Abstract: A chemical storage device and a method for monitoring chemical usage are described herein. The device and disclosed method utilize a chemical storage canister and a load cell integrated into one transportable unit. The load cell is capable of compensating for the added weight of attached dispensing devices used in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the load cell continuously displays the weight of the chemicals as they are withdrawn from the chemical storage device. These functionalities are included in the control logic of the load cell which is incorporated into the load cell itself.

Abstract: A resistive-type humidity sensing structure with microbridge includes a substrate, a sensing portion, and two measuring electrodes. An isolated layer and a bridge are respectively formed on the substrate. The sensing portion includes a resistive and humidity sensing layer. Two measuring electrodes are formed on the resistive sensing layer corresponding to the bridge, so as to fix the sensing portion on the first isolated layer for measuring resistance values of the resistive sensing layer. The material of the humidity sensing layer changes its volume according to humidity, the length of the resistive sensing layer covered by the humidity sensing layer is warped, and the changes of the length of the material for the resistive sensing layer causes variations of the resistance value. Finally, two measuring electrodes are used to measure the humidity value.

Abstract: A tuning bar vibrator formed on a substrate and including a vibrating body. The vibrating body is formed into a meander shape as a whole, and a middle vibrating reed is used as a first detection unit. At one end side of the vibrating body, two sensing electrodes are formed and connected respectively to two extended electrodes. A further sensing electrode and a common electrode are formed on a first principal surface of the first detection unit. A common electrode formed on a second principal surface of the vibrating body is connected to the common electrode on the first principal surface via a through-hole. The further sensing electrode and the common electrode are connected respectively to another set of extended electrodes. A tuning bar vibrator that is small in size, may be reduced in profile and may be used as a vibrating gyroscope having a desirable detection sensitivity, and a vibrating gyroscope using the tuning bar vibrator are obtained.

Abstract: A high-performance angular rate detecting device is provided. A driving part including a drive frame and a Coriolis frame is levitated by at least two fixing beams which share a fixed end and are extending in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction, thereby vibrating the driving part. Even when a substrate is deformed by mounting or heat fluctuation, internal stress generated to the fixed beam and a supporting beam is small, thereby maintaining a vibrating state such as resonance frequency and vibration amplitude constant. Therefore, a high-performance angular rate detecting device which is robust to changes in mounting environment can be obtained.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device which may be permanently attached or removably attached to a material such as a vehicular glass window or airplane wing. This device may comprise of a converter sub-unit or vibrator and a coupler. These elements may be arranged to propagate mechanical motion generated by the converter sub-unit through the coupler and optionally into the edge of the attached material. The resulting vibration motion in the material, which could take the form of a longitudinal compression/rarefaction wave, transverse wave, or a combination of the two waveforms, may be of a sufficient magnitude so as to cause the adhesive bond between the material's surface and other solid debris, such as ice, to be broken. This allows the debris to fall away while not damaging the material. The vibration motion in the material may be also of sufficient magnitude to remove a liquid such as water from the material surface.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the integrity of a bonded joint in an article includes a laser configured in a laser shock processing arrangement to perform a laser shock processing treatment on the article. A beam delivery system employs an articulated arm assembly to communicate the radiant energy emitted by the laser to a process head proximate the article. The laser shock processing treatment causes the formation of shockwaves that propagate through the article, inducing internal stress wave activity that characteristically interacts with the bonded joint. A sensor detects a stress wave signature emanating from the article, which is indicative of the integrity of the bond. A detector such as a non-contact electromagnetic acoustic transducer provides a measure of the stress wave signature in the form of surface motion measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems, and instruments (10) for monitoring, detecting or measuring one or more acoustic emissions of a foam. The detected emission(s) may then be used to generate a response, such as one to control an associated process.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor comprises at least one resonant element. A driver comprises an electrical coupling means and an electromagnetic field source arranged such that the electrical coupling means transfers currents to the electromagnetic field source. The electromagnetic field source produces an electromagnetic field that drives the resonant elements to produce acoustic waves directed to a predetermined part of a test sample. Also provided is an electromagnetic detector for receiving the acoustic spectrum omitted from a test sample and an electrical circuit connected to the drive around detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate, such as a metallic interleaved composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness, at least one metallic shim, and at least one mesh. A plurality of metallic shims and meshes may be disposed in alternating layers within the member. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh may produce a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. Use of the metallic shim may aide in modeling a metallic laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting damage in a bearing supporting at least one rotary shaft of an engine in rotation, the method consisting in: defining a measurement period corresponding to a range of speeds of rotation of the shaft during renewable activity at low speeds of operation of the engine; acquiring over the entire measurement period a vibratory signal representative of acceleration of components of the engine; sampling the vibratory signal as a function of the speed of rotation of the shaft during the measurement period; transforming the sampled vibratory signal into a frequency signal to obtain frequency spectrum lines as a function of the speed of rotation of the shaft; calculating the mean of the amplitudes of the spectrum lines; determining amplitude peaks around multiples of the theoretical frequency of a damaged roller; calculating the ratio between each amplitude peak and the amplitude level determined for a sound bearing; and comparing the ratio that is obtained with at least o

