Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine that comprises a crop processing mechanism and an elevator assembly for conveying harvested crop material to the crop processing mechanism is provided. The elevator assembly comprises an elevator housing, an elevator mechanism mounted in the housing, at least two flexible endless members and a plurality of slats mounted transversely to the flexible members. The slats have an S-shaped cross section that provides additional strength to the slats while reducing the chance of damage to the crop conveyed by these slats.

Abstract: An installation for cold-rolling strip composed of special steel and/or nonferrous metals, which includes a multi-stand tandem rolling mill and essentially two independent coolant and lubricant systems. The installation further includes an emulsion system with tanks, system pumps, coolers, and vacuum band filters and/or pressure band filters as well as a rolling oil system which contains the afore-mentioned components, such that the filters are extremely fine, reversible-flow filters.

Abstract: Bending machine for profiles in the form of bars sheared to size, including at least a drawing assembly, shearing apparatus and bending apparatus. At least part of the drawing assembly is movable between a first loading position, wherein it is upstream of and remote from the bending apparatus to take at least one of the bars sheared to size from an accumulation site, and a second drawing position, wherein it is upstream of and in proximity with the bending apparatus to draw/feed at least one bar towards the shearing apparatus and the bending apparatus and to cooperate with the shearing apparatus and the bending apparatus in performing the bending cycle.

Abstract: A hot forge forming facility includes at least a material supply device, a heating device, a guiding device and a punching device. The material supply device carries a continuous supply of metal material in rolls. The heating device heats and softens the metal material. The guiding device guides and drives the metal material to the heating device. The punching device compresses, forms and cuts the softened metal material in continuous punching operation to smoothly and quickly produce desired products that are consistent with actual production requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a sheet of metal to be shaped in a press, comprising at least one fluid-operated actuator for translational motion of a first sheet presser, adapted to support, in an initial operation step a sheet of metal to be shaped, arranged above a first lower die part, coupled to the base of the press. The first presser cooperates with a second presser, coupled to the second die part associated with the upper ram of the press, in locking a perimetric portion of the sheet of metal during shaping. The actuators are part of a circuit for regenerating and supplying the working fluid, provided with devices for the delayed return of the actuators, upon opening the press, for shaped sheet protection.

Abstract: Sheet metal parts having significantly strained portions, such as aluminum alloy body panels, can be formed by a sequence of steps comprising preform shape stamping, preform annealing and final shape stamping. The shape of the desired part is analyzed to identify portions of the geometry that cannot be formed in a single stamping step without exceeding the straining limit of the metal. A preform shape is determined in which a substantial amount of strain is stamped without tearing and the preform is annealed to re-soften the strained areas and a final stamping step completes development of the final part shape.

Abstract: A propeller straightening apparatus utilizes a pair of adjustable hydraulic cylinders to apply pressure to a selected propeller blade of the propeller. Adjustments can include lateral, longitudinal and tilt angle. A propeller mount holds the propeller in a fixed position during straightening. The mount can be quickly loosened so that the propeller can be rotated to present a different propeller blade to the hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders have polyurethane tips portions that help grip the surface of the propeller. The apparatus can bend a selected propeller blade to change rake and/or pitch.

Abstract: A bending machine (1) is provided wherein components of the existing abutment system, namely a drive part or a carriage (7), which can be directly or indirectly detachably coupled to the lower tool, are used instead of an additionally integrated device (axle) for displacing lower tools (2) transversely in relation to their length. In this way, the existing axle of the abutment system can also be used to adjust the tool.

Abstract: A compression tool having a pair of jaw arms pivotal between side plates and having inner edges provided with laterally inwardly open opposed spring pin recesses providing an opening therebetween for a spring pin, and a spring associated with the pin and biasing the jaw arms in a closing direction and biasing the spring pin rearwardly of the spring pin opening has one or the other or both the spring pin opening and spring pin modified for the pin to be displaced from the spring pin opening or canted therein in response to a fracture of at least one of the jaw arms outwardly from the corresponding pin recess toward the outer edge of the jaw arm.

