Abstract: A washing machine having a transient vibration sensor assembly is provided. The transient vibration sensor assembly senses transient vibration of a tub to prevent the washing machine from severe shaking and subsequent breakdown. The washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub suspended in the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, a motor provided in the cabinet to rotate the drum, a sensor assembly in the cabinet to sense a transient vibration of the tub, and a controller to control the motor, and to stop the motor if the sensor assembly senses that the tub is in a transient vibration state.

Abstract: A suspension system for use in a laundry washing machine to suspend a tub assembly from a base portion of a cabinet. The suspension system includes a support frame interconnected to an outer tub of the tub assembly and an isolation damper assembly for resiliently coupling the support frame to the base portion of the cabinet. The isolation damper assembly functions to allow limited lateral movement of the tub assembly relative to the cabinet while also providing a “return to center” feature. The isolation damper assembly is further operable to prevent rotation of the outer tub relative to the cabinet. Finally, the isolation damper assembly functions to absorb the vibration transmitted through the tub assembly to the support frame so as to minimize transmission of such vibration to the cabinet.

Abstract: A puck shaped lock including a substantially cylindrical body into which a cavity is formed and a movable bolt that passes through the cavity and is shiftable from a first position advanced across the cavity to a second position substantially withdrawn from the cavity and which can be releasably secured across the cavity fixedly connected to and extending from the puck shaped lock and being securable to a door or a door jamb. The invention further includes a hasp member supporting a first staple securable to a door or a doorjamb. When the puck shaped lock is positioned overlying the hasp member the staple is inserted into the cavity and the movable bolt can be advanced across the cavity and through the opening in the staple whereby the puck shaped lock and the hasp member are secured together and the door is locked.

Abstract: An engine switch device with improved convenience. The device starts and stops an engine. The device includes a key cylinder, which has a key slot, and a push button switch, which is pushed to stop or start the engine. The key slot is located in the center of the push button in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key, in which dials of a suitcase lock are disposed with sleeves, and characterized in that a key tumbler is additionally fitted to the suitcase lock, and tongues located at a lower portion of a swing plate clamp connect to a slider. A groove at one end of the slider enables a push rod of the key tumbler to be clamped therein, and sloping grooves defined on another end enable the tongues of the swing plate to displace therein. In general, dials are used to control cuttings or circular arcs on the sleeves to operate the swing plate and hooking to a locked object and realize opening and closing of the lock. However, when in a locked state, without moving the dials, a key can be used to directly activate the key tumbler to push the slider, and thereby causes the swing plate to tilt in an opposite direction and the stopper at one end of swing plate can release the locked object from hooking position, thus opening the lock or suitcase.

Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers. The lock operates with a user key so that the lock plug turns only in one direction to unlatch or unbolt, and can not operate or rotate in the opposite direction. The lock also cannot be programmed or reconfigured with an operable user key. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The lock is configured to permit rotation in the opposite direction only when using a programming key, which can reconfigure or program the lock for use with another user key.

Abstract: A key system (1) for a motor vehicle comprises transmitter electronics arranged inside a housing (2) and used for the contactless locking and/or unlocking of a door of the motor vehicle and/or operation of the motor vehicle. The system further comprises an emergency key (3) for mechanically locking and/or unlocking the door of the motor vehicle and/or for the operation of the motor vehicle. The emergency key is received inside the housing (2) in a substantially complete manner.

Abstract: A rolling apparatus includes a pair of a small rolling roller and a large rolling roller which hold a ring with the ring being sandwiched therebetween, and which roll the ring, and a tension roller; a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the ring before rolling; a storing portion which stores, in advance, a relation between the temperature of the ring and a temperature correction coefficient for correcting a condition for rolling; and a controller which changes the condition for rolling based on the measured temperature of the ring and the stored relation so as to perform rolling processing.

