Abstract: The invention provides a knitted surface fastener made of warp knitted fabric, which eliminates necessity of resin coating for fixing a base portion of a pile loop and fusion between yarns, securing flexibility and ventilation proper to knitted fabric wherein, in a base fabric of a surface fastener, wales are formed with at least chain knitting yarns and the respective wales are connected including at least weft in-laid yarns, engaging element loops are formed of first and second engaging element forming yarns striding over two or more wales and the respective engaging element forming yarns are knitted into at least three adjoining courses on a same wale in a zigzag shape, at this time, the first and second engaging element forming yarns are knitted into adjoining same stitches of at least two or more courses of the same wale in the zigzag shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a making method for a seamless metallic tube with a tilting roll type piercing rolling mill (piercer). According to the making method for a seamless metallic tube of the present invention, the rotary forging effect and the circumferential shearing strain can be significantly suppressed without generating uncompleted engagement of a billet. Accordingly, a product having reduced inside defects and excellent inside quality can be produced in high productivity. Further, by strengthening a plug nose rolling portion, a sharpened plug nose is obtained and an engagement limit can be increased. Additionally, a product further excellent in the inside quality can be efficiently produced. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to wide fields of the piercing rolling of the seamless metallic tube.

Abstract: A thread rolling attachment (50) is adapted to be mounted on a machine tool and to be selectively moved in an axially direction relative to a workpiece (W) having a cylindrical surface upon which a thread is to be rolled.

Abstract: Die heater body assembly for continuous extrusion apparatus includes a die block of non-magnetic material for the extrusion of copper tube and a bucket portion forming a sliding fit in a die heater body. The die heater body includes a coil of copper tubing in a ceramic support material provided with electric power and cooling water connections to heat the bucket portion by electrical induction to a temperature of approximately 700° Celsius. To concentrate the electric induction heating effect at the bucket portion low reluctance magnetic members and magnetic material end blocks direct eddy current flow toward the bucket portion. Weakening of the shoe as a consequence of provided the heating is limited.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular workpiece which consists in pre-bending a metal plate along at least two longitudinal lines of bend (12–13) then in bending the plate along at least one of the lines of bend (12–13) using a bending member (103–104) that exerts an external clamping force (F7, F8) along a part (23, 24) of the plate towards the at least one of the lines of bend (12, 13). Thereby preventing any sliding of part (23, 24) of the plate along the bending member (103–104) as the bending member bends the part. The bending member is articulated about a virtual geometrical axis (a, c) located inside a tubular section of the workpiece.

Abstract: A fuel vapor leakage inspection apparatus utilizes a fuel tank, an adsorption container which houses an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank, and an exhaust device for communicating between the adsorption container and an intake pipe. Furthermore, the apparatus utilizes a pressure means that pressurizes or depressurizes a fuel vapor path formed from the fuel tank through the adsorption container to the exhaust device. A leakage detection means detects leakage from the fuel vapor path after the fuel vapor path is pressurized or depressurized by the pressure means while a calculation means calculates an amount of fuel vapor adsorbed, and a control means determines if the pressure means should execute leakage inspection of the fuel vapor path in accordance with the amount of the fuel vapor calculated by the calculation means.

Abstract: The process for measuring viscosity relies on the observation of the relaxation of a sample drop (A) initially flattened between two plates (7,8), normally without any contact with them due to a gas layer blown through their opposite faces (10, 11); one correlates the observed phenomenon with a relaxation model fitting each portion of the measurement curve so as to estimate concurrently the viscosity and the shear rate, then the sensitiveness of the viscosity to the shear rate by compiling the said portions. The proposed viscometer includes a variable magnetic field generator (16) to produce, using a removable screen (18), various stirring and shears in the sample (A).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) including two plates (3, 4) which can be rotated in relation to each other and between which the rheological properties of a test substance (6) disposed in an intervening area (5) can be determined. At least one of the plates (3) is provided with a light inlet (2) sealed by a body (8, 10) in order to carry out an optical measurement method, e.g., infrared spectroscopy, enabling other characteristics of the test substance to be determined simultaneously. The body (8, 10) is light permeable at least in the infrared spectrum, and on its side facing the intervening area (5), the body (8, 10) terminates in a flush contour relative to the to the plate (3) in which it is provided so that undesirable interactions which might affect the measurement of the rheological properties of the test substance (6) are reliably excluded.

