Abstract: A noise reduction structure is provided for use with a meshing gear assembly, such as in a power take-off unit for selectively providing power to one or more rotatably driven accessories. The meshing gear assembly includes meshing input and output gears that are supported within a housing and are rotatably driven during use. A helical coil wrap spring extends about and is frictionally engaged with a portion of the output gear. A first end of the wrap spring extends outwardly therefrom to form a control tang that extends adjacent to an abutment surface provided on the housing of the power take-off unit. As a result, the wrap spring is prevented from rotating relative to the housing as the output gear is rotatably driven.

Abstract: A hand brake arrangement for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, has a brake lever which is swivellably disposed on a vehicle-fixed stationary base and, with a locking device, can be locked in different swivelling positions. The brake lever has an unlocking device for releasing the locking. The unlocking device has two release press buttons which each drive a push rod, a rocker lever which is swivellably about a rocker axis disposed on the brake lever and on which, on two sides which are opposed with respect to the rocker axis, the two push rods are pivotally connected. A release cable control, on one end, is applied to at least one of the push rods or to at least one of the release press buttons or to the rocker lever and, on the other end, is coupled with the locking device.

Abstract: A parking brake for a vehicle includes a lever holder including a housing that has a first flat side and a second flat side and a brake actuation lever pivotably arranged on the lever holder. The brake actuation lever is articulated to the first flat side and to the second flat side. The parking brake also includes a locking arrangement for holding the brake actuation lever in a locking position, a brake cable, and a deflection lever pivotably articulated to the first flat side and to the second flat side of the housing. The deflection lever is pivotably linked with the brake actuation lever. In addition, the parking brake includes a coupling unit disposed on the deflection lever for tensioning the brake cable during a displacement of the brake actuation lever.

Abstract: A parking brake operating device for vehicle, wherein a vehicle is held by a specified braking force by manually rotating a brake lever (2), a held state is released by rotatingly operating the brake lever (2) upward by a specified amount from the held state, and the braking force can be changed to an increasing side and held by further raising the brake lever upward from the held state beyond the specified amount, whereby a release operation can be performed without using a push button or a push rod.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly includes a threaded rod and a support collar that defines a bore. A portion of the threaded rod is disposed in the axial bore of the support collar. A ratchet pawl is pivotable carried by the support collar between locked and unlocked positions. The ratchet pawl has at least one tooth that threadably engages the threaded rod when the ratchet pawl is in the locked position to allow the threaded rod to threadably rotate with respect to the support collar for fine position adjustments. The ratchet pawl automatically pivots to the unlocked position when the threaded rod is forced in a direction from the first end toward the second end to allow for gross position adjustments.

Abstract: An automatic application hand brake apparatus is provided for automatically applying at least one brake member secured to a railway vehicle with the hand brake assembly. The apparatus comprises an operating member having at least one ratchet attached to a drive shaft of said hand brake assembly. An application cylinder is connected to a drive arm pivotally attached to the drive shaft and containing and operating pawl engaging the operating ratchet. The reciprocating motion of the drive arm caused by the application cylinder enables reciprocal rotation of the operating arm and furthermore causing application of at least one brake member. A plurality of control valves are connected to the source of the fluid pressure for initiating and regulating the supply of fluid pressure to the application cylinder and for stopping an automatic application of such hand brake in case of the emergency or a reversal of the unintended activation.

Abstract: A multi-position ratchet mechanism has a retractor holder which receives a retractor stem connected to a retractor. A pawl selectively engages the retractor stem to allow for the retractor stem to be positioned relative to the retractor holder. The retractor holder has a passage and is connected at a base pivot to a base having a toothed hub. The toothed hub extends into the passage and a locking mechanism connected to the retractor holder allows for the selection of a pivot angle of the retractor holder relative to the base. The base rotates relative to a ring holder in a first configuration. In a second configuration a rotation angle between the base and the ring holder is set and locked with a locking actuator. The locking actuator is a cam actuator with drives a cam surface about a locking pivot to allow contact surface between the base and the ring holder to contact one another. A retaining mechanism selectively maintains a ring in a slot in the ring holder.

