Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the quality of wet steam flowing in a steam line utilizing the relationship between critical flow pressure (P.sub.c) and upstream pressure (P.sub.u) to develop a critical pressure ratio P.sub.c /P.sub.u to obtain the steam water mixture inlet enthalpy (H) from empirical curves and the steam quality from the equation:Steam Quality=[(H-h.sub.w)/(h.sub.s -h.sub.w)]P.sub.uwhereH.sub.w =specific enthalphy of water, andH.sub.s =specific enthalpy of steam bath both at P.sub.u.

Abstract: A method for pressure testing a rocket motor case by inserting a movable ton in the nozzle end of the rocket motor case, sealing the piston relative to the throat of the rocket motor case and then applying pressure to the rocket motor case to pressure test the rocket motor case to a predetermined pressure or to failure.

Abstract: The viscosity of a fluid material, e.g. a synthetic-resin composition, or the coagulation of blood or plasma monitored by placing a quantity of the fluid substance on a support, directing a beam of light upon the sample, detecting reflected light from the sample and vibrating the support at a given frequency and amplitude to disturb its surface. The reflected light detected is a function of the viscosity or the degree of coagulation.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, determining the time dependency of the length of a fissure in a test specimen during a fracture test which comprises securing an electrically conductive, areal or surface-like element to the test specimen such that during the fracture test it tears at the region of the fissure. An electrical parameter, such as the electrical resistance is determined between two measuring locations of the element. The measuring locations are selected such that the measurement current between such measuring locations passes through the region of the fissure. The element which is employed has a compact measuring section which is free of openings and the element is secured at the test specimen in such a manner that the measuring section completely covers the surface region which is occupied, during the fracture test, by the fissure until the end of the measurement of the length of the fissure, so that the resistance substantially uniformly increases with the length of the fissure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing soil samples in which two similar samples of soil to be cyclic simple shear tested are positioned on opposite sides of a loading plate and subjected to a load normal to the plate. Simultaneously, the plate is moved transversely to apply a dynamic load to the samples. Soil response is studied by monitoring both loads and the transverse movement of the plate.

Abstract: At least one engine parameter is used to estimate the state of the gas sensor while the frequency of the feedback control signal produced in the closed loop control system is measured to see if it is normal or not. A logic circuit produces a pair of signals respectively indicative of normal or abnormal functioning of the closed loop control system in response to the estimated state of the gas sensor and the frequency of the feedback control signal, to illuminate visual indicators. An additional gas sensor tester is additionally provided for detecting the internal resistance of the sensor.

Abstract: A borehole stress property measuring system for in situ determination of stress states as well as material properties of soil and rock media includes two axially aligned adjacent cylindrical members disposed in a borehole. One cylindrical member is provided with at least four pair of diametrically opposed pistons which are hydraulically actuated to impinge on the borehole wall under various pressure loading conditions. The pairs of pistons are axially spaced and angularly offset, each from the other, so that accurate measurement of the outward extension of the pistons under various pressure loading conditions reveals such material properties as elasticity, isotropy, compressibility, and the like. The second cylindrical member includes expandable four-quadrant pressurizing chambers to apply differential pressure to and simultaneously measure deformation of the borehole boundary for determining the existing stress conditions in the underground media.

Abstract: A method and a device for facilitating the determination of wind direction and the position of a sailing vessel on a racing course. One and the same geographical bearing determined by the wind direction can be read on both tacks. The same graduation number may be watched on both tacks and this number refers to the wind direction.

Abstract: Fluid, such as milk, is conducted into the meter through an inlet passage and received in a fluid receptacle at least a portion of which is movable with at least a portion of the movement being in response to receipt of the fluid with the fluid then being expelled from the meter through a discharge passage. A sensor senses the movement of the movable portion caused by receipt of fluid in the fluid reservoir and, responsive thereto, provides an electrical signal indicative of the amount of fluid received, which electrical signal is coupled from the meter for utilization purposes. In one disclosed embodiment, a rotating wheel has fluid receptacles at the rim to receive the fluid conducted into the meter with the fluid being later (in the rotation of the wheel) dumped from the receptacle and expelled from the meter through the discharge passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the level of material in a container includes a timer which responds to the change in the capacitance of a probe as the level of the material varies with respect thereto. An oscillator periodically strobes said timer, which thereafter remains on for a length of time determined by said probe capacitance. A meter indicates this timer on-time, thereby providing a measure of the detected probe capaictance, and thus the level of material. The on-time of said oscillator is also variable, the output thereof being coupled to said meter to hold said meter off for a time equal to the time said timer is caused to be on due to the residual capacitance of the probe existing even when no material is present. One or more flag timers are also provided, including the ability to adjust the on-time of each said flag timer to provide an indication of a critical level or of a level above or below such level.

