Abstract: The invention may be used for detecting fluid leaks in a fluid containment element having a primary element enclosed in a secondary element. A fluid container may have a reservoir with an upstanding test cylinder with a selected fluid volume. A device may be disposed in the test cylinder to determine the level of a test fluid. There may be a closure for a top opening and the closure may have a hole. A nonexpandable conduit may connected at a first end to the hole and at a second end to a pressurized gas supply. The fluid container may have an outlet port therein and a first end of an outlet nonexpandable conduit may be connected to the outlet port. A block valve may be disposed in the outlet nonexpandable conduit. The fluid container may be pressurized by the introduction of a gas from the pressurized gas supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for the detection and recording of adhesive deposits or components in the production cycle for paper and woodpulp production or paper and woodpulp processing, whereby a body (6), in particular, a rotationally symmetrical body, is partly dipped in aqueous suspension (2) from the paper and woodpulp production, or paper and woodpulp processing and a flotation of particles contained in the suspension is brought about, by introduction of at least one gas into the suspension (2) which does not react with said suspension (2). After removal of the body (6) from the suspension, material deposited on the body, in particular, in the region of the surfaces of the suspension, is visualised with an indicator in an analytical unit (10), whereby a simple and economical detection of said adhesive components or deposits can be achieved.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator for use in a sensor arrangement for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises a quartz crystal plate, face. The first crystal surface is provided with a first electrode, which has a surface area of less than 15 mm2 and the second crystal surface is provided with a second electrode. The first electrode may have a rectangular surface shape. A flow cell for use in an apparatus for detecting or measuring an analyte in a medium, comprises walls that form a sensing chamber together with the resonator, and inlet and outlet openings for leading a fluid through the sensing chamber. A part of the resonator constitutes one of the walls of the sensing chamber and is arranged such that the first electrode is situated inside the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting fuel leaking into an oil pan containing oil which is used to lubricate an internal combustion engine utilizes a plurality of sensors. The method includes the step of measuring a plurality of parameters of the oil using each of the plurality of sensors to create measured values. A fuel leakage value is calculated incorporating each of the measured values. The method then determines when the fuel leakage value exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A tire testing machine includes a spindle adapted to rotatably support a tire. The machine has a frame defining an opening that allows the tire to be loaded onto the spindle and unloaded from the spindle with the frame having an upper frame member that spans at least a portion of the opening. A hoist hanger is removably connected to the upper frame member. The hoist hanger is adapted to removably support a tire hoist that allows the tire to be supported while it is unloaded from the spindle and the machine. The hoist hanger includes a support bracket slidably disposed over the upper frame member and a support arm that extends inwardly toward the spindle of the machine. The hanger configuration provides a compact design that allows tires to be securely and safely moved with a hoist.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring sonde (1) for a hydrocarbon well, the sonde comprising a main body (2), a downstream arm (3), and an upstream arm (5), at least one of said arms being fitted with measurement means (6) for determining the characteristics of the fluid flowing in the well; said downstream and upstream arms being connected to the main body respectively via first and second sliding pivot links (A and E).

Abstract: A fluid level sensor probe is provided. The fluid level sensor probe includes a housing, a first and second electrode, and an electric circuit. The first electrode is located on a first surface of the housing. A second surface of the housing is located adjacent the first surface and forms an angle with the second surface of about 90° or less. The first and second electrode are substantially flush with the housing. Further, the size of the first surface and angle between the first and second surface is configured to prevent a contiguous fluid droplet from forming across the first and second electrode.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention creates a micromechanical rotational rate sensor having a first Coriolis mass element and a second Coriolis mass element which may be situated over a surface of a substrate. An exemplary embodiment of a micromechanical rotational rate sensor may have an activating device by which the first Coriolis mass element and the second Coriolis mass element are able to have vibrations activated along a first axis. An exemplary embodiment of a micromechanical rotational rate sensor may have a detection device by which deflections of the first Coriolis mass elements and of the second Coriolis element are able to be detected along a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis, on the basis of a correspondingly acting Coriolis force. The first axis and second axis may run parallel to the surface of the substrate. The detecting device may have a first detection mass device and a second detection mass device.

