Abstract: The effectiveness of an evaporative cooler is increased in a construction having a housing (10) provided with an air entrance (18) and an air exit (20) together with a substantially closed air flow path (32) extending between the entrance (18) and the exit (20). A body (34) of evaporative cooling media is within the housing (10) and extends across the air path (32). The body has an upper end (39) and upstream and downstream sides (46), (38). A water distribution plate (54) is located above the body (34) and has an elongated edge (60) which contacts the body (34) along the entire length of the edge (60) at a location at or closely adjacent the upstream side (46). A spring (78) biases the edge (60) against the body (34) and a water distribution header (64) overlies the water distribution plate (54) and directs water onto the plate (54) as a plurality of merging streams.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: This invention discloses a thermal envelope including a pouch (12) and a flap that closes the pouch and thermal capacitance material (18) that lines the pouch, wherein the thermal capacitance material (18) has an initial temperature in a temperature range of −5 degrees C. to 20 degrees C., characterized by the thermal capacitance material having a thermal that maintains a temperature of the medical sample placed in the pouch (12) within the temperature range during a period of time not more than 7 hours from the time the medical sample was placed in the pouch. A method for sending a medical sample from a sampling site to a laboratory is also disclosed.

Abstract: For minimizing declination of the operational efficiency, hydrogen gas generated in an absorption type refrigerator is eliminated by reduction without exhausting to the outside. The hydrogen gas H2 remains close to the level surface 93 of a refrigerant in a condenser 9 is transferred together with a refrigerant vapor via an extraction pipe 92 to a condenser tank 91. The condenser tank 91 is equipped with a heated metal oxide which is allowed to come into direct contact with the hydrogen gas for carrying out its reduction. Accordingly, the hydrogen gas is eliminated and a trace of water is generated. The water is then returned back via the extraction pipe 92 to the condenser 9. As a result, the elimination of the hydrogen gas is successfully carried out while the water generated stays in the system, whereby the content of water in the refrigerant can be maintained to a desired level.

Abstract: Refrigerant vapor generated in a high temperature regenerator is condensed in a condenser, and the refrigerant vapor is changed to refrigerant liquid. Then it is conducted to a first evaporator. The refrigerant vapor evaporated in the first evaporator is absorbed in a solution in a first absorber. The refrigerant liquid conducted from the condenser without vaporizing in the first evaporator is introduced to a second evaporator, and it evaporates in the second evaporator. The refrigerant vapor in the second evaporator is absorbed in the solution in a second absorber. The first and the second evaporator and the first and the second absorber are made of a unitary chamber. The first evaporator is juxtaposed to the second absorber with a heat transfer member. The concentration of the refrigerant in the second evaporator is controlled by a refrigerant liquid controller that controls a flow rate of the refrigerant liquid flowing from the first evaporator at the predetermined value.

Abstract: A gas driven oscillator (10) comprising an engine (11) having a cylinder (12) and a pair of expansion chambers (13, 14) on either side of a floating piston (15) adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder (12). The piston (15) is mounted on a piston rod (16) extending through the cylinder (12) and into a compressor (17). Compressed air is delivered from a tank (20) to the engine (11) via a pair of valves (22, 23) mounted on an adjustment screw and slidably disposed on the piston rod (16). The spacing between the valves (22, 23) can be adjusted in order to vary the amplitude of the piston (15) within the cylinder (12). The piston rod (16) includes spaced slots (24, 25) which alternate align with passages inside the respective valves (22, 23) to deliver a pulse of compressed air to the respective chambers (13, 14) of the cylinder (12). Mercury is added to or discharged from a tank (42) which is rigidly secured to piston rod (16) to vary the inertia of the oscillator (10).

Abstract: Impure oxygen containing 70 to 98% oxygen and less than 2% argon is supplied to a synthesis-gas production unit (3a) which supplies hydrogen to an ammonia-production unit (7a). The same air-separation device (1a) can supply the nitrogen (9) to the ammonia-production unit and impure oxygen (2a) to the synthesis-gas production unit.

