Abstract: A system for determining angular rate of rotation of a body about a rate axis. In one arrangement, the system comprises first (10) and second (12) accelerometers, movement apparatus and processor. The first and second accelerometers have their sensitive axes (16, 18) parallel to a sensing axis that is in turn perpendicular to the rate axis. The first and second accelerometers produce first and second output signals (a.sub.1, a.sub.2), each output signal having a frequency corresponding to the acceleration experienced by the respective accelerometer along its sensitive axis. The movement apparatus includes a generator (68) for producing a periodic movement signal and a mounting system (14) responsive to the movement signal for periodically moving the accelerometers along a movement axis perpendicular to the rate and sensing axes, such that each output signal includes a periodic Coriolis component.

Abstract: A dual sensor, frequency output accelerometer that does not require either high sampling rates or mechanical matching of the sensors to achieve high levels of accuracy. In one embodiment, the accelerometer comprises a first sensor (12, 14, 16) that produces an output signal S.sub.1 having a frequency f.sub.1 related to acceleration along the sensitive axis, and a second sensor (18, 20, 22) that produces a second signal S.sub.2 having a frequency f.sub.2 related to acceleration along the sensitive axis, the sensors being arranged such that a given acceleration causes the frequency of one output signal to increase and the frequency of the other output signal to decrease. Velocity change .DELTA.V during time interval T is determined according to:.DELTA.V=A[.DELTA..phi.+FT+B.SIGMA..phi.]where A, F and B are constants, .DELTA..phi.is the difference between the phase changes of the output signals over time interval T, and .SIGMA..phi. is the sum of the phase changes of the output signals over time interval T.

Abstract: A first ultrasonic transducer (e.g. for wave reception) is mounted at the open bottom of a probe housing. One or more lenses are disposed around the first transducer and have a sloping surface or surfaces on which at least two second ultrasonic transducers (e.g. for transmission) are mounted. The second ultrasonic transducers provide paths of ultrasonic wave propagation extending through the lens or lenses and crossing each other at a point just below the first transducer. In an alternate embodiment the first transducer is made adjustably movable up and down relative to the lens or lenses, and an elastic coupling is provided through which the first transducer is held against an irregularly shaped object to be inspected.

Abstract: A system for detecting and monitoring blast noise, the invention provides ncentrically arranged cylindrical windscreens having a pair of vertically spaced microphones mounted centrally therein, the windscreens acting to reduce interference from wind-generated pseudosound yet being acoustically transparent so as not to interfere with the reception of acoustical data incident on the microphones. The present system also includes a signal processing subsystem which receives the output of the respective microphones for analysis.

Abstract: A pressure transducer with a diaphragm coupler at one end and a sensing element at the other end connected by a capillary tube. The sensing element includes a cap member having a deformable surface including a top wall forming a thin diaphragm having a diametrically disposed raised beam extending across the top surface and having a gage received surface for receiving a plurality of strain gages. The deformable top wall surface has indentations therein on either side of and extending longtudinally of the raised beam to reduce tension forces across the diaphragm and improve linearity of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A multi-axis load sensor comprises at least one radial plate structure adapted to detect a moment to be produced about its standard axis by a load, and at least one of a parallel plate structure adapted to detect a force to be produced in the direction of its standard axis by the load and another radial plate structure adapted to detect a moment to be produced about its standard axis by the load. The standard axis of the former radial plate structure is neither coincident with nor parallel to the standard axis of the at least one of the parallel plate structure and latter radial plate structure. The above sensor can reduce interactions of detected signals to extremely low levels, while showing good detection sensitivity and large strength and rigidity and making detection characteristic linear.

Abstract: A non-contacting, inductively coupled leakage flux torque sensor and method of measuring torque by determining the change in leakage flux at a surface discontinuity as a result of a torsion stress. Two identical, mirror image discontinuities are formed in a ferromagnetic member. The discontinuities may comprise sets of slots or ferromagnetic projections on facing end surfaces of the ferromagnetic member. As a result of torsional stress on the member, the discontinuities change shape and dimension or are displaced, resulting in a change in leakage flux. The change in leakage flux is detected by two differentially connected coils. A modulator-demodulator circuit provides a determination of torque as a function of the changed flux.

