Abstract: A support assembly for helicopter control sticks has a supporting structure; an instrument panel fixed to the supporting structure; and a connecting device for connecting the sticks to the supporting structure. The connecting device has a longitudinally elongated arm fitted on one end with the sticks; and the arm slides to move the sticks to/from the supporting structure, and rotates about a horizontal axis to adjust the height of the sticks.

Abstract: Positioning mechanisms can be used with surgical retractor systems to allow a surgeon to easily laterally move, tilt and lengthen each individual retractor blade used in the system. A lateral retraction mechanism provides the necessary actuating forces to laterally move and hold tissue at the surgical site. A retractor blade tilt mechanism can be used to change the angular position of a retractor blade at a surgical site. This tilt mechanism allows the surgeon to further increase the size of the surgical site by tilting one or more of the retractor blades allowing the distal end or toe of each blade to move laterally via a tilting action. A retractor blade holding mechanism allows the surgeon to hold each retractor blade in a fixed position within a blade holder and allows the surgeon to easily change the length of the retractor blade which extends out of the blade holder.

Abstract: A device for the actuation of vehicle brakes has a pull element which can be brought into a lockable braking position in order to pull at least a part of a vehicle brake, the pull element being capable of being tensioned by a tension element in this braking position, and which can be brought into a released position, in which the pull element is relaxed to an extent such that the at least a part of the vehicle brake is released, the device being provided with a retensioning device which, in the released position, automatically retensions the pull element.

Abstract: A manually operable ratchet mechanism includes a pinion assembly comprised of a handle connected to a shaft. The handle and shaft are mounted on a housing to allow the shaft to be rotated as a consequence of a user manually rotating the handle. The shaft carries a pinion configured to engage a toothed rack to incrementally move the rack in discrete steps relative to the housing. Additionally, a rotatable detent member is provided which rotates with the shaft as the handle is rotated. The rotatable detent member cooperates with a fixed detent member on the housing to define discrete detent positions which provide discrete step tactile feedback to the user. The handle is mounted for (1) axial rotation with respect to the shaft axis and additionally for (2) pivotal movement between locked and unlocked positions around a pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. In the unlocked position, the shaft and rotatable detent member can rotate relative to the housing as the handle is turned.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of a vehicle has a releasable push/pull lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a toggle apparatus having a push/pull lever that may extend substantially parallel to a rotating axis of the steering shaft and move in a first direction along its length and between locked and unlocked positions. A carrier of the device connects to the toggle apparatus and moves along its length in a second direction that may be perpendicular to the first direction and as the lever moves between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably, an indexing apparatus is generally carried between the carrier and at least one of the housing and the bracket for selecting adjustment of the steering column assembly when the device is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a cable pull of a vehicle parking brake includes an actuating lever rotatable about a first axis, a pull element and a locking element. The pull element includes a pull rod and a guide housing, wherein the pull rod includes notches and is spring-loaded in an actuating direction of the cable pull. The guide housing is pivotably mounted about a second axis disposed outside a line defined by the actuating direction. The locking element includes a latch part releasably engaging the notches of the pull rod, wherein the locking element is mounted pivotably with respect to the guide housing, wherein a force acting in the actuating direction of the cable pull creates a torque on the pull element about the second axis that is proportional to the force.

Abstract: A hand brake lever, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two tubes (2, 3) telescopically inserted into each other for actuating a locking device (5) of a parking brake. The tubes (2, 3) automatically lock in any pulled-out position and actuation of a device corresponding to the tubes (2, 3) causes the release of the locking device (5).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hand brake mechanism having a gravity based release hold mechanism with a visual indicator to prevent unwanted application of the railcar brakes and indicate such release hold condition. The release hold mechanism comprises a gravity based member pivotally linked to a release shaft preventing reverse rotation of the release shaft causing an unintended take-up of the chain. A detent retaining device disposed within the railcar hand brake housing further provides improve reliability of the operation. The gravity based member incorporates an indicator portion having a reflective coating to indicate such release hold position of the railcar hand brake.

Abstract: Pull-handle arrangement for releasing a foot-operated parking brake of a motor vehicle. A pull-handle arrangement having a handle element which is held in a linearly movable manner in a handle mounting fixed on the vehicle and, with the aid of a cable, acts on the foot-operated parking brake, and also is in operative connection with a restoring spring of the foot-operated parking brake. Dampers which retard the return movement of the handle element are provided between the handle element and handle mounting.

