Abstract: In the case of non-execution of catalyst warm-up acceleration control, the engine misfire detection procedure compares a 30-degree rotation time computed as a time required for a 30-degree rotation of an engine crankshaft with preset reference values Tref1 and Tref2 and distinctly detects the occurrence of intermittent engine misfires and the occurrence of either a single engine misfire or consecutive engine misfires (steps S120 to S150). In the case of execution of the catalyst warm-up acceleration control, the engine misfire detection procedure compares the 30-degree rotation time computed as the time required for a 30-degree rotation of the engine crankshaft with preset reference values Tref3 and Tref4 and distinctly detects the occurrence of the consecutive engine misfires and the occurrence of either the single engine misfire or the intermittent engine misfires (steps S160 to S190).

Abstract: The present application provides a sensor adjusting method and a sensor adjusting system for a variable valve mechanism. An actuator is controlled based on an adjustment request signal from an external device in such a manner that a mechanical load of a variable valve mechanism moves to a position where the movement is limited by a stopper. When it is judged that the mechanical load has moved to the position where the movement is limited by the stopper, the mounting position and the electrical characteristics of the sensor for detecting the mechanical load are adjusted so that the output of the sensor assumes a reference value.

Abstract: When it is predicted that an engine is going to be started in the near future, a heater portion of an air flow meter is energized so as to be heated in advance. Prior to the pre-heating, an intake air temperature is sensed by a temperature sensing portion of the air flow meter. After completion of start-up of an intake air temperature sensor, a difference between the intake air temperature sensed by the intake air temperature sensor and the previously sensed intake air temperature is obtained. When the difference is above a predetermined value, it is judged that the intake air temperature sensor or the air flow meter is in an abnormal condition.

Abstract: The isentropic exponent (?) and the constant (k) in the equation p·V?=k for processes before and after fuel combustion in the cylinder are determined on the basis of the signals from a cylinder pressure sensor and from a crankshaft sensor. Cylinder pressures (p) before and after fuel combustion can be determined through the equation with the corresponding isentropic exponents (?) and corresponding constants. During fuel combustion, cylinder pressure (p) is sensed by the cylinder pressure sensor. The ratio between the fuel mass burned in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine and the fuel mass (MBR) supplied to the cylinder is determined on the basis of the above-mentioned variables. The process has the advantage of reducing the computation outlay necessary to determine the ratio between the fuel mass burned in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine and the fuel mass (MBR) supplied to the cylinder.

Abstract: A gas sensor diagnostic method (or apparatus) is arranged to periodically obtain sensor output values of a gas sensor such as an oxygen sensor for an internal combustion engine, and to determine local extreme values from the sensor output values obtained during a period of interruption of fuel supply to the engine. Moreover, the local extreme values are compared with a first predetermined threshold level. When the number of the local extreme values reaches a predetermined first number, a diagnosis is performed to determine whether the gas sensor is in an improper condition or not, in accordance with results of the comparison of the local extreme values with the first threshold level.

Abstract: A gas sensor diagnostic method includes the steps of counting the reversal number of times that a target air-fuel ratio for an air-fuel mixture to be supplied to an internal combustion engine reverses from a rich side to a lean side or from the lean side to the rich side through a specific air-fuel ratio defined as a boundary of the rich and lean sides; obtaining a detection signal of a gas sensor at constant time intervals during a diagnosis period between a timing when the count for the reversal number is started and a timing when the reversal number reaches a predetermined number; calculating a moderated signal by applying a moderation calculation using a predetermined moderation coefficient to the obtained detection signal; calculating a deviation between the obtained detection signal and the calculated moderated signal; and determining whether the gas sensor is in an abnormal state or not on the basis of the deviation.

Abstract: In an integrated pressure sensor with a high full-scale value, a monolithic body of semiconductor material has a first and a second main surface, opposite and separated by a substantially uniform distance. The monolithic body has a bulk region, having a sensitive portion next to the first main surface, upon which pressure acts. A first piezoresistive detection element is integrated in the sensitive portion and has a variable resistance as a function of the pressure. The bulk region is a solid and compact region and has a thickness substantially equal to the distance.

