Abstract: An apparatus for decoding locks having a series of parallel spring-urged slideable members includes a probe device having the general contour of a key expected to fit the lock. The probe device has a shank portion having straight upper and lower edges. A series of thin force sensors supplied with electrical current is attached to at least the upper edge of the shank in a spaced apart relationship corresponding to the spacing of the slideable members. When the probe device is inserted into the lock, the spring associated with each slideable member exerts a force upon the corresponding sensor which is proportionate to the requisite travel distance of the slideable member. Such force is converted by the sensor to an appropriate electrical output which is routed to an electronic monitor that displays the ascertained travel distance for each slideable member.

Abstract: In a method for determining the rolling force in a roll stand for rolling metallic material which is to be rolled, the rolling force is determined by means of at least one neural network. According to the invention, the neural network is trained using, in particular measured, values for the rolling force under different operating conditions with a view to improving the determination of the rolling force. The neural network is advantageously trained using values for the rolling force and values for the different operating conditions for roll stands of different rolling trains.

Abstract: According to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a hot-rolled steel plate, a roughing process for reducing a thickness of a continuously cast slab is performed to obtain a sheet bar, and a finishing rolling process for rolling the sheet bar is effected to produce a hot-rolled steel plate having a predetermined plate thickness. After cooling down, the hot-rolled steel plate is then wound. A pair of dies 6 each of which has a tapered portion 6b on an input side and a parallel portion 6b on an output side are used in at least part of the roughing process. Further, before performing plate thickness pressing to a material in a plate thickness direction by using the dies 6, at least one of a front end and a rear end of the material is pressed in a widthwise direction to be pre-formed.

Abstract: The novel methods, apparatus and reworked rotary braking surface product, for example those exhibited on interior cylindrical braking surfaces of a cast iron brake drum, serve to replace manufacturing defects exhibiting residual tensile stresses and outwardly directed tool marks with smooth compressed braking surfaces in a final manufacturing stage. The plastically deformed surface shape with reduced roughness and surface irregularities furthermore presents improved braking strength above the yield point and approaching the ultimate material strength of the base drum material. An ultrasonic transducer drives individual freely moving impact elements of a set at frequencies up to 55 kHz into the braking surface to effect plastic deformation at surface and sub-surface layers.

Abstract: A rescue tool is for use with emergency extrications from a structure. The tool includes a shaft and a pair of arms coupled to the shaft. The shaft has an axis of symmetry, and the pair of opposing arms include a first arm and a second arm. At least one of the first arm and the second arm is slidably coupled to the shaft and is configured to move along the shaft in a direction that is substantially parallel to the shaft axis of symmetry. Each of the arms includes an inner face and an outer face. At least one of the arm inner and outer faces includes a plurality of teeth configured to contact the structure. At least one of the first arm and the second arm extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft.

Abstract: A stainless steel aquatic component for use in an aquatic environment such as pools, spas, hot tubs, and shower rooms has a slip-resistant texture formed therein. The slip-resistant texture includes a plurality of protrusions which are punched into an outer surface of the aquatic component. A method of forming an aquatic component is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic bending system includes an automatic bending press (46) including a pair of bending tools (48, 50) cooperating with each other, and an automatic manipulator (10) including a head (26) movable in a work space and provided with a toolholder member (29) intended to receive at least two take-up members (32, 34, 38, 42) independent from each other. The head (26) is rotatable about a first axis (28) and the toolholder member (29) is provided with tool attachment seats (30) arranged on opposite sides of said first axis (28) and rotatable about a second common axis (36) orthogonal to the first axis (28).

Abstract: A dent puller includes a bridge having a pair of legs extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. Each leg has a lower end with a foot. Each foot has a resilient pad secured thereto. An aperture formed through the bridge receives a shaft. An engagement member connected to a lower end of the shaft includes a plate having at least one opening extending therethrough. A knob is connected to the shaft such that application of a rotational force to the knob acts to draw the engagement member toward the bridge. The dent puller may further include a tool adapter comprising a socket engageable with the knob and an arbor extending axially outward from the socket.

