Abstract: A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441) along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) and the resulting sheet are disclosed. A method includes a step of forming longitudinally extending slits (43, 243, 343, 443) through the sheet of material in axially spaced relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441) along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) with edges (257, 457) engaged and supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of the slits. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445). Several slit embodiments (43, 243, 343, 443) suitable for producing edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed, as is the use of the slit sheets to enhance various fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A production method involving forming an inner joint part of a constant velocity universal ball joint in the form of a hub member (11) which comprises a central through-aperture (14) with inner toothing (16) for receiving a shaft journal (12), and ball tracks (15) for receiving torque transmitting balls on the outer circumference, wherein a blank with largely finish-formed ball tracks is produced by non-chip-forming deformation; wherein, at the blank, outer surfaces and a smooth through-aperture (14) are finish-turned; and wherein, during simultaneous working stages, the ball tracks (15) are calibrated by non-chip-forming deformation and the inner toothing (16) in the through-aperture (14) is produced by pressing in a non-chip-forming way.

Abstract: When working a linear guide rail having one or more raceway grooves 2 on the side surfaces thereof, using rotary dies each including on the circumferential portion thereof a projection-shaped working portion matched in shape to the raceway groove 2, the raceway grooves 2 are rolled onto a rail blank work W. Since the raceway grooves 2 can be rolled with high accuracy by a single working step, the working time of the raceway grooves as well as the working cost thereof can be reduced.

Abstract: A crimper having a crimping block and a crimping lever. The crimping block has a top surface, a first end, and an opposite second end. The first end provides receptacles which each allow a swaged needle having a needle hole end having a needle hole to be inserted therein. The second end has suture channels which allow a suture to be inserted into the crimping block such that the suture is guided toward the needle end hole. The top surface has a plurality of crimping openings which each expose one of the receptacles and the needle hole end therein. The crimping lever has a plurality of protrusions which are aligned with the crimping openings such that one of the projections engages the needle end and mechanically crimp the needle end to secure the suture therein. The needle may then be withdrawn from the receptacle with the suture secured therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a die button assembly for locating a die button relative to a body die, and for facilitating removal of the die button from the body die. The assembly includes a substantially cylindrical button having a volumetrically reduced region and a complementary, internally threaded die button extractor having a foot portion extending into the volumetrically reduced region and facilitating removal of the button from the body die via an upward force applied to the internally threaded portion.

Abstract: To balance ozone sensors for the onboard diagnosis of a catalytic element which is arranged in a vehicle and is exposed to an ambient airstream, for breaking down ozone, predetermined enable conditions allowing the sensor balancing to be carried out are checked, and if the enable conditions are fulfilled the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are recorded and compared with one another. This comparison gives a deviation value which is characteristic of the deviation between the two values, and the deviation value is used to decide whether sensor balancing is required and indeed possible. If sensor balancing is required and possible, the values of the output signals from the ozone sensors are compared with a threshold value and depending on the result of this comparison either an additive or a multiplicative correction of the values of the output signals is performed.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.

Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a difference in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.

Abstract: A method of checking the functional reliability of a pressure sensor, the air pressure being detected inside a vehicle body part, the vehicle having at least one additional pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure. With the help of the method, it may be possible to determine the integrity of the sensor without requiring any additional auxiliary equipment. To do so, the measured values of the pressure sensor and the measured values of the at least one additional pressure sensor are compared over a defined observation period. The pressure sensor is recognized as being defective if its measured values deviate by more than a predefined amount from the measured values of the at least one additional pressure sensor.

Abstract: A programmable device for analyzing mixtures of suspended vapors and air by pinging particles making up the vapors at their mechanical resonant frequencies and detecting the resultant rings.

