Abstract: An adjustable guiding device for guiding tapes, ribbons, threads or the like to a working station of a sewing machine. The device comprises a rod, a number of thin guide elements adjustably mounted on the rod for movement in a direction transverse to the rod, and releasable locking means for locking the guide elements in any pre-determined adjusted position. Selected guide elements can be adjusted, upon release of the locking means, so as to define at least one guide passage having a predetermined profile corresponding to the width and depth of the material to be passed therethrough.

Abstract: A motor driven sewing machine comprises pulse generator means for generating a first pulse associated with the first predetermined angular position and a second pulse associated with the second predetermined angular position of the main-shaft of the machine, and state-alternating means for alternatively changing its states between first and second states in response to the first and second pulses. The needle position and cloth feed are controlled in accordance with the states of the state-alternating means.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to electric motor/actuators and in particular to an electric motor/actuator for driving a sewing machine and operating sewing machine controls regulating, for instance, the position coordinates of the resulting stitches formed by the sewing machine. The electric motor includes multiple non-magnetic armatures having commutated windings rotatable in a single air gap formed between opposing permanent magnets having their opposed polarized poles facing said armatures and wherein individual ones of said armatures are capable of different output functions free of significant interaction with others of said armatures.

Abstract: The sewing machine has a differential work transport, consisting of a lower main feed and lower and upper auxiliary feeds, with the step sizes of the auxiliary feeds being adjustable, from a step size substantially in accordance with the step size of the main feed, against spring bias. The step sizes are adjusted by respective setting devices having associated setting members connected, through a lever drive, to a common actuating device. The lever drive interconnecting the setting members of the setting devices for the lower and upper auxiliary feeds is operable to vary the step sizes of the lower and upper auxiliary feeds so that one of said lower and upper auxiliary feeds increases as the other of said lower and upper auxiliary feeds decreases. The transmission ratio of the lever drive is adjustable, and the lever drive includes a driver connection operative in one direction only.

Abstract: A control system for the work feeding mechanism in a cam controlled pattern sewing machine wherein a manual forward feed biasing spring is bypassed when cam control is selected. The control system also features a quick reverse linkage, operable in the manual mode, which may be lockably engaged for hands-off reverse sewing.

Abstract: A method of using linking machines is described wherein a linking machine having a pair of needles operating on fabric impaled onto radially extending points around the dial of a linking machine is used so that the first needle to operate on the fabric is adapted to engage the fabric between adjacent points and slightly above while the second of the said needles is adapted to engage the loops of fabric impaled on said points.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing certain manufacturing operations on a container such as forming a beaded rim around the upper open end of the container. The apparatus includes means for dispensing rimless containers into container-receiving receptacles which are mounted on a rotatable turret which moves the containers from one station to another station of the apparatus. Gripping means is provided to retain the containers within the receptacles and bead-forming means is also provided and is operable to form a bead on the upper disposed edge of the container. Ejection means is also provided for ejecting a finished container from a receptacle.

Abstract: Sail is leewardly positioned with respect to the mast by flexible panels attached at, and extending aftwardly from a point approximately at the greatest width of the mast. Sail is guided by transverse stiff members mounted on the panels at their aft edges, to a predetermined, aerodynamically efficient stopped position.

Abstract: A heavy duty fender structure is disclosed which is particularly adapted for marine use. The fender includes an extruded elastomeric core having a chain extending along its axis and providing free end portions at the ends of the core for mounting the fender. A plurality of molded elastomeric discs are positioned around the core and provide the exterior surface of the fender. The discs are formed with an outer layer of elastomeric material selected for wear and non-marking properties. The inner portion of the disc is formed of elastomeric material selected for its cushioning characteristics. In some illustrated embodiments the inner portions of the discs are formed with openings of various shapes selected and arranged to provide the desired cushioning characteristics of the assembled fender. Rods extend through the discs to secure the discs together around the core.

