Abstract: A sensor 30 has first and second electrodes 32A, 32B spaced to define a gap 34 therebetween. The electrodes are formed on a substrate which can be covered with a film of material. The width of the gap 34 is different at different positions on the electrodes 32. This results in a sensing characteristic which can be made substantially linear, without sensitivity varying with film thickness, which arises from the use of a constant gap width. The sensor can be used to detect or measure film or liquid layer thickness, or solid material deposition.

Abstract: Gas chromatographs of the invention generally comprise four or more analysis channels. Specifically, four or more gas chromatography columns are configured for parallel analysis of four or more gaseous samples with detection being effected using a microdetector array comprising four or more microdetectors. In one embodiment, the four or more microdetectors 510 are microfabricated detectors, and are integrally formed with a substrate or with one or more microchip bodies mounted on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, a microdetector array comprises four or more thermal conductivity detectors having one or more thin-film detection filaments. A preferred heated environment for highly parallel gas chromatographs is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out integrity tests on filter elements by means of test gases, comprising a device housing (3), with an electronic controller (4), arranged therein for regulation and control of the progress of a test programme for filter elements, a filter housing (6), for housing a filter element (2) under test, a pneumatic unit (5), connected to the controller (4) and the filter housing (6), in particular for the generation and measurement of gas pressures, an electronic memory unit (10), which may be connected to the filter element (2) under test and a communication unit (13?), connected to the controller (4), for the exchange of data between the controller (4) and the electronic memory element (10). The communication unit (13?) is preferably embodied as an antenna (14?) and the electronic memory element (10) as a transponder (11). In addition to the device a method for carrying out integrity tests and a computer programme product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for determining an effective Peclet number for a membrane adsorber device includes the steps of (a) equilibrating the membrane adsorber device with an equilibration buffer at a known pH and conductivity; (b) challenging the membrane with a known concentration of a specific solute in said equilibration buffer; (c) monitoring the breakthrough of the solute downstream of the membrane as a function of a value selected from the group consisting of time, challenge volume and other suitable variable related to total quantity of material challenged to membrane adsorber device; (d) analyzing the solute breakthrough curve to determine pertinent flow characteristics of said membrane adsorber device by calculating the sharpness of the breakthrough curve of the membrane adsorber device and (e) comparing the results calculated in step (d) to results from known integral devices to determine the effective Peclet number.

Abstract: A method for leak-testing a pipeline system, of the type having a test tee fitting in a standpipe, includes attachment of a leak-testing device to an opening of the test tee. A water hose is coupled to a threaded bushing of the leak-testing device for passing water through a one-way valve into the interconnected pipeline system. After leak testing is completed, a sealing cap is secured over the threaded bushing, and the device is left permanently in place after the test is completed.