Abstract: Liquid leaks from a vessel cause shorts between at least one elongate sensing wire and another conductor when the fluid absorbs into the porous sheath of the sensing wire. The other conductor may comprise a second elongate sensing wire having similar porous sheath or a conductive tray or other conductive collection means. The sensing wire is placed in proximity to the vessel, such as beneath or immediately adjacent. Shorts are detected from the electrical characteristics of a circuit including the sensing wire and location is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the viscosity of a solution in a solvent includes flow resistances having the smallest possible thickness and a small volume compared with all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs. The flow conduit system has three parallel flow circuits among which at least two flow circuits are connected by a differential pressure sensor or sensor for differential pressure. The arrangement includes an inlet which divides into two legs, wherein one of the two legs includes a pressure reducing element, a following branch going to a differential pressure sensor and a pressure reducing element in the feeding conduit to a junction which runs into an outlet conduit. The other leg starting from the branch point includes a pressure reducing element which is connected to the differential pressure sensor and to a resistance capillary in the conduit.

Abstract: A method and a device evaluate a processability of a viscoelastic material. A measuring step and means measure a complex viscosity modulus ?* and two complex elasticity moduli G*1, G*2 in respective two shear ranges with different shear speeds, by the following: varying a vibration frequency and a vibration amplitude at a given temperature range, and controlling a shear stress applied to the viscoelastic material which is mixed under a given mixing condition. The shear stress causes a reactive stress. The complex viscosity modulus ?* and the two complex elasticity moduli G*1, G*2 are measured based on the reactive stress. A first operation operates an apparent activation energy Ea by the following: ?*=A·exp(Ea/RT) where T is temperature, R is gas constant, ?* is complex viscosity modulus. A second operation operates a complex elasticity modulus change ratio G*r, a ratio between the two complex elasticity moduli G*1, G*2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column for high-pressure liquid chromatography, which can be provided with different connection systems, such as a cartridge retaining device or a reducing screw. The column tube (1, 11) of the inventive chromatography column has an external thread (4,18) at each end and at least one groove (3,14).

Abstract: A swing weight scale is presented that measures the swing weight of a golf club by measuring the torque exerted by the club about fixed balance point. The apparatus comprises an elongated torque arm pivotally mounted to a base. At one end of the torque arm a pair of rollers cradle the shaft of the golf club from underneath. At the other end of the torque arm a vertical stop provides a reference for locating the butt of the golf club shaft and provides the mounting surface for a second pair of rollers that cradle the upper surface of the shaft at the butt end. The rollers allow the golf club shaft to freely rotate about its longitudinal axis so that the golf club head will hang down freely. A torque sensor is mounted at the pivot point of the torque arm to measure the torque produced by the golf club as it is supported by the torque arm.

Abstract: In order to provide a scanning probe microscope capable of measuring with high throughput distribution information relating to local characteristics of a sample concurrently with accurate three-dimensional shape information of the sample without damaging the sample, the speed of approach to each measurement location is increased by controlling the approach of the sample and probe by the provision of a high-sensitivity proximity sensor of the optical type. Also, additional information relating to the distribution of material quality on the sample can be obtained without lowering the scanning speed by: applying a voltage to the probe, or measuring the response on vibrating the probe, or detecting the local optical intensity of the sample surface concurrently with obtaining sample height data and concurrently with the contact period with the sample, whilst ensuring that the probe is not dragged over the sample, by bringing the probe into contact with the sample intermittently.

Abstract: A test method for an exhaust gas catalytic converter (8) of an internal combustion engine (1) comprises the steps of: test injection of fuel during the expansion stroke and/or during the exhaust stroke of the internal combustion engine (1), conversion in the exhaust gas catalytic converter (8) of at least a part of the unburned fuel contained in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, determination of the quantity of fuel not converted by the exhaust gas catalytic converter (8) and determination from the quantity of unconverted fuel of the operating capacity of the exhaust gas catalytic converter (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily measuring a brake mean effective pressure of a running vehicle. An air flow sensor, a ? sensor and a data collecting apparatus are mounted to the vehicle. A running speed and engine speed from the vehicle while actually running on a road surface, and output of the air flow sensor an the ? sensor are inputted to the data collecting apparatus. Specific fuel consumption is obtained from an intake air amount and ratio of excessive air in exhaust gas. Output of an engine is obtained from a relation between the specific fuel consumption and the engine speed.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating a differential axle system while it is subjected to a test process for noise, also reduces the noise contribution of the differential gear set by coupling a load directly to the differential gear set shaft. The isolation arrangement has a suspension arrangement that supports the differential axle system above the base supports. In a different embodiment, the isolation support supports the differential axle system, yet affords multiple degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The differential axle 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 differential axle system to the isolation support. The engagement arrangement has a first position with respect to the base wherein the differential axle system is installable on, and removable from, the isolation support, and a second position wherein the differential axle system is secured to the isolation support.