Abstract: Docking apparatus is provided for aiding in the docking or mooring of a boat. The apparatus is particularly advantageous for larger pleasure boats which may have but one pilot or operator but which normally require more than one person to dock the boat. The apparatus includes a line held in an extended position by a mooring post on the side which the boat approaches. A line-engageable member is mounted on the boat and is positioned to engage the line as the boat approaches the docking area. In a preferred form, the line-engageable member is a hook and is mounted so as to be swung or extended outwardly from the boat in one position and to be retracted and out of the way in another position. The line is preferably releasably held relative to the post so that it will be partly released when engaged by the hook but will still be fastened to the dock or the post. Once the hook engages the line and the boat is stopped, the operator can then fasten additional mooring lines as desired.

Abstract: A screw-rudder assembly is mounted at the bottom of a steering shaft which rotates in a tubular casing which is mounted on slide shoes which slide in vertical slide guides fixed to a support which is mounted on a floating vehicle. A power cylinder connects the tubular casing to the support and slides the casing upwardly to regulate the depth of immersion of the screw and pivots the casing upwardly about upper slide shoes when bottom slide shoes are released through passages in the slide guides, to lift the screw-rudder out of the water.

Abstract: An acceleration indicator including an anti-tampering arrangement adapted to be secured to a railway freight car for detecting pre-selected destructive impacts on the the car. The indicator includes a generally hat-shaped casing having a normally obscured movable plate or flag carried therewithin by a spring biased pendulum supported on a vertical plate secured within the casing. The vertical plate also supports the anti-tampering arrangement such that when the indicator is subjected to a preselected impact, the pendulum swings clear of the flag and drops by gravity into a position where it can be observed whereat it is entrapped by the anti-tampering arrangement.

Abstract: A selectively changeable pneumatic control system for monitoring the start-up and running of process machinery, the system having a pneumatically operated indicator, a pneumatically operated arrangement for operating the indicator and a selector for setting the pneumatically operated arrangement to any one of a first, second, third, fourth or fifth monitoring condition thereof which monitors a respective variable of the process machinery and will operate the indicator to indicate an unsafe condition thereof, the first condition being adapted to monitor a variable of the process machinery that is normally safe when the process machinery is not running, the second condition being adapted to monitor a variable of the process machinery that is normally unsafe when the process machinery is not running but must be locked out to allow start-up and must become safe within a predetermined time period after initial start-up, the third condition being adapted to monitor a variable of the process machinery that is normal

Abstract: Forms of an indicator attached to the casings of rocket motors in the field to show the readiness of rocket motors using solid fuel are described. Each form described includes a viscous material, as for example a wax, disposed in a chamber and a spring-loaded member which moves in accordance with changes in ambient temperature over a period of time. The amount of movement is analogous to change in the characteristics of the solid fuel.

Abstract: Electroless plating using alternate operative plating tanks of glass fiber reinforced urethane with polypropylene liners, and a third tank of cleaning fluid applied to the tank not being used.

Abstract: The heat exchanger comprises an outer cylindrical casing and an inner cylindrical sleeve coaxially mounted therein. Dry superheated steam circulates in the jacket between the outer casing and the inner sleeve, and may be extracted at any convenient point along the casing. Wet steam is introduced into the inner casing whose lower portion comprises a separation baffle for removing water from the wet steam and whose upper portion has nests of heat exchanging tubes for superheating the steam.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel circuit connected at its downstream end to the engine and including a carburetor for producing a rich air-fuel mixture and a fuel reforming reactor vessel containing a catalyst for facilitating a catalytic reformation of the mixture into a reformed gaseous mixture rich with free hydrogen. The carburetor is provided with a primary air intake passage with a venturi into which air and fuel are fed to produce a rich air-fuel mixture. The carburetor is also provided with a secondary air intake passage bypassing the venturi and connected to the fuel circuit downstream of the venturi. A valve is provided on the carburetor to control the cross-sectional area of the secondary air intake passage in accordance with the temperature in the engine or the reactor vessel, by the carburetor is adjusted according to the engine or reactor vessel temperature.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a spark ignited, internal combustion engine employs sensors which measure engine operating parameters to control the duration of actuating pulses applied to at least one fuel injector. One of the sensors measures engine temperature and the pulse duration is increased at lower engine temperatures to compensate for the lower volatility of the fuel at such lower temperatures. The output of a manifold vacuum sensor is differentiated to derive a signal proportional to the rate of increase of engine load and that is used in combination with the engine temperature sensor to increase the duration of an injector actuating pulse in amounts proportional to the rate of increase of engine load. The amount of increase in duration of the pulse varies inversely with engine temperature.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engines, having a digital control apparatus for producing an actuating electrical signal for the engine injection valves proportional to the engine speed and the quantity of air aspirated by the engine, and a signal correction apparatus for modulating the injection actuating pulse in accordance with other parameters of the engine, such as fuel enrichment during starting or warmup of the engine, adjustment for idle, partial load, and full load conditions, and adjustment for the air-fuel ratio for both short time variable conditions, and long time variations such as variations in barometric pressure. This correction apparatus includes auxiliary storage register, interconnected to numerical frequency converters, which produce the correction signal from the information stored in the auxiliary storage registers.CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSU.S. Application of Rolf Daumer et al, Ser. No. 742,715, filed Nov. 17, 1976.

