Abstract: An apparatus which provides a substantially planar display device. Such apparatus including a predetermined plurality of sets of lights. Each of such predetermined plurality of sets of lights including an even number of lights connected to one circuit to be simultaneously energized thereby. The lights in such set being disposed in a substantially symmetrical array having at least four mirror axes and an energization device connected to such predetermined plurality of such sets of lights for energizing BP predetermined plurality of such sets of lights in an apparently random manner.

Abstract: Gasket for sealing between flanges in a pressurized fluid system. A central opening is disposed within an inner periphery of the gasket, the inner periphery being curved toward the central opening. Fluid pressure on the inner periphery is reacted by hoop tension in the gasket. The outer periphery of the gasket has concave segments between fastener holes so the area of the gasket is substantially less than the area of the flanges. In this manner, the clamping pressure exerted by the flanges on the gasket is increased.

Abstract: A lock mechanism enabling locking of a bi-parting set of right hand and left hand door panels respectively suspended from a right hand and left hand door operators, to be driven by the door operators for covering and uncovering an aperture disposed within a passenger transit vehicle. Such lock mechanism disposed intermediate the door operators. The lock mechanism is capable of operating in a pushback and non pushback arrangement providing a fully-locked state, for each of the two bi-parting doors of a passenger transit vehicle. The integrated design allows the central lock mechanism to be installed and/or maintained over a doorway with only minimal adjustments needed to assure that the door lock assemblies operate in unison. As compared to separate door lock assemblies for each door panel as is typical of prior art designs, the central lock mechanism enables the door panels to be closed and locked more reliably and with better sealing against weather and noise.

Abstract: Reconstituting the profile of a pavement consists of moving three contactless distance-measuring sensors over a pavement, the sensors being equidistant and in horizontal alignment in the direction of motion. The sensors deliver signals representative of their respective heights above the pavement. Measuring the distance traveled by the sensors, and measuring twice the height measured by the middle sensor from the sum of the heights of the two end sensors. The apparatus has a horizontal beam fitted with three sensors, a device for measuring the distance traveled, and a computer, the assembly being mounted on a load-carrying chassis or vehicle.

Abstract: A connection assembly for use in either an articulated coupling arrangement and/or a slackless drawbar arrangement for connecting together adjacently disposed ends of a pair of railway vehicles in a semi-permanent manner is provided. The connection assembly comprises a spherical member and a modified male connection member wherein the male connection member includes an aperture and a portion of the inner surface of the male connection member formed by this aperture forms a part of the inner surface upon which the spherical member rotates against. The inner surface of the modified male connection member includes a portion which is engageable with a retainer member to hold the spherical member within the aperture of the male connection member.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for cutting out a row of capsules from a capsule strip and for fixing them on a transverse row of filled receptacles advancing stepwise in an installation for filling receptacles.

Abstract: An apparatus to ensure use of seat belts in motor vehicles comprises a first transmitter transmits a signal when a seat is occupied. A second transmitter transmits a signal that such seat belt is unlatched or latched. A third transmitter receives such signal and transmits a signal when such seat belt is latched but does not encircle such occupant. A fourth transmitter receives the signal indicating a seat is occupied enabling it to transmit a signal when it is activated by also receiving the signal indicating that such seat belt corresponding to an occupied seat is unlatched and the signal that such seat belt is latched but does not encircle such occupant. A disabling unit is connected to receive the signal, for preventing gear engagement when it receives the signal indicating a seat belt corresponding to an occupied seat is unlatched and latched but does not encircle such passenger.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A lightweight loading ramp deck and a method for forming such deck is provided. This loading ramp deck is capable of being used in a retractable loading ramp in the loading and unloading of intermodal cars. The loading ramp deck comprises a plurality of tubular members. Each of these tubular members comprises a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall, and longitudinal side walls. The top, bottom and side walls extend between the first and second ends. The tubular members are positioned such that the side walls are adjacently disposed with respect to each other and joined to form a loading deck which is inexpensive, lightweight, exceptionally strong and has excellent shear flow.

Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase. The hydrogen peroxide is supplied to the previously heated plastic surface. The entire sterilization procedure is performed with the hydrogen peroxide in a gaseous phase.

Abstract: A wear indicating foot for use on the bottom of a leg of a mobility assisting device having a coupler for coupling the foot to the leg. A ground engaging base opposite the leg has a bottom surface for contact with the ground. An upper surface extends laterally from the coupler opposite the bottom surface. At least one void opening on the upper surface extends into the ground engaging base in a direction towards the bottom surface. The at least one void opening has a predetermined depth so that excessive wear of the bottom surface is indicated by the bottom surface contacting the void opening.

Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. An element is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: The method and the installation of the invention enable re-entrant receptacles to be thermoformed, filled, and closed, the rim of each receptacle having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of its body. Prior to thermoforming a row of receptacles, preliminary cuts separated by attachment points are made in a transverse stripe of the strip of the thermoplastic strip that is to be used for thermoforming in a subsequent cycle, and for each receptacle that is to be thermoformed, the cuts define practically the entire final periphery of the rim of said receptacle, the attachment points being broken when the receptacles are separated in a subsequent cycle after the filled receptacles have been closed.

Abstract: A relay valve based accelerated brake pipe application and release system having an electronic control module. A source of fluid pressure is connected to a valve device for receiving and transmitting fluid pressure signals. The valve device is connected to an exhaust to atmosphere. An accelerator volume has a fluid connection to the valve device for storing a predetermined volume of fluid. A brake pipe transducer is electronically connected to the control module and has a fluid connection to the valve device for transmitting a first pressure signal to the control module. A cut-out solenoid valve is electronically connected to the control module and includes a fluid connection to the brake pipe transducer for receiving at least one of a cut-in and a cut-out signal. An emergency solenoid valve is electronically connected to the control module and has a fluid connection to the cut-out solenoid valve for receiving an emergency signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an externally mounted assembly for supporting a rotatable shaft member driven by an electric motor. The externally mounted assembly comprises an annularly projected bearing support member disposed on a substantially vertical plane and a bearing member mounted on the bearing support member. Such bearing member is connectable with the rotatable shaft member for supporting such rotatable shaft member thereby reducing extraneous vertical and horizontal movement of such rotatable shaft member while permitting such rotatable shaft member to rotate freely.

Abstract: A training apparatus designed to improve the physical readiness level of the low back and pelvic girdle of an individual includes a frame, a seat, a pivot mechanism mounted on the frame and providing a pivot point, an exercise arm rotatable about the pivot point, and a resistance assembly rotatable about the pivot point. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the exercise arm and the resistance assembly such that they rotate as a single unit about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism. The angle between the exercise arm and the resistance assembly is selectable. The resistance assembly includes at least a first resistance lever arm and, preferably, a second resistance lever arm. The first resistance lever arm includes a counterweight. The second resistance lever arm has a weight attachment mechanism for attaching a stress weight thereto, and the second resistance lever arm is angularly offset from the first resistance lever arm by an angle about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating gases cooled by an aftercooler that receives hot gases from a compressor. The method includes the steps of directing at least a portion of said hot gases to means for bypassing the aftercooler, and using the bypass means to direct hot gases to a location that receives cooled gases from the aftercooler. The hot gases are used at the location to heat the cooled gases when ambient temperature is at or below freezing, and are used downstream from the aftercooler when moisture freezes in the aftercooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a light sensitive surface (e.g., a printed circuit board) to light. An optical processor subsystem, which includes a reflector and an integrator-collimator assembly, processes light from a light source to produce a uniform and collimated light beam having a mean angle of incidence relative to the light sensitive surface of less than or equal to 2° and having illumination uniformity that departs by less than ±10% from a mean value. An optical light shaper subsystem transforms the uniform and collimated light beam into a uniform and collimated light strip. A displacement mechanism provides relative movement between the light strip and the light sensitive surface. A speed matching mechanism matches the speed of relative displacement to the brightness of the light strip and to the sensitivity of the light sensitive surface. The light source remains stationary in one construction and moves relative to the light sensitive panel in another construction.

Abstract: A brake disc wear indicator comprising a brake disc rotor having two opposed braking surfaces for engaging opposed brake friction pads, and at least one hole provided in the rotor at a location behind a braking surface and at a predetermined depth and distance from the braking surface such that the hole is originally invisible by the presence of brake rotor material but becomes visible when brake rotor material is worn away to the extent that the hole becomes exposed and visible.

Abstract: A system for controlling a rotatable device, the system comprising a controller and a rotary device, which has a stator and rotor, wherein the controller is connected to the rotary device to control rotation of the rotary device, and wherein the controller is adapted to periodically energizes at least one energizing coil of the device to create a magnetic field of a polarity which induces the rotor to rotate in a single direction and wherein the controller is switched off so as to de-energize the energizing coil when other forces, being forces other than those resulting from the energized energizing coil, produce a resultant force which induces rotation of the rotor in the single direction.