Abstract: A vibrating gyro element includes in the same plane a base portion; a pair of vibrating arms for detection extended out of the base portion on both sides in a straight line shape; a pair of connecting arms extended-out from the base portion onto both sides in directions perpendicular to the vibrating arms for detection; a pair of vibrating arms for driving each extended-out from the tip portion of each of the connecting arms to both sides perpendicularly to this tip portion; two pairs of beams extended out of the base portion along the respective arms for detection; and a pair of support portions to which the respective beams extended out in the same direction are connected; wherein the support portion is arranged outside the vibrating arm for detection between the vibrating arms for driving in the extending-out direction of each of the vibrating arms for detection.

Abstract: A vibrating gyro element includes in the same plane a base portion; a pair of vibrating arms for detection extended out of the base portion on both sides in a straight line shape; a pair of connecting arms extended-out from the base portion onto both sides in directions perpendicular to the vibrating arms for detection; a pair of vibrating arms for driving each extended-out from the tip portion of each of the connecting arms to both sides perpendicularly to this tip portion; four beams extended out of the base portion; and a support portion connected to the tip of each of the beams; wherein each of the beams is once extended out of the base portion in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extending-out direction of the vibrating arm for driving.

Abstract: A precision flexure plate includes a flat disk positioned between two capacitor plates and supported by S-shaped beams. Deflection of the disk due to gravitational loads and resulting capacitance change is used to measure the accelerations in the direction perpendicular to the disk.

Abstract: A capacitance type semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes a substrate having a support layer and a semiconductor layer mounted on the support layer, a weight portion displaceable in a predetermined direction, movable electrodes joined to the weight portion so as to be displaceable integrally with the weight portion, fixed electrodes disposed so as to confront the movable electrodes and beam-shaped beam portions that are deformable elastically to displace the weight portion. When a dynamic quantity is applied, the distance between each movable electrode and each fixed electrode being varied, and the applied dynamic quantity being detected on the basis of the capacitance variation between both the electrodes which is caused by the variation of this distance. The thickness h2 of the beam portion is set to be larger than the thickness h1 of the movable electrode.

Abstract: In order to implement two different sensitivities simultaneously in one component, in particular in an acceleration sensor having a substrate, at least one spring device, and at least one seismic mass, it is proposed that the spring device be designed for an intrinsically nonlinear behavior corresponding to a progressive spring characteristic curve, in which a greater acceleration is associated at least locally with a greater rigidity (spring constant).

Abstract: A directionally-sensitive device for detecting and processing vibration waves includes an array of polymeric optical waveguide resonators positioned between a light source, such as an LED array, and a light detector, such as a photodiode array. The resonators which are preferably oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to incoming vibration waves, vibrate when a wave is detected, thus modulating light signals that are transmitted between the light source and the light detector. The light detector converts the modulated light into electrical signals which, in a preferred embodiment, are used to drive either the speaker of a hearing aid or the electrode array of a cochlear implant. The device is manufactured using a combination of traditional semiconductor processes and polymer microfabrication techniques.

Abstract: Pressure gauges used to indicate the pressure of the air being supplied to a patient during resuscitation should be able to indicate the pressure quickly and simply. In the present disclosure, a medical apparatus includes an apparatus body defining a fluid cavity that is fluidly connected to an expandable pressure chamber of a pressure gauge. The pressure chamber, a battery and at least one pressure indicator are, at least partially, positioned within a gauge body of the pressure gauge. An electrical conductor is moveable with the expandable pressure chamber among a plurality of positions and with respect to the gauge body. When the electrical conductor is in a first position, the battery is out of electrical connection with the at least one pressure indicator. When in the second position, the electrical conductor electrically connects the battery with the at least one pressure indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment, a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter. The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop, wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing ancillary functions as well.

