Abstract: A bicycle multiple chainwheel is provided which is mounted on a pedal crank for transmitting a rider's pedalling force to a rear gear through a chain. The chainwheel has the following configuration to prevent a chain from being locked to a diametrically larger sprocket or from prematurely disengaging from the larger sprocket before completely shifting to a diametrically smaller sprocket.The larger sprocket has circumferentially asymmetric teeth located in at least one of diametrically opposite angular regions which contain a diametrical line of the larger sprocket extending along crank arms of the pedal crank, each of the asymmetric teeth being offset relative to a corresponding pitch center in the forward rotational direction of the chainwheel in comparison with the other normal teeth of the larger sprocket.

Abstract: By means of a potentiometer an analog voltage Ua is applied to an A/D converter. A reference voltage Uref is also applied to the A/D converter and the same produces a digital output information corresponding to the ratio between the analog voltage and the reference voltage. This digital output information of the A/D converter is periodically counted by a preselection counter and this counter delivers an output pulse whenever it has counted the value stored in the A/D converter. The potentiometer, A/D converter and counter form a time base of which the time unit depends on the position of the potentiometer only and not on fluctuations of the operating voltage. Due to the continuous periodic sampling and storing of the digital output information of the A/D converter, high accuracy of the time basis is obtained since a statistic mean value of the digital value is repeatedly counted.

Abstract: An actuator which includes a memory metal element, a substantially constant force counteracting spring, and an actuated element. The memory metal transforms from a martensite structure to an austenite structure at a known temperature. The martensite structure is more easily deformed than the austenite structure. The force applied by the counteracting spring is sufficient to deform the martensite structure throughout the transformation temperature range but insufficient to deform the austenite structure such that at least a portion of the memory metal element undergoes a predetermined stroke in response to the transformation of the memory metal element between the martensite and austenite states. The actuated element is connected to the memory metal element to move therewith.

Abstract: A source for generating microwaves using sequential switching of cascaded TEM transmission lines of arbitrary lengths charged to arbitrary voltages where the delay between any two switches is equal to or greater than the temporal length of the transmission line separating them, the first switch activated being the one closest to the load. The source uses an optimized transmission line and switch geometry which yields the highest possible power flow. Various folded configurations of the source which provides added compactness and simplified energizing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing and a shaft bearing combination for replacing conventional rolling element bearing, washer and lock ring assemblies. The bearing is constructed to the shaft in the housing. Additionally, the bearing provides both radial and thrust support so that the need for separate bearings is eliminated. The assembly is ideally suited for use in small high speed low load cooling fans used in computers, peripherals and other office equipment.The shaft includes a radially outward extending runner, preferably conically tapered. The bearing includes a base member, which can include a beam mounted radial bearing, and a number of longitudinal beams extending axially away from the base member. Each of the longitudinal beams supports a bearing pad in a cantilever fashion. The bearing pads can include a groove having a shape which is complementary to the shape of the runner, such that the runner can be supported on the groove faces.

Abstract: In a method for connecting at least two rods, wherein a binding apparatus, which is provided with a rotatable hook member, seizes a wire loop, which extends around the rods, and twists the loop during a pulling movement. The wire clamp or clip which has leg portion ends provided with locking means is brought around the rods to be connected in such a manner that, when viewed from the hook member the locking means are brought into engagement with each other behind the rods, and the closed wire clamp in front of the rods is seized by the hook member of the binding apparatus and twisted.The device is required for this purpose includes a binding apparatus which has a slide member connected to a displaceable gripping member for the forward advancement of the wire clamp and closing jaws which are adapted to bring the locking members on the wire clamp into engagement behind the rods to be connected.

Abstract: A balanceable tool holder for machine tools includes a main body with a holding cylinder. In addition, a flange encircles the main body. A plurality of screw holes extend longitudinally in the main body in which adjusting screws are moveable inwardly and outwardly for adjusting the balance of the tool holder.

Abstract: A progressive cavity drilling apparatus which includes a drill bit, a drill bit driving shaft have a hollow bore formed therein and a progressive cavity drive train for driving the drilling shaft. A flow restrictor is provided to cause fluid leaving the progressive cavity drive train to enter the interior of the hollow drilling shaft and then to be exited therefrom through nozzles formed in the drill bit. The flow restrictor includes a groove to allow a small amount of fluid to flow in a path winding around the circumference of the flow restrictor and into a bearing assembly located below the flow restrictor. Because the flow path winds around the circumference of the flow restrictor, it is significantly longer than a straight longitudinal flow path. Consequently, the velocity of the high pressure fliud through the flow path is significantly reduced thus minimizing erosion and wear of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: The anchorage equipment for an artificial tooth comprises a cap made of a gold alloy which is adapted to be stuck onto the head of the root canal anchorage post. The porcelain build-up can be applied to this cap directly by molding. The head of the root canal anchorage post comprises a pin haaving a laterally flattened portion, and the plug-on cap has a corresponding bore provided with a flattened portion for the purpose of mutual alignment. The equipment further includes a transfer cap and a transfer pin having the same alignment feature as the above-mentioned pin and cap. For the production of an artificial tooth, first an impression is taken with the transfer cap plugged on, then a gypsum impression is prepared with the transfer pin inserted into the transfer cap, whereupon the dental technician can proceed to stick the cap onto the projecting transfer pin in order to form the porcelain crown directly on the cap.