Abstract: A tube is bent having a curved portion with a variable radius extending between first and second ends. The curved portion includes a circular arc portion with a constant radius and a clothoid transition portion with a variable radius. The circular arc portion extends from the first end toward a point of integration. At the point of integration, the circular arc portion merges with the transition portion. The transition portion extends from the point of integration to the second end. As the transition portion extends from the point of integration, its radius of curvature increases over its arc length, thereby, improving the quality of the bent tube by gradually bending the tube over a longer distance, thereby reducing local stresses on the bent portion of the tube.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the 3D free-form bending of profiles with arbitrary, but constant outside dimensions over the profile length, particularly hollow profiles, wherein the profile to be bent has a longitudinal axis and is moved through the through-opening-of a guide element adjoining the profile surface and a bending sleeve that is arranged downstream of the guide element referred to the feed direction and held in a carrier element in a feed direction that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, namely by means of a feed unit that contains a rotary drive. The bending sleeve can be pivoted about an axis that extends perpendicular to the feed direction and displaced perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profile. When turning the profile about its longitudinal axis by means of the feed unit, the guide element and the bending sleeve can be turned with the profile.

Abstract: Various embodiments of roller hemming apparatus and methods are disclosed including one wherein multiple rollers are carried on a single mount to hem a flange in a single pass, another including induction heating and air quenching means movable with a roller to anneal the flange just prior to hem forming, and another in which friction from a rotatably driven roller heats the flange to reduce bending stresses during hemming of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention involves cost effective, efficient systems and methods for sizing pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention, a pipe sizing system includes a die having an opening operable to size the pipe, a hydraulic cylinder having at least one rod attached thereto, the hydraulic cylinder and the at least one rod cooperating with each other to push the pipe through the die, and a receiver to guide the pipe as the pipe exits from the die.

Abstract: A quick change gripping apparatus for gripping a workpiece having a profile. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical housing also includes an inner feature having a tapered wall. The housing also has a bottom section and a clam shell section that is hingedly connected to the bottom section. The quick change gripping apparatus also includes a first ring and a second ring, each disposed around the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A device which is designed as a spray head and is intended for lubricating and cooling molds, in particular forging dies and tools in metal forming, is described, in which device the feed passages for coolant, compressed air and lubricant are accommodated in a common compact housing but are designed to run separately from one another, and in which spray nozzles are in each case assigned to these separate flow passages, these spray nozzles being specifically designed for spraying the lubricant and the coolant, respectively. By means of this measure, the spraying operation can be designed in an optimum manner and it becomes possible to keep the lubricant and coolant consumption low.

Abstract: A clamp ring for a forge die, the clamp ring comprising a substantially solid ring portion having a channel about the outer diameter and at least one flame aperture formed between the inside and the outside diameter and in fluid communication with the channel and a band portion having a inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the ring wherein the band portion is sized to fit over said ring portion, the ring portion having at least one aperture and a conduit attached thereto, whereby said band it attached to said ring such that combustible gas flows through said conduit into said channel and out of the at least one flame aperture.

Abstract: A can bottom forming assembly for use in forming the bottom of metal cans, such as steel and aluminum two piece cans. The bottom forming assembly is lightweight and comprises outer and cylinder housing assemblies which house a clamp ring retainer assembly, a transfer piston assembly and a spring member. The clamp ring retainer assembly includes biasing members to float a clamp ring thereby centering the clamp ring and domer die plug with respect to the ram of a bodymaker.

Abstract: An automatic idle adjusting apparatus with a side shift function automatically adjusts the position of guides according to the kind of the workpiece provided and adjusts the distance between two workpieces processed using one metal mold. The apparatus includes two idle bases, a plurality of guides, and a plurality of three-axis moving means on the idle bases that move the guides. The three-axis moving means each comprises an X-axis guide block, a Z-axis guide block movably connected to the X-axis guide block, and a Y-axis guide block movably connected to the Z-axis guide block; one of the guides is movably connected to the Y-axis guide block. A shifting means is also provided that adjusts the distance between the idle bases.

