Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a wheel for a vehicle, including a wheel test spindle and a road simulation drum that is rotated by a motor is disclosed. The wheel test spindle may be supported on suspension components. The road simulation drum includes a chuck hole recess that may be provided in a replaceable module comprising a portion of the outer surface of the drum. The motor rotates the drum causing the tire and wheel to rotate on the test spindle to roll against the outer surface of the drum and through the chuck hole recess.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to for detecting movement of an object. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed to detect movement of an object (e.g., a tire). The system includes a sensor that is operative to sense at least a pressure condition within an enclosed space of the object based on an operating mode of the system. A control system controls the operating mode of the system based at least in part on whether movement of the object is detected. The movement of the object is detected based on a variation in the at least a pressure condition over time. The system can be implemented as part of a tire pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting whether a tire rotation event or tire inflation even has occurred on a vehicle. The method comprises determining a first front average temperature (FAT) of a first front tire and a second front tire, determining a first rear average temperature (RAT) of a first rear tire and a second rear tire, and calculating a first ratio of the first FAT to the first RAT. The method further comprise determining a second FAT of the first front tire and the second front tire after determining the first FAT, determining a second RAT of the first rear tire and the second rear tire after determining the first RAT, calculating a second ratio of the second FAT to the second RAT, and identifying the tire rotation event based at least in part upon a comparison of the first ratio and the second ratio.

Abstract: A single phase fluid sampler system and associated methods. A fluid sampling method includes the steps of: receiving a fluid sample into a sample chamber of a fluid sampler; pressurizing the fluid sample using a pressure source; and increasing pressure in the pressure source while the pressure source is in the well, thereby applying increased pressure to the fluid sample in the sample chamber. Another method includes the step of applying pressure to the well to thereby increase pressure in the pressure source, and to thereby increase pressure on the fluid sample. A fluid sampler system includes a fluid sampler with a sample chamber, a pressure source for pressurizing the sample chamber, and a device which operates to increase pressure in the pressure source while the fluid sampler is in the well.

Abstract: A subterranean environment evaluating apparatus and method, which measure, e.g., the geologic distribution coefficient in a subterranean environments using, e.g., a pit formed by boring. The subterranean environment evaluating apparatus comprises a geologic evaluation sensor, a pump, an analyzer, a PC, a data transmitter, etc., and it is disposed in the pit formed underground by boring. The geologic evaluation sensor is disposed to form a thin layer channel defined by the surface of a rock bed. Groundwater mixed with a tracer is caused to flow through the sensor, and the analyzer measures a change of tracer concentration in the groundwater between before and after contact of the groundwater with the rock bed. The PC determines a breakthrough curve from the change of tracer concentration, thereby calculating the distribution coefficient (Kd) between the rock bed and the groundwater and the effective diffusion coefficient of the rock bed.

Abstract: Wind indicator apparatus for indicating air flow comprising: a direction pointer, including a vane member, for providing a visible indication of air flow direction; pivoting means including a fixed portion for coupling to a sailing craft and a pivotable portion able to pivot with respect to said fixed portion and with which said direction pointer is entrained for movement therewith; and a counterbalance extending from said pivotable portion of said pivoting means and arranged to move therewith, the mass of the counterbalance being disposed so as to maintain the direction pointer in a substantially level position.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-coloured ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-coloured solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: A sensor means is proposed to determine an interior humidity and/or an interior volume delimited by a wall, in particular, of a vehicle passenger compartment 3, and a fogging up tendency of an inner surface of the wall, in particular, of a window 5 of the vehicle passenger compartment 3, with a dew point sensor 10 having a humidity sensor element 1 and a temperature sensor 2, wherein the humidity sensor element 1 and the temperature sensor 2 a thermally coupled, and a surface temperature sensor 4, wherein the dew point sensor 10 is designed to measure the air humidity and the room temperature of the interior volume and the surface temperature sensor 4 is designed to measure the temperature of the inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a z-axial solid-state gyroscope. Its main configuration is manufactured with a conductive material and includes two sets of a proof mass and two driver bodies suspended between two plates by an elastic beam assembly. Both surfaces of the driver bodies and the proof masses respectively include a number of grooves respectively perpendicular to a first axis and a second axis. The surfaces of the driver bodies and the proof masses and the corresponding stripe electrodes of the plates thereof are respectively formed a driving capacitors and a sensing capacitors. The driving capacitor drives the proof masses to vibrate in the opposite direction along the first axis. If a z-axial angular velocity input, a Coriolis force makes the two masses vibrate in the opposite direction along the second axis. If a first axial acceleration input, a specific force makes the two masses move in the same direction along the first axis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include coupling a plurality of masses to provide a plurality of output signals responsive to motion relative to a common axis. Moving the plurality of masses at a substantially common frequency, moving a subset of the plurality of masses out of phase with the remainder of the plurality of masses, and combining the plurality of output signals to provide a combined signal associated with a response property of at least one of the plurality of masses may also be included.

