Abstract: A plant for producing Fischer-Tropsch liquids and electrical power with greatly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is made up of a syngas generator unit, an air separation unit, a Fischer-Tropsch unit, a CO2 removal unit, and a combined cycle electricity generation unit. Each of Fischer-Tropsch liquids, carbon dioxide, and electrical power can be recoverable under proper economic conditions. Electrical power is recoverable by the use of a gas turbine fueled by predominantly hydrogen and a steam turbine powered by steam generated by cooling exhaust gases from the gas turbine. Sequestration of CO2 and fueling the gas turbine with hydrogen reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A combustor dome assembly for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough includes: an annular dome plate having an inner portion, an outer portion, a forward surface, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings formed therein, wherein a radial section defined between each of the openings includes a cooling trough formed therein; and, a free floating swirler located upstream of the dome plate in substantial alignment with each of the openings in the dome plate, the swirler including a forward portion and an aft portion. The aft portion of each swirler is configured so as to permit air flow to the cooling trough during operation of the gas turbine engine. In particular, the swirler aft portion includes a substantially annular flange extending adjacent to the forward surface of the dome plate, wherein opposing portions of a circumference for the flange adjacent the radial sections of the dome plate are substantially linear.

Abstract: The temperature of a flowing material, such as coating and filling materials, is regulated by having it pass through a metal block that is cooled or heated by adjacent thermoelectric elements. A temperature regulator uses, as inputs, a desired material temperature (T—ref) as well as one or more of a set of temperature signals including temperature signals measured at the inlet and outlet to the block, and internally within a cooling arrangement adjacent to the block. The temperature of the material downstream from the regulator, that is, the temperature to be regulated, is either measured directly or is estimated as a function of the other measured and input signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning air comprising: a quantity of liquid desiccant (28); a dehumidifier section (12) in which air to be conditioned is brought into contact with a first portion of the liquid desiccant; a regenerator section (32) in which outside air is brought into contact with a second portion of the liquid desiccant; and a refrigeration system (45) having a first heat exchanger (46) associated with the first portion of liquid desiccant and a second heat exchanger (36) associated with the second portion of liquid desiccant and a third heat exchanger (136) that does not contact the liquid desiccant.

Abstract: A method for improving system performance in a building environment according to the invention includes installing a temperature monitoring system for a refrigeration system, and performing a temperature audit on the refrigeration system. Temperature and pressure sensors are calibrated, and operating parameters of the refrigeration system are obtained. Pressure drop and efficiency tests are performed on at least one component of the refrigeration system, and operating pressures of at least one component are adjusted. System stability is tracked. In one embodiment, the building environment further includes an HVAC system and the method includes adjusting the HVAC system according to desired presets. In another embodiment, the building environment includes a lighting system and the method includes adjusting internal lighting levels of the lighting system to desired set points.

Abstract: A condensate overflow prevention assembly prevents condensate overflow in an air cooling system using a fluid level sensor and a pump activated by the fluid level sensor to pump the condensate away from a drainage system when a blockage occurs in the drainage system.

Abstract: A thermal sensor (20) located in the centre of a food simulant composition (24) linked to a remote measuring indicating and/or regulating device (28). The temperature of the food simulant changes in the same way as food stored in its vicinity and is unaffected by the movement of the ambient air which varies in temperature dramatically. This allows an actual reading and recording of stored food temperature and the regulation of the temperature within a refrigerated space by a thermostat (16). Its uses are mainly for frozen, chilled and refrigerated food, and the reading of temperature of food cooked for example in micro-wave ovens.

