Abstract: Two catalytic converters are disposed in series midway in an engine exhaust passage, and a by-pass valve selectively introduces exhaust into the upstream converter and a by-pass passage which by-passes the converter. When the catalyst temperature of the upstream catalytic converter exceeds a threshold value A, exhaust is routed to the by-pass passage. The catalyst temperature in the state when exhaust is routed to the upstream catalytic converter under steady state engine running conditions is stored as a convergence temperature depending on the engine running conditions.When exhaust is routed to the by-pass passage, exhaust is re-introduced into the upstream converter only when both the catalyst temperature and the convergence temperature corresponding to the running conditions at that time are less than a threshold value B which is less than the threshold value A.In this way, hunting of the by-pass valve operation is prevented.

Abstract: A torque converter for translating kinetic energy between a prime mover and a transmission including a turbine assembly rotatable about an axis and which includes a shell, a core and a plurality of turbine blades mounted therebetween. The turbine blades have flat working surfaces such that each of the turbine blades is contained in a single plane and such that each of the turbine blades is positioned spatially so as to define an angle Alpha of between -5.degree. and 65.degree. relative to the axis of rotation of the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A steering system having a first auxiliary branch line (23, 24) connecting a main line (6) to a return port (12); with a load line (22) connecting the first auxiliary branch line to a load port (13) and dividing the first auxiliary branch line into first (24) and second (23) flow paths. The main line includes an adjustable input throttle (20). The first flow path (24) includes an adjustable load throttle (27) and a second throttle (26) in series. The adjustable input throttle and the adjustable load throttle act in a same direction. The purpose of this control circuit is to raise the load port pressure level, so as to prevent relatively high power losses.

Abstract: A gas compressor is provided comprising a chamber (9) to contain gas to be compressed, a piston (12) and the chamber (9) and an apparatus to drive the piston into the chamber (9) to compress the gas. The compressor also comprises another apparatus (5) to form a spray of liquid in the chamber (9) to cool the gas on compression therein, so that the gas may be compressed approximately isothermally. Valve (17) are provided to allow compressed gas to be drawn from the chamber. The apparatus to drive the piston (12) comprises another apparatus to deliver driving energy stored in the fluid directly to the piston. In one embodiment, the driving energy is provided by a combustible fuel. The heat of compression is rejected at the lowest temperatures and the hot exhaust gas from the combustion process may be used to preheat the isothermally compressed gas.

Abstract: A crosshead system for a swashplate engine such as a Stirling cycle type. A plurality of crossheads are constrained to move in a reciprocating fashion by travelling along a pair of parallel guide rods. The crosshead system further includes a mechanism for adjusting a clearance between the crosshead elements and the opposed parallel face surfaces of the rotating swashplate. The adjustment mechanism includes a threaded adjuster cup which is maintained in a lock position through a fastener which drives a conical cone into the conical inside surface of the adjuster sleeve thus fixing its rotated and hence linear position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the time response of a turbo-compressor assisted internal combustion engine wherein the turbo-compressor is driven by an electric motor at a speed somewhat less than its full-load operating speed until such time as the turbo-compressor is driven at a higher speed by an exhaust gas turbine. The electric motor is provided to maintain the minimum rotational speed of the turbo-compressor when the engine load is low so that the turbo-compressor is ready for prompt response when driven by increasing exhaust gas as a result of additional load demand on the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel injection assembly includes a combustor case surrounding a combustor having a dome. An arcuate manifold is disposed inside the combustor case adjacent to the dome, and includes a plurality of fuel injectors disposed in flow communication therewith for receiving fuel for injection into the combustor. An inlet stem is joined in flow communication with the manifold for channeling fuel thereto, and includes an inner fitting disposed in a mounting port in the combustor case. A mounting adaptor is joined to the combustor case at the mounting port, and circumferentially engages the inner fitting to restrain torsional movement thereof. An outer fitting extends in the adaptor and engages the inner fitting in flow communication therewith for supplying fuel thereto.