Abstract: A fastening closure arrangement is provided for securing loose ends of the elements forming a tattoo-like fashion accessory formed of plastic monofilament line. The accessory article is formed in an artistic pattern of interconnected loops, with a closed loop at one end and two or more ends of the monofilament line at the other end. The ends of the monofilament lines are brought together in side-by-side relation and a locking collar is applied over the loose ends. End extremities of the monofilament elements, projecting beyond the collar, are fused and pressed, preferably with heat, to form a flange, which secures the collar against removal. To particular advantage, a pair of monofilament ends are arranged in straddling relation to a closed loop at the opposite end of the fashion accessory article such that, when the locking collar is applied and secured, the accessory article is secured in a closed ring, suitable for an armband, wristband, necklace or the like.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine for producing knitted fabrics with combed-in fibers, comprising a needle cylinder, at least one carding device with a comb-in wheel and an extraction device for waste fibers, which produces knitted facbrics of a high quality and requires as little maintenance as possible. The extraction device has at least one extraction nozzle for generating a directional extraction flow.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a rotary roll provided with a peripheral clothing; a plurality of flat bars having a clothing cooperating with the roll clothing; and a sensor supported adjacent the flat bars and facing the flat bar clothing for determining a distance between said sensor and said flat bar clothing.

Abstract: A warp knitting machine has across its working breadth in its working area a plurality of knitting tools and an adjacent fabric pull-off arrangement. A pair of gripping breadth holders between the working area and the fabric pull-off are located at both edges of a fabric path. Each of the gripping breadth holders have at least one driven wheel with a plurality of circumferential needles. The wheel is driven through a drive axis that is substantially parallel to the working breadth of the machine. The wheel is mounted to rotate about a wheel axis that is inclined at an inclination angle to the drive axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapidly switching selector feet (52) between activate and deactivate selection positions by friction coupling them to vibratory piezoelectric motors (58) and a fast selector (50) for a knitting machine comprising selector feet friction coupled to piezoelectric motors.

Abstract: A washing basket doubling as a spin-drier is disposed rotatably in a water-tub. A motor drives the basket, which generates centrifugal force. The centrifugal force cause cleansing water to run through the fibers of clothes in the basket, thereby cleansing the clothes. A control device cause variation of the spinning of the basket so that the centrifugal force working on the clothes is varied, which cleanses the clothes more effectively. The clothes in the basket receive only water-moving-force, and they can be cleansed without being damage or entangled.

Abstract: A method for cleaning or sterilizing objects in a liquid fluid cleaning system comprising a high-pressure storing/working vessel, a cleaning chamber, and a low-pressure supply vessel, the method comprising the steps of loading the cleaning chamber with objects to be cleaned or sterilized; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the low-pressure supply vessel by means of pressure difference; supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning chamber from the high-pressure storing/working vessel; cleaning the objects in the cleaning chamber with the cleaning fluid; transferring cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber to the high-pressure storing/working vessel; and unloading the cleaned objects from the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: In a lock for sliding door, window or like closure the slider has on its face adjacent the outside wall of the casing a member projecting a predetermined distance which projects through the slot in the locked position of the slider and abuts against the edge surface of the outside wall defining the longitudinal end of the slot. A return spring between the slider and the casing spring-loads the slider towards the outside wall of the casing but allows movement of the slider in the direction perpendicular to the outside wall over a distance at least equal to the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A lock with a latch bolt (41) has a translating part (65), which can be moved by a hub which can be turned by a button and/or key operation so that it controls an additional extension of the latch bolt (41) into a locking position and blocks the latch bolt in this locking position.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a door, in particular a motor vehicle door, has an electric lock and a door handle, with the transmission of query information to a portable electronic authorization ID means being initiatable via a control unit provided for the door when the door handle is operated out of the resting position in opposite directions, with the authorization ID means causing the transmission of identification information on receipt of the query information, and with the control unit comparing the identification information received with predetermined authorized identification information and, if it agrees with some of the predefined identification information, the locking of the door or its unlocking with the release of the catch is executed or canceled by controlling the electric lock.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing a hollow profile with flange. To produce a hollow profile with flange in a simple way and to the requirements of the process, on which profile great enlargements and/or dimensional changes in cross section have to be performed with respect to an initial form to achieve the desired final form, it is proposed first of all to roll-form an initial hollow profile with flange from a sheet bar, which flange is formed by ends of the sheet bar lying parallel against each other, the initial hollow profile having a smaller cross-sectional area and a longer flange than the final form of the hollow profile. After that, the initial hollow profile is shaped into the final form of the hollow profile by exerting a fluidic internal high pressure.

