Abstract: A multiple-mode acoustic wave sensor apparatus includes an acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substrate and at least one electrode on the substrate. When such sensor is used in a wireless configuration, a plurality of antennas can be configured on the substrate in association with the acoustic wave device, wherein each antenna among the plurality of antennas is responsive to varying interrogation signals transmitted wirelessly to the plurality of antennas in order to excite multiple frequency modes via at least one interdigital transducer on the substrate and thereby passively detect multiple and varying parameters of a sensed material utilizing the acoustic wave device.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a micromachined acoustic transducer that has a scalable array of sealed cavities and perforated members forming capacitive cells that convert the electrical signal to acoustic signal or vice versa. It also relates to the method and more particularly to a micromachined acoustic transducer which includes a plurality of micromachined membranes and perforated members forming capacitive cells and more particularly to an acoustic transducer in which the capacitive cells are connected in a scalable array whereby electrical signals are applied to the said array and converted to acoustic signals. The transducer can either be used as an acoustic actuator or a microphone.

Abstract: A piping and pressure-measuring apparatus is disclosed. It includes a pipe defining a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber between the first and second chambers. A first connector includes a section put in the first chamber and an opposite section for connection with a pump. A check valve is installed in the first connector. A second connector includes a first element put in the second chamber and a second element connected with the first element for connection with an inflatable object. A pressure gauge is connected with the third chamber.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for use in measuring volume of fluid flow and/or pressures. Some embodiments providing apparatuses for use in measuring pressures include a manometer comprising a conduit with a curved portion that is substantially half parabolic in shape. A pattern of markings is spaced along the curved portion of the conduit, and a displacement fluid is maintained within the conduit such that the displacement fluid is forced along at least a portion of the curved portion of the conduit when the manometer is subject to a pressure difference.

Abstract: An operation input device includes a base, a printed circuit board which has a plurality of pushbutton switches and Hall elements mounted on its upside and which is stacked on and united with the base, an operation plate which is supported on the base so as to be vertically movable on the printed circuit board and not to be displaced in a horizontal direction, and a disc type operation dial in which an annular magnet with N-poles and S-poles arranged alternately is assembled on the underside of this operation dial and which is turnably assembled on the upside of the operation plate. Here, the disc type operation dial is turned, thereby to sense the changes of the magnetic fluxes of the annular magnet by the Hall elements and to detect a turning direction, while the disc type operation dial is depressed, thereby to operate any of the pushbutton switches through the operation plate.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors.

Abstract: A system for modeling fluid flow in a valve (10) includes a section for modeling a main fluid flow domain having an inlet (25), a first outlet (26) and a second outlet using a first grid size, a section for modeling a leakage fluid flow domain (38) having an inlet that includes the main fluid flow domain second outlet and a leakage fluid flow outlet using a second grid size, and a section for iteratively calculating fluid flow in the main fluid flow domain based on leakage flow as determined by the section for modeling leakage fluid flow. Also a method for modeling fluid flow in a valve.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring frequency and amplitude of a varying force signal is provided. The sensor device comprises a sensing element defined by a plurality of even numbered planar segments symmetrically disposed about a central axis, a protective housing for housing, an interface element comprising a pick up member, a planar mechanical actuator, a transfer member adapted to receive varying signals from the pick up, amplify the signals picked up and transfer the amplified signals to the said mechanical actuator; and leads for transmitting said output signals outside the sensing device for processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for regulating and monitoring the flow of sealing fluid to be conducted to a seal of a rotating shaft, the meter comprising a sealing fluid metering channel, a sealing fluid inlet, and a connection towards the seal for regulating the flow of sealing fluid, a non-return valve for preventing the sealing fluid from flowing back to the flowmeter, a regulating and monitoring mechanism), whereby the sealing fluid flows through the opening, and a cleaning means which is movable by means of actuating means. The non-return valve is arranged as an extension of the metering channel at the meter outlet side end, coaxially with the metering channel, whereby the metering cone is in mechanical contact with the non-return valve, and thus it is also possible to clean the non-return valve with the cleaning means).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow in a break between closely spaced confronting ends of a fluid line including first and second angularly extending conduit sections forming a U-shaped assembly housing straightening vanes and a metering device.

