Abstract: An automotive sound pressure level (SPL) meter is described that includes a means for mounting the SPL meter within an motor vehicle to measure motor vehicle audio system SPL values within the motor vehicle. The automotive SPL meter includes an internal microphone, or Pressure sensor, that is designed for automotive use. Such Pressure sensor improvements may include: use of a thicker and highly durable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microphone/Pressure sensor diaphragm; use of a thicker, non-conducting gasket to increase microphone/Pressure sensor excursion capability; use of a reduced number of microphone/Pressure sensor back plate holes; and/or, reducing the diameter of microphone/Pressure sensor back plate holes. The automotive SPL meter is highly resistant to operational environment temperature, humidity and decibel level extremes without sacrificing accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus or a method for measuring flexural waves and/or vibrations acting on ferromagnetic materials or ferromagnetic films. The present invention includes a bias magnet disposed around the ferromagnetic material so as to form a magnetic field in accordance with a stress distribution pattern occurring as the flexural wave propagates along the above said ferromagnetic material, and a measuring device for measuring the time-varying change of the magnetic induction resulting from the propagation of flexural waves on the ferromagnetic material. In addition to the above components, the bias yoke can be disposed around the ferromagnetic material to support the function of the magnet and the formation of the magnetic circuit as a measuring device for the change of the magnetic induction. In addition, a fixed electromagnet can be used as the bias magnet.

Abstract: A micromechanical component (10) in which lateral deformations, i.e., deformations of the component (10) parallel to its two main surfaces, are concentrated in a defined area of the component structure, making it possible to decouple lateral and vertical stresses in the component (10). The component structure includes at least one bellows-like structure (11) in which lateral deformations of the component (10) are concentrated.

Abstract: The pressure sensor (2) comprises a pressure detector element (21) arranged to receive a pressure that is to be measured and to detect it, and a printed circuit (22) connected to the pressure detector element (21) via an electrical connection, and it is characterized in that the electrical connection comprises at least one flexible conductive tongue (29) having a first end (290) connected directly or indirectly to the printed circuit (22) and a second end (291) merely bearing against a corresponding electrical contact (213a) of the pressure detector element (21). In order to ensure good electrical contact, the bearing face (294) of the second end of the or each flexible conductive tongue (29) bearing against the corresponding electrical contact (213a) is polished.

Abstract: A scalable process transmitter architecture includes a unitized sensor module and an optional scalable transmitter. The sensor module has a sensor output that is configurable which can connect locally to a scalable transmitter module to form a transmitter, or can be wired directly to a remote receiver. The scalable transmitter can mount on the unitized sensor module and generates a scalable output for a remote receiver. The transmitter module can provide more advanced features for specific applications.

Abstract: A strain gage apparatus for measuring the load applied to a derrick leg mechanically multiplies the deflection or distortion of a strain gage. The apparatus attaches to the derrick leg at two points that are spaced about five feet apart. Accumulated strain along the five-foot section moves one end of an elongate member a significant distance. The distance is much greater than any localized movement or minute strain in the derrick leg. The movement of the elongate member stresses a reaction member upon which the strain gage is mounted.

Abstract: A floating-probe flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a moving medium includes a measuring tube through which flows a medium against the force of gravity and a float capable of moving at least in the direction of the medium flow. The surface of the float that is exposed to the flow of the medium and/or the inner surface of the measuring tube at least in the area of movement of the float is/are provided with a microstructure designed to virtually eliminate the effect of the viscosity of the flowing medium on the lift of the float.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.

Abstract: The device and methods relate to a sampling device for obtaining samples of analytes in a difficult-to-reach sampling location, such as below ground or underwater, and transporting the sample to an accessible delivery or collection site. The sampling device comprises a semipermeable membrane-based sampling chamber, which can be positioned under the ground or water surface where analytes of interest can permeate into the chamber through the semipermeable membrane. Transfer channels, which communicate with the sampling chamber, is used to transport the sample to the surface for analysis without removing the chamber from the sampling location.

