Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: calculating a correlation coefficient K based on the result of comparing a vibration waveform of an engine and a knock waveform model stored previously; calculating a magnitude value LOG(V) from the magnitude V detected based on a signal transmitted from a knock sensor; creating frequency distribution of magnitude values LOG(V) by using magnitude values LOG(V) in an ignition cycle in which the correlation coefficient K larger than a threshold K(1) is calculated; and counting knock proportion KC by using the created frequency distribution. If the vibration waveform includes a waveform of vibration of noise components, the correlation coefficient K is calculated to be smaller comparing with a case of not including it.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including a step of calculating intensity values LOG(V) based on signals transmitted from a knock sensor; a step of deciding a maximum value V(MAX) in frequency distribution of intensity values LOG(V) for N cycles (N is a natural number); a step of calculating a knock determination level V(KD) based on the frequency distribution; a step of, when the knock determination level V(KD) is smaller than the maximum value V(MAX), removing V(MAX) from the frequency distribution; and a step of counting the total frequency of removed maximum values V(MAX) as knock occupancy KC. Maximum values V(MAX) are removed until the knock determination level V(KD) and the maximum value V(MAX) coincide, and the knock determination level V(KD) is recalculated.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge permeameter system that includes a hydraulic permeameter adapted for use in a centrifuge; and an automated data acquisition system, wherein the centrifuge permeameter non-destructively determines one or more soil characteristics from a sample of granular material such as soil, rock, and concrete when centrifuged.

Abstract: System, methods, and compositions are described for detecting and inhibiting leaks of an engine oil system. The composition may include an engine oil system sealant and a light activated compound. The engine oil system sealant(s) inhibit leak(s) in the engine oil system. One or more of the light activated compounds are visible when an activating light source is directed towards a portion of the engine oil system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in a MEMS sensor package, and in particular, a MEMS sensor package that includes an oscillating structure or element that has a Quality (Q) value. The method and apparatus may include measuring the Q value of the MEMS sensor at a first time, applying a pressure to the outside of the MEMS sensor package, and measuring the Q value of the MEMS sensor at a second time after pressure has been applied for a period of time. A change in the measured Q values between the first time and the second time may be determined, which may then be correlated to a leak rate for the particular MEMS sensor package. In some cases, a leak rate of 2×10?13 He atm.cc/s or less may be detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the total base number of a used lubricant from an open, all loss, lubricating system. An AC voltage signal is applied between electrodes immersed in the used lubricant and a used-lubricant dependent response to the applied signal measured. The used lubricant base number is determined from the response. To allow for changes in the fresh lubricant inputted to the open lubricating system, the method and apparatus can have means for determining properties of the fresh lubricant needed to determine the total base number of used lubricant. To allow for possible contamination of the used lubricant, the method and apparatus can have means for determining the concentration of contamination and for determining properties of the contaminant needed to determine the total base number of used lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for measuring interfacial stick-slip transitions (SST) and an improved constant-force shear capable of measuring interfacial SST. Some embodiments are capable of measuring SST under simple shear conditions and/or in highly entangled polymer melts. Some embodiments include the application of a constant shearing force to a polymer sample.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method for using multiple scanning probes to deconvolve tip artifacts in scanning probe microscopes and other scanning probe systems. The invention uses multiple scanning probe tips of different geometries or orientations to scan a feature, such as a semiconductor line or trench, and to display the scan data such that tip artifacts from each tip can be omitted from the measurement by data from the other tips.

Abstract: A leak diagnosing technology in which a diagnostic space capable of being closed is defined which includes therein a fuel tank and a canister, the closed diagnostic space being pressurized by an air pump to diagnose of presence or absence of a leak in the diagnostic space based on whether or not a pressure in the diagnostic space indicates a predetermined pressure change. When the diagnosis is completed, the air pump is reversely rotated to cause a reduction in the pressure in the diagnostic space to thereby quickly return the pressure to a target pressure in a steady state.