Abstract: A portable automated biomonitoring system for monitoring water quality includes an exposure chamber for housing an aquatic organism and a water inlet for directing water to the exposure chamber. The aquatic organism has ventilatory behavior and body movement sensitive to water quality. Electrodes sense electrical signals produced by the organism during its ventilatory behavior and body movement, and a controller responsive to signals from the electrodes determines a plurality of ventilatory parameters based on the signals. The ventilatory parameters are compared with corresponding thresholds to determine when the water to which the organism is exposed has caused physiological stress to the organism. The water being evaluated may be recirculated through the system for further analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a control circuit for detecting and evaluating the conditions of vehicle movement dynamics for a motor vehicle by means of wheel force sensors, preferably tire sensors, which take the preadjusted air slot between at least one rotating encoder and at least one pick-up for measuring data into account as a standard for the transverse forces that act on the wheel or on the tire. In order to reduce the errors in the evaluation of wheel forces, especially of deformations of the wheel rim and/or the tire detected by means of tire sensors, the air-slot-dependent operating point of the output signal of the pick-up for measuring data or a signal-conditioning device is set irrespective of the preadjustment of the said point which was made during predetermined driving behavior.

Abstract: A sealing valve 28 that controls a communication state between a fuel tank 10 and a canister 26 is provided. During stop of an internal combustion engine, the sealing valve 28 is generally closed, and the canister 26 is opened to the atmosphere. The sealing valve 28 is opened when the internal combustion engine is stopped, and differential pressure exceeding a valve opening determination value is generated between tank internal pressure and atmospheric pressure. A change in the tank internal pressure generated between before and after the sealing valve 28 is opened is detected. When the change in the tank internal pressure is below a predetermined determination value, closing failure of the sealing valve is determined.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine for testing a wheel that includes a tire mounted on a rim having a central bore, the tire uniformity machine including a frame defining a machine proper for receiving the reel, a chuck assembly adapted to hold the wheel during testing, the chuck assembly including a protuberance insertably received within the central bore.

Abstract: A method and a device for tracking the position of the edge of a moving web (12), such as a fabric or a web of a paper machine, in which method a pressure-sensitive sensor element (14) is disposed in/onto the surface of the roll (10) guiding the web (12), which sensor element reacts to the pressure applied to it by the moving web (12) by producing an electric signal, on the basis of which it is possible to determine the exact position of the edge of the web (12) on the roll (10). The band-like sensor element (14) comprises one single sensor strip or several sensor strips (141 . . . 14n) disposed successively in the band.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple-structure physical quantity detecting device whose resistance does not vary irrespective of use for long periods, a method for manufacturing thereof and a motor vehicle control system using the physical quantity detecting sensor to improve its reliability. An airflow sensor (20) is equipped with a heat generating resistor (12H) and a temperature measuring resistor (12C), formed on a semiconductor substrate (11). The heat generating resistor (12H) is formed in a thin-wall portion (11A). Both end portions of the heat generating resistor (12H) are connected through first lead conductors (13H1, 13H2) to electrodes (14H1, 14H2), respectively. A second lead conductor (15H1) connected to the electrode (14H1) extends to an outer circumferential portion of the airflow sensor (10).

Abstract: A flowmeter of the thermal type with a single flow sensor is connected to control and temperature measuring elements for measuring in a first measuring range by a first measuring method and in a second measuring range by a second measuring method. Detection elements detect the measuring method to be selected on the basis of a flow measurement, and control elements control the flow sensor in accordance with the selected measuring method.

Abstract: A seal is mounted in a groove around an orifice of a measuring chamber inserted in an insertion direction into a tank to form a fluid meter. The seal comprises a radially elastic torus having a shape corresponding to that of the orifice and an arrangement on at least one of its sides substantially parallel to the insertion direction for immobilizing it in a direction opposite the insertion direction.

Abstract: A cast-in-place and lithographically shaped mobile, monolithic polymer element for fluid flow control in microfluidic devices and method of manufacture. Microfluid flow control devices, or microvalves that provide for control of fluid or ionic current flow can be made incorporating a cast-in-place, mobile monolithic polymer element, disposed within a microchannel, and driven by fluid pressure (either liquid or gas) against a retaining or sealing surface. The polymer elements are made by the application of lithographic methods to monomer mixtures formulated in such a way that the polymer will not bond to microchannel walls. The polymer elements can seal against pressures greater than 5000 psi, and have a response time on the order of milliseconds. By the use of energetic radiation it is possible to depolymerize selected regions of the polymer element to form shapes that cannot be produced by conventional lithographic patterning and would be impossible to machine.