Abstract: The present invention discloses chiral thermochromic liquid crystal mixtures which do not contain cholesterol or sterol residues.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for taking a plural number of test samples simultaneously from a frozen meat block packed in a container utilizes a support frame which mounts a fixed table and container clamping device and which supports in sliding relation thereon a movable carriage and multiple drill bit sampling unit. A drive unit, once energized, moves the carriage and multiple drill sampling unit inward or outward by means of a cylinder/piston arrangement connected to the frame at one end and to the carriage at the other. A second motor drive unit drives the multiple drill bits. Means is provided for catching and directing the extracted meat samples to a container situated beneath the sampling drill bits and which moves inward and outward with the carriage as it moves on the support frame.

Abstract: A detector for sensing the presence of grain in straw or chaff discharged from a combine has an elongated flat target plate extending across the machine. It is mounted on a relatively massive base through the intermediary of longitudinal resilient strips, which allow transverse bending. Transducers mounted on the reverse side of the plate provide an output from which sharp, grain impact signals can be filtered. The resilient strips are best arranged along nodes of a selected harmonic, preferably the second, of the transverse bending vibrations of the plate. The detector can be used generally for sensing small particles.

Abstract: A spindle mounting for a wheel balancing machine of the kind in which the spindle is arranged substantially horizontal and has a cantilevered end portion for receiving a wheel to be balanced. The mounting includes a housing for rotatably supporting the spindle, and flexible support means connecting that housing to a base which is securable to a frame of the balancing machine. The support means includes at least three elongate support members which extend transverse to the spindle axis and are arranged in spaced side by side relationship, and an elongate restraining member arranged substantially parallel to the spindle. The support members are connected between the housing and base to provide column supports for the housing, and the restraining member has its opposite end portions connected to the housing and base respectively to hold the housing against endwise movement relative to the base.

Abstract: A distance measuring arrangement has an accelerometer transducer of the force balance type in which a switch closed by the action of an acceleration force causes a constant current to flow in a coil to oppose the force and open the switch. The switch opens and closes in a repetitive cycle at the resonant frequency of the system, the closed switch gating clock pulses to integration means. The transducer may take two forms. In the first the proportion of time that the switch is closed in each cycle is proportional to the acceleration value. Distance measurement comprises counting the clock pulses to effect a first stage of integration and summating the counter totals every 1000 clock pulses to give a distance travelled signal. In the second, the proportion of time that the switch is closed in each cycle is proportional to the square root of the acceleration value and distance measuring comprises counting the clock pulses to give a signal proportional to the square root of distance travelled.

Abstract: A turn rate indicator for an aircraft includes magnetic substance pieces facing each other, one being rotatable integrally with a gimbal and the other being fixed to a body. Because of the attracting force generated between the magnetic substance pieces, a pointer of the indicator returns to its zero point smoothly and certainly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer probe having a sealed rotor housing, a plurality of transducers mounted on a rotor disposed in said housing. A rotor shaft mounts the rotor and extends through the housing. A drive assembly including commutating and position indicating means receives said housing and rotor shaft and serves to drive the rotor, commutate electrical energy to and from said transducers and indicate the angular position of said rotor. A handle including means for driving said drive assembly is attached to said drive assembly to position the rotor housing and drive assembly against the body the rotate said rotor to cause the transducers to scan a sector of the body.

