Abstract: A bicycle foot rest is composed of a cramp provided with a shaft body which has a halved ring on the edge. Said halved ring provided with a fixed groove and a halved groove at an appropriate location thereby. A screw fastened therewith between the fixed groove and the halved groove. A revolving body provided a plane with a tapper hole. A frame rod that provided with a receiving hole at the top end thereof uses a screw tube to engage with the revolving body. A guide tube provided cross through inside with the screw tube. A halved head provided with a longitudinal trough hole on the surface. A tension member located in the receiving hole strengthened to the bottom end of guide tube. An elastic member and a steel ball are put orderly into the trough hole of the guide tube. The steel ball is forced to strengthen to the halved ring of the shaft body with a support by the elastic member, and further to strengthen to the fixed groove or to the halved groove.

Abstract: A safe locking mechanism has an engagement element movable from a disengaged position to an engageable position in response to a small amount of electrical power. When in its engageable position a mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. Electrical power is generated solely while the user manually inputs a combination code, and a microprocessor controls storage and delivery of this power to put the engagement element into its engageable position. Once the desired engagement is obtained, the lock-bolt is moved from its locking to its unlocking position manually. Subsequent unlocking requires another entry of the code input.

Abstract: A cable adjustment device changes the effective length or tension of a control cable which extends between an actuating mechanism and a device to be operated thereby. In the case of a bicycle, the cable adjustment device is coupled to a bicycle actuating mechanism such as a brake lever or a shifter to control a brake or a derailleur. The actuating mechanism has a base or stationary member and a movable member coupled to the base member for moving the control cable. In the preferred embodiment, the cable adjustment device is coupled to the base member. Specifically, a cable guide portion with an internal threaded bore is integrally formed with the base member. This bore threadedly receives an adjusting member which engages the outer casing of the control cable. A torsion spring is coupled between the adjusting member and the cable guide portion to overridably restrict rotational movement therebetween.

Abstract: A thermostat employing a lever for selecting the temperature setting has a detent mechanism for creating individual detent positions associated with temperature setting values. In a preferred embodiment the detent mechanism comprises ridges and valleys in the surface of the baseplate on which the thermostat elements are mounted. A projection on the setting lever engages the individual valleys to create the detent effect, and a edge of the cover cooperates with resiliency of the lever to deflect the lever so as to cause the projection on the lever to continually engage the ridges and valleys. Another embodiment has ridges and valleys on the edge of the cover which engage a first projection on the lever. A second projection slides along the baseplate surface and cooperates with resiliency of the lever to deflect the lever creating force urging the first projection into continual engagement with the ridges and valleys.

Abstract: A leg fitting, preferably for a wall folding bed, includes an angle-shaped member with first and second arms, wherein the first arm is mounted in a support member such that the angle-shaped member can be pulled out and turned, and wherein the second free arm forms a standing leg when the angle-shaped member has been pulled out and turned. The leg fitting is provided with a forced guide device at least for the pulling out movement of the angle-shaped member. The forced guide device ensures that the angle-shaped member can only be turned into its standing leg position once the free arm of the angle-shaped member can be turned into this position without damaging other components.

Abstract: A device for trolley of the type which is provided with four mounting brackets and each of which is mounted with a caster socket. Each caster socket is rotationally mounted with a caster. The trolley frame is further provided with a pair of hand grips at both sides for moving the trolley forward by exerting a forward force to the trolley through the hand grips. The braking device is mounted at the hand grip and includes a housing which is attached to the hand grip. A pulling rod is pivotally mounted at one end of the housing A cable is connected to the other end of the pulling rod. The pulling rod is provided with a first recess, a second recess and a boss. The housing is pivotally mounted with a braking handle which is provided with a biasing tab and a positioning tab.

Abstract: An index shifter (1) for a bicycle transmission is placed on a handle bar (3). The index shifter has a housing (2) and a notch element (4) with notches (5), which notch element is connected with a rotatable handgrip and with one of the ends of a control cable (7). The housing has an oblong annular space in which a combination notch spring (20) is placed. This spring supports itself on the housing with two feet (24) and acts in concert with the notch element (4) through a projection (23). The combination notch spring (20), composed of a form spring (21) and a leaf spring (22), permits quiet shifting and supplies sufficiently high pre-tension spring power throughout the service life of the combination notch spring (20).