Abstract: A calibration checking device, and methods of mandating its use at regular time intervals, to ensure maintenance of the accuracy of gas analyzers, especially for use with breath tests. Each calibration checking device is designed to be used for a predetermined number of tests. After first connection of a new calibration checking device, a volume of known calibration checking gas is released into the instrument, and a calibration checking measurement is initiated. A signal is sent to a counting mechanism which both enables the use of the instrument, and commences a count of the number of tests performed by the breath tester. When the number of tests is exceeded, the instrument is disenabled. The device can include a moisture filter having an interface with the instrument, which prevents its operation if the filter is used beyond the recommended number of times, or if excess moisture renders it saturated.

Abstract: Described is a method for detecting and/or for monitoring the level of a medium stored in a vessel and in particular to a method for diagnosing the functionality of the electromechanical oscillation unit of a vibration level gauge. An electromechanical transducer of the electromechanical oscillation unit of a vibration level gauge is supplied with an electric wave signal. The frequency of which is beyond the resonance frequency range of the electromechanical oscillation unit and is thus not adapted to actuate the oscillatory portion as for example an oscillating rod probe or tuning fork, so that the electric wave signal is converted into mechanical oscillations without actuating the oscillatory portion. Subsequently, the converted mechanical oscillations will be recorded using the at least one electromechanical transducer of the electromechanical oscillation unit, which reconverts the mechanical oscillations into an electric wave signal.

Abstract: A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system includes two sample introduction parts, a gas chromatography part having two columns, a column oven for housing the two columns in a parallel configuration, an interface part through which an outlet end of each of the two columns is inserted, and a mass spectrometry part. The mass spectrometry part has an ionization chamber to which the outlet ends of the columns inserted through the interface part are connected, a mass separation part, an ion detector, and a vacuum chamber for housing the ionization chamber, the mass separation part, and the detector. Because the outlet ends of the parallel columns are both connected to the ionization chamber, the carrier gas flow and line velocity are the same as though there is one column, thereby avoiding line stagnation. Since analyses can be performed selectively with a single system, results having high reliability and precision can be obtained.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes a sensor element, a holder having a hole through which the sensor element is arranged, a sealing positioning portion for sealing a clearance between the sensor element and the holder and positioning the sensor element in the holder and being filled with a ceramic powder, terminals arranged to be in contact with the sensor element and for taking an output from the sensor element, an insulator secured to the holder at a first end and for holding the terminals, a casing secured to the holder at the first end and for covering an outer periphery of the insulator, and a protector secured to the holder at a second end and for covering an outer periphery of a portion of the sensor element, the portion protruding from the second end of the holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapor pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding.

Abstract: A process for enabling the detection of an entry of fuel into the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine can be implemented relatively simply. The process measures a value representative of the volume of lubricating oil in the internal combustion engine and detects an entry of fuel into the lubricating oil on the basis of an evaluation of results of the measurement which were obtained for different points in time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection of the surface (1) of a tire (2) or the like comprises a projector (3) for the projection of a pattern onto the tire (2) and a camera (4) for the taking of an image of the pattern projected onto the tire. A simplified apparatus of this type comprises an apparatus for the rotation of the tire (2) about its axis (5).

Abstract: A method of powering one or more electronic devices in a tire monitoring system using a tire pressure based energy scavenger is provided. With this method, a tire is rotated on a surface to generate pressure changes within the tire. These pressure changes are then converted into electrical energy with a transducer and the energy is stored. The electrical energy or stored electrical energy can then be used to power one or more electronic devices in a tire monitoring system, such as a tire pressure sensor, temperature sensor, acceleration profile sensor, and/or a tire wear monitor. A tire monitoring system with a tire pressure based energy scavenger is also provided.