Abstract: A shifting device including first and second shift control members, a takeup element, a holding member, and a release member. The takeup element configured for winding and unwinding a tensioned control cable. The first control member is rotatable about a handlebar and configured to rotate the takeup to at least pull or wind the control cable onto the takeup. The second control member is a return-to-neutral member for rotating the takeup to release the. The holding member is rotatable with the takeup and retains the takeup in select angular positions. The release member is operable for disengaging the holding member in response to the actuation or return stroke of the second control member for allowing the takeup to unwind the cable a sufficient amount to enable a single gear shift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.

Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.

Abstract: A gear selector mechanism for performing a gear shifting operation at reduced forces is disclosed. The gear selector mechanism includes a selector pawl pivotally mounted about a shaft. The gear selector mechanism also includes a rotatable gear shift plate having a plurality of radially extending teeth extending around a periphery thereof. Each of the plurality of teeth has an outer tip and an inner base portion. The selector pawl engages one of the plurality of teeth in an area adjacent the outer tip at a beginning of the gear shifting operation. The selector pawl further engages one of the plurality of teeth in an area adjacent the inner base portion at the end of the gear shift operation.

Abstract: A controlling device for a support pivotally mounted on top of a stool includes a housing adapted to securely engage with a bottom face of the support, two pawls pivotally received in the housing, a wedge and control knob connected to the wedge and a ratchet gear received in the housing. After either one of the pawls is activated, the activated pawl is able to selectively engage with the ratchet gear so that the support is able to pivot in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A grip gear-shifter for being used in actuating a derailleur of a bicycle is provided. The grip gear-shifter includes a return spring, a resilient steel plate having a polyhedron-formed controlling pawl, a guiding ring having a guiding notch for guiding a cable, a first module for lodging and positioning said controlling pawl when the bicycle are in the state of shifting gears, and a second module having a projection and a positioning unit for operating in coordination with the return spring and the resilient steel plate, thereby forming a relative motion of the resilient steel plate and the first module to correctly shift gears when the bicycle are in the state of shifting gears.

Abstract: A ratchet actuator for an ergonomic device has a thin profile due to the combination of multiple functions into single parts. A ratchet drive gear also has drive fingers for operating a clutch. A clutch stator has high and low steps for engaging and disengaging ratchet pawls.

Abstract: A multi-position ratchet mechanism has a retractor holder which receives a retractor stem connected to a retractor. A pawl selectively engages the retractor stem to allow for the retractor stem to be positioned relative to the retractor holder. The retractor holder has a passage and is connected at a base pivot to a base having a toothed hub. The toothed hub extends into the passage and a locking mechanism connected to the retractor holder allows for the selection of a pivot angle of the retractor holder relative to the base. The base rotates relative to a ring holder in a first configuration. In a second configuration a rotation angle between the base and the ring holder is set and locked with a locking actuator. The locking actuator is a cam actuator with drives a cam surface about a locking pivot to allow contact surface between the base and the ring holder to contact one another. A retaining mechanism selectively maintains a ring in a slot in the ring holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking assembly for a rocking chair. The locking assembly includes a pair of jaws mounted to the body-supporting portion of the chair and a set of pins mounted to the chair base portion of the chair. The jaws are operable to engage a selected pin to lock the body-supporting portion of the chair relative the chair base portion in a position that corresponds to the selected pin. The jaws include gripping faces that spread apart to define a recess when the locking assembly is operated. At the same time the gripping faces move toward the pin to cause the pin to enter the recess such that the pin becomes wedged in the recess.

Abstract: A foot-operated parkin brake apparatus for a vehicle has a base plate, a pedal lever, a sector gear, and a locking pawl. The base plate has a pivot and is fixed with respect to the body of the vehicle. The pedal lever is rotatably supported by the base plate. By stepping on the pedal lever, the parking brake is applied. The sector gear is provided on the pedal lever. The locking pawl has a covering of resin that covers its surface, a bearing hole that is rotatably supported by the pivot of the base plate, and a meshing surface that meshes with the sector gear. The mating surface and the peripheral surface of the bearing hole are exposed metal surfaces which are not covered with the resin. By a meshing between the sector gear and the locking pawl, the pedal lever is locked at the position to which it has been pressed.

