Abstract: An overhead electric conductor comprises a central tubular metal core, at least one layer of helically wound bare metal wires surrounding the core and, loosely housed in the bore of the core, at least one optical fibre element. The optical fibre element comprises a flexible tube of elongate transverse cross-section in which is loosely housed an optical fibre ribbon structure and which is resiliently set in such a form that it follows a path of smoothly curved undulations, the axes of curvature of which lie parallel to one another and normal to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: An electromagnetic proportioning valve is provided having two coils and an armature which can be displaced by either coil in one of two possible directions, in which case a seat valve on whose valve bodies the magnetic force generated in the armature acts, is located on each side of the armature.

Abstract: A portable low profile mechanical scale is provided having a carriage with spaced side frames each with wheel means at one end and ground support means at the other end, spacers between the side frames holding them in fixed parallel relation, removable wheeled lift means engaging the side frames adjacent the ground support means for moving the side frames, a pair of torsion bars above said side members at two different parallel levels, one adjacent each side frame and supported thereon by triangular links fixed to the torsion bars at one end and supported on the side members at the other, a weigh bed movable vertically between the side frames and pivoted to the triangular links between the torsion bar and support on the side frames, a lever on each torsion bar adjacent said wheel lift means extending transversely toward each other, one above the other, a link connecting said levers midway between the side frames and a connector on the uppermost lever for connecting to a weight indicating mechanism.

Abstract: A gear pump and motor is provided having increased life and efficiency as a result of improved wiping action of the gear teeth on the inner periphery of the pump chamber. This is accomplished by providing a non-smooth surface layer of a dissimilar metal such as a carbide on the tip ends of the teeth.

Abstract: In an overhead electric traction system a simple and inexpensive mid-point anchor comprises a mast and, mounted on the upper part of the mast, a cantilever structure comprising a pair of rigid elongate members which lie in a common plane and extended transversely with respect to and lie spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of the track, and which at their ends nearer the track are connected to the mast by a third transversely extending elongate member inclined at an acute angle to the common plane. The ends of the members remote from the track are connected to opposite ends of a rigid bar which extends lengthwise of the track, which is pivotally connected to the mast about a vertical axis and which, at each of its end portions, is connected to the mast by a flexible tie. In the event of an unbalanced load on the catenary, pivotal movement of the cantilever structure about the vertical axis is prevented by one of the flexible ties and the out of balance load is transferred to the mast as a torsional load.

Abstract: An optical fibre element suitable for loosely housing in a bore of an optical cable comprises a plastics tape having transversely spaced on and secured to one of its major surfaces two plastics insulated electric conductors extending lengthwise of the tape and a second plastics tape overlying and secured to the plastics insulated conductors to form between the pair of plastics insulated conductors an elongate compartment. Loosely housed in the elongate compartment is an optical fibre ribbon comprising a plurality of optical fibres arranged side by side and embedded in an elongate plastics body. Each conductor may be of a resilient metal and/or each plastics tape may be of a resilient plastics material and each conductor and/plastics tape may be resiliently set in such a form that the optical fibre element follows a path of smoothly curved undulations whose axes of curvature lie transverse to the longitudinal axis of the element.

Abstract: A casting head and clamp arrangement for vacuum aspiration casting of metal rods in glass tubes is provided having a casting head with a generally vertical vacuum passage, a removable fluid pressure chuck in the lower end of said vacuum passage adapted to receive and hold the end of a glass tube, said chuck including a pair of spaced annular support discs, spaced elongate members connecting said support discs, sleeve members having an internal diameter larger than a glass tube to be held fixed on each of support disc annulus and projecting beyond said discs between the elongate members, an elastomer tube fixed at its opposite ends to the sleeve members and having an internal diameter larger than the diameter of the glass tube to be held and fluid pressure means acting between said discs to cause the elastomer tube to decrease in effective internal diameter under pressure to engage and hold the glass tube ends and to release the tube ends when the fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A method is provided for piercing and enlarging metal members at high temperatures, particularly members containing slag inclusion, by the steps of urging said member, over a piercer or enlarger point by rolling whereby said point passes through and forms an axial opening in the ingot, said point being formed of an alloy comprising 0.015% to 2% carbon, about 5% to 65% cobalt, about 15% to 35% chromium and up to about 30% iron and amounts of boron, nickel, silicon molybdenum, vanadium, aluminum, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, copper and columbium for imparting the qualities generally associated therewith without detrimentally affecting the hot hardness and resistance to erosion of said alloy at said elevated temperature.

Abstract: Nickel and cobalt base alloy articles are provided coated with a composition consisting essentially of about 20-60% chromium, 6-11% aluminum, 0.01-2.0% of a reactive metal such as yttrium, lanthanum or cerium and the balance nickel.