Abstract: A valve has a valve seat, and a housing which accommodates the seat. The housing is formed from two sheet metal shells each of which has two sections. A first section of each shell defines a conical frustum, and the larger-diameter end of each frustum is bevelled. The second section of each shell is cylindrical and is seamlessly connected to the bevelled end of the respective first section so that the first and second sections of each shell are inclined relative to one another. The second sections have respective plane end faces which confront one another and are located in planes intersecting both the transverse and longitudinal axes of the valve. A circumferentially complete weld seam bonds the end faces to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting minute quantities of moisture in a body of coolant has a support which confines a supply of particulate moisture sensitive material (such as CoBr.sub.2 or CoCl.sub.2) between a coolant-permeable filter and a light-transmitting seal. The coolant can contact the moisture sensitive material by way of the filter so that the material changes its color. A first diode serves to transmit light against the confined moisture sensitive material through the light-transmitting seal, and the incident light is reflected by the material to impinge upon a single generation diode which serves to transmit signals denoting the color of the moisture sensitive material to an evaluating circuit. The latter can activate an alarm system, interrupt the circulation of coolant and/or otherwise influence the coolant when the percentage of moisture (normally in parts per million) in the coolant reaches a predetermined maximum permissible value.

Abstract: A caster wherein the metallic carrier for a plastic wheel frame is connected to the conductive tire of the wheel by a multi-section conductor system having a portion in the disc-shaped connector between the rim and the hub of the wheel, a portion which is connected with the outer race of an antifriction ball bearing surrounding the hub, a shaft forming part of a fulcrum for the hub of the wheel, a wire in an internal groove of one leg of the wheel frame, the devices which can be actuated to brake the wheel and to block angular movements of the frame relative to the carrier, and a spring which connects the two devices to one another. The braking and blocking devices can be actuated by a conductive plunger which is non-rotatably but axially movably installed in and contacts the carrier and can be shifted by a spring in cooperation with a rotary cam in the carrier.

Abstract: A combination lock wherein the tumblers can be moved to predetermined positions, preparatory to retraction of the locking bolt from extended position, by an electric motor which is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from a keyboard or from a disc and can start the motor for the purpose of aligning the normally scrambled tumblers only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals. A manually operated knob can be coupled to a driver for the tumblers in order to change the positions of the tumblers and/or to move the locking bolt between extended and retracted positions independently of the motor. The microprocessor is programmed to start the motor only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals in accordance with a selected combination.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly which is installed between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the change-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has two coaxial flywheels which are rotatable within the limits relative to each other against the opposition of two series-connected dampers. One of the dampers has an input element in the form of two coaxial discs which are affixed to one of the flywheels and bear against the radially outwardly extending arms of a flange-like torque transmitting output element constituting the input element of the other damper. The output element of the other damper is constituted by two discs which are disposed radially inwardly of the discs of the one damper, which directly or indirectly bear against the adjacent portion of the flange-like output element of the one damper, and which rotate with the other flywheel.

Abstract: The uncoated side of a running web-shaped substrate, the other side of which carries a layer containing an evaporable solvent, is contacted by at least one idler guide roller which is rotated by the substrate. The angle of contact between the uncoated side of the substrate and the peripheral surface of the guide roller is increased by streams of compressed conditioning gas which is discharged by the orifices of two venturis one of which is located immediately upstream of the guide roller and directs gas counter to the direction of advancement of the substrate. The other venturi is located immediately downstream of the guide roller and its orifice discharges gas in the direction of advancement of the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing burrs which develop on semifinished metallic produ in the course of a flame cutting operation has a shaft which is driven to rotate about a horizontal axis and carries an array of round, polygonal and/or oblong cutting tools which extend radially beyond its peripheral surface. The shaft is movable up and down adjacent the path of movement of metallic products with the burrs located at the undersides of the products. When a burr is moved to a position above the shaft, the latter is lifted and is set in rotary motion so that its axially staggered tools remove and simultaneously fragmentize the burr. The shaft is then lowered and the product is advanced to move another burr of the same product to an optimum position for removal of the burr or to provide room for transport of another product to the deburring station. The tools can be used for removal of burrs from straight or curved metallic products.

Abstract: Tongs for releasably clamping newspapers or other sheet-like commodities for movement with a conveyor have a housing connectable to the conveyor, a first jaw provided on the housing, a second jaw which is pivotable in or on the housing between open and closed positions adjacent and remote from the first jaw, respectively, and a mechanism for pivoting the second jaw. The mechanism employs a lever which is pivotable relative to the housing with and with respect to the second jaw between first and second end positions which respectively correspond to the open and closed positions of the second jaw, one or more springs which oppose pivotal movements of the lever relative to the second jaw during pivoting of the lever to its second end position, and a motion transmitting unit which operates between the lever and the spring or springs and is caused to move through a dead-center position during each movement of the lever between its first and second end positions.