Abstract: A high-temperature seal having in-situ integrity monitoring capability includes a quantity of dielectric material sealing an interface between adjacent structures and an electrical transmission line embedded within the dielectric material. A signal injection port is provided for exciting the transmission line with an excitation signal. One or more sample ports are provided for sampling the transmission line to obtain signal samples resulting from the excitation signal. The sample port(s) are adapted for connection to a signal analyzer adapted to analyze the signal samples for indications of seal integrity problems. Using a technique such as time domain reflectometry or frequency response analysis, the transmission line can be monitored for changes in characteristic impedance due to changes in seal dielectric constant and/or disruption of the transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a noncontact method for measuring viscosity and/or surface tension information of a liquid in a liquid containment structure. The steps of the method include exciting a surface of the liquid with an excitation burst of acoustic energy that causes the surface to oscillate; generating a positional data set comprised of a plurality of positional measurements related to the detected position of the surface at a plurality of times after the surface is excited; generating a frequency domain data set from the positional data set, the amplitude spectrum of the frequency domain data set comprising information about the oscillation frequency of at least one vibrational mode of the of the surface as it oscillates; and processing the frequency domain data set and/or the positional data set to yield information about the surface tension and/or viscosity of the liquid. A Fast Fourier Transform technique may be used in generating the frequency domain data set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a sensor for scanning engine oil of a vehicle. An apparatus for scanning engine oil according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an oil property measuring part for measuring physical and chemical properties of engine oil; a driving condition measuring part for measuring a engine driving condition; a control portion where predetermined values about conditions of engine oil according to engine driving conditions are stored as set values, for selecting a set value corresponding to a measured engine driving condition and calculating a result value about a quality of engine oil on the basis of comparison with a measured value determined according to an engine driving condition inputted from the driving condition measuring part and the set value; and an output part for outputting the result.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods, apparatus, and systems for determining void fractions of individual phase components of a multiphase mixture. The void fractions may be determined based on measured parameters of the mixture as a whole, such as differential pressure, bulk velocity of the mixture and speed of sound in the mixture. According to some embodiments, the mixture parameters may be measured using non-intrusive fiber optic based sensors. Various other parameters may also be derived from the void fractions, such as individual phase flow rates, liquid holdup and watercut parameters (for oil and gas mixtures).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for measuring the surface tension of a sample comprising providing a well plate, containing at least one well defined by well walls and an opening and forming a space for receiving the sample to be tested, bringing a probe in contact with the surface of the sample in the well, and measuring the force applied to the probe by the sample, characterized in that the walls of the well are inclined with respect to the plane defined by the opening of the well so that the cross section of the well is decreasing in the direction from the opening of the well towards the bottom of the same, so as provide a geometry resulting in a flat or convex shape of the meniscus of the sample when in the well and that at least the surface of the wall of the well facing the sample space comprises an antistatic material, and providing means for dissipating static electricity from the well. The invention also concerns a well plate for use in the method.

Abstract: Evaluation of the durability or the coefficient of restitution of a golf club head 1 is performed by measuring a response signal of an impact surface 10 of a golf club head 1 when imparting a vibration to the impact surface 10, finding a value of the peak frequency of the first resonance frequency or the like located within a predetermined frequency range of the measured response signal, and finding the ratio of this peak frequency value with respect to a reference value. Further, control of the quality of the restitution characteristics in a initial state, or quality of the golf club head that deteriorates over time, is conducted by utilizing the evaluation results. The golf club head 1 is provided with a label 12 for displaying the peak frequency measured immediately after manufacture as an initial value. Further, in manufacturing a golf club, the quality of the golf club head immediately after manufacture is controlled by the peak frequency.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments there is provided a method and/or system for operating an aircraft, including (a) before an aircraft is loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a first measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain first weight data; and (b) after the aircraft has been loaded with passengers and luggage, performing a second measuring to measure a load on front landing gear strut(s) and rear landing gear strut(s) in order to obtain second weight data. Then, the first weight data is subtracted from the second weight data, while optionally compensating for fuel added to the aircraft between the times of the first and second measuring steps, in order to determine a total weight of the passengers and luggage on the aircraft. This total weight can be used in determining whether or not the plane is overloaded.

Abstract: A probe array for includes a handle, a first probe and a second probe. The first probe has a first shank, connected to the handle, and a first tip; and the second probe has a second shank, connected to the handle, and second tip. The first tip contains a different material from the second tip. The probe array may be used to write on a surface by contacting the first tip with a surface, where a first ink is on the first tip. This writing method may further include lifting the first tip from the surface and contacting the second tip with the surface.

