Abstract: A tack adhesion testing device for quantitatively measuring tack adhesion between a material and an object with a planar surface for contact with the material. The device has a material mount for mounting a quantity of the material such that the quantity of material presents an exposed flat face, an object mount for securely holding the object such that the planar surface is in flat contact with the exposed flat surface, the material mount and the object mount being movable relative to each other, a contact force applicator for applying a known force urging the exposed flat face and the planar surface into contact and, separation mechanism for applying a variable force to the material mount and the object mount to slide the flat face and the planar surface relative to each other such that the variable force can be increased until the flat face and the planar surface slide relative to each other.

Abstract: Partial Stroke Testing (PST) equipment and methodologies provide PST data for one or more valves by withholding or applying power to the one or more valves for periodic time periods that increase by an incremental amount until the one or more valves partially stroke or a maximum test period expires.

Abstract: A positive displacement flow measurement device includes a rotor portion positioned inside a casing portion to act as a least area rotor that captures a volume of material and moves the volume of material along the length of the device. The device is coupled to a means for counting the number of revolutions of the rotor portion and/or the casing portion over a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, the counting means comprises a shaft encoder that measures the angular position of a shaft of the rotor portion and sends a signal to a processor of a computing device that determines the volume of material flowing through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring a physical variable using a plurality of measuring sensors (20). Said system is characterized in that an inverting measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) is connected downstream of every measuring sensor (20), one output of a sensor (20) each being connected to an inverting input of the measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) connected downstream of the measuring sensor (20).

Abstract: Humidity or a gas concentration or a solvent concentration in at least one gas is detected by a field effect transistor-based gas sensor whose sensor signal is generated by the change in the work function on a sensitive film. Detection is to be provided in a simple, effective and inexpensive manner. An additional change in potential is impressed at a gate of the field effect transistor and a variable of the resulting change in the sensor signal relative to the additional change in potential is evaluated. For example, each variable, which is e.g. a ratio, can be assigned a relative humidity, a gas concentration, or a solvent concentration. Sensitive films having at least one polymer are particularly advantageous.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the gravitational acceleration on the ground, for example adapted to geophysical explorations applied to mining, comprising a base frame (31), a resonator (10) having a first disc of sapphire (2) integral to said base frame (31), an a second disc of sapphire (1) arranged at a minimum distance from said first mass (2) and aligned vertically with respect to said first mass (2) such that said first and said second disc (1 and 2) form a resonator for electromagnetic signals (10); a cantilever arm (41) connected to said base frame (31) and holding resiliently the second disc (1) in order to provide a steady elastic modulus; a magnetic probe (11) for applying an electromagnetic signal to said resonator (10) arranged according to a plane existing between the two discs (1 and 2); a linear electric probe (12), arranged under the fixed disc (2) aligned vertically with respect to its side edge, for measuring a resonance frequency of said resonator responsive to said electromagneti

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of tuning properties of a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor. The gravity gradiometer comprises a pair of first and second transversely arranged sensor masses that are arranged for movement about an axis and relative to each other in response to a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer further comprises first and second capacitors for sensing and influencing the movement of the first and second sensor masses. The method comprising applying a bias voltage to at least one of the capacitors for generating an electrostatic force which acts on one of the sensor masses and thereby influences the movement of that sensor mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable. The apparatus includes at least a first housing unit, which has at least one connecting section for mechanical connection of the first housing unit with a connecting section of a second housing unit. The invention includes the feature that the connecting section of the first housing unit is embodied in such a manner, that, via the connecting section of the first housing unit, connection of the first housing unit with one of at least two, second housing units is producible, wherein the at least two, second housing units differ from one another at least in their connecting sections.