Abstract: Test apparatus for bi-manual phaco needle apparatus are provided which includes a chamber for establishing a fluidic circuit between an irrigation needle and an aspiration needle. A first inlet into the chamber is provided for establishing a sealed communication with the irrigation needle and a second inlet is provided for establishing a sealed fluid communication with an aspiration needle. The apparatus enables a method for testing bi-manual phacoemulsification apparatus and priming thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring underground installations in which natural or forced flows are prevailing, such as tunnels, passages, canals, and the like, by at least sectional detection and evaluation of changing physical and/or chemical characteristings over the entire length of the installation to be monitored, whereby an alarm is released in case an admissible parameter is exceeded.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for moving a sensor over a workpiece includes a sensor, and an actuating member. The sensor, such as a non-destructive test sensor, is carried by the actuating member, and the actuating member is at least partially disposed within a housing. The actuating member is adapted for automated movement in one direction, and the housing may be configured to be grasped by an operator and manually moved in another direction. As such, the sensor may automatically move in one direction with respect to the workpiece without manual intervention, and manually move in another direction, such that the sensor is moved by the combination of automated and manual movement. In addition, the actuating member may have at least two substantially parallel arms extending from near the sensor, which permits the sensor to slide along the workpiece while maintaining a substantially normal relationship to a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring orientation of an object: In the illustrative embodiment,, the object is a ball (42) in a ball and socket type pointing and stabilization system. The novel system (40) includes an encoded pattern (46) applied to a portion of the surface of the ball (42), a pattern reader (44) which reads the pattern (46) off the ball (42) and outputs data representative of the pattern (46), and a processor (48) which decodes the data into orientation information. In the preferred embodiment, the pattern reader (44) is an electro-optical sensor, and the encoded pattern (46) includes a grid of dots (52) arranged in a first predetermined number of dot code cycles (58) wherein each dot code cycle (58) includes a second predetermined number of dots. The processor (48) includes an algorithm (100) which computes pitch, yaw, and roll angles from the pattern reader data.

Abstract: A device for connecting together a vertically disposed roller screw and roller nut assembly to a stationary member and moving member includes a bearing housing attached onto a fixed end of the roller screw. The bearing house includes at least one bearing and two bearing house pivots. A first universal ring concentrically surrounds the bearing housing and includes two mating pivots mated with the two bearing house pivots and two attachment pivots mated with corresponding pivots of the stationary member. A roller nut mount rigidly attaches to the roller nut and includes two roller nut mount pivots. A second universal ring concentrically surrounds the roller nut mount. The second universal ring includes two mating pivots mated with the two roller nut mount pivots and further includes two attachment pivots mated with corresponding pivots of the moving member.

Abstract: An angular velocity profile generator [22,24] comprising an input shaft [46], an output shaft [56], a universal joint coupling the shafts by pivot pins [70,75] situated on two pivot axes which are normal to one another, means [49] in the joint for varying the path of rotation of the pin [70] relatively to that of the pin [75], a first control arrangement [32] for varying the angle between the shafts and a second control arrangement [84], external to the universal joint, connected to the pivot pin path varying means which is activated by the first control arrangement to suit a specific velocity profile produced by the generator. The invention extends to an infinitely variable transmission machine including transmission stages [16] which each include two of the profile generators connected in series and an angular velocity profile portion extraction device.

Abstract: A transmission for an automotive vehicle or other machine has an input shaft carrying an input gear that mates with and drives a reduction gear carried on a countershaft. The countershaft carries a plurality of drive gears that mesh with driven gears on an output shaft. A rigid link is connected between the output shaft and countershaft to prevent the shafts from flexing relative to one another and thereby cause improper meshing of the gears. The link can also be rigidly connected with the transmission housing or a cast part of housing to keep the shafts from flexing relative to the housing.

Abstract: A drive train (24) of a motor vehicle with a front engine (2) and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, in which a gear input shaft (26) from a drive technical point of view is connected to a front engine (2) and a gear output shaft (38) is connected via a longitudinal drive shaft (61) to the rear axle gearbox and in which gear wheels (27, 28; 29, 30; 31, 32; 33, 34) meshing with one another are arranged on the gear shafts, wherein for every gear transmission ratio, one gear wheel is arranged in a torsionally stationary manner on the gear shaft (26), while the respectively other gear wheel is pivotably seated on another gear shaft (38) and via coupling mechanisms (25, 35) can be connected to the gear shaft (38) that is assigned to the idler wheels (28, 30, 32, 34).

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for use in mounting an ancillary unit in an engine block which has at one end a lateral flange (10) formed with an aperture for mounting of the ancillary unit. The adapter comprises a casing (112) for mounting on the end face of the engine to overlie the aperture, which casing is provided with an O-ring (130) for effecting a seal between the casing (112) and the aperture in the lateral flange of the engine. The casing has a larger diameter portion separated by a shoulder (131) from a portion of reduced diameter, a retaining sleeve (132) axially slidable over the reduced diameter portion of the casing (112) and a O-ring (130) held captive between the axial end of the retaining sleeve (132) and the shoulder (131).