Abstract: A hand lever device is disclosed which enables a miniaturized compact hand lever device to be realized, which is capable of providing a hand lever device that is assembled with ease, which is capable of reducing amount of movement of a main lever to improve operability, and which enables fine adjustment of operation. The hand lever device (10) comprises: a main lever (30) for drawing a cable (17) connected to a driven member (CV), said main lever (30) being integrally provided with a draw amount magnifying mechanism (40) having a pulley (41) around which the cable (17) is reeved, said main lever (30) controlling the cable (17) via the pulley (41). The hand lever device (10) further comprises a turnaround member (45), and the turnaround member (45) guides the cable (17) from the pulley (41).

Abstract: A locking device for car seats for use in motor vehicle seats having two parts, which can be adjusted continuously relative to each other. The locking device includes a rail with a row of snap-in holes which extend in the longitudinal direction and are separated from each other by web-like material sections. The device includes locking teeth which can be moved at right angles to the rail and continuously engage with the snap-in hole without play in the direction of adjustment.

Abstract: The device permits locking of a control knob which can rotate around a cylindrical support and includes a lateral face with at least one first locking boss and a lateral face of a ring which has at least one second locking boss. The ring is movable in translation according to the axis between a locked position of the knob, in which the ring is prevented from rotating around the axis when the first and second bosses are engaged, and between a released position in which the first and second bosses are decoupled.

Abstract: A locking device for a drive shaft of a rotating tool member of a working tool includes a securing element fixedly connected to the drive shaft of the rotating tool member. A locking bolt has a longitudinal axis and is axially moveable between a locking position and a release position. The securing element has at least one catch opening for receiving the locking bolt in the locking position. An actuating element is positioned adjacent to the locking bolt. A spring element has a first end and a second end whereby the first end is connected to the actuating element. The second end projects into the travel path of the locking bolt and engages the locking bolt for moving it into the locking position or into the release position when the actuating element is operated.

Abstract: A device for holding and adjusting the opening angle of a door includes a first lever having a forked end with two generally parallel lugs which are respectively provided with substantially aligned first and second pivot holes, and a second lever which has a journal member for insertion into the first pivot hole, the journal member having a threaded hole and a first engagement surface. A first detent member is inserted between the parallel lugs and has a pivot slot aligned with the first and second pivot holes. The first detent member further includes a second engagement surface for engagement with the first engagement surface, and a detent face. A resilient second detent member is mounted inside the first lever inwardly of the forked end to engage the detent face.

Abstract: Fore and aft movement of a lever pivots first and second shafts of a cross shaped member while left and right movement of the lever causes a yoke of the lever to pivot on third and fourth shafts of the cross shaped member. The pivotal movement of the first shaft causes a pair of end portions of a torsion spring to generate forces on a force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the fore and aft movement of the lever. Similarly, left and right pivotal movement of the yoke causes a pair of end portions of another torsion spring to generate forces on another force sensor resulting in the output of electrical signals proportional to the left and right movement of the lever. Selectively energizing a coil device fixed relative to a mounting base pulls a washer anchored to the second shaft into mechanical engagement with the coil device to hold the lever at a fore or aft operational position.

Abstract: In a lamp body to which a switch knob is attached, an opening corresponding to the switch knob is formed. Opening has opposing sidewalls, and on each of the sidewalls, three grooves are provided. On one surface of a knob body of the switch knob, a pair of projecting pieces are provided spaced from each other by such a distance that allows the projecting pieces to be in contact with the sidewalls of the opening, and at each of the projecting pieces, a beam portion is formed. On each of the beam portions, a projection is provided on the outer surface, and stable engagement with the vertical groove is realized.

Abstract: A self-contained knob contains a bushing which fits on a control shaft of a control element and extends axially through each of an annular disk and a pedestal. The annular disk slidingly rests upon the pedestal. The disk and pedestal contain between them a pair of concentric, radially separated tracks of spring loaded balls and cavities. The balls momentarily engage the cavities in arc movement as the knob is turned. The pedestal receives at the bottom and is prevented from rotating by a fastener of the control element.