Abstract: A transferring device includes at least one gripper rail, which can be brought into engagement with at least one workpiece and which can be driven in a lifting direction, a closing direction and an advancing direction. The transferring device also includes at least one lifting drive and/or at least one closing drive, at least one advancing drive, and an arm that is connected to the advancing drive in a manner that enables it to pivot about a pin while moving, to a large extent, parallel to the advancing direction. The transferring device is characterized in that the gripper rail is directly engaged with the arm in the advancing direction and can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the advancing direction.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated rivet squeezer is described, having features that allow for the miniaturization of a squeezer to a size smaller than portable rivet squeezers presently available. A first feature of the invention is that a return spring is accommodated within the squeezer housing by embedding the spring diametrically partially within a cavity in an internal wall of the housing and diametrically partially within a cavity in a jaw of the squeezer. A second feature of the invention contributing to miniaturization is that the squeezer utilizes a wedge having a very high mechanical advantage during the final stage of squeezing action, and a novel two curve surface for applying force to arms of the squeezer.

Abstract: Equipment for cold-drawing a metal wire. The equipment includes a succession of a sleeve with a cylindrical hole and a threading die with a conical hole. The sleeve is inserted into a support and terminates with an extension inserted into the conical hole of the threading die. The support has a first annular projection and the threading die has a second annular projection coupled to the first projection so as to keep the sleeve and the threading die in position.

Abstract: In an industrial installation equipped with a sensor, a method is provided for checking the sensor and providing a measurement sequence associated with the sensor. Monitoring occurs for a thermodynamic parameter of a monitored fluid circulating in the industrial installation, by sensing the fluid using the sensor while the industrial installation is operating and by collecting and processing an electric signal emitted by the sensor using the measurement sequence. A perturbation is produced of fluid origin of the thermodynamic parameter while the installation is operating and the fluid circulates in the installation in order to act on a sensitive element of the sensor and cause a modification of the electric signal emitted by the sensor. The method performs collecting and analyzing of the modified signal from the sensor using the measurement sequence.

Abstract: An exemplary method is disclosed which serves to determine a condition of at least one measuring probe which is integrated in a process vessel of a process system with one or more system stages and which is cleaned from time to time using, for example, CIP- and SIP processes, without uninstalling the measuring probe for the cleaning. The temperature of the measuring probe or of the medium surrounding the measuring probe can be measured by a measuring sensor arranged inside or outside the measuring probe, and the condition of the measuring probe can be determined based on a record of the temperature (TS/M) measured over the time when the measuring probe is in operation. In some cases, the method can include monitoring correct execution of the CIP- and SIP processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a rate of rotation. In one implementation, the method includes vibrating a proof mass at a pre-determined frequency in a drive axis. In response to a rotation, sensing an amount of deflection of the proof mass in an axis orthogonal to the drive axis, in which the amount of deflection is sensed as a change in charge. The method further includes generating a quadrature error cancellation signal to substantially cancel quadrature error from the sensed change in charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface, in particular a natural or artificial grass surface, which device comprises a housing placed on supports, which is to be positioned on the surface to be examined; a rotatable shaft, which is vertically disposed in said housing; a body connected to the end of said shaft that faces towards the surface, which body comprises a contact surface which can be brought into contact with the surface to be examined; as well as measuring means for measuring, during operation, the torque caused by the friction between the surface to be examined and the contact surface of the rotating body. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface which provides a more reliable and reproducible measuring result and which is furthermore user-friendly and easy to transport.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a technique regarding sensor nodes for impact detection to enable the intensities of impacts to be determined in a multi-value or analog mode and to reduce the power consumption of sensor nodes. The sensor node is provided with a shock detection sensor comprising a piezoelectric element unit which generates an electric charge corresponding to an external impact, a capacitor which rectifies and accumulates the electric charge so generated, and a voltage detector which operates on the accumulated power and externally outputs a signal when the accumulated voltage reaches a preset level; a stand-by control object section which is caused by the external signal to return from a stand-by state and to operate; and a power supply which feeds power to the stand-by control object section, wherein the operation of the stand-by control object section is triggered by the signal of impact detected by the piezoelectric element unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatedly detecting the presence of one or more chemical contaminants, such as 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, in/on a plurality of cork wine bottle stoppers in rapid succession using electronic nose chips. The apparatus moves the nose chips and the cork stoppers independently to align the cork stopper and a corresponding electronic nose chip with one another for testing. The automated apparatus and method provides a low-cost, reliable process for testing 100% of cork wine bottle stoppers in a fast and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for leak detection by the accumulation method. The apparatus includes a sealable chamber (10) configured to receive a test piece (12) that, while in the chamber, contains a trace gas, a trace gas permeable member (30) in gas communication with the chamber, and a trace gas sensor (20) in gas communication with the permeable member and configured to sense the trace gas that passed from the chamber through the permeable member. The permeable member may be quartz. The trace gas sensor may include an ion pump.