Abstract: A bending block for a four-high rolling stand comprising working rolls (11a, 11b) and back-up rolls (12a, 12b) associated with respective chocks (14a, 14b; 15a, 15b), the stand also comprising a stationary housing (16) associated with means (17) for the crossing of the rolls, the working rolls (11a, 11b) being able to be translated axially. The crossing means (17) cooperating with the outer lateral faces of the chocks (14a, 14b) at least of the working rolls (11a, 11b) by means of intermediate plates to distribute the thrust.

Abstract: Methods for making an aluminum drive shaft for automobiles or trucks or other drive shaft applications from aluminum alloy tube and methods for making drive shafts. The method includes (a) providing an 6000 series type alloy hollow elongate tube; and (b) reducing the diameter of at least one portion of the hollow elongate tube to form a reduced diameter section and transition section between the reduced diameter section and the tube; the transition section having at least three subsections: i. a first subsection having a first slope; ii. a second subsection having a second slope; and iii. a third subsection located between the first and second subsections having a third slope which is less than the first and second slopes, the third section forming a circumferential step to stiffen the transition section. The drive shafts can also be made of metals other than aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A multi-sensor alignment testing device for aligning or testing a sensor in a paper processing apparatus. The device comprises a housing, a power supply section, and a signal selector section connected to the housing. The signal selector section is connectable to a power supply section and the sensor. The indicator section is connected to the signal selector section and the sensor.

Abstract: Measured values obtained from a running test of an object to be tested and a module on a test bench such as a flat belt type chassis dynamo, and computation based upon numerical models of components other than the object to be tested and the module, are related to each other so as to reproduce a condition near to an actual running condition, for the object to be tested and the module so as to precisely analyze how the object to be tested and the module affects upon the motion of the overall vehicle during actual running of the vehicle. Thus it is possible to evaluate dynamic characteristics of respective vehicle components and a module which relate to the maneuvering performance of the vehicle, on a test bench in a condition in which a load variation and an alignment variation are taken into consideration.

Abstract: A porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid)-based humidity sensing element is disclosed which provides improved range of humidity measurement and response time with little or no hysteresis. It includes: (a) a non-conductive substrate which has a pair of electrodes formed thereon; (b) a porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film formed on said electrodes. The porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film is formed by first forming a non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film on the electrodes, then subjecting the non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film to a heat treatment at temperatures between about 170° C. and 240° C. such that a porous structure is formed in said poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film.

Abstract: A sensor such as for sensing dissolved oxygen in plural cells spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance includes projection sections provided at intervals spaced according to the predetermined distance on an edge section of a plate shape base body. At least an active electrode and a counter-electrode are at predetermined positions on each projection section, and lead-out terminals are provided at predetermined positions on the substrate facing the substrate portion where the projection sections are formed. The substrate has wiring electrically connecting both the active electrodes and the counter-electrode to the lead-out terminals. This arrangement greatly reduces measurement labor and variance in measurement data results. In addition, it increases the number of objects that can be measured during a measurement operation.

Abstract: A vibration pickup has a pressure sleeve which is directly or indirectly mountable on a component causing vibration, a seismic mass, a sensor element arranged under the seismic mass and held with an axial pretensioning radially outwardly on the pressure sleeve and is electrically contactable, the seismic mass in non-mounted condition abutting only partially against an arrangement with the sensor element while in predetermined ring-shaped regions a distance is available to the arrangement with the sensor element, and after mounting with covering of the distance a substantially plane abutment of the seismic mass against the arrangement with the sensor element with an axial pretensioning is produced.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A portable digital ultrasonic monitoring system and method for use by an operator in detecting the ultrasonic waves and temperature variations produced by sources such as leaks in pipes, arcing, electrical corona and machinery defects is provided. The digital ultrasonic monitoring system includes a microprocessor based system in a hand held elongate housing that digitally analyzes and stores information received from its sensors. The digital ultrasonic monitoring system provides a referenced decibel output reading of the signal strength of the received ultrasonic signals. In addition, a heterodyned type audio signal that is related to the sensed ultrasonic signals is provided to the operator through a pair of headphones. The portable device has user input keys that allow the operator to select from a variety of different operating modes. A display displays a variety of different readings depending upon the operating mode of the device.