Abstract: A sterilizable installation for supplying at least one dose of a cryogenic liquid to a use station, wherein said installation comprises, along a fluid transfer line;a source of a first cryogenic liquid;a reservoir, suitable for temporary storage of the first cryogenic liquid, comprising a plural number of parts which are assembled using welds executed according to welding techniques that produce total penetration with no lap between two welded parts, such that the reservoir does not include rough spots or other sites of bacterial contamination and providing resistance to temperature fluctuations; andmeans for withdrawing, in continuous or discontinuous fashion, the first liquid from the reservoir to supply the use station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and resurfacing ice for skating purposes. The apparatus comprises a rigid frame, a water dispersion member connected to the frame, a mat connected to the frame, and a water supply conduit connected to the water disperson member. This device is well suited for indoor and outdoor commercial public and private skating rinks, for community parks rinks and, for home or residential skating rinks.

Abstract: An air conditioning system usually referred to as an electric heat pump, which employs reverse cycle refrigeration apparatus to condition air inside a building for heating in the winter months, and for cooling in the summer months, utilizing one heat exchanger coil disposed in heat exchange relation to the flow of conditioned air circulating within a building, and two heat exchanger coils disposed in heat exchange relation to the flow of ambient air circulating outside a building, wherein each said heat exchanger coil comprises a separate and singular component part of a single air conditioning circuit connected to, and served by one single compressor; and wherein, each of the said outside heat exchanger coils are designed to change functions independent of the other, from that of an evaporator, to that of a condenser, for the purpose of inhibiting the accumulation of frost on, and/or removing frost from said outside heat exchanger coil when the heat pump is operating in the heating mode without reversing the

Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a start assist valve for permitting refrigerant to flow from an outlet of a condenser to an inlet of an evaporator during start-up of the heat pump apparatus. The heat pump apparatus preferably includes an expansion orifice connected in fluid communication between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator. The start assist valve provides a bypass for refrigerant flow around the expansion orifice during start-up of the heat pump apparatus. The apparatus also preferably includes a series of check valves cooperating with the start assist valve so that the start assist valve is operable only when the heat pump apparatus is in the cooling mode. The invention is particularly applicable to a direct expansion heat pump apparatus where one or more earth tap heat exchangers serve as the condenser when operating in the cooling mode.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes first, and second compartments cooled to different temperatures. A first evaporator and first fan are provided in the first compartment, and a second evaporator and second fan are provided in the second compartment. A first switch controls the supply of electrical power to a compressor, the first fan, and the second switch. The second switch is operable to turn on/off the second fan while power is supplied to the compressor and first switch.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an air conditioner for a vehicle cancels the thermal interference with a rear-seat side from a front-seat side even when the difference in target temperature between the front-seat side and the rear-seat side is equal to a predetermined value or more. When the difference a set temperature on the front-seat side and a set temperature on the rear-seat side is equal to .+-.3 (.degree.C.) or more, a ratio of the outside air sucked into a front-seat air conditioner unit is decreased according to an increase in the difference between the set temperatures. In this way, since the amount of air which is blown out from the front-seat air conditioner unit and further flows into the rear-seat side is decreased, it is possible to cancel the thermal interference from the front-seat side, by means of air blown out from a rear-seat air conditioner unit.

Abstract: The flow of refrigerant is controlled by a strategy that strives to seek and maintain a fluctuating superheat condition. The control system causes optimal use of the evaporator coil by ensuring that the refrigerant in the coil is in the liquid state. A temperature sensor at the evaporator coil exit senses refrigerant temperature and the control system regulates refrigerant flow so that the liquid dry out point (transition between liquid state and superheat state) occurs in the vicinity of this sensor. Thus a single sensor may be used to effect closed loop control.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an air conditioner for stabilizing operating frequency of a compressor so as to prevent noise caused by hunting and to improve durability of the compressor. A frequency controller for controlling operating frequency of a compressor and a resistor for detecting an electric current flowing through the compressor are provided. A frequency reducer for reducing a frequency step of a compressor motor at a predetermined speed when a supply current of the compressor motor has reached a predetermined value and a frequency retainer for terminating frequency reducing operation of the frequency reducer when the supply current of the compressor motor has been decreased to the predetermined value and retaining a present frequency step until a predetermined period of time has elapsed are also provided.