Abstract: A process pulsation diagnostic system comprises a primary element, a sensor and a processor. The primary element generates a differential pressure along a fluid flow. The sensor samples the differential pressure. The processor generates a pulsation diagnostic based on a standard deviation of the differential pressure, such that the pulsation diagnostic is indicative of a degree of process pulsation in the fluid flow.

Abstract: A pressure gauge has a base, a control knob, a pressure detector, a display and a cover. The base has a chamber, an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a controlling tube. The controlling tube has an inner end protruding into the chamber of the base and communicating with the inlet tube. The control knob is mounted rotatably on the controlling tube to open or close a communication between the inner end of the controlling tube and the inlet tube. The pressure detector is mounted in the chamber to detect air pressure in the base. The display is mounted in the chamber of the base and is connected electrically to the pressure detector to display the air pressure detected by the pressure detector. The cover is attached detachably on the base to close the chamber and has a window from which the display is exposed.

Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of the brake torque on an aircraft landing gear, a connecting element that is transversally loaded by the brake torque is provided with measuring elements which produce a measuring signal in function of a deformation of the connecting element. In one of two preferred variants, the measuring elements are attached to the surface of a cavity in the connecting element, and in the second preferred embodiment, a corresponding sensor is introduced into the connecting element as a whole, the sensor being so designed that deformations affect its enclosure and deform the latter as well.

Abstract: A mechanical quantity measuring apparatus is provided which can make highly precise measurements and is not easily affected by noise even when it is supplied an electricity through electromagnetic induction or microwaves. At least a strain sensor and an amplifier, an analog/digital converter, a rectification/detection/modulation-demodulation circuit, and a communication control circuit are formed in one and the same silicon substrate. Or, the silicon substrate is also formed at its surface with a dummy resistor which has its longitudinal direction set in a particular crystal orientation and which, together with the strain sensor, forms a Wheatstone bridge. With this arrangement, even when a current flowing through the sensor is reduced, measured data is prevented from being buried in noise, allowing the sensor to operate on a small power and to measure a mechanical quantity with high precision even when it is supplied electricity through electromagnetic induction or microwaves.

Abstract: A shear stress sensor for measuring the shear force of a fluid flowing along a wall. A floating member, flush with the wall, senses a shear force of the flowing fluid. The floating member is mounted by support means to a base element that is placed in the wall, so that the floating member is flush with the wall and a shear force, sensed by the floating member, is translated via the support means to a micro-resonator. The force acting on the micro-resonator changes the shape and the refractive index of the micro-resonator, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the micro-resonator and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the micro-resonator. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the shear force of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: The invention is a device for dynamically load testing a sample that comprises a bearing, to which the sample can be directly or indirectly connected in a detachable manner, as well as a counter-bearing that can be effectively connected to the sample by means of at least one actuator element. The at least one actuator element introduces dynamic mechanical loads into the sample which Act along a load path that is directed between the bearing and the counter-bearing and extends through the sample. The at least one actuator element features a multifunctional solid body conversion material system that undergoes deformations due to the supply of energy, and wherein the deformations are at least one cause for the mechanical loads occurring within the sample. The device according to the invention uses at least one actuator element that may be configured in two alternative forms.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor assembly has a housing in which force sensing circuitry is mounted. The force sensing circuitry is configured for receiving an input force to be sensed and converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the force sensing circuitry. The coupling has an inner section that applies the input force to the load bearing member, an outer section that receives the contact force on the nib and a collapsible section that allows the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. The relative movement of the outer section is limited by an abutment on the housing so that the input force on the force sensing circuitry never exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A method for measuring the force necessary to dislodge a stent from a balloon catheter to which it is mounted. The balloon catheter with a stent mounted thereon is encased in a mass of gel material. The force necessary to pull the catheter from the gel is measured.

Abstract: A test fixture for use with a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) restrains a hollow cylindrical tube for purposes of performing either a tensile or transverse/bending load test. The fixture includes a clamp that is configured to restrain the tube without imparting a preload or changing a mechanical property of the tube.