Abstract: A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube assembly in which a rotatable dipstick assembly is disposed. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft that is molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.

Abstract: A device for use in measuring stratified fluid levels in a container is disclosed. The device has a microwave transceiver sensor head attached to a waveguide sensor rod which is enclosed by a gauge tube. The rod end tubes are comprised of sections which allow them to be assembled or disassembled in a close quarters environment. The tube has a plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced slots providing for the equalization of stratified fluids within the tube. The rod is generally radially centered in the tube by the use of a plurality of spacers which reside in notches in the rod. The spacers are adapted to not penetrate the slots in the tube. The rod can be removed from the tube for cleaning without draining the tank. Additionally, once the rod is removed from the tube, a cleaner brush or scraper can be used to remove any barnacles or other debris from within the tube and the longitudinal slots in the tube.

Abstract: A device for measuring fill levels, in particular liquid fill levels, is provided, which device has a capacitive sensor and, connected to the sensor, a unit for analyzing a measuring signal from the sensor. The device for measuring fill levels may be manufactured cost-effectively and enables highly accurate measurements. The sensor has at least two base components including finger-shaped electrodes projecting therefrom. The electrodes are situated offset from one another, and the base components are fixed in position with respect to one another by at least one fixing element, the fixing element being situated outside the overlapping area of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system of liquid level detection has a vessel, a sight glass in fluid communication with the vessel, a float positioned in the sight glass, a proximity switch affixed exterior of the sight glass for transmitting a signal relative to a sensing of the float in proximity to the proximity switch, a timer cooperative with the proximity switch for measuring a period of time relative to the signal from the proximity switch, and an indicator cooperative with the timer for producing a humanly perceivable indication when the period of time is at a predetermined limit. The proximity switch can be positioned so as to detect a low level of liquid in the vessel or a high level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes an acceleration sensor element and a frame portion surrounding the element. The sensor element and the frame portion are located on a major surface of a substrate. An intermediate layer is formed on the frame portion. A cap portion is bonded to the intermediate layer, thereby sealing-off the acceleration sensor element. Grooves in the form of a frame are provided in the frame portion and the intermediate layer, respectively, and located at positions generally identical to each other with regard to the major surface direction of the substrate.

Abstract: A micromachined single-crystalline silicon micro-gyroscope comprising oxide/polysilicon/metal triple layer for electrical isolation is disclosed. The isolation method includes forming the triple layer composed of an insulation layer formed over an exposed surface of the silicon microstructure, a conductive layer formed over the entire insulation layer, and a metal layer formed over a top portion of the microstructure; and etching the conductive layer at the bottom to form electrical isolation between parts of the microstructure. The method does not require a separate photolithography process for isolation, and can be effectively applied to microstructures having high aspect ratios and narrow trenches.

Abstract: A sensor element includes a pair of differential capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 causing a complementary capacitance change in response to an applied acceleration. An additional capacitor is connected to either capacitor to generate a capacitance difference between the capacitance C1 and the composite capacitance C2+C3. This enables to adjust an input LPFout of a correcting circuit correcting the offset level of the sensor output Gout in such a manner that a correction amount in the correcting circuit becomes large and accordingly deviates sufficiently from a reference level Vref. In case of failure in which the input of the correcting circuit is fixed to the reference level Vref, the sensor output Gout surely deviates from the reference level Vref by an amount equivalent to the correction in the correcting circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining incipient mechanical failure of an object includes insonifying the object with ultrasonic energy at a selected fundamental frequency. Amplitude data is acquired from the insonified object at the fundamental frequency and at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and a non-linear acoustic image is generated from the amplitude data at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic frequency.

Abstract: In industrial sensing applications at least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe 12 is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors 14,16,18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1, x2, x3 along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors 14,16,18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t), P2(t), P3(t) on lines 20,22,24 which are provided to signal processing logic 60 which determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques with the direction of propagation of the acoustic signals along the longitudinal axis of the pipe 12. Numerous spatial array-processing techniques may be employed to determine the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to logic 48, which calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture, or fluid, which is related to the sound speed amix. The logic 60 may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid.