Abstract: In an air-to-fuel ratio feedback control system, air-to-fuel ratio of mixture supplied to an engine is controlled to be stoichiometric in response to the oxygen concentration in exhaust gases during normal operating conditions of the engine, whereas it is controlled irrespective of the oxygen concentration during specific operating conditions such as heavy load and no load conditions of the engine. Sensor output signal indicative of the oxygen concentration which is integrated to control the air-to-fuel ratio is cut off and integrator output signal is increased or decreased by a predetermined value during the specific conditions so that the mixture is controlled to be richer or leaner as desired than the stoichiometry.

Abstract: A spark-ignited reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine is provided with a combustion chamber subdivided in the top dead center zone into two chambers. These two chambers are separated from one another by overlapping parts of the piston and cylinder and cylinder head when in the top dead center zone, such that when in this position a cross-connection between the chambers exist only at one position along the circumference of the piston. An ignition source is provided adjacent one circumferential end of a first of the chambers which forms a combustion duct between the ignition source and the cross connection. The ignition is controlled so as to take place only after the piston and cylinder are in respective positions separating the combustion chamber into the two chambers.

Abstract: An injection valve to control the fuel injection into the intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The injection valve, which is preferably electromagnetically activated, is placed in a supporting opening in the wall of an intake duct, and is provided with a gasket between the outer wall of the injection valve housing and the outer wall of the support. The injection valve housing is arranged contact-free in the support opening and the thus-produced annular slit is closed by a bellows member. The injection valve housing is associated at its free end with a fuel distributor element. In this manner a greater freedom of movement of the valve housing in the support opening is thereby provided in addition to a substantial increase in thermal insulation, whereby manufacturing tolerances and thermal fluctuations are not significant.

Abstract: A two-cycle internal combustion engine having reed-type intake valving, and multiple injector passages and porting constructed and arranged to improve various of the operating characteristics of the engine, and particularly adapted to increase the effectiveness of fuel injection through the injector passages.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a main combustion chamber connected to an intake port for an air-fuel mixture, and an auxiliary combustion or a precombustion chamber communicated with the main combustion chamber through a plurality of torch apertures. The auxiliary combustion chamber is, before a combustion stroke of the engine, supplied through the torch apertures with an amount of the mixture for pre-combustion therein. A spark plug has a set of electrodes disposed in at least one of the torch apertures for causing the pre-combustion of the mixture in the auxiliary combustion chamber to thereby generate torch jets which are directed into the main combustion chamber to ignite the mixture therein.

Abstract: For improving the efficiency of an Otto cycle engine operating under varying loads, an opposing piston is provided above the driving piston in each cylinder and is controlled in accordance with the inlet manifold depression so as to vary the compression ratio and maintain the compression substantially constant with different working loads.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder defining a combustion chamber, a piston reciprocal within the cylinder, at least one port in the combustion chamber, a valve within the port and movable between positions opening and closing the port, a camshaft, a valve train operated by the camshaft for moving the valve between the positions, the valve train including a hydraulic valve lifter, an oil supply line for providing oil to the hydraulic valve lifter and a device for at least partially interrupting the supply of oil to the hydraulic valve lifter for predetermined operational conditions of the engine to thereby intentionally induce valve lash into the system at the predetermined operational conditions.