Abstract: A tire pressure gauge includes a casing, conduits and a pressure indicator. The conduits are in fluid communication with one another, and are connectable to respective valves of tires of a vehicle. The pressure indicator is operable to provide an indication that is indicative of the pressure in at least one of the tires of the vehicle when at least one of conduits is interconnected with at least one valve of the tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an illumination source operable to automatically illuminate the pressure indicator in response to at least one triggering event that is indicative of the tire pressure gauge being interconnected with the valves of the vehicle tires. The tire pressure gauge may include an inlet port for connecting the tire pressure gauge and conduits to a pressurized supply line for inflating the tires.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor assembly including a valve stem that can be preassembled and snap installed into a tire rim is disclosed. The tire pressure sensor assembly includes a valve stem and a printed circuit board configured with electronics for sensing tire pressure and transmitting radio frequency data related to tire pressure. The circuit board is rigidly connected to the valve stem. The valve stem and the electronics are contained in a unitary, integrated housing that is deformable to allow the valve stem portion of the assembly to be press fit into the rim opening. So installed, the assembly is securely mounted to the rim, but is no more time consuming to install than a conventional valve stem.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole by introducing into the liner a pressurized driving fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the varying rate at which driving fluid is introduced into the liner is monitored and recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the rate at which driving fluid must be introduced slows. From the measured driving fluid introduction rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: The output characteristics of the sensing device or the control quantity of the sensing element can be adjusted by extracting an adjusting terminal in addition to a power source terminal, a ground terminal, an output terminal and the like outside a housing containing and protecting an electronic circuit. Further, by arranging the adjusting terminal inside a connector housing containing terminals such as the power source terminal, the ground terminal, the output terminal and the like, it is possible to prevent contact of foreign objects to the adjusting terminal and to water-proof the terminals for preventing corrosion since an associated connector is attached to the connector when the sensing device is actually used.

Abstract: The outer race 2 is fixed to the support hole 29 in the knuckle 1, and the constant velocity joint 6 is connected to the hub 3. The first seal ring 9 is fitted into the outer race 2 to cover the opening on the end of the bearing space 26. The seal ring 28 is fitted into the support hole 29 to cover the opening on the end of the detection space 27. The encoder 7 is fitted onto the inner race 4, and the outer peripheral edge of the encoder 7 faces the inner peripheral surface on the outer race 2 in an adjacent arrangement relationship to form a labyrinth clearance 36, so that grease within the bearing space 26 is prevented from leaking toward the detection space 27, whereby the rotation resistance is small to improve parts of the automobile in acceleration and fuel consumption.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a substantially cylindrical resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings are arranged circumferentially and equiangularly on the bottom plate. A plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged between the openings on the bottom plate. The number of openings can be anywhere between 2 and 16, with eight openings preferred, with a corresponding number of piezoelectric elements. Preferably, substantially the entire available area of the bottom plate is taken up by the piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric elements can be inside or outside the resonator.

Abstract: A vibrational gyroscope includes a piezoelectric ring having a central opening, and a hemispherical resonator having a central opening and mounted over the opening of the central opening of the piezoelectric ring. A plurality of electrodes delivers a voltage to the piezoelectric ring. A plurality of electrodes provides signal readout that corresponds to angular velocity. The hemispherical resonator can be glued to the piezoelectric ring. The hemispherical resonator preferably vibrates in the third vibration mode. A plurality of capacitive electrodes can be located at nodes and at antinodes of the vibration of the hemispherical resonator, and provide a signal readout that corresponds to the angular velocity. The piezoelectric ring is segmented, non-segmented, or includes an outer segmented portion and an inner non-segmented portion.

Abstract: The piezo-resistance type triaxial acceleration sensor includes a frame section, a mass section disposed in the frame section, beam elements which flexibly support the mass section, and piezo-resistors for the X, Y and Z axes formed on the beam elements. The length of the Z-axis piezo-resistors is longer than the length of the X-axis piezo-resistors and the Y-axis piezo-resistors, so as to decrease the sensitivity.

Abstract: Interrogation systems for monitoring structural health conditions. An interrogation system includes at least one wave generator for generating a wave signal and optical fiber sensors applied to a structure. The interrogation system also includes at least one electronic module for generating an input sensor signal and sending the input sensor signal to the optical fiber sensors. Each optical fiber sensor impresses the wave signal onto the input sensor signal to generate an output sensor signal that is frequency shifted from the input sensor signal. The electronic module generates an information signal in response to the output sensor signal. The interrogation system also includes a signal processing unit and a relay switch array module that has relay switches. Each relay switch relays the information signal to the signal processing unit and the signal processing unit generates a digital sensor signal that is subsequently sent to a computer.