Abstract: A method and a device for inspecting a tire, the method comprising the steps of, in a rim assembly station (G) separated from an inspection station (K) having a tire inspector (58) installed thereon, forming a rim/tire assembly (44) in a setup by assembling one side and the other side rims (19) and (20) with an inspected tire (15) and, when an inspection is performed, transforming the rim/tire assembly (44) from the rim assembly station (G) to the tire inspector (58) on the inspection station (K), whereby a preparatory operation time in the tire inspector (58) can be shortened to shorten a cycle time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus derives a change amount in the cumulative value of displacement for the unit of time as a change ratio in tire deformation by using the cumulative value of displacement derived present time and the cumulative value of displacement derived last time, and calculate a rate of change ratio using the change ratio in tire deformation previously calculated as a reference value and the change ratio calculated present time, and determine a cornering stability of the wheel that represents a degree of a margin in which the wheel keeps no sliding and beyond which the wheel start sliding based on the rate of change ratio.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides for detecting a flow of a formation fluid entering into a wellbore. An ultrasonic sensor is placed in a wellbore. The sensor has a resonant member that is exposed to a fluid in the wellbore. At a location in the wellbore, acoustic energy is measured wherein the acoustic energy is related to turbulence from formation fluid entering the wellbore. In another embodiment of the invention a tool is provided for detecting a flow of a formation fluid into a downhole location in a wellbore. The ultrasonic sensor has a resonant member that is adapted to be in contact with a fluid in the wellbore. The sensor generates electrical signals when exposed to ultrasonic turbulences caused by a formation fluid entering into the wellbore. A processor processes the electrical signals to detect the flow of the formation fluid entering into the wellbore.

Abstract: The joint rotational angles of joints 9, 11 and 13 of each leg 2 of a bipedal walking body 1 are detected to grasp the positions/postures of the corresponding rigid bodies 10, 12 and 14 of each leg 2 on a leg plane passing the joints 9, 11 and 13 of each leg 2. At the same time, the acceleration of a reference point (the origin of a body coordinate system BC) of the bipedal walking body 1, the floor reaction force acting on each leg 2 and the position of an acting point thereof are grasped in terms of three-dimensional amounts. Two-dimensional amounts obtained by projecting the acceleration, the floor reaction force and the position of the acting point thereof, and the positions/postures of the corresponding rigid bodies of each 2 onto the leg plane are used to estimate the moments acting on joints of each leg on the basis of an inverse dynamic model.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling micro-fluid temperature is provided. The apparatus includes a chip, a fixed stand, a heat-absorption block, and an actuator. The chip has a reaction chamber for disposing a micro-fluid, and the temperature of the micro-fluid rises by heating the chip to reach the required reaction temperature. In the cooling-down operation, the heat-absorption block can contact the chip when pushed by the actuator, so as to dissipate the heat from the chip by way of heat conduction. Moreover, in the heating operation, the heat-conductive block is out of contact with the chip such that the micro-fluid in the chip is quickly heated, so as to reach the required reaction temperature of the micro-fluid rapidly.

Abstract: Excitation power to fluid flow measurement sensor is applied in such a way so as to maintain some part of the sensor elements at a constant temperature relative to the ambient fluid temperature and some part of the sensor elements to change its temperature with fluid flow which results in a sensor output that remains constant and linear with per unit flow. This semi-constant temperature sensor excitation scheme results in higher sensor output, added sensor range and temperature insensitive flow measurement. Therefore, this sensor excitation method negates the drawbacks of smaller and non-linear output and/or thermal runaway that are associated with other excitation methods.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system for measuring a filling level of a content contained in a tank is disclosed. The system comprises a transmitter and a probe, configured to guide transmitted microwave energy towards the content. Further, it comprises a coupling comprising a mechanical connection configured to mechanically connect the probe to the tank; an electric feed-through configured to electrically connect the probe to the transmitter; and a seal adapted to hermetically seal the electric feed-through, wherein the coupling is adapted to provide mechanical separation between said mechanical connection and said seal, and to permit at least some movement between the mechanical connection and the seal, thereby protecting the seal from forces acting on the probe.