Abstract: An automotive type engine has an ignition timing control that includes a vacuum controlled servo that is responsive to spark port vacuum changes to provide a first advance increment, and EGR port vacuum providing an additional incremental advance, coupled with a source of air at constant pressure acting on the servo as a reference pressure to render the ignition timing changes insensitive to barometric pressure changes occasioned by changes in altitude of the vehicle in which the timing control servo is installed.

Abstract: A regulating device used with the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, for regulating the proportions of the operating mixtures of the engine. The regulating device is embodied as a pump which is incorporated into the existing fuel injection system. The pump has a chamber within which a piston is displaceable. This piston is coupled with the fuel rate adjusting member of the fuel injection pump of the fuel injection system, and is displaced in accordance with the adjusted position of the fuel rate adjusting member. The pump is also connected with the throttle plate of the fuel injection system located in the induction tube of the engine. By reason of these connections, rapid adjustment movements of the fuel rate adjusting member can be effectively translated to a proper adjustment of the throttle plate without the delay found in presently known regulating devices.

Abstract: A fuel injection timing control device for an engine comprises a control member which is mechanically connected to a fuel injection pump to control the injection timing or advance angle. The output pressure of an engine driven low pressure supply pump for the fuel injection pump is balanced against the force of a spring by means of first piston which is connected to position the control member. A second piston and spring combination is exposed to the supply pump pressure in such a manner that the second piston engages with and moves the first piston and thereby the control member to a timing advance position when the engine is being started and the engine speed and the supply pump pressure are very low in order to reduce the emission of pollutants.

Abstract: An improved crankshaft trigger wheel for use in an ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The configuration of the trigger wheel provides a high degree of electrical noise immunity, provides a single piece construction which has the dual function of a trigger wheel as well as an engine harmonic balancer. The wheel is made into a configuration which is easily shaped during manufacture, and provides a wheel shape which produces a higher degree of timing accuracy. The wheel of the present invention has an outer, circumferentially extending surface interrupted by corners, with the corners being defined by two adjacent arcs, wherein each arc has a radius which is greater than the radius of a circle described by the rotating wheel.

Abstract: An rpm governor for fuel injection engines whose function is to raise the idle rpm for a predetermined time period while the engine is cold in order to guarantee a clean idle running cycle of the engine. The rpm governor includes a compensating device having a thermostat which is designed to engage an idling spring and whose duration of engagement is determined by a heating device located on the thermostat. When the engine is cold, the tension in the spring is raised by the compensating device, thus effecting a higher rpm level, which rpm level is later reduced to normal idle when the governor has reached an operational temperature upon the passage of a predetermined period after cold starting.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with first and second exhaust systems respectively for first and second groups of cylinders. An exhaust gas recirculation passage is provided between the second exhaust system and an air intake passage. The cylinders in the first group is selectively disabled in response to the magnitude of engine load when reduced engine output power can operate the vehicle adequately.

Abstract: A safety link assembly prevents discharge or firing of a gun unless the trigger is pulled. The assembly includes a hammer link pivotally connected to a link mounting member. The link mounting member is pivotally mounted on the same pivoting axis as the trigger, and a trigger-engaging portion on the link mounting member engages the trigger so that movement of the trigger pivots the link mounting member. The hammer of the gun is pivotally mounted on the gun for movement between cocked and fired positions. When the hammer is in its fired position, it is spaced from the firing mechanism of the gun. When the trigger is pulled, the link mounting member pivots with the trigger to move the safety link into position between the firing mechanism and the hammer so that when the trigger releases the hammer from its cocked position, the hammer will strike the safety link and force it against the firing mechanism to discharge the gun.

Abstract: A dressing device for a substantially plate-shaped grinding wheel at a tooth flank-grinding machine for a gear comprising a dressing tool which is radially feedable by a drive means for dressing the outer or jacket surface of the grinding wheel. Measuring means serve to measure the axial feed movement of the or dished grinding wheel and the radial feed movement of the dressing tool. Control means serve to control the drive means for the radial feed movement in such a manner that its relationship to the axial feed movement of the grinding wheel corresponds to the tangent of the angle of inclination of the rear surface of the grinding wheel with respect to its lengthwise axis.