Abstract: Method and system for determination of wheel position of wheels on vehicles with which Coriolis forces (Chl, Chr, Cvl, Cvr) active for the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) of a vehicle are determined, the Coriolis forces (Chl, Chr, Cvl, Cvr) determined for the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) are compared with each other and the wheel positions of the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) of the vehicle are determined by means of the comparison.

Abstract: A simply structured flowmeter in which an influence of a dilatational wave on a thermal flow rate sensor is suppressed, and measurement accuracy is enhanced. The flowmeter has not only the thermal flow rate sensor that is placed to face a flow channel and detects a flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow channel but also a micro path (for example, narrow pipe) that is provided to the flow channel and blocks a dilatational wave created in the flow channel from being transmitted to the thermal flow rate sensor.

Abstract: A flow sensor that is designed to overcome problems of conventional flow sensors and can readily obtain high sensitivity without errors due to tilting. A flow sensor includes: a flow channel having a pair of parallel portions; and temperature sensing resistors for heating a fluid to a preset temperature, the temperature sensing resistors being disposed on parts of the parallel portions of the flow channel, to detect a fluid flow rate based on a change in temperature distribution of a flow channel due to a change in flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow channel, the flow sensor comprising: a first upstream temperature sensing resistor and a first downstream temperature sensing resistor that are disposed in a line on upstream and downstream sides of one of the parallel portions, respectively; and a second upstream temperature sensing resistor and a second downstream temperature sensing resistor that are disposed in a line on upstream and downstream sides of the other parallel portion, respectively.

Abstract: An antifraud device for a vehicle has a tank with a filler provided with a removable cap. The device comprises a first sensor, for detecting a movement of the cap with respect to the filler, and second sensor, configured for detecting at least one of the level and a qualitative characteristic of the contents of the tank. A control unit generates first information being indicative of detections made by the first sensor, and second information being indicative of detections made by the second sensor, and stores said information in a correlated form. The device is further arranged for making explicit the first information and the second information in a correlated form, in order to identify one or more of the following conditions: removal of at least part of the contents of the tank; dilution or alteration of the contents of the tank; replacement of at least part of the contents of the tank; effective removal of the cap following upon a movement thereof in the filler.

Abstract: A method for balancing a wheel and tire assembly includes providing a wheel and tire assembly characterized by a rotational imbalance, and applying a fluid to the wheel and tire assembly thereby to correct the rotational imbalance. The use of a liquid to correct a rotational imbalance facilitates the automation of a balancing operation. Accordingly, another method is provided that includes determining a quantity of mass to be applied to a wheel and tire assembly to correct a rotational imbalance, and commanding an apparatus to dispense an amount of a fluid having the quantity of mass to be dispensed from a nozzle. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a stopper having a first locking member extending from a flame onto a proof-mass, a first recess formed at the proof-mass, including a bottom surface, a second locking member extending from the proof-mass onto the edge of the flame, a second recess formed at the edge of the side member of the flame and a projection member projecting from the flame toward the proof-mass, wherein each of the first locking member and the projection member is disposed on the both sides of the second recess.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is disclosed. A substrate has an arm portion. A piezoelectric member is disposed on the substrate. A drive electrode oscillates the arm portion by a piezoelectric operation of the piezoelectric member. First and second detection electrodes detect a Coriolis force from the oscillating arm portion. A first lead electrode having a first area is disposed on the substrate and connected to the first detection electrode and connects the first detection electrode to the outside. A second lead electrode has a second area substantially the same as the first area. The second lead electrode is disposed on the substrate asymmetrical to the first lead electrode with respect to an axis in a longitudinal direction of the arm portion and connected to the second detection electrode. The second lead electrode connects the second detection electrode to the outside. A third lead electrode connects the drive electrode to the outside.

