Abstract: Detector of the filament type for determining a static or dynamic charactstic of an ambient medium, constituted by a resistive component intended to be heated by the Joule effect in the medium, and an interface region suitable for reacting with the medium by a physico-chemical process with an effect, depending on the characteristic to be determined, on the electrical characteristic of the interface region, in which there is a supporting member through which there is at least one aperture and at least one filament including the resistive component, composed of one or more thin films and a central portion located in the aperture and end portions via which the central portion is connected to the supporting member.

Abstract: A quick coupling for attaching and detaching an implement, such as a bucket, pick or compactor, to the end of a boom or dipperstick of an excavator, backhoe, or other earth moving machine. The quick coupling is compatible with industry standard type hook-ups used on a bucket. The quick coupling is primarily a hook member, for receiving a front pivot pin on the top of the bucket or other implement, and a pivot pin assembly having axially movable end portions which move between a first position in which the end portions are contained within the main body of the coupling and the implement is detached, and a second position in which the end portions project from the main body and engage respective holes located on the implement and adapted to receive the pivot pin end portions thereby coupling the bucket or other implement to the end of the boom.

Abstract: A magnetic card includes a magnetic layer, a bar code, a protection layer, and a pseudo bar code. The magnetic layer is formed on a substrate, records magnetic information, and reflects light. The bar code is formed on a predetermined area of the magnetic layer by a light absorption material and detected by a lack of reflected light from the magnetic layer. The protection layer is formed on the predetermined area of the magnetic layer and protects the bar code. The pseudo bar code is formed on the magnetic layer and intermingled with the bar code. An address information code is provided on the card for determining the bar code form the pseudo bar code. A card reader apparatus using this magnetic card is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a tilting jack of which the axis on which it is articulated to the tilting structure is in front of the axis on which it is articulated on the frame and in which the tilting structure and the frame are so adapted that the effect of actuating the tilting jack is to cause a lifting hook to tilt about a first transverse tilting axis between a position for starting or finishing tilting and a position for changing the axis, and about a second transverse tilting axis between the position for changing the axis and a position for picking up a load from, or setting down on, the ground.

Abstract: A mechanical loading device capable of generating a substantially rectilinear output motion for the purpose of transporting workpieces between work stations. The mechanical loading device is capable of producing the rectilinear output motion such that a workpiece is lifted, transferred horizontally, and then lowered into position with a significant degree of precision. The rectilinear output motion is generated primarily by a carrier on which a yoke is supported with an eccentric shaft extending from a driven member mounted to the carrier. The eccentric relationship between the driven member and the yoke, in conjunction with the controlled rotation of the carrier, generates the rectilinear output motion at an output member supported by the yoke. The mechanical loading device is structurally strong and compact, is constructed so as to be readily maintainable, and enables the efficient conversion of a rotational input motion to the desired rectilinear output motion.

Abstract: To manufacture a reflector formed by a reflective metallic layer on a metallic matrix composite support, a metallic layer having a reflective surface whose shape is at least approximately identical to the required geometrical shape is disposed on a mold surface having a geometrical shape complementary to the required geometrical shape of the reflector. Fibers to constitute the composite support are draped on the metallic layer. They are metallized by the metallic or intermetallic material to form the metallic matrix. This layer and the metallized fibers are subjected to temperature and pressure conditions adapted to press the reflective surface strongly against the mold surface and to cause diffusion welding of the layer with the metallized fibers and of the metallized fibers with themselves so as to integrate the layer to the composite support during consolidation of the latter.

Abstract: An electronic device offering protection against connection of a direct current power supply unit with reverse polarity includes a branch disposed between two potential lines and including a reverse biased diode and a first component sensitive to a flow of current. A first switch is disposed on the downstream side of this branch, on one of the potential lines. A control circuit has two terminals receiving a control signal and, connected in series between those terminals, a second switch and a second component sensitive to a flow of current. The first switch, normally open, is closed by the second sensitive element if the latter detects a flow of current. The second switch, normally closed, is opened by the first sensitive component if the latter detects a flow of current.

Abstract: A device for lifting, steerably moving and putting down a load includes a removable dolly which cooperates with an anchor plate fixed to the load. The removable dolly includes a chassis provided at its front part with a lifting and abutment system which cooperates with a complementary system on the anchor plate, the chassis being lockable to this plate. A steering system embodies two wheels mounted individually on the chassis and a set of links which hold the wheels parallel at all times. An orientable maneuvering bar is pivoted to the chassis and to the set of links. A locking arrangement is provided for selectively locking the maneuvering bar relative to the chassis. A device of this kind can be used to move and to position equipment to be slung underneath an aircraft.

Abstract: Motor vehicle of the type currently called "off-road" vehicle capable of receiving a cameraman, a shooting device support and a shooting device, and providing for the support of a movable assembly constituted by the cameraman, shooting device support, and shooting device independently of the inclination of its chassis. The movable assembly is also designed to allow for camera-lift and pivoting movements controlled by the cameraman.