Abstract: A fireplace heat exchange system is disclosed which is connectable to an existing forced air heating system of a building. The heat exchange unit includes a housing or enclosure within which is disposed a firebox. The enclosure and the firebox define a heat exchange space. The firebox includes a front opening which is closed by doors. A plenum is positioned on top of the firebox for collecting combustion gases. A plurality of heat exchange fins are secured to the exterior of the firebox within the heat exchange space to channel the incoming air entering the housing around and over the firebox and to increase the efficiency and rate of heat exchange. An air control device is positioned adjacent the front of the firebox to control the amount of combustion air entering the firebox. A chimney connects to the plenum and a chimney damper limits the combustion gas flowing out the chimney.

Abstract: A furnace or space heater is operable at low cost by a small electric motor which rotates an elongated cylindrical drum on a vertical axis, within an elongated cylindrical casing at a clearance of about one eighth of an inch in the annular chamber formed therebetween. A supply of light lubricant normally occupies the lower portion of the annular chamber but rises to fill the chamber during rotation of the drum. The casing is enclosed in a housing, having a fan chamber containing an electric motor and fan or blower. The motor shaft may rotate both the fan and the drum.

Abstract: A venetian-blind solar collector system having several slat-like members each of which has a radiation-reflecting surface and a heat exchange mechanism, radiation being reflected from the reflecting surface of one member of the collector to the heat exchange mechanism of another member. The members can be oriented to provide energy collection during certain periods of time and then re-oriented to provide a thermal insulating function. The system includes storage facilities for a heated liquid.

Abstract: A solar energy collector for the entrapment of radiant energy from the sun or other energy source and the conversion thereof to usable heat energy comprises a radiant energy-transmitting cover panel assembly having an edge rail attached to at least a portion thereof and a radiant energy absorber held in spaced relation by a structural chassis side wall member having a channel portion adapted to receive and non-rigidly hold the edge rail of the cover panel assembly and allow for free linear and lateral expansion thereof.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a solar collector. A first fluid circulating through the collector is piped to a heat exchanger wherein heat in the first fluid is transferred to a second fluid circulating through a heat pump circuit. The temperature of the second fluid is further elevated by the heat pump and is circulated through a second heat exchanger thereby transferring heat to a third fluid. The third fluid is circulated through a third heat exchanger to elevate the temperature of a fourth fluid stored in a high pressure, high temperature storage tank. The fourth fluid is employed to elevate the temperature of a working fluid that may be used for consumption or heating. Alternate embodiments of the fluid system include an accumulator tank wherein heat from the first fluid is transferred to fluid in the accumulator tank. Heat from the fluid in the accumulator tank is transferred to the second circulating fluid or heat utilization means as required.

Abstract: A solar heat collector apparatus is disclosed which includes a reflective surface of appropriate geometric form for receiving the solar radiation and reflecting said solar energy to a tube which is mounted at a point to maximize the collection of radiant energy. The collector is formed by moulding a plastic insulation material in a container which is then covered by a reflective metal film. The surface forms a series of compartments or cells which may be parabolic in shape. The cells communicate with each other to form a continuous fluid circuit. A second circuit is provided within the tube located in each compartment of the collector. The insulation characteristics of the container have been maximized to avoid heat losses through conducting parts.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing useful heat from solar radiation and which in the operating position is oriented in an inclined plane. The apparatus includes a coilable conduit structure which is provided with an inlet and an outlet for a flowable heat carrier medium and is formed of two elongated flexible foils, with one being colored so as to absorb solar radiation, which are sealingly connected together along their edge regions and are sealingly connected together along lines in their center regions to form a plurality of parallel flow channels which extend along the longitudinal axis of the foils, and first and second transverse flow channels which connect the respective adjacent ends of said parallel flow channels together.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and an exhaust hood for the removal of heated, fouled air from a defined work area in a room having air tempering equipment, and having a source of fouled air located in the defined work area. The hood comprises an enclosure having a lower opening, the enclosure being positioned above the source of heated, fouled air, and means for supplying make-up air to the hood at a first determined rate. The make-up air is directed downwardly toward the fouled air source at a predetermined angle, thereby causing the make-up air to mix with the convectively rising heated, fouled air. The mixture of make-up air and fouled air is then exhausted at a second predetermined rate, thereby establishing an air stream from the make-up air source to the exhaust area. Contaminants are removed from the air to be exhausted and the make-up air is pre-heated with heat from the exhaust air.