Abstract: A downhole, extendable testing apparatus and methods of use are described and claimed herein. In one embodiment, an extendable sample device is connected to a draw down piston assembly. A position indicator may be used to show the position of the draw down piston during movement, and the draw down piston may be stopped and re-started, and moved at different rates. A filter may be used to clean fluids drawn into the extendable sample device. In another embodiment, the extendable sample device may connected to a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit may include accumulators for accumulating fluid pressures and operating the apparatus. Further apparatus and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a line in a main flow direction, e.g., a parameter of the intake air mass of an internal combustion engine. The device includes a part, which is inserted into the line at a predetermined alignment with respect to the main flow direction in such a way that a partial flow of the medium flowing in the line in the main flow direction flows through at least one measuring channel provided in the part in a first direction from an intake of the measuring channel to an outlet of the measuring channel. The device further includes a measuring element situated in the measuring channel for determining the at least one parameter.

Abstract: In a method for the capacitive fill level measurement of a fill substance in a container, electrical current is determined at two alternating voltage signals U1, U2 of differing frequencies f1, f2. On the basis of the two values for current, the capacitive reactance and therewith the fill height h of the fill substance can be easily determined. Influences of ohmic resistance on the measurement results are eliminated in this method.

Abstract: The system includes a fuel sender and a controller. The fuel sender has a variable resistance and the variable resistance varies based on the quantity of fuel in the fuel tank. The controller is in electrical communication with the fuel sender. Further, the controller includes a voltage input for sensing a voltage across the fuel sender, and a voltage output that provides a biasing voltage to the fuel sender. The biasing voltage causes the voltage across the fuel sender to vary with relationship to the variable resistance of the fuel sender. Further, the voltage output is in communication with a circuit that is configured to alternate a direction of current flow through the fuel sender based on the voltage output. By alternating the direction of current flow through the fuel sender, corrosion to the fuel sender due to a reaction with the fuel is minimized.

Abstract: Provided are an angular velocity sensor with improved reliability by preventing an electric short circuit resulting from etching debris left on the bottom electrode after the etching of the conductive layers, and a method for manufacturing the angular velocity sensor. The drive electrode unit, the monitor electrode unit and the sensing electrode unit are each provided with bottom electrode (29) formed on substrate (33) having the shape of a tuning fork, piezoelectric film (30) made of piezoelectric material and formed on bottom electrode (29), and top electrode (31) formed on piezoelectric film (30). Ends (31T) of top electrode (31) are located inside ends (30T) of piezoelectric film (30) so as to expose ends (30T) of piezoelectric film (30) beyond top electrode (31), thereby forming exposed parts (32). When exposed parts (32) have a thickness of “t”, piezoelectric film (30) is made to have an exposed width (L) of not less than 0.3 t.

Abstract: A micromechanical rotation-rate sensor includes a substrate, an anchoring device provided on the substrate, as well as a first spiral spring device and a second spiral spring device, the two spiral spring devices being provided next to one another in mirror symmetry along their greatest extension, and the two spiral spring devices together form one spiral spring apparatus. The sensor further includes a centrifugal mass connected to the anchoring device via the first spiral spring device connected to the centrifugal mass so that the centrifugal mass is elastically deflectable from its neutral position, about a rotational axis situated perpendicularly to a substrate surface, so that the centrifugal mass is capable of rotary oscillation. In addition, the first spiral spring device includes a bend at its anchoring region with the anchoring device.