Abstract: A piezoresistive strain concentrator that converts mechanical movement into electrical output and a process for fabricating the concentrator are provided. The device includes a strain sensing structure composed of a piezoresistive strain sensitive element that spans a gap in a substrate. The strain sensing structure is supported on a strain concentrating structure also spanning the gap that has vertical walls extending to a cross-section at the base of the gap, both structures being etched from the substrate. The structure of the strain-concentrating support for the strain sensitive element is fabricated by deep reactive ion etch (DRIE). The strain sensing structure has an increased sensitivity, a low gage factor and an increased resistance to buckling and fracture compared to previous strain gage structures. Several of the strain sensing structures can be connected in a sequence in a bridge circuit.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system is incorporated into a vehicle seat supported on inboard and outboard track assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies are mounted to a vehicle structure such that a center track portion remains unsupported. A first sensor assembly is mounted to the inboard track assembly and a second sensor assembly is mounted to the outboard track assembly. The first sensor assembly generates a first signal in response to measuring deflection of the inboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. The second sensor assembly generates a second signal in response to measuring deflection of the outboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the first and second signals. The central processor communicates with the airbag system to control the deployment of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: A sensor device having a magnetostrictive force sensor is provided. To detect a force, the sensor device contains a TMR force sensor element having a magnetic detection layer of material having a magnetostriction coefficient ??|5·10?6|, a magnetically harder reference layer, and a tunnel barrier disposed between these layers. Established in the detection layer is a starting magnetization that relative to the magnetization of the reference layer, which is directed in the direction of force, forms an angle of other than 0° and thus is rotated out of its starting position under the effect of the force.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, locating and quantifying a physical phenomena such as strain or a deformation in a structure. A minimum resolvable distance along the structure is selected and a quantity of laterally adjacent conductors is determined. Each conductor includes a plurality of segments coupled in series which define the minimum resolvable distance along the structure. When a deformation occurs, changes in the defined energy transmission characteristics along each conductor are compared to determine which segment contains the deformation.

Abstract: A device for testing, measuring and indexing shoes is disclosed. The device measures the capacity for vertical support of the midsole which is located directly under the heel of the foot. A base value is established for a specific brand and model of shoe. This permits the consumer to compare the amount of cushioning and shock absorption during the heel strike phase of running or walking activities of any of a plurality of different brand and models of shoe. Further, one may determine the value of a shoe which has been used to determine whether it should be replaced. The device employs a heel ram which would be inserted into the shoe directly above the midsole where the heel of the foot would reside. The ram is then forced into the midsole material. When a specific amount of pressure is achieved (PSI), a sensor measures the depth of penetration into the material. The less depth that is reached with the predetermined pressure, the more structure there is in the midsole.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the displacement of visco-elastoplastic media below a surface thereof comprises an upper plate mounted such that a displacement force exerted on the top surface thereof will move the upper plate a displacement distance downward toward a base. Guides maintain the upper plate and the base in alignment such that movement is along a displacement axis. A calibrated bias element exerts a calibrated bias force resisting movement of the upper plate toward the base. A displacement measuring device measures the displacement distance, and is operative to generate a movement signal corresponding to the displacement distance. A data acquisition system is operative to receive and record the movement signal, and calculate the displacement force exerted on the top surface of the upper plate required to move the upper plate the displacement distance against the calibrated bias force.