Abstract: A locking device for a parking brake is provided which ensures that the operation of locking a parking brake lever and the operation of releasing the locking of the parking brake lever can be carried out in a single stage. The parking brake lever is pivotally supported on a mounting bracket mounted on a steering handle by a first support shaft, and a lever locking member is pivotally supported on the mounting bracket by a second support shaft, and biased by a torsion spring. When the parking brake lever is operated, an engage groove in the parking brake lever is brought into engagement with a locking pin, whereby the parking brake lever is locked at a brake operating position. When an operating portion of the lever locking member is urged in a direction against a resilient force of the torsion spring, the engagement of the engage groove and the locking pin with each other is released, whereby the parking brake lever is pulled by a Bowden cable and swung back to an original brake releasing position.

Abstract: A hand brake device for a wheelchair comprising a hand brake device on either handlebar and an associated brake provided on wheel. The hand brake device comprises a body member, a brake lever, and an actuator. Brake lever is coupled to brake cable. Body member comprises an open space with two extended opposite curve members of brake lever received therein, and a recess pivoted about a bolt. Operator may grip lever member to pivot brake lever so as to move toward or away from handlebar, thus tautening the brake cable for braking. A stopper member is inserted into channel of opening on the side of body member. When the brake lever is pulled toward or pushed away from the handle, the brake cable is tautened for braking the vehicle such that the stopper member clears from the channel. Further, pulls or pushes the actuator to cause the end of the stopper member to be clung between the dents, thereby locking the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator for a vehicle is provided having an eccentrically-mounted self-adjust cam assembly. The cam assembly is mounted eccentrically to the lever axis to provide a variable mechanical advantage during actuator stroke. The eccentric offset for the self-adjusting cam is less than the outside radius of the cam to reduce the overall space requirements of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parking brake actuating assembly for installation in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a parking brake actuating assembly that has a brake positioning bracket for properly positioning brake cables relative to cable receiving portions of a brake equalizer.

Abstract: A brake mechanism, which includes a mounting base fixedly fastened to the wheeled apparatus to be controlled, an actuating bar coupled between the mounting base and a brake cable at the wheeled apparatus, and a brake lever pivoted to the mounting base for operation by hand to move the actuating bar, wherein the brake lever is operated by hand and shifted between a first position where the brake cable is pulled up to stop the wheeled apparatus and the brake cable will be released when releasing the brake lever from the hand, a second position where the brake mechanism stands idle, and a third position where the brake cable is maintained pulled up and will not be released from the braking position when releasing the brake lever from the hand.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for removing s lack from a parking brake cable or the like including a parking brake cable operator having an improved resettable lockout arrangement for retaining an adjuster take-up reel in a spring-biased caged condition until the adjuster reel is connected to a first brake cable component. The first brake cable component is in turn connected to a second cable component which is in turn connected to the vehicle wheel parking brakes. The cable tensioning system provides enhanced efficiency during automotive assembly as well as when making repairs.

Abstract: A cane type emergency brake of an automobile having a handle which can turn freely over 180 degrees, and which is of durable function. The cane type emergency brake includes a stem (10) which can be held in a state of pulling a brake cable, a handle (20) combined free-rotatably to the stem (10), a return mechanism (30) for returning the handle (20) to an initial position, and a free turn stopper (40) for disabling the free turning of the handle (20). The return mechanism (30) includes a cam plate (31) and a cam (33). The cam plate (31) is pressed to the periphery of the cam (33). The cam (33) is formed monolithically on the enlarged top (15) of the stem (10) and slides the cam plate (31) against the force that presses the cam plate (31) to the periphery of the cam (33). When the handle (20) is in the initial position, the contact position where the cam (33) and the cam plate (31) are contacted with each other is shifted from the center line of the stem (10) to the direction of the force.

Abstract: A locking system for vehicular seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, is described and includes a rail (9), having a row of identically designed snap-in holes (11), which are separated by identically long, web-like material members (13), and a part having with a pair of bolts (1, 7), which can be moved relative to the rail. The bolts (1, 7) of the pair of bolts can be moved independently of each other at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the rail. In each position along the rail (9) at least one bolt (1, 7) can fall into a snap-in hole (11). One of the bolts (1) has a segment (3), which tapers away from the basic body (1') and includes an end which has a smaller cross section and which adjoins an end segment (5), that faces the rail. The largest width of the pair of bolts (1, 7) exceeds the length of the snap-in holes (11). The smallest distance between the bolts (1) and (7) is larger than the width of the web-like material parts (13).

