Abstract: A device for expediently and efficiently adjoining overlapping segments of reinforcement bar with substantially accurate and precise measures of overlap is disclosed. The device comprises a first coupling element for coupling to a first reinforcement bar and a second coupling element for coupling to a second reinforcement bar. The device is structured and configured to gauge the amount of overlap between the first and second reinforcement bars upon coupling the first and second coupling elements to their respective reinforcement bars. A guide element may be provided to guide the second reinforcement bar into contact with the second coupling element to aid in coupling the second reinforcement bar to the second coupling element over a substantial distance. A coupling device according tot he invention may comprise two coupling components each having a first opening at a first end and a second second opening at a second end.

Abstract: In order to protect a pole from low-speed impacts, an inner shell of impact-absorbing material is wrapped about the pole and an outer shell of a tough material is wrapped about the inner shell for protecting the inner shell from damage while intactly resisting the low-speed impacts.

Abstract: A panel lifter has a base, a mast extending upward from the base and including at least one lower section fixed in the base and at least one movable section telescoping with the lower section and having a laterally directed section face, a panel-support rack mounted at an upper end of the mast, and a crank mechanism on the base and a cable connected between the mechanism and the mast for vertically extending the mast by raising the movable mast section upward relative to the base. A brake jaw at an upper end of the lower section has a jaw face and is pivotal about a horizontal axis below the jaw face between a braking position with the jaw face bearing laterally on the section face and a freeing position with the jaw face pivoted back out of contact with the section face. An actuating handle projecting generally radially of the axis from the jaw is provided so that the jaw can be moved between its positions via the handle. A biasing system urges the jaw into the braking position.

Abstract: A device for forming flashing, and a method for forming the same for adaptation to freeze boards. The present invention is a device for forming flashing comprising a plate with at least one groove cut through the plate. The groove in the plate has at least one angle changing the groove from a first direction to a second direction on the plate. The grooves may be organized in V-shape or Z-shape arrangements. Flashing is inserted into the groove, bending the sheet metal to take on the form of a similar shape to the groove. The flashing is then pulled through the device, creating a uniform bend along the length.

Abstract: A stacked structure especially useful for storing water in the underground is formed of a plurality of skeleton members. Each skeleton member includes a plurality of skeleton parts extending in one direction and situated side by side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the one direction. Each skeleton part has one top portion, and two bottom portions extending from the top portion, wherein one bottom portion in one skeleton part is connected to one bottom portion in the adjacent skeleton part. Also, each skeleton part includes top recesses formed at the top portion to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and bottom recesses formed at the bottom portions to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The skeleton members form upper and lower skeleton members to be vertically stacked together. The skeleton parts of the upper and lower skeleton members extend perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: An antistatic strapping apparatus for binding and securing a plurality of semiconductor device carrier trays, the apparatus including a strap member having opposed ends and a side defined as a top side spaced from a side defined as a bottom side and a major surface defined by the opposed ends and top and bottom sides. A loop portion of a hook and loop fastening combination constitutes the major surface area on the top side of the strap member. A piece of hook portion having the same width as the strap member of the hook and loop fastening combination secured to the top side at a first end of the strap member, the hook portion extending the length of said strap member by at least about 80 mm. A conductive thread is sewn in a multiplicity of lengthwise tracks on said second side of said major surface to prevent build-up of static electricity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method (400) for packaging sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The method includes a step of providing a porous polymeric member (401), which has an outer surface and may also include inner surfaces. The member is substantially free from impurities (e.g., ions, particles) that may be distributed on the surface and through the member. Preferably, the method treats the devices using a preservative to prevent bacteria growth during storage or shipping of the devices. The brushes are removed from the wash treatment and placed within containment packages.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.

Abstract: A container having a casing made from composite carton and constituting a container body, which is covered on its inside by a barrier layer and a plastic layer deposited thereon, is produced in such a fashion that the casing is rolled over in an outward direction at one end to form a curled edge and, subsequently, a membrane is sealed onto the upper crown of the curled edge. A bottom is attached to the opposite end after the container is filled. In order to guarantee a sealed closure, the casing is tapered inwardly in a conical manner at its one end along a length which is larger than the circumference of the curled edge in such a manner that the outer diameter in the vicinity of the tapered end is smaller by approximately twice the diameter of the curled edge than the outer diameter of the casing. The end is then rolled over in an outer direction to form a curled edge and is then sealed by the membrane.