Abstract: An EGR-gas flow rate estimation apparatus for an engine including an exhaust circulation pipe connected between an exhaust passage and an intake passage of the engine, and an EGR control valve interposed in the exhaust circulation pipe and having a throttle portion. The apparatus estimates a provisional EGR gas flow rate Gegr0 by use of a general formula Gegr0=Aegr·(2·Pex·?a)1/2·? (?=(((?/(??1)·((Pb/Pex)2/??(Pb/Pex)(1+1/?)))1/2) where Pup represents the exhaust pressure, Pb represents the intake pressure, Aegr represents the effective opening area of the throttle portion, ?a represents the density of EGR gas, and ? represents the specific heat ratio of EGR gas. Subsequently, the apparatus estimates the flow rate Gegr of EGR gas flowing into the intake passage, by multiplying the provisional EGR gas flow rate Gegr0 by a correction value dPgain corresponding to differential pressure (Pex?Pb).

Abstract: A tire air pressure monitor includes tire air pressure sensors and transmitters proximate to tires; receiving antennas which receive transmitting signals from the transmitters; phase shifters which shift signal phases received from the antennas by control voltages; a synthesizer which synthesizes outputs from the phase shifters; and a meter which detects an output level from the synthesizer. The phase differences between the antennas are different and the control voltages for the phase shifters are obtained in advance, which maximizes the output level from the synthesizer dependent on the tire mounting positions. An association table relates the tire mounting positions to the control voltages and the control voltages are controlled so that the output level from the synthesizer is maximized with respect to a transmitting signal from any one of the tire mounting positions. The tire mounting positions is identified by comparing values of the control voltages thus controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of characterizing for tire pressure imbalances in a set of tires of vehicle, the vehicle having four wheels, and each wheel having a sensor generating a pulse for a predetermined amount of distance traveled by the wheel including entering a first characterization mode, accumulating a number of pulses from each sensor and adding the number of pulses from each sensor to generate a first record total pulse count in the characterization mode, generating a second record total pulse count in the characterization mode, determining if the first record is similar to the second record, and discarding at least one of the first and second records if the first and second records do not meet a criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the filling level of a medium in a container. A mixer that has at least one mixer blade and a mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>) is disposed in the container. Measuring signals are emitted at a predetermined measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) towards the medium. The measuring signals reflected on the surface of the medium are received and evaluated by a runtime method. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which allows for a reliable measurement of the filling level of a medium in a container provided with a mixer. To this end, the measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) of the measuring signal having the mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>) of the mixer is synchronized (f<1>M</1>=n f<1>R</1>with n ? N) and that the measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) is shifted by a defined phase (?) with respect to the mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>).

Abstract: An in-tank fuel module for a fuel tank having a conductive lead for connection to an electrical ground plane and at least a first electrically conductive component, and a conductive polymeric strand electrically connecting the component to the lead. A jet aspiration pump is made of conductive polymeric material. A conductive component is connected to the ground plane through the fuel level sensing assembly circuit.

Abstract: A micromachined gyroscope makes use of Coriolis acceleration to detect and measure rotation rate about a plane normal to the surface of a substrate. Specifically, various resonating structures are suspended within a frame. The resonating structures include phase and anti-phase masses that are mechanically coupled in order to produce a single resonance frequency for the entire resonating system. Rotation of the micromachined gyroscope about the plane produces a rotational force on the frame. The frame is suspended in such a way that its motion is severely restricted in all but the rotational direction. Sensors on all sides of the frame detect the rotational deflection of the frame for measuring the change in direction.