Abstract: A manually operable control device, such as a joystick, includes a plurality of actuators for operating hydraulic valves of a machine. A handle has a sphere received within a cavity formed between a pair of seat portions which are moveable with respect to each other. The handle produces movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators when the sphere is pivoted within the cavity. An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that causes the seat portions to be attracted toward each other which increases friction between the sphere and the seat. A control circuit applies electric current to the electromagnetic coil whenever the machine is turned on and disconnects the electric current when the machine is turned off. The friction between the sphere and the seat holds the control device in an operating position set by the machine operator and springs return the control device to a neutral position when the machine is turned off.

Abstract: A gearshift apparatus having a shift lever is constructed so that the transmission stage can be set or changed by manual operation when the shift lever is moved from a main gate for an automatic transmission mode to a manual gate for a manual transmission mode through a transit gate. The apparatus comprises a detent unit attached to the body of a vehicle. The unit contains a moving member for selection therein. The moving member moves integrally with the shift lever when the lever moves in the transit gate. When the lever moves in the main gate or the manual gate, the moving member never follows the motion of the lever. The detent unit is provided with a retaining mechanism for producing a retaining force for retaining the shift lever and a click feeling at either end of the transit gate as the lever moves along the transit gate. The shift lever has a simple construction, although it is provided with all necessary functions for the change between the automatic and manual transmission modes.

Abstract: There is provided a locking device for a transfer feeder which can certainly lock transfer bars at desired positions so that the transfer bars and their driving portions will never initiate motion unexpectedly. The locking device includes a plurality of engaging plates secured to a feed carrier and an equalizer bar provided in lifting/clamping mechanism and formed with a plurality of engaging holes respectively aligned in longitudinal direction with regular intervals, and a plurality of locking pins secured on a plurality of portions of a press main body in opposition to the engaging plates and movable in axial and lateral directions by means of driving devices for engagement with respective one of the engaging holes.

Abstract: A seat slide mechanism for vehicles has a lock plate which is disposed to prevent the lock plate from being turned in a direction of releasing an engagement of the lock plate with a lower rail due to a load applied to the upper rail when they are engaged. The vertical wall of the upper rail is disposed between second flange walls in close relation to one of the second flange walls of the lower rail and the lock plate is disposed between the other second flange wall and the vertical wall in close relation to the other second flange wall.

Abstract: A coupling member for detachably connecting together two sections of air brake hose between railroad cars. Each coupling member has a hollow tubular body with one end attached to a section of hose and with an opposite end having an arcuate body portion extending circumferentially about and outwardly of the tubular body, and has an arcuate locking lug with a guide and protection surface followed by a locking surface extending generally axially from the body concentric with and projecting along substantially the entire arcuate body portion. An L-shaped arcuate flange projects outwardly and forwardly from a rear portion of the tubular body and is provided with a lip which engages a similar lip formed on the arcuate locking lug of the other of two coupling members to secure the members in coupled position where the lip projects from only a locking portion of the lug while a guide portion has a smooth surface.

Abstract: Actuation apparatus for linearly engage and disengage pins respectively disposed along two predetermined (orthogonal) axes using a single actuator. The actuation apparatus comprises a housing and the actuator, which may comprise a DC torquer motor disposed in the housing. The actuator or motor has a threaded rotary shaft. A common plunger is coupled to the threaded rotary shaft that has an elevation ramp formed therein. Azimuth and elevation actuation pins are disposed along the predetermined axes within the housing that are moveable and extend outside the housing and retract into the housing when selectively actuated. Azimuth and elevation springs are disposed around the azimuth and elevation actuation pin. In a preferred embodiment, the pins are extendable into and removable from slots disposed in a moveable gimbal of a missile seeker, and locks an antenna disposed on the gimbal.