Abstract: The gyro sensor uses a clock signal as a timing signal or synchronous signal for reading various data stored in a built-in memory for its yaw rate sensing operation. The gyro sensor is configured to use, as such a clock signal, the self-excited oscillation signal being applied to the vibrator of the gyro sensor as a vibrator drive signal.

Abstract: Sensors and systems for monitoring structural health conditions. The present invention provides a device for monitoring structural health conditions including a dielectric substrate, a piezoelectric device for actuating and/or sensing Lamb waves, a molding layer deposited over the piezoelectric device, a cover layer deposited over the molding layer and a hoop layer surrounding the piezoelectric device and being attached to the substrate. The device further includes an optical fiber coil sensor attached to the dielectric substrate, where the coil sensor has a rolled optical fiber cable and a coating layer applied to the rolled optical fiber cable. The present invention also provides a diagnostic patch network that includes a plurality of patch sensors attached to a host structure and a bridge box connected to the patch sensors. The bridge box sends information of structural health conditions to and receive power from a ground control system using a wireless communication technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a failure detecting system that enables the detection of a break in a rail and the like by a simple network configuration. Detecting units (20 and 50), relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C) and terminal units (40 and 70) are arranged along rails (11, 11A and 11B). Using the rails (11, 11A and 11B) as transmission media, ultrasonic waves transmitted from the detecting units (20 and 50) are transmitted to the terminal units (40 and 70) by the relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C), and when the terminal units (40 and 70) receive the ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic waves are returned from the terminal units (40 and 70), relayed by the relay units (30A, 30B, 60A through 60C), and transmitted to the detecting units (20 and 50). Thus, it is judged whether there is a break in the rails (11, 11A and 11B), based on the ultrasonic wave reception state in the detecting units (20 and 50).

Abstract: A sensor carrier is provided that has at least one oscillating element (32) that introduces ultrasonic waves into an area to be examined and/or receives ultrasonic waves coming from the area to be examined, whereby the oscillating element (32) is located in an oscillator carrier (33), and the oscillator carrier (33) has connecting means (36, 37, 38, 39) for connection with the electrode (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-compensated optical fiber pressure detector for detecting pressure variations in at least one medium in relation to a reference medium such as the atmosphere or a medium where a back pressure prevails. The detector essentially comprises a deformable element (2) such as a bellows (5) exposed on one side to the reference medium and on the opposite side to the pressure to be measured, an optical fiber portion (F1) including at least one optical grating such as a Bragg grating (B1), which is connected on one side to deformable element (2) and on the opposite side to a fixed point. The optical fiber portion is subjected to a prestress by a device (6, 15, 20, 21) and its elongation varies with the displacements of the deformable element. The device applies the prestress to optical fiber portion (F1) between deformable element (2) and another fixed element (15) isolated from the medium by a rigid housing (1).

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for transferring a pressure from a pressure prevailing in a first medium onto a second medium includes a pressure chamber between a platform and a dividing membrane, wherein the pressure chamber is fillable with the second medium and has a pressure chamber opening, through which the pressure can be transmitted by means of the second medium to a pressure measurement cell. The pressure transmitter includes a sensor for monitoring a material property of the second medium, preferably a conductivity sensor with at least one electrode, which sensor can detect contaminants in the second medium from the first medium following a rupture of the dividing membrane on the basis of changes in the monitored material property. The sensor is in flow connection with the pressure chamber by way of the pressure chamber opening.