Abstract: Ultrasonic phased array method and apparatus for the static or dynamic investigation of structures, such as organs of the body, or intra-uterine detail, wherein ultrasonic echo pulses, reflected back from a testpiece to one or a group of adjacent transducers of a linear transducer array, are converted to corresponding electric signals which are then processed to maximize the response to the echo pulses reflected from points on a predetermined axis and to minimize the response to all other echo pulses. The method is repeated using another group of transducers in the array and another predetermined axis to produce fields of video information which are focussed and then interlaced to provide an image of the testpiece at a particular instance, the method steps being repeated in rapid succession to provide a video image representative of the testpiece in real time.

Abstract: A device for checking materials by means of an electrodynamic converter which includes a magnet and at least one high frequency coil arranged between the core of the magnet and the workpiece. The high frequency coil includes a first section effective with regard to the generation of ultra sound, and a second section which is not effective with regard to the generation of ultra sound. In the first section the individual currents in the windings of the high frequency coil have approximately the same direction while the second section is located outside the magnetic field of the magnet or opposite the workpiece behind a shielding.

Abstract: A pressure measuring instrument of the vibrating-wire type comprising an elongate base on which is pivotally mounted an elongate lever parallel to the base. A vibratory wire in the form of a very thin flat ribbon of tungsten is held tautly between the lever and the base. A pair of bellows are supported on the base, on opposite sides of the pivot mounted for the lever, and apply a torque to the lever proportional to differential pressure. Counterbalance means are provided to prevent errors with changes in spatial orientation of the instrument. The lever support-structure is formed of a composite of elements providing a match of temperature expansion characteristics with the vibratory wire. An overrange protection mechanism prevents the application of excessive force to the wire.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring pressure fluctuations in air or other gases in an area of elevated temperature. A condenser microphone is located in the area of elevated temperature and electronics for processing changes in the microphone capacitance is located outside the area and connected to the microphone by means of a high-temperature cable assembly. The microphone includes apparatus for decreasing the undesirable change in microphone sensitivity at high temperatures. The high-temperature cable assembly operates as a half-wavelength transmission line in an AM carrier system and maintains a large temperature gradient between the two ends of the cable assembly. The processing electronics utilizes a voltage controlled oscillator for automatic tuning thereby increasing the sensitivity of the measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A starter motor of the pre-engaged type has a stator, a rotor, a rotor shaft and a pinion assembly mounted on the rotor shaft for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto into and out of an operative position. A solenoid is mounted in a casing of the motor and includes a coil and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a spring biased plunger carrying a plate having a slot therein. A nylon moulding is mounted in the slot and biased by a spring against an end of the slot remote from the plunger. The nylon moulding itself has a pair of slots therein which receive respective ends of a bifurcated lever. The lever is pivoted intermediate its ends and is provided with a yoke connection with the pinion assembly. The bifurcated form of the lever and the slots in the nylon moulding reduce wear of the lever in service.

Abstract: A dual adjustable flange variable speed sheave employs a common sleeve with clamping end caps. Each flange applies pressure to a V-belt through a helical compression spring restrained by one of the end caps, the sheave being symmetrical about the center of the belt. Outboard bearings for the two adjustable flanges transmit their loadings to the end caps, and the flanges have inboard bearings directly engaged with the common sleeve or connected therewith through interdigitating bearing parts.

Abstract: A device for engaging and disengaging a power shaft and driven elements of a forage wagon or similar tractor drawn implement. A split sheave clutch having a driving face connected to the power shaft and a driven face connected to the driven elements is engaged by tightening a V-belt between the faces. The belt tightening mechanism includes an idler pulley shiftable to and from a belt tightening position and a latching mechanism releasably securing the pulley in the belt tightening position. A latch control member connected to a safety bar extending across the front of the wagon releases the latching mechanism to disengage all the driven elements when the operator either pushes or pulls the safety bar. The driven elements can be re-engaged with the power shaft by shifting the pulley to the belt tightening position without need for the operator to first return to the tractor to stop the power shaft.