Abstract: An operating method for a room air conditioner(RAC) which is capable of enhancing an alertness level of a user based upon a human electroencephalogram(EEG), includes inputting an alertness operation mode key when the user desires to heighten an alertness degree of the user, performing an air conditioning operation to maintain a first standard temperature and a range of a temperature variation corresponding thereto to enhance the user's alertness degree, performing an air conditioning operation to maintain a second standard temperature and the range of the temperature variation corresponding thereto when the user feels cold at the first standard temperature, and to maintain a third standard temperature and the range of the temperature variation corresponding thereto when the user feels hot at the first standard temperature, repeating the second step when the user feels cold at the third standard temperature, and when the user feels hot at the second standard temperature, and performing an air conditioning oper

Abstract: A new ice skating rink for easily and conveniently forming a sheet of ice for ice skating. The inventive device includes a plurality of water holding trays disposed on the ground and connected together using connectors. When the water within the trays freezes, a substantially continuous sheet of ice is formed.

Abstract: A unitary heat exchanger device, for the transfer of total heat, comprising air-to-air heat transfer means and configured such that air may pass there through. The heat transfer means comprisesan air-to-air water vapor transfer element andan air-to-air sensible heat transfer element,the exchanger elements being in air communication with each other. The device may be used in ventilation systems which replace air exhausted from the interior of a building with fresh outside air; the use of the device under cold weather conditions may avoid or attenuate the need for using a defrost mechanism to defrost the device.

Abstract: A blowoff orifice is constituted by an upper wall, a lower wall and a vertical wind deflecting plate. The upper wall inclines so that a flow passage becomes narrow toward downstream and provided with a protrusion at its end portion. The lower wall has a horizontal linear portion on the downstream side and an end portion forming an acute angle at the tip of the linear portion. The vertical wind deflecting plate is provided between the upper wall and the lower wall, and capable of changing an airflow from a horizontal direction to a downward direction. The upper wall protrusion is located more downstream than the lower wall end portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage cooler and dispenser which is compact enough to fit on a counter top yet large enough to hold a substantial volume of liquid. The beverage cooler includes a refrigeration unit having a compressor with a condenser located inside of the reservoir tank and an evaporator external to the unit, a pump for circulating the liquid, a dispenser, and a liquid level gauge. The device has an electrical cord for connection to a direct current outlet.

Abstract: The absorption step of a continuous absorption cycle apparatus (refrigerator or heat pump) is externally cooled by an air-cooled thermosyphon having hot end 107 (FIG. 1), air-cooled end 115, and reservoir 123. The absorption step is further recuperatively cooled by internal fluids, in absorber heat exchanger 108 and/or GAX 109. Thus the absorber is highly compact and the cycle is highly efficient. A hotter hermetic thermosyphon can advantageously supply additional cooling.

Abstract: In a high-temperature regenerator for an absorption type refrigerator in which combustion in a combustion furnace 21 for heating a working medium is completed and an unburnt gas is hardly exhausted, a group 27 of pipes 29 for passing the working medium are arranged in the combustion furnace 21, a combustion gas flow 37 from a combustion burner 31 is caused to run through the group 27 of pipes, and a first and a second partition plates 41 and 43 are disposed in a high-temperature region 39 of the combustion gas flow 37 to cause the combustion gas flow 37 to make a loop detour and stay therein, thereby promoting combustion.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and/or expanded to partially condense it, then separated to provide a first vapor stream. The first vapor stream is directed into a contacting device whereby a third vapor stream and a C.sub.3 -containing liquid stream are formed. The C.sub.3 -containing liquid stream is directed to a distillation column wherein a second vapor stream is separated to recover a product containing the major portion of the C.sub.3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components. The second vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with the third vapor stream to cool the second vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream.

Abstract: A cryogenic system for the recovery of fluorine compounds from a carrier gas stream such as an effluent stream from a semiconductor facility comprising three cryogenic rectification columns and a mass transfer contacting device.

Abstract: The production of higher purity helium wherein a feed comprising helium, nitrogen and hydrocarbons is processed in a system comprising two columns operating at different pressure levels, with the product helium produced in the higher pressure column and nitrogen and hydrocarbons cycled to the lower pressure column.

Abstract: A convertible ear ornament is provided that in one embodiment referenced by numeral (100) features an ornamental member (14) having an accessible pocket (16) into which a variety of bracket members (22, 23, 25, 27, 60) may be releasably secured to provide different attachment means enabling one to provide a singular ornamental member (14) with a variety of means of attaching member (14) to an ear portion including a pierced ear opening post (26), a pivotable clip (32), a rotating clamp (42), and an ear loop (46) and which in another embodiment features an ornamental member (50) having a pair of spaced-apart overhanging members (52) and (54) defining an open-sided pocket into which the bracket member may be releasably secured.