Abstract: A parking brake system for use in a motor vehicle, mounted on a floor member which operatively connects a hand-operated brake actuator to a wheel brake is disclosed. The parking brake system comprises a pulley for reversing the direction of a rearwardly directed tensile force output from the brake actuator and transmitting a forwardly directed tensile force to the wheel brakes. The system allows a hand operated parking brake actuator to be used in a vehicle with a cable linkage routed into the front of the vehicle rather than into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for controlling the pivotal positioning of a hydraulic control lever on tractors is disclosed wherein the guide mechanism incorporates a positive neutral lock in the form of a tab that is projectable into an opening within the control lever that is alignable therewith when in a neutral position. The guide mechanism includes a thumb wheel portion that projects upwardly through the control panel for manipulation by the operator for selectively rotating the guide mechanism to align a slotted opening therein with the control lever to limit the movement thereof in a preselected manner. The guide member is rotatable to four orientations to correspond to a neutral lock position, a float lockout position, a hydraulic motor mode position, and an unrestricted free range of movement position for the control lever.

Abstract: There is provided a lab-top work station which is designed for use in the manual application of liquid to a slide or microwell plate and consists of a slide holder, a bridge for support of manual liquid dispensers at a predetermined location with respect to the slide holder, and a manual incremental advance mechanism for manually moving the slide holder a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for removing slack from a parking brake cable or the like including an improved resettable holdout arrangement for retaining an adjuster ratchet in a spring-biased caged condition during transport and installation of the system in a vehicle. Three embodiments of the invention are characterized, respectively, by the use of an axially displaceable lockout pin that defines an abutment in the path of the adjuster ratchet, a lockout spring having an arm portion adapted to extend into a corresponding notch contained in the periphery of the adjuster ratchet, and a lockout pawl arrangement biased by a lockout spring for cooperation with the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A park lock releasing mechanism for a transmission shift control device, includes a release button installed on a gear position indicator and top panel assembly, and a release lever installed on a selector lever and operatively connected through an intermediate member to the release button for driving a bushing of a park lock mechanism when the release button is pushed downward. The intermediate member is so shaped as to enable release button to be offset from the release lever in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for operatively connecting an operating rod to a parking brake latch release lever when a vehicle instrument panel is installed to a vehicle support structure. A handle is mounted on one end of the operating rod that is pre-installed in the instrument panel prior to panel installation. The other end of the rod is provided with an elongated fitting having a series of spaced annular ridges comprising leading camming surfaces and trailing locking surfaces. The latch lever mounts a receptor fitting having an entry funnel that enters a central bore. A spring clip includes fingers which enter the bore through slots. The operating rod is initially pulled out to release position. When the instrument panel is later installed, the projector rod is guided into the receptor bore by the funnel. As the rod fitting is inserted, the spring fingers are cammed over the ridges by the camming surfaces until the rod fitting is fully inserted.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed which automatically locks and unlocks a lever including (i) a link connected pivotally to an fixed object and having opposed plates and (ii) a rod with a lower portion located between the opposed plates and with a lower end pivotally connected to the link. The locking mechanism comprises two stopper means fixed between the opposed plates and so located as to allow the rod to make a pivotal movement for a predetermined angle relative to the link, a hook connected pivotally to the link, a lock pin projecting from the fixed object and so located as to engage with the hook to lock the lever when the lever is located in a position predetermined relative to the fixed object, means for urging the hook toward the lower end of the rod, and an unlock pin projecting from the hook and so located as to engage with the rod to disengage the hook from the lock pin against the action of the urging means, when the rod is turned toward one of the stopper means, thereby unlocking the lever.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has particular usefulness in bicycles, completely eliminating the use of the commonly used derailleur and the exposed flexible cable and the readjustment problems inherent with that prior structure. The transmission includes separate concentric gear rings which to a certain extent operate independently of each other. A shift mechanism for shifting the transmission is such the transmission can not be shifted from one gear to a non-adjacent gear without stopping at a gear therebetween. That is, no gear can be skipped. This is accomplished by a particular relationship of a pawl, a pusher, a shift segment plate and barrels mounted on the shift segment plate, among other parts.

