Abstract: For use in a high performance racing vehicle or the like in which the torso of a driver is restrained in a seat by a harness that includes shoulder straps extending over the driver's shoulder, and a helmet is worn by the driver, a neck support and head restraint device comprises an inflatable collar configured and dimensioned to surround the driver's neck at a location between the driver's helmet and shoulders. The collar is anchored to the shoulder straps of the restraining harness. At least one and preferably two tethers are strategically connected at opposite ends to the collar and the helmet. The collar is normally in a pliable collapsed state, with the tethers loosely extending between the helmet and collar to thereby accommodate relatively unimpeded head movement.

Abstract: An electrically conductive multilayer composite comprises first and second polymeric films, each being flexible and having upper and lower surfaces, with the second film being thermoformable at temperatures at and above its glass transition temperature. A flexible electrically conductive layer is applied to the upper surface of the first film, and an adhesive interlayer adheres the lower surface of the first film to the upper surface of the second film. The adhesive interlayer has elastic properties sufficient to accommodate relative movement between the thus adhered films occasioned by flexure of the composite.

Abstract: A temperature controller for an incubator or an oven for keeping the temperature in a chamber at a constant level by controlling the energization of heaters. The temperature controller is provided with two temperature control systems, each of which comprising a sensor for detecting the temperature in the chamber, a thermostat for setting a temperature which is aimed at in the chamber, an error amplifier for detecting a difference between both output levels of the sensor and temperature setting means, and an electric power control circuit for controlling the energization of the heaters in correspondence with the output pulse-length of the circuit.

Abstract: A doctoring apparatus employs a doctor blade having a length greater than the face length of the surface being doctored. A blade holder applies an intermediate portion of the blade to the doctored surface. The blade is movable longitudinally through the blade holder, and has continuing portions extending beyond the ends of the holder. At least one clamp acts on one of the continuing blade portions. The clamp is adjustable between a closed setting preventing relative movement between it and the blade, and the open setting permitting such relative movement. A drive reciprocates either the blade holder or the clamp in one direction when the clamp is closed and in the opposite direction when the clamp is opened, thereby causing the blade to move incrementally in one direction across the surface being doctored.

Abstract: A fluorescent display tube includes a plurality of phosphor screens formed on a front panel of an envelope to constitute a matrix, a plurality of cathode electrodes floating from the inner surface of a rear panel of the envelope and corresponding to the phosphor screens so as to constitute a matrix in the same manner as the phosphor screens, grid electrodes which are arranged between the phosphor screens and the cathode electrodes of the rows of the matrix and each of which has electron beam apertures, and stripe-like back electrodes formed on the inner surface of the rear panel so as to correspond to the columns of the matrix. A voltage applied to the cathode electrodes is higher or lower than that to the grid and back electrodes. Light emission of the phosphor screens can be arbitrarily controlled to obtain high resolution with a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A hydraulic power transmission device of the viscous shear type provides a rotatable driving connection between first and second shaft assemblies. A centrifugal clutch is interposed between the shaft assemblies to provide an overriding rotatable driving connection therebetween when the angular velocity of the first shaft assembly exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A machine for forming open ended cartons from flat die cut blanks of flexible material. The machine includes a magazine adapted to contain a supply of the blanks, and first, second and third forming stations through which the blanks are successively shifted by automatically operable transfer mechanisms. The blanks are progressively folded as they progress through the forming stations. At a final stage in the forming process, adhesive is selectively applied to the undersides of exposed side flaps, and these side flaps are then folded to produce the desired end product. At various stages during the forming process, the partially erected blanks are supported both internally and externally in order to avoid deformation or collapsing of open ends, and to insure precise bending along fold lines.

Abstract: In a rolling mill wherein product is rolled continuously in successive first and second blocks at the finishing end of the mill, a pinch roll unit is interposed between the two blocks. The motor speed of the pinch roll unit is employed in combination with other variables to preset the motor speed of the second block prior to entry of the product front end therein. The preset motor speed of the second block produces an acceptable level of interblock product tension once the product has entered the second block. Thereafter, product elongation in the first block is monitored and required adjustments to the motor speed of the second block are made in order to maintain interblock product tension within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A scraper-chain conveyor channel section comprises a pair of side walls and a floor plate extending between the side walls and connecting the side walls together. Each of the side walls has upper, lower and intermediate inwardly-extending flanges. The floor plate is connected to the intermediate flanges of the two side walls. Each of the side walls is constituted by an upper profiled bar and a lower profiled bar, each of the profiled bars being a generally U-shaped rolled section. Each of the lower profiled bars has a bottom flange and a top flange parallel to the bottom flange. The top flange of each lower profiled bar forms a support surface for the associated upper profiled bar, and constitutes part of the intermediate flange of the associated side wall. Each of the side walls is provided with a connecting bar for laterally supporting the associated upper profiled bar.