Abstract: An outer case connector portion, a gauge housing case, and the like for use with a pressure sensor, for example, are generally made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. However, the resin physically causes curing shrinkage. Especially when a metal is insert molded with a resin, curing shrinkage of the resin generates a gap at the interface between the resin and the metal. By filling an anaerobic, high-permeability adhesive in the gap, hermetic sealing can be ensured and reliability can be enhanced. Inexpensive hermetic sealing and enhanced reliability are realized.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (30) for harsh environments such as vehicle tires, the sensor having a chamber (58) partially defined by a flexible membrane (50), the chamber containing a fluid at a reference pressure. In use, the flexible membrane (50) deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure, so that, associated circuitry (34) can convert the deflection of the flexible membrane (50) into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The sensor is a MEMS device whereby the recess, the flexible membrane and the associated circuitry are formed using lithographically masked etching and deposition techniques. MEMS fabrication techniques can produce the sensor in such high volumes that the unit cost of each sensor is very low. The MEMS sensor is so small that it can be installed in very restricted areas such as the stem of the tire valve.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus including a thin disc of a metal having a ceramic material layer and piezoresistive elements formed thereon. A surface of the disc is bonded to a diaphragm assembly on a pressure port base constructed of a low cost metal. The bonding process is performed at low temperatures, (<700° C.), so that the diaphragm assembly and pressure port do not require high temperature corrosion resistance, and can thus be formed of less expensive materials. The inventive apparatus provides a lower cost alternative to conventional high pressure sensors since less material is used, less expensive materials are used, and fabrication is less complex. The inventive apparatus is also more reliable and exhibits greater thermal stability than conventional high pressure sensors.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided having a chamber partially defined by a flexible membrane which is less than three microns thick, exposed to fluid pressure and is configured to deflect from a reference position due to changes in the fluid pressure, and associated circuitry for converting the deflection of the flexible membrane into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure measuring apparatus, characterized in that: the pressure measuring apparatus comprises a pressure sensor having a first resistor for sensing an external stress and a second resistor acting as a reference, wherein the second resistor is acting as a reference while the first resistor is used for measuring an external stress in that a first oscillating signal received by an end of the first resistor is affected by the external stress, and consequently an affected first oscillating signal varied with respect to the external stress is outputted from the other end of the first resistor, and a second oscillating signal received by an end of the first resistor is outputted from another end of the second resistor without being affected by the external stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting and/or verifying the axial force in screwed connections. The inventive device contains a control device for limiting an axial force acting between two force application elements of the screwed connection. To this end, the invention provides that the control device will record signal values from a measuring element whose electrical resistance varies according to the acting axial force.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for structurally testing fasteners are described herein. A fastener test apparatus configured in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a first support member configured to support a head portion of a fastener, and a second support member configured to support a locking feature on a shaft portion of the fastener. The test apparatus can also include a force measurement device configured to be operably sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member. The force measurement device can be used to measure fastener preload. The test apparatus can further include first and second fixtures for performing an ultimate tensile test of the fastener. In this regard, the first fixture can be configured to exert a first force against the first support member in a first direction, and the second fixture can be configured to exert a second force against the second support member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A force sensing membrane comprises (a) a first conductor that is movable toward a second conductor; (b) a second conductor; and (c) a composite material disposed between the first and second conductors for electrically connecting the first and second conductors under application of sufficient pressure therebetween; and (d) means for measuring dynamic electrical response across the force sensing membrane, the composite material comprising conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer, the conductive particles having no relative orientation and being disposed so that substantially all electrical connections made between the first and second conductors are in the z direction, and the elastomeric layer being capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure.

Abstract: A method of assessing damage of a fibrous substrate comprises the steps of: (a) providing said fibrous substrate having a length, a root end, and a tip end; (b) providing a means for assessing substrate moisture content; (c) using said means for assessing substrate moisture content to obtain at least a first measured moisture content value for said fibrous substrate at a first position along the length of said fibrous substrate and a second measured moisture content value for said fibrous substrate at a second position along the length of said fibrous substrate; (d) comparing said measured moisture content values with each other to obtain a measured moisture content differential; and (e) correlating said measured moisture content differential to a substrate damage value for said fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter includes a measuring tube, a magnetic field device serving to generate and guide a magnetic field at least part of which permeates the measuring tube, and two electrodes for collecting a voltage induced in a medium as it flows through the measuring tube. The electrodes are so positioned, without connection to the magnetic field device, that their longitudinal axes extend at an angle diverging from zero relative to the direction of the voltage induction. In this uncomplicated fashion, a large effective electrode surface is made available for collecting the voltage induced in the medium. A method for producing the flowmeter is also described.

Abstract: Flow rate measurement system includes two measurement regions 14,16 located an average axial distance ?X apart along the pipe 12, the first measurement region 14 having two unsteady pressure sensors 18,20, located a distance X1 apart, and the second measurement region 16, having two other unsteady pressure sensors 22,24, located a distance X2 apart, each capable of measuring the unsteady pressure in the pipe 12. Signals from each pair of pressure sensors 18,20 and 22,24 are differenced by summers 44,54, respectively, to form spatial wavelength filters 33,35, respectively. Each spatial filter 33,35filters out acoustic pressure disturbances Pacoustic and other long wavelength pressure disturbances in the pipe 12 and passes short-wavelength low-frequency vortical pressure disturbances Pvortical associated with the vortical flow field 15. The spatial filters 33,35 provide signals Pas1,Pas2 to band pass filters 46,56 that filter out high frequency signals.