Abstract: A spiral freezer for continuous duty in continuous food process lines has a freezer compartment enclosing a double-helix arrangement, of which there is a helical run of a food-carrying conveyor in combination with a helical ramp or slideway for the food-carrying conveyor's helical run to ascend or descend on. The helical ramp is an assembly of numerous heat exchanger tubes, each wound helically and positioned in set lanes in the overall assembly of the ramp. An external refrigerant-circulating system is connected to circulate refrigerant through the heat exchanger tubes in order that hot components like compressors and condensers be kept outside of the freezer compartment for better energy efficiency. The foregoing conveyor and heat exchanger arrangement provides close proximity between the source(s) of heat in the food product on the conveyor and the sink of that heat to the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A portable carrier for a beverage container includes a case (10) having an externally frusto-conical housing that fully encloses the beverage container, and a removable cooling core (70) that fits within the housing. A zipper (30) preferably extends along at least part of at least two sides of the case, and more preferably extends on the top and bottom of the case. A carrying strap (40) may include a pouch for storing a bottle opener.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration apparatus includes a base defining an open interior cavity. An electric refrigeration unit is operably disposed in the base for cooling the contents of the interior cavity. A food container is configured to be removably disposed within the interior cavity of the base such that the cooled air is prevented from entering the food container and instead is trapped and circulated within the interior cavity surrounding the food container. A lid is positionable over the food container and configured to be removably placed onto an upper edge of the base or onto the food container to form a generally air-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for sealing component assembly to an electrical lighting device using induction healing. The assembly comprises the component, such as an electrode lead wire, and a solder glass perform. The process is useful, for example, in hermetically sealing and affixing lamp components, such as electrical lead wires and exhaust tubulation, to a low-pressure fluorescent discharge lamp envelope having phosphor coating already applied thereto without causing to damage other lamp components sensitive to high temperature. The present invention is particularly suitable for lamp envelopes made of borosilicate glass having a CTE form 0 to 300° C. in the range of 30–45×10?7° C.?1.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal lock includes an inner portion that is attached to a brake pedal and which can also be attached to a clutch pedal and an outer portion that locks the pedals to the inner portion whereby the pedals cannot be operated. The portions have handles that telescopingly fit together and can be locked together.

Abstract: A door latch includes pan or attachment to a flat surface of a door adjacent a door frame; an actuation subassembly which includes a handle on one side of the pan, a turn cam on an opposite side of the pan and a handle shaft which connects the handle with the turn cam through a hole in the pan, the turn cam including two rectilinear members extending in parallel with the handle shaft and away from the pan; and a latch subassembly which includes a latch element having a latch body with holes therein through which the rectilinear members extend and a latch arm, and an adjustment member to which the latch element is rotatably attached, the adjustment member moving the latch element toward and away from the pan and to adjust its positioning relative to the pan.

Abstract: In an apparatus for quenching thin walled metal hollow casings (6) manufactured by blow molding, the apparatus has a molding tool (1) defining a slot or aperture (21) and a delivery system for applying a coolant to the slot or aperture (21) of the molding tool (1). In a method of applying a coolant to the external surface of a blow molded casing (6), the coolant is applied onto an external surface of the casing (6) after the casing (6) has been formed against a tool (1) which includes at least one slot or aperture (21).

Abstract: In the planetary skew rolling blooms to form seamless metal tubing or pipe the internal tool is retracted at the leading and/or trailing end of the tubular bloom to allow the rolls to seal the end or ends and prevent coolant from entering the rolled tubing or bloom. The internal tool is advanced back into its normal rolling position after the end has passed the rolling location.

Abstract: A bending machine according to the present invention include: a first fixture member 22 for holding one end portion of a long work 20; a second fixture member 24 for holding the other end portion of the work 20; a rack 30 mounted on the first fixture member 22 so as to extend in longitudinal directions of the first fixture member 22; a roll-shaped bending die 21, mounted on the second fixture member 24, for bending the work along the outer peripheral surface of the second fixture member; a pinion gear 26 which is coaxially connected to the bending die 21 via a shaft 28 and which engages the rack 30; and a connecting member 27 for connecting the first fixture member 22 to the second fixture member 24 via the shaft 28 in a relatively rotatable state so that the pinion gear 26 is movable along the rack 30 while engaging the rack 30.

Abstract: A device to vary the positioning of a rolling roll for plane products, comprising a housing able to support the roll and the respective chocks thereof. On the crossing plane of the roll and at the two sides of every chock a drawing sector is provided for cooperating with drive means, and a transmitter element is present in an intermediate position to achieve an oscillating connection between the drawing sector and the drive means, which are associated with position transducer means and data processing means.

Abstract: Developing a texture of a material includes receiving a billet of material having an initial texture. The billet is associated with an extrusion procedure having extrusion routes executed as passes. The following is repeated for each pass to transform the initial texture to a developed texture: the billet is extruded through an inlet channel of an equal channel angular extrusion die according to the routes, and the billet is extruded through an outlet channel of the equal channel angular extrusion die according to the extrusion routes.

Abstract: To manufacture a cylindrical member, such as the nozzle body of a fuel injector, in which a fluid passage is formed at high productivity and to improve the reliability. A cylindrical member, such as the nozzle body of a fuel injector, in which a fluid passage is formed is manufactured by drawing martenstic stainless steel. In addition, during the drawing process of martenstic stainless steel, an intermediate product is annealed and lug is removed after another drawing process, and then is subjected to drawing again to obtain a product.