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shift control device is provided with a control unit for automatically putting a selector lever in a locked condition when the selector lever is in its parking position and unless a brake pedal is fully depressed, and a manual actuating unit for manually actuating said control unit and releasing same from the locked condition.

Abstract: A hand-operated brake actuator defining an integral portion of a console for an automobile seating arrangement. The actuator includes a primary lever arm (32) which defines a portion of the frame of the console and carries a compartment access cover. The primary lever arm is mounted for independent pivotable movement with respect to a secondary lever arm. The primary lever arm pivots the secondary lever arm which is retained in an engaged position to hold a brake cable in tension by a pull-to-release pawl mechanism. In the engaged position of the actuator, the primary lever arm is independently returnable to the stored position. A stationary ratchet sector member and a pawl are mounted on the secondary lever. The pawl ratchets over the ratchet sector and holds the secondary lever in the engaged position. A brake cable is attached to the secondary lever and is thereby held in tension.

Abstract: A steering column having a pair of steering column members arranged coaxially about a first axis. One of the steering column members is axially movable along the first axis relative to the other steering column member. The steering column members are supported for angular movement about a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. A first lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of relative axial positions along the first axis. A second lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of angular positions about the second axis. A control lever is mounted for pivotal movement toward and away from a neutral position. An actuator operates in response to pivotal movement of the control lever away from the neutral position in a direction of desired movement of the one member to actuate one or both of the first and second locks to release the one member for movement to the desired position in the same direction in which the control lever is moved.

Abstract: A foot operated vehicle parking brake mechanism comprises a brake pedal lever and a brake cable actuator pivotal about a common axis, the brake pedal lever being operable upon depression to displace the cable actuator to a cable tensioning position in which the vehicle brake is set. The cable actuator and pedal lever are independently releaseably retained in the cable tensioning and depressed positions and, respectively, against the bias of the tensioned cable and a pedal lever biasing spring. A manually operable release mechanism operates to release the pedal lever from its depressed position and, during return of the pedal lever to its retracted position, the pedal lever operates to release the cable actuator for return to its released position.

Abstract: An adjustable tilt steering wheel column, including a tilt steering column mechanism which operates substantially independently from the steering column is disclosed. The tilt mechanism includes an upper plate, a lower plate, a hinge pin and a release lever. The upper and lower plates are connected by the hinge pin which allows for angular movement between the two plates. The upper plate has two vertical wall members spaced apart and positioned perpendicular to the hinge pin. The vertical wall members have a plurality of vertically spaced notches which are parallel to the hinge pin. An upper portion of the release lever includes a pair of spaced pin-carrying legs to coincide with the vertical wall members. The legs are pivotally connected to the lower plate by a pair of pivot bolts. A compression spring is mounted between the upper portion of the lever and a bracket mounted on the upper plate. The spring urges the pins into the notches of the vertical wall members.

Abstract: The steering column is mounted to be pivotable about the same axis as the steering shaft which extends through the column. The column carries a support plate for associated controls which is locked on the casing tube of the column which is pivotally mounted on a bracket for fixing the whole of the column to the body of the vehicle. An unlocking lever, pivotally mounted in the vicinity of the steering column, is extended by a curved rod which terminates in the vicinity of the steering wheel. A first travel of the lever puts an arm in contact with a pivotal cam, then a second travel of the lever pivots the cam and unlocks the column which can then be pivoted about its pivotal mounting on the bracket and adjusted to the desired height.

Abstract: A toggle switch of sub-miniature dimensions eliminates the need for machining flat parts on the toggle lever or drilling a pin on the toggle lever by mounting a one piece lever lock insert within the upper portion of the cylindrical housing of the toggle lever, above the spherical portion of the lever, the insert having three aligned, generally truncated conical recesses in the top surface thereof, the larger openings being each adapted to selectively receive the generally circular, spring pressed detent on the end of the toggle handle and the smaller openings merging with the straight parallel side walls of a guide slot, equal in width to the diameter of the toggle lever, and also formed in the lever lock insert, none of the lever lock structure extending laterally beyond the externally threaded, generally cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A tiltable steering apparatus for vehicles is provided wherein a movable bracket is rotatably supported in a holder member of a fixed bracket, a latch member having a toothed portion engageable with teeth of the holder member is provided on the movable bracket and means are provided for positively engaging and disengaging the toothed portion of the latch member and the teeth of the holder member.