Abstract: A ring-like groove 140 for accommodating a seal ring 130 is formed in fitting surfaces 12c and 13c of pressure introduction portions 12b and 13b for introducing a pressure from a measured member 200 to a sensing portion. The pressure introduction portions 12b and 13b are fitted to the measured member 200 through the seal ring 130. Projection portions 141 are formed on the side surface of the groove 140 and a part of the seal ring 130 is pressed at these projection portions 141 into the groove 140. The seal ring 130 is thus retained inside the groove 140.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device (10, 40) is shown having a ceramic capacitive sensing element (12) received in a chamber formed in a hexport housing (16). The hexport housing has a fluid passageway (16c) communicating with a recessed chamber (16d) formed in a bottom wall circumscribed by an annular platform shoulder (16e). A thin flexible metal diaphragm (18) is hermetically attached to the bottom wall along the platform shoulder. A curable adhesive resin having a thermal coefficient of expansion and modulus of elasticity appropriately matching that of sensing element (12), such as polyurethane, is cast between the sensing element (12) and the metal diaphragm (18) forming, when cured, a layer bonded to both members resulting in a sensor that is effective in monitoring negative as well as positive fluid pressures.

Abstract: A sensor head characterizes unsteady pressures in a fluid flowing within a pipe, as may be caused by one or both of acoustic waves propagating through the fluid within the pipe and/or pressure disturbances that convect with the fluid flowing in the pipe. The sensor head comprises a rigid support structure and at least one transducer attached to the rigid support structure. The rigid support structure holds the transducer in contact with an outer surface of the pipe. The at least one transducer senses relative movement between the outer surface of the pipe and the support structure and provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressures within the fluid at a corresponding axial position of the pipe in response to the relative movement. The support structure may be attached to each transducer in an array of transducers, and may include a handle secured thereto for manipulating the sensor head into contact with the pipe.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate and a pedestal member such as a glass pedestal. The semiconductor substrate has a diaphragm for detecting a pressure and a thick portion positioned around the diaphragm. The pedestal member has one surface bonded to the thick portion of the semiconductor substrate and the other surface opposite to the one surface. In the pressure sensor, the pedestal member has a through hole through which pressure is introduced to the diaphragm. The through hole penetrates through the pedestal member from an opening of the other surface to the one surface of the pedestal member, and the through hole has a hole diameter that becomes smaller from the one surface toward the other surface of the pedestal member. Accordingly, it can effectively restrict foreign materials such as dusts from being introduced into the through hole of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A multilayered coating is disclosed as a protective coating against moisture penetration for strain gauges that are or can be installed on a deformable body of a force-measuring cell. A strain gauge has a strain-sensitive electrical resistor track and connector electrodes for contacting the resistor track arranged on a carrier substrate, with a multilayered coating covering at least a part of the carrier substrate and/or of the resistor track and/or of the connector electrodes as a protective coating against moisture penetration. The multilayered coating is composed of an alternating sequence of a polymer layer and a barrier layer and consists of at least three thin individual layers. In the case where a multilayered coating is applied to a strain gauge that is already installed on the deformable body of a force-measuring cell, the multilayered coating can in addition also cover a part of the deformable body.

Abstract: A method for selecting a polymeric insert to be chosen for its mechanical strength qualities to be incorporated into construction of a laminated glazing. The method evaluates the tear strength of the insert, and evaluates adhesion of the insert to at least one glass substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15–18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1–xN disposed axially along a pipe 14 for measuring the velocity and volumetric flow rate of a single phase or multi-phase fluid 12 having a non-negligible axial Mach number flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15–18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)–PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound propagating with and against the flow of the fluid 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The apparatus, responsive to the measured speed of sound propagating with and against the flow of the fluid, determines the velocity and the flow rate of the fluid propagating through the pipe.

Abstract: A flow meter comprising a tubular main-body and a cover plate formed by printed circuit board which carries two pressure sensing devices tightly packed by soft rubber material for sensing the pressure head of and the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the flow meter. Since the cover plate is mounted on, and fastened to the main-body by fastening screw, but not by adhesive to form a complete unit, the cover plate can therefore bear high fluid pressure without crack or damage, i.e., shall increase the capacity of bearing pressure, the service life and accuracy, and decrease the occurrence of malfunction to the flow meter.