Abstract: A transducer package 20 includes a substrate 32 having a first axis of symmetry 36 and a second axis of symmetry 38 arranged orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry 36. At least a first sensor 50 and a second sensor 52 each of which are symmetrically arranged on the substrate 32 relative to one of the first and second axes of symmetry 36 and 38. The first and second sensors 50 and 52 are adapted to detect movement parallel to the other of the first and second axes of symmetry 36 and 38. The first sensor 50 is adapted to detect movement over a first sensing range and the second sensor 52 is adapted to detect movement over a second sensing range, the second sensing range differing from the first sensing range.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerometer comprising a moving mass (5) and a fixed part (2), which uses variations in capacitance (3, 4) in order to detect the movement of the mass (5). The inventive accelerometer comprises a first series of electrodes (4) which are solidly connected to the mass (5) and which are interdigitated with a series of electrodes (3, 7) which are solidly connected to the fixed part (2). According to the invention, each moving electrode (4), together with an adjacent fixed electrode (3), forms a capacitance which varies according to the position of the moving mass (5). The accelerometer further comprises an electronic circuit which is used to detect the variation in at least one capacitance between the moving mass (5) and the fixed part (2), in the form of a moving mass displacement indicator.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate, a sensing portion provided on the semiconductor substrate, and a pad in electrical communication with the sensing portion and provided on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor sensor also includes a bonding wire in electrical communication with the pad. Furthermore, the semiconductor sensor includes a cover member with a covering portion disposed over the semiconductor substrate for covering the sensing portion such that the covering portion is separated at a distance from the sensing portion. The cover member further includes a coupling portion provided on the semiconductor substrate at an area including the pad and for enabling electrical connection of the pad with the bonding wire therethrough.

Abstract: A weight of an inertial sensor if formed from a plurality of divided weights, and the divided weights are connected to each other by elastically deformable beams. A movable range and a mass of each of the divided weights and a rigidity of each of the beams are adjusted and a plurality of deformation modes having different sensitivity ranges with respect to the acceleration are used in combination. By this means, it is possible to improve a detecting sensitivity of an acceleration and widen an acceleration response range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration measuring system for the frequency-selective measuring of especially low-frequency vibrations such as they are relevant in the area of automation and motive power engineering. The aim of the invention is to provide a system which allows an economical vibration analysis of frequencies in the range of from 0 to 1 kHz. For this purpose, a broad-band transmitting structure which is directly induced by the excitation signal to be determined is coupled to a receiving structure by means of an electrostatic or inductive force. This force coupling brings about an amplitude modulation of a carrier signal inducing the receiving structure. The spectrum of the amplitude-modulated carrier signal can then be used to extract the actual excitation signal, e.g. by suitably choosing the frequency of the carrier signal.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a portion of a weld between at least two materials includes mounting at least one ultrasonic phased array probe including at least one transducer having a plurality of elements within a housing containing a liquid therein, attaching the housing adjacent to an outer surface of the portion of the weld such that the liquid is adjacent to the outer surface of the portion of the weld, and scanning the weld with the at least one ultrasonic phased array probe.

Abstract: A body height measuring apparatus including a measuring bar and ground mainframe. An operational control module and ultrasonic body height measuring module are provided in the measuring bar and the ground mainframe. The operational control module, the synchronous signal transmitting unit and the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit are provided in the measuring bar, wherein the synchronous signal transmitting unit and the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit are connected to the operational control module. The synchronous signal receiving unit, the ultrasonic signal receiving unit and the operation processing unit are installed in the ground mainframe. Since the apparatus comprises a measuring bar together with a ground mainframe, and the measured value of the body height is obtained by computing the difference in time when the two signals are transmitted from one side to another, the measuring error is reduced and the measuring accuracy is improved with good effects.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by which IMT examination can be efficiently performed by simple processing in a health check. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing at least envelope detection processing on reception signals outputted from an ultrasonic probe to generate envelope data; an image data generating unit for generating image data representing an ultrasonic image on an object to be inspected based on the envelope data; a pre-measurement processing part for performing structural image generating processing on the envelope data; and a measurement part for performing measurement based on the envelope data processed by the pre-measurement processing part.

Abstract: A method of incorporating compliant pins in a pressure sensor that uses PCB (printed circuit board) and is press fitted into the compliant pins. The compliant pins are made in the leadframe and the leadframes are molded into the plastic housing. The PCB is press fitted to the leadframe/housing assembly.