Abstract: A non-contacting, inductively coupled leakage flux torque sensor particularly adapted for automobile power steering systems. The input and output shafts of the system are coupled by a lost motion mechanism. Discontinuities are formed in a ferromagnetic member. The discontinuities may comprise sets of slots or ferromagnetic projections on facing end surfaces of the ferromagnetic member. As a result of torsional stress on the member, the discontinuities change shape and dimension or are displaced, resulting in a change in leakage flux. The change in leakage flux is detected by two differentially connected coils. A modulator-demodulator circuit provides a determination of torque as a function of the changed flux.

Abstract: A device for emission-free sampling of volatile liquids comprises a 4-way tap from which lead two lines, which can be connected together, from and to the container holding the liquid to be tested and two other lines, which can also be connected together, lead to a sample bottle which can be sealed and which can be connected to the device. The device further comprises a supply line for an inert flushing medium, which joins the line leading into the sample bottle in the region of the sample bottle, and a discharge line for the inert flushing medium, which leads from the line coming out of the sample bottle in the region of the sample bottle and proceeds to a disposal system.

Abstract: Centrifugally disengageable engine starter gearing selectively starting an engine having a starting gear.

Abstract: A rotary crankshaft has multiple cranks. Each crank drives a reciprocating member in a cylinder or guideway via a con rod. Main counterweights are attached to the crankshaft and rotate therewith. Two contraweights rotate in the opposite direction from the crankshaft and at the same RPM as the crankshaft. The two contraweights are generally rotatably mounted on the crankshaft, coaxial therewith, and near each end of the crankshaft. The two contraweights are driven from the crankshaft by toothed gearing. The two contraweights plus the main counterweights combine forces so as to counterbalance the primary reciprocating inertia forces of a plurality of said reciprocating members.By proper adjustment of the size and angular location of both the main counterweights and the two contraweights, it is possible to obtain near perfect primary balance under any or all of the following conditions:(a) Any number of cranks.(b) Non equal reciprocating weights.(c) Non equal crank throws.

Abstract: In a gear for the transmission and/or transformation of the changing or alternating rotary movement of a drive, a cam plate is associated with the latter and has a guidance channel for receiving the said driver. The driver rotates in a radius about a center, a further driver being connected to said center and engages in at least one reception groove of the cam plate, when the first driver is disengaged from the guidance channel.

Abstract: A mechanical mechanism is incorporated with two slotted discs -27- and -25- with two levers -14- and -16- which are inserted in the slots separating discs -27- and -25- to the length of the tips of levers -14- and -16-. Shifting the levers through the movement of activating shaft -2- which in turn moves impeller -7- creating, under the power of the coaster sprocket drive, a variation of speeds, though applied pressure. Stationary disc -27- being integrated with the bicycle retaining cylinder and floating disc -25- being free of the retaining cylinder will now be compelled only by the revolution of speed transmitted by the coaster sprocket drive. the structure and components of this invention are totally enclosed, minimizing difficulties in operation as one may shift into different speeds without flaws.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a propulsion force comprises a pair of counter-rotating externally geared flywheels which are mounted on shafts for rotation in a housing and are balanced for high speed rotation. Each flywheel carries a mass slideable thereon in a radial slot but constrained to rotate angularly with the flywheel. The mass is constrained to rotate eccentrically of the flywheel by a stationary cam surface surrounding the path of rotation of the mass. The cam surface is provided on a plate slideable relative to the flywheels to adjust the degree of eccentricity of the cam track relative to the flywheel. A vibration isolation unit is connected between the housing of the flywheels and the frame of the device including a pair of airbags positioned between plates so as to communicate only the net unidirectional force from the housing to the chassis.