Abstract: Earth acquisition from the Sun pointing attitude starts with angular displacement of the satellite so that, in the field of view of a Sun sensing system, the direction of the Sun is brought into an orientation S' such that subsequent rotation of the satellite about the orientation S' brings the Pole Star into the field of view of a star sensing system whose optical axis is substantially parallel to the pitch axis. During this rotation the stars sensed are compared with those in a catalog containing, in addition to the Pole Star, stars likely to be encountered upon such movement. At least two of these stars are identified and then the Pole Star is captured. The satellite is then rotated in pitch until the Earth is sensed and captured.

Abstract: A data write apparatus includes a card conveyor path, a recording head, a sensor circuit, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a drive circuit, and an enable section. A magnetic card is conveyed in the card conveyor path. The recording head is arranged on the card conveyor path and performs a recording operation on the magnetic card by energizing a winding coil. The sensor circuit is arranged on the card conveyor path near the recording head and detects the magnetic card conveyed in the card convey or path to output a detection signal. The CPU outputs write data to be written on the magnetic card in response to the detection signal from the sensor circuit. The drive circuit energizes the winding coil of the recording head on the basis of the write data from the CPU to perform the recording operation.

Abstract: In the event of failure of a processor module (PMI) which is part of a data processing system the processor module (III.1) is turned off and then on; preferably, complete reconfiguration (III.2) of the module is commanded only if at least one other fault, the number of which can be chosen at will, is detected in a given time (T.sub.max) from the first fault replacing it with another available cold redundant processor module.

Abstract: A door lock bracket for serving as a striker which secures an automobile door closed in conjunction with a door latching assembly. The door lock bracket is formed from a one-piece stamping which includes a flange portion for mounting the door lock bracket to the door post of the automobile, an apertured portion for receiving the door's latching mechanism, and a base portion interconnecting the flange and apertured portions. The door lock bracket is structurally uncomplicated, so as to facilitate the manufacture of the door lock bracket using a relatively simple multiple-step bending operation. As a result, the door lock bracket is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, yet can be formed to be strong and structurally rigid for extended and repeated use throughout the life of the automobile.

Abstract: An automobile grille which is selectively chromium plated so as to promote the flexural properties of the grille. By optimizing the flexural properties of the grille, the grille is more readily capable of withstanding a frontal impact without sustaining permanent damage. Preferably, the chromium plating is selectively deposited on exposed surfaces of the grille so as to minimize the detrimental effect which a hard and brittle chromium plating has on the flexural modulus of the grille. As a result, the grille is more readily able to flex under the load of an impact directed into the grille from the front of the automobile. In addition, chromium plating is deposited on surfaces of the grille which predominantly see compressive loading, so as to reduce the likelihood that the chromium plating will crack in tension. The grille is particularly suitable for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, such that the grille is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper.

Abstract: A weld force limiting apparatus for use in bench and press type welding units which is capable of advancing a first electrode into contact with production pieces to be welded together. The weld force limiter has a high pressure air source connected thereto for supplying high pressure air to the circuit. When an initiation switch is depressed to begin the welding sequence, provided all conditions are met, the high pressure air is ported through a regulator to regulate the pressure of the air to a very low pressure such that the first electrode advances toward the production pieces under very low pressure, in particular, at a pressure which is non-injurious to the human body.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for the manufacture of product subassemblies by computer programmed robots is an end effector fixture assembly, or geometry station wherein at least two individual elements of the particular subassembly are dimensionally positioned relative to one another between a lower base fixture and an upper fixture of the end effector fixture assembly to establish a net location therebetween. The robot manipulates the end effector fixture assembly and transports the two individual elements located therein to a work performing station located within a defined region of the robot to perform work on the subassembly.

Abstract: A flexible automobile grille, particularly suited for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper. The grille is provided with a dual support arrangement by which an upper edge of the grille is resiliently attached directly to the automobile engine hood, while the lower edge is resiliently supported by support members which interconnect the grille's lower edge to the engine hood. The dual support approach of this invention serves to enable greater stroking of the grille during impact, yet contributes additional rigidity to make the grille relatively unsusceptible to road and aerodynamically induced vibrations, and amenable to physical handling during opening and closing of the engine hood.

Abstract: A current modulation device embodying a fixed stator which has at least one annular signal track with an axis and whose potential varies circumferentially on a periodic basis as well as a plurality of collector tracks which are connected to a respective output terminal; and a rotor adapted to be coupled to a rotary driving body rotating about the axis which has output brushes of equal number as the collector tracks and each adapted to sweep one respective collector track, as well as input brushes of equal number as the output brushes, each input brush being electrically connected to a respective output brush and being adapted to sweep the annular signal track, the input brushes being so arranged as to take, during the rotation of the rotor with respect to the stator, potentials presenting a given electric phase-shift.

Abstract: A combination tool is disclosed for drilling a hole in a workpiece on the inward feed of the tool and for threading the hole during retraction of the tool. The tool comprises a straight body with a drill point at the forward end, a shank at the rearward end and a threadform mill between the drill point and the shank.