Abstract: The balancing machine for balancing vehicle wheels comprises a supporting structure of grip and rotation means for gripping and rotating a wheel to be balanced, detection means for detecting the unbalance of the wheel during rotation, a processing unit which is operatively associated to said grip and rotation means and to said detection means, a screen associated to the supporting structure which is operatively associated to the processing unit and adapted to display the detected unbalance data and selectable functions or lists of functions, a control panel for the selection of the functions or lists of functions having a touch-screen control surface, and control means for controlling the operation of the control surface between a continuous operating mode, in which the touching of the control surface between two positions leads to scrolling between the functions or lists of functions, and a discrete operating mode, in which on the control surface is determined at least a discrete portion and the touching of

Abstract: A control component of an apparatus in one example is configured to signal a plurality of electrodes arranged in at least first, second, third, and fourth radial electrode groups along first, second, third, and fourth axes at approximately 0, 45, 90, and 135 degrees, respectively, around the planar resonator. During a first time period, the control component is configured to signal: the first radial electrode group to induce a drive oscillation in the planar resonator, the third radial electrode group to sense the drive oscillation, the second radial electrode group to sense a Coriolis force induced oscillation, and the fourth radial electrode group to null the Coriolis force induced oscillation.

Abstract: A synchronous detection circuit includes: an offset compensation circuit which generates an offset compensation voltage to compensate an offset voltage superposed on a direct current voltage signal; and a temperature compensation circuit which generates a temperature compensation voltage to compensate variation of a direct current reference voltage that depends on a temperature in a signal path of a sensing circuit. In the circuit, the synchronous detection circuit synchronously detects an alternating current signal, the offset compensation voltage and the temperature compensation voltage are respectively superposed on the alternating current signal which is input into the synchronous detection circuit, and the synchronous detection circuit synchronously detects the alternating current signal on which the offset compensation voltage and the temperature compensation voltage have been superposed.

Abstract: A system and method describes an inertial sensor assembly, the assembly comprises a substrate parallel to the plane, at least one in-plane angular velocity sensor comprising a pair proof masses that are oscillated in anti-phase fashion along an axis normal to the plane. The first in-plane angular velocity sensor further includes a sensing frame responsive to the angular velocity of the substrate around the first axis parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the axis normal to the plane. The assembly also includes at least one out-of-plane angular velocity sensor comprising a pair of proof masses that are oscillated in anti-phase fashion in the plane parallel to the plane. The out-of-plane angular velocity sensor further comprises a sensing frame responsive to the angular velocity of the substrate around the axis normal to the plane.

Abstract: An inertia force sensor includes a detection element having an acceleration detection section (1). This detection element (1) has: two orthogonal arms obtained by connecting first arms (8) to second arms (10) so as to be orthogonal to each other, a support section (12) for supporting one ends of the two first arm (8), a fixation section (4) connected to the other ends of the two first arms (8), and weight sections (2) fixed to tip ends of the second arms (10). The first arm (8) has a thickness thinner than thicknesses of the second arm (10) and weight section (2) to thereby provide an increased detection sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for detecting differential bearing damages includes a synthesized tachometer that generates a tachometer signal corresponding to the race speed difference of a bearing assembly such that the bearing damage speed difference dependency can be eliminated and the damage features can be enhanced. The system also includes acceleration enveloping in the cycle domain to further enhance the damage signatures.

Abstract: A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus for detecting an obstacle in its surroundings is disclosed. The system includes: an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave; an obstacle detection section for performing an obstacle detection operation to determine whether the obstacle actually exists, wherein the obstacle detection section determines that the obstacle actually exists when a first voltage level associated with the ultrasonic wave received in the obstacle detection operation exceeds a determination threshold; a noise monitoring section configured to perform a noise monitoring operation to determine a noise level, wherein, the noise monitoring section recognizes a second voltage level associated with the ultrasonic wave received in the noise monitoring operation as the noise level; and a determination threshold setting section configured to set the determination threshold based on the second voltage level.

Abstract: A mobile object includes a wall member to which an ultrasonic sensor is fixed. The wall member has a through hole through which an oscillating face of the ultrasonic sensor is exposed from the wall member. A closing member closes a gap generated between the wall member and the ultrasonic sensor. The closing member connects an edge of the through hole located outside of the wall member and an edge of the oscillating face of the ultrasonic sensor. The closing member has an outer face exposed from the wall member, and the outer face of the closing member has asperities.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing changes in pressure in an enclosed vessel may include a first chamber having at least one expandable section therein that allows that first chamber to change in length. A reference member mounted within the first chamber moves as a result of changes in length of the first chamber. A second chamber having an expandable section therein allows the second chamber to change in length in response to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. The second chamber is operatively associated with the first chamber so that changes in length of the second chamber result in changes in length of the first chamber. A sensor operatively associated with the reference member detects changes in position of the reference member. Changes in position of the reference member are related to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.

