Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring elongated parts, such as spark plug insulator bodies, travelling in a single row, end to end, on a first conveyor to a receptacle travelling on a second conveyor, the parts being placed each in a part-holding cavity in an insert in the receptacle, the part-holding cavity being disposed in consecutive rows. A part pick-up member picks up parts one at a time at the end of the first conveyor and transfers each part to the receptacle in which the part is placed substantially vertically with its end in a part-holding cavity in the insert. Sensors distinguish between good and defective parts at the location where the parts are picked up at the end of the first conveyor such that defective parts are rejected and the part pick-up member picks up only non-defective parts. Sensors detect fallen-over parts in the receptacle and stop loading in the event that parts are not properly placed in the holding cavities in the receptacle insert.

Abstract: A drive transmission structure for a tractor comprising a belt drive system for transmitting power from an engine output shaft to a transmission having a brake mechanism. The belt drive system includes a belt type stepless change speed mechanism having a split pulley assembly and a swing device for swinging the split pulley assembly toward the engine output shaft and the transmission, a first belt for transmitting the power from the engine output shaft to the split pulley assembly, and a second belt for transmitting the power from the split pulley assembly to the transmission. The pulley assembly defines two split pulley sections for engaging the first and second belts, respectively. A control device is provided to change power transmission ratios by actuating the swing device. Further, a tension pulley type clutch mechanism is provided to act on the first belt or the second belt. The brake mechanism and the tension pulley type clutch mechanism are controlled by the clutch and brake control mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device employs a removably insertable filter element which must be positioned within the device in order to avoid an indicator signal thereby alerting the user to inadvertant use of the filtering device without the filter element. The device generally includes a filter housing and rotatably securable filter head having inlet, outlet and bypass fluid passageways. The filtering structure includes a tubular filter element attached to a concave plate having the seal secured to the outer rim thereof. The concave plate includes a central opening which allows fluid communication between one fluid passageway and the inner chamber of the filter element and a plurality of peripherally disposed openings which permit fluid communication between the other fluid passageway and the outer housing chamber.

Abstract: A control system for at least one fuel injector in an electronic fuel injection system for a heat engine in which the injector has a linear operating time range defined by a minimum opening time (MIT) and a minimum rest time (MIOT). The system includes a first processor for determining a theoretical injector opening time (TJ), and a second processor directing asynchronous opening of the injector with respect to the phase of the engine, subject to the criteria that the minimum opening and rest times are maintained, while the same linear proportion between the opening and closing time of the injector is also maintained, to ensure that the operating time does not exceed this linear range.

Abstract: A method and a device for testing the tightness of an engine of the kind having at least one cylinder (1), a piston (2) movable therein and a crankcase (3) with crank means (4, 5), which are drivable by the piston, is based on measuring of the leakage of gases passing the piston into the crankcase by connection of a measuring apparatus (8) so that it communicates with the interior of the crank case. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A process for making a known 6-methyl, 19-nor-pregna-4, 6-diene, 3.20-dione which begins with formylating a 3-alcoxy, 19-nor-pregna-3,5,17(20)-triene at the 6 position. The 6-formylated derivative is reduced to yield a 6-hydroxy methylated derivative, which is in turn dehydrated to a 3-keto, 6-methylenic derivative. The 3-keto derivative is then isomerized to a 3-keto, 4,6,17-pregnatriene. This latter triene is then coverted to the known product by reaction with a bis-hydroxylating agent and a catalyst based on osmium tetroxide. Optionally, the product can be acylated at the 17-alpha position. The process reduces the cost of producing the known product by allowing it to be manufactured from starting materials less costly than those previously required.

Abstract: A compound bearing consisting of an outer and an inner member movable relative to each other and between which are disposed load carrying annular members. The load carrying annular members comprise a pair of deformable plastic rings held between the outer and inner members under compression, and a metallic ring insert disposed between and separating the two deformable rings. The outer member is formed of two cup-shaped tubular members press-fitted over the metallic ring insert.