Abstract: A tiltable steering apparatus for vehicles for tiltably regulating a steering wheel by engagement of a pawl member and a latch member according to operation of an operating lever which includes a memory member engaged with the latch member and releasable from the latch member upon engagement of the latch member with the pawl member and engageable with the latch member upon disengagement of the latch member from the pawl member according to rotation of the operating lever, a regulating member engageable with the pawl member and disengageable from the pawl member for locating a relative angled position of the pawl member and memory member at the same position thereof so as to engage the pawl member with the latch member and a mechanism for acting on the memory member for locating the relative angled position of the pawl member and the memory member at the same position thereof.

Abstract: A seat slide structure includes upper and lower interfitting track members, with the upper track member mounting plastic slides to slidably support it on the lower track member for horizontal movement to various adjusted positions. A latch member is movably mounted within the upper track member and includes a first portion interfitting with the slides to locate the latch member laterally of the upper track member and second oppositely extending portions which extend outwardly of the upper track member through vertical elongated openings to locate the latch member longitudinally of the upper track member. The second portions are cooperable with notches of the lower track member to adjustably lock the upper track member in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A manually operated clutch assembly for engaging and disengaging a rotatable cable drum in a winch assembly to a source of power which comprises a shifting lever with a two-directional rotatable hand grip which actuate a pair of push rods mounted on the said shifting lever, the said push rods controlling a latching pin in assembly with a clutch shifter with a yoke attached to the clutch shifter. The said yoke actuates a rotatable jaw clutch into a position to engage a rotatable cable drum. The said shifting lever simultaneously moves a locking rod into position to lock the axial movement of the jaw clutch.

Abstract: An arrangement for arresting a seat of a vehicle includes an elongated stationary element which is provided with a row of separate recesses being arranged on the element so as to correspond to a plurality of possible positions of the seat. At least two blocking elements are provided for joint movement to a rest position in which the seat is free to move lengthwise of the row of recesses; each of the blocking elements is movable independently of the other from the rest position to an arresting position in which the blocking elements are inserted in respective recesses independently of one another to thereby prevent further movement of the seat.

Abstract: An off-lock for a toggle switch of the type having a slotted guide plate and a spring-biased toggle lever having flats on opposite sides of the portion thereof extending through the elongated slot in the guide plate to confine the toggle lever for non-rotatable pivotal motion. The lever lock consists of arcuate grooves around the toggle lever slightly above the guide plate deep enough to allow rotation of the toggle lever after it is pressed down to bring such grooves to the level of the guide plate. For off-lock in its center off position, the toggle lever is pressed down against the force of the plunger springs and turned 90.degree. so as to cause the opposite edges of the slot in the guide plate to mesh with the arcuate grooves and thus lock the toggle lever against pivotal movement. To release the off-lock, the toggle lever is turned 90.degree. whereupon it snaps up to normal position allowing pivotal movement.

Abstract: In a fastening device for a tiltable steering wheel assembly, the locking lever of the device is set in the locked position beyond the rotary dead point of a rotary cam element pivoted on a fastening bolt so as to firmly hold the steering wheel at a desired angle with respect to the driver. The fastening device is provided with a rack element and a ratchet element to give click feeling to the driver in adjustment of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The transmission assembly comprises a gearbox in series with countershafting providing two gear ratios.In order to allow an easy adaptation of the countershafting to a conventional gearbox and allow a change in the gear ratio of the countershafting while the vehicle is in motion, there is provided in the control mechanism of the countershafting a delay device. This device stores energy corresponding to changes in the position of a gear pre-selecting lever associated with the countershafting so long as the change gear lever of the gearbox is in a position in which a gear ratio of the gearbox is engaged. This device restores the energy as soon as the change gear lever is brought to its neutral position and allows the pre-selected gear of the countershafting to be engaged.

Abstract: An angle or wedge adjuster for reclining furniture is provided with a slide that travels along a rack and which is formed with a cam surface for controlling the position of a strut that engages the rack teeth and is pivoted to a lever, the angle of which is to be adjusted. The movement of the slide is frictionally impeded by a spring-loaded insert located between the slide and a smooth surface of the rack, one of these two sliding surfaces being formed on synthetic plastics material. The spring may be a metal leaf spring bowed downwards to engage a portion of the slide and having its ends sprung against projections that also retain the insert in the slide. Alternatively, this spring may be of synthetic plastics material with its ends made in one piece with the insert of the same material. Conversely, the spring may be bowed upwards with its center integral with the insert.