초록 ▼

A partition making apparatus includes a first card material supply module, a first card forming module including a slot former, a singulator and a card transporter. The first card forming module also includes a feeder for advancing a band of first card forming material at least partially through the

A partition making apparatus includes a first card material supply module, a first card forming module including a slot former, a singulator and a card transporter. The first card forming module also includes a feeder for advancing a band of first card forming material at least partially through the first module. The first module may include a transporter which shifts singulated first cards from a first location to a card delivery location with a card transferor shifting sets of first cards to be included in an assembled partition from the first card forming module to an assembly station. The sets of first cards may be advanced along a conveyor included in the assembly station to a second card insertion location. The second card material supply module provides a band of second card forming material to a second card forming module. A second card forming module includes a slot former for slotting the second cards, a second card singulator for severing the band of second card forming material into individual second cards and a second card material feeder moves the band of second card forming material through the second module. Singulated second cards are inserted into the slots of the first cards at the assembly station.

대표청구항 ▼

A partition making apparatus includes a first card material supply module, a first card forming module including a slot former, a singulator and a card transporter. The first card forming module also includes a feeder for advancing a band of first card forming material at least partially through the

A partition making apparatus includes a first card material supply module, a first card forming module including a slot former, a singulator and a card transporter. The first card forming module also includes a feeder for advancing a band of first card forming material at least partially through the first module. The first module may include a transporter which shifts singulated first cards from a first location to a card delivery location with a card transferor shifting sets of first cards to be included in an assembled partition from the first card forming module to an assembly station. The sets of first cards may be advanced along a conveyor included in the assembly station to a second card insertion location. The second card material supply module provides a band of second card forming material to a second card forming module. A second card forming module includes a slot former for slotting the second cards, a second card singulator for severing the band of second card forming material into individual second cards and a second card material feeder moves the band of second card forming material through the second module. Singulated second cards are inserted into the slots of the first cards at the assembly station. agement of the clutch and movement of the transmission into a neutral position for the purpose of starting the engine if upon activating the transmission system, the gear-monitoring means indicate that the transmission is in gear; wherein the transmission system has means to allow disengagement of the clutch if one of the two conditions a) and b) is present, where: a) is a condition where the main brake is applied when activating the transmission system and where said application is positively confirmed; b) is a condition where the shifter element is in a non-neutral shifter position corresponding to one of said gear ratios and is moved to a neutral shifter position subsequent to activating the transmission system. 2. The transmission system of claim 1, wherein if the gear-monitoring means on activation of the transmission system finds that the transmission is in gear and if the shifter element is in one of said non-neutral shifter positions, moving said shifter element into the neutral shifter position will cause the control device to direct the clutch-actuator means to disengage the clutch and will further direct the transmission-actuator means to move the transmission into the neutral position. 3. The transmission system of claim 1, wherein if the gear-monitoring means on activation of the transmission system finds that the transmission is in gear and if the shifter element is in one of said non-neutral shifter positions, applying the main brake will cause the control device to direct the clutch-actuator means to disengage the clutch, and subsequently moving said shifter element into the neutral shifter position will cause the control device to direct the transmission-actuator means to move the transmission into the neutral position. 4. The transmission system of claim 1, wherein if the gear-monitoring means on activation of the transmission system finds that the transmission is in gear, and if the shifter element is in the neutral shifter position, the control device blocks disengagement of the clutch and blocks moving the transmission into the neutral position. 5. The transmission system of claim 4, wherein the control device cancels the blocking of the clutch disengagement and the movement of the transmission into the neutral position, after the main brake has been applied. 6. The transmission system of claim 1, wherein the application of the main brake is detected by a main-brake sensor. 7. The transmission system of claim 6, further comprising a means for monitoring the reliability of the main-brake sensor. 8. The transmission system of claim 7, wherein the monitoring means comprises setting a marker flag in a program of the control device, said marker flag being switchable between a first status indicating that the main-brake sensor is working correctly and a second status indicating a failure of the main-brake sensor. 9. The transmission system of claim 8, further comprising a door contact switch indicating when a driver-side door of the vehicle is being opened and thereby activating the transmission system, wherein the marker flag is set to the second status if the main-brake sensor indicates that the main brake is already applied as the vehicle door is being opened. 