Abstract: A sensor device including a resolver having a rotor provided on a rotation-side raceway member of a hub unit and a stator provided on a stationary-side raceway member of the unit, and a processing circuit for processing a signal to be output in accordance with an air gap between the stator and the rotor. The processing circuit has a wheel ground contact load calculating unit for determining the ground contact load on a wheel from the air gap between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A torque direction detecting device for an electric motor includes a resolver which provides a pair of a sin ? signal and a cos ? signal with ? changing from 0 degree to 360 degrees in electric angle according to rotation of the brushless motor, a circuit which calculates an electric angle of the brushless motor from the sin ? signal and the cos ? signal, a current sensor for detecting phase current flowing through the phase windings, a circuit which provides a signal if the phase currents is in a prescribed magnitude relation, a circuit which divides a period of the 360 degree-electric angle into 8 timing sections according to magnitude relation between the sin ? signal and the cos ? signal and comparison of the sin ? signal and the cos ? signal with 0, and a circuit which determines a torque direction of the brushless motor if the comparison signal is provided in one of prescribed two timing sections each of which has a specific combination of the magnitude relation and the comparison of the sin ? signal an

Abstract: A torque measuring device for electric motors having a rotor and a stator is proposed, said apparatus comprising a holding apparatus to hold the stator non-rotatably, an eddy current brake device which can be used to brake the rotor and a torque sensor connected to the eddy current brake device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, seat mounting brackets for securing the seat to a vehicle structure, and a pair of laterally spaced apart track assemblies secured to the mounting brackets to selectively move the seat in a horizontal direction. A plurality of weight sensing devices are connected to the seat mounting brackets and a pair of mounting plates are supported by the weight sensing devices. A first pair of the weight sensing devices supports one of the pair of mounting plates and a second pair of the weight sensing devices supports the other of the pair of mounting plates. The weight sensing devices provide signals indicating occupancy of the seat. A seat belt is secured to at least one of the mounting plates so that loads of seat belt are transmitted through the mounting plates to the track assemblies and the mounting brackets.

Abstract: Method for dosing liquid volumes, wherein a sample pickup portion with a pickup volume, the boundary of which is perforated with a liquid passage guiding to the outside and a gas passage, is dipped into a liquid with the liquid passage, a negative pressure is suddenly applied to the gas passage, which is generated by a gas displacement system, a drive of the gas displacement system is readjusted such that a constant negative working pressure exists in the sample pickup portion, the taken sample volume is detected with the aid of the readjusted driving path of the drive, the detected taken volume is compared with a predetermined value of the volume that is to be taken, when the predetermined value is reached by the taken volume, the negative pressure applied on the sample pickup portion is suddenly abated, the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is pulled out of the liquid the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is directed towards a releasing location, one ore more flow parameters is/are d

Abstract: A sampling system for detecting an analyte, comprising a diaphragm pump, a buffer chamber, a sensor head and intake port. The pump includes a chamber for receiving fluids via first and second ports. A buffer chamber is located at the second port for holding a quantity of air, and a sensor head is adapted to identify the presence of a desired analyte and produce a signal in response to the quantity identified. Preferably the diaphragm pump has a volume of gas per stroke capacity slightly larger than the volume of the sensor head such that the pump chamber has a greater volume than the buffer chamber and the buffer chamber has about the same volume as the sensor head. A sensor intake port intakes a sample potentially containing the analyte for contact with the sensor head upon operation of the diaphragm pump and out of the sensor head by jet-action caused by rapid movement of the diaphragm pump. A filter may be used for filtering air drawn through the pump chamber.

Abstract: A temperature controlled hydraulic fluid supply circuit (12) includes a first hydraulic fluid reservoir (18), that has an initial hydraulic fluid (20), and a temperature controlled housing (45). A second hydraulic fluid reservoir (26) is fluidically coupled to the first hydraulic fluid reservoir (18), resides within the temperature controlled housing (45), and has a controlled hydraulic fluid (14) that is supplied to a test device (16). A circulation device (60) circulates a temperature altering fluid (62) through the temperature controlled housing (45) and adjusts the temperature of the controlled hydraulic fluid (14).

Abstract: A rotation angle sensor includes: (a) a multi-resolver housing with a high precision structure; (b) stator terminals that do not cause deformation or loosening of terminal pins from the substrates to which they are attached; and (3) a signal line connection structure that is not affected by thermal stress. The housing (10) includes divisional housings (10a, 10b), and one resolver is installed in each of the divisional housings (10a, 10b). The divisional housings (10a, 10b) are assembled by aligning respective openings therein in an axial direction. The lead lines of stator windings are connected to printed circuit substrates (51) installed on insulators (20a, 20b), and pins (54) connect the printed circuit substrates (51) to a connecting signal output line via flexible connectors (61, 64).