Abstract: A gate valve has a housing, a valving element in the housing, and a seat in the housing which cooperates with the valving element and extends transverse to the flow direction. The valving element is carried by a spindle which serves to move the valving element into and out of engagement with the seat. A support for the spindle is disposed in the housing and has a central, outwardly directed flange which defines a passage for the spindle. The flange is coupled to the spindle in the region of the valving element so that the support moves with the spindle. The support is in sliding engagement with the internal surface of the housing to thus guide the spindle and support the latter against transverse forces generated by flow through the housing.

Abstract: A dry food for domestic dogs or cats is prepared by moistening and crushing cereals and/or legumes and thereupon drying the crushed substance at a temperature of not more than between 50.degree. and 70.degree. C. to form flakes, by drying chunks or lumps of meat, fish and/or comminuted vegetables, and by mixing the chunks or lumps and flakes with each other and with effective quantities of micronutrients and/or a gelling agent. The resulting dry food can be stored in bags and can be served dry or subsequent to contacting with water, milk or another liquid.

Abstract: A tool for the application of selected torque to the polygonal head of a bolt, to a nut or to an analogous component has a first portion which is a snug fit on the polygonal part of the component, and a polygonal second portion which can be engaged and rotated by a wrench. The material of the tool is more readily deformable than the material of the component and the material of the wrench so that the wrench deforms the second portion and/or the component deforms the first portion of the tool when the component offers a selected resistance to further rotation, i.e., in response to the application of a selected torque to the component. The first portion can be bonded or molded to the torque-receiving part of the component to be rotated, and the second portion can be coated with a film of a color different from that of the second portion to facilitate visual determination of the condition of the second portion.

Abstract: The operation of an automated friction clutch between the output element of the engine and the input element of the variable-speed transmission in a motor vehicle is regulated by a fluid-operated system which receives signals from an evaluating circuit. The evaluating circuit receives signals from a number of sensors which monitor the RPM of the engine, the RPM of the input element of the transmission, clutch travel, the position of the throttle valve, the position of the shift linkage, the position of the gas pedal and other parameters. The fluid-operated system can select the condition of the clutch during starting, driving, acceleration, parking, driving in reverse and/or parking of the motor vehicle and/or during transitions between such stages of operation.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a housing which defines an annular chamber disposed downstream of the impeller and surrounding the shaft seal. The chamber receives a hollow cylindrical or frustoconical shroud which surrounds the shaft seal with spacing and protects it from solid particles in the conveyed fluid. A non-contact type annular seal between the impeller and the housing surrounds the shroud.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system has a video camera which includes a first sensing unit for the production of black-and-white images and a second sensing unit for the production of color images. The first sensing unit generates black-and-white image signals which are sent to a processor for black-and-white signals. Similarly, the second sensing unit generates color image signals which are sent to a processor for color signals. The processed signals leave the camera via a common output.

Abstract: A necklace, brace, hoop, strap, choker, bracelet or anklet wherein a flexible component has a free end and a second end carrying a coupling which can releasably engage the free end. When the free end is disengaged from the coupling, the flexible component can serve to support a single pendant, two or more pendants, a string of pearls, other beads, stones and/or analogous decorative objects. The number and/or distribution of the objects can be altered as soon as the free end is disengaged from the coupling. The overall length of the flexible component can be reduced by cutting off a portion at the free end.

Abstract: Large and medium-sized particles of sand which is contained in building rubble are separated from a mixture of rubble and water prior to introduction of water, contaminants and small particles of sand into a separator with internal laminations to segregate the small particles of sand. The thus obtained residue containing contaminants and water is flocculated and is thereupon treated in one or more settling units or flotation units to segregate the contaminants which are skimmed off the surface of the body of liquid in the unit and/or removed by a feed screw in the bottom zone of the unit. The thus purified water is reused, and the segregated solid contaminants are dehydrated, if necessary, to be disposed of at special dumping facilities. Separation of small particles of sand increases the percentage of reusable rubble and reduces the percentage of material which must be delivered to special dumping facilities.

Abstract: Elementary patterns are sewn in a sewing machine wherein the work can be fed by increments T. The making of a pattern involves repeatedly moving the work in and counter to the feed direction between starting the final needle penetration points which are spaced apart a distance nT wherein n is a whole number exceeding one. This results in the making of several continuous thread legs each having a length nT which can exceed, at least slightly, the maximum bight range of the needle and each extending all the way between the starting and final penetration points. In order to form a second elementary pattern which intersects the first pattern, the work is fed to move the needle to an intermediate penetration point, for example, midway between the starting and final penetration points, and the work is then fed to position the needle at the starting penetration point of the second pattern.

Abstract: A power train for use in a motor vehicle has an infinitely variable transmission with two sheaves and a belt which is trained over the sheaves. The sheaves have fixed and axially movable flanges, and one of the sheaves is driven by the engine through a torque sensor. A first hydraulic circuit has a first pump which can supply pressurized oil to the hydraulic motors for the axially movable sheaves at a pressure determined by the torque sensor. A second hydraulic circuit has a second pump serving to supply pressurized oil to a further motor which varies the ratio of the transmission and to two friction clutches between the second sheave and an output member. The pressure of oil in the second circuit is determined by a pressure regulating valve which is adjustable by a control unit in dependency on one or more parameters of the engine.