Abstract: A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member, the lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member; characterised in that the method comprises the steps of: g) Coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component; h) Obtaining strain measurements from the at least one strain measurement means; and i) Calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from the at least one strain measurements.

Abstract: Automated seepage meters that can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and seawater infiltration. In addition to its capabilities in saltwater-influenced systems, the automated seepage meter can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and surface water infiltration in freshwater systems (e.g., aquatic, riverine, lacustrine environments). Based on a dye-dilution technique, this instrument provides high resolution time series data for submarine groundwater discharge to the coastal zone. The dye dilution method may employ two repeatable steps: the timed injection of a water-soluble dye into a dye mixing chamber mounted in series with a seepage or collection chamber and the subsequent timed measurements of the absorbance of the dyed solution.

Abstract: There is described a tubular insert for a magnetic inductive flowmeter, a production method for such a tubular insert and a flowmeter. The tubular insert essentially comprises an electrically-insulating material, in particular, rubber, reinforced with a metal mesh, at least in a measuring section. The tubular metal mesh comprises one or more mesh sections, pre-prepared from sheet mesh by stamping, bending and welding butt edges running essentially parallel to the tube axis such as to form an essentially tubular metal mesh. The tubular metal grid is embedded in the electrically-insulating material passing therethrough and the electrically-insulating material essentially covers the inner and out surfaces of the tubular material. A robust, tubular insert is thus achieved, with a corresponding cheap production cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell for an ultrasonic flow meter comprising two transducers of ultrasonic waves wherein the two transducers are reversibly detachable from the flow cell. The flow cell with the transducers detached is sterilisable and is particularly suitable for use in disposable or single-use systems.

Abstract: A power pump performance analysis system and methods includes a signal processor connected to certain sensors for sensing pressures and stresses in the cylinder chambers and the inlet and discharge piping of a single or multicylinder pump. Pump speed and pump piston position may be determined by a crankshaft position sensor. Performance analyses for pump work performed, pump cylinder chamber stress, pump fluid end useful cycles to failure, and crosshead loading and shock analysis are provided for estimating pump component life and determining times for component replacement before failure.

Abstract: A device for measuring the pressure in a gas, wherein the device comprises: a framework, a channel extending through the framework, the channel comprising in the axial direction a introductory section including an opening for receiving the gas, a measuring section having a wall, and a final section, the end of which is closed during measuring, measuring units for measuring radial forces acting on the wall of the measuring section, the measuring unit comprising a measuring body standing in mechanical contact with a first portion of the wall of the measuring section, a cooling body for transporting heat from the walls of the measuring section to the framework, wherein the cooling body is standing in thermal contact with a second portion of the wall of the measuring section and with the framework.

Abstract: A personal dust sampler for collecting airborne inhalable dust. A sampler body provides vertical elutriation by comprising an entry aperture at a distal end exposed to ambient air and having an inner diameter for air intake, and an air exit at a proximal end connected to a pump for drawing air through and along a longitudinal axis of the sampler body to filter media disposed therein for dust capture. A distance along the longitudinal axis between the filter media and the entry aperture defines an air intake length, where the length is greater than the inner diameter of the entry aperture. The air intake length could also be two, three or four or more times greater than the entry aperture inner diameter. The longitudinal axis could be arranged substantially vertically during use, so the entry aperture lies in a horizontal plane, simulating nose orientation and breathing through the nose.

Abstract: A contamination analysis unit and method for inspecting pollutants remaining on a target side of an inspection object such as a reticle after cleaning the object is provided. After steeping the target side in a solution, a sampling liquid may be abstracted therefrom after a predetermined time and may be analyzed.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for taking a liquid sample includes an inlet, a sample housing defining a sampling chamber for the liquid sample, and a sampling tube through which, in use, a flow of liquid to be sampled flows from the inlet into the sampling chamber. The sampling tube extends a predetermined distance within the sampling chamber, and defines a fluid pathway between the inlet and the sampling chamber.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a plug connector sensing apparatus for determining whether a transmission line is present within a receptacle. A reprographic printing system including this apparatus is disclosed. The method of using this plug sensing apparatus comprises determining, with the plug connector sensor, whether the plug connector is present within the receptacle and determining, with a separate signal detector, whether a signal is being communicated through the transmission line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of determining the presence of contaminating dispersants, such as polymeric dispersants and inorganic dispersants, in a processed mineral, including mineral products such as pigments, by measuring the particle charge of the processed mineral using a particle charge detector.