Abstract: A system for determining a property of a fluid based on ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy includes a diffraction grating on a solid in contact with the fluid. An interrogation device delivers ultrasound through the solid and a captures a reflection spectrum from the diffraction grating. The reflection spectrum including a diffraction order equal to zero exhibits a peak whose location is used to determine speed of sound in the fluid. A separate measurement of the acoustic impedance is combined with the determined speed of sound to yield a measure of fluid density. A system for determining acoustic impedance includes an ultrasonic transducer on a first surface of a solid member, and an opposed second surface of the member is in contact with a fluid to be monitored. A longitudinal ultrasonic pulse is delivered through the solid member, and a multiplicity of pulse echoes caused by reflections of the ultrasonic pulse between the solid-fluid interface and the transducer-solid interface are detected.

Abstract: One form of the present invention is a technique for interrogating a sample with ultrasound which includes: generating ultrasonic energy data corresponding to a volume of a sample and performing a synthetic aperture focusing technique on the ultrasonic energy data. The synthetic aperture focusing technique includes: defining a number of hyperbolic surfaces which extend through the volume at different depths and a corresponding number of multiple element accumulation vectors, performing a focused element calculation procedure for a group of vectors which are representative of the interior of a designated aperture, performing another focused element calculation procedure for vectors corresponding to the boundary of the aperture, and providing an image corresponding to features of the sample in accordance with the synthetic aperture focusing technique.

Abstract: In a nondestructive ultrasonic testing method for an implementation in a testing device, defects are installed in a testing area of a structural part by determining reflections on inhomogeneities in a testing area of the structural part. At least one ultrasonic transmitter is provided for coupling ultrasonic excitations into the structural part, and at least two ultrasonic receivers are installed for receiving structure responses to the excitations coupled into the structure. A number of testing points are determined and for each testing point and each location of the ultrasonic receivers, expectancy range data are determined and stored for signal forms being implemented in the testing device. When, an inhomogeneity is present in the respective testing point, excitations are reflected thereon and are measured by the respective ultrasonic receiver. The received reflection data are compared with the stored expectancy ranges to determine the location of a defect.

Abstract: A fluid diffusion resistant tube-encased fiber grating pressure sensor includes an optical fiber 10 having a Bragg grating 12 impressed therein which is encased within a sensing element, such as a glass capillary shell 20. A fluid blocking coating 30 is disposed on the outside surface of the capillary shell to prevent the diffusion of fluids, such as water molecules from diffusing into the shell. The fluid diffusion resistant fiber optic sensor reduces errors caused by the diffusion of water into the shell when the sensor is exposed to harsh conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensated pressure transducer having a pressure transducer connected to a coarse temperature adjustment compensator and to a fine temperature adjustment compensator. The coarse temperature adjustment compensator includes an analog circuit and the fine temperature adjustment compensator includes a digital circuit. A pre-amplifier is connected between the pressure transducer and the fine temperature adjustment compensator.

Abstract: A pressure sensor device for producing a signal indicative of a pressure of a fluid to be monitored, including a housing having a fluid conduit for receiving the fluid to be monitored and a diaphragm positioned at an end of the fluid conduit. The diaphragm includes at least first and second portions, wherein a thickness of the first portion is less than a thickness of the second portion. A transducer is bonded to a surface of the first portion of the diaphragm and including piezoresistive elements for sending the signal. Preferred is a circular second portion and an annular first portion around the outer edge of the second portion. The housing is preferably tubular and includes an annular shoulder for mounting the diaphragm, along with an annular groove on the outer surface of the first portion and connecting the first portion to the annular shoulder.

Abstract: A device and method for signaling differential pressure change occurring during leak testing of an evaporative emission control space in a motor vehicle fuel system. A casing has sensing ports one of which is communicated to a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, and another of which is communicated to sense pressure in the evaporative emission control space. As difference between the reference pressure and the pressure in the control space changes, the net magnetic flux acting on a magnetoresistive sensor changes. The sensor is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system for signaling the differential pressure. The device may be used for both positive and negative pressure leak testing.