Abstract: An improved pressure reading structure for a pressure gage is disclosed, comprising a data plate, a rotable pointer and a protection casing. The data plate includes a central area and an extended area next to and connected to the central area, both of the areas being positioned on different planes to serve as an upper area and a lower area thereof respectively. In addition, the rotable pointer has a first end mounted above the central area of the data plate, a second end mounted above the extended area of the data plate, and a needle relative to the data plate to form a space. Accordingly, tire pressure can be read from different view angles, and also, use of the pressure gage becomes more convenient.

Abstract: A dual gauge assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the dual gauge assembly includes a housing. Further, a display face is disposed within the housing for displaying a pressure range. In addition, an indicating device is disposed within the housing for indicating pressure for at least two different pressure sources. Moreover, at least two ports are coupled to the housing for pneumatically coupling the at least two different pressure sources to the indicator assembly. The indicating device provides a visual indication of the at least two different pressure sources within the single housing.

Abstract: In general, a dielectric polymer substrate provided and an antenna formed upon the dielectric polymer substrate. A piezoelectric polymer layer (e.g., a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film) can be formed above the dielectric polymer substrate. Additionally, an interdigital (IDT) layer can be configured upon the PVDF piezoelectric layer, thereby permitting the piezoelectric polymer layer and the IDT layer to detect pressure data and transmit the data to a receiver via the antenna.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip having a pressure receiving surface formed on one surface of the sensor chip, a first case having one end portion at which the sensor chip is provided, a second case attached to the one end portion of the first case to cover the sensor chip. The second case is provided with a pressure introducing passage for introducing the pressure to the sensor chip, and a wiring board is provided at the one end portion of the first case to have a surface facing toward the pressure introducing passage. In the pressure sensor, the sensor chip is electrically connected with the surface of the wiring board through bumps by a flip-chip bonding such that the pressure receiving surface faces the surface of the wiring board, and an insulating member is provided to seal a connection portion of the bumps.

Abstract: A preload indicating washer assembly that operates in the elastic region for a rated compression is disclosed. Because it operates in the elastic region, the preload indicating washer assembly resumes its original shape when the compression is decreased or removed. The washer assembly elastically deforms again to the same extent as its original deformation when the predetermined compression is restored. Thus the washer assembly will indicate the proper fastener preload when used for multiple loading cycles or in multiple locations.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems stress sensor comprising a microelectromechanical systems silicon body. A recess is formed in the silicon body. A silicon element extends into the recess. The silicon element has limited freedom of movement within the recess. An electrical circuit in the silicon element includes a piezoresistor material that allows for sensing changes in resistance that is proportional to bending of the silicon element.

Abstract: Process for attaching flexible electrochemical sensors, comprising at least the steps: provision of a surface, to which the sensor is to be attached; provision of an adhesive means at least on parts of the surface to which the sensor is to be attached and/or at least on parts of an outer limiting surface of the sensor, which ensures adhesion that securely fixes the sensor in case of flat contact between parts of the surface to which the sensor is to be attached and at least parts of the outer limiting surface of the sensor; pressing the sensor onto the surface to which the sensor is to be attached, so that the adhesive means is brought into flat contact at least with parts of the surface to which the sensor is to be attached and at least parts of the outer limiting surface of the sensor.

Abstract: A protection apparatus for a load cell having a constrained end portion and a movable end portion and a load detection apparatus incorporating the same are provided. The protection apparatus includes a housing having a longitudinal axis with a first end and a second end, a pivot disposed through the housing and located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and a sensor mount pivotally disposed on the pivot. The protection apparatus through its pivot transfers away from the load cell forces that are not aligned with a direction in which the load cell operates. The sensor mount has a first end and a second end, the first end of the sensor mount is disposed in the first end of the housing between a first position and a second position defined by the housing. The second end is configured for attachment to the movable end portion of the load cell. At least one spring is disposed in the second end of the housing for constraining the constrained end portion of the load cell.