Abstract: An easily installed versatile trimmable fit-to-size vortex airflow generator for use in internal combustion engines to enhance fuel efficiency is provided. The multi-impeller vortex generator comprises a plurality of blades evenly spaced angularly on a central hub. The blades are a ready trimmed to size to fit within the air intake conduit of most, if not essentially all, known conventional internal combustion engines. The vortex generator is constructed, i.e., formed, of a non-rigid construction such as molded plastic that is readily inserted in engine air intake passages to enhance turbulence.

Abstract: A heated sampling hose assembly includes a sampling hose having an inlet and an outlet for passage of a sample gas. An outer sleeve surrounds the sampling hose with an annular purge gas passage radially therebetween. The outer sleeve is closed at opposite ends by first and second fittings having a purge gas inlet and purge gas outlet, respectively, and a heater is arranged to heat the purge gas in the annular purge gas passage to a temperature of the sample gas.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting a bore includes a housing dimensioned for insertion into the bore and a plurality of stabilization legs having a first end attached to the housing and a second end extendable from the housing. The stabilization legs are configured to contact the inner surface of the bore. A plurality of sensor arms is extendable from the housing and is rotatable relative to the stabilization legs. A motor provides for rotating the sensor arms relative to the stabilization legs.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an engine and a rotating member rotatably engaging the engine. The rotating member comprises a plurality of drive members positioned around the circumference of the rotating member. Each of the drive members has an unlocked state in which the drive members apply substantially no torque to the rotating member, and a locked state, in which the drive members apply substantially a torque to the rotating member. At a selected time, a first set of the drive members are in the unlocked state and a second set of the drive members are in the locked state to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.

Abstract: A ball screw device 1 has a screw shaft assembly 15, a nut 7 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the screw shaft assembly 15 and formed in a tubular shape, and balls 9 rolling on helical raceway grooves 3, 8 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft assembly 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the nut 7. The screw shaft assembly 15 has a first screw shaft 16, a second screw shaft 17 having a shaft raceway groove 3 with the lead same as the lead of a shaft raceway groove 3 formed in the first screw shaft 16, and a screw-in spacer 11 having the inner peripheral surface fitted on shaft sections 18, 19 each formed on one end of each of the first and the second screw shafts 16, 17.

Abstract: A thread drive has a threaded spindle, a load-bearing nut that is in screwing engagement with the threaded spindle, a safety nut connected to the load-bearing nut in a manner fixed against relative rotation, which is likewise in screwing engagement with the threaded spindle, the safety nut having at least one contact portion which has no contact with the threaded spindle in a first operating state of the thread drive and has contact with the threaded spindle in a second operating mode of the thread drive, so that in the first operating state there is no electrically conductive connection between the at least one contact portion of the safety nut and the threaded spindle.

Abstract: A new and improved single tool or jig which is universally useable in connection with the fabrication or trimming of left and right side edge portions of stair tread components, left and right end portions of stair tread side edge plank components, and stair riser components, so as to permit all of such components to be properly mated together in order to impart to the exposed or open stair members a seamless finished appearance.

Abstract: A lightweight and compact headlamp adjuster is constructed primarily from plastic materials. The adjuster may include a VHAD that is non-recalibratable after the headlamp aim is factory set. The adjuster includes an input shaft that engages a gear located within a housing. When the input shaft is rotated, a ball stud moves linearly to adjust the headlamp to which it is connected. The adjuster is not subject to over-adjustment when it includes a clutching mechanism provided by the interaction of the ball stud with the gear.

Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a twin-clutch arrangement comprising: a first clutch; a second clutch; a first input shaft; a second input shaft; at least one output shaft; a number of engageable gearwheel pairs for connecting the input shafts to the at least one output shaft; a first drive unit; and a second drive unit having a drive shaft rotatable around a rotational axis. The clutches having a common rotational axis connect the first and second input shafts to an engine. A serial and/or parallel hybrid mode of the twin-clutch transmission can be established by means of the first and second drive units. The first drive unit is arranged coaxially with the first and second clutches and surrounds the clutches in the radial direction. The drive shaft of the second drive unit and the clutches have different rotational axes.