Abstract: Frame vehicle clamp adapters which allow a frame of a frame-type vehicle to be connected to a pinch weld-type clamp. One embodiment comprises a first section having an elongated rigid protrusion extending from a base. The elongated rigid protrusion is adapted to be secured to a pinch weld clamp. A second portion of the adapter is provided with a clamp for securing a frame thereto. A preferred embodiment comprises a mechanism for adjusting the height of the adapter.

Abstract: A method for bending a work of a plate shape by moving a die with the work being butted against a butting member, and an apparatus for executing the method are provided. The bending apparatus is provided with an input unit for inputting data on bending conditions including respective target values of a bending angle and a bending dimension, as well as respective measured values of a bending angle and a bending dimension of the work obtained in trial bending. A control device installed in the apparatus executes an initial computation for computing an operation amount of the die when the data on bending conditions are inputted. Further, the control device executes computation for a correction value for an operation amount of the die and computation for an estimated value of a bending dimension when the respective measured values of the bending angle and the bending dimension obtained in trial bending are inputted.

Abstract: A chemical adsorption system and method comprising an apparatus containing a solid adsorption article comprising a known amount of a chemical adsorbate material disposed on a solid adsorbent material. Trace amounts of the adsorbate are released from the adsorbent using an inert gas. By controlling various parameters such as the temperature of the adsorption article, the amount of the adsorbate on the adsorbent, and the flow rate of inert gas through the apparatus, the amount of chemical adsorbate material vapor that is released from the adsorbent can be precisely controlled and predicted. The apparatus contains no liquid chemical materials, and serves as both an internal chemical reference standard to the attached chemical vapor monitor and as a chemical surface passivator. Furthermore, the invention is capable of spanning several orders of magnitude in chemical vapor concentration from the parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-trillion (ppt) range.

Abstract: An impulse noise suppression circuit for an integrator-based ion current signal processing system includes a one-shot circuit activated by a trigger signal that is produced when a noise transient in a bandpass filtered ion current signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. The output pulse of the one-shot circuit is selected to have a pulse width configured to mask a substantial portion of the noise transient without masking the remaining filtered ion current signal during the remainder of a knock window in which knock is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing one or more glass light bulbs assembled into a sub-assembly for cracks. The apparatus comprises a chamber having an enclosed hollow interior and a door that is adapted to open and close to either allow access to the hollow interior or to seal the hollow interior; a test tray assembly having a plurality of compartments for receiving and holding a plurality of glass light bulbs and sub-assemblies to be tested, said tray assembly adapted and dimensioned to be placed into and enclosed by said chamber; a control assembly for controlling the introduction of oxygen into said chamber; and a source of pressurized oxygen connected to said chamber to supply oxygen under pressure to said chamber under the control of said control assembly.

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: An embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for preparing a fuel tank for repairs and verifying repair work upon completion. The apparatus includes a supply system constructed and arranged to be coupled to the fuel tank for providing a supply of inert gas into the fuel tank, for purging the fuel tank of oxygen to a certain level and for making inert the fuel tank with the gas. The supply system includes a gas release system constructed and arranged to provide the supply of inert gas. The supply system further includes an arrangement for connecting and facilitating transport of the inert gas. A supply mechanism is configured and positioned to facilitate and regulate a transfer of gas from the gas release system to the fuel tank. A connector mechanism is for coupling the supply mechanism to the gas release system. A relief system is constructed and arranged to be coupled to the fuel tank to regulate and relieve pressure in the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of detecting leaks and blockages in a fuel system. The leaks are detected using a RAMPOFF mode and a TANK mode. The RAMPOFF mode modifies the evaporative diagnostic purge logic to increase the ramp down rates of the evaporative purge duty cycle to aggressively shut off the purge solenoid valve for tests used to detect leaks as small as 0.02 inches in diameter. The TANK mode modifies the evaporative diagnostic purge logic to support aggressive purging requirements for tests used to detect larger leaks of greater than 0.04 inches in diameter. The MASS FLOW mode modifies the evaporative diagnostic purge logic to hold a constant purge mass flow rate necessary to detect blockages across a vent solenoid valve. The RAMPOFF mode, TANK mode, and MASS FLOW modes support evaporative diagnostics that are run continuously within a fuel system when acceptable engine operating conditions are present.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing the properties of chemicals in a reaction flow stream. In the method, chemicals from the reaction flow stream are directed to the apparatus for testing the physical properties of the chemicals, which is an indication of the state of the chemical reaction. Data measured by the apparatus is stored in a computer, and the computer may be used to analyze the data and to control the reaction parameters based on the analysis of the data. The apparatus used for the analysis comprises a rheometer having an actuated shaft and a concentric container, wherein the shear properties of the material sampled in the apparatus are measured when the actuator shaft is oscillated within the container. Various unique configurations of the apparatus are described.

