Abstract: The invention is a method of coordinating the movement of a plurality of oppositely directed tramcars operating along a single guidelane. This includes positioning a plurality of fixed stop-boarding areas along the guidelane. By-pass lanes enabling oppositely moving tramcars to pass each other are located in association with at least some of the stop-boarding areas. A predetermined arrival time for each tramcar at each stop-boarding area is calculated such that oppositely moving pairs of tramcars approaching a common stop-boarding area will arrive at approximately the same time. A processor onboard each tramcar calculates the distance and time remaining to the next stop-boarding area. With a known time and distance remaining to the next stop-boarding area, each on-board processor adjusts the speed of the tramcar such that it arrives at approximately the predetermined arrival time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating the movement of a plurality of oppositely directed trams operating generally simultaneously along a single, dedicated lane, including a plurality of stop-boarding areas, a plurality of corresponding by-pass lanes, sensors along the lane to sense the location of the trams, a central processor to compare the location of the trams and calculate signals to pairs of oppositely moving trams such that they will adjust their speeds to arrive at a common stop-boarding area at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A modular, self supporting flight of stairs, comprising at least one pair of stringer units for supporting at least one step thread. Each stringer unit comprises a vertical side plate provided with an horizontal, upper flange and a vertical front plate defining with the side plate, a rectangular dihedron. This front plate is also provided with an horizontal, upper flange defining together with the upper flange of the side plate, a rigid, L-shaped support very stable in use for supporting one end of the thread. Each stringer unit also comprises a small, fixation plate integrally extending the side plate in the same plane as, or in a plane parallel to, the plane of the side plate. The stringer units of each pair are fixed to the corresponding units of a pair immediately superior or inferior thereto by riveting or bolting the fixation plates of one pair to the side plate of the other pair through a plurality of holes punched fixation plate and the lateral plate of the stringer units for receiving the bolts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable inductor comprising a first closed magnetic circuit, formed of an anisotropic material, through which flows an alternative magnetic field, and a second closed magnetic circuit, also formed by an anisotropic material, through which circulates an adjustable direct current magnetic field. The first and second magnetic circuits are so disposed with respect to one another as to define at least two common magnetic spaces wherein the respective alternative and direct magnetic fields are orthogonally superimposed to orient the magnetic dipoles in the common spaces according to a direction predetermined by the intensity of the direct current magnetic field of the second circuit and thus to control the permeability of the first magnetic circuit to the alternative field. Arrangements for application of the variable inductance to monophase and three-phase circuits are proposed, which inductance may then operate in self-control with or without an inverse control.

Abstract: A panel for use in a sectional door. The panel which is easy to construct and has improved insulating properties, has an elongated insulating core, a first metallic skin on one face of the core and a second metallic skin on the other face of the core. The first and second metallic skins both have crimped edges that are joined together at the sides of the panel with an insulating member interposed between them. The insulating members on the long sides of the panel may include diverging seal arms projecting outwards for providing a seal between adjacent panels. The invention is also directed toward a sectional door incorporating the panels.

Abstract: An improved brake for winches. The brake has a main brake and an emergency brake. Both brakes are solenoid operated and brake when the power is turned off or fails. Means are provided for slightly delaying the operation of the emergency brake compared to the main brake so that the braking force is applied in stages in an emergency. The brakes are mechanically linked together so that either of the main or emergency solenoids operate both brakes if one of the solenoids fails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rim for a mini-golfcourse for indoor as well as outdoor application. In order to permit indoor application with approximately the same variation of the play as a permanent outdoor course without occupying too large spaces and to permit construction of a simple but stable and strong design for indoor as well as outdoor application without showing the relatively vulnerable and weak structure of course sections of prior art, the rim according to the invention is characterized by a continuous profile element having at least two flange portions turned towards the course, between which are located partly the edge portion of at least one plate forming a play ground, and partly at least one rim element forming the side of a play ground, the edge portion of the plate forming the play ground, and the rim element forming the side of the play ground filling up the space between said flange portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prosthesis brassiere for use by a woman who has gone through a mastectomy. The brassiere, which comprises one cup provided with a conventional filler and a second cup shaped for receiving and supporting the remaining breast, is characterized in that the cup for the remaining breast is provided along its entire periphery with detachable securing means comprising, for example, a zipper or a set of snap fasteners. The securing means makes it possible to easily and completely detach and remove the cup receiving and supporting the remaining breast from its peripheral carrying strap, and to reattach it to the same, while leaving the cup with the filler in place. Thus, the user can strip or cover the remaining breast, at will.