Abstract: In a gear train having a first gear, a second gear in mesh with the first gear, and a third gear in mesh with the second gear, an anti-backlash mechanism having a first anti-backlash gear positioned in operative relationship with the first gear and the second gear, a second anti-backlash gear positioned in operative relationship with the second gear and the third gear, whereby the first anti-backlash gear controls backlash between the first gear and the second gear, and the second anti-backlash gear controls backlash between the second gear and the third gear.

Abstract: A robot system includes a plurality of segments 3, joints 4 for linking the segments together, drive units 5 for actuating the joints, and a controller 8 for controlling the drive units. Further, the robot system has bladders 2 filled with a fluid being of lower specific gravity than the outside environment. A center of buoyancy differs from a center of gravity, and the robot system has a specific gravity of greater than 1 relative the outside environment.

Abstract: A cam lock tilt cartridge is provided for a steering column. The cam lock tilt cartridge enables the steering column to tilt with respect to an instrument panel. The cam lock tilt cartridge has a housing connected to the steering column. A pawl is rotatably coupled to the housing. A rack is slideably coupled to the housing and connected to the instrument panel. A cam is coupled to both the pawl and rack to move the pawl with respect to the rack to enable movement of the steering column.

Abstract: An electrical control device for a motor-driven derailleur for bicycles. The control device has a supporting body adapted for attachment to the handlebars of the bicycle. A brake lever is mounted on the supporting body so that it can oscillate. A pair of switches, for controlling gear change, are carried by the supporting body. The switches are preferably mounted on a supporting plate that is located on the supporting body. Preferably, the switches are pre-assembled on the support plate before the plate is positioned on the supporting body.

Abstract: Four embodiments of an adjustable pedal assembly are disclosed wherein a pedal lever is adjustable along a rod. Each assembly is characterized by the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416) being arcuate or curved, e.g., in an arc, between its connection to a support (112, 212, 312 and 412) and its distal end for changing the angle of the longitudinal axis of the pedal lever (118, 218, 318 and 418) relative to the support (112, 212, 312 and 412) during the adjustment of the pedal lever (118, 218, 318 and 418) along the rod (116, 216, 316 and 416). Consequently, the angle of the pedal pad (120, 220, 320 and 420) is changed to accommodate different operators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parking brake lever that is operated by a hand. The parking brake lever has a supporting member fixed to a vehicle frame and which is provided with ratchet portion, and an oscillating member, which oscillates with respect to the supporting member between braking position and releasing position. A push button is provided in one end of the oscillating member. A pawl and a connecting member are operatively interposed between the push button and ratchet portion. The connecting member includes a flexible cable. According to the present invention, even if the push button is inadvertently pressed, the parking brake does not release unless the oscillating member is pulled upwardly. Thus, accident probability caused from inadvertent release of a parking brake is reduced.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly includes two brake levers connected thereto and each brake lever has two brake cables extending therefrom. The handlebar includes a bar connected to the handlebar stem and has two recesses defined in an outer surface thereof. Each recess includes two entrances which extend at angle relative to an axial direction of the recess. Each of the entrances is a plain surface. The recesses and the entrances receive the brake cables so that the brake cables do not protrude from the outer periphery of the bar.

Abstract: A steering wheel (310) for a motor vehicle includes a core member with a circular rim (312). At least one dampening element (314) is attached to the rim (312) and is supported and sprung in a sleeve (318) by at least one spring element (316). A method of manufacturing a steering wheel (310) is also provided, the method including steps of providing a steering wheel core member (312), and securing a sleeve (318) having at least one dampening element (314) supported and sprung therein to the core member (312). A method of optimizing vibration in a vehicle steering wheel assembly is further provided.

Abstract: A ratchet-like assembly for winding a counterbalancing mechanism of a door. The ratchet-like assembly includes at least one plate, at least one ridge, an actuator, and at least one pawling element. Each plate is operatively mounted onto a fixed structure and includes an orifice through which extends a shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism and about which the shaft is rotatable along opposite first and second directions of rotation. Each ridge is provided about an outer edge of the corresponding orifice. The actuator is operatively connected to each plate and is operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Each pawling element is mounted onto the actuator and is positioned within a corresponding ridge, adjacent to the shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bicycle pedal and fastening shoe assembly (C), the pedal comprising a body rotatably mounted on an axle (3) and, at least on one side of the body a chain-wheel above the pedal axle: front abutting means (9) extending parallel to the geometrical axis (A) of the pedal at the rear of said axis designed to co-operate with a front abutting surface (26) of the shoe; a retaining member (10) mounted on the pedal, pressed by elastic return means against the rear of the shoe, and retaining means towards the top provided on the pedal to co-operate with a combined means of the shoe.