Abstract: A system for controlling a control surface articulated to a structure of a vehicle about a first axis includes a tab articulated to the trailing edge of the control surface about a second axis parallel to the first axis, an elastic link provided between the control surface and the tab, a pilot input control mechanism to which the elastic link is connected and which acts on the tab, and an actuating member provided between the control surface and the link for keeping the tab/control surface assembly in any position whatever. The elastic link and the actuating member are arranged to be at least substantially parallel to the first axis of articulation of the control surface. The first axis is disposed near, and upstream from, the elastic link and the actuating member.

Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument with an articulation transmission assembly for remotely articulating the end effector of the instrument includes a body with a housing mounted on the instrument, oscillating and rotating members, and an actuator rotatably mounted on the housing and secured to the rotating member. The oscillating member is seated rotationally stationary within the housing. The rotating member fits into the oscillating member, and has a drive shaft extending into the body for translating rotation from the rotating member into reciprocation of an elongated transmission rod attached to the drive shaft. First and second sets of unloading teeth are displayed on the oscillating member and actuator, respectively. First and second locking teeth are displayed on the oscillating and rotating members, respectively. The assembly provides ratcheting rotation for precisely positioning the end effector in discrete positions.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device which issues a plurality of code signals by a simple configuration so as to detect the rotational angle position and the direction of rotation of a rotor according to the code signals. The rotation detecting device has a knob member which is rotatably attached to a part of an enclosure, a plurality of projections which are formed on the periphery of one end of the knob member, and two detection switches which selectively engage with the projections to turn ON/OFF and issue signals. These detection switches are disposed on a printed circuit board in such a manner that they turn ON/OFF at different timings as the knob member rotates. Thus, the rotational position and the direction of rotation of the knob member are detected by the combinations of the ON/OFF signals of the detection switches.

Abstract: A multiple port rotary indexing vacuum valve in a liquid ink printer including a selecting member and a multiple port member. The selecting member, defines an aperture therethrough and a first axis, including a first oscillatory surface. The multiple port member defines a plurality of ports and a second axis, including a second oscillatory surface wherein the second oscillatory surface is matable with the first oscillatory surface so that relative movement therebetween aligns the aperture of the selecting member with one of the plurality of ports of the multiple port member.

Abstract: A tilting and telescoping steering column assembly having internal energy absorbing capabilities. The assembly comprises a main housing (12, 13), a telescoping housing (26), and a tilt head (82). The telescoping housing and tilt head are locked by a pair of telescoping and tilt locks (44,88) which are selectively engaged by an operator through first and second levers (56,86) connected thereto with flexible cables (54,84). An energy absorbing device, such as a curl strap (68), may be incorporated to provide additional energy management control.

Abstract: A locking device for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, has a row of detent openings and a plurality of spring-loaded bolts which are disposed one behind the other in the direction of this row. The locking bolts engage independently of one another in the detent openings. At least two of these bolts can each engage in one of the detent openings and lock the seat parts without play in both adjusting directions, in any position within the adjusting range of these parts which are to be locked. The seat parts can be continuously adjusted relative to one another. In addition to its movability enabling it to engage in one of the detent openings, each locking bolt has at least one component part which is separately movable. A flat area is provided on each bolt for play-free abutment on the delimiting surface of each detent opening and is brought into abutment with the delimiting surface without altering the depth of penetration of the bolt in the detent opening.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A telescope locking member engages the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member. The telescope locking member has a first position in which the telescope locking member engages at least one of the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member to prevent movement of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: A shift lever supporting mechanism for supporting a shift lever in a manual transmission and having a shift lever retainer, the shift lever having an enlarged spherical portion retained in the shift lever retainer through sphere-to-sphere engagement so that the shift lever is pivotally moved for performing the selecting and shifting operations. The shift lever includes a hollow support provided on the enlarged spherical portion of the shift lever and aligned with a rotational axis of the enlarged spherical portion for the shifting operations of the shift lever, at least one spherical member received in the hollow support, a spring received in the hollow support for biasing the spherical member, and at least one cam portion provided on the shift lever retainer and having at least one inclined cam surface. The at least one spherical member is urged to the at least one cam portion by a spring force of the spring.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve includes a valve body with an input port, an output port and a drain port. A valve member is slidably arranged in the valve body for controlling the fluid communication among the ports and is positioned by an electromagnetic solenoid and a spring, both of which apply loads to the valve member. A spring load setting mechanism is used to move the valve member to a position at which a load according to an input signal to the electromagnetic solenoid, the load of the spring and a feedback pressure are balanced. A supply pressure fed to the input port is thereby regulated and output from the output port. The load setting mechanism includes a receiving plug screwed into the valve body for holding and supporting the spring in a compressed state and a retainer fixed on the valve body for holding the receiving plug against rotation. The receiving plug has an indexed portion at its distal end which is engaged by the restrainer for establishing a rotational position.