Abstract: A warp-knitted loop net fabric comprises a first group of threads forming warp chains knitted by a front bar, a second group of threads guided by a second bar and forming lay-ins under underlaps of the first group of threads in every course of the warp chains, the underlaps of the warp chains of the first group of threads being loops formed by tensioning the threads of the second group, and a knitted net forming a groundwork incorporating the warp chains and lay-ins.

Abstract: An improved laundry appliance is provided having a security system to control access to the clothes in the appliance. The security system includes a lock on the appliance for locking the appliance door in the closed position, and a control panel to actuate and deactuate the lock. The control panel includes a money payment receiver, such as a coin slot or a credit and debit card reader. The control panel also includes a security system such as a key, key card, or PIN access code, to prevent unauthorized deactuation of the lock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentrated washing machine having a rotatable cylindrical drum made of punched metal. The drum has an inner surface lined with wire mesh and the drum is housed within a case body. A handle-shaped end plate, which is equipped with radial ribs, is provided at one end of the cylindrical drum. The other end of the cylindrical drum is open. The end plate has a wire mesh lining and is equipped with a suitable number of vanes. Extending into the open end of the cylindrical drum are: a wire mesh cleaning nozzle; a paper stock charge pipe for spraying onto the vanes; a pipe with numerous holes for spraying cleaning water onto the vanes, and a replenishment wetting water pipe. The handle-shaped end plate equipped with radial ribs and a wire mesh lining is provided at one end of the drum to increase the filter area and thereby improve the washing efficiency. The vanes agitate the paper stock by rotational movement to greatly improve the washing efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a centrifugal pump which not only sprays washing liquid onto the articles to be washed by circulating the washing liquid, but also supplies air bubbles into a spin tub, thereby improving the washing effect. The centrifugal pump includes a first housing, a second housing fixedly coupled to the first housing, an impeller accommodated in the first housing so as to circulate the washing liquid into a spraying nozzle or into an outer tub, a rotor which rotates in the forward and reverse directions, a driving shaft inserted into a center of the rotor in order to rotate together with the rotor, and a solenoid valve assembly for supplying the air to the impeller. The washing machine generates complex turbulence in the spin tub, thereby preventing the articles to be washed from being tangled at the center of the spin tub.

Abstract: A system for locking a door can: (1) lock the door in dead bolt fashion in three modes, (2) allow the door to open a limited distance, or (3) allow the door to open freely. The system has a door-mounted latch assembly that includes a base plate, an intermediate link pivoted to the base plate, and a mode selection and latching assembly that is pivoted to the intermediate link. A latch plate is mounted on the door frame in juxtaposition to the door-mounted latch assembly. The latch plate has a tubular portion with an opening for receiving the latch member. A sleeve fits inside the tubular portion of the latch plate. When the latch member is engaged in the tubular portion of the latch plate, the sleeve can be rotated so that the latch member is engaged to the sleeve in a secured position. The latch plate includes a locking mechanism to releasably lock the sleeve into the secured position. The locking mechanism may be a spring-loaded pin mounted within the sleeve.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention device is provided for use with a steering wheel assembly including a central portion with an airbag situated therein and an annular wheel with a generally circular cross-section coupled about the central portion in coplanar relationship therewith. Four linear members are interconnected at ends thereof and encompass the wheel of the steering wheel to abut a dash or windshield of the vehicle thereby precluding the rotation thereof.

Abstract: A security system requires the bringing together, at the locking mechanism to be operated from a locked to an unlocked state, of a properly bitted mechanical key and the generator of a digitally coded electrical command signal. The electrical command signal is transmitted through the lock to an actuator so that the lock, when enabled by insertion of the mechanical key, may be operated. The key may define a portion of the signal transmission path between the command signal generator and the actuator.