Abstract: A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle, wherein an engine is shut off, implemented by a system, the method including providing pressure switch and a time counter, closing a shut off valve, waiting for a no test delay, evaluating whether the pressure switch is closed, incrementing the time counter if the pressure switch is open and comparing the time counter to a time control value if the pressure switch is open. The system includes a pressure switch, a shut off valve and a processor operatively coupled to the pressure switch and the shut off valve. The processor receives pressure signals from the pressure switch and sends signals to the shut off valve, wherein the processor closes the shut off valve, waits for a no test delay, determines whether the pressure switch is closed, increments a time counter and compares the time counter to a time control value.

Abstract: A method for starting a combustion engine including a starter and a speed sensor that supplies an output signal as a function of speed, and a device for measuring the vehicle system voltage to record a characteristic curve of the battery voltage during a starting phase and after the starting phase. The crankshaft position is ascertained from the characteristic curve of the battery voltage, during the starting phase of the combustion engine, in starter operation.

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 device for detecting the tire pressure of a motor vehicle tire (6) has an electronic unit (1) with an antenna (2) that is connected therewith. The electronic unit (1) and the antenna (2) are mounted on an elastic, circular support (3), which is fixed coaxially to the wheel axle (8) on the tire sidewall (7) in proximity of the wheel rim (5). The support (3) is fixed to the tire (6) only with its inner circumferential side while the outer circumferential side protrudes freely into the interior of the tire.

Abstract: A hand-held digital tire pressure gauge is designed such that it will provide valid tire pressure readings even for tires that have an elevated temperature due to the vehicle having been recently driven. The measurement from an ambient (outside) air temperature sensor is subtracted from the measurement of a sensor that employs a unique device for sampling inner tire air temperature and the result is then multiplied by a known factor representing the normal unit of air pressure variance experienced per unit of temperature variance. This value is then subtracted from the measurement of a tire air pressure gauge sensor to derive and display a “corrected” air pressure that the tire would have had if its inner air temperature were equal to the surrounding air temperature. The objective of the gauge is to help the user to realize increased fuel mileage, reduced tire wear, and improved handling and safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for detecting latent flatness defects in a band product (2) applied under tensile load to an angular sector (A) of measuring roll (1) comprising a plurality of detection zones (4) spaced apart each comprising a transmission sensor (3), at each rotation, of a measurement signal having a value under load (i) which is compared, at each rotation, with a reference value, in order to assess, in each longitudinal zone of the band (2), information representative of the tensile load applied in this zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trapping projectiles so that the projectiles are not damaged is disclosed. An elongated trough is typically filled with alternating layers of a foam substance and a fibrous substance. Alternatively, the trough can be filled with just a foam or fibrous substance. A projectile launcher such as a gun is connected to the trough and a projectile is shot into the filling substance substantially parallel a longitudinal axis of the trough. The trough can be opened and the projectile can be recovered from the filling substance.

Abstract: A device for measuring at least one parameter, in particular of a volumetric flow, of a medium flowing in a line, in particular of the intake air volumetric flow of an internal combustion engine, includes at least one measuring element around which the medium flows. Constrictions, which do not uniformly constrict the cross-section of the line, do not produce any ring-shaped eddies that may be heard in the form of whistling noises.

Abstract: A suspended, coupled micromachined structure including two proof masses and multiple support arms configured to suspend the masses above a substrate and a coupling spring element having two ends. Each end of the coupling spring element may be attached to a proof mass at a point between the proof masses. The frequency response characteristics of the proof masses may be improved.