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing method for designing a semiautogenous or an autogenous grinding circuit with at least one ball mill for grinding ore. In the method the ore is tested in two separate testing steps using the same testing sample of ore.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is provided in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. The thin-film sensor is captured at least partially within a spacer or interface member, the spacer being received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts—as in the thin film temperature sensor(s)—in connection with a construction approach minimizing or eliminating gaps or other system configuration variability.

Abstract: The transmission includes: a first input shaft carrying drive gearwheels for first gear, third gear, fifth gear, sixth gear and reverse; a second input shaft, coaxial to the first, carrying drive gearwheels for second gear and fourth gear; first and second clutches for coupling the first and the second input shafts respectively to a drive shaft of the motor vehicle; and at least one output shaft carrying a plurality of driven gearwheels, each meshing, either directly or indirectly, with a corresponding drive gearwheel; a first engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of first and third gears; a second engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of second and fourth gears; a third engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheels or driven gearwheels of fifth and sixth gears; and a fourth engagement sleeve associated with the drive gearwheel or driven gearwheel of reverse gear.

Abstract: A vehicle gear box shift actuator and apparatus including the same. The actuator includes a lead screw; a drive nut threaded on the lead screw; a plunger; a first spring disposed between the drive nut and a first end of the plunger; a second spring disposed between the drive nut and a second end of the plunger opposite from the first end.

Abstract: A thrust piece unit for rack-and-pinion steering mechanisms, which is integrated into a housing bore of the steering mechanism housing of motor vehicles, in order to keep the pinion in constant intermeshing with the rack, the thrust piece unit comprising a cylinder part, a piston part and two chambers which are matched with one another and are filled with hydraulic medium and which are connected to one another via a replenishing valve and via a throttle point, and overload protection being additionally integrated in the thrust piece unit.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a bass drum or high hat cymbals. A flat base plate has a resilient pedal board clamped to it with the pedal board inclined to receive a foot. A beater stick is connected with the toe end of the pedal board by a linkage that drives the beater stick against a bass drum when the pedal is depressed. The resiliency of the pedal board returns it to its normal position when foot pressure is withdrawn. The material of which the pedal board is constructed has a modulus of elasticity between about one million and about six million. A striker pad limits the depression of the pedal board to limit the force that the beater stick can apply to the drum.

Abstract: An energy storage flywheel system includes a flywheel assembly that is rotationally mounted in a housing assembly, and one or more actuator assemblies. The actuator assemblies are configured to selectively engage and disengage the flywheel assembly. When the actuator assemblies engage the flywheel assembly, the actuator assemblies provide support for, and inhibit rotation of, the flywheel assembly. When the actuator assemblies disengage the flywheel assembly, the actuator assemblies no longer support the flywheel assembly, and no longer inhibit its rotation.

Abstract: A coupling structure capable of being removed in an undamaged condition from a rotatable shaft. The coupling structure includes a metallic insert and a polymer hub surrounding the metallic insert. The metallic insert features a sleeve and a flange at the leading edge of the sleeve remote from the opening into which the shaft is inserted. Forces applied to the flange are preferentially transferred to the metallic insert such that the polymer hub remains substantially stress-free. The coupling structure may be incorporates into a torsional vibration damper that further includes an inertia member encircling the polymer hub and an elastomer layer situated between the inertia member and the polymer hub. The coupling structure permits the torsional vibration damper to be removed undamaged from a crankshaft.

Abstract: A method and system enable the automatic generation of a call processing control record. A user creates a schedule entry comprising a plurality of data entries on an electronic scheduler. The data entries are transmitted from the electronic scheduler to a call processing control record generator. The data entries are compared with stored data. In response to the data entries, the call processing control record generator generates a call processing control record which can be stored in a call processing control record database. The call processing control record can be used to forward calls or transmit an announcement to the calling party.

Abstract: A cordless screwdriver, having a housing (12, 18) equipped with a handle (14), having an in particular permanently installed rechargeable battery (40), and having a transmission (72), is particularly compact, lightweight, and strong because the transmission (72), embodied in the form of a sun-and-planet gear, is simply inserted into a hollow, cylindrical transmission housing (18) and can be secured in position in it by an axial securing plate (62); the transmission housing (18) is also provided with an internal gearing and serves as the sun gear as well as being integrated into the reinforcing structure of the cordless screwdriver (10).