Abstract: A flowmeter is provided that comprises a leadframe assembly (140) and a body (144) disposed at least partially around the leadframe assembly (140). The body (144) has a flow passage therethrough that comprises a first channel (178) having a first port (166), a second channel (180) having a second port (168), and a flow altering element (182) disposed within the second channel (180). First and second pressure sensors (174 and 176) are disposed within the body (144) and coupled to the leadframe assembly (140) for measuring a first pressure within the first channel (178) and a second pressure within the second channel (180), respectively. An integrated circuit (155), which is coupled to the leadframe assembly (140), to the first pressure sensor (174), and to the second pressure sensor (176), is configured to determine the rate of flow through the flow passage from the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A transducer is disclosed for sensing flow of a fluid. The transducer includes means for applying a heat pulse to the fluid and at least one temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is adapted to detect a decaying response to the heat pulse to provide an indication of the flow. The decaying response may be detected by comparing measured voltages at a set moment in time or by comparing measured times at a set voltage threshold. A method for sensing flow of a fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magneto-elastic torque sensor and system include a substrate and a magneto-elastic sensing component formed from or on the substrate. The magneto-elastic sensing component and the substrate together form a magneto-elastic torque sensor, which when subject to a stress associated with a torque, shifts a characteristic frequency thereof linearly in response to the torque, thereby inducing a pathway by which magneto-elastic energy is coupled to excite vibrations in a basal plane of the magneto-elastic sensor, thereby generating torque-based information based on a resonant frequency thereof.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: A circumferential slot virtual impactor includes a disk-shaped housing with an endless circumferential slot for receiving aerosols. The slot forms an acceleration nozzle, and a receiver nozzle spaced apart radially inwardly from the acceleration nozzle exit. In an annular gap between the two nozzles, negative pressure is selectively applied to draw a major flow of the aerosol axially away from the nozzles, while a minor flow of the aerosol is drawn radially inward and enters the receiver nozzle. A portion of the larger particles leaves the major flow and merges with the minor flow due to particle momentum, thus increasing the large-particle concentration of the minor flow. The acceleration nozzle incorporates convex curvature along its opposed interior surfaces, for a smoother aerosol flow and reduced large-particle deposition.

Abstract: An air sampler having a fan; an air inlet tube; a main body having a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; and fluidic circuitry for inputting fluids to the main body and the air inlet tube, and for outputting fluids from the main body. Air flow through the air sampler may be generated by a fan that is either external or internal with respect to the main body's cyclonic cup. A thin film of stripping liquid and/or a fog of stripping liquid particles in the air inlet tube, the cyclonic cup, the stripping column and/or the demister strip a target material from the air flow through the air sampler. A passive fog generating slot or a passive spiral fog generating nozzle may be placed over the fluid input conduit in the center of the cyclonic cup. The air sampler's main body and/or an air inlet tube may be integrally formed as one part.

Abstract: Variables such as injection pressure and injection velocity are detected at a predetermined sampling cycle for each molding cycle and the variables for a plurality of past molding cycles starting from the latest molding cycle are stored. Change patterns of the stored variables of the respective molding cycles are displayed in the form of graphs in which the first axis represents time (the number of times of sampling), the second axis represents the variable values, and the third axis represents the molding cycle.

Abstract: A temperature correction device may allow ready calibration. In certain implementations, a temperature correction device may include a torsion transmission element and a temperature responsive element. The temperature responsive element may be coupled to the torsion transmission element and adapted to rotate the torsion transmission element in response to sensed temperature changes. The temperature correction device may also include a first body coupled to the torsion transmission element, a second body coupled to the temperature responsive element, and a third body rotatably coupled to the second body. The first body may include a temperature correction component driven by the torsion transmission element, and the second body and the third body may be adapted to allow the torsion transmission element to rotate relatively freely with respect to the second body and the third body. Rotation of the second body relative to the third body may adjust the temperature correction component.