Abstract: An external-force detecting sensor includes a sensor unit for commonly detecting angular velocity and acceleration; an angular-velocity/acceleration mix signal outputting unit for outputting an angular-velocity/acceleration mix signal comprised of an angular-velocity component in accordance with the magnitude of angular velocity and an acceleration component in accordance with the magnitude of acceleration that are detected by the sensor unit; and a signal separating unit for separating and extracting the angular-velocity component and the acceleration component from the angular velocity/acceleration mix signal to output as an angular-velocity signal and an acceleration signal.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a rotational movement or an angular acceleration has at least one heating element and at least one sensor element and a fluid surrounding the heating element and the sensor element, the heating element producing in the fluid a convection flow zone through which an isothermal field is defined. The heating element and the sensor element are arranged with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotational movement or of the angular acceleration to be detected, in such a way that the sensor element is displaced relative to the isothermal field when a rotational movement or an angular acceleration takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of the techniques of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) to ultrasensitive mass detection. A pulsed flux of atoms is adsorbed onto the surface of a 32.8 MHz nanomechanical resonator within an ultrahigh vacuum environment. The mass-induced frequency shifts from these adsorbates are then used to demonstrate a mass sensitivity of ˜1.46×106 Daltons (Da). For resonators operating up to frequencies of 72 MHz, inverse mass responsivities as small as ˜8×10−20 grams/Hz (5×104 Da/Hz) are obtained. Our results offer a new approach to ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry of individual, electrically-neutral macromolecules with clear prospects for single Dalton sensitivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for determining vibration characteristics of vibrated, supported, generally round, substantially ellipsoid articles, such as eggs, comprising: an elastic hammer with handle and head, for tapping and thereby acoustically vibrating such article, a handle drive element for reciprocating the hammer generally in a plane around an axis in the handle, a microphone arranged immediately adjacent to and directed to the article, for picking up acoustic vibrations generated by the article, and a signal processing means for processing the signals picked up by the microphone for determining vibration characteristics of the article, characterized in that the handle adjacent the axis consists of an arm portion to be driven which is connected, through a hinge element, with a handle end having at the extremity thereof a mount having therein a ball as a head, while at least the hinge element and the handle end form a hammer rod in one piece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided in which probes including respective sensing elements, such as ultrasonic transducers, are disposed proximate the opposed surfaces of a structure, but only one of the probes need be driven. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. The apparatus and method can therefore inspect structures in which one surface is inaccessible. The probes may permit liquid to be bubbled between the ultrasonic transducer and the structure in order to couple the ultrasonic signals. By utilizing a bubbled liquid as a couplant, the apparatus and method may operate in an ultrasonic array mode. Additionally, the probes may include at least one contact member, such as a plurality of wheels, for contacting the structure in order to maintain the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure.

Abstract: An accelerometer system principally for use in high spatial density urban arrays for near-real-time mapping of strong shaking due to large earthquakes. The present accelerometer system offers research-grade “16-bit resolution” (=90.3 dB dynamic range =20log(215)), and yet it is inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to maintain. A more efficient and accurate calibration and compensation procedure is also disclosed. The improved accelerometer system is ideally suited to any situation requiring large numbers of instruments, low installation costs, high robustness, low maintenance costs, and near-real-time response. The price/performance point achieved by the present invention far exceeds past instrumentation and opens many new markets.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring a fluid pressure, comprising a pressure sensor portion (10), which is devised for accommodation in a recess (12), which is open at least at one end, wherein the pressure sensor portion (10) in relation to the recess (12) is to be dimensioned in such a way that the pressure sensor portion (10) is surrounded by a gap (14) for receiving fluid, wherein first and second surfaces (16a, 16b, 18a, 18b), which are situated on the pressure sensor portion (10) and in contact with fluid, are so dimensioned and aligned that forces, which are exerted by the fluid pressure on the first surfaces (16a, 16b) and push the pressure sensor portion (10) in the direction of the open end of the recess, are equal to or lower than the forces, which are exerted by the fluid pressure on the second surfaces (18a, 18b) and push the pressure sensor portion (10) away from the open end of the recess (12).