Abstract: An optical hydrophone for measurement of the acoustic pressure distribution in a fluid medium has a light source that illuminates an area of a boundary region between an optically transparent body and the fluid medium. A light receiver measures the intensity of the light reflected from the illuminated area as a measurement of acoustic pressure, due to changes in the index of refraction of the fluid medium that are caused by the acoustic pressure. The illuminated area is smaller than the boundary surface formed between the optically transparent body and the fluid medium, thereby giving the hydrophone a longer service light and a high spatial resolution capacity.

Abstract: An inflatable air cell pressure transducer. The air cell has a concavity formed therein. The concavity has two edges, wherein increased pressure within the air cell causes contraction of the concavity moving the two edges closer.

Abstract: A force control system (50, 300) for actuation of a test object (54, 304) includes a force actuator (52, 356) that is coupled to and applies a force on the test object (54, 304). A velocity signal generator (124, 310) is in a feedback configuration relative to the force actuator and generates a velocity signal (150, 324) that is indicative of the velocity of the test object (54, 304). A controller (62, 302) is coupled to the force actuator (52, 356) and to the velocity signal generator (124, 310) and generates a desired applied force signal (130, 380) compensated by the velocity signal (150, 324).

Abstract: To be able to detect a displacement amount of a moving object by a resolution of from micrometer to nanometer by a simple structure. An excitation coil 23 and a detection coil 25 are arranged to align and a magnetic body probe 27 in a conical shape a sectional area of which is change in a longitudinal direction is arranged in a state of being inserted into an air core portion of the excitation coil 23. An output terminal from the detection coil 25 is connected to an amplifier 33 and a phase shifting circuit 35 is provided between the amplifier 33 and an input terminal of the excitation coil 23. When the probe 27 of the magnetic body is moved at inside of the air core portion of the excitation coil 23, inductance of the excitation coil 23 is changed, a phase difference is produced between an input signal inputted to the excitation coil 23 and an output signal outputted from the detection coil 25 and the phase shifting circuit 35 changes a frequency to nullify the phase difference.

Abstract: Touch probe including a fixed part (250), designed to be fastened onto a measuring machine or a machine tool, and a contact feeler (30) that is mobile and orientable on two independent axes (211, 212) along a multiplicity of directions indexed in space. An actuator (300) comprising antifriction rollers and a ball bearing allows the rotation axes (211) to be unlocked and any orientation to be selected with minimized friction. In locked position, the actuator (300) withdraws under the action of return springs (336) so as not to influence the indexing accuracy.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the service life of a machine-technical installation includes a sensor module and at least a measuring sensor for detecting stresses and expansions from a structural component of the machine-technical installation, a microcontroller, an antenna arrangement and a current source; the sensor module being in bi-directional connection with a data processing unit and having an antenna arrangement integrated therein, the antenna arrangement including a low-frequency antenna by means of which the sensor module is turned on and off and a high-frequency antenna for sending and receiving high frequency signals and wherein the sensor module can transition from an operating mode into a stand-by mode for energy efficiency and is reactivated through a signal from a detector element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring in situ flow of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) through a porous medium is described. A tracer is introduced into a well or boring located in the medium and the tracer concentration in the well kept uniform by mixing. The rate at which the tracer is depleted from the well has been determined to be proportional to the flow rate of the NAPL through the well or boring and surrounding formation.

Abstract: A primary flow measuring element comprising a cylindrical body having an axis and an interior surface defining a fluid flow path and having at least one differential pressure producing segmental wedge attached to the interior surface of the cylindrical body with high and low pressure sensing ports disposed in said cylindrical body on the upstream and downstream sides of the at least one segmental wedge respectively and having at least one conditioning segmental wedge attached to the interior surface of the cylindrical body at a position upstream from the at least one differential pressure producing segmental wedge.