Abstract: A tank gauging system for sensing product parameters of a product contained in a tank is disclosed. The system comprises a microwave-based level gauging unit and a temperature gauging unit. A controller of the system includes an external interface adapted to enable communication between the tank gauging system and an external control system; processing circuitry configured for management of communication over the external interface; and a power supply, which is enclosed in an explosion-proof housing and configured to supply intrinsically safe power to the gauging units, wherein the power supply has an essentially rectangular output characteristic. Further, an intrinsically safe two-wire bus connecting the controller and the gauging units is provided, wherein the two-wire bus is usable both for transmitting measurement signals related to the sensed product parameters from the gauging units to the controller and for providing intrinsically safe power from the controller to the gauging units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to automate the measurement of the fluid levels of individual tanks used at the work site of an oil well. An ultrasonic transducer may be removably attached to each tank at the site. The fluid level of each tank may be determined from the time elapsed from the transmission of an ultrasonic signal from the transducer and when a signal reflected from the fluid is received at the transducer. The transducer may wirelessly transmit a signal representative of the fluid level to a receiving unit. The receiving unit may be able to instantaneously determine the overall fluid flow rate from the tanks based on the fluid levels when compared to previous fluid levels. The transducers may take fluid level measurements at regular intervals or may make measurements only when directed by the receiving unit.

Abstract: An environment difference detector includes an elastic surface wave element equipped with a substrate including a surface having an annular surface acoustic wave circulating path, a surface acoustic wave exciting/receiving unit exciting a surface acoustic wave along the circular path and receiving the circulated surface acoustic wave, and a sensitive film disposed on the circular path to change an elastic nature in accordance with a change in an adjacent environment, a speed/intensity measuring unit measuring a circulating speed and intensity of the surface acoustic wave from an electric signal generated by the unit when the unit receives the circulating surface acoustic wave, and an environment evaluation unit evaluating an environment adjacent to the sensitive film from at least one of the circulating speed and the intensity measured by the unit.

Abstract: In a first object the present invention provides a method for the inspection of the quality of the sealing of a packages and more specifically the method of the present invention allows the on-line inspection of the air-tightness of a package. Said method comprising the following steps of (i) acquiring the noise signal generated by the sealing equipment during the sealing of the package, (ii) analyzing the signal in order to determine the values of at least one physical parameter characterizing the noise signal and (iii) deciding on the quality of the sealing by comparing the determined value to a reference value for said physical parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sensing apparatus (10) in detecting particles in air sampled from a number of locations. In one aspect the present invention provides for the determination of the time of flight of a signal transmitted between a transmitter (42, 44) and a receiver (44, 42), comprising: transmitting a first signal comprising at least one characteristic waveform feature; transmitting a second signal comprising at least one characteristic waveform feature and a waveform modification introduced at a predetermined point in time of the duration of the second signal; receiving said first and second transmitted signals; determining a point of diversion between corresponding characteristic waveform features of the first and second received signals comprising super positioning said first and second received signals such that said point of diversion corresponds to an arrival time of the introduced waveform feature modification at the receiver.

Abstract: Fluids such as saline solution that are disposed in containers such as contact lens packages can be detected by directing ultrasonic energy at the container and receiving a return reflection of the ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic energy and the return reflection can propagate through a shroud that substantially isolates the ultrasonic energy and the return reflection from air currents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system utilizes a tunable digital filter with 4× interpolation. The system is used for scanning objects to be tested and includes a transmit/receive device to generate a test signal and receive an echo signal. A signal processing circuit processes the echo signal with one or more digital to analog converters for converting an analog version of the echo signal to a digital echo signal in the form of streaming digital data which is stored in a memory. The data is stored at a first data rate and read out at the second, slower data rate. An averaging decimator receives and processes the data from the memory and supplies it to an IIR filter and subsequently to an FIR filter and ultimately to a box car filter to effect processing thereon which increases the perceived resolution of the data by a given factor, preferably by a factor of 4.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device is pressed against the front surface of a structure, emits an ultrasonic pulse into the structure, and detects an echo profile from the structure. An indicator is activated if the echo profile includes a return pulse that at least is received from between the front surface and the back surface of the structure. An ultrasonic transducer device includes an ultrasonic transducer and a coupling element coupled to the transducer for disposition between the transducer and a surface of a structure. The coupling element serves as a delay line that allows time for quiescence in the transducer so that return pulses from shallow depths can be detected. The ultrasonic transducer is activated when multiple switches are pressed against a surface thus assuring both firm coupling and perpendicular disposition of the acoustic axis of the transducer relative to the surface.

Abstract: A pressure measuring device for detecting a pressure to be measured of a medium, having a pressure housing; a converter situated in the pressure housing for converting a mechanical force produced by the pressure to be measured into an electrical signal; an output unit for outputting the electrical signal; a separator for separating the medium from the converter; and a transmission device for transmitting the force produced by the pressure to be measured to the converter.