Abstract: A wrist pin is provided comprising a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis. The body is fabricated of at least two metallic parts joined to one another at a weld joint. In joining the two parts to one another, a pair of laterally spaced support ribs are defined and an internal chamber is further defined between the support ribs.

Abstract: A nitrogen containing niobium powder is disclosed as well as electrolytic capacitors formed from the niobium powders. Methods to reduce DC leakage in a niobium anode are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making monodisperse nanocrystals comprising the steps of reducing a copper salt with a reducing agent, providing a passivating agent comprising a nitrogen and/or an oxygen donating moitey and isolating the copper nanocrystals. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for making a copper film comprising the steps of applying a solvent comprising copper nanocrystals onto a substrate and heating the substrate to form a film of continuous bulk copper from said nanocrystals. Finally, the invention also relates to methods for filling a feature on a substrate with copper comprising the steps of applying a solvent comprising copper nanocrystals onto the featured substrate and heating the substrate to fill the feature by forming continuous bulk copper in the feature.

Abstract: In a method and a system for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular from vehicle body shells, shredder residues are separated into a light shredder fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction. The method and system provide for a raw-granulate fraction being produced during the sorting of the light shredder fraction and the heavy shredder fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, by separating out at least one ferromagnetic fraction, a nonferrous-metal fraction, a lint fraction, and a sand fraction, and the raw-granulate fraction being split up in a refining process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing calcium from a sulfate solution in the zinc production process. Calcium is removed as an anhydrate from the raw solution coming from concentrate or ore leaching before the solution purification stages.

Abstract: A method for making a hand tool includes step of forging to form a shank of the tool with an H-shaped cross section, step 2 of a secondary forging to precisely form the shape as desired, step 3 of final fishing to grind a surface of the tool, and step 4 of completing the tool.

Abstract: A device including a body portion having proximal and distal end areas, and defining an internal cavity opening at the distal end area, and a channel that extends along a perimeter of the internal cavity in a spiral inclined planar configuration leading from the opening of the internal cavity and terminating at an apex region of the internal cavity. The distal end area of the body portion is configured and dimensioned to be placed upon a top portion of a beverage container and rotated thereon. Upon rotation of the body portion, the channel is configured so as to engage a lift-tab lever on a beverage container and progressively urge the lift-tab lever upwardly as the body portion of the present invention is rotated.

Abstract: A compact high-torque ratcheting box wrench is disclosed. The ratcheting box wrench includes a wrench housing and a drive member having a front face and a rear face. The drive member is rotatably mounted in the housing and has a nut-receiving or head-receiving aperture therethrough. A drive/ratchet mechanism includes a drive coupling that selectively engages the drive member at a plurality of discrete points that substantially surround the hex-receiving aperture, and thereby prevents rotation of the drive member relative to the housing in a first direction of rotation. The drive/ratchet mechanism also permits substantially free rotation of the drive member relative to the housing in an opposite second direction of rotation.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a rigid locking structure includes a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, a pawl member, and a restoring member. Thus, the support blocks of the pawl member are urged on the wall of the receiving chamber of the wrench body, thereby forming a double-support or multi-support structure between the pawl member and the wall of the receiving chamber of the wrench body, so that the locking teeth of the pawl member are engaged with the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel actually, closely, rigidly and stably, thereby increasing the efficient torque of the ratchet wrench, and thereby facilitating the user operating the ratchet wrench.

Abstract: A wrench includes a drive head, a drive member, a plurality of locking teeth mounted on either one of the inner wall of the drive head and the drive member, and a locking device mounted on either one of the inner wall of the drive head and the drive member. The locking device includes at least two driving blocks each formed with a locking end engageable with the locking teeth to drive the drive member. The locking ends of the at least two driving blocks are respectively engaged with the locking teeth at different time. Thus, the locking device has a smaller driving angle for driving the drive member.