Abstract: A chain tensioner and the like for use with an endless chain constructed of a plurality of joined body links and flanking side links which is adapted to mesh with spaced sprockets. The side links have portions which extend radially outwardly and define a channel with the body links. An endless, flexible member is received in the channel having a length no greater than the initial length of the belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for a transfer case that has a multiple path drive system including a neutral position, a first drive path of one speed range and a second drive path of a different speed range, the apparatus including (1) a hydraulic cylinder assembly having piston means movable to three positions and a rod connected to the piston means and to a shift mechanism of the transfer case for moving the shift mechanism of the transfer case selectively to one of the three positions of the drive system, and (2) a hydraulic control valve means for selectively controlling from a remote location operation of the hydraulic cylinder assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable gear train is disclosed wherein play in a train of intermeshing bevel gears is accommodated by forming one of the gears of two radially separated coaxial parts which are axially movable with respect to one another, one of the parts being gear toothed and the other of the parts forming a shaft for the toothed part.

Abstract: In a ball screw connected between an actuating motor and load, the improvnt comprising a friction brake mechanism carried by the nut section of the screw for automatically locking the nut and screw together when the motor is de-energized. The invention prevents the load from producing dangerously high free-wheeling rotation of the screw that could centrifugally destruct the motor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a form of gearing that is radially preloaded and utilizes closely conforming teeth. The preloading ensures that the higher torque capacity of conformal teeth can be realized more fully than in fixed center gearing, and the conformal tooth profiles, if concave-convex, ensure that the amount of preload needed is minimized, since the effective pressure angle for such teeth diminishes as the transmitted torque increases.

Abstract: On a motorcycle handlebar having a handgrip, a control lever pivotally supported on the handlebar normally extends outward in an angular position relative to the handgrip, but may be selectively pivoted toward the handgrip in order to actuate a brake or clutch of the vehicle. The actuating handle of the lever has an intermediate portion of its length which, when the lever is pivoted inwardly, engages the surface of the handgrip. This intermediate portion of the lever handle provides a hook which may be grasped by the forefinger and middle finger of the hand of the rider, while he is keeping the palm of his hand and the two smallest fingers in firm engagement with the handgrip. The rearward extremity of the lever handle is offset in an outwardly direction relative to the hook portion so that, when the lever handle is pivoted inwardly, the two smallest fingers of the rider are not mashed by it.

Abstract: The invention provides a brake operating device wherein an operating lever pivoted on a frame transmits an applied force with a variable ratio through a roller and cam-lever mechanism to the brake linkage. A two-armed cam lever is pivoted on the frame and has one arm connected to the brake linkage and on its other arm there is provided a cam track upon which is guided a roller rotatably mounted on the operating lever. There is a recess in the cam lever in the vicinity of its pivot mount and this recess has an approximately semi-circular configuration to receive the roller when the operating lever is in its release position. The cam track on the cam lever is disposed between the pivot mount of the operating lever and the pivot mount of the roller on the operating lever.

Abstract: A screw having an annular socket formed concentrically in the outer surface of its head, with at least a pair of radial walls in said socket, and adapted to be used with a pair of special tubular drivers adapted to be inserted coaxially into said socket and having its side walls transversely slotted to engage over the radial walls, one of the drivers being of a diameter to engage weakened portions of the walls, which by breaking out, limit the torque applicable to set the screw, and the other of the drivers being of a diameter to engage stronger portions of the radial walls for applying greater torque to remove the screw. Both drivers are capable of frictionally gripping and holding the screw for convenience of inserting or removing the screw into or from positions of difficult access.

Abstract: A manually operable tool to knock out identification slugs from the heads of keys such as ignition and door keys for automotive vehicles while the keys are mounted upon a key ring passing through holes in said slugs, the tool comprising a pair of jaws on handles pivotally connected adjacent the jaws, one jaw having a seat to position the end portion of the head of a key which is beyond the slug and the other jaw having a pair of spaced lugs positioned to straddle the key ring and engage the opposite portions of the slug which are on opposite sides of the hole in said slug to punch said slug from said head of the key when said jaws are moved toward each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining the seal faces of drill pipes having an adapter which screws onto a drill pipe, the adapter carrying a spindle non-rotatably supporting a sleeve which in turn supports a rotary tool head having a radially movable tool for facing the seal face of the drill pipe. The sleeve has support means solid therewith which carry a hydraulic motor geared to rotate the tool head, and the support means also carries the rear ends of hydraulic cylinders which cause radial feeding of the tool via a wedging mechanism. Special means are provided for solidly locking the adapter within the spindle after the adapter has been screwed onto a pipe end, and for adjusting the axial position of the tool head relative to the pipe.

