Abstract: Combustion induced motion of a piston in an internal combustion engine is augmented by the application of an intermittent or variable magnetic field reacting between the engine block and moving piston in a manner such that the piston is magnetically impelled along its path of movement. A permanent magnet is mounted on the piston with its axis of magnetic polarity aligned with the path of travel of the piston. An electromagnet mounted in the engine block is cyclically supplied with electric current to generate a magnetic field reacting with the magnet on the piston to cyclically magnetically attract or repel the piston in synchronism with the motion of the piston induced by fuel ignition. In the case of a reciprocatory piston, switching means are employed to reverse the polarity of the magnetic field in synchronism with the reversal of piston movement. Application of the magnetic field by the electromagnetic may be varied to occur over a selectively varied portion only of each piston stroke.

Abstract: A compressive pressure augmentation device, operable when the combustion chamber in a vehicle engine is directly air-cooled and the vehicle is running at a constant speed, in which an air supply pipe and air cleaners are connected together by means of an air suction pipe. A valve is provided in the air suction pipe. Electromagnetic coils are provided to selectively fully open and partially open the valve.

Abstract: A catalyst converter for cleaning the exhaust of a vehicle, and in particular for a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle. The catalyst converter is provided with a case containing and holding a honeycomb-shaped ceramic catalyst body, with the case being divided into two halves in the axial direction. The catalyst body is covered in the front and rear with members supporting the end edges in the axial direction and the outer peripheral portions. The halves of the case are integrally combined while being pressed toward each other.

Abstract: An improved writing instrument comprising a casing, ink reservoir in the casing, a longitudinal nib having a capillary passage for the ink in the ink reservoir, and a longitudinal nib holder, with a bore, of a thermoplastic material which is fixedly mounted to the casing, the nib being inserted into the holder so that the forward end portion and the rear end portion of the nib are projected outwardly from the holder and being fixed to the holder with an adhesive material at a place between the forward end portion and the rear end portion of the nib, while the holder at the tip edge thereof is deformed so that the inner surface of the holder is in tight contact with the nib around the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A steering system for light vehicles, wherein the steering ratio is made variable so that the ratio is less than 1/3 until about 20 degrees of handle steering angle, is 1/2 to 4/5 between about 20 to 45 degrees of handle steering angle, and is such that the vehicle can turn with the minimum turning radius at a maximum handle steering angle above 45 degrees. The invention also concerns a steering gear with cams for attaining the variable steering ratio. The invention is directed to steering of scooter-like vehicles provided with two steered wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting air bag devices in automobiles at the time of an accident or collision of an automobile, if the shock resulting from such collision is such as will injure the riders in the automobile. The apparatus includes a weight body adapted to detect the magnitude of the shock and to slide at the time of collision of the automobile. A detecting member is engaged with the weight body to operate with movement of the weight body, and a link mechanism is operated by the detecting member, such that the air bag device will be started mechanically.

Abstract: A non-return valve having a guided obturator, guided at a stem portion and at a head portion within a guiding member situated within a chamber. The chamber has a shoulder portion which acts as a seat for the obturator head, and supports an annular flexible seal. The annular flexible seal is L-shaped, with a flexible lip which conforms to the contour of the edge of the obturator head. The obturator stem has a cruciform cross section.

Abstract: A catalyst converter for cleaning the exhaust of a vehicle, and in particular for a vehicle such as a car or motorcycle. The catalyst converter is provided with a case containing and holding a honeycomb-shaped ceramic catalyst body, with the case being divided into two halves in the axial direction. The catalyst body is covered in the front and rear with members supporting the end edges in the axial direction and the outer peripheral portions. The halves of the case are integrally combined while being pressed toward each other.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical air bag device for cars wherein a frangible lid seals a container having gas under pressure therein. The frangible lid is supported by a pressing lid in contact with a link mechanism. During a crash, an impact detecting assembly releases the link mechanism which in turn releases the pressing lid which permits the frangible lid to be fractured by the high pressure gas to inflate the bag.