Abstract: A flow measuring system, e.g., a water meter, includes a non-limiting flow compensating basket and/or a vane wheel of the invention. The basket has a hollow cylindrical member having an open end and an opposite end, sidewall of the cylindrical member having a plurality of spaced banks with solid sidewall portions between adjacent banks. Each of the banks has a plurality of holes arranged in rows and columns, wherein the distance between the banks, the number of rows in the banks, the number of columns in the banks, and/or the size of the holes in the banks is varied to control the fluid flow through the banks. The vane water wheel has a center of buoyancy higher than its center of gravity.

Abstract: A torque measuring apparatus is described that comprises a chassis, a reversible electrical motor having a motor housing and a rotatable output shaft projecting from one end of said motor housing, motor mounting means mounting said motor housing for rotation relative to said chassis, means for connecting said motor output shaft to a rotatable component of a device to be tested, whereby energization of said motor will cause said output shaft to rotate and apply a torque to said rotatable component and the resistance to rotation offered by said rotatable component will result in a reactionary torque that causes said motor housing to rotate relative to said chassis, means responsive to rotation of said motor housing for generating a signal representative of said reactionary torque, and means for converting that signal into a measure of the torque applied by said motor output shaft to said rotatable component.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring the subsurface at facilities for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A surface penetration is made in a facility surface providing access to the subsurface soil beneath the facility. A soil probe is placed in communication with the soil beneath the facility surface and used to withdraw samples of soil gas from the pore space within the soil. The soil probe includes a monitoring port configured to seal the surface penetration and minimize the movement of undesirable materials between the facility and the subsurface via the monitoring port. The soil probe has an end filter in communication with the subsurface under the facility. The monitoring port is coupled to a sampling pump used to withdraw the soil gas sample. Soil gas samples are periodically obtained and analyzed for the presence of VOCs.

Abstract: A particulate sampling system is disclosed. The particulate sampling system may include an exhaust sampling unit and a dilution flow assembly to supply dilution air to the exhaust sampling unit. The particulate sampling system may also include a total flow assembly to receive dilution air and exhaust. The particulate sampling system may further include a flow regulation assembly configured to control flow rates in the dilution flow assembly and the total flow assembly. The particulate sampling system may also include a flow check assembly configured to measure the accuracy of the flow regulation assembly.

Abstract: A media thickness detector includes a driving force transmission part for removing vibration generated from a driving source. A sensing roller feeds media by receiving the driving force through the driving force transmission part. Sensing bearings are installed on bearing holders and rotate about a central shaft under an elastic force so that they are brought into close contact with the sensing roller. A damper member is connected to the central shaft at a position between the bearing holders and absorbs vibration generated in the central shaft. A thickness sensor detects the thickness of media passing between the sensing bearings and the sensing roller based on a rotating amount of the bearing holders.

Abstract: A reduction gearbox with an epicyclic gear train is provided for a motor vehicle starter. This gearbox includes a crown (30) comprising a outer crown part (31) and an inner crown part (32) carrying an internal set of teeth (33) together with shock absorbing elements (34). The the damping elements (34) are made in the form of plates disposed in seatings which consist of complementary recesses (36, 37) formed respectively in an outer peripheral face (38) of the inner crown part (32) and in an inner peripheral face (39) of the outer crown part (31). Each recess has a depth which increases in a direction of relative angular displacement between the two crown parts, considered from the peripheral surface, over a length (a) which corresponds to the length of the plate, to a value (b) which is substantially equal to the thickness of the plate.