Abstract: A process device and system for measuring flow parameters in flowing gases is provided in which a device for flow-induced sound generation is in the area of the flow to be measured. A measurement of the frequency and/or the level of the sounds generated is made during the flow to be measured as acoustic parameters. A determination is made as to the flow parameters to be measured by processing the measured acoustic parameters. The process makes possible, in particular, the measurement of the volume flows during respiration near the patient.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the environmentally safe testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system by using a surrogate fluid to test the foam delivery system. The NoFoam system includes the piping, valves, and connecting elements to interface with the fire vehicle's foam delivery system, while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to the environment.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the environmentally safe testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system by using a surrogate fluid to test the foam delivery system. The NoFoam system includes the piping, valves, and connecting elements to interface with the fire vehicle's foam delivery system, while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to the environment.

Abstract: A measurement transducer includes a transducer housing, which exhibits a multiplicity of natural oscillation modes and at least a first measuring tube for conveying at least a volume fraction of the medium to be measured. The measuring tube is held to oscillation in the transducer housing and vibrator, at least at times. Also included is an electromechanical, exciter mechanism acting on the at least one measuring tube and a sensor arrangement reacting to movements, i.e. bending oscillations, of the measuring tube. Also included is a first support element fixed, i.e. directly, to the transducer housing and serving for the formation of essentially locationally fixed oscillation nodes in the transducer housing for suppressing or erasing at least one natural oscillation mode of the transducer housing.

Abstract: A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter incorporates a measuring tube through which flows a medium and which is stimulated into oscillating at a minimum of one frequency, the resulting oscillations of the measuring tube being detected and measured. The viscosity of the medium flowing through the measuring tube is determined as a function of the pressure drop along the measuring tube, thus permitting a precise determination of the viscosity in simple and reliable fashion.

Abstract: A modular encoder includes an encoder housing and a printed circuit board mounted in the encoder housing. The modular encoder also includes a mounting bracket adapted to electrically couple to the printed circuit board and a mounting screw adapted to couple the encoder housing to a motor and to electrically couple the mounting bracket to the motor.

Abstract: A load cell body for transmitting forces and moments in a plurality of directions includes an integral assembly having a first ring member and a second ring member. Each ring member has a central aperture centered on a reference axis. In one embodiment, three or more sensor assemblies extend from the first ring member to the second ring member parallel to the reference axis. The sensor assemblies include spaced-apart apertures forming flexure members.

Abstract: A manually deformable input device responsive to manually applied pressure. The input device comprises a deformable electroconductive material (602) configured to exhibit changes in conductance (resistance) in response to being stretched or compressed, from which an extent of manually applied pressure can be determined. An electrical interface device (604) is configured to supply electrical current through the electroconductive material (602) via a first terminal (605) and a second terminal (606), and the input device further comprises a third terminal (607) connected at a position intermediate the first and second terminals. The electrical interface device (604) is configured to receive a voltage from the third terminal (607), which is representative of a proportion of voltage drop across the electroconductive material (602). The input device operates as a potential divider sensitive to manual operation irrespective of the absolute conductance (resistance) of the electroconductive material (602).

Abstract: A system to diagnose a malfunction of a torque sensor in a vehicle steering system includes a voltage difference generator that outputs a voltage difference by comparing a voltage of a contact part between a temperature correcting coil and a torque detecting coil in a torque sensor for a steering system and an offset voltage generated from an offset voltage generator, a malfunction determining part that determines a malfunction by comparing a reference voltage and an output voltage of said voltage difference generator, and a controller that executes a neutral steering when a malfunction is determined in said malfunction determining part.