Abstract: Reliably and quickly acting device that can be cheaply employed for monitoring the flow of water vapor, having a water vapor line extending between a switching valve and a cross-section connection, in particular a nozzle, and a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature in the line.

Abstract: In a constant current circuit, a constant current is caused to flow through a resistor, thereby causing a constant voltage to occur across the resistor. This constant voltage is then superimposed on an output signal of an operational amplifier that is to be fed back to the drain of a field effect transistor, thereby maintaining the same potential in an AC manner between the output terminal of the operational amplifier and the drain of the field effect transistor. In this way, the gate and drain of the field effect transistor is caused to exhibit the same potential in an AC manner, so that no current will occur through the stray capacitance between the gate and drain of the field effect transistor. As a result, similarly to a case of using a feedback capacitor, the input impedance of the field effect transistor can be raised.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus having a cantilever and a fluid flow channel, the cantilever being positioned in the channel so that it projects in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In an associated method, the cantilever is positioned in a fluid flow channel such that the cantilever extends parallel with the direction of fluid flow in the channel. Fluid is caused to flow in the channel at a known velocity. The resonant frequency of the cantilever is measured at one or more velocities of fluid flow and calculating the spring constant of the cantilever using the measured resonant frequency or frequencies. If the spring constant of the cantilever is known, the measurement of resonant frequency of the cantilever is used to determine the velocity of the fluid flow.

Abstract: An upstream hole is formed at the upstream end of a detector main body of a liquid flow detector for detecting liquid flow, and a downstream hole is formed at the downstream end, with a liquid flow channel comprising a liquid flow detection channel, discharge channel, and, optionally, intermediate flow channel, being formed between the upstream hole and downstream hole. A mobile body which is optionally, spherical, moves with the flow of liquid, and is arranged inside the liquid flow channel. The diameter of the liquid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the diameter of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel. The shape of the peripheral edge part of the upstream hole and the downstream hole is optionally elliptical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for measuring the total pressure of a flow. According to the invention, the device comprises a Pitot tube (25), means for measuring the total pressure at a stagnation point (4, 12) and comparison means (32, 33) for comparing pressures measured by the Pitot tube (25) and the means for measuring total pressure at the stagnation point (4, 12), the Pitot tube (25) and the means for measuring total pressure at the stagnation point (4, 12) being joined together and tapping air streams off the flow along the same axis (7). The method implementing the device includes comparing the measured pressures and if the difference between the two measured pressures is greater than a given discrepancy, then a warning is generated specifying that only the higher pressure has a good likelihood of being correct.

Abstract: A load measuring device for measuring a load acting on an elastically deformable member, has a distance sensor for measuring a length change in response to a deformation of the deformable member under a load. The sensor has a sensing element and a reference element arranged such that a portion of the elastically deformable member is interposed between the sensing element and the reference element. For paper manufacturing or finishing, two members between which the load is measured are cooperating rolls, at least one of which is provided with an elastic cover. One of the rolls includes the sensing element and the other roll includes the reference element. Alternatively, the two members are a roll and a cooperating belt, one having an elastic cover. Also, the sensing element and the reference element may be formed in one and the same member.

Abstract: A torque detector (16) is provided with first and second units (38, 39). The first unit (38) includes a first synthetic resin (40) formed by molding a pair of magnetic flux collector rings (34A, 34B). The second unit (39) includes a second synthetic resin (41) fixed to a magnetic shield plate (37B) containing a metal; an insertion protruding part (44) arranged on the synthetic resin (41); and magnetic sensors (35A, 35B) held by the insertion protruding part (44). The first synthetic resin (40) includes a receiving plate (38a) whereupon a base (38e) for receiving the magnetic shield plate (37B) is formed. In a status where the receiving plate (38a) exists between the magnetic shield plate (37B) and an object (30) to be attached, both the magnetic shield plate (37B) and the receiving plate (38a) are fastened to the object (30) by a pair of fixing screws (32).