Abstract: A pressure sensor housing and assembly is disclosed. The pressure sensor may have a manifold and a header comprising one integral unitary housing. The unitary housing may have a pressure inlet in communication with an elongated tube. The unitary housing also may have a sensing die coupled to the elongated tube in order to receive pressure input signals through the pressure inlet. The sensing die may detect an applied pressure and derive an electrical signal from the applied pressure.

Abstract: An oscillation sensing device includes a magnetised member mounted on a substrate. A magneto-electrical material is mounted on the substrate such that the magneto-electrical material is subjected to the magnetic field generated by the magnetised member. A movable member is mounted for oscillation in response to an oscillating force. Oscillation of the movable member causes a change in the magnetic field experienced by the magneto-electrical material and an electrical property of the electro-electrical material changes in response to changes in the magnetic field experienced by the magneto-electrical material due to oscillation of the movable member.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic transducer interacts with a fluid in a tube and serves as either a flow sensor or as a pump. One or more electro-magnet(s) provide a magnetic flux transverse to a selected portion of the tube. The transducer has an electrically insulating sheet scrolled about an axis parallel to or coincident with that of the portion of the tube and extending from an axial streamlined body to an inner wall of the tube. One or more pair of electrodes are attached to the scroll so as to define a spiral electrical path between the two electrodes of the pair. These electrodes are connected to a voltage measurement circuit if the transducer is configured as a flow sensor or to a source of electric power if the transducer is configured as a pump. In addition, a flow commencement sensor is combined with the electro-magnetic flow sensor to provide a power-saving flow metering arrangement.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

Abstract: A Coriolis force type flow meter uses an optical interferometer as the measuring device. When a tube that a fluid flows through experiences a bending vibration caused by an external stimulating source, the tube also has a twist vibration due to the action of the Coriolis force. The optical interferometer is then employed to measure the tiny angular change in the amplitude of the tube vibration. From such a measurement, one can determine the flux of the fluid in the tube.

Abstract: A device measures air flow at multiple points in an air channel. The device includes a metering plate that has multiple passages through the metering plate. The metering plate is adapted to be positioned across the air channel in an orientation that places two or more of the multiple passages at two or more respective locations within the air channel. The metering plate is also adapted to receive two or more flow meters at the two or more passages, respectively. In addition, the metering plate is configured so that respective air flow velocities at the two or more locations when the metering plate is positioned across the air channel substantially matches air flow velocities at the two or more locations when the metering plate is not positioned across the air channel. An example embodiment includes holders such as sockets that keep the flow meters fixed in the metering plate with regard to pitch and roll.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-stage variable orifice flow obstruction sensor for measuring a fluid flow. The sensor comprises a body member having an aperture therethrough. Moreover, a cover member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture. The cover member is adapted to transition between open and closed positions with respect to the aperture. Additionally, a flow-limiting obstruction member is engaged to the body member and is disposed within the aperture adjacent the cover member. The flow-limiting member is configured to apply a generally opposing force to the cover member when the cover member extends to the open position and contacts the flow-limiting member. By doing so, a pressure differential of the fluid may be sensed such that the fluid flow can be measured therefrom.

Abstract: A device for measuring tensile stress acting on a vehicle seat belt has two components. A first component is connected with a seat belt and a second component is fixed to a vehicle part a spring arranged between the two components, against whose force the two components may be moved relative to one another. A transducer has transducer elements that are attached to the two components and produces an electrical signal as a function of the positions of the two components relative to one another. The transducer produces a switching signal when the components are in a first positional zone. In a second positional zone, in which the two components may be moved relative to one another against the force of the spring, the transducer produces measuring signals proportional to the movement of the two components relative to one another.

Abstract: A temperature-adjusted sampler for liquids, gases or other fluids including a hollow needle in steel or another metal on which a heating is deposited so as to be electrically insulated, characterized in that the hollow needle is coated with an electrically insulating layer which has deposited thereon in complete intimate contact a thin, electrically conducting heating layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling the evaporation of liquid in samples in an evaporating centrifuge, by monitoring the centrifugal force exerted on a sample holder containing a liquid sample having solid material dissolved or otherwise mixed therein. The centrifugal force is determined using a load cell, a strain gauge or, where relative movement between sample holder and rotor is permitted albeit with resilient restraint, the centrifugal force signal may be generated by a position sensing transducer. The speed of rotation is sensed by a further transducer and both force and speed signals are conveyed to a computer programmed to generate a process control signal for controlling the evaporation process therefrom. A preferred method of control involves determining the rate of change of weight with time and terminating the evaporation process when the rate of change drops to zero.