Abstract: A key cylinder device in which, in a locked state, a lock-releasing mechanism is provided so as not to operate even if a cylinder case swings. When a first lever rotates in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the cylinder case, a shaft provided on a second lever extends from a side surface of the second lever and engages with a third lever to move a rod attached to the third lever in a lock-releasing direction. Further, when the first lever does not move relatively with respect to the cylinder case, even if the cylinder case swings, the shaft does not extend from the side surface of the second lever and does not engage with the third lever. For this reason, there is no possibility that the rod attached to the third lever move in the lock-releasing direction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for an anticipatory thickness control in foil rolling by using characteristic lines stored in a process control computer of the individual manipulated variables (for example, strip tensions, rolling speeds) for various operating points (conditions of operation) or by using an on-line operating physical computing model, also in combination with a monitor control. The method includes the steps of determining the thickness deviations of the foil at the entry side of the roll stand and of compensating the thickness deviations by an anticipatory thickness control. The apparatus includes a thickness measuring device between the running-off reel and the rolling mill or the roll gap of the roll stand. The thickness measuring device is connected to a superordinated process control computer. Following the thickness measuring device is arranged a tensioning unit which serves to change the travel path of the foil strip between the running-off reel and the roll gap.

Abstract: It is desirable to accurately subject a process object region of a long edged strip material to notching and bending processes. A bending apparatus and a notching apparatus are used. The process object region of the long edged strip material which is passed through an outlet of a die member of the bending apparatus is subjected to a notching process conducted by the notching apparatus. Next, the process object region is subjected to a bending process performed by the bending apparatus. Finally, the process object region is cut off from a not-yet-processed region. An encoder measures a pulled-out amount of the edged strip material obtained when the edged strip material is pressed by a presser against a shaping face of the outlet of the stationary die so as to be bent. A servomotor is operated by a rotation number in which the measured value of the encoder is considered, so that the edged strip material is fed by a predetermined length.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for uniformly twisting hollow, open-seam rods with preferably rectangular cross-sections for use as decorative curtain rods are disclosed. The twist extends throughout substantially the entire length of the rod. This feature enables a telescoped pair of rods, that is, a pair of rods with an inner rod dimensioned to slide into and out of an outer rod, to be twisted simultaneously such that the telescoping feature is maintained after twisting. The apparatus includes a rotatable first chuck and a substantially non-rotatable second chuck. Each chuck has male and female components to engage the inner and outer surfaces of a respective end of the rod. These components prevent buckling along the open seam and permit twisting throughout substantially the entire length of the rods. Sensor controls ensure uniform twisting and controlled unwinding of the rods.

Abstract: A process for drawing stretched metal workpieces, especially tubes, for the purpose of cross-sectional reduction in more than one drawing step using at least two sequential drawing aggregates. The aggregates grip the workpiece on the outer periphery, with two alternately-moved clamping carriages, which draw the workpiece continuously through respective drawing rings associated with the respective aggregates and arranged in respective drawing-ring holders. The drawing aggregates can be driven independently of one another in a power-regulated and/or moment-regulated manner. Furthermore, during the drawing process, a defined prestress force, which prevents deflection of the workpieces from a straight line, is maintained at all times in the section of the workpiece located between the drawing aggregates.

Abstract: System for preparing wires made of steel, iron, or ferrous materials in general for drawing which comprises a phosphating station that is substantially constituted by a vat for containing a phosphating solution and by a drum for winding and unwinding the wire to be treated. The drum is at least partially immersed in the phosphating solution and can be actuated with a rotary motion about its own axis to gradually wind the wire to be treated and gradually release the treated wire.

Abstract: An apparatus produces compressive stress in a component surface. Positioning of a contact area of the component surface is controlled to situate a contact area of the component surface relative to an indenter element. The indenter element is fixtured to cause an indentation at the contact area. The force of the indentation is measured as the indenter element contacts the contact area, and controlled responsive to the amount of force measured and the desired compression. The system allows deep compressive stresses to be generated without the surface damage associated with conventional peening.

Abstract: The equipment forms metal profiles on a stretch-bending machine on which a profile to be formed is held at its end by jaws connected to stretching rams and to a system for bending it against a convex punch member fixed to a toolholder table of the machine. The equipment includes a die member which is pressed against the punch member, once the profile has been bent against the punch member. An elastic material mandrel is placed inside the profile and the mandrel is compressed-expanded so that it presses the profile against internal surfaces of the punch member and of the die member when closed one against the other.

Abstract: A production plant for producing hot-rolled flat products includes a rolling train composed of a plurality of roll stands, a run-out table with devices for cooling the hot strip, and subsequently arranged coiling machines for coiling the strip. A compact deformation stage in the form of a rolling train with one to four roll stands is arranged following the reeling unit of a conventionally constructed hot-rolled wide strip train. This rolling train is specifically constructed for the deformation in the ferritic range.