Abstract: A magnetic induction flowmeter has a plastic measuring tube (1), which can be inserted into a pipeline system, having at least two mutually opposite measuring electrodes (3) introduced into the wall of the measuring tube (1) in order to register a measuring voltage, a magnetic unit (2), likewise arranged on the outside of the measuring tube (1), generating a magnetic field aligned substantially at right angles to the flow direction of the conductive flow medium to be measured. The plastic measuring tube (1) is equipped with means for diverting axial and thrust forces which act from the outside on the measuring tube (1) inserted into the pipeline system, in order to keep destructive mechanical loadings away from the measuring tube (1).

Abstract: A differential pressure (dP) measurement device for use in flow measurement including a first microwave resonator (1) having a flexible or yieldable part or member (4) deformable or yieldable when subject to a differential pressure in such a way as to alter a resonant frequency of said resonator, and an electronic unit (12, 14) which is coupled to the resonator (1), and where the electronic unit is adapted to produce an output depending on a resonant frequency of the resonator (1).

Abstract: A pointer operation apparatus having a reaction force to a user operation changes an intensity of the reaction force according to respective users and/or user's conditions by using an operation unit, a force applicator, and other units. The intensity of the reaction force is determined by the pointer operation apparatus based on a relationship between a position of a pointer on a display unit and the reaction force applied to the operation unit, and the force applicator is controlled according to the relationship and the pointer position by the pointer operation apparatus. The relationship is changed based on a history of a pointer position movement (e.g., a speed/path of a pointer movement) recorded by the pointer operation apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring torque in a shaft of a drive line including a disc coupling component such as a flexplate 1 or a flanged coupling 13, as well as a drive coupling system for carrying out the method. The disc coupling component 1, 13 is connected between a drive input 4 and a drive output so that all torque transmitted between the input and output passes through said component. The disc coupling component 1, 13 has a radially extending portion, which may include a plurality of spokes 7, to which is attached a SAW based strain sensor which communicates with a stationary coupler 3 fastened to an engine block 5 for wireless transmission of data from the sensor, the strain sensor measuring the strain in the disc coupling component 1, 13 from which the torque carried in the input shaft 4 may be calculated.

Abstract: In a pedal operation amount detecting apparatus, a brake pedal and a clevis secured at an end portion of an operating rod are pivotably connected by a connecting shaft, a bush is arranged between the brake pedal and the connecting shaft, detectors are attached on an outer circumferential surface of an elastically deformable bush main body of the bush, and an ECU calculates a pedal tread force based on loads detected by the detectors, whereby a simplified structure, an improved mountainability, and a highly accurate detection of an operation amount can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor which can be incorporated into textile products. The pressure sensor includes a multilayer thread having a pressure sensitive layer exhibiting a pressure-dependent electrical resistance, and a conductive layer in contact with the pressure sensitive layer. Further, the sensor includes conductive threads in contact with the multilayer thread.

Abstract: There is provided a sample operation apparatus in which, by a static electricity force acting between a probe and a sample, an accurate position is gripped without the sample being moved, and the sample can be operated by the probe for an observation, a grip, a release, or the like.

Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a chuck attachment force are provided. The apparatus is capable of measuring loads applied to a measurement substrate, while the measurement substrate is detached from a chuck, and precisely calculating necessary force through a process of comparing and analyzing values of the measured loads. This may prevent errors in the application of attachment force during a semiconductor manufacturing process. In the semiconductor manufacturing process, when the substrate is detached from a chuck, the substrate may be prevented from being deformed or cracked.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to pulses of air which applies and releases high frequency pressure forces to the body. The pulsator has two diaphragms connected to a brushless electric dc motor with rotary to reciprocating linear motion transmitting mechanisms comprising scotch yokes having anti-lash assemblies operable to generate air pulses in an air pulsing chamber. The diaphragms also increase the pressure in a manifold chamber. A check valve connects the manifold chamber with a pulsing chamber to allow pressurized air to flow from the manifold chamber into the pulsing chamber. An air flow control valve in communication with the manifold chamber is used to adjust the pressure of the air in the manifold and pulsing chambers. A programmable motor controller adjusts the duration of operation and speed of the motor to vary the operational time and frequency of the air pulses.