Abstract: A lubricating oil detector for an internal combustion engine, the detector including a lubricating oil reservoir adapted to be disposed in a chamber of the engine wherein pressure pulsations are produced by reciprocating movement of a piston. An oil level detecting pipe extends to the exterior of a crank case of the engine, the pipe having an end opening at a lowest allowable oil level in the reservoir. A pressure detecting actuator is provided and is adapted to be mounted on the case and connected through a connecting tube to the detecting pipe. When the oil level is below the lowest allowable level, the pressure pulsations in the case are directed to the pressure detecting actuator, which is then actuated to stop the operation of the engine, or to operate an alarm.

Abstract: A long-distance truck tractor with two interior levels including driving and navigation equipment and living quarters with sleeping compartments. A stairway interconnects the two levels. A first wrap-around panoramic window occupies the major portion of the front end of the truck tractor, and a second wrap-around panoramic window provides visibility and lighting for the upper second level. Towards the upper rear end of the tractor there is provided an aerodynamic streamlined air-cooler for supplying fresh air to and removing warm air from the engine located at the rear of the truck tractor.

Abstract: A chain having a number of link units each of which includes a pin connecting a pair of outer link plates and a bush connecting a pair of inner link plates, between which a lubricating oil is held and sealed with a sealed ring interposed between the outer and inner link plates. The sealing ring is provided at either of the inside or outside ends thereof with lips of a V or T-shaped cross-section and at the other end with a thick body of a large volume. The pin is provided with oil reservoir recesses on the outer peripheral surface spaced apart from a load point at which the pin and bush are substantially in contact with each other.

Abstract: A bowling shoe guide device which enables a bowler to make quick visual reference to his shoe so as to align himself with respect to the flooring of a bowling alley. The device includes a plurality of sighting arrow members disposed on the upper forward toe portion of a bowling shoe, each being disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bowling shoe. Two of the sighting arrows are relatively spaced apart at a distance equal to the distance between adjacent crevices formed between the longitudinal boards of a conventional bowling alley.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device advantageously usable for dental therapy and examination, which is an elongated bundle of axially extending fibers. The elongated bundle is tapered at one or both of its ends, and the fibers are bonded to each other in places along their lengths so that the fiber bundle is coherent and the fibers define capillary passageways therebetween.

Abstract: A record player having a tone arm which returns automatically to the starting point of sound reproduction, at which position the tone arm pushes down, by means of a spring for imparting a stylus force, a movable contact of a switch connected to a power source so as to move the movable contact blade away from engagement with a fixed electrical contact blade. The movable contact blade and the fixed contact blade are placed in vertically opposed relation with each other at the starting point, in the same direction as that of the stylus force. Thus, the fixed contact blade supports and moderates a downward movement of the tone arm.

Abstract: A maintenance-free post or building structural member having longitudinal grooves therein for mating with complementary brackets, which brackets are also adapted to mate with other building structural members, and end-adapters for mounting such posts and for connecting one post to other such posts at predetermined angles. The post is hollow and has a constant wall thickness. Each groove has a curved portion and a flat portion. The brackets may be moved in the grooves adjustably, and may be locked to the post without causing any deformation of the post or bracket.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ferroelectric device includes the steps of chemically cleaning a substrate, followed by radio frequency etching of the substrate. The substrate is then pre-heated. A first electrical contact is then formed on the substrate, and over a portion of the first electrical contact there is vapor deposited a stable thin film of potassium nitrate. Then a second electrical contact is formed over at least a part of the thin film of potassium nitrate. A covering of silicon monoxide is then vacuum deposited over the assemblage of the first and second electrical contacts and the potassium nitrate. The assemblage is then annealed for approximately twenty-four hours at a temperature of approximately 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for making a light-weight, heavy duty steel piston for a disc brake. The initial blank is formed to include the piston nose radii and angle. The blank is then simultaneously rolled by three rollers, one of which rollers forms the piston boot groove, another of which rollers maintains the outer diameter of the main portion of the piston, and the other roller of which forms near the outer end of the piston an overall diameter which is less than the main overall diameter. During the rolling step, the metal deforms to form a contour opposite the base of the piston boot groove such that the thickness of the wall between the contour and the base of the piston boot groove is smaller than the thickness of the main portion of the wall, but yet is strong enough to withstand heavy duty disc brake operation throughout the life of the disc brakes.