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide novel approaches for rapidly sensing sense line cross-point interaction in a textile such as a carpet or rug.

Abstract: A seat belt assembly includes a webbing, a resistive film attached to the webbing, and a connector. The connector further includes a first contact connected to first contact point on the resistive film and a second contact connected to a second contact point on the resistive film. The electrical resistance of the film between the first contact point and the second contact point is proportional to tension applied axially to the webbing. The first contact and the second contact are electrically connected to an electrical resistance measuring device.

Abstract: A sampling cylinder for LNG (liquefied natural gas) is provided. The sampling cylinder includes a piston cylinder arrangement having opposite end members closing the chamber inside the cylinder. Various porting arrangements are provided for allowing fluid to be fed into a chamber inside the cylinder on opposite sides of a piston. A sample chamber is provided at one end member of the cylinder. The end member containing the sample chamber is also provided with a heat exchanger that may be connected to a source of coolant and preferably the LNG to be sampled to effect cooling of the end member at least partially prior to the sample chamber having a sample of LNG injected thereinto.

Abstract: A device and method for sampling a fluid, especially a fluid of varying densities, are provided. The device includes a retention tube configured to receive a sample of the fluid, and can include a support jacket to support the retention tube. A control member is positioned within the retention tube with a plug attached to the distal end. The plug is movable away from the opening to facilitate laminar flow of the fluid into the retention tube. The plug can sealably engage the retention tube by affixing a portion of the control member. The device can be jolted to cause the control member to stretch, which disengages the plug temporarily, thereby releasing a lab sample portion from the retention tube. The rest of the sample of fluid can be released by completely releasing the plug from sealing contact.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.

Abstract: A remotely controlled unit providing three degrees of actuation (rotational, perpendicular to a long axis, parallel to a long axis) of a variety of attachments to assist in the inspection, measurement, lining, and repair of pipe lines. The degrees of actuation are accomplished using a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump, reservoir, solenoid actuated automatic valves, pistons, and cylinders inside the body of the unit. The components are designed to operate in a partially to fully submersed environment. The unit has an on board camera system that allows an operator the ability to monitor the attachments. In addition to the degrees of actuation, the unit carries a hydraulic clamp that secures the robot in the pipe during its various operations. The unit is controlled and cameras viewed through a control cable that connects the unit to an above ground control station consisting of micro control boards controlled by a CPU.

Abstract: A device for moving an object on a rail that has grid openings, the device having at least one first movement element, at least one first drive element, and at least one engagement element for engaging at least one grid opening. The engagement element is positioned on the first movement element. The first drive element for driving the first movement element is connected to the first movement element, and the first movement element is movably held in such a way that the engagement element is at least in some regions guided along an outside of the device. As a result of this an even force is directly introduced into the rail to prevent the object to be moved by sliding becoming skewed or jammed. Likewise, the device can be supplemented by a motor so moving the object can be carried out automatically, precisely, and quickly.

Abstract: A stroke control device includes a first driving mechanism driving a carrier into a linear movement, the first driving mechanism comprising a rotating shaft arranged rotatably on a main body for receiving power input, a stopper being configured to move linearly, first and second limit switches defining a linear movement stroke of the stopper, and a second driving mechanism for driving the stopper into a linear movement, wherein the second driving mechanism includes an input member rotating synchronously with the rotating shaft and an output member on which the stopper is fixed, wherein the linear movement stroke of the stopper is less than the linear movement stroke of the carrier, and wherein the first and second limit switches are provided on the main body with a spacing therebetween and are both arranged on a path of the linear movement of the stopper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder 1 receiving a main rod 2 to slide along a sliding axis X between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuator further including an auxiliary rod 20 slidable in the main rod 2 between a retracted position and an extended position, and a rotary bearing 102 carried by the main rod 2 or the auxiliary rod 20 and co-operating respectively with the auxiliary rod 20 or the main rod 2 via a reversible helical connection. According to the invention, the actuator includes retaining means 112 for retaining the sliding of the auxiliary rod 20 and comprising a blocking member 116 arranged to act directly on the rotary bearing so as to cause rotation of the rotary bearing 102 to be blocked or to be released, blocking rotation of the rotary bearing 102 preventing the auxiliary rod 20 from moving in the main rod 2.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement (1) with at least two countershafts for a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, comprises an auxiliary drive output (10) that is coupled by way of a torque-transmitting element (11) to a first countershaft (7) and a second countershaft (8) can be coupled with a transmission brake device (12) to bring about load equalization between the countershafts (7, 8) when the auxiliary output (10) is coupled to the first countershaft (7). A method for load equalization between the countershafts (7, 8) of a transfer transmission when an auxiliary output (10) is engaged such that, in a first shift position of a main group (2) of the transfer transmission, in which the countershaft (7) not coupled to the auxiliary output (10) is free from load, and a load torque is applied to the load-free countershaft (8) for load equalization.