Abstract: A fastener assembly and method are provided. In one embodiment, the fastener assembly comprises a nut compatible with a threaded shaft. A rotation indicator having at least one indicator extension is attached to the nut. At least one protruding structure extends from the nut. The protruding structure interferes with the indicator extension when the nut is rotated on the threaded shaft and the rotation indicator is compressed between the nut and a surface.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a sensor includes a fibrous region contacting at least two electrodes. The fibrous region has an electrically conductive coating. The fibrous region has a resistance and when the fibrous region is compressed, the resistance changes. In another embodiment, a method of making a pressure responsive sensor includes providing a compressible material, applying a conductive coating to the compressible material to provide a coated compressible material having a resistance, and placing the coated compressible material in contact with at least two electrodes, wherein when the compressible material is compressed, the resistance changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strain detector improved in output characteristic, in which no internal stress is generated in strain resistance elements even with it fixed on a fixing member. The strain detector is configured in that a detection hole is provided nearly at the center of a insulating substrate, a fixing hole is formed at the position of peripheral end, a portion around the detection hole is pressed by a pressing member, one holding member and the other holding member are provided with fixing holes opposing to the fixing holes of the insulating substrate, and the peripheral end of the insulating substrate is fixed by the fixing. member inserted. Accordingly, the detection hole in the insulating substrate is peripherally displaceable in vertical direction with respect to one holding member and the other holding member.

Abstract: A displacement amount measuring apparatus for measuring the amount of the displacement of a movable member (3) with a displacement sensor (81) by extending and/or retracting a specimen (S) by an operating means (100) to displace the movable member (3) and a generated force measuring device for measuring, with a load cell, a force generated when the specimen (S) is extended/retracted. The displacement amount measuring device for measuring the extended amount and/or the retracted amount of the specimen (S) by extending and/or retracting the specimen (S) comprises the operating means (100) extending/retracting the specimen (S), the movable member (3) connected to the tip of the specimen (S), a friction reducing body (5) horizontally and movably supporting the movable member (3), and the displacement sensor (81) measuring the amount of the displacement of the movable member (3).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the shear strength of curved core material. The method comprises the steps of: (a) bonding one side of a test specimen of curved core material to a convex curved surface of a first support; (b) bonding the other side of the test specimen to a concave curved surface of a second support; (c) mounting the first support so that it is pivotable about a pivot axis; (d) fixing the second support to a rigid frame; (e) after step (a) through (d) have been performed, causing the first support to pivot about the pivot axis; and (f) during step (e), continuously monitoring a parameter that will manifest a change if and when shear induced in the test specimen causes a structural change indicative of failure of the test specimen. A linearly displaceable head is mechanically coupled to the first support in a manner such that linear displacement of the head is converted into pivoting of the first support.

Abstract: An oscillating vane actuator for active control of fluid flow over a surface includes a pivoted vane surrounded by a wedge-shaped chamber, and first and second conduits with openings adjacent the surface. The actuator also includes a rotating shaft with a connecting rod to actuate the vane in a oscillatory manner. As the vane travels in one direction, fluid is forced out from the chamber through the first conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the second opening and conduit into the opposite side of the chamber. Similarly, when the vane travels in the opposite direction, fluid is forced out through the second conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the first opening and conduit.

Abstract: For measuring a medium, the medium flows through at least one inline measuring device measuring tube joined into the course of a pipeline, especially a measuring tube which vibrates, at least at times. Using an inline measuring device sensor arrangement arranged on the measuring tube and/or in its vicinity and reacting, at least mediately, to changes of the at least one physical parameter of the medium, at least one measurement signal is produced, which is influenced by at least one physical parameter of the medium in the measuring tube. Additionally, pressures effective in the medium are registered, in order to determine repeatedly a pressure difference existing in the flowing medium at least in part along the at least one measuring tube.

Abstract: A load sensor plate (100) is adapted for manufacture by stamping spaced apart openings (110) through a thin blank to define flexure beams (112) beside the openings (110); and forming the blank with spaced apart columnar walls (102), (106) joined by a web (104) having the openings (110) and the flexure beams (112) whereby, an applied load (116) exerted on one of the columnar walls (102) is distributed among the flexure beams (12), and another of the columnar walls (106) bears an opposing force (118) that resists the applied load (118).