Abstract: A twist-grip shifter for bicycles having a twist grip or grip part which is actuated by the rider's hand to change the gears of the bicycle, and a cable winding mechanism or coil wind-up mechanism. The twist grip and the cable winding mechanism of the twist-grip shifter are connected to one another, and debris and other contaminants can be prevented from entering the interior of the twist-grip shifter near this connection by providing a contactless seal or a friction seal. The contactless seal includes a projecting collar on the cable winding mechanism which extends into a groove formed in the twist grip. The collar of the cable winding mechanism essentially does not contact the groove of the twist grip. The friction seal includes a lip or flange formed from the rubber material of the twist grip, which lip then contacts a portion of the collar of the cable winding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing multizone disposable testing strips which are inserted in the apparatus by a user. The apparatus has, for the strips (34), a circulation passage (29) in which a cursor (35) is able to slide, each strip being able to be coupled to the cursor. Ratchet members (54, 57, 62a to 65), associated with a driving member attached to the cursor, are arranged so as to enable the step by step movement of the cursor in the direction of the opening (28) of the passage (29) from any position in which the cursor can be, this being achieved via a direct driving of the cursor. Accordingly, it is always possible to bring the cursor back into a position where it is near said opening. The apparatus can be applied to object dispensing devices, such as medical tablets, or to blood sugar level measuring devices.

Abstract: A fire-rated removable mullion, includes a top fitting mounted to a door frame lintel, a bottom fitting assembly, a mullion head capable of detachably engaging the top fitting, a mullion tube having provisions for mounting between the mullion head and the bottom fitting assembly, and another provision for accommodating thermal expansion of the mullion assembly to resist warping of the assembly. Where desired, a mortise cylinder lock can be included to limit removal by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A locking device for car seats for use in motor vehicle seats having two parts, which can be adjusted continuously relative to each other. The locking device includes a rail with a row of snap-in holes which extend in the longitudinal direction and are separated from each other by web-like material sections. The device includes locking teeth which can be moved at right angles to the rail and continuously engage with the snap-in hole without play in the direction of adjustment.

Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type having a lock housing, a rotatable nut axially captive in the housing, a threaded rod axially displaceable through the housing in threading engagement with the nut, and a detent normally locking the nut against rotation in the housing to prevent axial translation of the rod through the housing. Camming surfaces on the nut urge the detent out of locking engagment with the nut when the nut is torqued by axial force on the threaded rod. A detent control element normally keeps the detent in locking engagement with the nut until the detent control element is displaced by an actuator to an unlocked position. The detent control element has a camming surface which urges the detent into locking engagement with the nut when the detent control element is returned to a locking position. The preferred detent is a ball bearing and two variants of the mechanism are disclosed, one having a linearly reciprocating shuttle as the control element, the other using a rotating shaft for this purpose.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission shifter having a locking mechanism for controlling the shifting of a lever for an automatic transmission responsive to the condition of a vehicle. A locking member is provided to lock into a detent member movable with the shifting lever and which detent member controls the shifting of the gears in the transmission. The position of the locking member is controlled by an electrical module, the energization of which is controlled by a condition of the vehicle and the actuation of a switch in the handle of the shifting lever. Preferably the detent member which includes a plurality of gear position notches is an elongated member movable in a linear direction to provide a low profile shifter. In a preferred embodiment a novel module detent member sub-assembly is provided for use on various shifter mechanisms. Also in one embodiment the movement of the detent member is sensed so as to produce electrical signals for controlling an electronically operated transmission.