Abstract: At a time point at which an ignition switch is made OFF and an engine is stopped, an output of a downstream gas sensor is read, thereafter, at a time point at which a predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine, the output of the downstream gas sensor changed by flowing the atmosphere back into an exhaust pipe is read. Thereafter, a change in the output of the downstream gas sensor until the predetermined time period has elapsed from stopping the engine is calculated, the change in the output is compared with an abnormality determinant and when the change in the output is smaller than the abnormality determinant, response of the downstream gas sensor is determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: High throughput liquid chromatography systems include multiple separation columns and multiple flow-through detection regions in sensory communication with a common radiation source and a multi-channel detector. Preferred detector types include a multi-anode photomultiplier tube, a charge-coupled device detector, a diode array, and a photodiode array. In certain embodiments, separation columns are microfluidic and integrated into a unitary microfluidic device. The optical path through a detection region is preferably coaxial with the path of eluate flow along a flow axis through a detection region. On-board or off-board detection regions may be provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for laterally balancing a wheel or for determining the location for placing a balancing weight on the wheel for laterally balancing the wheel are provided. A method provided includes laterally balancing a wheel on a elongate member. An apparatus includes a member on which the wheel is laterally balanced.

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.

Abstract: The hardness measuring device (18) is provided with a) a penetration body (20), which penetrates a workpiece (28) along a penetration vector (58) during a measuring process, b) a housing (30) which embodies a guide track (32) for the penetration body (20) which moves along said guide track (32) between a rest position and a measuring position and with a mechanical drive (spring 40, 62), which engages with the penetration body (20), at least in the rest position and which fixes the test force or the test impulse for a measuring process and c) an electronic control circuit (48), which controls the measuring process and which determines a hardness value from the movement and/or the penetration action of the penetration body (20) into the workpiece (20). The hardness measuring device (18) comprises an acceleration sensor (54), which produces an angular signal, depending on the angle which the penetration vector (58) makes with the local gravitational vector (56).

Abstract: A condition of impaired speed and torque control of a parallel electrically variable transmission due to factors beyond nominal modeling and estimation errors is diagnosed under low speed operation. The transmission includes at least one electric machine and a motor torque controller for regulating the transmission input speed and output torque. The motor torque controller includes an open-loop control path based on predetermined torques and accelerations and a closed loop control path based on input speed error. The presence of a larger than expected closed-loop correction magnitude, combined with low output speed and one or more other conditions is used to diagnose a condition of potential torque error, in which case the transmission control is altered to prevent unwanted operation.

Abstract: In order to set the nozzle opening pressure for an injection nozzle, in particular for a diesel injection nozzle, to an accuracy of around ±1%, the method provides that the injection needle is first pressed against the valve seat with a closing force (Fz), and then when two different test pressures (pU, p1, p2) are applied to the injection nozzle the test forces (Fz, F1, F2) effective on the injector needle are measured, with the pressure stage (A) being determined from the measured test forces and the test pressures applied, and finally using the pressure stage (A) a nozzle valve with a suitable valve spring force (Fv) is selected to correspond to the desired nozzle opening pressure (pD).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing functionality of an engine cylinder deactivation control and system having a plurality of solenoid-operated valves for controlling hydraulic actuation of switching valve lifters. The apparatus includes a portable test box enclosing an electrical circuit connectable to the deactivation control. Also included are a ground lead for connection to the control ground, a solenoid lead for each cylinder and connectable to the solenoids of their respective cylinders, and external taps on the exterior of the box and connected one with each of the ground lead and the solenoid leads. Exemplary methods are disclosed for using the box to test for grounds and circuit resistance as well as proper operation of the system in a running engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for regulating the pressure in a tire comprising an outer casting (3) which is mounted on a rim (2). The tire comprises an inner casting (5) which is disposed at the bottom of the rim (2) and which can constitute a high-pressure air reserve, a first actuator (6) which is integrated in the inner casting (5) and which authorizes the flow of air to the outer casting (3) for inflation purposes, a second actuator (8) which is integrated in the outer casting (3) and which authorize the release of air to the outside for deflation purposes; an electronic assembly which can send information to one or other of the actuators (6, 8) and/or receive the information delivered by the detector(s) (7, 9) in order to control the pressure and the temperature in the outer casting (3) and/or in the inner casting (5), a mean for controlling said electronic assembly and a keyboard. The inventive system is suitable for vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring seismic data are disclosed. The system comprises a controller for causing the generation of a seismic signal, where the controller has a first clock used for time-stamping a record of the generated seismic signal. A seismic receiver is deployed in a wellbore so as to detect the generated seismic signal. An atomic clock is disposed in or with the seismic receiver for time-stamping a record of the detected seismic signal. The atomic clock is synchronized with the first clock prior to being placed downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid velocity includes a generally Y-shaped yoke including a base and first and second forks, the first and second forks including through holes at ends thereof; a bucket wheel supported between the first and second forks of the yoke; a first shaft that passes through the through hole in the first fork and supports one side of the bucket wheel; a second shaft that passes through the through hole in the second fork and supports the other side of the bucket wheel, the second shaft rotating with the bucket wheel and including a magnet mounted therein; the second fork of the yoke including an opening for receiving a reed switch assembly, the opening communicating with the through hole in the second fork, the magnet on the second shaft being aligned with the opening whereby when the second shaft rotates the magnet passes by the opening; and a reed switch assembly mounted in the opening in the second fork of the yoke.