Abstract: A torque sensor for a vehicle steering system includes a voltage boosting circuit that boosts a voltage supplied from a power source, an oscillator, a current amplifier, an inverting current amplifier, first and second coils, first and second resistors, a differential amplifier, a sampling pulse generator that generates a sampling pulse, a synchronous wave detector that detects the AC voltage output from the first differential amplifier, a first sample-and-hold circuit section that samples and holds the voltage output from the first synchronous wave detector, and a voltage-current converter that converts the voltage output from the first sample-and-hold circuit section into current and outputs the current as a torque signal Ts, thereby stably supplying power to the torque sensor for a steering system.

Abstract: A roller bearing apparatus having a fixed bearing ring, a rotary bearing ring, and rolling elements rollably provided between the bearing rings. Piezoelectric elements are provided in the form of a film interposed between the fixed bearing ring and a fixing part to which the fixed bearing ring is fixed so as to detect loads applied between the fixed bearing ring and the fixing part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat support pan, a seat cushion, a spring biased lever and an operator present switch. Both the lever and the switch are located between the cushion and the pan, effectively integrated within the seat. The lever is movable between upper and lower positions, with its associated spring biasing the lever toward its upper position. The switch is designed and located so that all of its components are housed within the support pan and none of these components extends below or outside of the pan. When the seat is occupied, the occupant's weight depresses the cushion and, in turn, the lever moves against the force of the spring toward its lower position and the switch is actuated. Because the switch is located completely within the seat cushion, the seat assembly's vertical dimension or envelope is minimized and the design of the seat support and/or suspension located below the seat pan is simplified.

Abstract: In a seat load detecting device, sensor bodies are interposed between an upper rail and respective lower brackets. Each sensor body includes an annular strain portion which axial line extends vertically, an outer peripheral holder which is mounted to the upper rail and which holds an outer peripheral edge of the strain portion, and an inner peripheral holder which is mounted to the lower bracket and which holds an inner peripheral edge of the strain portion. Strain gauges for detecting a load applied to a seat on the basis of a strain amount between an outer periphery and an inner periphery of each strain portion are disposed on each strain portion. A second clamping member of each inner peripheral holder has a mounting hole which is formed through the second clamping member in a widthwise direction thereof and which rockably connects the lower bracket.

Abstract: A strain gauge for sensing strain is provided and includes a support substrate, and first and second electrodes supported on the substrate. The first and second electrodes include first and second capacitive plates, respectively. The first capacitive plates are movable relative to the second capacitive plates responsive to strain. The strain gauge further has an input electrically coupled to one of the first and second electrodes for receiving an input signal, and an output electrically coupled to the other of the first and second electrodes for providing an output signal which varies as a function of the capacitive coupling and is indicative of sensed strain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature adjusting system for adjusting temperature of a sample, that includes a sample container for containing a sample therein, and a cooling unit for applying a liquid to a surface of the sample container, to cool the sample on the basis of heat of vaporization of the liquid on the surface of the sample container.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are related to devices and methods for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths, wherein each of the devices for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths comprises: a hammer part having a spring for generating inertia and a hammer connected to the spring; a sampling needle part having a needle integral with a impacting part impacted with the hammer; a guiding part for moving the sampling needle part in straight and downward direction; and a sampled water containing part having a sampled water container for collecting the sampled water through the needle.

Abstract: A sampling needle is disclosed that includes a sampling part that is inserted into a sample, and a sample holding part that holds the sample that is introduced through the sampling part. The sampling part and the sample holding part are arranged into a seamless structure,,and the inner diameter of the sampling part and the inner diameter of the sample holding part are equal.

Abstract: Subsurface material property measurements, such as soil or chemical properties, are obtained in situ by a direct push method that includes rotating a ring bit at the end of a casing to drill through subsurface materials, lowering a measurement probe through the advanced casing, extending the lowered measurement probe through the ring bit, and advancing the extended probe through the soil at a controlled rate while gathering material property data from sensors attached to the probe. The probe may be withdrawn for drilling, and then replaced for further data gathering.