Abstract: A leak tester which detects leakage of a gas from a measured object, the leak tester including a source of a pressurized gas which supplies the pressurized gas, a differential pressure detecting section which detects a pressure difference between the pressure of a gas in the measured object and the pressure of a pressurized gas supplied by the source of the pressurized gas, and a pressure adjusting section which makes the pressure of the pressurized gas supplied by the source of the pressurized gas constant.

Abstract: An improved micro slit viscometer includes a combined micrometer depth rectangular slit flow channel with monolithically integrated multiple pressure sensors in the flow channels and a pumping system that injects a test sample to the channel at a desired flow rate. Pressure sensing diaphragm of the monolithically integrated pressure sensors is smooth to minimize the flow disturbance thereby measuring accurate local pressures. With the measurement of the pressures at various locations of the channel the true viscosity of test sample can be calculated. The viscometer may consist of multiple flow channels and thus the true viscosity at multiple shear rates can be measured simultaneously for a given flow rate thereby obtaining a full viscosity curve as a function of shear rate of non-Newtonian liquids in a much faster manner. The viscometer needs only a miniscule amount of sample, which minimizes a waste of test material.

Abstract: A robust multi-criteria minimum timing for the best torque (MBT) timing estimation method and apparatus utilizes different ionization signal waveforms that are generated under different engine operating conditions. The MBT timing criteria is calculated based upon both ionization and analog derivative ionization. Multiple MBT timing criteria are determined and combined to increase the reliability and robustness of MBT timing estimation based upon spark plug ionization signal waveforms. In a preferred embodiment, a combination of the MBT timing estimation criteria comprises a maximum flame acceleration location, a 50% burn location, and a second peak location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive paint is applied to the surface of a measurement object main body of a wind tunnel and is irradiated with an excitation light from a luminescent sheet and excited to generate phosphorescence so that an intensity of the phosphorescence that corresponds to the pressure on the surface of the measurement object main body can be measured to determine a pressure distribution on the surface. The luminescent sheet is disposed within the measurement object main body made of a light transmitting material. The entirety of the pressure sensitive paint can be uniformly irradiated with the excitation light without applying the excitation light from a plurality of light sources disposed outside the measurement object main body, thereby enhancing the accuracy with which the pressure distribution is measured. The flexible luminescent sheet conforms to the shape of the three-dimensional curved surface of the measurement object main body.

Abstract: A cold smoke generating device includes an air source that may include a hollow flexible collapsible container having an expandable and compressible cavity for accepting air and air-borne reagent therein. The collapsible container is fluidly connected with a narrow flexible extension that includes an elongated cavity or chamber. Isolated and/or free reagents are disposed within the chamber of the narrow flexible extension. These reagents are capable of reacting with each other, with atmospheric air, or with other gases and fluids to generate a visible aerosol when expelled into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A device and method for determining Brix ratios of fountain-dispensed beverages that have different Brix ratios. The device includes a primary cup and a set of secondary cups that have different cross sectional areas. When determining a beverage Brix ratio, a select secondary cup is attached to the primary cup based on the ratio of the cross sectional areas of the primary cup and selected secondary cup. This ratio is based on the Brix ratio of the beverage. The determination is performed by flowing the water from the dispensing head forming the beverage into the primary cup and the syrup forming the beverage into the select secondary cup. A slider attached to one of the cups is moved to a select position based on the liquid level in the cup. The liquid level on the other cup is compared against the level defined by an indicia on the slider.