Abstract: A compliance assembly is disclosed for use in a semiconductor tester testhead stand. The compliance assembly includes an airspring having compliance along a plurality of axes and a containment vessel adapted for receiving the airspring. The containment vessel includes walls that, when the airspring is loaded, control the compliance along the plurality of axes.

Abstract: A booster actuator 10 may be positioned between the solenoid 12 and a valve 14, and increases the energy output from the solenoid to activate the valve. The booster actuator 10 may include a force input member 28 and a force output member 30 each linearly movable with respect to a body 20 from an initial position to an activated position. A coil spring 46 biases the input member to the initial input position, while a plurality of disk springs 48 bias the output member 30 to the activated output position. A plurality of linking members 32 each pivotable with respect to the body normally retain the force output member in the initial position, but upon movement of the input member to the activated position release the force output member in response to the disk springs.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle with an input drive shaft (10), a coaxial output drive shaft (11) and a counter shaft (12, 13) which is installed axis-parallel to the input and output shafts (10, 11) and can be driveably connected with the input and output shafts (10, 11) by gear sets (I to V and W) and shifting clutches (a to e, g, h), whereby certain gear sets (I, II, III, W) form a principal gear-drive group (29) and two gear sets (IV, V) form a range group (30) located proximal to the output shaft (11). The proposal is that between the input drive shaft (10) and the output drive shaft (11) a coaxial intermediate shaft (14) is located, in which a first shifting clutch (a) can connect the intermediate shaft (14) to the input drive shaft (10) and a sixth shifting clutch (f) can connect the intermediate shaft (14) with the output shaft (11).

Abstract: The invention shows a shifting device (11, 40) with a servo-assistance device (10) for a transmission (30) of a vehicle. A gear shift linkage (4, 6, 16) is connected with a lever (18) which is connected with a control rod (20) of the assistance device (10) and a gear shift shaft (26, 44) engages in gear shift rails (32) of the transmission (30) by means of levers (28). A central gear shift shaft (44) is provided in the shifting device (40) which is firmly mounted on the transmission housing and can be rotatably actuated by the gear shift linkage (4, 6, 16) actuated by the driver for transmitting the manual shifting force to the disengaging lever (18) of the assistance device (10) and for transmitting the manual shifting force to the gear shift rails (32) of the transmission (30). The central gear shift shaft (44) can also be displaceably actuated by the gear shift linkage (4, 6, 16) to select the gear shift rail (32) to be shifted.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission is shiftable in a track pattern with a selector track and shift tracks. A shifter element moves along the tracks when the transmission is shifted from one gear ratio to another. The shifts are directed by a control device sending command signals to an actuator device which, in turn, applies an actuating force to the transmission. A main position-detecting device detects the position of the shifter element relative to the selector track and shift tracks, and a redundant position-detecting device performs an additional, redundant determination of the shifter-element position.

Abstract: A shift control device is provided for a bicycle that uses shift control signals from a signal provider to operate an automatic shifting mechanism of a bicycle transmission, wherein the shift control signals correspond to a traveling condition. The shift control device comprises an override shift command unit for providing an override shift command, and a simulation unit operatively coupled to the override shift command unit for providing simulated shift control signals in response to the override shift command.

Abstract: An adjustable cam shaft sprocket for allowing small adjustments to a cam shaft. The adjustable cam shaft sprocket comprises an inner member and an outer member, the inner member being placed concentrically within the first circular member and held in place by a fastener. A series of openings located at the perimeter of the inner member and outer member are arranged such that only one pair of openings between the inner member and the outer member are aligned for each hole alignment. A shear pin is inserted through the aligned pair of openings to prevent the inner member from rotating with respect to the outer member. A small adjustment to the cam shaft is achieved by removing the shear pin, rotating the inner member with respect to the outer member so that a second pair of openings is aligned, and re-inserting the shear pin.