Abstract: A retracting handle bar including a plurality of tubes that slide one inside another, a plurality of lock devices for locking the tubes in the extended position, and a press bar for unlocking the lock devices, wherein: each of the lock devices includes an axial member mounted in one end of an antecedent tube, a retainer strip pivoted to the axial member, and a socket mounted around the retainer strip and the axial member, the axial member having a body with a taper hole at one end, and an extension rod at an opposite end, the body of the axial member being inserted into a second tube, the axial extension rod of the axial member being inserted into the antecedent tube, the retainer strip having a fixed end pivoted to the axial extension rod of the axial member inside the antecedent tube, and a free end disposed inside the antecedent tube, the free end of the retainer rod having a raised portion forced into engagement with a locating hole in the antecedent tube, the socket being disposed inside the second tube,

Abstract: A hydraulic pilot valve has a joystick which is normally maintained in a neutral position by coil springs acting on plungers which engage corresponding first cam surfaces of a cam fixed to the joystick. The plungers are each connected to respective valve members which are stroked to open the pilot valve when the plungers are depressed. When the joystick is pivoted to depress one of the plungers by engaging the head of the plunger so as to stroke one of the valve members, that valve member is held stroked by an magnetic detent. The joystick may then be released and the valve member will remain in its stroked position. When the joystick is moved back towards a neutral position, a second cam surface on the joystick engages an outer end portion of the depressed plunger and applies an axial force to the plunger. This disengages an armature component of the magnetic detent from an electromagnetic component.

Abstract: The locking device for locking of two relative to each other longitudinally moveable elements comprises an electromagnet including a magnetic yoke, an operating winding and a magnet armature. The operating winding and magnetic yoke are positionally fixed on the first element, while the magnet armature is fixed on the second element in respect to the longitudinal movement direction X. The magnet armature presses with one of its walls via a spring device against an opposing wall of the magnetic yoke. The walls of the magnet armature and magnetic yoke which lie opposed to each other are provided with an at least approximately form fitting register contour, so that magnet armature and magnetic yoke can be held in a locked position with respect to each other. For locking, the electromagnet is activated in the register position. Upon application of a predetermined amount of force in the longitudinal direction upon the first or second element the locking position can be release or disengaged.

Abstract: A ratchet control mechanism for an endoscope having a generally elongated flexible shaft extending between a proximal control head and a distal objective assembly is shown. The ratchet control mechanism comprises an inner shaft having a first driving end and a second end which is operatively connected to a first spur gear and an outer shaft having an opening extending therethrough which encloses the inner shaft. The outer shaft has a second driving end and a second end which is operatively connected to a second spur gear. The outer shaft rotatably supports the inner shaft, the first spur gear on the second end of the inner shaft being in a spaced opposed relationship from the second spur gear on the second end of said outer shaft. The ratchet control mechanism further includes a ratchet mechanism having a rotatable ratchet member having an outer cam surface and positioned substantially perpendicular to and spaced from the first spur gear and the second spur gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat swivel assembly which allows a seat to swivel between stationary positions or to freely swivel about an axis, having an upper swivel plate and a lower swivel plate, a swivel member rotatably mounted to one of the plates, a swivel actuator lever in communication with the swivel member, a free-swivel latch facilitating unencumbered free swivel of the swivel plate, and a release lever in communication with the free swivel latch to release the swivel member to prevent free swivel.

Abstract: In the improvement, the slot portions are in a plate fixed with respect to the control lever. The mechanism includes an auxiliary lever and a selection device mounted for movement by the auxiliary lever for selecting a slot portion. The mechanism is used in an apparatus for manipulating plural valves. Such apparatus has two control assemblies, each having a valve control lever coupled to its respective plate, and two auxiliary levers. In a specific embodiment, each auxiliary lever is coupled to a selection bracket having parallel quadrant members with a selection device, e.g., a pin, mounted between the members. The pin is retained in registry with the selected one of the slot portions by a retention mechanism bearing against the selection bracket.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial position of a terminal (16) along the end of the core element rod (12) in a motion transmitting remote control assembly (10). A coil spring (24) normally grips the knurled end of the rod (12) to prevent axial movement of the terminal member (16) relative to the rod (12). A collar (34) is rotatably disposed about the terminal member (16) and includes a slot (36) engaging a movable end (28) of the spring (24) for moving the end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially along a recess (32) in the terminal member (16). As the collar (34) is rotated, a first end (26) of the spring (24) is held circumferentially by a hole (30) and the spring (24) unwinds as the slot (36) engages and moves the movable end (28) of the spring (24) circumferentially.