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: A compliant overrunning ratchet and pawl clutch mechanism with centrifugal throwout comprising a ratchet wheel and a one-piece pawl wheel. The ratchet wheel has plurality of angled teeth disposed about its perimeter. The pawl wheel comprises a one-piece circular hub concentrically surrounding the ratchet wheel, and has a plurality of elongate compliant biasing members extending from its inside surface toward the ratchet wheel. The biasing members each terminate in a pawl configured for engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the pawl wheel rotates in a first engaging direction, and for sliding over the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the pawl wheel rotates in a second overrun direction. The biasing members and clutch pawls are integrally formed as a single piece from the material of the pawl hub, and the pawls may comprise either compression or tension members.

Abstract: A hand brake for motor vehicles, and including a trestle provided with a toothing, a brake lever pivotally supported on the trestle, a locking pawl for retaining the brake lever on the trestle in an arbitrary selected pull position, at least one brake cable, a spring-biased tensioning element for the brake cable supported on the trestle, and a spring-biased arrangement for connecting the brake lever with the tensioning element, with the tensioning element being formed as a tooth segment or a tooth wheel which is constantly form-lockingly connected with the brake lever and a brake cable connector associated with the trestle.

Abstract: A ratchet assembly for a surgical instrument includes a bar having teeth; a pawl having a member for engaging the teeth, the bar being movable relative to the pawl in two directions along an axis, and the pawl being pivotable between a first ratchet position for allowing movement of the bar relative to the pawl in a first direction along the axis and a second ratchet position for allowing movement of the bar relative to the pawl in a second direction along the axis; and a toggle member associated with the pawl and the bar for allowing pivot of the pawl between the first ratchet position and the second ratchet position.

Abstract: A ratchet and ball magnetic index device having a drive motor plate with a top surface and a bottom surface. The drive motor plate contains at least one ball receiving recess on the periphery of the bottom surface of the drive motor plate. A permanent magnet armature is secured to the top surface of the drive motor plate and rotates freely around a rotor shaft. A sector motor rotates the armature and drive plate when turned on. A ratchet plate, attached to the rotor shaft, has a bottom surface and a top surface with a plurality of contours displaced in a circular direction around the circumference of the ratchet plate. Each of the contours has a flat plane connected to an incline plane which is connected to a vertical plane. At least one magnetically attractable drive ball is positioned between the top surface of the ratchet plate and the bottom surface of the drive motor plate, wherein the drive ball moves freely within the ball receiving recess.

Abstract: The friction clutch, for a motor vehicle, includes a friction disc, a pressure plate (201), a cover plate (202) fixed on the reaction plate, and an axially acting spring (203) working between the cover plate (202) and the pressure plate (201), the pressure plate (201) being fixed to the cover plate (202) for rotation with the latter while being displaceable axially with respect to it, the clutch further including a wear compensating device comprising ramps (211) disposed circumferentially and adapted to be driven in rotation by a set of teeth (218) which they carry at the periphery, and with which a worm (213) cooperates; for driving the worm (213) in rotation, there is provided a ratchet wheel (220) fixed to the worm (213) for rotation with the latter, the worm (213) and the ratchet wheel (220) being formed in one piece: the teeth (221) of the ratchet wheel (220) are formed at the outer periphery of the thread of the worm (213).

Abstract: A pawl for a ratchet wrench to be engaged with a ratchet gear. The pawl has a slot formed on each side of the pawl. The slot extends between the top and the bottom of the pawl near the teeth on the front of the pawl. The pawl flexes to compress the slot when torque is applied to the wrench and engagement between the teeth on the pawl and teeth on the ratchet gear is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a bicycle transmission shifting device having an operating component for mounting to a bicycle in close proximity to a brake operating unit for alternately pulling and releasing a transmission element, a first lever is mounted to the operating component for movement which causes the operating component to pull the transmission element and second lever is mounted to the operating component for movement which cause the operating component to release the transmission element. The first lever and the second lever are mounted to the operating component so that the brake operating unit is disposed between the first lever and the second lever when the shifting device is mounted to the bicycle. In order to be able to construct the shifting device with only a single pawl for the release mechanism the takeup element for the transmission element includes a control member having a plurality of large and small position retaining teeth for engaging the single release pawl.