10. The transmission system of claim 9, wherein the marker flag is set to the first status if the main-brake sensor indicates a change from a non-applied condition to an applied condition of the main brake after the vehicle door has been opened. 11. The transmission system of claim 9, wherein the vehicle further comprises an ignition switch and wherein the transmission system is deactivated if the ignition switch is not turned on within a predetermined time interval after opening the driver-side door. 12. The transmission system of claim 11, wherein after said predetermined time interval has expired, the system is reactivated under at least one of the conditions that the ignition switch is turned on and that the driver-side door is opened again. 1 3. The transmission system of claim 8, wherein said monitoring takes place while the vehicle is in motion. 14. The transmission system of claim 13, wherein a detected malfunction of the main-brake sensor causes a brake-sensor failure code to be entered into a failure code file. 15. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein the brake-sensor failure code is entered after three instances where the vehicle was accelerated to a speed above a high threshold value and subsequently decelerated to a speed below a low threshold value without a signal from the main-brake sensor indicating an application of the main brake. 16. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein the control device keeps track of the lowest speed attained during a phase when the main-brake sensor indicates that the main brake is being applied, and wherein the brake-sensor failure code is entered if the vehicle is subsequently accelerated to and remains at a speed that is higher than said lowest speed by a predetermined differential amount during a predetermined time interval without a signal from the main brake sensor that the main brake was released. 17. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein the brake-sensor failure code is canceled in the failure code file after the main-brake sensor has signaled a predetermined number of status changes between an applied state and a non-applied state of the main brake. 18. The transmission system of claim 14, wherein at the time the transmission system is turned off, the status of the marker flag is stored in a non-volatile memory. 19. The transmission of claim 8, wherein the disengagement of the clutch after application of the main brake is blocked and the transmission is blocked from moving into the neutral position, if the shifter element is already in the neutral shifter position and the marker flag indicates the second status. 20. The transmission system of claim 19 wherein, if the shifter element is in the neutral shifter position and the marker flag indicates the second status, the clutch is disengaged and the transmission is moved to the neutral position after the shifter element has been moved to one of the non-neutral positions and back to the neutral position. he signal to said electronic display, said sensor being associated to said flexible cable and comprising: a shell which is traversed by said flexible cable; a reference member which is movable together with the cable inside the shell; and sensing means for detecting the position of said reference member with respect to the shell, wherein said sensing means comprises a potentiometric sensor comprising a movable contact carried by said reference member and a plurality of fixed spaced apart electrical contacts on an inner surface of the shell of the sensor for engagement by the movable contact upon movement of the reference member lengthwise of the shell. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is set in any position along the flexible control cable, intermediate between the control device and the derailleur. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the shell has an internal cavity inside of which the reference member is slidably disposed, said internal cavity being closed at opposite ends by walls having holes for passage of the flexible control cable, at least one of said holes being located in the bottom of a seat designed to receive a respective end of a sheath for the cable. 4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the reference member comprises two jaws clamped on the flexible control cable by means of screw. 5. A sensor device for detecting the operating position of a bicycle gear-change system, comprising: a shell designed to be in a fixed position, with respect to which a flexible cable for controlling a derailleur of the bicycle is movable, said shell being traversed by said cable; a reference member connected to the cable inside the shell; and sensor means for detecting the position of said reference member with respect to the shell; wherein said sensing means comprises a potentiometric sensor comprising a movable contact carried by said reference member and a plurality of fixed spaced apart electrical contacts on an inner surface of the shell of the sensor for engagement by the movable contact upon movement of the reference member lengthwise of the shell. 6. A sensor device according to claim 5, wherein the shell has an internal cavity inside of which the reference member is slidably disposed, said internal cavity being closed at opposite ends by walls having holes for passage of the flexible control cable, at least one of said holes being located in the bottom of a seat designed to receive a respective end of a sheath for the cable. 7. A sensor device according to claim 6, wherein the aforesaid reference member comprises two jaws clamped on the flexible control cable by means of a screw. 8. A sensor device for detecting the operating position of a bicycle gear-change system, comprising a shell, designed to be in a fixed position, and a flexible control cable, for controlling a derailleur of the bicycle, traversing said shell and being movable with respect to the shell; wherein said shell presents an electric resistive path extending along the flexible cable which carries an electric contact, said electric contact being fixed on the flexible cable and moving with it, the electric contact being in electric contact with said electric resistive path and sliding over the resistive path, following the movement of the flexible cable. 