Abstract: A can is closed with a membrane by heat-sealing, using a packaging apparatus with an inner, heat-sealing die and an outer sealing ring displaceably located around the heat-sealing die, wherein an outer surface of the heat-sealing die and an inner surface of the sealing ring are beveled slightly, preferably by approximately two degrees, in mating fashion.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly is provided for a primary drive employed in supplying rotary power from a vehicle to at least one sheave associated with a blade on a mower deck which, upon being driven, creates a tight side and a backside in a belt on opposite sides of a sheave. A bracket is pivotably supported on the mower deck and carries rotatably thereon first and second idler pulleys on respective first and second portions of the bracket. The first pulley engages the tight side of the belt, and the second pulley engages the backside of the belt. A resilient member is operatively coupled to the bracket for biasing the first and second pulleys mounted thereon toward a tensioning position wherein each of the first and second pulleys effectively lengthen a path of the belt, thereby tensioning the belt.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a chain link of plastic, which is made in one piece from two opposite, spaced-apart chain side plates (1, 2) and a plate (3). The plate (3) comprises at least one profiled groove (8) extending substantially parallel to a chain link (1, 2). The profiled groove (8) is adapted for receiving a partition (6), which has in its one end section an engaging member (9) that is shaped to correspond with profiled groove (8).

Abstract: A coupling link (1) comprises a unitary body having a first main limb (2), a second main limb (3), and a third limb (4) which forms an open loop (6), one end of which extends between the first and second main limbs. Loading of ropes, slings or protection onto the coupling limnk (1) is simply a matter of temporarily deforming the rope or device and looping it over the third limb (4). The required unloading action is too complex for it to happen accidently. The three dimensional topology of the coupling link (1) eliminates the requirement for a spring biased gate and is therefore inherently safer than a conventional karabiner. In a preferred example, the first and second main limbs are joined to form a closed loop (5).

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a control logic for determining the occurrence of shaft decoupling in a gas turbine engine. The control logic in the preferred embodiment receives inputs for shaft rotational speed and/or compressor pressure and uses these parameters for making a determination of shaft decoupling in fractions of a second, before serious damage to the gas turbine engine can occur. The control logic also utilizes multiple interval sampling, and sampling over multiple channels to verify any determination of shaft decoupling. Once a shaft decouple has been verified, fuel flow to the engine is cut off, thus shutting down the engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly including improved means for cooling the combustor to preclude thermal failure of the combustor and to preclude NOx formation. The system includes a liquid pump driven by the turbine shaft and supplying a cooling fluid to an annular chamber defined around the central combustion chamber of the combustor. The cooling fluid is thereby placed in heat exchange relation to the combustor to absorb heat from the combustion products within the combustion chamber and convert the fluid to a relatively higher energy condition, whereafter the fluid in its high energy condition is injected into the combustion chamber for mixture with the combustion products and delivery with the combustion products to the turbine inlet.

Abstract: A fuel metering system having a fuel pump operable to supply fuel at high pressure to a metering valve from which metered fuel is fed, in use, via a pressure raising valve to a gas turbine engine, a spill valve connected between the high pressure (HP) supply upstream of the metering valve and low pressure (LPp), and a restrictor device connected between the spill valve and low pressure (LPp), the pressure (LPf) arising at or upstream of the restrictor device, which varies according to spill flow through the device from the spill valve, being applied to the pressure raising valve, such that the pressure required to open the pressure raising valve varies in response to the amount of fuel spilled by the spill valve.

Abstract: A rocket engine system comprising a single nozzle having a curved profile in axial section. In order to enable a control of the flow separation occurring within the nozzle outlet, the outlet portion in transverse section has a radius, the length of which varies such that the transverse section transitions smoothly from a circular nozzle throat to a polygonal outlet section.