Abstract: A technique of determining the properties of a liquid. One or more resonators are exposed to air or another reference fluid of known properties. Oscillator circuits drive the resonators at at least two different frequencies. Frequency counters measure the fluid-operating frequencies of the resonators while they are in contact with the reference fluid. The resonators are then immersed in liquid as the oscillator circuits drive the resonators. The liquid-operating frequencies are measured by the frequency counters while the resonators are in contact with the liquid. A computer compares the fluid-operating frequencies and the liquid-operating frequencies to obtain difference frequencies that are independent functions of the liquid's properties. A computer determines the liquid properties from the difference frequencies.

Abstract: An indentation measurement apparatus is retrofittable onto any of a variety of load-applying frames and includes a mount for mounting an indenter of any geometry (for example blunt or sharp). The arrangement is very stiff and mechanical values including Young's modulus, strain hardening exponent, yield strength, and hardness can be obtained from a single load/unload versus displacement test. A wide variety of materials can be tested using the apparatus. An optical probe can measure displacement of the indenter head relative to a sample. A new method of calculating strain hardening directly from load/displacement measurement is presented as is a new method of calculating strain hardening exponent.

Abstract: A hardness tester having a frame and a rotatable turret movably supported on the frame is provided. A plurality of load cells are fixedly mountable on the turret, and a plurality of indenters are fixedly attachable to the load cells, respectively. A user interface selectively provides signals to a motor to move the turret into contact with a test specimen via one of the indenters to thereby apply a load on the test specimen. The indenters are fixed with respect to the turret and do not move in relation to the turret when the turret is brought down to bear on the test specimen. The load cells measure the load applied to the test specimen. A closed loop control system receives load measurement signals from the load cells and controls movement of the turret, preventing the motor from applying load in excess of a predetermined selectable load amount input by a user via the user interface. The invention preferably includes a plurality of indenter adapters, each attached to respective undersides of the load cells.

Abstract: A chassis dynamometer includes a frame, a roll set for engaging the wheels of a motor vehicle and an eddy current brake/inertia simulating unit with a ferrous metal rotor wheel rotatably mounted on the frame and a plurality of stationary field coils. The rotor wheel is in the form of an open ended drum and has a rotational mass which is equal to the trim inertia of the dynamometer, i.e., the base or minimum inertia that the dynamometer is designed to simulate less the roll set inertia. The rotor wheel inertia is preferably within the range of a 70 to 90% of the base or minimum inertia of the dynamometer. A force transducer and a speed encoder provided a measure of the force applied to the roll by the wheel and the speed of the roll, respectively. A controller, in response to the roll speed and force applied to the roll controls the current to the field coils in accordance with a selected simulated inertia and road load for the vehicle.

Abstract: Shale reactivity is evaluated by testing a preserved test plug of shale sample in a triaxial test machine, the test plug being prepared by collecting a downhole shale sample and keeping it all times immersed in a preserving mineral oil so as to avoid dehydration, then applying radial and axial pressure on the test plug surrounded by mineral oil up to equilibration to overburden pressure, the test fluid being then contacted with the sample and the interaction of fluid and sample being evaluated by axial and radial deformations as measured by a triaxial detector apparatus sensitive to vertical and radial strains occurring across the shale sample, while the shale sample is subjected to any of a set of different conditions including a temperature or thermal potential, a hydraulic potential and/or a chemical potential. Only one fluid is tested on each sample.