Abstract: An adjustable support liner for securely holding a workpiece centered in a machine tool that includes an elongated sleeve having a plurality of clamping units mounted therein capable of holding the work centered in the machine in an undistorted posture. Each clamping unit contains a ring-like body for encompassing the work that is formed of two hinged sections. Each section, in turn, has an axially extended jaw member depending outwardly therefrom and means to rotate the jaws between a fully opened and a fully closed position whereby a symmetrical centering pressure can be continually applied by the jaws over the entire working range of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for transversely press cutting into suitable lengths a shaped, elongated bar-like workpiece, product or section of steel which is being fed in continuously. The apparatus comprises a crank mechanism driven by a single, multi-function drive source and is adapted to perform the functions of four devices simultaneously, in a timed relation, namely a device for reciprocating a cutter in the direction of travel of the product or section, a device for advancing and retracting the cutter relative to the section, a device for driving a die opposed to the cutter, and a device for driving a clamp which holds the section during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A spiral cutting anvil is provided with indicia along its length, and a series of aligned gaps through which a cutting blade can be passed. A cutting blade comprises the working portion of a cutter assembly pivotally fastened to a slide plate which can be located at various positions with respect to the anvil. An adjustable stop is disposed at an appropriate point along the spiral, as determined by the indicia, and a length of packing material extends from the stop along the anvil to one of the gaps. The cutting blade is then urged through the gap, in guillotine fashion, to sever the packing at the correct point.

Abstract: A polyphonic electronic musical instrument in which the complex signal delivered by the instrument is made up of successive samples.Each sample in the complex signal is the sum of the samples of the different harmonics of the various notes played, at the corresponding amplitudes. A device for scanning the keys and pedals comprises two or three counters which operate in association with one another to detect the number (i) of each played note out of the 12 or 13 notes in an octave, and also detect the number of the corresponding octave (n) and successively calculate the various samples of the harmonics of the note (i, n). The set of operations is performed in a sufficiently short time to produce notes of 6- 10 kHz.

Abstract: A manually played electrical musical instrument of the electronic type in which simultaneously with selection and playing of a melody tone (note) a predetermined pattern of harmonies are also selected in such manner that at least five of the harmonies selected for the appertaining tone are mutually different. The instrument also includes generation of rhythm sound effects which permits programming of predetermined rhythm patterns defining the times of occurrence of predetermined rhythm sounds in a sequence of a predetermined number of beats, and generation of different bass tones according to a sequence of notes.

Abstract: A metal surface electric guitar is described which incorporates a metal plate attached to the solid body of the electric guitar, this plate overlying a hollow area in the body beneath the strings of the guitar. At least one electric pickup is attached to the portion of the plate over the hollow area in the solid body. Thus, the electrical signal produced by this pickup includes both components produced by the vibrating strings and components produced as a result of the resonance of the metal plate over the hollow area, this combination producing a unique sound. While the pickup may be positioned between the plate and the strings, it also may be located within the hollow area of the body if desired.

Abstract: A capo for a guitar, banjo or similar stringed instrument includes a body providing an arm for engaging the instrument's strings and a clamp mechanism operable by one hand to move the cap into and out of clamped relationship with the instrument's neck. Further the capo may be moved from one position to another along an instrument's neck or may be entirely removed from or replaced on the instrument with one hand and without the instrument having to be shifted from its normal playing position during a performance.

Abstract: A rhythm instrument utilizing improved sound producing element combinations for the bass, tom-tom and snare sections of an electronic drum to provide an advantageous audio reproduction of the sounds of conventional drums. Specifically, the improved sounding elements provide more accurate snap, staccato, roll, and rim sounds. In overall concept, the audio producing mechanisms include dynamic impact between an extended vibrationally displaceble element secured on opposing ends thereof to a base surface and a resilient band stretched across an upper surface of the vibrational element. Sounds are produced by causing a striker arm having a hard tip portion member to impinge upon the resilient band causing it in turn to strike the displaceable element. A bass sound is provided by a single such unit utlizing a wide metal strip as the displaceable element.