Abstract: A highly reactive reducing gas mixture is produced from vehicle fuel and introduced into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated at lean burn conditions and passed over a reducing catalyst to convert NOX emissions to benign emissions. Preferably, fuel with oxygen present in a carrier gas is metered into a plasma reactor having a bed of dielectric particles which prevent formation of coke as the fuel is reacted. The plasma induces a number of simultaneous reactions with the fuel to produce a substantial amount of oxygenated and non-oxygenated, unbranched organic molecules at relatively low temperatures that are highly reactive and ideally suited for use as a reducing agent in an SCR catalyst.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an exhaust gas from a combustion system that is operated alternately in lean and rich conditions includes intermediately storing nitrogen oxides during lean operation; releasing the stored nitrogen oxides, thereby producing ammonia and storing the ammonia during rich operation; releasing the ammonia, thereby reducing nitrogen oxides in a subsequent lean condition.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration sensor abnormality-detecting system is provided for an internal combustion engine having first and second oxygen concentration sensors arranged in the exhaust system upstream and downstream of a catalytic converter therein. An ECU determines that the first oxygen concentration sensor is functioning abnormally if an output from the first oxygen concentration sensor does not change when an output from the second oxygen concentration sensor changes.

Abstract: In a heating device for an exhaust gas purification catalytic converter, an insulating coating or an insulating material is provided between a tubular electrode receiving member of a power relay means and an electrode received in this electrode receiving member.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold cooling assembly for an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger, an exhaust a manifold, heat exchanger, and an outer shell. Exhaust gas from the engine passes through the exhaust manifold, the turbocharger, and the heat exchanger. The cooled exhaust gases pass through a cooling passageway disposed about, generally surrounding and spaced from the exhaust manifold. Heat is further absorbed by the cooling exhaust gasses.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for controlling the displacement of a steering pump for a work vehicle, the pressure loss can be decreased and the discharge of the steering pump can effectively be utilized even in a simultaneous operation with a work machine. The apparatus includes a steering gear preference flow-dividing valve (20) for supplying an oil quantity from the discharge of the steering pump (2) to a steering operation valve, so that the differential pressure between the input pressure and output pressure of the meter-in opening of the steering operation valve (10) is kept constant. The residual oil quantity is supplied to a work-machine operation valve (17, 18).

Abstract: A hydraulic system for propelling a vehicle, and with the system arranged with a pump and vehicle drive motors and valves and pilot lines. The operator can select an all-wheel drive or a lesser number of wheel drives. Also, there is a system automatic response to certain conditions of vehicle drive, whereupon the system activates to alter the drive to the various vehicle wheels, including changing from a four-wheel drive mode to a two-wheel drive mode. Further, the operator can override the system's own activation and thereby establish the two-wheel drive mode desired.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system includes a variable displacement pump unit having a rotor rotatably supported within a housing on a main rotor axis, and an input shaft coupled to the rotor by mating bevel reduction gears. A main pump includes a plurality of main hydraulic cylinders fixedly supported relative to the housing; a ring member supported by a journal at variable eccentricity; a plurality of pistons sealingly slidable in corresponding ones of the cylinders that are coupled by respective followers to the shaft input by the ring member for reciprocating movement; and inlet and exhaust one-way check valves fluid coupled to each of the cylinders. A hydraulic actuator of the pump unit moves the journal in response to fluid pressure.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a hollow one-piece cast housing having an internal compartment and an outer shell with opposite sides and opposite ends; a central wall in the housing dividing the compartment into separate sub-compartments and being integrally cast with the housing; first and second hydrostatic power units mounted one each in the sub-compartments on opposite sides of the central wall; and high pressure fluid conduits extending through the central wall and hydraulically connecting the hydrostatic power units. The hydrostatic power units can include a pump and a motor, each having respective rotating groups which are easily insertable into the respective sub-compartments through access openings in the housing. Although the main shafts of the pump and motor are capable of rotating in different directions from each other and at different speeds, the shafts have axes of rotation which are coincidental to each other.

Abstract: A tangential entry premixing fuel injector (10) for a gas turbine engine combustor includes a pair of offset scrolls (18) whose ends define a pair of entry slots (36) for admitting primary combustion air tangentially into a mixing chamber (28) bounded by the scrolls (18) and by longitudinally spaced endplates (14, 16). An array of fuel injection passages (42) extends along the length of the slots. The passage array is configured to inject a primary fuel nonuniformly along the length of the air entry slots and to control the fuel penetration depth d in proportion to slot height H. The injector also includes a flame disgorging centerbody (48) having a bluff tip (54) longitudinally aligned with the injector's discharge plane (22) and a secondary fuel conduit (80) extending through the centerbody for discharging a secondary combustible fluid, preferably gaseous fuel, through a series of fuel discharge openings (84) in the tip (54).