Abstract: Manual actuating device for the actuation of an appliance, subjected to a force in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, especially in the production of mineral oil or natural gas, such as a blowout preventer (BOP), valve, actuator, throttle or similar, with a rotating spindle, which can be connected to a displacing element of the appliance, moveable in the actuation direction, and with a regulating device, drive-connected through at least one mechanism and which can be manually actuated. In order to improve such a manual actuating device such that, even with a low number of revolutions of the regulating device, high forces on the rotating spindle and therefore on the displacing element can be transferred and there is no need for supporting equipment, such as hydraulics or similar, the mechanism exhibits a screw drive with screw drive nut and the rotating spindle as recirculating spindle, whereby the screw drive nut is drive-connected to the regulating device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a yoke assembly (156) adapted for use in a rack and pinion steering gear assembly (10) for a vehicle. The yoke assembly (156) includes a yoke housing (302) having a bore (304). The bore (304) defines an inner surface (307). A bearing (320) is disposed in the bore (304), the bearing (320) defining an outer surface (322). A ring (324) is also disposed in the bore (304). The ring (324) includes an inner contact surface (334, 336) and an outer contact surface (338). The inner contact surface (334, 336) engages at least a portion of the inner surface (307) of the bore (304) and the outer contact surface (338) engages at least a portion of the outer surface (322) of the bearing (320).

Abstract: When a rotational shaft of a gear speed reducer is rotated, a small-diameter gear of a first gear is held in mesh with first internal teeth of a fixed gear and a large-diameter gear of the first gear is held in mesh with second internal teeth of a second gear. The first gear and the second gear comprise cycloidal gears, respectively, and transmit rotational drive power to the second gear. The rotational drive power is output from an output shaft of the second gear. The gear speed reducer has a default mechanism for holding the output shaft at a predetermined angular position when an electric signal applied to an actuator is interrupted, and a self-lock function for preventing drive power applied from the output shaft from being transmitted to the actuator.

Abstract: A machine tool (1) for machining by chip removal, in which a machining head (2) operates while being positioned in a horizontal plane and is mounted on a vertical bed (3) to which it discharges the forces (F) by which it is axially stressed, this vertical bed (3) being connected to a supporting structure (4). The vertical bed (3) is pivoted on the supporting structure (4) and there are interposed between the vertical bed and the supporting structure one or more bars (5) whose axial length (L) can be varied by magnetostriction produced by electric currents whose characteristics are determined continuously by a control device (6) in such a way as to counteract the horizontal movements of the vertical bed (3), thus keeping the machining head (2) fixed with respect to the workpiece (7) which it is machining.

Abstract: A link with a transmission cable (14) between a driving pulley (15) and a driven pulley (22) causing a mobile unit (5) to rotate, has two strands (23, 24) connecting the driven pulley (22) with idle pulleys (17, 18) which are substantially aligned with an axis (Y) of rotation of an part (2) intermediate to the unit (5) and to the base (1) on which the motor (12) is secured. Thus, the motor (12) is positioned on optionally fixed parts and rotation of the support (2) has only very little effect on the tension of the cable (14), so that it may always work properly. The invention is especially applied to articulated robot arms.

Abstract: The invention provides a locking device for a tilting and telescoping steering column. The locking device provides a single mechanism for substantially preventing movement of the upper steering column jacket relative to the lower steering column jacket and also for preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the upper steering column jacket. The locking device includes a linking member that extends parallel to the upper steering column jacket. The linking member is pivotally connected to the tilt housing and slidably connected to the lower steering column jacket. A wedge member is positioned between the linking member and the upper steering column jacket adjacent to the lower steering column jacket. The wedge member is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the wedge member urges the linking member away from the upper steering column jacket in a direction transverse to the upper steering column jacket.

Abstract: To provide a connecting rod assembly and a bearing-equipped connecting rod both manufacturable easily and inexpensively, a connecting rod assembly 2 includes a plurality of separate rod segments 3A and 3B each having a big end portion 3a, a small end portion 3b and a shank portion 3c intervening between the big and small end portions 3a and 3b. The separate rod segments 3A and 3B are laminated together to provide a laminated rod structure 3, and a ring member 5 is press-fitted to each of the big and small end portions 3a and 3b of the respective separate rod segments 3A and 3B forming the laminated rod structure 3 to thereby integrate the separate rod segments 3A and 3B together. The ring member 5 defines an outer race of, for example, a shell type bearing 4 and this shell type bearing 4 is press-fitted in the big and small end portions 3a and 3b of the laminated rod structure 3 to thereby provide a bearing-equipped connecting rod 1.