Abstract: A detector providing an electrical signal in response to the pressures encountered in sensing breath inhalation in respirators. The detector uses a capacitive pressure sensor formed by a flexible conductive diaphragm separated from fixed electrodes by a layer of dielectric film. Deflection of the diaphragm by pressure introduces a low permittivity space in the sensor resulting in a substantial change in capacitance. The change in capacitance modifies the frequency of an oscillator. A frequency responsive circuit provides balancing electrostatic force feedback voltage to the diaphragm. The force feedback stiffens the diaphragm and maintains it in a high capacitance, high sensitivity state. This feedback reduces sensitivity to changes in the diaphragm mechanical properties. Signal filtering reduces the effects of long term drift and environmental factors.

Abstract: By sealing a diaphragm with less processes and lower cost and reducing deformation due to remaining stress, a stable and highly reliable pressure sensor construction is proposed. The pressure sensor is low in measurement error and small in floating capacitance and leakage current and good in characteristic. As a means to attain the above object, a polycrystalline silicon diaphragm is sealed with a silicon oxide film deposited through a LPCVD method and then completely covered. The diaphragm is placed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate with a nearly constant gap of 0.15 to 1.3 ?m, and has difference-in-grade constructions of a deformation reducing means due to remaining stress.

Abstract: A pressure measurement unit in a pressure measurement system has a housing section (8) which has an internal space (9) with internal surfaces, and a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with the ceramic unit (1) held in the press fit in the housing section (8) and with radial holding stresses operating between the external surface of the ceramic unit (1) and the internal surfaces of the housing section (8). A method for manufacturing a corresponding pressure measurement unit with a housing section (8) and with a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with holding stresses built up between the housing section (8) and the ceramic unit (1), which hold the ceramic unit (1) in the internal space of the housing section (8).

Abstract: There is disclosed a semiconductor sensor for measuring the contact shear stress distribution between the socket of an above-knee (AK) prostheses and the soft tissue of an amputee's stump. The sensor is fabricated by the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, and its main sensing part is 2-X shaped with a flange structure. The sensor is prepared by anisotropic wet etching of bulk silicon in KOH solution and a square flange above the sensing diaphragm is formed through surface micromachining of deposited SiO2 thin film. This invention has the following characteristics: piezo-resistivity of the monolithic silicon will be utilized to convert shear deformation of the sensor into an electrical signal and a micro sensor which can measure the shear force vector acting on the sensing flange.

Abstract: An insert for a measuring tube of an inductive flowmeter is disclosed, having a middle section and two end sections, in which at least one end section is of resilient construction and the middle section is of rigid construction. A flange constituting an earthing electrode is provided in a section B2B comprising electrically conductive elastomer. Integrally-formed electrodes 12 and 13 are also formed by electrically conductive elastomer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for measuring the displacement of a fluid in a conduit, by measuring the transit time of ultrasounds between two transducers (12, 13), in one direction and in the other, characterised in that it consists in: simultaneously exciting (16) both transducers; then simultaneously measuring (17, 18) the signals received on each of the transducers coming from the other transducer. The measured signals can then be digitised and correlated to determine the difference between the transit times. The invention enables to obtain faster and more reliable, measurement of transit times between transducers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a sample meant for continuously operated on-line analysis and containing finely divided, pulverous material, so that the sample is suited for an analysing method designed to analysing the surface layer of the sample, and that a sample flow extracted from the material flow by a sampler is conducted to the device. According to the invention, in order to realize an essentially even sample material bed (10) to be transported past the analyser device (11), the height of the sample material in the sample material bed feeder element (5) is maintained essentially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A remote inspection device for the inspection of the tubesheet in-bundle region of a steam generator. The device includes a rail system that is easily and quickly mounted to the end of tube at an in-bundle region of a steam generator, a carriage movable on the rail system for feeding at flexible, tape-like wand into the tube, and a probe mounted on an end of the flexible, tape-like wand for performing the inspection operation. The flexible, tape-like wand, which is composed of a flexible metal alloy, has a non-circular center section forming a channel for receiving cabling for the probe and opposed flat, wings on either side of the non-circular center section. Each wing has a row of feed holes positioned remote from the center section that provide engagement with a feed wheel of the carriage.