Abstract: A level transmitter for liquid containers, particularly fuel store tanks, comprising a housing in which a contactless sensor is arranged which is connected with an evaluating unit and operatively connected with a magnet that moves relative to the sensor when a float arranged at a first end of a lever moves so that the change of the magnetic field acting upon the sensor is transformed into an electric signal so that an output signal corresponding to the level of the liquid in the container is obtainable by the evaluating means. The magnet is configured at least as a segment of an annular magnet that is arranged at a second end of the lever and integrated therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices for measuring pressure or force, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, and a pressure membrane or a spiral spring which has a surface that at least partially reflects the electromagnetic rays of the electromagnetic radiation source. The inventive devices are especially characterized in that they allow, inter alia, measurement of even the slightest pressure changes of fluids and other flowable materials in the stationary and/or flowing state or even the slightest mechanical deformations on spiral springs. In order to do this, the rays of an electromagnetic radiation source are incident on the at least partially reflective surface of the pressure membrane or spiral spring. At least one section of a stationarily located body or of a stationarily located body having a reflective layer is disposed in the path of the reflected rays, upstream of a photodetector for said rays, and projects into said rays.

Abstract: There is provided a loading device for applying a load to a composite structure during a non-destructive inspection. The loading device comprises a load indicator to indicate the load applied, which is preferably a normal load, and comprises a connector attached to the load indicator to connect the loading device to a surface of the structure. A support contacts the structure to support the load indicator and the connector. The support preferably comprises a plate and three legs, wherein the load indicator is attached to the plate and the legs contact the structure. The legs may comprise protective ends for contacting the structure and may define adjustable lengths. A load applicator in mechanical communication with the connector and the load indicator applies the load to the structure, advantageously by reducing the distance between the connector and load indicator to create the load.

Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a spatially representative sample of fluid flowing through a duct comprises providing a sample probe having a plurality of inlet ports in the duct, controlling a back pressure within the sample probe so that the back pressure within the sample probe at each inlet port is the same, and receiving a sample portion of the fluid into the plurality of inlet ports. The back pressure may be equal to a static pressure of an outlet portion of the duct. The back pressure may be controlled by venting the sample probe to atmosphere, using a pressure regulator connected to the sample probe or venting to an opening in a wall of an outlet portion of the duct. A cross sectional area of the sample probe may be at least ten times larger than a sum of respective cross sectional areas of the inlet ports.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection system includes a container having an interior reservoir for receiving the liquid sample, and a valve assembly that may be coupled to the container to facilitate collecting the liquid sample, the valve assembly includes a valve housing having a funnel-shaped inlet for directing liquid into the container and a valve that automatically closes when the container is full. The valve assembly further includes a separator configured to inhibit particulate material from entering the valve housing inlet.

Abstract: A wiper ring to be applied to a nut of a ball screw having a screw shaft comprises a plurality of segments each constituted as independent element having a seal portion to be contacted to the screw shaft, support pins extending in an axial direction of the screw shaft so as to correspond to the segments, respectively, the segments being arranged in a circumferential direction of the screw shaft to be rotatable about the pins, the pins being connected to each other through support members so as to limit the relative movement of the respective pins, and a spring member for urging the segments arranged circumferential direction of the screw shaft so as to be directed towards radially central side of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A method of damping a semiconductor wafer handling arm by attaching a spring and a mass coupled to the spring to form a mass spring system that is tuned to vibrate at a structural resonant frequency of the vibrating wafer handling arm. The spring has temperature insensitive spring characteristics and the mass and spring are constructed of materials that do not outgas or produce contaminants in a semiconductor processing environment. The mass spring system is preferably a cantilever beam spring connected to a high response point on the vibrating arm and oriented to vibrate in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the wafer. The mass is slidably adjustable along the length of the cantilever beam spring to adjust the resonant frequency. Vibration damping of the wafer handling arm is accomplished by the transfer of kinetic energy from the vibrating wafer handling arm to the mass spring system.