Abstract: A change-speed gearbox, in particular for motor vehicles such as hybrid passenger cars and small trucks, comprising input and output shafts, clutches, and gear wheel pairs with fixed and loose wheels. The gearbox provides at least one forward gear by means of the gear wheel pairs, has a gear box unit for a second forward gear, and has in addition an auxiliary drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a twin-clutch arrangement with clutches, input shafts, at least one output shaft, a number of gearwheel pairs and drive units. The first drive unit is connected to the input side of the twin-clutch arrangement and the second drive unit is connected to one of the input shafts or to the output shaft. The invention relates also to a methods for controlling the twin-clutch transmission, for example with the steps of disengaging the first clutch and the second clutch if these are engaged, and starting the engine by means of the first drive unit.

Abstract: A ball screw (1) as a linear motion device according to the invention has retaining pieces (21) each having two concave surfaces (23) facing adjacent ones of rolling elements (9) respectively. Each of the retaining pieces (21) is disposed between adjacent ones of the rolling elements (9). A carbonitrided layer containing residual austenite of 15-40% by volume is provided in the surface layer of each of the rolling elements (9).

Abstract: The device comprises a gear shift lever which is supported on a stationary support casing and includes a rod having an upper straight section, an upper sleeve fixed to the upper straight section of the rod, and a lower sleeve mounted on the upper straight section of the rod so that it can slide between a lower end-travel position and an upper end-travel position. The lower sleeve is provided with a male stop element arranged to releasably engage a female stop element provided on the stationary support casing, in such a manner as to lock the gear shift lever in a predetermined reference position. According to the invention, the lower sleeve is arranged to rotate between a first angular position, in which the male stop element is aligned with the female stop element in the vertical direction of sliding of the lower sleeve, and a second angular position, in which the male stop element is rotated 90 degrees relative to the female stop element.

Abstract: A shift lever device includes a housing fixed to a vehicle body, and a shift lever swingably supported on the housing. The shift lever includes a tubular member, a rod disposed in the tubular member and having a spring support portion at an axially intermediate part thereof, a spring support sleeve fixedly disposed in the tubular member and having a spring support surface at a lower end thereof, and a spring placed around the rod and between the spring support portion of the rod and the spring support surface of the spring support sleeve so as to urge the rod to lockingly engage at a lower end with the housing.

Abstract: A gear shift head has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere. A key panel is mounted in the peripheral wall of the gear shift head. The key panel consists of a frame and a circuit board, and the circuit board transmits signals through electric wires or remote ways. The circuit board is covered with an elastic conductive layer such as conductive rubber, which has multiple contacts formed on an outer surface of the conductive rubber layer and corresponding to keys on a pad. A user can control auxiliary electronic devices of the vehicle via the keys on the gear shift head.

Abstract: A shifting device for the shifting of a transmission with a shifting shaft (2), having a multiplicity of shifting forks or shifting levers (8, 10, 12, 14) placed in an axial slidable manner for the carrying out of a shifting procedure with a selection apparatus (28, 30, 32, 42, 44, 46) for the choice of a shifting fork (8, 10, 12, 14) from the multiplicity of shifting forks for the carrying out of the shifting procedure and with blocking disk (52) for the prevention of the movement of non-chosen shifting forks (8, 10, 12, 14). The elements (2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 22) for the carrying out of the shifting procedure are made from a material of high structural strength and the elements of the selection apparatus (28, 30, 32, 42, 44, 46) and the blocking apparatus (52) are constructed from a material of lesser structural strength.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a plurality of shift shafts that cooperate with a cornmon neutral switch to control when range shifts occur. In one example, the plurality of shift shafts includes a first shift shaft, a second shift shaft, and a third shift shaft that is positioned between the first and second shift shafts. A plunger actuates the neutral switch in response to movement of the third shift shaft along an axis. A first switch pin is positioned between the first shift shaft and the plunger and a second switch pin is positioned between the second shift shaft and the plunger. The first and second switch pins move the plunger to actuate the neutral switch in response to axial movement of a respective one of the first and second shift shafts. Thus, each of the first, second, and third shifts shafts can actuate a single neutral switch by cooperating with a common plunger.