Abstract: A multistage transmission is provided that smoothly operates with a small force without the necessity of a shift clutch, that does not cause a loss of switching time during shifting, and that does not cause escape of a driving force as well as provides a small shift shock. When shift drive means executes upshift to a one-step-upper speed-change stage reduced in reduction ratio by one stage, normal rotation odd-numbered stage cam rods Cao and normal rotation even-numbered stage cam rods Cae alternately operate normal rotation odd-numbered stage engaging members Rao and the normal rotation odd-numbered stage engaging members Rae for shifting.

Abstract: A multistage transmission includes a swing claw member having a pin-receiving portion adapted to receive a pin member and an engaging claw portion on respective sides opposite to each other with respect to swing center, and swung by the advancement and retraction of the pin member to allow the engaging claw portion to establish engagement and release the engagement; and biasing means for biasing the swing claw member in a swing direction of bringing the engaging claw portion into engagement. The biasing means is a compression spring interposed between the inner surface of the engaging claw portion of the swing claw member and the opposing surface of the gear shaft. The multistage transmission uses multiple swing claw members of the same kind, instead of swing claw members of different kinds.

Abstract: A ball crew unit with dual ball deflect arrangements includes a pair of circulation ball deflect units. One of them is equipped axially in a first cavity provided in the nut, while the other is equipped radially in a second cavity provided in the nut. By so, the traditional buck toothed design for the external helical grooves of the shaft can be eliminated, and is unnecessary to lengthen the nut in order to avoid mutual interference between the ball deflect unit and the nut flange, the circulation tunnel formed in the nut does not have to run through the whole nut either so that the structure of the ball screw unit can be simplified. As a result the assembly work is facilitated, production cost is reduced while the mechanical property is upgraded.

Abstract: Provided are a gear in which oil film formation between the tooth surfaces of gears rotating at high speed can be effected to a sufficient degree, in which generation of pitting, abrasion, and scoring is prevented, and which helps to prevent an increase in temperature and wear to achieve an improvement in durability, and a gear drive unit. A multitude of minute concave recesses are provided at random on a tooth surface, and an average area of the recesses is set to a range of 160 to 740 ?m2. Accordingly, the tooth surface can obtain a high oil film forming capacity. Thus, even under a low-viscosity/thin-lubrication condition in which the thickness of the oil film is extremely small, it is possible to achieve a long service life.

Abstract: An active control stick assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the active control stick assembly includes a housing assembly, and a control stick support body mounted within the housing assembly for rotation about two substantially orthogonal and co-planar rotational axes. A control stick is fixedly coupled to the control stick support body and rotatable along therewith from a null position to a plurality of control positions. A first spring element is coupled between the housing assembly and the control stick support body and passively biases the control stick toward the null position.

Abstract: A transmission device (1) having a switching element, which is actuated by at least one electric component (5, 17) which is part of an actuator (4). The electric actuator component is linked to a countershaft (3) of the transmission and rotates at the speed of countershaft (3) during operation, and is functionally connected through an electric transformer rotary transformer device (15) with further enclosure mounted components of the transmission device (1). Via the transformer device (15), electric energy and/or data can be exchanged, through collector ring contacts, using inductive or capacitive coupling between the enclosure mounted components of transmission device (1) and at least one electric actuator component (5, 17) which is linked with the countershaft (3).