Abstract: The location of a pig in a conduit, e.g., an underwater pipeline, may be determined by measuring an amount of a fluid displaced by the pig from the conduit and calculating the location of the pig in the conduit based on that amount of fluid. In particular, the amount of the fluid displaced by the pig may be measured using a flow meter positioned near an exit of the conduit. This amount may then be transmitted to a computer for calculating the location via, for example acoustic telemetry. The location of the pig may then be transmitted form the computer to a receiving device for receiving and displaying the location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for measuring the partial pressure of a gas in a fluid according to the permeation carrier gas method, in particular of oxygen or hydrogen, in a fluid at high temperatures and/or high pressures. The probe comprises a probe body having a wall which comprises a dense plastic layer which is permeable to the gas to be measured, wherein the outside of said plastic layer is in contact with the fluid. The wall of the probe additionally comprises a porous carrier material which is arranged on the inside of the dense, permeable plastic layer and is connected at least at portions to said plastic layer in order to support the plastic layer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to measuring apparatus comprising such a probe, as well as to a measuring method with such a probe.

Abstract: A method for using an end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

Abstract: A linear drive for adjusting at least one movable structure includes at least one spindle drive having a rotatable spindle. Disposed on the spindle and restrained against rotation is a lifting nut which is linked to the movable structure. At least one safety mechanism is disposed on the spindle without connection to the lifting nut and restrained against rotation. The safety mechanism includes an inner nut attached to the spindle and an outer guide bushing attached onto the inner nut, wherein the inner nut and the guide bushing have an engagement structure which effects a form-fitting engagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing during normal operation and is so constructed as to effect a disengagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing, when the safety mechanism is subjected to a predefined load torque.

Abstract: A leadscrew set is installed on a stepping motor which comprises a coil bobbin, the leadscrew set includes a leadscrew, which has a shaft body, a screw portion formed on periphery of the shaft body, a magnet connecting portion connected on an end of the shaft body, two gluing portions formed concave on the magnet connecting portion, each gluing portion has a gluing surface; a magnet part, which has a barrel body, a leadscrew fitting hole formed inside the barrel body and positioned at inward of the coil bobbin and the magnet connecting portion of the leadscrew; and a glue member, which glued between the gluing portions of the leadscrew and the leadscrew fitting hole of the magnet part.

Abstract: A shifting unit (1) for an automatic transmission, especially controlled by pressurized medium for an automobile, with multiple valves which are connected to each other through a pressure supply line (30) and a pressure reduction line (32). The chambers (16, 18) of servo cylinders (10, 12) fitted with servo actuators contain at least one shift valve each (22, 24, 26, 28). There is a pressure accumulator (36) designed in between the pressure supply line (30) and the shift valves (22, 24, 26, 28).

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball screw nut with a ball bearing ring and the fabrication method of same. The nut unit is essentially composed of a transmission nut and a ball bearing ring. The ball bearing ring is integrally formed in one piece with a through hole formed on its outer surface to communicate with its inner ball circulation groove. The through hole is provided with a sealing lid which in addition to seal the port of the through hole, is an extension of the ball circulation groove so as to provide the balls a complete rolling passage. The ball bearing ring with such structure results in minimizing the accessories required for the whole ball screw unit and facilitating the fabrication.

Abstract: A gear shifter pen assembly comprises an upper assembly and a lower assembly. The upper assembly comprises a cartridge-receiving shaft housing and a writing element. The writing element is received in the shaft housing. The lower assembly comprises an inner junction assembly and an outer base assembly. The base assembly comprises a junction-concealing boot and a platform assembly. The junction assembly comprises a universal joint, a shifter-receiving seat, and boot support structure. The boot support structure supports the superior end of the boot and the inferior end of the boot engages the platform assembly, the boot thus concealing the junction assembly. The lower assembly thus holds the upper assembly when the shifter-receiving seat removably receives the upper assembly and the writing element enables a user to write when the upper assembly is removed from the shifter-receiving seat. Further, the universal joint allows the user to selectively position the upper assembly.