Abstract: An offset rotary joint unit equipped with a rotation correction mechanism, in which a bending motion can be executed in a two-dimensional plane only by virtue of a rotary mechanism and which can support a high-load weight and is applicable for two-arm mechanisms such as nursing assistant robots. One offset rotary joint unit 4 is composed of a first arm 1, a rotation correction arm 2 rotationally driven around the axial line of the first arm, and a second arm 3 rotationally driven around an axial line obliquely intersecting with the rotation correction arm.

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: An assembly operable to be used with a steering wheel of a vehicle and to suppress a vibration transmitted to the steering wheel includes a plurality of support flexures and an inertial ring attached to the support flexures. The support flexures are operable to be attached to the steering wheel and the support flexures and the inertial ring are tuned to suppress a vibration at a predetermined band of frequencies. The support flexures and the inertial ring are positioned in an annular cavity formed in the rim.

Abstract: A steering wheel unit for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprises a connection hub which may be non-rotatably connected with a steering shaft of a steering device, a steering wheel rim which is non-rotatably connected with the connection hub by spokes, and a central piece which is mounted by a spacer element to the connection hub so as to be rotatable relative to the steering shaft and the steering wheel rim. The steering wheel unit further comprises a coupling device which arrests the central piece with respect to a rotational movement of the steering wheel rim. The spacer element has a first end which is non-rotatably connected with the central piece, and has a second other end which is rotatably mounted to the connection hub and constructed as a crash element. The crash element fails after a predetermined failure value of a force driving the central piece towards the connection hub.

Abstract: A detachment tool for use in detaching a detachable part from a two-part article having a fixed part and a detachable part. The detachment tool uniquely enables persons having impaired motor skills, persons having hand muscular difficulties and persons suffering from certain disabling conditions such as arthritis, to readily remove detachable parts from various types of two-part articles such as articles adapted for dispensing certain types of medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held striking tool that has a head disposed forward of the centerline of a handle. The hand-held striking tool of the present invention may further include a flange positioned beneath the head of the tool, the flange functioning as a second area of contact so that the effect of overstrike may be controlled. The present invention also provides a hand-held striking tool that isolates the striking head of the tool from the handle such that the effect of vibrations caused by using the tool are reduced.

Abstract: A broken bulb remover with no moving parts comprising a rod serving as a handle with a central chamber open from the end of the rod to enclose the stem of a broken bulb. A lateral slot bifurcates part of the chamber for receiving the paddle-shaped part of the stem, which is used to unscrew the broken bulb. A tapered surface on the end of the rod contacts the inside wall of the broken glass envelope and stabilizes and centers the rod while it is rotated.

Abstract: An annular wrench includes a first ring for engagement with a hand, a second ring rotationally installed in the first ring for engagement with a tool bit, a one-way driving device arranged between the first ring and the second ring so that the first ring can drive the second ring in a direction through the one-way driving device, and a tab pivotally mounted on the first ring between a lying position and a standing position. In the standing position, the tab can be pressed for rotating the first ring.

Abstract: A selective one-way bit-driving apparatus includes a shaft for connection with a handle, a bit receiver including a plurality of teeth formed on an internal face, two one-way drivers pivotally connected with the shaft and each formed with a plurality of teeth for engagement with the teeth of the bit receiver and a switch installed on the shaft for causing the engagement of the teeth of at least one of the one-way drivers with the teeth of the bit receiver.

Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.

Abstract: An extension tool includes a shaft having an annular groove and an orifice and an aperture formed in a front portion, to receive a retaining ring and a ball and an insert. A stem is slidably engaged into the shaft and includes a number of depressions for selectively receiving the ball, and for adjustably securing the stem to the shaft. A control ferrule is engaged onto the shaft, and has a protrusion biased to force the ball to engage into either of the depressions of the stem. A spring-biased projection is attached to a rear portion of the stem, and has a detent movable to engage into the aperture of the shaft, to lock the stem to the shaft, and to prevent the stem from being disengaged from the shaft inadvertently.