Abstract: A porous material inserted into a fluid-containing vessel reduces turbulence, heat transfer, and mass transfer in the fluid. The material may be used in a cryostat to reduce turbulence in a boiling cryogenic fluid. The cryostat may be used in an energy dispersive x-ray analysis unit to cool an x-ray detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for cryopreservation of cells or tissues encapsulated in a bioartificial organs, wherein the integrity and the viability of the encased cells are maintained, along with the integrity of the artificial capsule used to encase the cells. The method provides novel conditions for cryopreserving a bioartificial organ in a freezing container using a minimum volume of added cryopreservative solution necessary to maintain both the structural integrity of the jacket encasing the bioartificial organ, and the viability of the cells encased therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming a frozen confection having a coarse texture into a confection having a smooth texture and lighter appearance. The apparatus is comprised of a maceration assembly used in conduction with a frozen confection machine. The apparatus includes a motor, an electrical connection between the motor and a power supply and a mounting bracket for mounting the motor to the confection machine. Extending from the motor is at least one rotatable motor shaft. The shaft extends through a mount having an integral mount cylinder with a seal seat. A sealing device such as an o-ring, is positioned within the seal seat. A whipping device is attached to the rotatable shaft which extends into a maceration chamber. The maceration chamber has an inlet for receiving frozen confection and an outlet for discharging a semi-frozen confection slurry and is hollow and open at one end, the open end sliding over the whipping device and mount, while forming a seal with the sealing device.

Abstract: A method for preventing snow from melting and for packing a snow cover in an artificial ski facility, by injecting dry air or low-temperature air to permeate through a snow cover of an artificial ski facility. The entirety of the snow cover can be effectively cooled to reliably prevent snow from melting and to pack the snow cover as well. If high-temperature air is injected before the injection of the low-temperature air, the low-temperature air is permeated effectively and formation of frozen snow is prevented by the high-temperature air injected thereafter. In these methods, snow can be prevented from melting and the packing of the snow cover can be achieved more effectively, if the dry air, the low-temperature air, and the high-temperature air are injected from the bottom of the snow cover, through a header having a plurality of air injecting outlets. The header is preferably constructed in a tortuous or snake-shape or in a lattice, on a platform of the ski facility.

Abstract: A refrigeration chiller employs a centrifugal compressor the impellers of which are mounted on a shaft which is itself mounted for rotation using rolling element bearings lubricated only by the refrigerant which constitutes the working fluid of the chiller system. Apparatus is taught for providing liquid refrigerant to (1.) the bearings immediately upon chiller start-up, during chiller operation and during a coastdown period subsequent to shutdown of the chiller and (2.) the drive motor of the chiller's compressor for motor cooling purposes. By use of a variable speed-driven motor to drive the compressor, optimized part load chiller performance is achieved in a chiller which does not require or employ an oil-based lubrication system.

Abstract: A method of preventing debris entrained in the refrigerant of an automotive air conditioning system from circulating through the compressor of the system is provided. The method comprises the steps of removing the compressor manifold from the compressor, pressing a mesh screen filter into at least one of the ports of the manifold with a manual press, and reinstalling the manifold on the compressor. The mesh screen filter traps debris entrained within the refrigerant and prevents the debris from entering the compressor. The invention also comprises a filter and press assembly for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerating machine oil composition, which is composed of a base oil as a main component containing a single component of a compound or a mixture of compounds selected from the group consisting of cyclic carbonates and aliphatic carbonate derivatives. For example, the refrigerating machine oil composition is characterized by that the single component of a compound or the mixture of compounds selected from the group consisting of cyclic carbonates and aliphatic carbonate derivatives are expressed by the following general chemical formulas for cyclic carbonates (1) and aliphatic carbonate derivatives (2): (R1, R2 in the formula (1) respectively and independently express a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom or an alkyl having a carbon number of 1 to 4, or a perfluoroalkyl having a carbon number of 1 to 3. Therein, R1 and R2 may be the same or different from each other.

Abstract: A refrigeration/heating system for cooling or heating an area includes a condenser for removing heat from the system to an external environment, an evaporator for receiving heat from the area to be cooled or delivering heat to the area to be heated, and a compressor for raising the pressure and the temperature of a refrigerant. The compressor has at least one cylinder bank and an unloader connected to the cylinder bank for loading and unloading the cylinder bank. Pressure transducers measure the suction and discharge pressures of the compressor when the state of a cylinder bank is changed from a loaded to an unloaded state. A processor uses the suction and discharge pressures in the various states to determine the operational condition of either unloader. By varying the loading and unloading of a pair of cylinder banks, the processor can also use various suction and discharge pressures to determine if a problem exists within either cylinder bank or unloader.