Abstract: To provide an improved cable guide for an articulated joint of a robot or the like that allows a compact design of the articulated joint while minimizing the length of the cable, a substantially circular outer peripheral wall (16) of a hollow center drum (13) fixedly attached to the first link member is formed with a hole (28) at a first angular position substantially aligning with the first link and a slot (17) formed at a second angular position and elongated circumferentially over an angle substantially corresponding to a range of angular movement of the second link member relative to the first link member in such a manner that the cable member is passed into the center drum from the hole and out of the center drum from the slot. Thereby, the cable member can pass through the interior of the articulated joint along the shortest path, and the necessary length of the cable can be minimized.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is adjustable in both rake and telescope directions and then locked in a convenient setting by a driver. The locking mechanism for the telescope and rake adjust is motor actuated in response to activation of a toggle switch. The motor can be proximate or remote from the locking mechanism and the steering column assembly. A transmission operates on a rotating cam principal which alternately cycles a clamp of the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked conditions. A drive shaft extends between the motor and the locking mechanism and can be either rigid or flexible. Locking the steering column assembly in an adjusted position can be accomplished either by compressing a capsule bracket against a compression bracket, or via interlocking engagement of pawls with corresponding teeth in respective slots in the capsule and compression brackets.

Abstract: To provide a steering device from which good operation feeling can be obtained in tilt and telescoping adjustments, and whose configuration is very simple. The cylindrical part formed in a pair of shock absorber members is inserted in the two end openings of an axial through hole formed in the axial direction of a collar member, flanges of the shock absorber members are slidably inserted into adjustment elongated holes formed on both sides in the width direction of a movable bracket, the movable bracket is arranged between fixed support side plates formed on both sides in the width direction of a fixed bracket. A bolt is passed through adjustment holes formed in the fixed support side plates, the adjustment elongated holes, the collar member, and the shock absorber members to be freely tightened as required.

Abstract: It comprises a female member A low sliding load intermediate shaft comprising a female member slightly receiving a male member and a series of metal strips, such as three, fitted therebetween. The metal strips are retained in position since they are received into the cavities of a fastening cage clamped to the outer surface of the male member. They allow g longitudinal movement friction of both members eliminating clearance and radial play with a total effectiveness in torque transmission at any time.

Abstract: A steering transmitter assembly for an electronic steering system of an industrial truck, wherein a steering element is coupled to a hub which is rotatably mounted an a bearing component fixed to the vehicle, and wherein an attenuation device is disposed between the bearing component and hub, wherein the hub or bearing component is provided with a gearing portion which is in a driving communication with the pinion of a rotation attenuator and the rotation attenuator, in turn, is located within the bearing component or within the hub in an offset relationship with the axis of rotation of the hub.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a parking brake includes a bearing block and a handbrake lever positioned pivoting on the bearing block. A brake setting device includes a locking segment secured to the bearing block and a movably positioned locking pawl which has an edge segment facing the locking segment. An actuating linkage is positioned inside the handbrake lever and includes a web to connect the actuating linkage to the locking pawl. The web rests on the edge segment. A spring loaded push button is movable counter to a spring force to activate the actuating linkage. A catch spring is arranged to secure the locking pawl by a force of the catch spring in an engaged position on the locking segment. During actuation of the actuating linkage by the push button, a force counter to the force of the catch spring is exerted by the web onto the locking pawl, thereby causing the locking pawl to be separated from the locking segment.