Abstract: A linear feedback device for an actuator comprises: a coiling belt, a return gear wheel, a driven member, and a sensing feedback device. The sensing linear feedback device serves to feedback the displacement data of the driven member that is moveable along a predetermined rail after engaging with the return gear wheel. The return gear wheel is coaxial with the coiling belt, and the coiling belt unwinds or retracts along with the actuator and drives the return gear wheel to rotate. The gear ratio between the return gear wheel and the driven teeth is used to adjust the back and forth moving distance of the probe. The linear feedback device can be installed in a small external hanging type body and offer an absolute position sensing function while preventing the error accumulation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for coupling a vacuum pump (3) with a camshaft (1) of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, comprising an end piece (6) provided with first and second coaxial portions (7, 9) delimiting an annular space wherein is mounted one of the ends of the camshaft, at least one of said portions being adapted to transmit a torque to the camshaft, and means for transmitting said torque to the pump. Said second axial portion (9) is provided with a housing (18) extending along said axis and designed to receive a means for drawing from the pump adapted to draw a lubricating fluid directed into the camshaft so as to provide a fluid communication between the camshaft and the pump.

Abstract: A dustproof device for a ball screw disposed on an end surface of a nut comprises: an absorber, an oil scraping piece and a wiping member. The absorber is made of liquid-absorbing material. The oil scraping piece has an oil scraping portion contacting the surface of the screw. The wiping member is formed with a threaded portion for meshing with the surface of the screw. And a plurality of protrusions is formed between the wiping member and the oil scraping piece for defining at least one radial through hole between the wiping member and the oil scraping piece. Therefore, the dustproof device can block and remove powder and liquid, and prevent lubricant leakage out of the nut and can absorb a tiny amount of cutting fluid passing through the oil scraping piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission drive unit (10) and to a method for producing the same, especially for adjusting a mobile part (58) in the motor vehicle. Said drive unit comprises a drive wheel (18) which can be driven by a drive assembly (42) and which is received on a spindle (16), the drive wheel (18) being rotatably received in a support tube (14). A receiving module (90) can be secured to the support tube (14) and comprises a seat (88) for a fastening device (44) to be provided on the motor vehicle (99) or the element (58) to be adjusted. Said receiving module (90) can be retrofitted and separately installed.

Abstract: A stop device is provided for a spindle drive which consists of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut with a stop. The stop device includes a limit stop and also a faceplate arranged between the stop of the spindle nut and the limit stop. The limit stop and the stop of the spindle nut are offset in relation to one another and are able to act upon the faceplate such that a bending moment can be applied to the faceplate when the threaded spindle and spindle nut of the spindle drive are in a limit stop position relative to one another.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first and second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.

Abstract: A bevel gear mechanism, especially a bevel spur-gear mechanism having one or more gear mechanism stages, including a gear mechanism housing that surrounds the gear mechanism stages, and a motor cage, which is connected via a spacer flange to the gear mechanism housing, and is connected to an electric motor. The drive side shaft of the bevel gear mechanism stage is supported in a flanged bushing. Spacer flange and drive side end wall of the gear mechanism housing have a common bore. The common bore extends around the flanged bushing of the drive side shaft. The flanged bushing has a cylindrical outer surface that centers the gear mechanism housing, the spacer flange and the flanged bushing. Furthermore, the flanged bushing, the spacer flange and the drive side end wall are interconnected by screws.