Abstract: A vortex flow pickup serves for measuring mass flow, volume flow or flow velocity of a fluid which is flowing in a measuring tube having a tube wall, and has a temperature sensor arranged in such a way that the vortex flow pickup may also be used together with those fluids which corrode the temperature sensor. A bluff body which produces vortices, and consequently pressure fluctuations, is arranged in the measuring tube. A vortex sensor responding to these pressure fluctuations is fitted downstream of the bluff body in a bore of the tube wall of the measuring tube. The vortex sensor comprises a diaphragm which covers the bore and on which a sensor vane protruding into the fluid is fastened. The temperature sensor is fixed on the bottom of a blind hole of the sensor vane. On the side of the diaphragm lying opposite the sensor vane, a sensor element is fastened. The temperature sensor may alternatively be arranged in a longitudinal bore of the bluff body.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a floating body which floats freely in a stream in a measuring tube, and is acted upon by a flowing force, buoyancy and a weight. In order to generate a counterforce, a measuring spring is fixedly connected to the floating body. The floating body is preferably self-stabilized through a selection of corresponding geometrical relationships. The measuring spring can optionally be rotatably supported on the floating body and/or the measuring tube. The floating body is suitably made of light weight plastic material, so that the density (mass/volume) of the floating body matches the density of the flowing medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing power transmission components of a locked gear train having two helical gears coupled on a first shaft meshed with two helical pinions coupled on a second shaft, with the two gears arranged to axially translate (while rotating) with respect to the two pinions when a linear force is applied to a thrust bearing at an end of the first shaft. The axial displacement of the two gears causes torsional displacements of the meshed gear and shaft elements, creating a dynamic torque within the locked train assembly. Under rotation, this dynamic torque subjects the components within the locked gear train to a much higher power level for testing.

Abstract: A rotation angle detecting device and a torque detecting device, which can prevent waveforms to be outputted from a plurality of semiconductor MR elements, from dispersing due to the material difference of a semiconductor wafer. A plurality of semiconductor MR elements are formed over a common cell of a semiconductor wafer and are arranged to confront at such positions different from each other in a target circumferential direction with respect to corresponding input and output shafts that signals to be outputted according to the rotations of the input and output shafts to be detected may establish a predetermined phase difference in an electrical angle.

Abstract: A pair of magnetic flux collecting rings and a magnetic sensor are integrally covered by a molded resin to form a sub unit of a torque sensor. The pair of rings and sensors are integrated and are in contact with each other, i.e., the magnetic sensor is held in between respective magnetic flux collecting portions of the rings without any air gap formed therebetween. Magnetic flux collected by the rings can be detected by the magnetic sensor to a maximum degree, whereby the signal output of the magnetic sensor is enhanced and made stable.

Abstract: A controller for a gradient sequential compression system is provided for inflating a plurality of inflatable chambers of one or more compression sleeves according to several different modes of operation. A mode of operation may define the number and selection of chambers to be inflated, the pressurization levels, the pressurization time, or the sequence of chamber inflation. To enable the controller to automatically perform a designated mode of operation based on the type of compression sleeve connected, a new and improved connecting device is provided. An indicator on an interface connector associates a predetermined mode of operation with the interface connector. A sensor associated with a complementary connector identifies the mode of operation associated with the interface connector. It is contemplated that the universal connecting device can be used for any type of system, not just controllers for a gradient sequential compression system.

Abstract: During measurement by means of a measurement arrangement (4) in which a sensor head (7) is axially movable in a sensor housing (6) and is intended, in the measurement position, to rest against a measured object (2) via an air cushion, the orientation of the sensor head in the sensor housing is monitored. When the orientation of the sensor housing deviates by a predetermined value from the normal, the measurement arrangement is temporarily moved a distance away from the measured object and is then returned to the measurement position again for continued measurement, with the sensor head now in the normal position relative to the sensor housing. In such a measurement arrangement, a monitoring device (24) is provided to automatically produce the stated movement of the measurement arrangement.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a driving force-transmitting mechanism which includes a belt member running over a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a guide mechanism which includes a plurality of balls which rolls along first ball-rolling grooves formed on a frame, and second ball-rolling grooves formed on a slider. The guide mechanism guides the slider when the slider is displaced along the frame.