Abstract: A slack adjuster (1) for a cable operated system, such as a brake assembly operable by a brake lever (2), includes two drive parts (9) and (10) which are engageable to form a drive connection between the brake lever (2) and the cable (29) to enable the lever (2) to impart an actuating force to the cable 929) during movement of the lever (2) between a rest and a fully actuated position. The slack adjuster (1) further includes a pivotal lever (23) which is operable to disengage the drive parts (9) and (10) during a predetermined portion of one of either the applied or release strokes of the brake lever (2), but inoperative during other portions of the strokes, thereby enabling adjustment of slack in the cable (29) by movement of one drive (9, 10) relative to the other drive part (10, 9) to occur only during the one stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical instrument which prevents backlash due to reduction of applied force on the handle or trigger of the surgical instrument. The instrument includes a clutch system that is adapted to maintain the position of the portion of the driver that is in mechanical communication with the forming tool upon reduction of the applied force.

Abstract: A water flow control device including a control valve mounted in a casing and controlled by a control rod through an actuating rod to close/open the water discharging port, the control valve including a valve flap having a center hole and a plurality of axial ribs axially downwardly extended from the periphery of the center hole and being moved to close/open the water discharging port of the upright tube of the casing, an axle having a bottom end inserted through the center hole of the valve flap and a top end vertically slidably inserted into a downward bottom hole in the cup-shaped holder of the cup-like casing mounting base, a valve element fixedly mounted around the axle in the middle and moved with it to open/close the center hole of the valve flap, and a stem fixedly connected to the bottom end of the axle and moved by the actuating rod to lift the valve flap from the upright tube of the casing.

Abstract: An actuating drive with a spring return feature for valves in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems includes an electric drive (1), a reduction gearing (2) having a return spring tensionable by the actuating movement and serving for the spring return movement, a clutch (3) between the electric drive (1) and the reduction gearing (2) and a brake device (4) actuated during the spring return movement. The brake device (4) takes the form of a centrifugal brake having a fixed brake drum (7) and a rotatably mounted brake shoe carrier (6) on which brake shoes (8) movable radially by centrifugal force are disposed. The brake shoe carrier (6) serves as the clutch member on the gearing side and has a journal (9) having an end pinion (10) engaging in the reduction gearing. The clutch member (5, 11) on the drive side is rotatably mounted on the journal (9) of the brake shoe carrier (6).

Abstract: A water flow control device which includes a cup-like mounting base fastened to the water discharging pipe of a water supply system, a casing fastened to the cup-like mounting base, a valve stem mounted inside the cup-like mounting base and the casing and moved to open/close the waster passage between the cup-like mounting base and the casing, a control rod mounted in the casing for moving by hand, a rotary actuating rod coupled between the valve stem and the control rod and moved by the control rod to force the valve stem into the open position or the close position, and a locating mechanism made on the inside of an upright inside tube inside the casing for holding the control rod and the rotary actuating rod in place.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism for vehicles includes a cam plate free to rotate about main shaft with respect to a foot operated parking brake pedal lever and having cam portions. When a brake control cable is connected with the wheel brake assembly, the cam plate is held in integral relation with the brake pedal lever by one of the cam portions, a cam follower and a tension spring so that the cable cam be easily connected with the cam plate regardless of the biasing force of the tension spring.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism includes a rod having a gear and rotatably received in a barrel which has a slot. A slide is slidably engaged in the slot and has two ratchet teeth for engaging with the gear. A pusher is engaged on the slide and has a knob. A spring may bias the ratchet teeth to engage with the gear. A sleeve is engaged on the barrel and has a groove aligned with the slot. The ratchet teeth may be engaged with the gear separately or simultaneously in order to control the rotational directions of the rod and the gear.

Abstract: A park pawl in a transmission is rotatably supported on a manually rotatable control rod and resiliently biased toward engagement with a toothed output gear by a spring acting between the control rod and the pawl. A lost-motion driving connection provided between the control rod and the pawl function to permit movement of the pawl toward and away from engagement with the toothed output gear under influence of the spring and independent of the control rod position when the control rod is rotated to a Park position. However, when the control rod is rotated to a non-Park position, the driving connection is established to forcibly move the pawl out of engagement with the toothed output gear.

Abstract: A device for steadying a first balanced rotatable member relative to a second balanced rotatable member. A steadying tool is applied to the first balanced rotatable member while another tool precision torques the second balanced rotatable member. An element having a surface placed against the first balanced rotatable member. The element includes a faceted aperture capable of locking interaction with the steadying tool. The element also includes an axis aperture to permit torquing of the second balance rotatable member with the torquing tool. The element is configured to not disrupt the balance of the first and second balance members. The element may be fixed to the first balanced rotatable member during use.