Abstract: The purity of a refrigerant liquid can be maintained to an appropriate level without being varied corresponding to a change in the atmospheric condition and the loading state. A portion of the refrigerant liquid in an evaporator is conveyed from the evaporator to the upper end of a rectifier where it is used as a vapor/liquid contact fluid. A temperature sensor T6 is provided at the upper end of the rectifier for detecting the temperature at the top of the rectifier or the temperature of the refrigerant vapor. The temperature and the purity of the refrigerant vapor are closely related to each other. The higher the temperature, the lower the purity is deteriorated. When the temperature T detected by the temperature sensor T6 is higher than a reference temperature level Tref, a flow control valve V5 is actuated to increase the flow of the refrigerant liquid to the rectifier. This recovers the purity of the refrigerant vapor, thus preventing declination of the purity of the refrigerant vapor in the evaporator.

Abstract: Side by side type refrigerator and method for controlling a temperature in a vegetable box therein, the method including the steps of (1) sensing the temperature in the vegetable box in a lower portion of a refrigerating chamber, and comparing the temperature in the vegetable box to a preset temperature of the vegetable box, under a state operation of the refrigerator is stopped, and (2) opening a damper in an upper portion of the refrigerating chamber when the temperature in the vegetable box is higher than the preset temperature in the vegetable box as a result of the comparison, and closing the damper when the temperature in the vegetable box is lower than the preset temperature in the vegetable box as the result of the comparison, thereby supplying the cold air in the freezing chamber to the vegetable box in the refrigerating chamber by means of natural circulation when the damper is opened, whereby supplying appropriate cold air to the vegetable box without separate cold air duct.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a water vaporization type cooling apparatus for a small-capacity heating element which permit cooling the heating element to below the outer peripheral temperature and is suitable for environmental protection.

Abstract: An ice making assembly for use in a refrigerator has an ice forming chamber positioned in the freezer. The chamber has a water reservoir for receiving water, at least one air inlet passage and an outlet opening for permitting cool air flow to pass through the ice forming chamber and over the water reservoir to chill the water into ice pieces. The chamber has an ice displacing device for displacing the ice pieces from the water reservoir and moving the ice pieces out of the ice forming chamber through the outlet opening into an ice storage bin. The bin has a discharge opening for discharging ice pieces from the ice making assembly. The ice making assembly has a downwardly extending baffle positioned across outlet opening of the ice forming chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated container for cooling hot beverages to an acceptable temperature and then maintaining the beverage temperature in an acceptable temperature range for consumption. This invention has an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir surrounding a beverage chamber, the upper and lower reservoirs communicating with one another through at least one passageway having a two-way valve. A liquid located in the lower reservoir is permitted to flow into the upper reservoir through the valve. The thermal liquid removes some of the heat from the hot beverage. After the hot beverage reaches a satisfactory drinking temperature, the liquid is then allowed to flow back through the valve into the lower reservoir. The air in the upper reservoir maintains the beverage at a proper temperature. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: An absorber and evaporator combination for use with an absorption heat pump (including chillers and air conditioners) as well as with other apparatus in which a vapor is absorbed by a liquid absorbent or a liquid or gas is cooled by evaporative cooling is disclosed. The absorber and evaporator are designed as vertical plates that can receive films of either absorbent (on the absorber) or refrigerant (on the evaporator) flowing down them. A liquid refrigerant is distributed across the top edge of each vertical surface of the evaporator. Likewise, for the absorber, a liquid absorbent is distributed across the top edge of each vertical surface. The distributors for the refrigerant and the absorbent are constructed and arranged so that they distribute their respective liquids without creating droplets. In one embodiment, two vertical evaporator surfaces and two vertical absorber surfaces are assembled into one absorber/evaporator panel.