Abstract: A core adjuster assembly includes an adjuster body having a pin engagement end and a locking end. The adjuster body has a central longitudinal bore and a lock cavity formed through an outer peripheral surface. A slider body is formed on an end of a rod and is disposed in the central longitudinal bore of the adjuster body. A primary lock member is disposed in the lock cavity and is moveable from a shipping position to a locked position. A secondary lock member is associated with the adjuster body and the primary lock member and is adapted to maintain the primary lock member in the shipping and locked positions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a vehicle or utility vehicle pedal assembly and method are disclosed. The pedal assembly may be modular and readily adaptable for use on vehicles and utility vehicles having either an electric motor drive system or an internal combustion engine drive system. Thus, in some embodiments the module includes a base, a plurality of pedals coupled to the base, and an output regulator coupled to the base. Other embodiments disclose a parking brake engagement assembly comprising a toothed element, an engagement element selectively engageable with the toothed element, and an arm to the control the engagement between the toothed element and the engagement element. Yet other embodiments disclose a non-contact sensor coupled to the brake system to selectively illuminate the brake lamps of a vehicle or utility vehicle. Further embodiments disclose a timer coupled to the brake system to selectively illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: A brake pedal apparatus includes: an operating pedal to be depressed so as to be pivoted about a first axis; a pivot member pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and connected to the operating pedal via a connecting link so as to be pivoted about the second axis in response to a depression of the operating pedal; and an output member to receive an output generated upon pivot motion of the pivot member. The connecting link is connected, at respective connected positions, to the operating pedal and the pivot member. A relationship between a ratio of the output to a depression force acting on the operating pedal, and an amount of the depression of the operating pedal is changed depending upon the connected positions of the connecting link.

Abstract: A control device for a marine propulsion system includes a base and at least two levers. Each one of the levers is supported by the base at a first end for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis and extending generally normal to the pivot axis to have a second end. The second end has a grip. The grip of one of the levers extends toward the second end of the other one of the levers. The respective grips are nested with each other when the levers extend generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: A bicycle assistive handlebar structure installed at the anterior extent of a front fork stem, stem clamp mount that serves as a means of conjoinment. The stem clamp mount consists of a concave section and a threaded hole that provides for the fastening of bolts inserted via four through-holes. Furthermore, a vertical coupling passage is disposed through the installation crown, thereby providing for the horizontal arrangement of a handlebar in a connective mounting shank. The two sides of a transverse rod provides for the fitting into position of insertion sleeves, and an elongated hole provides for the stationary seating into the connective mounting shank elongated hole. Radial splines are respectively fabricated along the outer sides of the joint mount and the inner sides of an assistive handlebar. As such, the present invention provides the rider variable adjustment operation over upper and lower height, forward and backward distance, and rotative direction.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel ring, a first spacer in contact with an outer surface of the steering wheel ring at a first location, and a second spacer in contact with the outer surface of the steering wheel ring at a second location. At least one armature is coupled to the steering wheel ring at the first location and the second location, the material of the armature at least partially enveloping the first spacer and the second spacer.

Abstract: The disclosed steering wheel and method of manufacturing may include the use of attachment points in the formation of the steering wheel armature. The steering wheel armature can comprise an inner hub, a plurality of spokes, an outer rim, and interface portions connecting the spokes to the outer rim. The method of manufacturing can comprise the steps of providing a mold with upper and lower sections, providing an outer rim, injecting a die cast material into the mold, and removing the outer rim and die cast material assembly.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a housing (20) presenting two spaced apart inner surfaces (22) and pivotally supports a pedal arm (24). A hysteresis mechanism (30) is mounted on the pedal arm (24) and includes first and second brake elements (32, 34) to provide a resistance force to the pivotal movement of the pedal arm (24) relative to the housing (20). Each of the brake elements (32, 34) includes coacting ramps (46) along the braking axis (B) such that the brake elements (32, 34) move relative to one another along the braking axis (B) in response to the pivotal movement of the pedal arm. The coacting ramps (46) of one brake element (32, 34) is in sliding and wedging engagement with the coacting ramps (46) of the other brake element (32, 34) to move said brake elements (32, 34) relative to one another along said braking axis (B) thereby applying a resistance force equally on opposing sides of the pedal arm (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing metallic and intermetallic alloy ingots by continuous or quasi-continuous billet withdrawal from a cold wall crucible, which is characterized in that the alloy material is continuously or quasi-continuously supplied in a molten and pre-homogenized state to a cold wall induction crucible.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide nitrogen-containing metallic powder at high productivity, which powder contains a metal such as niobium or tantalum containing nitrogen uniformly, and enables production of an anode electrode that has high specific capacitance and low leakage current and that exhibits excellent reliability for a prolonged period of time. There is provided nitrogen-containing metallic powder which is a solid solution containing 50-20,000 ppm nitrogen, in which the metal that constitutes the metallic powder is niobium or tantalum. The nitrogen-containing metallic powder is produced through the process in which while a metallic compound is reduced with a reducing agent, a nitrogen-containing gas is introduced into a reaction system to thereby form metal, and nitrogen is simultaneously incorporated into metal.