Abstract: A densimeter contains an inlet pipe section, a second pipe section joined to the downstream end of the inlet pipe section, and an outlet pipe section joined to the downstream end of the second pipe section. The inlet and outlet pipe sections are constrained by a support structure, while flexible couplings allow the second section of pipe to undergo a limited amount of radial motion relative to the adjacent pipe sections. The weight of the second pipe section is supported by a weight measuring unit, which continuously measures the weight of the second pipe section as fluid flows through the densimeter. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses the densimeter to measure the density of a proppant in a blender system for preparing fluid mixtures for fracturing and propping oil bearing geological formations.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor is constituted using a lead frame having at least one stage and a plurality of leads whose bases are arranged in the same plane, wherein at least one physical quantity sensor chip having a plurality of electrode pads is mounted on the stage and is inclined so that the electrode pads are disposed in the inclination direction and are connected to the leads by use of wires whose lengths substantially match distances between the electrode pads and leads. This prevents the leads and wires from being unexpectedly broken, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of separation of the leads from the physical quantity sensor chip. In addition, the tip ends of the leads are disposed along the surface of the inclined stage before wire bonding; hence, it is possible to easily connect the tip ends of the leads to the physical quantity sensor chip.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes: a substrate; an angular speed sensor disposed on the substrate; and an acceleration sensor disposed on the substrate. The angular speed sensor includes an oscillator capable of oscillating by a driving force and displaceable in accordance with a Coriolis force attributed to an angular speed of the oscillator. The acceleration sensor includes a movable portion displaceable in accordance with an acceleration applied to the acceleration sensor. The oscillator has a driving direction, which is not parallel to a displacement direction of the movable portion. The physical quantity sensor having the angular speed sensor and the acceleration sensor detects both of the angular speed and the acceleration with high accuracy.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in a industrial process includes monitoring electronics or diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose or identify a condition or other occurrence in the industrial process. The system can be implemented in a process device such as a flowmeter, and in one example an acoustic flowmeter. A transducer can also be used and a frequency response, such as resonant frequency, can be observed.

Abstract: A human or other status discriminating apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibration detecting sensor comprising a container main body, a liquid packed tightly in the container main body, and an ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the liquid and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the liquid surface, to detect behavior of a subject, an ultrasonic transmission and reception control device including an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver, a signal converter, and a microcomputer, for issuing a transmission signal at specific time intervals to the ultrasonic detecting sensor, receiving a reception signal at specific time intervals from the ultrasonic detecting sensor, and calculating risk associated with the detection object from the change of maximum amplitude of the input reception signal, and a cable for coupling the ultrasonic detecting sensor and ultrasonic transmission and reception control device, and forming an input and output passage of transmission signal and reception signal.

Abstract: A remote process seal system is provided. The seal system includes at least one remote process seal assembly coupled to a process pressure transmitter via a coupling filled with an incompressible fluid. The incompressible fluid is contacted by at least one getter to reduce instabilities caused by the release of hydrogen gas accumulating over time. In one aspect, a layer of getter material is deposited or placed within the pressure transducing portion of the remote process seal assembly.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly comprised of a single and dual layer diaphragm with integrated force sensing flexure, such as a cantilever beam. Strain gages are positioned on the force sensing beam. The pressure forces the diaphragm to deflect. The deflection is constrained by the beam, which is compelled to bend. The bending induces strains in strain gages located on the beam. The strain gages are connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. When a voltage is applied to the bridge, the strain gages provide an electrical output signal proportional to the pressure. Composite diaphragm—beam pressure sensors convert pressure more efficiently and improve sensor performance.

Abstract: A differential pressure flow sensor system comprises a disposable flow sensor which has upstream and downstream pressure sensing devices for detecting a differential pressure in a flow channel. Each sensing device comprises a diaphragm, a capacitor and an inductor electrically coupled to the capacitor so as to form an LC tank circuit. The capacitor and/or inductor can be mechanically coupled to the diaphragm such that a deflection of the diaphragm in response to fluid pressure applied thereto causes a change in the resonant frequency of the LC tank. The differential pressure and flow rate can be determined by detecting changes in the resonant frequency using interrogation electronics which can wirelessly interrogate the devices. A calibration capacitor and/or inductor can be formed on each sensing device and trimmed thereon for calibration purposes. Such pressure flow systems can be implemented in medical applications.

