinning preparation machine and a laboratory device for measuring the sliver mass are part of the invention. Lastly, a method and a spinning preparation machine for recognizing foreign matter in a moved fiber structure with the aid of microwaves is suggested.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resonator gyroscope comprising a vibrationally isolated resonator including a proof mass, a counterbalancing plate having an extensive planar region, and one or more flexures interconnecting the proof mass and counterbalancing plate. A baseplate is affixed to the resonator by the one or more flexures and sense and drive electrodes are affixed to the baseplate proximate to the extensive planar region of the counterbalancing plate for exciting the resonator and sensing movement of the gyroscope. The isolated resonator transfers substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing electric discharge breakdown occurrences in a micro-electromechanical system device is provided. The device comprises a core, a shell, and electrodes, which may be formed on the shell. When voltage is applied to the electrodes, each electrode applies an electrostatic force on the core. The electrodes are arranged in concentric sets, where each set may comprises two or more electrodes. Due to the concentricity of the electrodes, a minimum distance is maintained between the core and an outer electrode of an electrode set when the core nears or touches an inner electrode of the electrode set.

Abstract: A microminiature and thin semiconductor acceleration sensor with high sensitivity is provided. The acceleration sensor has a mass portion formed in a center part of a silicon semiconductor substrate, a frame formed at a perimeter portion of the substrate, thin elastic support arms, which are provided at upper part of the mass portion and the frame and connect the mass portion and the frame, and a plurality of pairs of piezoresistors disposed on top surface sides of the elastic support arms. At least one of the mass portion and the thick frame has a cross section vertical to a respective top surface, spreading in width from the respective top surface toward a respective bottom surface. Since a side length of the mass portion and/or a width of the frame at a site, where the elastic support arms each is connected, are made short, the elastic support arm is made long, hereby the sensitivity of the sensor is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for evaluating the surface condition of a material and a method derived from it, based on the use of an element which vibrates under the influence of relative movement with respect to the surface to be assessed. This method allows the analysis of any surface, with or without surface periodicity, regardless of its constitution or its composition, and regardless of any surface treatment(s) it may have undergone. The evaluation device (1) comprises a support (2) to which is attached at least one vibrating element (3) capable of vibrating upon contact with the surface of the material surface (5), the vibrating element (3) being driven to move relative to the material surface (5).

Abstract: A method of ultrasound inspection is provided. The method comprises providing a composite first part, introducing ultrasound to the part, receiving reflections of the ultrasound introduced in the first part, and predicting a residual strength of the first part using an amplitude of the received reflections.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness and other properties of a metal layer comprising producing an acoustic wave at a first frequency in the metal layer with a first laser beam, measuring the angle of diffraction of a second laser beam from the acoustic wave, and calculating the wavelength of the acoustic wave and thickness of the metal layer from the angle of diffraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and method for making the same is provided which has an advantageous construction and method of assembly. The ultrasonic probe has a segmented ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of individual independent transducers, a plurality of piezoelectric transducers connected to a first end of a respective individual independent transducer; and a plurality of electrical connections electrically communicating each the piezoelectric transducer with a power source.

Abstract: An improved pressure sensor assembly incorporates a stainless steel pressure sensing element that is welded to a stainless steel pressure port insert-molded into a molded plastic pressure vessel. Sealing between the pressure port and the pressure vessel is enhanced by a O-ring seated in a groove on the outer periphery of the pressure port, or by a sealant applied to the periphery of the pressure port prior to the insert molding operation. The pressure port is insert-molded with the pressure vessel so as to expose an axial end of the pressure port having a stepped annular surface, and the pressure sensor element is welded to the exposed end of the pressure port. The plastic material of the pressure vessel extends into a central axial bore of the pressure port to minimize leakage by maximizing a potential leakage path for the medium contained by the pressure vessel, and over a shoulder of the pressure port to secure the pressure port in the body of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An electronic pressure-sensing device is isolated from corrosive, conductive gasses and fluids by a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm welded to a pressure port. The pressure-sensing device is attached to a support structure with a hole that provides a path from the diaphragm area to the pressure-sensing device. A fill fluid is sealed behind the diaphragm and fills the hole through the support structure to the electronic pressure-sensing device. In this design, any hostile chemical applied is completely isolated from the electronic sensor and associated adhesive seals by the metal diaphragm.