Abstract: A countershaft transmission includes an input member drivingly connected to a power source and at least one directional clutch assembly structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the input member. At least one speed clutch assembly is structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the at least one directional clutch assembly. A dual range assembly is structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the at least one speed clutch assembly. An output member is selectively engageable with the dual range assembly wherein a rotational speed of the input member is transformed to one of a high range speed or a low range speed of the output member through the dual range assembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a support, an outer seal extending circumferentially around a radially outer surface of the support, and an inner seal extending circumferentially around a radially inner surface of the support. In a more specific embodiment, the support comprises an annular base member, an inner ledge extending from a radially inner side of the base member, and an outer ledge extending from a radially outer side of the base member. The inner seal is disposed at a radially inner edge of the base member opposite the inner tubular member, and the outer seal is disposed around an outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: In a pivoting-jaw power tong, each primary camming surface of the rotary gear has a substantially linear rather than curved configuration. Each primary camming surface forms an acute angle with a radial line extending from the rotary gear centerline to the point where the primary camming surface transitions to its associated neutral recess. Accordingly, the radial distance to a point on any of the primary camming surfaces reduces linearly with increased distance from the neutral recess. Rotation of the rotary gear in either direction away from the neutral position thus results in a linearly progressive reduction in the distance from the center of rotation to the points where the pivoting jaws' cam followers contact the camming surfaces, thus increasing the force exerted by the dies of the jaws upon a tubular disposed within the jaws.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a body and a gear disposed in the body. The gear defines a plurality of teeth on a circumference of the gear. A pawl is disposed in the body so that the pawl is movable with respect to the gear between a first position, in which the body transmits torque through the pawl in a first rotational direction, and a second position, in which the body transmits torque through the pawl in an opposite rotational direction. The pawl defines a plurality of teeth facing the gear and engages a reversing lever that urges the pawl between the first and second positions. The reversing lever comprises a handle portion and bottom portion that receives a clip spring. The detent urges the pawl between the first and second position by engaging the walls of a recess in the back of the pawl.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench is provided having a flexible ring forming the head where the flexible ring may have serrations on its inner surface and forms a free end having a pawl thereon. The flexible ring is formed as one piece with the handle of the wrench. Upon tightening, the flexible ring will tighten down on a fastener and upon a non-tightening rotation, the pawl will ratchet against the corners of the fastener according to the self energizing geometry of the wrench where an arc is provided on a shoe of the handle which is eccentric to the arc of the flexible ring. In an embodiment, a gear insert is provided within the flexible ring for engagement with the fastener, torquing and ratcheting of the flexible ring being relative to the gear insert. In an embodiment, the a insert may be provided that has a substantially smooth outer surface including circumferential engagement features for engaging a substantially smooth facing surface of the flexible ring.

Abstract: The removal tool is used in connection with a locking nut and bolt system. The bolt thread has a plurality of notches generally longitudinally spaced in a predetermined pattern. The locking unit or element carries one or more tines. The tine has a distal tine end adapted to latch onto the lock face of the notch on the bolt and, when the distal tine end is not disposed in one or more notches, the tine end moves on the bolt thread crest. When the distal tine end is in the notch or notches, the lock face of the notch prevents counter-rotational movement of the bolt with respect to the nut when the distal tine end abuts the lock face. The locking unit supports the tine and may be cylindrical, rectangular or on a perpendicular support face normal to a radial plane through the axial centerline of the nut thread. The locking unit may be on a nut insert or may be carried on the leg of a U, J or S-shaped clip.

Abstract: A screw and driver system includes a range of screws and a driver. Each screw has a head having a driving recess in its surface for engagement by the driver. The recess of larger screws in the range have a plurality of superimposed recess tiers of decreasing size with increasing depth from said surface. Each tier has substantially parallel driving surfaces and torque applied to the driver is transmitted to the screw through the driving surfaces. At least one tier of at least smaller screws in the range has a rib. Engagement of the driver with the recess causes deformation of rib, and hence creation of an interference fit of the driver in the recess.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are positioning devices and related methods of positioning a tool in a desired location. In one exemplary embodiment, a positioning device includes a base having a length extending along a first horizontal axis. In addition, the positioning device includes a first arm coupled to the base and extending therefrom along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. The first arm is configured for linear movement across the base along the first horizontal axis. The positioning device also includes a second arm coupled to the first arm carriage and extending therefrom along a vertical axis, where the second arm is configured for linear movement along the second horizontal axis. Moreover, in this embodiment, the second arm is also configured to pivot about a first rotational axis parallel to the first horizontal axis.

Abstract: A sawdust collection apparatus for a compound miter saw includes a turntable and a sawdust collection assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted on a base and has a cutting groove defined in the turntable and a sawdust guide communicating with the cutting groove. The sawdust collection assembly has a hollow sawdust duct with a sawdust channel communicating with the sawdust guide and a hollow sawdust entry duct with a sawdust entry port to receive sawdust and debris and a sawdust passage to communicate with the sawdust entry port. The sawdust channel is connected to a vacuum cleaner to efficiently pull sawdust and debris out of the miter saw through the sawdust channel and the sawdust passage.