Abstract: A linear actuator intended to actuate in particular the leaf of a door including a motor the output shaft of which is connected to a screw, for example a righthand screw, with which is engaged a nut, integral with which is an arm parallel with the screw and connected by a friction torque-limiter to an intermediate member fixed in rotation and intended to be connected to a member which is to be actuated, such as a leaf. The nut includes a first profiled portion turned towards the outside and designated to cooperate, when this nut is occupying only one end position, with a second profiled portion in the form of a bayonet joint connected to the face of a fixed member, this second portion surrounding at least locally the screw and the nut. This bayonet joint is orientated so as to prevent the nut, when it reaches this axial end position, from turning in the same direction as the motor shaft and the screw.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes an electric drive motor which is connected to a drive screw through a gear train. Rotation of the drive screw causes a drive nut to move axially in order to impart axial motion to an extension member. Limit switches function to disengage power to the electric motor upon the extension member reaching the outer or inner limits of its stroke. Also, a thermal sensing element located in the windings of the electric motor interrupts power to the motor upon the heat up of the motor windings above a predetermined temperature, as when the drive nut jams or locks-up. A sealed housing contains the drive screw, drive nut and extension to protect against entry of dust. The housing has reaction surfaces which cooperate with the drive nut to permit linear movement of the nut while holding the nut against rotation.

Abstract: A lubricating mechanism for a rotary machine, such as a Roots blower, of the class having a pair of vertically spaced parallel shafts (20, 22) which are rotated in synchronization with each other by a pair of meshing gears (36, 38) and are provided with bearings (28, 30) and oil seals (40, 42) requiring lubrication. The rotary machine includes an enclosed gear chamber (70) serving to form an oil sump (74) for lubrication of the meshing gears. The lubricating mechanism is intended to lubricate the oil seal (40) and bearing (28) of the upper shaft (20) of the machine located above and remote from the oil sump. The lubricating mechanism comprises a guiding mechanism (80, 82) for positively guiding the lubricant in the oil sump (74) to be entrained in sequence by the lower gear (38) and the upper gear (36) and lifting the lubricant to the upper region of the gear chamber (70).

Abstract: An override mechanism is disclosed for connection between the accelerator pedal of a vehicle and the fuel supply for normally enabling the driver to adjust the fuel supply but which can be overriden by speed limiting means. The throttle pedal is connected to move a lever to increase the fuel supply. This lever is pivoted to a clamp member via a shaft. The clamp member is clamped to a shaft whose angular movement adjusts the fuel supply. A spring resists pivoting movement of the lever with respect to the clamp member and therefore movement of the pedal is normally transmitted direct to the clamp and adjust the fuel supply. However, when the speed reaches an upper limit, an actuator pulls on a cable which is clamped to a part rigid with the clamp. Therefore the part moves relative to the cable carrier and the lever against the force of the spring. The clamp therefore closes the fuel supply.

Abstract: A mounting device (10) includes first (28) and second (32) levers that are disposed between a base plate (12) and a mounting plate (20) and that are attached to the base plate by flexible metal hinges (36a and 36b). First (56a) and second (56b) adjustment devices extend through the base plate (12) and selectively adjust the angles of inclination of the levers (28 and 32). The levers (28 and 32) each change the angular inclination of the mounting plate (20) about one axis by a smaller angle than the angular change received by that (28 or 32) lever.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a tractor trailing hitch link provides for adjusting telescoping link from within the cab of the tractor through a shaft connection and permits locking the telescoping link in its adjusted position while isolating the shaft connection from forces imposed on the trailing hitch link.

Abstract: A dynamic damper comprising at least one elastic member and mass member is mounted within a conventional shaft housing eccentrically with respect to an axis center of a steering shaft. The elastic member of the dynamic damper gives a spring constant which is maintained at a constant value designed to provide a required resonant frequency at the mass member for suppresing a vibration transmitted to a steering wheel via the steering shaft since the vibration transmitted from the steering shaft to the steering wheel is always applied to the dynamic damper in the shear direction of said elastic member regardlessly of the steering wheel angular position.