Abstract: A rotor assembly comprising a rotor, starter pawls, and springs. The rotor has a permanent magnet and starter pawl mounting posts. The starter pawls are movably mounted on the posts. The springs are mounted on the posts biasing the starter pawls in first positions. The springs each have a middle section with a retaining section that engages the exterior of the post and hold the spring on the post during assembly of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A parking brake control device has a torsion lock parking brake actuator which is operated by a foot pad attached to an operator lever. The foot pad is pushed down to set the parking brake. The parking brake is released by pushing down on the depressed foot pad or by a servomotor.

Abstract: There is provided an improved hand throw device of an electric motor driven switch machine having a ratchet mechanism that permits torque to be applied to the hand throw device in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as desired by an operator. The ratchet mechanism is a self contained module that can be easily installed to either side of the switch machine. The ratchet mechanism also permits the operator to assume a favorable position for application of force to the hand throw device with minimum stress and strain to his or her body. In addition, the ratchet mechanism has a gear system that provides a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage so that less torque is required for movement of the hand throw device.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for telescope devices on toy vehicles comprises a manually drivable driving gearwheel rotatably positioned on a telescope base body, a rack on the telescopic arm, the rack engaging with the driving gearwheel, and a pawl of ratcheting engagement with a tooth gap of the driving gearwheel for the telescopic arm to be fixed in different positions of displacement on the telescopic base body. The pawl consists of elastically flexible plastics material so that on the one hand it ratchets over the teeth of the driving gearwheel upon actuation of the driving gearwheel for the extraction of the telescopic arm and that on the other hand it is elastically deformable upon actuation of the telescopic arm in the direction of retraction. The pawl then ratchets over the teeth of the driving gearwheel while releasing the telescopic arm in the latter's direction of retraction.

Abstract: A brake pedal operated manually by the driver, a driving arm connected to a brake cable, and a ratchet wheel driven by a motor are rotatably supported on a pedal shaft. A ratchet member, mounted on the driving arm, is meshed with the ratchet wheel. When the brake pedal is depressed in a direction A, the brake pedal and the driving arm are coupled to each other through a limiting device and the driving arm, with a locking recess 35.sub.1 urged by a locking pin, is turned in the direction A to operate a brake. When the driving arm is otherwise turned in the direction A, only the arm is turned in the direction A, with the brake pedal separated by the limiting device being left at the brake operating position and prevents the operating foot from being caught between the pedal and vehicle body while such driving arm is otherwise turned and such brake is applied.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism having a spring pressed rotary assembly providing a cable connection movable in opposite directions within an arcuate path and a cylindrical surface movable in opposite directions within the plane of the cylindrical surface in conjunction with the movement of the cable connection.

Abstract: A locking system for articulated fittings of car seats with a free-swivelling backrest. In particular, a wobble fitting is used with the articulated fitting and is made up of at least one notch, with which a pawl engages in a locking position, and a first clamping surface as the contact surface for an operating and safety element. The operating and safety element can be rotated around a swivel axis so as to increase the clamping force exerted on the pawl and is spring-loaded to secure the pawl in the locking position by using a second clamping surface, which rests without self-locking against the first clamping surface of the pawl. The operating and safety element includes a catch surface such that, when the pawl rests against the first clamping surface, it prevents the pawl from exerting an opening moment on the operating and safety element.

Abstract: A ratchet block comprised of a frame, movable sheave assembly, ratchet assembly, ratchet assembly and cam wherein the ratchet automatically engages under load permitting rotation of the sheave in only one direction, and disengages when the load is removed permitting rotation in both directions. This automatic engagement and disengagement of the ratchet to increase or reduce friction when a rope or wire is run through the sheave does not require the user to disengage the ratchet mechanism with a conventional switch.