Abstract: A method and system for driver configuration for an ultrasonic meter. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic meters comprising a spool piece that couples within a flow of fluids, a first upstream transducer mechanically coupled to the spool piece, a first downstream transducer mechanically coupled to the spool piece (the first downstream transducer in operational relationship to the first upstream transducer), and a first transducer driver that selectively couples to the first upstream and first downstream transducers. The transducer driver drives the first upstream transducer, and also drives the first downstream transducer.

Abstract: Flow measurement systems and techniques may allow flow information to be wirelessly transmitted. The systems and techniques may include a meter index cover and a wireless meter transmitter adapter. The meter index cover may be configured and arranged to house a meter index and include a mounting member configured and arranged to couple to a variety of wireless meter transmitter adapters. The wireless meter transmitter adapter may be configured and arranged to couple to the mounting member and to couple to a wireless meter transmitter.

Abstract: A NoFoam system which permits the environmentally safe testing of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle's foam delivery system by using a surrogate fluid to test the foam delivery system. The NoFoam system includes the piping, valves, and connecting elements to interface with the fire vehicle's foam delivery system, while minimizing the release of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to the environment.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member for supporting a chain guide, a first link member pivotably coupled to the base member and to the movable member through respective first and second link pins, a second link member pivotably coupled to the base member and to the movable member through respective third and fourth link pins, and a motor having a drive shaft that defines a drive shaft vector. The first through fourth link pins define edges of a phantom space, wherein straight continuous phantom lines connecting ends of the first through fourth link pins in a non-crossing manner define remaining edges of the phantom space. At least a part of the primary motor housing is disposed in the phantom space, and the drive shaft vector points away from a plane containing the second and fourth link pins.

Abstract: A transmission for a dune buggy has a transaxle, a transmission gear assembly, a forward bevel gear, a reverse bevel gear, a counterrotation bevel gear, a sleeve and a gear shifting lever assembly. The transmission gear assembly is mounted around the transaxle and is rotated by a motor in the dune buggy. The forward and reverse bevel gears are mounted rotatably around the transaxle. The forward bevel gear connects to the transmission gear assembly. The counterrotation bevel gear meshes with the forward and reverse bevel gears. The sleeve is mounted securely on the transaxle, slides longitudinally on the transaxle and selectively engages the forward or reverse bevel gears. The gear shifting lever assembly connects to the sleeve. Moving the gear shifting lever moves the sleeve.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic switching unit for a vehicle transmission (6) comprising one splitter group transmission (12) pneumatically switched via valves (36, 38) and one range-change group transmission (14) pneumatically switched via valves (44, 46), the switchings of which are manually preselected by the vehicle driver on a gear lever (16), has one locking device (54, 56) for mechanically preventing the manual switching of inadmissible reduction ratios of the vehicle transmission (6), one device (30, 42, 64) for preventing the pneumatic switching of inadmissible reduction ratios and one electronic control device (20). The locking device (54, 56) for mechanically preventing the manual switching of inadmissible reduction ratios is pneumatically connected with one valve (44) for switching the range-change group transmission (14).

Abstract: A bicycle twist-grip shift control device includes a base member for attachment to the bicycle; a twist-grip operating member rotatably supported relative to the base member for rotating in first and second directions around an operating member axis; a transmission control member rotatably mounted relative to the base member for controlling the pulling and releasing of a transmission control element in response to rotation of the operating member, and an intermediate member that moves in a direction of an intermediate member axis in response to rotation of the operating member. The transmission control member rotates around a transmission control member axis that is substantially parallel to the operating member axis, and the intermediate member includes an intermediate member detent for maintaining a rotational position of the operating member and the transmission control member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for removing a stop from a bottle. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a stabilizer is provided to prevent the stop from being pushed into the bottle and insert members are provided for removing the stop without the outside of the stop adhering to the inner wall of the bottle. Such embodiments allow, among other things, removal of the stop from the bottle without destruction or partial destruction of the stop, as is sometimes the case with conventional corkscrews, yet without the risk of pushing the stop into the bottle as is sometimes the case with non-corkscrew bottle stop removers.