Abstract: A deflection sensing assembly comprises a square plate with attachment holes in each of the four corners for attachment to a structural element along which deflection is to be measured. The sensor is attached to the structural element such that only two opposed corners of the plate lie along the deflection axis. The sensor assembly is removably attachable and it has been found that there is a high degree of independence between deflections in the temperature compensation axis and deflections in the deflection axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for estimating stiffness or elasticity profiles across timber. This involves measuring a velocity of a plane compression wave propagating in the timber, determining density information relating to the timber and estimating an initial elasticity profile. A reiterative process is then conducted whereby a revised elasticity profile is determined using the density information and initial elasticity profile. The revised elasticity profile is then used to determine how the timber is utilised.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring anchoring strength of liquid crystal through measurement of magnetic-field-induced torque, which, unlike the strong electric-field method or the like, uses a strong magnetic field, is therefore based on a clear principle, does not require bias correction, and enables measurement for liquid crystal of an arbitrary shape, as well as a measurement system for the measuring method.

Abstract: An ultrasound meter HAS a transmitter, a receiver and a control unit for the transmitter. To improve measurements a feedback connection proceeds between the control unit and the receiver for a signal from the receiver to the control unit, and the control unit regulates energy to the transmitter dependent on the signal fed back from the receiver so that a constant output signal is obtained from the receiver.

Abstract: A liquid meter has constituent elements including a body, an immersed rotatable measuring device, a totalizer, a sealed separation in a dry region, transmission elements for the movement of the measuring device to the totalizer. The constituent elements are arranged in the form of independent modules including a measuring module, a totalizing module, a locking module and a filtration module. The constituent elements include respectively complementary assembly elements permitting their assembly with the body of the meter and/or with each other to constitute the meter.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating an energy transfer system while it is subjected to a test process for noise. The energy transfer system is of the type having an energy input and at least one energy output, and may be mechanical or electrical. The isolation arrangement has a base that supports the energy transfer system. An isolation support supporting the energy transfer system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The energy transfer system is clamped in a manner that permits the multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base, via an engagement arrangement that secures the energy transfer system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the energy transfer system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the energy transfer system is secured to the isolation support means.

Abstract: A magnetic transducer element is formed in a portion (22) of a shaft (20) by an axially-oriented magnetic source (30) comprising a U-shape permanent magnet or electromagnet assembly, the gap (g) between the poles of which is small compared to the pole width (w). The source (30) is brought up to the continually rotating shaft (20) from a distance (D1) to a position closely proximate (D2) the shaft (20) and then retracting the source (30). With an electromagnet the mechanical movement may be emulated by controlling the energising of the electromagnet. An annular, surface-adjacent zone of axially-directed magnetisation is created whose external detectable field (40) has a distribution in the axial direction which shifts axially under applied torque. An axial or radial component may be sensed as a measure of torque. A method of preparing the shaft for magnetisation (magnetic-cleansing) and a post-magnetisation procedure is disclosed.

Abstract: An anchor plate operatively coupled to a seat belt incorporates a slot that slideably engages an anchor bolt, which is biased therein by a spring. A tension in the seat belt causes a deflection of the spring and an associated motion of the anchor bolt in the slot, which is sensed by a proximity sensor on the anchor plate. In another aspect, a carriage is adapted to slide relative to a bracket, and a first spring is operative between the carriage and the bracket so as to bias the carriage relative to the bracket in a direction opposite to a first direction. Either the bracket is operatively coupled to a vehicle frame with an anchor bolt and the seat belt operatively engages the carriage, or vice versa. A tension in the seat belt, when reacted by the anchor bolt, causes an associated motion of the carriage in the first direction, which is sensed by a displacement sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a hard drive test fixture for supporting a hard drive during quality control testing. The test fixture includes a pan having a base. Rails are attached to the base of the pan for providing structural support to the pan and for positioning of the hard drive. A connection card is removably attached to the rails and is adapted for connection to the hard drive. The test fixture includes an ejection rod for facilitating removal of the hard drive from the test fixture.