Abstract: A tilter catch mechanism for a tipping device. The tipping device has a frame and a flat tiltable platform tiltably supported on the frame and for movement between a first horizontally aligned position and a second position inclined to the horizontal. An inflatable bladder device is provided for effecting a driving tilting movement of the platform between the first and second positions. The tilter catch mechanism includes a ratchet gearing device interposed between the frame and the tiltable platform, the ratchet gearing device including a toothed ratchet gear attached to either the frame or the tiltable platform and a pivotal pawl pivotally supported on the other one of the frame or tiltable platform. A spring continually urges the pawl toward the teeth on the ratchet gear. A pneumatic control is provided for controlling a flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas supply to and from the bladder to cause the tiltable table to be moved between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An improved non-jamming self-adjust pawl and ratchet mechanism for use in an automotive parking brake system or the like, includes cam-out and cam-in devices that are spaced to define an overlap dwell distance to insure suitable engagement between the adjuster pawl and the adjuster ratchet as a foot or hand brake operating lever is pivoted from a brake disengaged position toward a brake fully-engaged position. In the case of the foot-operated lever, the spacing distance between the cam-out and cam-in devices is greater than the bounce-back travel distance of the lever upon the removal of cable tension load thereon.

Abstract: A touch button controlled water stop mainly consists of an outer sleeve, a shaft rod, an upper toothed ring, a lower toothed ring, a spring guide bush, two springs, and a plunger; the shaft rod extending through a spring, a washer, a packing sheet, and a bushing ring and subsequently passing through the hollow cylindrical outer sleeve having a shaft support formed therein, the upper toothed ring, the lower toothed ring, the spring guide bush, and another spring and ending with the plunger secured thereon by a screw. The top end of the shaft rod can be linked with a touch button actuating means and the outer sleeve can be accommodated in a rear connector so that depressing the touch button will move the upper toothed ring to engage with the lower toothed ring. Further, raised blocks formed on the outer sleeve's inner wall confines the slide motion of the upper toothed ring and the lower toothed ring in such a way that the shaft rod will in turn dwell at two positions for each depressing.

Abstract: A foot-operated valve includes a valve set with a hollow seat and a push rod that extends movably and slidably into the hollow seat and that has a bottom end with a plug provided therearound. The push rod is biased to a first position, wherein the plug blocks normally a distal bottom end of a tubular sleeve that is secured in the hollow seat. When downward pressure is applied on the push rod to move the push rod to a second position, the plug ceases to block the bottom end of the tubular sleeve to permit communication between water outlet and inlet holes of the hollow seat. A control unit is secured to the hollow seat and includes a button retaining seat, a button and a rotary member. The control unit is operable to retain releasably the push rod in a depressed state to maintain communication between the water outlet and inlet holes even when the downward pressure applied on the push rod is extinguished.

Abstract: A multi-position ratchet mechanism for holding a surgical retractor blade which permits a retractor blade to be rotated into the wound and retracted at the same time to duplicate the natural "toe-in" method of retraction achieved with the hand. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet holder to which is pivotally attached a ratchet pivot housing. The retractor blade is mounted in an opening projecting through ratchet pivot housing and held in position by a retractor pawl attached to the ratchet pivot housing. The ratchet pivot housing also has a curved ratchet which depends into a cooperating slot in the ratchet holder and engages a ratchet release bar which is mounted on the ratchet holder and spring biased into the ratchet slot. One end of ratchet release bar is positioned under an actuating surface of the retractor pawl. The application of pressure on the actuating surface will release both ratchets to allow adjustment of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A countershaft type power transmission has a plurality of selectively engageable friction clutches for establishing a plurality of forward drive ratios and a reverse drive ratio between meshing gear members on an input shaft, a countershaft and an output shaft. One of the power paths established by the meshing gears includes a gear member rotationally fast on the output shaft. A parking pawl member is selectively engageable with this gear member to prevent output shaft rotation when parking is desired. The pawl has teeth formed thereon having a profile which permit continuous simultaneous engagement between two teeth on the pawl and two teeth on the gear member regardless of the rotational bias imposed on the output shaft during parking.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus for use in bicycles comprising first and second ratchet wheels and first and second switch levers, all of them being mounted on a main shaft. The first and second switch levers contain first and second ratchet pawls for engaging with the first and second ratchet wheels, respectively. The first and second ratchet wheels are connected to a cam via a gear set so as to cause the cam to rotate in forward and reverse directions, respectively. The outer periphery of the cam consists a plurality of spiral sectors, each of which having monotonically increasing radius, alternated with a plurality of circular sectors, each of which having constant radius.