Abstract: A method for providing refrigeration such as to an insulated enclosure wherein a defined multicomponent refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase change coupled with Joule-Thomson expansion to generate refrigeration over a wide temperature range which may comprise from ambient to low temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cased glass stream having an inner core glass surrounded by an outer casing glass that includes a spout for delivering core glass from a first source through a first orifice. A second orifice is vertically spaced beneath and aligned with the first orifice, and is surrounded by an annular chamber that communicates with the second orifice through a gap between the first and second orifices. A tube delivers casing glass from the outlet opening of a casing glass spout to the annular chamber in such a way that glass flows by gravity through the orifices from the first and second sources to form the cased glass stream. A hollow tube within the casing glass spout is positioned with respect to the spout outlet opening for metering flow of casing glass through the outlet opening and delivery tube to the annular chamber surrounding the orifices.

Abstract: In a crochet machine for warp knitting, the longitudinal movement of the carrier slide bars is controlled by a plurality of brushless motors each of which incorporates into its structure, a transducer of the angular position of the output shaft and a converter for managing operation of the motor itself based on instructions received from a programmable electronic control unit supervising operation of the whole knitting machine.

Abstract: For preventing holes from occurrence at an internally widened area of a rib knitted fabric, at the area, two needles, one on the front needle bed, the other on the back needle bed, are made empty. Then, a stitch held by an adjacent needle to one of the two empty needles is transferred to the other of the two empty needles so that two continuous needles on one needle bed are made empty and that the former empty needle on the other needle bed is provided with the transferred stitch. A yarn feeder is made to move over the area while feeding yarn till one needle before the two empty needles, then back above the area while feeding the two empty needles and an intermediate opposing bed needle, and move over the area while feeding yarn from the subsequent needles after the two former empty needles.

Abstract: A dial or half-dial for single-cylinder circular hosiery knitting machines, particularly for producing tubular items closed at one longitudinal end, which comprises a dial or half-dial body which is substantially shaped like a disk or half-disk and is provided, on at least one of its two faces, with a plurality of radial slots, each of which slideably accommodates at least one hook. The hooks have a longitudinal slit which is open in the direction of the axis of the dial or half-dial body. The slit gives a portion of the body of the hooks a bifurcated shape which engages the two opposite faces of the dial or half-dial body.

Abstract: A readily replaceable restricting member is within an annular receiving channel that is defined by a cylindrical portion of a circular knitting machine, and the restricting member is operative to restrict at least upward or downward movement of the sinkers of the circular knitting machine. The sinkers are operative for reciprocating radially relative to the cylindrical portion and the restricting member such that sliding contact is defined between the sinkers and the biased restricting member. In accordance with several of the embodiments of the present invention, each of the sinkers comprises an upper nib and a lower nib, a radially extending slot is defined between the upper nib and the lower nib, and the slot is open at the leading edge of the sinker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor-clutch assembly of a direct engagement type washing machine. The assembly comprises a section for transmitting a driving force of a motor to a pulsator, a section for transmitting the driving force to a dehydrating tub, and a clutch section for transmitting or cutting off the driving force by using a cam. The clutch section comprises a lower clutch fixed on a driving shaft of the motor, an upper clutch fixed on the driving shaft and engaged with the dehydrating tub driving force transmission section so as to be engaged with or separated from the lower clutch, a clutch guide for supporting the upper clutch, a cam member for guiding the clutch guide up and down, a cam gear for moving the clutch guide along the cam member, and a lever gear for rotating the cam gear. The clutch guide is moved up and down by the rotation of the cam gear. Then, the upper clutch is moved up and down so as to be engaged with or separated from the lower clutch.

Abstract: A combination lock (100) comprising a body (10) formed with a plurality of parallel slots (20) and a bore (30) intersecting with the slots (20) to form co-axial apertures (32) through the parts of the body (10) immediately above and below each of the slots (20), each said aperture (32) above a respective slot (20) being formed with an unlocking groove (34). A plurality of dials (40) are received in the slots (20) respectively, each of which is formed around its inner side with a ring of equi-angular recesses (42). An inverted J-shaped shackle (60) having a longer limb (62) extends into the bore (30) and passes through the dials (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for locking steering wheels is provided which comprises a body member, an entrapping member and a locking system. The body member has a recess therein which is configured to receive therein a portion of the steering wheel. The entrapping member is movably supported on the body member, and is moveable between a locked position in which the entrapping member retains the portion of the steering wheel in the recess, and a release position in which the steering wheel can be withdrawn from the recess. The locking system is operatively associated with the entrapping member, and selectively secures the entrapping member in the locked position so that the locking apparatus cannot be removed from the steering wheel or releases the entrapping member to move to the release position, so the locking device can be removed from the steering wheel.