Abstract: To identify the need for replacement of stranded synthetic fiber ropes, preferably ropes of aramide fiber, a torsionally neutral rope construction of load-bearing fiber strands is obtained by having at least two layers of strands laid together in opposite directions so that the torsional forces in the layers of strands compensate each other. If the layers of the strands become weakened by unequal amounts due to wear or external influences, when the rope is under load and running operationally it begins to twist about its longitudinal axis. The twisting of the rope can be made visible by a colored mark or strip extending along the length of the rope to indicate twisting of the rope thereby providing visual identification of the need for replacement of the rope.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing is provided with outside protecting louvers and central cylindrical aspirated flow paths. First, the surrounding louvers are circular and slope downward at their cylindrical inner and outer edges so as to deflect radiation outwardly of the shield and permit cooling by ambient wind. Second, these surrounding louvers along the upper surface are each provided with vertical convection flow apertures to permit natural convection currents. Third, the housing and the louvers are given a small spatial separation to prevent heat conduction. Fourth, a motor driven fan is placed at the top of the central cylindrical flow path. Air is drawn from the bottom of the housing at a screen-guarded circular opening. Air then passes around an aerodynamically shaped radiation baffle into the sensor chamber of the shield. Fifth, air drawn between the walls of the protecting housing is drawn along at least two flow paths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the contents of a gas bottle, in particular a liquid gas bottle, comprising the following steps: First of all, the gas bottle is excited by applying a signal to a loudspeaker mounted on said gas bottle. The signal from a microphone mounted on the gas bottle is compared in phase with the signal used for excitation, with the frequency of the signal applied to said loudspeaker being altered continuously, until a resonant frequency is established. This resonant frequency is converted into a filling level of the gas bottle according to a previously determined relationship between the resonant frequency and the filling level. Furthermore, an apparatus is disclosed with which the above-mentioned method may be put into practice.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure process seal is used with a process instrument having a control housing assembly with a 50 ohm control connection, and an elongate probe including a sensing element extending into a high temperature, high pressure process vessel. The probe has a process connection having a 50 ohm impedance. The seal operatively connects the probe to the control housing assembly. The seal includes an elongate cylindrical hollow seal adaptor receivable in an opening of the process vessel. An elongate shaft is coaxial with and extends through the adaptor and is adapted to connect the control connection to the process connection. A hard seal material between a select portion of the shaft and the adaptor is bonded to the shaft and the adaptor. Radial spacing between the shaft and the adaptor is greater at the select portion to provide a 50 ohm feed-through from the control connection to the process connection.

Abstract: Determination of the quantity of consumable product present in a reservoir, for example the quantity of ink present in the reservoir of an inkjet printing device. According to the invention, the movable reservoir can be engaged in the dielectric space of a capacitor consisting of two plates, a signal generator applies a signal to the capacitor and the reservoir is moved, a comparator changes state when a threshold is reached and the distance travelled by the reservoir makes it possible to determine the quantity of product situated therein.

Abstract: A high strength, high frequency acceleration transducer is used for measuring the acceleration of an impacted machine or structure. The acceleration transducer includes a diaphragm, the diaphragm including one or more strain gages for producing an output signal indicative of the transducer flexure. The diaphragm is securely clamped or held over part of its surface, and is free to deflect over other parts, for example, the remainder of its surface—the diaphragm can be clamped or held along its circumference with its middle free to flex, or alternatively the diaphragm can be clamped or held along its center with the outside portion of the diaphragm free to flex. The diaphragm preferably includes one or more holes positioned relative to the strain gages to concentrate the strains locally within the diaphragm towards the strain gages.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor for a retractor for a vehicle safety restraint has a sensor mass in the form of an upturned hollow cup, formed in a single piece by injection molding or die casting, resting on an upstanding post. It may be of metal or high-density plastic material. Preferably a profiled pad is fixed or mounded on the underside of the lever or on the upper surface of the cup. In this way the arrangement causes the lever to lift through substantially the same angle whichever the direction of acceleration activating the sensor. This sensor is an improvement over known sensors because it is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, easier to calibrate relatively accurately, and does not exhibit right/left dependency.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing the design of a product or component by subjecting the product or component to multiple stimuli, such as temperature, vibration, pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, humidity, mechanical cycling, and mechanical loading, is described. Also described is a method for determining design maturity, technological limits, technological design maturity, predicted technological design maturity, and system target limits of products, components, and systems, respectively.

Abstract: A system which rapidly determines the elastic stiffness constants of materials in plate shape as well as characterize material flaws that are affecting these constants. Rapid (below a minute) nondestructive evaluation system allow for the determination of material stiffness constants, low noise data acquisition algorithm for measuring spectral data. A real time method of displaying leaky Lamb wave spectral data.