Abstract: A vehicle range changeover mechanism is driven in response to operation of a shift lever. The range changeover mechanism has an output sector gear that is unrotatably connected to a range control shaft, and a position detecting sensor, a portion of which that is interlocked with and connected to the range control shaft. Looseness between the output sector gear and the position detecting sensor portion is eliminated by provision of a leaf or spring plate, thereby assuring rotation of the position detecting sensor portion corresponding one to one with the rotational motion of the range control shaft.

Abstract: A gear change device includes a select actuator for operating a shift lever in a direction of selection and a shift actuator for operating the shift lever in a direction of shift. The select actuator includes a casing, a shift lever support member that is disposed in the casing so as to slide in an axial direction. The shift lever support member supports the shift lever, a magnetic moving member disposed on the outer periphery of the shift lever support member, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving member, and a coil disposed on the inside of the fixed yoke.

Abstract: In a gear, particularly for a robot, with a drive shaft and at least two parts rotatable relative thereto and to one another, in which a movement of one part is removable on its side remote from the other part, at least one of the rotary parts has a shaft connected in non-rotary manner thereto and which projects at least to the other part.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a base member; an operating member structured to be mounted around a handlebar so as to rotate in first and second directions around the handlebar; a transmission control member coupled to the operating member and rotatably mounted relative to the base member for pulling and releasing a transmission control element; a first position setting member; a second position setting member structured to rotate with the operating member and to move axially, wherein the second position setting member moves between an engagement position in which the second position setting member engages the first position setting member and a disengagement position in which the second position setting member is disengaged from the first position setting member; a first coupling member that moves in response to rotation of the operating member; a second coupling member coupled to the second position setting member for engaging the first coupling member so that rotation of the operating member cau

Abstract: An adjustable foot pedal assembly for a vehicle, according to one disclosed embodiment, comprises a foot pedal supported by a base. The pedal is mounted in a position generally above the base, with the lower end of the pedal pivotally connected to the lower end of the base. The first end of a lever arm is pivotally mounted on the lower surface of the pedal and the second end of the lever arm is positioned for movement relative to the upper surface of the base when the pedal is pivoted toward and away from the base between a depressed position and an idle position. An adjustment mechanism may couple the upper end portion of the base to a wall of a vehicle and is configured to selectively vary the fore and aft position of the base and the pedal from the wall.

Abstract: In a parking brake mechanism and installation method of the mechanism in a vehicle, the mechanism includes a wind-up device for tightening a brake cable which wind-up device can be locked by a locking member to prevent tightening during installation. The brake cable comprises two sections, which are joined outside the vehicle by a coupling member, which is installed while the windup device is locked. The locking member includes a break-structure so that, upon installation of the coupling member, the locking member can be broken by pulling on the brake cable to permit the brake cable to be tightened thereby rendering the parking brake mechanism operational.

Abstract: A shift handle with a push button mechanism for shifting an automatic transmission in motor vehicles which includes the shaft handle, a push rod for the automatic transmission, the push button and elements for transmitting movement from the push button to the push rod. The push button is provided with a toothed rack engaging in the teeth of a toothed wheel which is mounted in the shift handle so as to be rotatable by a cylindrical pin. A tension spring is arranged in the push button. The push rod has a region with teeth engaging in the toothed wheel which is mounted so as to be rotatable.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a hub, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke has a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The steering wheel further includes at least one decorative element and at least one clamp element at which the decorative element is latched. The clamp element at least partly encompasses the sheathing.

Abstract: A piston-rod assembly with a piston rod having at least one attachment at one end. The piston rod is fabricated of fiber reinforced composite. The piston rod has a body of fiber-reinforced ceramic with a basic matrix of carbon fibers or ceramic fibers or both wherein at least silicon carbide is embedded and with an open porosity, at least at the surface layer, of no more than 3% of the volume of that layer admitting lubricants into the pores. The at least one attachment (2, 18a, 19, or 22) includes at least one component of a non-ceramic material that fits into and/or interlocks with the piston rod.