Abstract: A ball valve has a valve body with a bonnet bore communicating with a through fluid bore. An unyielding valve seat is fixed in the valve body at a location surrounding the axis of the fluid bore. A bonnet with a stem bore extending therethrough is received in the bonnet bore. The bonnet is adjustable within the bonnet bore to shift the axis of the stem bore transversely with respect to the fluid bore axis. A stem is rotatably received in the stem bore. A ball with a passageway extending therethrough is carried by the stem and located in the through fluid bore. The center of the ball is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the stem. During initial assembly of the valve components, the ball is located in a closed position against the seat by selected adjustment of the bonnet in the bonnet bore coupled with rotation of the stem. The bonnet is then fixed in the bonnet bore.

Abstract: A pressure garment has a transparent exterior panel with a pair of lower sections adapted to be operatively positioned around the legs of the wearer, and with an upper section adapted to be positioned around the abdomen of the wearer. Transparent inner panels cooperate with each of the exterior panel sections to define pressure chambers therebetween. A pressurized gas such as for example compressed air, is introduced into the pressure chambers in order to inflate the same and apply pressure to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device is incorporated in a hydraulic control system for a mine roof support assembly. The hydraulic control system includes a plurality of hydraulic control valves which are controlled by the hydraulic control device. The hydraulic control device is constituted by a longitudinal slide valve having a slide member longitudinally reciprocable in a slide valve housing. A rotary drive is provided for moving the slide member within the slide valve housing. The slide member is provided with two axial bores each of which opens into a respective pair of axially-spaced radial bores which terminate at the peripheral surface of the slide member. A first radial bore of each axial bore opens into a respective annular groove formed in the slide valve housing. The second radial bore of each axial bore is connected to a respective group of control ports provided on the slide valve housing.

Abstract: A power dividing differential has a hollow shaft subdivided into an input side section and an output side section. The input side section is connection to a drive, and the output side section is drivingly connected to a differential pinion meshing with a pair of side gears. One side gear drives a front wheel drive shaft extending axially through the hollow shaft, and the other side gear is drivingly connected to a differential housing which in turn is drivingly connected to a rear wheel drive shaft. A sleeve is slidable on the hollow shaft between a first position spaced from the differential housing and a second position engaged with the differential housing, thereby locking the differential.

Abstract: A power hitch has first and second frame elements interconnected for movement relative to each other about a vertical pivot axis. The first frame element is adapted for connection to a vehicle in a manner placing the pivot axis is to the rear of the vehicle. The second frame element is adapted for detachable connection to an implement to be towed behind the vehicle. The second frame element has a central axis extending rearwardly from the pivot axis. Extensible actuators on opposite sides of the central axis are pivotally connected at opposite ends respectively to each frame element. A suitable control system is employed to extend either one of the actuators while simultaneously retracting the other actuator in order to forcibly pivot the second frame element and the implement connected thereto about the pivot axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a mineral mining machine, such as a coal plough, guided for movement back and forth along a guide employs inclined piston and cylinder units coupled via ball-and-socket joints to brackets on a conveyor supporting the guide and to connectors which are pivotably connected to the conveyor. Assemblies have parallel elongate beams which are guided on roof supports and linked to the connectors. Each connector is of multi-part construction with a main skid resting on the floor of the working and connected to the conveyor and to the associated beams. A further complementary component fits onto the main skid and the parts of the connector have curved recesses which combine to form a socket for receiving a ball of the associated unit.

Abstract: A so-called externally-situated advance mechanism is arranged between the floor sills of adjacent mine roof support units. The advance mechanism includes two laterally-spaced guide rods, and two advance rams positioned above the guide rods. The front ends of the guide rods are connected to a head-piece. A bridge is connected to the two guide rods at a distance behind this head-piece. The piston rods of the two advance rams act on this bridge. The cylinders of the rams are connected, at a distance therebehind, to brackets fixed to the floor sills. Said brackets form guides for the guide rods.

Abstract: A guide for a mineral mining machine, such as a plough, is composed of guide structures at the mineral face sides of the pans of a scraper-chain conveyor. Each guide structure defines upper and lower passages through which a chain for driving the machine passes. The passages are closed off from the mineral face side by a side plate or cover and from the top by means of a head plate. The head plate is detachable and is secured to, or located against, the side plate. The head plate and side plate have upstanding projections which form part of a guide rail for the machine. A foot plate projects beneath the lower passage to support the machine on the floor of a mine working. The guide structure preferably has reinforced end pieces fabricated by casting and the head plate lies between corresponding wall portions of these castings.