Abstract: An oscillator for a continuous casting mold includes a rotatable drive shaft having first and second portions which are eccentric with respect to one another. A sleeve for inducing oscillatory motion of the mold rotatably surrounds the second shaft portion and is eccentric with reference to the latter as well as the first shaft portion. The sleeve is coupled to the housing of a gear reducer having a gear assembly which is rotatable relative to the housing and is coupled to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. The housing is, in turn, connected with the casing of a motor having an output shaft which is rotatable relative to the casing and is coupled to the gear assembly. This motor constitutes an auxiliary motor which is operable independently of a primary motor for the drive shaft. During normal operation, the auxiliary motor is deactivated and the sleeve, gear reducer and auxiliary motor all rotate with the drive shaft as this induces reciprocation of the mold through the agency of the sleeve.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for motor vehicles having two drive axles is disclosed. The drive mechanism includes a transmission drive followed by a differential gear unit. The differential gear unit includes first and second driven members. The first driven member is drivingly connected to the first drive axle and, via a spur gear drive system, to a first set of friction plates in a fluid friction clutch unit. The second driven member is drivingly connected to the second drive axle and, also via a spur gear drive system, to a second set of friction plates in a fluid friction clutch unit. The first set of plates and the second set of plates of the clutch unit are frictionally coupled to each other and thus act to equalize the rotational speeds of the two drive axles.To enhance the operation of the drive mechanism, the spur gear drive system connecting the driven members to the clutch unit provides a gear ratio greater than one.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for limiting the relative rotation between two drive members, including a differential having two input gears associated with the drive members, a carrier, and two coaxial differential gears carried by the carrier. One differential gear directly engages both input gears, while the other differential gear engages both input gears through idler gears. A threaded shaft is coaxially fixed to one of the differential gears and has a traveling nut thereon. A tubular shaft coaxially fixed to the other differential gear extends over the threaded shaft and has a spline connection with the traveling nut. Radially extending stops are provided on the threaded shaft and are adapted to engage axially extending tabs on the traveling nut when the drive members reach either selected limit of relative rotation.

Abstract: A stepless speed change device comprises first ratchet rings arranged in plural rows side by side in an axial direction on an inner circumferential surface of a rotary member on an input side through one-way clutches interposed therebetween, and an eccentric cam assembly arranged on a center shaft. An eccentricity of the cam assembly is adjustable relative to the center shaft. The device further comprises first pawls in plural rows to engage ratchets provided in the ratchet rings and having bottoms pivotally connected to a carrier rotatably provided on the eccentric cam assembly. The bottoms of the pawls in one row are between the bottoms of the pawls in the other row.

Abstract: A starter with a gear reduction mechanism including an internal ring gear formed of synthetic resin and a reinforcing member. The internal ring gear has a cylindrical portion and a toothed portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The reinforcing member is secured around an outer surface of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A method for indicating a running condition of a vehicle having an engine and a manual transmission generates a direction of an up-shift operation according to detected results of the throttle position, the gear position, the vehicle speed, and the engine load. The direction of the up-shift operation is basically generated when the throttle valve is open, a medium speed gear is engaged, and the vehicle speed is above a predetermined level. Besides, the generation of the direction of the up-shift operation is stopped when the load of the engine suitably detected by the pressure in the intake manifold is in a medium load range.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a continuously variable transmission includes an electronic control system and a hydraulic control system. In the hydraulic control system solenoid valves are used in conjunction with fluid control valves to regulate the various fluid pressure levels in the system. A variable displacement pump provides fluid under pressure in the main line. A modulator valve, connected to the main line, provides a controlled low pressure to the various control assemblies. Thus the solenoid valve and associated components can be more economical than in those systems where only the normal line pressure arrangement is used.

Abstract: The subject device comprises two cams structurally supported from a base attachable to a vertical surface. The cams are positioned to interact with the lift-tabs of lift-tab containers as the container is in a vertical position and moved first toward the device and then from it. As the container is moved toward the opener, one cam engages the lift-tab and lifts it to open the container. As the container is moved away from the opener, the other cam depresses the lift tab to approximately its position before the can was opened. The cams are positioned one behind the other in a line perpendicular to the vertical surface. The tab lifting cam extends below the tab depressing cam and is the closer of the two to the base. The end of the lift tab moves below the end of the depressing cam as the container is moved into the opener and raised by the lifting cam. The lifted tab is then engaged and depressed by the depressing cam as the container is moved away from the opener.