Abstract: Inflatable air strips for protection of a motorcyclist body in case of a traffic accident are disclosed. The air strips comprise plurality of horizontal and vertical air strips worn all around the motorcyclist body which are inflated with gas produced in a gas generator. An inflation process is initiated by an activating cord which is extended from the gas generator and attached to a motorcycle.

Abstract: A pile fabric is disclosed and claimed, comprising a ground fabric of polyester filaments and a pile of natural fibers, up to four pile picks being woven between each two adjacent weft yarns of the ground fabric. The bond of the pile picks consists at least in part of three or five warp through-pile weavings.A special use of this fabric is an upholstery cloth for car seats and other seats of furniture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a lens such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the lens is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, the lens apex is precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning lenses using digitzed video imaging, an X-Y-Z micron stage and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing image analysis.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing zip fasteners by molding sets of locking members of any length and of the staggered or slit type, the upper stop members, the coupling and the box, in a single operation. The process is achieved with a two-part injection molding tool having strips with recesses for forming locking members which are applied to both the lower and the upper part of the tool. The lower strips can be moved vertically. A transverse slide has recesses for the upper stop members, a recess for the coupling, and a mold part for a box, in which is located a mold body displaceable within the plane of the slide. In order to form locking members with slits the lower part of the tool is provided with a mechanism which removes the insert forming the slit from the slit when the finished zip fastener member is removed. Accordingly, all combinations of zip fasteners can be manufactured in a single operation without expensive subsequent processing.

Abstract: Roughly precut glass plates are delivered to a cutting and breaking station where they are cut and broken while invariably mounted. For this purpose, a processing head having a cutting head and a mechanical or thermal breaking system is provided which in a sequence of operations produces a cutting line and relief incisions and then breaks off the plate edges extending on the outside of said cutting line. As the plate is cut to shape, it is transferred, in a predetermined position, to a grinding station, where the plate edge is ground. Effecting the cutting and the breaking operation in one location allows a considerable simplification of the installation and an improved utilisation of all parts of the system. Positioning by means of stops as well as conversions of breaking tool adjustments for different plate shapes are no longer necessary. Programming of the various processing operations is particularly simple.

Abstract: A Stirling engine having a configuration which allow spatial separation of the heaters and coolers. The engine includes four cylinders with passageways connecting the cylinders such that a direct fluid connection is formed between each cylinder and every other cylinder. The configuration of the passageways and arrangement of the cylinders is such that heat energy is not wasted. The spatial separation of the heaters and coolers allows the heaters and coolers to be located in separate environments. The pistons within each cylinder are connected to one or two crankshafts through a connecting device which generates no side thrust on the cylinder walls. Preferably, the connecting device used is a hydraulic connecting rod.

Abstract: An electrically operated cylinder valve and a valve operating device for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The valve is operated by electromagnetic means energized by electrical currents which are controlled by electronic means. The flow of currents determines the valve timing, duration, and lift according to requirements for optimal engine performance under different operating conditions.

Abstract: The piece of jewelry, in the form of a ring, comprises a body of annular shape on the external surface of which there is provided a decoration which is attached to an arm. The arm and the decoration are situated in respective recesses in the external surface of the body. A displaceable member overlaps the body with some clearance, and it is locked into a predetermined position thereon by means of a screwed stud. In the locked position, the displaceable member completely covers the decoration. By unscrewing the stud, the displaceable member is released, and it can slide freely over the body so as to reveal the decoration. The arm, together with the attached decoration, can then pivot about a spindle mounted on the body in order to uncover personalized inscriptions situated on the external surface of the body, beneath the arm and on the two surfaces of this arm.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust, journal or combined radial and thrust bearing and methods of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes a continuous bearing surface and support structure which supports the surface such that the surface may change shape and move in any direction (six degrees of freedom) to optimize formation of a converging wedge for hydrodynamic operation, equalization of load across the bearing surface in thrust bearings and to adjust for any shaft misalignment. The support structure can include a repeating series of support structure portions each including a fully rigid portion a partially rigid portion and connecting portions connecting the spaced portions. Alternatively, the support structure can include a spaced series of deflectable ears which are arranged such that the continuous surface deforms when the ear portions are deflected. The bearing may also include an additional support portion which includes one or more beam-like or membrane members.

Abstract: A sewing machine having associated modules which can be inserted .[.at will.]. and which are interchangeable in a guide of the housing of the machine. The front side of the plate-shaped modules is visible in the inserted condition of the module and is provided with stitch symbols to which are assigned numbers. On the inside of the modules are arranged memories, preferably in connection with .[.a microprocessor, which are in connection with.]. the microprocessor of the sewing machine when the modules are inserted. By means of keys and a display, the number corresponding to the desired stitch sort can be selected and the control data from the memories of the module will be recalled in the microprocessor of the sewing machine and then used for operation of the sewing machine. .[.