Abstract: A method of inspecting district heating pipes consists in introducing into the pipe a vehicle including an uninflated balloon and a pulley in which a cable is inserted. The vehicle is immobilized in the pipe by inflating the balloon. A sensor is moved in the pipe by fixing it to one end of the cable and pulling on the other end of the cable to move the sensor toward the immobilized vehicle in order to inspect the pipe. The vehicle includes a parachute and is propelled in the pipe by introducing into the pipe a fluid under pressure that acts on the parachute. The balloon is deflated when the sensor reaches the vehicle immobilized in the pipe. The vehicle and the sensor are withdrawn from the pipe by pulling on the end of the cable so that the inspection is carried out during the return travel of the vehicle and the sensor. With this method, the inspection can be carried out with access from only one end of the pipe.

Abstract: A mesh-type automatic transmission comprises a power input shaft 300 for introducing power of an engine, a plurality of transmission gears 301, 303, 304, 306, 310, a plurality of cogged clutches 302, 305, 308, a power output shaft 323 for outputting driving force, a counter shaft 315, and a plurality of counter gears 314, 316, 317, 318, 322, for transmitting power of the engine to the power output shaft 323 by rotating the power input shaft 300 with the power of the engine, rotating the counter shaft 315 by rotation of the power input shaft 300, and transmitting rotation of the counter shaft 315 to the power output shaft 323 via the counter gears 314, 316, 317, 318, 322 with automatic gear change by engaging and disengaging the cogged clutches 302, 305, 308 to one of the transmission gears 301, 303, 304, 306, 310 corresponding to the speed, wherein the counter shaft 315 is provided with an assist mechanism 6 for transmitting rotational force of the power input shaft 300 to the power output shaft 323 by transm

Abstract: A retrofit for a thumb-lever throttle vehicle includes a rotatable handgrip which can be sleeved over a handlebar of a vehicle and a lever shoe which engages a thumb-lever throttle. Also included is an elongated coupler which couples between said handgrip and said lever shoe, such that said handgrip manipulates the thumb-lever throttle to control a fuel supply to an engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: Known component suspensions either use six parallel double-jointed members (hexapods) that while being adjustable with six degrees of freedom and high accuracy can only be adjusted in mutual dependency of one another, or double-jointed members that are mounted in series via connecting bodies and whose joints can be rotated about one axis, that allow only two rotational deflections, under error summation, and that meet in a virtual point as the point of origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. The aim of the invention is to design a suspension that allows a movement of the component in all six degrees of freedom in a highly accurate, reproducible manner while maintaining the axial rigidity of the component.

Abstract: The release mechanism includes a hollow abutment member (36) fastened to one end of the flexible outer conduit (8) of the cable. The abutment member (36) is mounted for sliding movement in a housing (30), but is normally prevented from sliding by a stop member (32) associated with the housing (30) for engaging a shoulder on the abutment member (36). The stop member (32) establishes a reaction surface (33) against which the abutment member (36) and outer conduit (8) bear when the cable (7) is tensioned. Means (45, 46, 32) are provided for selectively moving the stop member (32) out of engagement with the shoulder of the abutment member (36), for example by a rotary movement, to permit axial movement of the abutment member (36) in the housing (30) when it is desired to release tension in the cable (7).

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member for attachment to the bicycle, a operating member rotatably supported relative to the base member for rotating in first and second directions, a transmission control member rotatably mounted relative to the base member for controlling the pulling and releasing of a transmission control element, a bracket for supporting a transmission control element diverting surface, and an intermediate member coupled for rotation with the transmission control member. The intermediate member rotates around a first axis, and the intermediate member can move in the direction of the first axis between an engagement position, in which the intermediate member engages the bracket, and a disengagement position, in which the intermediate member is disengaged from the bracket.