Abstract: A sliding jaw pipe wrench has a jaw adjustment mechanism comprising a longitudinally extending series of transverse recesses formed in one surface of a elongate shank on which the movable jaw of the wrench is formed. The shank is received in a retaining pocket in the wrench handle on which the stationary jaw is formed, and the handle includes a transverse locking pin for engagement in, and disengagement from the respective recesses to retain the movable jaw in position when engaged in a recess and allow the shank to be moved to adjust the jaws when disengaged from the recesses. The locking pin is operated by a trigger-like lever pivoted on the handle and connected to a locking pin by an elongate actuating rod. The wrench is provided with a fine adjustment mechanism in the form of a stud threaded transversely through an aperture in the handle so that the inner end of the stud can be tightened against an edge of the shank opposite the recesses.

Abstract: An electric screwdriver with an improved automatic turn-off device has a novel clutch mechanism with a upper clutch member and a lower clutch member, a switch device for controlling the driving means according to the tightness of a screw or nut on a workpiece and a switch device supporting means with a force absorbing spring, wherein said upper clutch member has two bottom substantial triangular cam protrusions, each of which has two arcs with different curvature and the lower clutch member has a flange portion with two holes and ball members whereby they are arranged and assembled in a simple mechanism for the user to use conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for and method of cutting vinyl window shades mounted on a roller. The device includes jaws for clamping the roller to stabilize it during the cutting operation, a blade fixed to a wheel that revolves around the roller and that is drawn toward the roller by centrifugal force as the wheel revolves, a device for stopping the wheel if the cutting blade contacts a metal shade roller, and another device for stopping the wheel if the blades travels a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A high volume food loaf slicing machine in which a rotating and orbiting knife slices the loaf as it advances through a slicing station. The turbulent air generated by the rotating and orbiting knife is reduced in the vacinity of the stacking slices by baffles and is redirected through a vent port and away from the stacking slices.

Abstract: A wrapping film severing apparatus is disclosed for use in severing sheets of film from a roll of plastic film. The roll of film is supported so that it may rotate about its axis of rotation while film is being withdrawn from the roll. A braking force is applied to the roll so that the film is under tension as it is being withdrawn from the roll. An electrically heated cutoff element is located forwardly of the roll for use in severing a sheet of film from the roll as a length of film is withdrawn under tension from the roll and then brought into contact with the cutoff element. The film is threaded through a pair of pinch rollers extending transversely of the film path and located intermediate the film roll and the cutoff element for guiding movement of the film from the roll to the cutoff element. A one-way clutch is associated with at least one of the rollers permitting forward movement of the film toward the cutoff element while restricting backward movement toward the film roll.

Abstract: An automatic drug tape dispensing and metering device and a roll of drug tape housed in a small portable dispenser unit. The dispenser contains a measurement device for carefully measuring the length of tape as it is dispensed from the dispenser. A counter monitors the remaining doses of drug tape remaining within the dispenser. A timer device may be provided to alert the patient that it is time for the medicament to be dispensed. As the lid of the dispenser unit is opened, the measured length of drug tape is severed from the roll by a cutter blade incorporated into the lid. The device permits a physician to accurately customize the dosage and administration of the medicament to be givne a patient by adjusting the tape length released for each single dose and selecting the time intervals between dosages.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolls of flexible sheet material has a feed roller with a pair of pinch rollers spaced around the feed roller periphery to guide a web of the material from a supply roll to the dispenser exit. A cutting blade is slidably mounted within the feed roller to move in a path parallel to and offset from a radius of the feed roller with cam followers movable with the blade and extending beyond the ends of the feed roller disposed to reciprocate along this radius. Stationary cams are mounted adjacent the ends of the feed roller engaged with the cam followers, respectively, to positively project the blade cutting edge beyond the feed roller periphery to cut the web and retract such edge as the feed roller is rotated by drawing on the web at the dispenser exit.