Abstract: An apparatus for steaming food at substantially atmospheric conditions. This apparatus comprises a steam chamber means for filling the chamber with steam, which filling means comprises means for introducing water into the bottom of the steam chamber, and heating means outside the steam chamber for heating the water in the steam chamber to produce steam; means for allowing steam to escape from the chamber to maintain substantially atmospheric conditions in the chamber; a condensing chamber for the escaping steam; means in the condensing chamber for spraying water on the steam to condense it; means for draining the water and condensed steam from the condensing chamber; and means for controlling the heating means and the filling means, which control means comprises a sensor for sensing the temperature of the water and condensed steam in the condensing chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a binding material comprising a longitudinally stretched oriented thermoplastic polymer having the same cross-sectional dimensions all along the longitudinal extensions thereof wherein the stretch ratio is between 5:1 and 8:1. This binding material is useful in tying of rods, wires, plant stems, etc. and it is also useful as bag closures.

Abstract: The hydraulic motor has a shaft rotatably mounted in a housing and mounting an eccentric to which is journaled an annular ring. A plurality of radial pistons are adapted for sliding movement within spherical members having cylindrical bores for receiving the radial pistons. Each of the spherical members is adapted for oscillating movement between an annular abutment and a spring-mounted annular ring-type valve seat.The ring acts as a distributor sleeve or and as a conduit for fluid passing to and from the cylinders and a planar distributor.The hydraulic motor can be used either as a pump or a motor at low or high speeds and under high pressures and is reversible.

Abstract: A six-stroke cycle engine fires a fuel charge for a first power stroke, the exhaust gases being directed to a thermally insulated jacket surrounding the cylinder and having fins and/or baffles to recover heat from the gases and conduct the heat to the inner cylinder wall for converting injected water into steam for a second power stroke. The fins and/or baffles in the jacket also function as a muffler for the engine.

Abstract: An improved plow for use in laying drain-tile. The plow has a narrow body with an elongated upright portion and a triangular portion at the bottom, front end of the upright portion. Means on the body guide a drain-tile from an inlet high in the upright portion to an outlet at the bottom, rear of the upright portion. The plow has a plow blade detachably and adjustably fixed to the leading edge of the triangular portion. A near shoe and a plow knife may also be detachably fixed to the plow. The plow knife includes means for moving earth in a manner that it fills in the drain-tile trench. Linkage means are provided for connecting the plow to a tractor in a manner that it can be easily maneouvered. The linkage means includes an adjustable link that can change the attitude of the plow. The plow may also comprise means for laying a cover strip on top of the drain-tile as it is being laid.

Abstract: Support means for use in connecting a circular harrow to a tractor. The support means allow the harrow to pivot about two perpendicular, generally horizontal, axes thus permitting the harrow to more closely follow the contour of the ground being harrowed.

Abstract: A brake having first and second brake support means; a brake shoe mounted on each support means intermediate the ends of each support means, each support means pivotably being mounted at one end to a fixed frame, a first spring means mounted to the other end of the second support means biasing the first and second support means, and thus the brake shoes toward each other in a braking action. First actuating means are connected to the second support means and act against the first spring means to maintain the brake shoes in a non-braking position and selectively operable to release the first spring means. A third brake support means is pivoted to one of the first and second brake support means, the third brake support means being also connected to one of the brake shoes.

Abstract: A method for use in packaging compressible material in flexible-walled containers. The method comprises loading the container in a holding means having rigid means for confining the container to a desired, filled shape and then moving the holding means in sequence past work stations where the container is filled with compressible material, the material is compressed, the filled container is closed and the closed, filled container is removed from the holding means.The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to assist in the identification of a living body which comprises selecting a carrier, transcribing information as to the identity of the body on the carrier, and fixing the carrier to a hard mineralized portion of the body. The structure includes a miniaturized carrier of relatively inert material and having identifying intelligence thereon, wherein the carrier is adapted to be fixed or otherwise embedded on hard mineralized tissue of the body.