Abstract: A make-break contact assembly useful in the art of musical education comprises switch means and is mounted upon expandible strap means intended to encircle the head of a student to pass adjacent to the chin area and lower jaw and to be responsive to jaw movements to expand or contract the strap means to precipitate the make contact and break contact electrical states of the contact assembly, respectively, selectively indicative of a proper jaw position resulting in proper mouth-playing orientation or an improper jaw position resulting in improper mouth-playing orientation, and visual signalling differentiating between proper and improper jaw positions.

Abstract: A load indicator washer in the form of a parallelogram includes flat bearing surfaces on one of its faces, the bearing surfaces extend inwardly from two opposite ends of the washer, a slightly arcuate portion extends between and connects the bearing surfaces, a hole to receive a fastener extends through the washer at about the midpoint of the washer, and a conical portion symmetrically positioned about the hole, terminating short of the ends of the washer, and extending outwardly from the arcuate portion. The arcuate portion and the conical portion act as springs, deflect under a load, and thereby indicate such load. The load indicator washer is particularly adapted for use with a mine roof bolt.

Abstract: A multi-effect passive detonation trap utilizes a manifold having a rectalarly shaped cross sectional area with oppositely disposed off-set pipeline fixedly connected thereto to attenuate an upstream detonation wave. The detonation wave is arrested by providing for maximum containment and self relief of the energy produced, directional control of the reaction, and a manifold configuration which assures extinction of the detonation wave.

Abstract: An automatic gun mounting system, comprises a weapon support having respective end portions with respective first and second angularly spaced bearing bushings. A gun which has a recoiling barrel, particularly for armored wheeled half track or full track motor vehicles has a gun body portion with respective outwardly extending bearing pins engaged in respective first and second bearing bushings. A resilient assembly is disposed between each of the pins and its associated bushing and it includes inner and outer radially spaced apart concentric bushing rings with a rubber ring disposed therebetween undetachably interconnecting the outer and inner bushing rings. The rubber ring is advantageously vulcanized to the respective inner and outer rings.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are utilized to shape the leading and trailing edges of a tapered airfoil having twisted ad bowed major side surfaces. To compensate for taper, a rotatable forming tool is moved inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the airfoil as the tool is moved through a working stroke along an edge of the airfoil. To compensate for the bowed side surfaces, the forming tool is pivoted in such a manner as to maintain its axis of rotation perpendicular to an arcuately curved edge being shaped by the tool. To compensate for twist, the airfoil is rotated about its central axis to maintain a major side surface of the airfoil in abutting engagement with a positioning or locating roller disposed adjacent to the edge forming tool. The locating roller rolls along a major side surface of the airfoil to position the edge portion of the airfoil and the forming tool relative to each other as the forming tool moves along the twisted edge.

Abstract: In working cylinders whose power stroke can be shifted to different operating positions in two consecutive steps, the invention provides a control cylinder which is actuated independently of the generation of working pressure. The control cylinder acts on a joint lever which alters the distance between two separate parts of the power transmission to the tool and thus the effective length of the transmission. This arrangement has the advantage of small working volumes and low energy consumption.

Abstract: A lock actuator attachment for a pneumatic service brake has a spindle follower for the service brake piston. A freely rotating nut is threaded on the spindle and a brake for preventing nut rotation is operated by a piston that may be pneumatically or hydraulically operated to hold the service brake in actuated position.

Abstract: An automatic machine and method of operation for erecting a flat blank to form a completely folded container. The machine has a blank feed mechanism that stores flat blanks and transfers individual blanks using pressure-aided means to an infeed opening in the machine. A pressure-assisted receiver vertically movable within the machine ascends to engage the blank present at the in-feed opening and then draws the blank, including any articles to be packaged loaded during a pause at the infeed opening, downwardly into the machine past a series of folding members to partially erect the blank into a tray-like container. The container is now advanced in a horizontal direction along guide means and past another arrangement of folding members to further fold the blank to form a semi-erected container. An elevator positioned to receive the processed blank from the guide means raises the semi-erected container into a compression chamber to complete final folding operations.