Abstract: A portable receptacle is vacuumized for use in taking an air or gas sample for subsequent examination to determine type, origin, components of the air or gas. Critical to a long shelf life of the vacuumized receptacle is a valve which virtually seals the receptacle for months or years permitting storage of the receptacle in a state ready for immediate use at a site. The valve utilizes a positionable member plated with a noble metal. A filter serves to collect particulate from the air or gas flow into the receptacle. A funnel shaped collector aids in the collection.

Abstract: A bound materials core measuring device includes a tubular body to accommodate a core sample of road or pathway surfacing bound material. The tubular body has a plurality of graduated scales extending therealong at spaced intervals therearound to enable the core sample to be measured from a plurality of angles by reading from each of the plurality of graduated scales. The tubular body has, located therein, a supporting element for supporting the core sample with the supporting element being mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the tubular body. The tubular body also includes therein a device for effecting the longitudinal movement.

Abstract: In a sample injector for a gas chromatograph, the present invention improves the throughput of a GC analysis including the derivation of a target compound and reduces the tedious work of handling a reagent for the derivation. According to the present invention, a derivation reagent R is suctioned into a microsyringe 10, after which a small amount of air and a sample P to be analyzed are successively suctioned so that the reagent, the air and the sample are held in this order, from top to bottom. Then, the needle 11 of the microsyringe 10 is inserted through the septum 3 into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2, and the plunger 12 is pushed halfway through so that only the sample is injected into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2. The sample thus injected is quickly vaporized into a gas sample and introduced into the column 6, where the target compound contained in the gas sample adheres to the inner wall of an inlet section of the column 6.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing tests on materials, the apparatus comprising a leaktight receptacle defining an inside volume, said receptacle being provided: with an opening; with means for providing leaktight contact between the edges of said opening and a portion of a surface of a test piece of a material disposed outside said receptacle; with means for introducing at least one chemical agent in order to create, within said inside volume, a test chemical environment to which said surface portion of the test piece is exposed; and with drain means for draining said introduced chemical agent(s); wherein said receptacle is also provided with a bottom including a surface that is inclined or conical and that co-operates with said drain means to enable said introduced chemical agent(s) to be removed totally or in part. A method using an apparatus according to claim 1 for carrying out tests on materials.

Abstract: A toothless gear speed reducer, which mainly includes an inclined plane cone drive gear, inclined plane conical driven gears and an inclined plane outer gear case drive ring. The toothless gear speed reducer overcomes the difficult problems existent in conventional speed reducers to decrease dimensions and minimize abrasion, and achieves reducing manufacturing time, thereby providing higher efficiency and saving on manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Pedal-wound step-conveying devices employing lever- or diaphragm-type pedal-pressure-receiving mechanisms and epicyclic-gear-train or hydraulic transformers to produce a torque to wind a reinforced elastomeric strip, or a number of generally parallel strips, backwards to produce a forward motion in a pedal-pressure-applying appendage engaged in bipedal or quadruped locomotion. Next, the lifting of the device along with the appendage in bipedal or quadruped locomotion allows the spring-driven unwinding of the strip or strips to ready for the next pedal-pressure application by the appendage to produce another forward motion in the appendage, and so on. Small motors-cum-electric generators mechanically linked to the torque produced by the epicyclic-gear-train or hydraulic transformers augment the torque or convert an undesired torque into electricity for auxiliary purposes, accordingly.

Abstract: A slag composition containing steelmaking slag and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of reducing agent. The steelmaking slag contains from about 20 to about 55 weight percent of calcium oxide, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of ferrous oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of magnesium oxide, from about 5 to about 20 weight percent of silicon oxide, from 0.5 to about 10 weight per cent aluminum oxide, and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of manganese oxide. The reducing agent contains from about 5 to about 80 weight percent of calcium carbide and from about 10 to about 70 weight percent of an admixture containing silicon or titanium or silicon carbide or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The ultrafine particle producing process introduces materials for producing ultrafine particles into a thermal plasma flame under reduced pressure to form a vapor-phase mixture, introduces a reactive gas and a cooling gas toward an end portion of the thermal plasma flame in supply amounts sufficient for quenching the vapor-phase mixture to generate the ultrafine particles and allows the resultant ultrafine particles to come into contact with the reactive gas so as to produce the ultrafine particles whose surfaces are coated with a thin film including one or more components compound derived from decomposition and/or reaction of the reactive gas, for example, an elementary carbon substance and/or a carbon. According to the process, thin film-coated ultrafine particles having high level uniformity in particle size and shape can be produced.