Abstract: A transmission comprising three parallel shafts and gearwheels carried by the shafts, which intermesh with one another in pairs for transmitting torque either between the first shaft and the third shaft, or between the second shaft and the third shaft. At least one gearwheel in each pair of intermeshing gearwheels is rotatably supported on its shaft and can be locked to or disengaged from its shaft by means of associated clutch members. Gearwheels on the first shaft and second shaft are coordinated by clutch members, by means of which at least two gearwheels on each shaft can be disengaged from their shaft but coupled together for rotation together in order to permit the transmission of torque from the first shaft via the third and the second shaft back to the third shaft, and from the second shaft via the third and the first shaft back to the third shaft.

Abstract: Gearset-drive unit (10), in particular for use in motor vehicles, comprising a drive wheel (16) that meshes with a driven wheel (22), wherein a sensor wheel (26) with a position sensor (36) that interacts with a sensor (42) to detect speed meshes with the drive wheel (16) or the driven wheel (22).

Abstract: A motor vehicle component with a drive having a motor, a gearing and a component which is movable by the drive, the motor being coupled to a driving side of the gearing and a driven side of the gearing being coupled to the movable component, a kinematic chain of the gearing between the driving side and the driven side having at least two transmission elements. The drive is operable in blocking operation by a displaceable blocking element that is movable into blocking engagement with the drive. The displaceable blocking element is in addition to the drive and the adjustable component, and is engaged in a controlling manner with the first transmission element of the kinematic chain so that, depending on the position of a first transmission element, it can be moved into blocking engagement with a second transmission element of the kinematic chain.

Abstract: A backlash preventing structure for a steering column is provided for reducing the cost by reducing the number of parts and improving the ease of assembly, and for preventing hammering noise. The steering column has a cylindrical movable jacket slidably fitted into an outer cylindrical housing, the outer cylindrical housing having three holes formed therethrough in an axial direction, a steering shaft swingably disposed within the movable jacket, and a steering wheel secured to one end of the steering shaft. The backlash preventing structure, which prevents backlash of the movable jacket against the outer cylindrical housing, comprises a pair of press members each fitted into a left or a right side hole of the outer cylindrical housing, and a leaf spring fixed to the outer cylindrical housing with a screw screwed into a central hole of the outer cylindrical housing for urging the press members onto an outer peripheral surface of the movable jacket.

Abstract: A collapsible pedal box for an automobile is designed to collapse in the case of a frontal impact of the automobile, to reduce the risk of trapping the driver's feet. One or more pedals (13) are supported on a pivot shaft which is supported at its ends by pivot shaft supports (15,17) locked with respect to the side walls (1,3) of the pedal box that they are prevented from moving outwardly along an axis of the pivot shaft. Relative movement between the pedal box and another structural member within the driver's compartment in the case of a front-end impact causes first the unlocking and then the movement apart of the pivot shaft supports (15,17), and release of the pivot shaft and pedal assembly.

Abstract: A multi-functional screwdriver including a shaft forming a pair of coplanar bends rotatably mounted to a handle having therein a compartment for storing a plurality of bits is disclosed. To prevent rotation of the shaft within the handle, a locking device is provided which includes a locking member and a collar assembly. The collar assembly includes a lever collar attached to the handle, a locking clamp collar attached to an upper section of the shaft, and an insulator collar for rotatably connecting the lever collar and locking clamp collar. The locking member pivotally attaches to the lever collar and is removably inserted into a depression in the locking clamp collar to prevent the shaft from rotating within the handle.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a stabilizer link in vehicles includes a first socket adapted to rotationally receive a second socket attached to the shaped end of a threaded bolt. A socket drive rotates the second socket relative to the first socket as the first socket is placed over a nut on the threaded bolt. The first socket includes an attached handle which is gripped to prevent undesirable rotation of the first socket relative to the second socket.