Abstract: A cable operating mechanism is basically provided with a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a wire pulling member and a movement transmission member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member about a first pivot axis to move between a plurality of predetermined wire positions. The wire takeup member includes a wire attachment part. The wire pulling member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The movement transmission member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. The movement transmission member is operatively coupled to the wire pulling member and the wire takeup member such that a movement of the wire pulling member is transmitted to the wire takeup member via the movement transmission member.

Abstract: A shifter designed to actuate a gear change device of a bicycle by pulling and releasing a control cable. The shifter includes a base plate mountable to the bicycle, a cable spool and cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies. The cable spool is rotated in a cable-pull direction to wind the control cable thereon and in a cable-release direction to unwind the control cable therefrom. The cable-pull and cable-release lever assemblies are operatively connected to the cable spool to rotate the cable spool in the cable-pull and cable-release directions, respectively. The cable-pull lever assembly includes a cable-pull lever rotated about a first axis and at least two winding pawls received by and rotating with the cable-pull lever about the first axis to transmit rotational movement of the cable-pull lever to the cable spool.

Abstract: There is provided a pedal device of an automotive vehicle, which comprises a plate-shaped pedal body, a lower end of which is rotatably supported at a pivot (support axis) which is disposed on a vehicle floor at a position where a foot of a driver seated in a driver's seat is to be located, the pedal body being provided so as to rotate around the pivot and swing longitudinally according to a pressing operation of the driver's foot, and a slant-face member which is provided behind the pivot which supports the lower end of the pedal body, the slant-face member having a slant upper face which extends obliquely rearward and downward with a slant angle within a rage of 13.5 to 23.5 degrees.

Abstract: First and second handle bar segments located on respectively opposite sides of a horizontal connector is attached to a revolving bicycle handle. Each bicycle revolving handle has a control member rotatably coupled to a core member that is rigidly attached to the handle bar segment. A pin that is coupled to the control member and operated by a finger operated lever selectively disengages the control member from the core member to allow the control member, and a hand grip attached to the control member, to revolve 360 degrees about the handle bar segment.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a rim, first heating members, second heating members, and a control section is provided. The rim has leather-covered portions and wood-grain portions. The surface of the leather-covered portions has a thermal conductivity different from the thermal conductivity of the surface of the wood-grain portions. Each first heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding leather-covered portion. When being energized, each first heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding leather-covered portion. Each second heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding wood-grain portion. When being energized, each second heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding wood-grain portion. The control section controls the energization of the first heating members and the energization of the second heating members independently from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cam assembly comprising a cam, a drive shaft and an adjustable screw. The cam includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an outer perimeter and a thickness between the first and second sides. The cam further has a first elongated bore through the first and second sides and the thickness of the cam, wherein the first elongated bore has a length radially oriented in the cam and a first end and a second end. The cam further has an elongated threaded hole extending from the outer perimeter to and being in communication with the first elongated bore. The drive shaft extends through the first elongated bore. The adjustment screw is within the elongated threaded hole and is engaged with the drive shaft, wherein the cam assembly is constructed and arranged such the drive shaft can be adjustably positioned and fixedly secured relative to the cam at a plurality of positions along the length of the first elongated bore.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus for joining an associated first object having a first bore extending therethrough and a second object having a second bore extending therethrough which includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of notches on a face thereof and first and second axial extremities; anchoring structure at the first axial extremity; and a first discrete locking member having a pawl and ratcheting mechanism dimensioned and configured for engagement with the plurality of notches. also disclosed is apparatus for supporting an associated ventilation apparatus which includes an engagement member for engaging and gripping a plurality of teeth of the user; an adjustment assembly for connecting the engagement member to associated ventilation apparatus. The adjustment assembly includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of notches thereon. The apparatus may further including a first discrete locking member and the elongated flexible member may have a bulbous axial extremity.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided between a treadle and a crank of a bicycle and comprises a connecting nut for being assembled to a threaded hole of a crank with a threaded segment thereof, and a treadle shaft combined with a treadle for being assembled to a threaded hole of the connecting nut with a threaded segment thereof.