Abstract: A modelmaker's miter jig has a work support surface and includes, in one aspect, a recessed rule slideable in a channel formed in the work support surface, and a stop member mounted on the rule and protruding above the support surface. A lock secures the rule and stop so as to register a workpiece in a desired relation to a saw guide. In another aspect, the jig includes a base member dependent from the work surface and having a clamp-engaging face for receiving a clamp to removably mount the jig on a table top. A preferred embodiment is formed as an extrusion.

Abstract: Located on the body as distinguished from the headstock of an instrument such as a guitar is a combined bridge, string lock and fine tuner. The upper end of each string is attached to the headstock. The lower end is fixed to a ratchet thumbwheel rotatable on a transverse axle mounted in a body fixed to the instrument. By turning the ratchet wheel a rough adjustment of string tension is made. A fine tuning knob controls the pawl of the ratchet for precise turning of the ratchet wheel. A slide is longitudinally adjustable in a groove in the upper end of the body. A screw is threaded into the slider and formed with a slot for the string. The screw stops the vibrating length of string.

Abstract: A finger positioning guide includes a flat surface positionable between the neck and strings of a stringed instrument to present sets of uniformly colored spots beneath certain of the strings at predetermined distances along the neck. The flat surface is positioned in relation to the neck and the strings by a slot or a plurality of slots adopted for engaging frets and the nut. An edge limiting device, appended to the surface to comprise the guide and further position it in relation to the neck, may include a clamp shape clamping the guide to the neck.

Abstract: A gun barrel and projectile system utilizes a smooth central bore gun barrel fitted with a short rifled insert near the breech end. A projectile fitted with a perforated skirt and driving band about the base of the skirt are loaded into the gun barrel so that the driving band just engages the rifled insert, and the warhead portion of the projectile extends into the smooth bore portion of the barrel. Upon firing of a breech charge, gases from the breech charge are ducted to the space between the thin side walls of the projectile and the smooth central bore, thereby establishing a gas bearing. The gas bearing provides lateral support to the projectile and lubricates the projectile in the smooth central bore. Because of the lateral support the projectile receives from the gun barrel and the gas bearing, much less projectile structural strength is required to resist set-back forces. Mass fraction ratios of ordnance payload mass to structural mass in the projectile are on the order of ninety percent.

Abstract: A revolving cylinder pistol comprising a mount containing the firing mechanism and a slide carrying the barrel and cylinder. The slide is guided movably on the frame between two mechanical stops.Each recoil stroke of the slide automatically energizes a spring motor carried in the slide itself which is effective to cause the cylinder to revolve in timed relationship with the pistol cocking. The mount supports a pusher which can energize said spring motor on request and is operated by the reload mechanism.

Abstract: Piston rods of three linear hydraulic motors are connected at their outer ends to two spaced apart transverse frame members. A cylinder housing is driven back and forth along each pair of piston rods. Three transverse drive beams are provided. Each drive beam is directly connected to an associated one of the cylinder housings. Three sets of floor slat members are provided. Each set is connected to an associated one of the transverse drive beams. The linear hydraulic motors are operated for moving the floor slat members in one direction, for advancing a load, and for retracting them in an opposite direction. Each cylinder housing has four fluid chambers. First and third chambers are interconnected and the second and fourth chambers are interconnected. This arrangement provides adequate force producing area with a relatively small diameter cylinder housing. Fluid passageways are formed in the piston rods. Transfer valves are incorporated in end portions of some of the linear hydraulic motors.

Abstract: The support (14) for the resilient valve member (2) of the distribution valve assembly has an internal end zone (26) extending radially in the vicinity of the front annular active part (4) of the valve member (2) and forming, at the front, a bearing surface for an elastic washer (32) constituting the valve spring and, at the rear, a bearing surface for the return spring (28) of the booster input rod (8). The internal end zone (26) advantageously consists of a front part (15) for supporting the valve member, which part is mounted on a channel (19; 20; 21) receiving the external mounting part (13) of the valve member (2) and formed by a rear part (16) of the valve member support, which part is mounted in the rear end (17) of the tubular hub (1).