Abstract: A semiconductor post-polishing processing apparatus and method employing a non-optical wafer sensor for detecting the presence of a semiconductor wafer within the processing stations. The apparatus comprising a wet processing station, a wafer transport track, and the non-optical sensor. Preferably, the non-optical wafer sensor is a transducer, and most preferably, a piezo element, which emits and detects sound waves. The sound waves are reflected back to the emitter signaling the presence of a semiconductor wafer. The signal is sent to a receiver linked to a processor which is adapted to move a wafer holder situated at the end of the transport track to receive a wafer in the next available empty slot of the holder. The non-optical wafer sensor is impervious to slurry and CMP residue, film build-up, bubbles, wafer color/hue variations, and other wet environment problems.

Abstract: A miniature, multi-channel, electronically scanned pressure measuring device uses electrostatically bonded silicon dies in a multi-element array. These dies are bonded at specific sites on a glass, pre-patterned substrate. Thermal data is multiplexed and recorded on each individual pressure measuring diaphragm. The device functions in a cryogenic environment without the need of heaters to keep the sensor at constant temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two dimensional stress relaxation testing device in which a plus shaped sample is stretched in mutually perpendicular directions simultaneously to monitor the stress and also the relaxation process of any sheet material in both axes. In view of this advantage, the present device provides the closest approximation to the in situ failure of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized and high-sensitivity three-axis sensor capable of three-dimensionally detecting a physical quantity using a single sensor unit. The three-axis sensor comprises an operating member; a supporting base having a hollow and disposed around the operating member located at the center of the hollow; and a flexible plate having a piece of piezoelectric material in contact with at least one pair of electrodes and extending across the hollow at an end of the supporting base, the operating member being suspended at the center of the hollow by the flexible plate; wherein the flexible plate is deformed in response to the behavior of the operating member corresponding to a physical quantity applied from the outside, and the piece of piezoelectric material generates a charge corresponding to the deformation of the flexible plate thereby three-dimensionally detecting the magnitude and the direction of the physical quantity.

Abstract: A load cell combines the outputs of a plurality of strain gauges to measure components of an applied load. Combination of strain gauge outputs allows measurement of any of six load components without requiring complex machining or mechanical linkages to isolate load components. An example six axis load cell produces six independent analog outputs which can be combined to determine any one of the six general load components.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the cable sealing force for a vehicle door cinching assembly exceeds a maximum limit. The method includes the steps of: determining a maximum cinching time corresponding to a predetermined maximum tolerable sealing force for cinching a vehicle door type from a partially-latched position to a fully-latched position; determining the time necessary to cinch the particular vehicle door from a partially-latched position to a fully-latched position; comparing the determined time with the maximum cinching time that corresponds to the predetermined maximum force; and generating an output indicating if the determined time exceeds the maximum cinching time.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for fixing a carriage at a specific position automatically is provided. This locking mechanism includes a fixing device and a transmitting device. The fixing device is used for securing the carriage at the specific position, and the transmitting device is used for driving the carriage to be secured to the fixing device in a first instance and detaching the carriage from the fixing device in a second instance.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle upon turning of a vehicle steering wheel comprises a housing (14) having a chamber (38), a rack (16) movable in opposite directions in the chamber to effect turning of the steerable wheels in opposite directions, a pinion (18) meshed with the rack, and a yoke (20) partially disposed in the housing and supporting the rack for sliding movement relative to the yoke. The yoke (20) comprises a molded plastic body having a recess (130) and a plate spring (150) located in the recess. The plate spring (150) has a surface (154) engaging the rack (16) and biasing the rack into engagement with the pinion (18). The plate spring (150) supports the rack (16) for sliding movement relative to the plate spring.

Abstract: A drive gear engages a driven gear with non-intersecting axes of rotation making an angle of approximately 90° with respect to one another. A shaft has a first portion with a predetermined diameter, and a second portion has an enveloped worm gear with at least one roll-formed helical tooth formed thereon with an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the first portion of the shaft. The extra envelopment achieves an overall smaller package size for competitive advantage. When the shaft is rolled, the outside teeth exceed the shaft diameter by a predetermined amount allowing more teeth to be in contact with the driven gear. An outer bearing can be placed at the end of the shaft to allow the teeth to be of a larger diameter than the shaft. The pitch of the teeth can vary. Preferably, the bearing groove is roll formed simultaneously with the teeth of the worm gear since the centroid of the enveloped teeth must be located with the gear center line.