Abstract: An arresting screw is screwed into a transmission component so that a movable latch member of the arresting screw engages a gear shift selector to yieldably hold that selector in its respective positions. The arresting screw includes a core having screw threads, and a recess in which the latch member can slide. The threads and a surface of the recess are formed of metal. A plastic body is molded onto the core to close one end of the recess and to form a hexagonal head for receiving a tool. An electric switch can be integrated with the arresting screw for being actuated by the latch member. A housing of the switch is connected to the core by means of the plastic body. The plastic body can be molded onto the core and switch housing simultaneously or successively during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A safe locking mechanism has an engagement element movable from a disengaged position to an engageable position in response to a small amount of electrical power. When in its engageable position a mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. Electrical power is generated solely while the user manually inputs a combination code, and a microprocessor controls storage and delivery of this power to put the engagement element into its engageable position. Once the desired engagement is obtained, the lock-bolt is moved from its locking to its unlocking position manually. Subsequent unlocking requires another entry of the code input.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A clamping member has a first position in which the clamping member clamps the member connected to the first steering column member to the support to prevent the first steering column member from moving relative to the second steering column member. The clamping member has a second position in which the clamping member permits the first steering column member to move relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: An improved spring-loaded latching and locking mechanism for a rotatable control of the type having a stem journaled in a body and rotatable about an axis in a boss on the body. The stem has a protuberance for engagement with the handle. The handle comprises a boss-engaging end portion, a stem-engaging portion, a slider-riding portion, and a grip end portion. The slider-riding portion has a slider with a tang extending therefrom. Each side of the slider-riding portion also includes a pair of springs mounted on a rail cutout so that the springs provide resistance against movement of the slider. The slider-riding portion includes an aperture for securing a lock to arrest movement of the slider. The boss has surfaces located to correspond to predetermined positions of the stem. These surfaces are engageable by the tang which, when so engaged, restrains the handle from rotation and prevents removal of the handle from the stem.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for securing a drive shaft of a rotating tool member of a working tool against rotation includes a securing member fixedly connected to the drive shaft. The securing member has at least one engagement opening. A lock bolt for engaging the at least one engagement opening is provided. The lock bolt is axially displaceably positioned in the housing of the working tool. A spring for biasing the lock bolt into engagement with the at least one engagement opening is provided. An actuating element for displacing the lock bolt from an engaged position, in which the lock bolt engages the at least one engagement opening, into a disengaged position, in which the lock bolt is removed from the engagement opening, is provided. The actuator element is positioned adjacent to the lock bolt and has a cam member extending into the travel path of the lock bolt.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling and disabling relative rotary movements between two members rotatable about a common axis comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking pins carried by one of the members and a plurality of circumferentially spaced sockets in the other of the members, the pins and sockets being uniformly spaced from the axis of rotation and each of the sockets being of such size as to accommodate any one of the pins. The number of pins is different from the number of sockets. The angular spacing between adjacent pins is uniform, and the angular spacing between adjacent sockets is uniform, but different from the angular spacing between adjacent pins. The angular spacing between the pins and the sockets defines a ratio which is not a whole integer.

Abstract: A detent device is provided for securing a door to a frame having an opening therein. The detent device includes a sleeve having a cavity therein, an elongated plunger mounted within the cavity of the sleeve, and a spring mechanism connected to the sleeve and the plunger. The spring mechanism yieldably urges the plunger to an extended position from a retracted position. When a door is inserted into a door opening, the plunger of the detent device moves into the retracted position and then returns to the extended position in a detent receptacle.