Abstract: An improved cooking apparatus and exhaust system includes an eye-level oven mounted over a stove top and a filtered duct system for receiving gases in the vicinity of the stove top and the front of the eye-level oven and for discharging these gases through one of three discharge ports including a ductless discharge port.

Abstract: Dish for holding food to be heated in a microwave cooking chamber in which the dish bowl provided for holding the food is made to obtain high absorption of high-frequency radiation and the handles and/or base are made to obtain low absorption of high-frequency radiation. In one form the dish has two dish bowls with a common bottom wall, and with one dish bowl having its inner surface covered with a high-frequency radiation-absorbing coating, and the other dish bowl having its inner surface covered with a high-frequency radiation-reflecting coating.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic instrument includes a microphone to be secured to a patient's throat for monitoring voice level or to a patient's nose for monitoring nasal sounds. An input amplifier includes an automatic gain circuit which essentially flattens the gain curve. An adjustable level detector includes a solid state level detector to generate a square wave signal connected to a logic switching circuit for turning a tone oscillator or other stimulus unit wholly on or off. A second similar channel connected to the input amplifier detects total voiced speech. A switch means connects the oscillator to only the first channel to detect speech above a selected level or to both channels to detect speech only below a selected level. The several channels include time delay circuits permitting normal speech attack and decay. The microphone may also be connected to the patient's nose to monitor nasal sounds.

Abstract: A hand-held portable pump has a self-contained reservoir to permit use for re-circulating flow applications. Reservoir liquid can be selectively heated or cooled and the flow rate can be selectively varied. The pump is operable in any orientation and is particularly suited for medical use wherein localized thermal transfer from the pump fluid to a patient is desired through a flow-conducting member. A specific embodiment, suitable for nystagmus inducing thermal transfer is disclosed. The pump is constructed so as to be readily carried in a pocket or instrument bag of a physician.

Abstract: A directional doppler ultrasound system for biosignal detection and acquisition, particularly for use in fetal monitoring, for example, prior to and during labor and preferably employing a wide beam transducer arrangement, the system enabling operator selection of signals effected by physiologic events having associated therewith motion in given different directions (i.e., the towards and away directions relative to the transducer arrangement). Such a system employs a pair of mixers in which the receive echoes of the transmitted carrier signal are beat with a portion of the carrier signal then being transmitted, wherein the carrier signal input to one of the mixers is phase shifted by 90.degree. relative to the other. The mixer outputs are passed through a constant 90.degree. phase difference network where one input receives a 90.degree. phase shift relative to the other, and both are then coupled to sum and difference amplifiers to provide respective towards and away directional doppler information.

Abstract: A catheter comprising, an elongated inner first tube defining a main lumen, an elongated annular sleeve of elastic material covering a longitudinal portion of the first tube, and an elongated outer second tube covering a longitudinal portion of the sleeve and having a distal end proximally spaced from a distal end of the sleeve. The catheter has a tip secured to a distal end of the first tube and having a proximally extending annular flange covering the distal end of the sleeve, with the distal end of the second tube being spaced from the flange to define an inflatable segment of the sleeve intermediate the distal end of the second tube and the flange.

Abstract: A surgical retaining device for holding a surgical instrument in place, typically wound hooks, comprising a holder block for displaceably securing the surgical retaining device at a stationary object and at least one insert element into which there can be inserted and fixedly clamped the surgical instrument. Between the insert element and the holder block there is arranged a double-arm pivotable stand possessing an intermediate pin joint. The pivotable stand is connected at one end by means of a ball-and-socket joint at the insert element and at its other end by means of a further ball-and-socket joint with an overhang arm which can be fixedly clamped at random elevational and angular positions with respect to the holder block at the latter.

Abstract: Splinting of members, particularly injured or broken fingers, using a flexible strip with individual, perpendicular projections along one edge. The strip can be bent into a desired non-planar shape with the edge projections providing lateral support without disturbing the bendability of the strip.