Abstract: A load-bearing building panel capable of forming an external wall cladding or roof component has a solar heat collecting capacity in the form of channels for heat exchange fluid incorporated in the fabric of the panel. The panel is made of a structural plastics material, such as G.R.P. laminate, successive layers being moulded to simulate tiles. On the back or underside, longitudinal reinforcing beams are built in during laying up of the panel. Between the beams cores or formers defining a matrix or channels are encapsulated in layers of the G.R.P. Wax cores are melted or dissolved out after curing of the panel; metal formers remain embedded in the fabric of the panel. The matrix is connected by flow and return pipes to a heat exchange system within the building. Panels intended for roofing have ridge flanges and wall plates moulded into the substrate at the appropriate pitch angle, and a split capping tube embraces the ridge flanges. A pitched roof formed by oppositely sloping panels is self-supporting.

Abstract: An improved hemostatic article is made by combining collagen or a collagen-like substance with a pad or sponge. The thusly modified pad or sponge is employed to control or terminate bleeding.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated diaphragm fuel pump comprising a ram actuated by a diaphragm and arranged in a drive chamber and a reversible lever subjected to the action of a tension spring for actuating suction and air-inlet valves. The lever is locked with respect to the ram for a given range of stroke of the ram and switching takes place only at the dead center positions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A composition is supplied for filling pot holes and other types of structural deterioration. The composition consist of hydraulic cement and an alkali metal silicate. The silicate includes a molar ratio of silican dioxide to alkali metal oxide from 0.4 to 4.0. The silicate is in a concentration ranging from 0.2 to 20 percent by weight of the cement. A method is also provided which comprises repairing a deteriorating structure by inserting therein a cementitious composition and controlling the rate of setting of the composition by the inclusion therein of sodium silicate in the molar ratio of silicon dioxide to sodium oxide of from 0.4 to 4.0.

Abstract: A level detection circuit comprises a peak value detection and holding circuit having a capacitor which detects and holds the peak value of an input signal by charging the capacitor, an operation control circuit for supplying the input signal to the maximum value detection and holding circuit during a specific time interval to perform maximum value detection and holding operation, a discharge circuit which performs constant current discharge of a charged electric charge in the capacitor of the maximum value detection and holding circuit after the specific time interval, and a detection circuit for detecting the level of the input signal by measuring the time interval between a time point the constant current discharge of the capacitor by the discharge circuit is initiated and a time point the terminal voltage of the capacitor reaches a specific voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a seat-occupant restraining device in response to collision of a vehicle, comprising a front bumper on the vehicle adapted for receiving impact in the course of a collision and supported by a damper which opposes rearward displacement of the bumper. The damping is a function of the change of velocity of the vehicle during the collision and is used to displace a normally stationary part of the damper when the collision force exceeds a predetermined value. The displacement of the stationary part of the damper serves to close a switch to actuate the seat-occupant restraining device. The switch can be an acceleration detection switch in which case the stationary part is supported by the vehicle body by a deformable structure or the switch can be made as a deformable unit which undergoes deformation by the application of force thereto from the stationary part of the damper.

Abstract: A PCM signal extracting circuit comprises a highpass filter for separating a PCM signal, of a type not including a DC component, inserted between horizontal synchronizing signals within a predetermined interval of a composite video signal or a signal based on the composite video signal, and for obtaining an average DC level of the horizontal synchronizing signal and the PCM signal, an attenuation circuit for attenuating an output signal of the highpass filter by a predetermined quantity according to the modulation factor of the PCM signal, a holding circuit for holding a peak value, at the opposite side from the horizontal synchronizing signal, of the signal attenuated by the attenuation circuit, and a level comparing circuit for comparing the levels of output signals of the highpass filter and the holding circuit, and extracting a signal obtained by slicing the output signal of the highpass filter by the level of the output signal of the holding circuit.

Abstract: A multimode piezoelectric mechanical filter using edge-mode piezoelectric transducers, each comprising a semi-infinite or long piezoelectric plate polarized in the thickness direction, and a pair of exciting electrodes formed on the plate at an end portion thereof. Input and output edge-mode transducers are supported at their other ends together with optional resonator elements. The transducer and/or resonator elements are mechanically coupled with one another by a coupling rod at their end portions opposite the support to transmit the edge-mode vibration from one to the other. All of the transducers and resonator elements may be disposed in a common plane and may be integrally formed by punching a single piezoelectric plate to form a monolithic type mechanical filter. In such monolithic type filter, coupling rods are also integrally formed with the transducers and resonators.

Abstract: A tape fast-forwarding and rewinding apparatus comprising a rotation driving circuit for driving a motor for rotating a take up or supply reel so that the tape travels at a first fast-forwarding or rewinding speed, or travels at a second fast-forwarding or rewinding speed, the latter speed being faster than the former, a detection circuit for detecting the radii of wound tape respectively on the take-up and supply reels, and a memorizing circuit for memorizing the ratio of the radii of the wound tape detected by the detection circuit, while the tape is travelling at the first fast-forwarding or rewinding speed.

Abstract: An antiskid brake controlling method and apparatus comprising: comparing by a first comparator and during braking of a vehicle, a wheel speed signal V.sub.w representative of the peripheral speed of a wheel of the vehicle with a first reference wheel speed signal V.sub.R 1 less than a vehicle speed signal V.sub.E and with a second reference wheel speed signal V.sub.R 2 which is less than the first reference wheel speed signal V.sub.R 1; comparing by a second comparator a wheel acceleration signal V.sub.w representative of the peripheral acceleration of the wheel with a first reference wheel acceleration signal V.sub.wl representing a predetermined positive peripheral acceleration of the wheel, a second reference wheel acceleration signal V.sub.w2 greater than the first reference wheel acceleration signal and a reference wheel deceleration signal -V.sub.w3 representative of a predetermined negative peripheral acceleration of the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the waste heat energy of an internal combustion engine in which a turbine is driven by the exhaust gases from the engine and drives an electrical generator. In order to permit a direct coupling between the turbine and the generator and to utilize completely the electrical energy recoverable from the waste heat energy, the generator is a synchronous machine with a non-wound rotor, the generator being connected via an electrical converter to an electric motor which is drivingly coupled to the internal combustion engine to relieve the load therein.