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning device for tracked vehicles comprising a hydraulically chargeable piston-cylinder unit, coupled on one end with the body of the vehicle, and with the other end to a guide wheel for the track chain which is supported on a rocker arm. In order to obtain the proper track chain tension in any operating condition without providing a separate hydraulic pump, the piston unit is equipped with a tappet supported against the piston unit by means of a spring unit. The tappet closes off a secondary cylinder chamber in the piston unit which is connected with the principal cylinder chamber by two check valves which seal in opposite directions. The tappet effects a pumping action as the result of the vibration generated by the chain links running in and out the guide wheel, thereby pumping the hydraulic oil from a hydraulic oil reservoir into the secondary cylinder chamber and from there into the principal cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A tool, in particular a lapping wheel, is to be positioned by a hydraulic drive cylinder and subsequently pressed against a workpiece. For this purpose a position control and a pressure or force control is provided. The weight change of the lapping disk subjected to wear is automatically detected by measuring the pressure value which is necessary to keep the weight in a state of suspension without support. The pressure value is stored and in the subsequent pressure regulating operation fed as compensating parameter to the pressure control circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator with reduced interior volume includes a locking mechanism engageable with the main ram of the actuator to hold it in a fully retracted position without backlash. The locking mechanism comprises three locking jaws that move synchronously in a radial direction between lock or unlock position. Each of the jaws engage a groove cut into a rod adjacent the piston head of the main ram; the jaws are cammed into a locking position by a conical sleeve actuated by hydraulic pressure under the control of the main control valve. Jaw deactivation is accomplished by an opposed pressure which disengages the conical sleeve and the jaws are then spring biased into a cammed open position as the main ram begins to extend. Springs located between the individual jaw segments assist the camming action for opening the jaws.

Abstract: A running web which contains moisture is caused to travel through the nip of two squeezing rollers one of which is deformable in that it comprises a stationary carrier and a cylindrical shell which surrounds the carrier and also surrounds a first set of inflatable cushions adjacent the nip and a second set of inflatable cushions opposite the first set. Sensors monitor the moisture content of selected longitudinally extending portions of the web, and the signals which are generated by such sensors are processed by an evaluating circuit and are transmitted to valves which regulate the pressure of pneumatic fluid in the cushions. Each cushion of the second set registers with a cushion of the first set, and the registering cushions can receive fluid from associated sets of valves including a pressure regulating valve which can increase or reduce the pressure of fluid in the respective cushions and a second valve which can shift the admission of fluid from one into the other of the registering valves.

Abstract: A forming station for can end closures which includes a pair of opposed die structures. Apparatus for forming code markings in the can ends as they are processed includes a plurality of arrays of incising pins retained in matrix configurations in the face of one of the opposed die pieces. The ends of predetermined pins in each array are supported above the die surface to form recognizable patterns in the can ends. The indicia being formed can be quickly changed by substituting a new pin support surface configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically screen printing on objects includes a first transfer mechanism having suction cups for swinging the objects from a supply station at which is a preregistering device which rotates the objects into a predetermined orientation closely positioned to reference position to which the object is printed. From the preregistering station, the objects are swung by a second oscillating transfer means to a third oscillatory transfer means which swings the preregistered objects to the printing station. At the printing station, the objects are rotated relative to a printing screen by a rotating chuck device. After printing, grippers are swung into the printing station to remove the printed object and to convey the printed object to discharge station at which is located a discharge conveyor of UV curing apparatus.

Abstract: An inking roller for an offset printing machine, through the interior of which a temperature-control medium flows. The roller is formed of aluminum in a barrel shape with journals mounted at both ends. The cross-sections of the plurality of ducts formed in the wall of the barrel result in an optimally uniform surface temperature for the inking roller. On one side of the inking roller the ducts have openings so that the flow and return alternate inside the barrel. The opposite ends of the ducts communicate with openings which establish the counter flow of fluid through the barrel.