Abstract: An internal circulation ball screw comprises a nut, a screw, a plurality of return assemblies, and a plurality of balls. The nut is threaded on the screw through the balls. An arc-shaped curving surface is formed on the edge of a tip of an outer thread of the screw and is to be connected to a return path of the return assemblies. The radius of the arc-shaped curving surface of the screw is between 9%-17% of the diameter of a ball, and each of the outer threads of the screw has three different curvature sections formed at the positions where the balls climb over, which are climbing curvature section, fillet curvature section and tip curvature section. By such arrangements, the internal circulation ball screw can allow the balls to move more smoothly and stably, and keep the balls from falling off or deflecting.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to perform motion conversion between a rotary motion and a linear motion accurately, stably, and efficiently with a relatively simple structure through combination of aplanetary gear mechanism of helical gears and a planetary gear mechanism of screw gears. A sun shaft 14, planetary shafts 20, and a ring shaft 16 having respective axes of rotation in parallel with one another are provided. A helical sun gear 22, helical planetary gears 28, and a helical ring gear 42 are provided on the sun shaft 14, the planetary shafts 20, and the ring shaft 16, respectively, and cooperatively constitute a first planetary gear mechanism. A screw sun gear 26, screw planetary gears 30, and a screw ring gear 44 are provided on the sun shaft 14, the planetary shafts 20, and the ring shaft 16, respectively, and cooperatively constitute a second planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: A power transmission device is provided with: a first gear having a plurality of teeth that share an identical tooth profile; an intermediate gear that is engaged with the first gear; and a second gear that is engaged with the intermediate gear, and has a plurality of teeth that share an identical tooth profile, wherein the first gear and the second gear have an identical number of teeth, an identical reference diameter, and an identical reference pitch; and the tooth profile of the first gear is different from that of the second gear

Abstract: Novel terminal connectors or fittings and terminal connector assemblies using such novel terminal connectors are disclosed. The terminal connector assemblies have uses which include, for example, on load- or motion-transmitting cable assemblies, e.g., for aircraft, automotive, and marine vehicle applications. Certain exemplary embodiments of the terminal connectors and terminal connector assemblies have features that, either alone or in combination, provide desirable characteristics such as, e.g., reduced lash or vibration in such cable assemblies. Such features include, but are not limited to groove(s) disposed in an arm of the fitting, tab member(s) extending from an arm of the terminal connector, projection(s) positioned on an arm of the fitting, etc.

Abstract: A throttle control assembly includes a throttle screw for retaining a hand grip throttle control in a desired position, and a thumb grip extension device removably attached to the head of the throttle screw to facilitate turning the screw. The thumb grip extension device includes a disc-shaped base, a plurality of detent structures extending above an upper surface of the base, and a handle protruding radially outwardly from one of the detent structures. The detent structures each have a convex outer surface with a curvature that generally corresponds to the outer periphery of the base, a convex inner surface, and a detention ridge protruding from and extending across the convex inner surface at a location spaced from the upper surface of the base. The detent structures are resiliently movable outwardly relative to each other to allow the device to be installed and retained on the head of the throttle screw.

Abstract: Remotely actuated robotic wrist for applications in the field of teleoperation, for example for mininvasive surgical operations, comprising a distal element (3) mounted on a support (2) capable instantaneously to rotate with respect to a fixed member (5), for example by a ball joint (10) that allows three rotational degrees of freedom. In particular, the support (2) can be oriented with respect to the fixed member (5) with a redundant actuating system by arranging four forces in eccentric points, for example by means of tendons (8), and causing the rotation of the support (2) about the central post (5) by the ball joint (10). Alternatively, the support (2) can be oriented with respect to the fixed member (5) by a mechanism that reproduces the rolling of a mobile sphere, which belongs to the support, on a fixed sphere, integral to the fixed member.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes an outer jacket defining a bore extending along a longitudinal axis. An inner jacket is disposed within the bore of the outer jacket. The bushing assembly is disposed between the outer jacket and the inner jacket to remove the lash between the outer jacket and the inner jacket. The bushing assembly includes a plurality of elongated split-pins partially disposed in a plurality of channels defined by the outer jacket. The elongated split-pins are transversely compressible relative to the longitudinal axis to bias against the inner jacket, thereby removing the lash.