9. A sensor device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the electric contact is fixed to the cable through a reference number. 10. A sensor device as set forth in claim 9, wherein the reference member comprises two jaws clamped on the control cable. 11. A sensor device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the resistive path is located on an inner surface of the shell. 12. A sensor device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the resistive path is formed by a number of conductive areas insulated from each other and connected by resistors. 13. A sensor device as set forth in claim 8, wherein in that the electric contact is an elastic blade. 14. A sensor device as set fort h in claim 8, wherein said shell has an elongated shape, the resistive path extending along the length of the shell and the cable moving along the length of the shell. 15. A sensor device as set forth in claim 14, wherein said shell has holes for fixing cable seats. 16. A gear-change system of a bicycle comprising a derailleur for controlling selective engagement of a bicycle chain on a plurality of gear wheels, a control device for controlling the derailleur, a flexible control cable which connects the control device to the derailleur and a sensor device for detecting the operating position of the gear-change system, said sensor device comprising a shell, adapted to be fixed on the bicycle, and a flexible control cable, for controlling the derailleur of the bicycle, traversing said shell and being movable with respect to the shell; wherein said shell presents an electric resistive path extending along the flexible cable which carries an electric contact, said electric contact being fixed on the flexible cable and moving with it, the electric contact being in electric contact with said electric resistive path and sliding over the resistive path, following the movement of the flexible cable. 17. A gear-change system as set forth in claim 16, wherein the sensor device is located at any position along the flexible control cable. 18. A gear-change system as set forth in claim 16, wherein the sensor device is located immediately after the control device. 19. A gear-change system as set forth in claim 16, wherein said system comprises a display. 20. A device for detecting the operating position of a bicycle gear-change system having a control device, a gear display, a derailleur, and a control cable connecting the control device to the derailleur, the control cable including an interior flexible cable surrounded by sheathing, said device comprising: an elongate tubular shell having an elongate internal cavity; a seat on each end of said shell, in axial alignment with the internal cavity, to receive an end of the sheathing and define an exposed length of the flexible cable within said shell; a reference member slidably arranged within said shell and including means for adjustably clamping it to a selected location on the exposed flexible cable; means for detecting the position of said reference member relative to said shell and communicating that position to said gear display, said detecting means comprising a sensor which measures variations in electrical resistance as said reference member moves within said shell. 21. The device recited in claim 20, wherein said detecting means comprises a pair of electrically conductive channels in the internal cavity of said shell. 22. The device recited in claim 21, wherein said reference member is composed of a conductive material and contacts both of said channels to create an electrical connection between said channels. 23. The device recited in claim 20, wherein said detecting means comprises a potentiometric sensor. 24. A device for detecting the operating position of a bicycle gear-change system having a control device, a gear display, a derailleur, and a control cable connecting the control device to the derailleur, the control cable including an interior flexible cable surrounded by a sheath, said device comprising: means for mounting the device at any point on the control cable intermediate the control device and the derailleur and stationary relative to the interior flexible cable; and, means for detecting the position of said derailleur by detecting movement of the interior flexible cable relative to said device, said detecting means comprising a sensor which measures an electrical resistance across said device which varies as the interior flexible cable slides relative the device. 25. The device recited in claim 24, said detecting means comprising a potentiometric sensor. Pauli, 074/230.17; US-3916707, 19751100, Wells, 074/230.17; US-3939720, 19760200, Aaen et al., 074/230.17; US-3996811, 19761200, Reese, 074/230.17; US-4523917, 19850600, Schildt, 474/019; US-4585429, 19860400, Marier, 474/012; US-5326330, 19940700, Bostelmann, 474/013; US-5341698, 19940800, Tseng, 192/035; US-5421784, 19950600, Robert, 474/013; US-5460575, 19951000, Berto, 474/011; US-5516333, 19960500, Benson, 474/019; US-5562555, 19961000, Peterson, 474/014; US-5720681, 19980200, Benson, 474/010; US-5967286, 19991000, Hokanson et al., 192/110.R; US-6146295, 20001100, Mor et al., 474/013 f said longitudinal member from said aperture means. 4. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 3 wherein said aperture means includes a central aperture means defined in said central section of said blade means and a tip aperture means defined in said tip section of said blade means and an heel aperture means defined in said heel section of said blade means. 5. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 4 wherein said central aperture means includes a narrowed central opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said central aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 6. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 5 wherein said central aperture means includes a widened central opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said central aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 7. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 4 wherein said tip aperture means includes a narrowed tip opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said tip aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 8. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 7 wherein said tip aperture means includes a widened tip opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said tip aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 9. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 4 wherein said heel aperture means includes a narrowed heel opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said heel aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 10. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 9 wherein said heel aperture means includes a widened heel opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said heel aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 11. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 4 wherein said tip aperture means comprises a tip open notch means defined in the tip area of said blade means most distant from said handle means. 12. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in th e shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 4 wherein said central aperture means defined in said central section of said blade means and said tip aperture means defined in said tip section of said blade means and said heel aperture means defined in said heel section of said blade means are all teardrop-shaped with the widest area closest to said tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member therefrom responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through. 13. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 wherein said upper bar member is longitudinally extensible to increase the longitudinal dimensions of said practicing zone means. 14. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 wherein said first support member includes: A. a first leg means extending downwardly from said upper bar member to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation from the environmental surface to facilitate defining of said practicing zone therebeneath; B. a second leg means extending downwardly from said upper bar member to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation from the environmental surface to facilitate defining of said practicing zone therebeneath, said second leg means extending outwardly away from said second leg means to define a guide orifice means therebetween adapted to receive said longitudinal member extending therethrough for guiding thereof to extend into said practicing zone means. 15. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 further comprising a target means secured to said second support member immediately adjacent said practicing zone means to provide a target for shooting and stick handling practice therewithin. 16. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 15 wherein said target means is made of hard rubber and is shaped to simulate a hockey puck to enhance use thereof as a target during shooting and stick handling practice within said practicing zone means. 17. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 further comprising a weighted means positioned adjacent said first support member for attachment to said longitudinal member for fixed securement thereof outside of said practicing zone means. 18. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 wherein said weighted means defining a closable chamber opening means and a ballast chamber means therewithin in fluid flow communication with respect to one another, said closable chamber opening means being operable to facilitate removable placement of ballast into said weighing chamber means to increase the weight of said weighing means, said ballast chamber also being capable of being emptied of ballast through said closable chamber opening means for enhancing portability thereof. 19. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, as defined in claim 2 further including: A. a first rotatable platform means adapted to be placed adjacent said main framework means, said first rotatable platform means adapted to be stood upon by a user and being rotatable during use of the training apparatus for shooting and stick handling to facilitate simulation of on ic e conditions and for reducing fatigue during practicing, said first rotatable platform means including: (1) a first lower plate means engaging the ground adjacent said main framework means; (2) a first upper plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said first lower plate means and adapted to be stood upon by a user during practicing; (3) a first bearing means mounting between said first lower plate means and said first upper plate means to facilitate relative rotational movement therebetween; and B. a second rotatable platform means adapted to be placed adjacent said main framework means, said second rotatable platform means adapted to be stood upon by a user and being rotatable during use of the training apparatus for shooting and stick handling to facilitate simulation of on ice conditions and for reducing fatigue during practicing, said second rotatable platform means including: (1) a second lower plate means engaging the ground adjacent said main framework means; (2) a second upper plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said second lower plate means and adapted to be stood upon by a user during practicing; (3) a second bearing means mounting between said second lower plate means and said second upper plate means to facilitate relative rotational movement therebetween. 20. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, comprising: A. a main framework means comprising: (1) an upper bar member; (2) a first support member detachably securable with respect to said upper bar member for supporting thereof above the ground surface therebelow; and (3) a second support member detachably securable with respect to said upper bar member at a position spatially disposed from said first support member for further supporting thereof above the ground surface therebelow, said first support member and said second support member together defining a practicing zone means therebetween below said upper bar member to facilitate use of the ice hockey training apparatus; B. a longitudinal member extending into said practicing zone means between said first support member and said second support member below said upper bar member, said longitudinal member being flexibly resilient longitudinally, said longitudinal member including a knot means tied therewithin to restriction detachment of said longitudinal member from said blade means by removal of said longitudinal member from said aperture means; C. a training stick means comprising: (1) a handle means capable for being grasped by a user during training; and (2) a blade means fixedly secured to said handle means and adapted to be moved within said practicing zone means beneath said upper bar member and between said first support member and said second support member to enhance development of strength, balance and accuracy in stick handling by the user, said blade means defining at least one aperture means defined therein, said blade means adapted to receive said longitudinal member extending through said aperture means defined therein for detachable securement therewith, said longitudinal member providing flexible resistance to movement of said blade means of said training stick means within said practicing zone means to increase strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user, said blade means including: a. a heel section adjacent said handle means, said heel section defining said aperture means including a heel aperture means, said heel aperture means including a narrowed heel opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said heel aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said heel aperture means further including a widened heel opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said heel aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot; b. a tip section spatially disposed distant from said handle means and said heel area, said tip section defining said aperture means including a tip aperture means, said tip aperture means including a narrowed tip opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said tip aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said tip aperture means further including a widened tip opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said tip aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said tip aperture means comprising a tip open notch means defined in the tip area of said blade means most distant from said handle means; and c. a central section located intermediate between said heel area and said tip area, said central section defining said aperture means including a central aperture means, said central aperture means including a narrowed central opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said central aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said central aperture means further including a widened central opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said central aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot. 21. An ice hockey training apparatus, usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in the shooting and stick handling of a user, comprising: A. a main framework means comprising: (1) an upper bar member, said upper bar member being longitudinally extensible to facilitate use of the apparatus by users of different sizes; (2) a first support member detachably securable with respect to said upper bar member for supporting thereof above the ground surface therebelow, said first support member including: a. a first leg means extending downwardly from said upper bar member to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation from the environmental surface to facilitate defining of a practicing zone therebeneath; b. a second leg means extending downwardly from said upper bar member to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation from the environmental surface to facilitate defining of said practicing zone therebeneath, said second leg means extending outwardly away from said second leg means to define a guide orifice means therebetween; (3) a second support member detachably securable with respect to said upper bar member at a position spatially disposed from said first support member for further supporting thereof above the ground surface therebelow, said first support member and said second support member together defining a practicing zone means therebetween below said upper bar member to facilitate use of the ice hockey training apparatus; B. a longitudinal member extending into said practicing zone means through said guide orifice means defined between said first support member and said second support member below said upper bar member, said longitudinal member being flexibly resilient longitudinally, said longitudinal member including a knot m eans tied therewithin to restriction detachment of said longitudinal member from said blade means by removal of said longitudinal member from said aperture means; C. a training stick means comprising: (1) a handle means capable for being grasped by a user during training; and (2) a blade means fixedly secured to said handle means and adapted to be moved within said practicing zone means beneath said upper bar member and between said first support member and said second support member to enhance development of strength, balance and accuracy in stick handling by the user, said blade means defining at least one aperture means defined therein, said blade means adapted to receive said longitudinal member extending through said aperture means defined therein for detachable securement therewith, said longitudinal member providing flexible resistance to movement of said blade means of said training stick means within said practicing zone means to increase strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user, said blade means including: a. a heel section adjacent said handle means, said heel section defining said aperture means including a heel aperture means, said heel aperture means including a narrowed heel opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said heel aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said heel aperture means further including a widened heel opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said heel aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said heel aperture means defined in said heel section of said blade means being teardrop-shaped with the widest area closest to said tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member therefrom responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through; b. a tip section spatially disposed distant from said handle means and said heel area, said tip section defining said aperture means including a tip aperture means, said tip aperture means including a narrowed tip opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said tip aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said tip aperture means further including a widened tip opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said tip aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said tip aperture means comprising a tip open notch means defined in the tip area of said blade means most distant from said handle means, said tip aperture means defined in said tip section of said blade means being teardrop-shaped with the widest area closest to said tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member therefrom responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through; c. a central section located intermediate between said heel area and said tip area, said central section defining said aperture means including a central aperture means, said central aperture means including a narrowed central opening area in the region thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member within said central aperture means during proper practice shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said central aperture means further including a widened central opening area in the region thereof most distant from said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member from within said central aperture means during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of said blade means is turning facing upwardly during follow through after a practice shot, said central aperture means defined in said central section of said blade means being teardrop-shaped with the widest area closest to said tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to said handle means to facilitate release of said longitudinal member therefrom responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of said longitudinal member therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through; D. a target means secured to said second support member immediately adjacent said practicing zone means to provide a target for shooting and stick handling practice therewithin, said target means being made of hard rubber and shaped to simulate a hockey puck to enhance use thereof as a target during shooting and stick handling practice within said practicing zone means; E. a weighted means positioned adjacent said first support member for attachment to said longitudinal member for fixed securement thereof outside of said practicing zone means, said weighted means defining a closable chamber opening means and a ballast chamber means therewithin in fluid flow communication with respect to one another, said closable chamber opening means being operable to facilitate removable placement of ballast into said weighing chamber means to increase the weight of said weighing means, said ballast chamber also being capable of being emptied of ballast through said closable chamber opening means for enhancing portability thereof; F. a first rotatable platform means adapted to be placed adjacent said main framework means, said first rotatable platform means adapted to be stood upon by a user and being rotatable during use of the training apparatus for shooting and stick handling to facilitate simulation of on ice conditions and for reducing fatigue during practicing, said first rotatable platform means including: (1) a first lower plate means engaging the ground adjacent said main framework means; (2) a first upper plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said first lower plate means and adapted to be stood upon by a user during practicing; (3) a first bearing means mounting between said first lower plate means and said first upper plate means to facilitate relative rotational movement therebetween; and G. a second rotatable platform means adapted to be placed adjacent said main framework means, said second rotatable platform means adapted to be stood upon by a user and being rotatable during use of the training apparatus for shooting and stick handling to facilitate simulation of on ice conditions and for reducing fatigue during practicing, said second rotatable platform means including: (1) a second lower plate means engaging the ground adjacent said main framework means; (2) a second upper plate means rotatably mounted with respect to said second lower plate means and adapted to be stood upon by a user during practicing; (3) a second bearing means mounting between said second lower plate means and said second upper plate means to facilitate relative rotational movement therebetween. of the distal end or the proximal end; and a handle disposed within the opening of the base. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one weight attached to the distal end of the base. 4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a flexible member having a first end and a second end. 5. The device of claim 4 further comprising the first end of the flexible member being attached to the base. 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the flexible member is elastic. 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the second end of the flexible member is adapted to be attached to an inertial resistance. 8. The device of claim 5 wherein the flexible member comprises a substantially flat strap. 9. The device of claim 2 further comprising at least one detachable weight attached to an exterior surface of the base. 10. The device of claim 3 further comprising at least one weight attached to the distal end of the base. 11. The device of claim 1 wherein a position of the handle is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the base running substantially perpendicularly to the proximal end and the distal end of the base. 12. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one hook attached to an exterior surface of the base proximate to the distal end of the base. 13. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one hook attached to an exterior surface of the base proximate to the proximal end of the base. 14. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned approximately midway between the distal end and the proximal end of the base. 15. The device of claim 4 wherein the device comprises a plurality of points for attaching the flexible member. 16. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is adapted to be grasped by a hand of an exerciser. 17. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is adapted to fit an open hand of an exerciser. 18. The device of claim 1 wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the base is covered by a non-slip material. 19. The device of claim 14 wherein the handle is adapted to be grasped by a hand of an exerciser. 20. The device of claim 14 wherein the handle is adapted to fit an open hand of an exerciser. 21. The device of claim 5 wherein the flexible member is inelastic. 22. The device of claim 15 wherein the handle is shaped to ergonomically fit the hand of the exerciser. 23. The device of claim 16 wherein the handle is shaped to ergonomically fit the open hand of the exerciser. 24. The device of claim 9 wherein the detachable weight is attached to the base via at least one hook-and-loop fastener. 25. The device of claim 9 wherein the detachable weight comprises a pouch containing particulate weighted matter. 26. The device of claim 1 wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the base is covered with at least one hook portion of at least one hook-and-loop fastener. 27. The device of claim 1 wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the base is covered with at least one loop portion of at least one hook-and-loop fastener. 28. The device of claim 9 wherein a center of gravity of the detachable weight is positioned on the exterior of the base adjacent to an end of the handle. 29. The device of claim 9 wherein the at least one detachable weight is positioned so that its center of gravity is adjacent to an end of the handle. 30. The device of claim 9 wherein the at least one detachable weight is positioned so that its center of gravity is adjacent to an end of the handle and is closer to the distal end of the base than the handle. 31. The device of claim 9 wherein the at least one detachable weight is positioned so that its center of gravity is adjacent to an end of the handle and is closer to the proximal end of the base than the handle. 32. The device of claim 7 wherein the second end of the flexible member is attached to an inertial resistance. 33. The device of claim 5 wherein the flexible member is adapted to wrap around an exterior surface of the base. 34. The device of claim 25 wherein the hook portions of the hook-and-loop fasteners are attached at substantially equidistantly-spaced positions around the exterior of the base. 35. The device of claim 26 wherein the loop portions of the hook-and-loop fasteners are attached at substantially equidistantly-spaced positions around the exterior of the base. 36. The device of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises at least one indicator to demarcate rotation of the device in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base, the longitudinal axis running substantially perpendicular to the proximal end and the distal end. 37. The device of claim 5 wherein the device is adapted to permit the flexible member to engage at least one distal notch. 38. The device of claim 5 wherein the device is adapted to permit the flexible member to engage at least one proximal notch. axis, said pinion cage rotatable relative to said axle housing between first and second positions in which said first axis is spaced from said ring gear first and second distances respectively and secured to said axle housing in one of said positions to change a gear mounting distance and a pinion offset; and said ring gear rotatable about a second axis transverse to said first axis, said first and second axes nonintersecting in said first position, and said first and second axes intersecting in said second position to provide a zero pinion offset. 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said differential case includes a flange and said ring gear is secured to said flange. 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said axle housing includes an opening and said pinion cage includes a boss received in said opening, said boss rotatable within said opening in said axle housing. 4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first and second axes are nonintersecting in said second position. 5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pinion cage includes a radial extension securing said pinion cage to said axle housing, said pinion eccentrically located relative to said radial extension. 6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said differential case includes a spider supporting differential pinions which are meshed with side gears that are coupled with a pair of axle shafts supported in said axle housing. 7. A method of assembling drive axle assemblies having different gear ratios comprising the steps of: a) selecting a pinion cage having a first pinion with a first diameter; b) rotating the pinion cage relative to a first axle housing to line up the first pinion with a ring gear; c) coupling the first pinion with the ring gear; d) fastening the pinion cage to the first axle housing; e) selecting another pinion cage having a second pinion with a second diameter different than said first diameter; f) rotating the other pinion cage relative to a second axle housing to line up the second pinion with a ring gear that is that same as the first axle housing ring gear; g) coupling the second pinion with the ring gear of the second axle housing; and h) fastening the other pinion cage to the second axle housing. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein steps b) and f) include moving the pinion assembly toward the ring gear in an arc.