Abstract: A transmission system including first and second rotatable shafts, and means for transferring drive from one of the shafts to the other shaft including first and second gear wheels each rotatably mounted on the first shaft and having drive formations formed thereon, a selector assembly for selectively transmitting torque between the first shaft and the first gear wheel and between the first shaft and the second gear wheel, wherein the selector assembly includes an actuator assembly and first and second sets of engagement members that are moveable into and out of engagement with the first and second gear wheels independently of each other, said selector assembly being arranged such that when a driving force is transmitted, one of the first and second sets of engagement members drivingly engages the engaged gearwheel, and the other set of engagement members is then in an unloaded condition, wherein the actuator assembly is arranged to move the unloaded set of engagement members into driving engagement with the

Abstract: A shift drum apparatus is reduced in weight relative to conventional shift drums. The shift drum includes a shift fork, a shift drum main body, and a lid member. The shift fork is slidably mounted on a shift fork support shaft. The shift fork changes a gear position of a transmission mechanism. The shift drum main body is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The shift drum main body has an end face on a first side thereof in a cylindrical axis direction that is open to form an opening portion. The shift drum main body further includes a cam groove formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. An end portion of the shift fork is fitted in this cam groove to allow the shift fork to slide. The lid member is disc-shaped and mounted by being press-fitted in the opening portion of the shift drum main body.

Abstract: A method for controlling a gear-shifting process from an initial gear to a target gear in a manual transmission with active interlock. According to the method, the active interlock gear-shifting mechanism includes at least one shifting finger which co-operates with a selector fork, and has a layout geometry including a finger and a cam. The method contains the following steps: the selector fork of the initial gear is brought into a reliable shifting position by a method for compensating errors on the gear shifting mechanism, and/or the selector fork of the target gear is brought into a reliable shifting position a method for compensating errors on the gear shifting mechanism, before the target gear is engaged, when ever a temporarily non-critical gear-shift is to be carried out.

Abstract: A power train for an amphibious vehicle includes an engine and transaxle arranged North-South, driving front, rear, or all four road wheels. A power take off with optional decoupler and constant velocity joint drives marine drive means. The power take off may be taken from the input shaft of the transmission, and may use a synchronizer. The transaxle includes a differential. The rear wheels may be set back from the differential outputs, with intermediate drive by chains or belts. A sandwich type power take off may also be used. In the four wheel drive embodiment, a power take off is required from the rear differential. Decouplers may be provided in at least one wheel drive shaft on each driven axles.

Abstract: There are provided a resin double helical gear capable of reducing operation noises and vibrations of an ink jet printer, and a gear train for an ink jet printer using the same. The gear train 2 for an ink jet printer 1 includes an output gear 5 of a motor 3, a first idle gear 6 meshing with the output gear 5, a second idle gear 7 rotatable with the first idle gear 6, and a driven gear 8 which is mounted on a roller shaft 13 so as to be rotatable therewith and which meshes with the second idle gear 7, wherein a resin double helical gear 101 is used as each of the output gear and the first idle gear, and a spur gear is used as each of the second idle gear and the driven gear. The resin double helical gear may have a meshing relief portion 113 by cutting a chevron-shaped top portion 104 in a central portion 103 in face width directions, which is arranged in a butt portion 113 between a first die 108 and a second die 110, from a tooth crest to a portion near a bottom land so as to decrease a tooth thickness.

Abstract: A control lever system permits setting of an appropriate traveling mode with a single control lever by changing over between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, changing over a front differential gear between locked and free statuses, and changing over a rear differential gear between locked and free statuses. The single control lever is capable of setting the change-overs in prescribed combinations.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission, a shift lever is operable to move to one of a plurality of shift positions corresponding to ranges established as selectable options. The plurality of shift positions are each configured as one of a momentary position allowing the shift lever to automatically return to a home position and a retention position allowing the shift lever to be held therein. A return mechanism for causing the shift lever held in the retention position to return to the home position is provided. The return mechanism is enabled on one of conditions that the parking switch be turned on and that an ignition switch be turned off. In a manual transmission, a return mechanism for causing the shift lever held in a gear stage to return to a home position is provided, and the return mechanism is enabled on condition that an ignition switch be turned off.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column structure includes a fixed steering column portion, a movable steering column portion movably coupled to the fixed steering column portion and a steering column positioning mechanism. The steering column positioning mechanism is operably coupled between the fixed and movable steering column portions for adjusting a relative position therebetween. The steering column positioning mechanism includes a release member and a biasing member. The biasing member biases the release member to a locking orientation such that the biasing force of the biasing member applied to the release member changes with corresponding movement of the release member along a first movement portion of a prescribed movement range and the biasing force of the biasing member is generally constant with movement of the release member along a second movement portion of the prescribed movement range.