Abstract: A ratchet wheel screwdriver structure includes a rod, a handle, and a control unit. The rod has a turning part at one end and a ratchet wheel at the other end. The ratchet wheel can be locked in the hinge hole on the handle, and the handles has a receiving hole at each side of the ratchet wheel. The receiving hole has a control unit on the spring part, which provides a recessed space for the ratchet to pass through. At the bottom of the recessed space, there is a 2-tiered block, which can prop the ratchet wheel at the bottom side to limit the ratchet wheel to turn towards it from the recessed space. An operator can press the control part of at each side of the ratchet wheel to drive the ratchet wheel in two directions.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head and an engaging member is rotatably received in a hole of the head. The engaging member has a polygonal inner periphery for engaging a nut and a toothed outer periphery which is engaged with a pawl movably connected to the head. A magnetic member is connected to a side of the engaging member and protrudes into a space enclosed by the polygonal inner periphery of the engaging member. A ring is mounted to the engaging member and the magnetic member is connected to the ring and the engaging member. The nut is engaged with the engaging member and attracted to the magnetic member and is easily to removed by rotating the ring.

Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head having a hole defined therethrough for an engaging member engaged therewith and a recess is defined in an inner periphery of the hole so as to receive a pawl therein. The pawl has a toothed surface which is engaged with a toothed outer periphery of the engaging member. Two operation levers are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the tool and a torsion spring is biased between respective one of the two operation levers and a side of the pawl.

Abstract: A device for use in turning a nut relative to a bolt includes a first elongated inflexible member having a first handle end and a first jaw end. A second elongated inflexible member includes elongated members are pivotably connected to each other. Each jaw is dimensioned to engage in combination substantially the entire peripheral surface of a nut, but less than the entire surface of the head of the nut such that the jaws ends can not touch each other when the jaws are separated by a nut.

Abstract: A wrench that enables a mechanic to easily maneuver through the spatial limitations of a general engine compartment and around the constraints of a vacuum pump to access, loosen and/or tighten the nuts that secure the vacuum pump within the engine compartment.

Abstract: A handle shroud for use with a double-ended wrench having a twisted handle configuration is described. The handle shroud is formed to substantially cover at least a portion of the twisted handle of the double-ended wrench so as to improve user comfort and ergonomics. The handle shroud is further formed being at least partially hollow and comprising an elongated opening at each end thereof with each elongated opening having a predetermined direction of elongation. And, the direction of elongation of one opening is substantially perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the other opening. In some preferred embodiments, the handle shroud is externally formed being substantially non-twisted.

Abstract: A handle assembly for hand tools includes a handle body having a plurality of recesses defined in two opposite sides thereof and two grip parts each have a plurality of insertions which are securely inserted into the recesses of the handle body. The grip parts are connected to the handle body without any machine needed.

Abstract: A socket wrench extension includes an elongated rod, a drive rod, a steel ball, a control knob, an elastic member, and a magnetic member. The screw member is inserted into the socket, and is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnetic member that is secured on the drive rod, so that the screw member is secured on the drive rod and is not detached from the socket, thereby facilitating the user using the elongated rod and the socket to operate the screw member. In addition, when the control knob is pressed, the drive rod and the magnetic member are fully retracted into the receiving chamber of the elongated rod, so that the screw member is detached from the magnetic member automatically.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes two handles each have a hole defined in an end thereof and a pin is received in the two holes to connect the two handles. A connection port is connected to the end of each of the two handles and two jaws are pivotably connected to the two connection ports respectively. The jaws are able to be pivoted an angle relative to the handles so as to access an object in a narrow space.

Abstract: A novel workpiece engaging nose body for holding a screwstrip having screws held in a strap is provided. The workpiece engaging nose body includes a nose portion and a rear portion with the nose portion slidably mounted on the rear portion for movement rearwardly when the nose is urged into a workpiece to drive a screw. An exitway is defined between the nose portion and rear portion through which spent strap from which screws have been driven exit the nose body. On urging the nose body into the workpiece, the nose portion slides rearwardly to engage the strap in the exitway and move it rearwardly into engagement with the rear portion in the exitway. The strap is preferably “pinched” in the exitway between the nose portion and rear portion to assist in locating a screw to be driven from the nose body.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly includes large and small tools. The large tool includes a large handle having a tool-storing hole that is defined by an inner wall face. The small tool includes a small handle having a front insert portion that is received within the tool-storing hole, and a front end flange that extends integrally, radially, and outwardly from a front end of the front insert portion and that has a rear edge. The rear edge is disposed in front of and abuts against projections on the inner wall face of the tool-storing hole so as to confine the small handle within the tool-storing hole.

Abstract: A power-operated tool holder adapted to mount a hand tool for actuation thereof. In some embodiments, the tool holder includes a frame having a support adapted to receive a pivot pin, and an actuator coupled to the frame and releasably coupled to the hand tool in a mounted position of the hand tool with respect to the frame. The actuator is movable to actuate at least part of the hand tool about the pivot pin in the mounted position of the hand tool.