Abstract: An object gripping device for removing and installing bulbs and other objects. The device has around its circumference three or more vertical gripping posts. The device uses a sun gear and planetary gears to transmit the user's twisting motion to a gripping force applied equally around the object's circumference. Furthermore, the gearing ratio can be adjusted to create more or less leverage or gripping force applied to the bulb or object. The device could also be applied to gripping any object that is semi-cylindrical in shape. For instance, a robot can use the invented gear system to pick up or grip objects in a factory, laboratory, hospital, space exploration or home setting. Instead of a handle used to rotate the sun gear a drive shaft can be attached. An electric motor, a gas or diesel engine, a hydraulic power pack can rotate the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be used during drilling operations for the purposes of clamping and holding drilling tubulars is disclosed. The embodiments relate to machinery that clamp and hold drilling tubulars to allow assembly to a specified torque or disassembly of the tubulars. The apparatus comprises a first grip with teeth inserts housed in a gripping block that opposes a second grip with teeth inserts housed in a second gripping block. The first and second grips are spaced and adapted to accommodate a range of diameters of drilling tubulars. Further, the gripping blocks are held by opposing arms connected to a driving means to create a tightening or loosening movement of the grips and maintain a certain orientation with regard to the tubulars.

Abstract: A wrench (1) is disclosed having a handle (3) mounted pivotally with a head portion (2) for engaging a drive socket to tighten or slacken a fastener such as a nut, bolt or screw, and a resilient split ring (5) as operative portion intermediate the handle (3) and head portion (2). The head portion (2) has an aperture into which the split ring (5) is sprung to define a radial gap in the split ring (5) and a camming arm (33, 34) extending radially outwardly from each end of the split ring (5) respectively. The split ring (5) also has stops (37, 38) engaging the head portion under the natural resilience in the split ring (5) to prevent undue rotation of the ring in the head portion.

Abstract: A hinged socket wrench speed handle having an offset shank (20) with a first end (22) and a second end (24). Attached to the first end (22) is a clevis (28) which receives a 180-degree drive head that is held by a hinge pin (40). The drive head consists of either a square drive head (30) or a ratchet drive head (31). To the second end (24) is attached a handle (58), which rotates the wrench. A second embodiment of the hinged socket wrench includes a second clevis (28) that is added to the second end (24) of the offset shank. The second clevis (28) adds further combinations of angular displacement of the handle (58). Thus increasing the value of the wrench as a tool and also its utility in difficult work areas. The wrench consists of five hinge pin (40) variations which provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke, thereby improving the structural integrity and prolonging the tool's life.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a head which has an insertion and first teeth are defined in an outer periphery of the insertion. The insertion is pivotably connected to a recess between two lugs on a handle and a first biasing device is connected to an inner end of the recess. A control member is located between the insertion and the inner end of the recess, and has second teeth which are engaged with the first teeth. A cam-like protrusion projects from an underside of the control member and includes a curved outer surface which is in contact with the first biasing device. The first and second teeth are disengaged from each other when pivoting the control member so that the head can be pivoted, the first and second teeth are engaged again when the control member are pivoted back such that the head is positioned at a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand tool comprising a pair of handles that rotate about a pivot point. The proximal end of the handles may be covered in an electrically insulating material in order to aid in insulating the hands of the user from electrical shock and cushion the grip of the tool. A jaw member of thin cross-section may be affixed to the distal end of the handles or formed in the distal end of the handles. The unique shape of the portion of each jaw member grips the locknut. Each jaw member is designed in such a manner that, when the hand tool's handles are closed, each jaw member independently engages one or more of the locknut protrusions. A method of tightening and loosening locknuts using a hand tool with the distal end of the handles forming a shaped jaw member for gripping the locknut.

Abstract: A screwing tool with a device to adjust transmitted torque comprises a handle to introduce a torque to the device, which is borne in the hollow of the handle and a drive shaft as an output element of the torque. On the drive shaft inside the handle, two separate couplings are assembled, having between them a compression spring exerting a spring force against the two couplings. Each coupling comprises a first and a second socket engaging each other by gearings at their opposing faces. The maximum torque at which the torque transmission will be interrupted can be adjusted by an adjustment element wherein the distance between the couplings can be changed, thereby resulting in a change of the tension of the spring exerting a load on the couplings. The teeth of the gearings slide and the sockets rotate relatively to each other and interrupt the torque-transmission if a pre-adjusted torque is exceeded.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable. The control system also includes a test mode to test whether the detection system is working, to test whether various materials would be detected by the detection system, and/or to test whether various materials would trigger the reaction system.