Abstract: A tilt-and-telescope steering apparatus includes a plate bracket, an outer tube, a distance bracket, an outer block, and a fastening arrangement. The plate bracket surrounds an outer surface of an outer tube and has tilt adjustment holes formed on both sides of the plate bracket. The outer tube surrounds an inner tube and has telescopic adjustment hole formed in at least one side thereof. The distance bracket surrounds the outer surface of the outer tube and has fastening holes formed through both sides of the distance bracket. The outer block is positioned between the plate bracket and the distance bracket, and fastens the distance bracket according to the operation of a control lever. A fastener couples the plate bracket, the outer block, and the distance bracket to each other.

Abstract: An integrated operator cable-connector and base housing for an automotive shifter mechanism includes a generally cylindrical opening in the base housing, an isolator installed onto one end of a steel sleeve compressed against one or more shoulders in the opening and held therein with a cap snap fitted to a protrusion on the base housing. A swivel tube has a head portion captured between facing partially spherical seats formed on an end of the isolator and an interior portion of the base housing respectively, and a rod laterally supported and slidable therein. The operator cable has its case crimped into a protruding end of the sleeve and its core wire passed through a plastic tubular insert in the sleeve, an opening in the end of the isolator, and the inside of the swivel tube to a rod to which it is attached to the rod slidable in the swivel tube.

Abstract: A motor throttle assembly for attachment to a vehicle handle bar. The motor throttle assembly includes a cable pull with a pair of opposed outwardly extending guide posts. The cable pull is disposed within a tubular inner sleeve having a pair of longitudinal cutouts designed for receiving the guide posts therethrough. The inner sleeve is rotatably supported within an outer sleeve having a pair of helical cutouts overlaying the longitudinal cutouts and designed for receiving the guide posts. Manually rotating the outer sleeve produces cooperative action of the helical cutouts and longitudinal cutouts to apply equally balanced force to the guide posts and cause the cable pull to traverse and accelerate the motor. Bearings support the traversing movement of the guide posts and the rotational movement of the outer sleeve for a smooth action of the throttle, with minimal play.

Abstract: It is known in the art to apply a counterforce, which opposes the actuating force, onto an accelerator pedal of a vehicle in the event that the vehicle, with respect to a vehicle parameter, sufficiently deviates from the nominal value. The parameter can be the speed or the measured distance from vehicles driving ahead. The invention discloses a series of embodiments that satisfy especially easily and reliably the defined requirements for applying the counterforce to the pedal.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: An assembly of punched and formed material that has an ergonomically designed hood which covers a torsion spring that connects the hood to the formed and punched hook and a sliding base. The base and hood thereof is inserted and secured to the hook which allows the base to slide as the hood assembly is being pinched which opens the hook and allows the tool to be placed onto the threads of bolts, screws, or small pipe.

Abstract: A ratchet device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The ratchet device includes a ratchet body having a handle and a ratchet head. The handle is reciprocably rotatable in first and second handle directions about an axis extending substantially normal to a major axis of the ratchet head. The ratchet device further includes an output member coupled to the ratchet head, wherein the output member is rotatable in a substantially constant output member direction when the handle is reciprocated between first and second handle directions.

Abstract: A ratchet connector includes a driving element, a control ring, and a working element. A tooth block is disposed in an open groove of the driving element. Both sides of the tooth block have several teeth. The control ring is mounted on the driving element to control the tooth block to move along the bottom of the open groove. The working element is mounted on the driving element. The teeth of the tooth block engage with the ratchet teeth on an inner surface of the working element.

Abstract: A device that enables a user to install most any hardware item into any structure. The inventive apparatus includes a core portion with a standard female ACME thread so the core may be threaded onto a standard extension pole. At the upper end of the core is a cavity designed to accept wafers for various purposes. Hardware installing wafers are designed to accept pieces of hardware in a particular class and size such as eyebolts, hooks, right-angle hooks, and other suspension hardware. Tool wafers are wafers with various tools attached to them for performing different operations such as prying, lifting, nailing, tacking, threading, scrapping, grasping, cutting, drilling, marking, hole punching, and so on. Attachment wafers attach various implements and devices to the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cutting a sleeve to a predetermined length. The sleeve is first moved the direction of the longitudinal axis through a distance corresponding to the required cutting length, a rotating saw blade is driven through the outer surface of the sleeve but not through the inner surface, the sleeve is rotated through a first revolution whereupon the direction of rotation of the sleeve is set to be the same as the direction of rotation of the blade, the blade is driven through the inner surface of the sleeve and the sleeve is rotated until the cut extends around the sleeve.