Abstract: An improved hemostatic article is made by combining collagen or a collagen-like substance with a pad or sponge. The thusly modified pad or sponge is employed to control or terminate bleeding.

Abstract: A process for the continuous roasting of liquid cocoa paste from raw, shelled, predried, broken and crushed cocoa beans, whereby the liquid cocoa paste for roasting is applied continuously as a thin layer onto a surface over which the paste runs, the paste being rinsed with a gas flowing in countercurrent. Heat is generated in the thin layer of paste by shearing and friction forces and the paste is constantly partially lifted out of the layer and sprayed back again into the layer, to which gas in the form of hot air is supplied in countercurrent along and through the respraying region, whereby the paste is brought to roasting temperature in a first phase and then kept at roasting temperature in a second phase and the temperature of the paste is lowered in a final phase.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetically operated switch having lower and higher operating points is maintained open below the lower operating point and above the higher operating point and is maintained closed between the two different operating points, and comprises a reed switch, two permanent magnets disposed alongside the reed switch over the respective reeds, a first ferromagnetic body having a Curie point corresponding to the higher operating point and disposed between the two magnets, and a second ferromagnetic body or bodies having a Curie point corresponding to the lower operating point and disposed along the two magnets. In order to improve reliability of the switch, two third ferromagnetic bodies having Curie points at or above the lower operating point are disposed to engage axial opposite ends of the second ferromagnetic body or bodies and the other pole faces of the magnets opposite the pole faces engage the first ferromagnetic body.

Abstract: A black chrome electrolyte for the formation of selective layers for solar collectors electrolyte comprising chromium trioxide (CrO.sub.3), fluorosilic acid (H.sub.2 SiF.sub.6) as a catalyst and soidum molybdate (Na.sub.2 MoO.sub.4. 2H.sub.2 O). A substrate is brought into contact with the electrolyte at a current density of 0.40 to 0.60 Acm.sup.-2 and a bath temperature of less than 20.degree. C. for 15 to 30 secs.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame on which are mounted a fuel tank, a seat, front and rear wheels, and a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine disposed in a space defined by the fuel tank, seat and wheels. The engine has a plurality of exhaust ports open at the front of the engine connected to an exhaust system. An exhaust gas cleaning system is provided for the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and comprises a reed valve assembly on the engine operating in response to pulsating exhaust pressure in the engine for selectively connecting an upstream secondary air passage connected to an inlet port of the reed valve assembly and a plurality of downstream secondary air passages of substantially equal length connected between outlet ports of the reed valve assembly and corresponding exhaust ports of the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhaust gas recirculation for an internal combustion engine in which exhaust gas is recirculated through a recirculation passage connecting the exhaust passage of the engine and the intake passage of the engine. A vacuum-response type recirculation control valve is disposed in the exhaust gas recirculation passage to operate in response to vacuum detected at a vacuum detection port located in the intake passage in the vicinity of a throttle valve. A vacuum tank is connected through a solenoid-actuated change-over valve to the vacuum passage interconnecting the vacuum detecting port and the recirculation control valve, the vacuum tank being in communication with the intake passage downstream from the throttle valve through a check valve.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing the liquid content of a porous material by means of superheated vapor from said liquid. The apparatus comprises, in order: a vapor generator 1; a circulation fan 2; a vapor superheater 6; a closed, sealed chamber 7, and an assembley 22-26 to provide in the chamber 7 a passage for fluid and for supporting textile material 9 such that it is interposed in the path of the vapor; a vapor condenser 13; a valve for regulation of pressure 16; a conduit for recycling vapor 17, and a device 32, 32a to measure the temperature prevailing in the fluid passage upstream of the porous material.

Abstract: A roofing panel of glass-reinforced plastic (G.R.P.) or sheet metal is stiffened by longitudinal beams on its underside to span one pitch of a pitched roof from eaves to ridge. It has an outer skin and an inner impervious liner spaced therefrom and supported on the stiffening beams so as to form a tunnel open at both ends and extending from the vicinity of the eaves to theline of the roof ridge, where vents to atmosphere are provided in the outer skin. Air is convected upwards through the tunnel due to the heating of the outer skin by radiation from the sun. At the eaves end the tunnel also has an inlet port communicating with the roof space, and a damper controls the air flowing in from outside the building and the air flowing in from the roof space. At the line of the ridge the liner meets and is sealed on the corresponding liner of a counterpart panel on the opposite pitch of the roof so as to maintain the integrity of the convection air circuit in each section of the roof.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission control device of an internal combustion engine having a variable venturi type carburetor which is effective to reduce unburnt components in the exhaust gas over the entire range of engine operation. Fuel vaporized in a fuel tank, a float chamber or the like and stored in a canister containing activated charcoal is supplied to an intake passage of the carburetor through a supply port which opens into the intake passage at a location between a throttle valve and a venturi valve which is disposed in the intake passage to vary the opening area of the venturi. A valve is disposed in a line connecting the supply port and the canister to control fuel vapor passing through the line. The valve is controlled to open and close in response to the operations of a clutch and/or a transmission device interposed in a power transmission system for conducting power from the engine to driving wheels.