Abstract: A system and method of producing an elemental material or an alloy from a halide of the elemental material or halide mixtures. The vapor halide of an elemental material or halide mixtures are introduced into a liquid phase of a reducing metal of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof present in excess of the amount needed to reduce the halide vapor to the elemental material or alloy resulting in an exothermic reaction between the vapor halide and the liquid reducing metal. Particulates of the elemental material or alloy and particulates of the halide salt of the reducing metal are produced along with sufficient heat to vaporize substantially all the excess reducing metal. Thereafter, the vapor of the reducing metal is separated from the particulates of the elemental material or alloy and the particulates of the halide salt of the reducing metal before the particulate reaction products are separated from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a plant for the heat treatment of sulfidic ores, in which solids are heated to a temperature of approximately 450 to 1500° C. in a fluidized bed reactor (1). In order to improve the energy utilization, it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a gas supply tube (3) into a mixing chamber (7) of the reactor (1), the gas supply tube (3) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (35) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture as well as of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (35) are adjusted such that the particle Froude numbers in the gas supply tube (3) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (35) between 0.02 and 2 and in the mixing chamber (7) between 0.3 and 30.

Abstract: A method for the heat treatment of solids containing iron oxide, in which fine-grained solids are heated to a temperature of about 630° C. in a fluidized-bed reactor (1). To improve the utilization of energy, it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a supply tube (3) into a mixing chamber (7) of the reactor (1), the gas supply tube (3) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (10) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture and of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bet (10) are adjusted such that the Particle-Froude-Numbers in the gas supply tube (3) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (10) between 0.02 and 2, and in the mixing chamber (7) between 0.3 and 30.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of predicting damage of dies for plastic processing of metallic materials, typically, forging dies, by predicting brittle fracture (“great crack” or “initial crack”) dominating die lives contribute to die design including choice of materials, hardness and configuration of the die. The method is characterized in that the die design is carried out by choosing the condition that none of the anticipated values of brittle fracture, Fc1 to Fc3, calculated by the formulae 1 to 3 below exceed the critical values depending on the material used.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a generally open head member and a handle connected thereto. A pair of generally C-shaped collars are hingedly connected to the head member for selectively closing and opening it and a locking tab provided for selectively locking the collars in a position for closing the head member. A pair of semi-circular inserts are disposed within the collars and form a socket axially disposed within the head member and further form a peripheral ratchet wheel. A ratchet pawl engages the ratchet wheel for facilitating ratcheting rotation. The wrench may be adapted with an electrical drive for operating the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench includes a handle having a driving head defining a driving chamber, a receiving chamber defined in the handle, a retaining recess defined in the driving chamber and connecting to the receiving chamber, and a driving member secured in the driving chamber and provided with a plurality of tooth-shaped first retaining portions. A direction control device includes a direction control member rotatably mounted in the receiving chamber, a retaining member pivotally mounted in the retaining recess and having a first side provided with a plurality of tooth-shaped second retaining portions meshing with the tooth-shaped first retaining portions, a pressing member rotated by the direction control member and slidably rested on a second side of the retaining member for pivoting the retaining member, and an elastic member urging the pressing member on the second side of the retaining member.