Abstract: A Steckel mill or coiler rolling mill includes at least one reversing stand and drivers and coiler furnaces arranged on the entry side and the exit side of the reversing stand, wherein the reversing stand, the drivers and the coiler furnaces are connected to one another through roller conveyors for the strip to be rolled. At least one heating unit is provided in at least one of the sections formed between the coiler furnaces and the reversing stand, wherein the heating unit covers at least a portion of the section.

Abstract: Compact rolling block comprising at least one rolling mill stand having a horizontal axis and at least one rolling mill stand having a vertical axis, two end rolling mill stands having the same axis and being separated by a central rolling mill stand having an axis substantially at 90.degree.

Abstract: In a dummy block construction for use in extruding an extrudable metal, the dummy block having a dummy block base; a connector for connecting said dummy block base to a stem of an extruder; a replaceable wear ring connected to a forward circumferential portion of said dummy block base; a device for releasably securing said wear ring to said dummy block base; a device for expanding said ring to engage a billet container inside wall of an extrusion press during extrusion of a billet of extrudable metal through such extrusion press, the improvement being characterized in the wear ring being a metal collar having a conical interior surface converging towards said dummy block base; and the device for expanding the ring comprising a metal plunger having a plunger head with a conical surface for engaging the collar conical surface to expand the collar as said plunger head is forced into the collar during extrusion; the plunger head having a planar face and the collar having a forward planar face; the converging surf

Abstract: A support arm assembly for a pipe bending machine, including one or more linear ledges arranged along the arm; a mandrel including a piece for intercepting the ledges through a click (106) switching between a raised rest position and a lowered working position by the displacement of an eyelet, in which it can slide, having raising edges (105) against which click (106) is loaded, under the actuation of an air cylinder, under the control of means that also control the opening/closing of the pipe carrier gripper (16) of the mandrel; and angular ledge dowels with a sense cut (200) being provided on the periphery of the mandrel, cooperating with a spring-loaded locator.

Abstract: Plural station equipment is provided for the making of articles of manufacture from sheet material such as sheet metal. The first work station performs a first operational step on the sheet material to form precise blanks, and the second station performs the finishing step on the blanks to produce the article of manufacture. The first station is located above the second station, and it is laterally offset from the second station. An inclined chute is provided between the output of the first station for allowing the precise blanks to slide by gravity to the input of the second station. Thus, the inclined chute automatically transfers the precise blanks from the first station to the second station without any manual intervention or the need of complex electromechanical transfer equipment. In a specific embodiment, the sheet material is sheet metal, and articles of manufacture are roof flashings.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes male and female shafts, each having at one end a yoke and at the other end a spline sliding portion. At least one of these shafts is wholly made of a hollow tube and its one end is worked to form an integral yoke and the other end is plastically worked with a die to form an integral spline sliding portion. A separate yoke may be welded to the hollow tube. The spline sliding portion thus formed has spline teeth of an integer number within the range of numerals obtained by multiplying the numeral indicating a larger spline diameter in mm by 0.12 to 0.25. The spline teeth has a spline tooth root angle within the range of 90 to 120 degrees enclosed between side faces of adjacent spline teeth. The propeller shaft reduces man-hour for producing it to improve the production efficiency and hence reduce its cost.

Abstract: A rivet-nut tool has a through hole defined in a collet case and a slot defined in a positioning seat, a pin extending into the through hole and the slot is able to retain the rotary mandrel and the positioning seat in a fixed position relative to the body of the rivet-nut tool, so that when a rivet nut is jammed onto the rotary mandrel, the rotary mandrel is able to disengage from the jammed rivet nut easily also convenient to change different sizes of rotary mandrel simply by using a wrench tool.

Abstract: An automatic chain lock allows successive pulls on a vehicle on a straightening apparatus without manipulation of the chain lock between actuations of the fluid cylinder. A pair of gates provides a ratchet arrangement for the chain, the lower gate holding the chain while the lower gate is moved down to pull the chain and cause the chain to ratchet through the upper gate; and, when the movement reaches its end, the upper gate secures the chain while the chain ratchets through the lower gate. The procedure is then repeated, the lower gate again moving down to make another pull on the vehicle. Each gate has a pair of flanges that pivot down, but are held against pivoting up. The two gates are arranged with respect to each other so that each will engage a link of the chain at the appropriate time in the cycle.