Abstract: Metal particles that can be alloyed with rhenium are dispersed as a main component in a gas phase, a rhenium oxide vapor is made to be present around these particles, the rhenium oxide is reduced, and the rhenium precipitated on the surface of the main component metal particles as a result of this reduction is diffused under a high temperature into the main component metal particles, which gives a rhenium-containing alloy powder including the main component metal and rhenium. The powder thus obtained preferably contains 0.01 to 50 wt % rhenium, has an average particle size of 0.01 to 10 ?m, and is made into a conductor paste by being uniformly mixed and dispersed in an organic vehicle along with other additives as needed.

Abstract: A ratchet tool including a housing having a longitudinal axis, and a head having a ratchet mechanism with an output member capable of powered rotation. A motor is disposed in the housing for rotating the output member. A coupling attaches the head to the housing and is adapted to permit rotation of the head relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis of the housing. Thus, the head can be positioned at different selected angles relative to the housing.

Abstract: An air motor socket wrench has an air motor secured to a housing of a socket drive assembly having a socket drive member provided with a socket lock ball movable between a socket lock position and a socket unlock position. A hexagon body has inwardly inclined ramp sections adjacent an inside continuous cylindrical wall of a yoke drivably connected to the motor to oscillate the yoke. Rollers located between the ramp sections and cylindrical wall of the yoke transmits rotational movement of the yoke to the body and socket drive member. A muffler mounted on the air motor reduces the noise generated by the air motor.

Abstract: A socket and ratchet wrench comprises: an annular-toothed block rotatably received in a wrench body, and a socket. The annular-toothed block has a through engaging hole defined with multiple ribs each connected by a negative arc surface, the respective ribs includes two flat first engaging surfaces and one cambered second engaging surface connected the first engaging surfaces by an arc surface. At a first end of the socket are formed multiple grooves for mating with the respective ribs of the annular-toothed block, and at the second end are provided multiple planes for engaging with the second engaging surfaces of the respective ribs.

Abstract: A ratcheting driver configured to rotationally drive an item or work piece is provided. The driver includes a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. The handle and pawls have mating matched surfaces for full and flush overlying contact therebetween. A cap that is rotatable relative to the handle and that has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear is also provided. In addition, a stop is included. The stop is configured to assure that only a correct direction of rotation of the cap is available when assembling. Also, a method of arranging the driver is provided.

Abstract: A socket-wrench socket is provided having a plurality of longitudinally extending members therein mounted within wall circumferential slots of the workpiece-receiving opening of the socket and secured in place by a flexible web. These members have flat surfaces for engaging the workpiece and are biased into engagement with the workpiece by the web. These members and the slots are formed such that rotation of the socket causes the slots to exert radially inward camming force onto the members at the same time that rotational force is applied to the members. The members translate the camming force to flat surfaces of the workpiece for improved gripping, and translate rotational force to the workpiece for manipulation of the workpiece in the direction of that rotation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a cutting tool assembly used for creating grooves in a microreplication tool. The cutting tool assembly includes a mounting structure and multiple diamonds aligned in the mounting structure to a tolerance of less than 10 microns. For example, first and second tool shanks having first and second diamond tips can be positioned in the mounting structure such that a cutting location of the first diamond tip is identical to a cutting location of the second diamond tip. However, the second diamond tip may be a defined distance further away from the mounting structure than the first diamond tip, or the second diamond tip may have a different shape than the first diamond tip. In this manner, the first diamond tip may cut a groove into a work piece and the second diamond tip may cut a sub-feature into the groove to create a multi-featured groove.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cutting tool assembly that include multiple diamonds to define multiple cutting tips. A first diamond is positioned in the cutting tool assembly to create a first groove in a microreplication tool and a second diamond is positioned in the cutting tool assembly to create a second groove the microreplication tool, wherein the first and second grooves define integer pitch spacing of a microreplication structure to be created using the microreplication tool. In addition, a third diamond is positioned in the cutting tool assembly between the first and second diamonds to create a land feature in the microreplication tool between the first and second grooves. The invention can improve land feature creation by using a third diamond tip, rather than leaving the land features untooled and defined by the original untooled surface of micro-replication tool.