Abstract: A variable geometry device is provided for synchronous control of flow of fluid at the compressor inlet and outlet of a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a support housing, a compressor contained within the support housing, a set of variable inlet guide vanes and a compressed air outlet in which a pair of spaced walls define an annular and radially extending diffuser passageway. The inner end of the diffuser passageway is open to the compressor outlet while the outer end of the diffuser passageway is open to the combustion chamber for the turbine engine. A plurality of circumferentially spaced diffuser vanes are mounted to one of the diffuser walls and protrude across the diffuser passageway. An annular recessed channel is formed around the opposite diffuser wall and an annular ring with a hollow cavity is mounted within the channel.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for automatically removing fruit from its growth source comprising a harvesting hand mounted at a distal end of an articulated arm assembly, a video camera for picking up a fruit image, and a control unit for guiding the harvesting hand to the fruit in response to information provided by the video camera. The harvesting hand includes a vacuum pad for drawing and catching the fruit, and a calyx cutting device. The vacuum pad and cutting device are movable relative to each other between a first position in which the vacuum pad is disposed forwardly of the cutting device for approaching and drawing the fruit and a second position in which the cutting device is disposed forwardly of the vacuum pad for removing the fruit from its tree.

Abstract: A device for half-opening the door of a box containing safety equipment such as oxygen masks, said device enabling said door to be held in a partially open position for inspection purposes without releasing the safety equipment, said device being constituted by a half-opening member hinged to said door about a transverse axis, said half-opening member having an operating portion on one side of said axis and a latching portion on the other side of said axis, said operating portion, when in a normal position, closing an associated opening through said door, and said latching portion, when in an inspection position, co-operating with a latching member fixed inside said box.

Abstract: A fuel filler member for vehicles is disposed between and fluidly connects a fuel filler inlet on the vehicle with the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel member includes a first corrugated filler pipe placing the inlet and tank in fluid communication, and a second corrugated breather pipe contained within the first pipe, for conveying air present in the tank towards the fuel filler inlet. The first and second pipes are made of nylon, while the sleeves and/or members connecting the pipes to the filler inlet and tank are made of an acetal resin.

Abstract: A compound bearing having a shell defining a cylindrical bore in which is installed the bearing inner member, a bearing ring of ultra high molecular weight polymer being disposed within the shell cylindrical bore between the bore surface and the peripheral surface of the inner member. The polymer bearing ring is extruded in strips cut to length and wrapped around the inner member with abutting ends prior to inserting the ring within the shell bore. In structures wherein the inner member is a spherical member or ball, the strip is extruded with a cylindrical groove on at least one surface such as to form a concave spherical surface when wrapped around the spherical peripheral surface of the inner member.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an exhaust stack having a housing defining an interior chamber and an inlet and an outlet which are connected in series with the exhaust stack. A mounting frame is secured diagonally within the interior of the housing so that the mounting frame is interposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing. A plurality of filter elements are detachably secured to the mounting frame so that influent into the housing inlet passes through the filter elements prior to exhaust out through the housing outlet and to the atmosphere. The filter assembly is easily retrofitted to existing systems by severing and removing a portion of the stack and installing the filter assembly in its place.

Abstract: A collapsible conveyor comprises a frame supporting a plurality of rollers and a support structure comprising a pair of legs pivotally secured to the frame. The conveyor also includes braces which extend between the frame and the legs and maintain stability of the legs in their extended position. Each leg comprises a first member slidably receiving a second member therein. The second member includes an inclined surface which tapers towards an opposite surface downwardly towards the lower portion of the inserted leg member. A locking plate is pivotally secured to the first leg member adjacent the inclined surface, and is abutted against the upper leg member by a bolt threadably engaged within a mounting plate secured to the hollow leg member.

Abstract: A clip is provided for use in conjunction with an eaves trough adapter of the type having a roof flange which flatly abuts against and protrudes outwardly from the upper surface of the roof and a drip flange which extends from the outer edge of the roof flange and towards the building eave. Such eaves trough adapters are typically secured to the building in an end to end alignment with each other. The clip includes a first flat portion which flatly abuts against and overlies the intersection of two adjacent roof flanges. A second clip portion overlies and flatly abuts against the intersection of the drip flange to both strengthen the eave trough adapters as well as provide an even roof line at their intersection.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit construction for a power shift transmission having logical operation valves mounted on a pressure oil supply passage connecting a hydraulic clutch to a pressure oil source, the logical operation valves being operable to engage and disengage the hydraulic clutch by opening and closing the pressure oil supply passage in response to a switching operation of a change speed device connected upstream of and in series to the hydraulic clutch. The pressure oil supply passage has mounted thereon a pressure control device including a first valve mechanism, a second valve mechanism and an orifice parallel-connected to the pressure oil supply passage, and an accumulator is mounted between the pressure control device and the hydraulic clutch to assure a speedy and smooth operation of the hydraulic clutch.