Abstract: Vehicle unlocking tool for unlocking vehicle doors from the outside of the vehicle comprises at least two rod sections which are coupled together one rod section having a handle for manipulating the overall rod tool and the other rod section having an end portion that is used to push or pull or otherwise manipulate a lock actuator. The first rod section is stiffer than the second rod section which is made to be flexible to avoid scratching the interior of the car, such as the door panels, seats or dash but still has sufficient stiffness to transfer the force necessary to unlock the door. Additional sections may be added to the rod to lengthen its reach as needed by the tool operator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and breaking tubular connections within a tubular string are disclosed. In certain aspects, a tong assembly includes gated power and back up tongs coupled to a torque bar. Jaws of the tongs may be arranged circumferentially with support members disposed between adjacent jaws to substantially complete a 360° closed circle. A hydraulic circuit may equally distribute fluid and pressure to actuate the jaws. The power tong may include a gated rotor driven by at least three drive motors. The rotor may be selectively physically locked from rotation or movement by one or more rotor locks. Further, the tong assembly may include an interlock that prevents activation of the drive motors until the rotor locks actuate to unlock the rotor. Additionally, gate locks may secure the tongs and rotor when closed, and a releasable coupling arrangement may aid engagement of a motor to a rotor pump.

Abstract: A wrench having a ratchet head able to vertically and horizontally rotate for 360° includes a tang having a longitudinal slit of predetermined length in the center and a pair of symmetrical prongs integrated with a front end thereof for rotatably engaging with a drum-shaped ratchet head which has a solid rectangular driver on underside and a hexagonal box driver on the top, a handle slidably sleeved on the tang having a small upper through hole for disposing a pressed button and a large lower through hole in an underside a bolt inserted through the lower through hole, the slit and screwed with the press button, a positioning cap fixed within the large lower through hole and biased by a spring therebetween engageable within one of the retaining grooves under the tang.

Abstract: An adjustable spanner capable of adjusting size of an opening rapidly comprises a handle having a head and a fixing jaw; the handle having a sliding groove and a sliding path; an inner sliding path being extended with a shoulder; a movable jaw having a guide portion at one end thereof; a lower side of the guide portion having a teeth portion; a sliding block being installed in the sliding path; the sliding block having a teeth portion near the movable jaw and an elastic unit at a position far away from the movable jaw; and at least one pressible unit having an connecting unit and an operation portion; the connecting portion being connected to the sliding block; and the operation portion being at one side of the handle; an inner side of the pressible unit having buckling unit for resisting against the shoulder of the sliding path.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on one of multiple outer surface faces into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the tool handle, three of its outer surface faces have a continuous holding slot with multiple receiving holes for inserting therein hexagonal wrenches of multiple sizes. The continuous holding slots of the preferred embodiment of the handle include multiple contoured compartments for holding an inserted hexagonal wrench. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a body, a bit carrier, and an actuating member. An end of the body includes a compartment. One of two lateral sides of the body has an opening in communication with the compartment. The bit carrier is mounted in the compartment of the body and movable relative to the body in a longitudinal direction. The bit carrier includes a bit-holding section for holding at least one bit. A retaining member is mounted to the bit carrier for retaining the bit carrier to the body. The actuating member is mounted in the opening of the body. The actuating member is operable to move the bit carrier from a storage position to an ejected position without falling out of the body and to impart a frictional force between the retaining member and the body to prevent the bit carrier from falling out of the body.

Abstract: A tool set includes a pivot unit extending in a first direction, and at least two tool units, each of which includes two tool members attached rotatably to the pivot unit. Each of the tool members includes a tool head, a tool body connected to the tool head and extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a connecting head connected to the tool body and having the pivot unit extending rotatably therethrough. The tool members of each of the tool units are disposed adjacent to each other such that the tool bodies of the tool members are disposed side by side in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions, and such that the connecting heads of the tool members are disposed side by side in the first direction.