Abstract: A vacuum system used with an automotive vehicle such that an appropriate negative pressure is maintained within the vacuum system in order to assure the function of the vacuum brake booster even when the vacuum clutch booster is defective with respect to airtightness. A vacuum system according to the present invention comprises a novel second check valve having an orifice formed in the poppet valve or in the valve body, being connected between the intake manifold and the vacuum clutch booster. The second check valve operates as an ordinary check valve in a normal condition but as an orifice in an abnormal condition to prevent the vacuum pressure in the system from being decreased quickly, without use of any conventional vacuum tank.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay comprises a bobbin carrying a coil and having a longitudinal central bore through which an armature extends. A permanent magnet is disposed between the central webs of two generally U-shaped yokes, the legs of the yokes having end portions cooperating with end sections of the armature which project from the central bore of the bobbin. The armature is pivotal about a fulcrum formed near its one end, whereas the other end of the armature carries an actuating card for driving a contact spring disposed at the side, and parallel to, the bobbin. The contact spring is fixed at one end to a first contact terminal and has its other end disposed between two fixed contacts connected to second and third contact terminals. The three contact terminals are disposed along a line generally extending parallel to the bobbin. The coil is connected to two or three coil terminals arranged at the other side of the bobbin along a line which also extends generally parallel to the bobbin.

Abstract: In an engine speed sensing device, angle pulses produced when the crankshaft rotates through a predetermined angle are counted by a counter for a predetermined interval. The count of angle pulses is read into a central processing unit of a digital computer at the end of each set time interval in response to a control signal which both updates the angle pulse count and signals the processing unit to read the count.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for manufacturing heat exchangers from ceramic sheets, wherein different flow channels are stamped from or pressed into the sheets, and the formed sheets are joined together with a laminating agent. The stacking of the individual sheets is effected using apparatus in which the sheets are transported to the forming means, applicator means and laminating means by horizontally and vertically displaceable, rotatable and pivotable suction plates. The organic component of the ceramic sheets is expelled from the heat exchanger block obtained in two heating steps with an intermediate forming operation to bring the heat exchanger block to its final dimensions, and the block then fired between 1,200.degree. to 1,700.degree. C. The actual sintering temperature depends on the particular ceramic used, which may comprise Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, SiC, cordierite and/or semiconductive barium titanate compounds.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a floor-mounted type speed change lever of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which comprises two identically constructed supporting units which are mounted to the vehicle floor and oriented abreast facing toward the front of the vehicle, the two supporting units being arranged to put therebetween an enlarged spherical portion formed on the lever so that the lever is pivotal at the spherical portion relative to the supporting units. The supporting structure is characterized in that each of the units comprises at least two parallel elastic blocks which are spaced from each other in a direction in which the lever extends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner having a motor-driven blower for creating air flow through an air passage which opens into a compartment through a plurality of outlets. The rate of air flow through the air passage is changed with a change of the number of outlet or outlets to be open, so as to avoid an undesirable air blowing rate caused by a change of resistance to air flow through the air passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molded articles of an open-cell structure, containing a copolymer which is comprised of copolymerized, fluorinated olefin, copolymerized vinyl acetate and optionally copolymerized olefin, the acetate groups of the copolymer being optionally saponified into OH groups. The molded articles possess an inherent latent structural convertibility and have effective pores of a diameter in the range from 0.002 to 10 .mu.m. The invention further includes processes for the preparation of the specified molded articles and processes for converting their structure. The invention also relates to several uses of molded articles according to the invention.

Abstract: The apparatus has a striking mass which strikes a ball and a support for the ball to be struck. The ball is held to the support by a frame or by a suction apparatus. The ball may be given a curved trajectory by either rotating the ball support and ball or by rotating the striking mass at the time of impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outdoor high voltage insulator, wherein the flashover due to the effect of external layers or deposits of pollution is prevented or at least shifted in the direction of higher degree of pollution. A resistance element (1) is connected in series with the insulator itself (2), with the leakage current prior to flashover producing a voltage drop over the resistance element (1). This voltage drop reduces the voltage on the insulator and prevents or retards flashover.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained cooling-heating-humidifying-filtering apparatus has an endless band of water-absorbent, air-permeable material traveling in partial immersion in water contained in a receptacle within a conditioner housing. A fan produces a continuous airstream from an air inlet to an air outlet, both defined in the housing, through the endless band. A damper is provided in order to divide the air outlet into a cool air outlet and a warm air outlet. The damper is operated by a hand lever so as to selectively communicate the cool and warm air outlets with the air inlet. An electric heater is disposed at the warm air outlet or, preferably, on one of the opposite surfaces of the damper for heating the air flowing through the warm air outlet. This location of the heater serves to assure noiseless cooling operation and to permit the heater to heat effectively, despite its limited capacity, the air flowing through the warm air outlet.

Abstract: An intake air heating system for an internal combustion engine having an air cleaner of the temperature regulating type has a heating chamber to heat intake air sufficiently. The heating chamber is formed by bulging partially a heat insulating plate around an exhaust manifold of the engine. A heated-air induction pipe extends from the interior of the heating chamber to the air cleaner.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Cleveland characterized by its intensive purple-red flower color which is resistant to fading under high temperatures, its girl type leaves, which are medium to dark green and shiny, with bright green leaf centers, strong and upright flower stems, and by its vigorous yet compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of chrysanthemum plant named Illini Mist characterized by its flat capitulum form and single capitulum type; pink tubular shaped spoon tipped ray florets, 60-70 mm. diameter across face of capitulum, excellent flower production, and its short and compact growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of chrysanthemum plant named Frosty having flat capitulum form, single anemone flower type, white ray floret color, immature lime green to mature pale yellow disc florets, 35-45 mm. diameter across capitulum face, semi-upright branching habit, and its relatively short plant height.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant named Ellen characterized by its intensive pink flowers, which do not fade under high temperatures, upright flower stems which carry the flower bouquet centrally above the foliage, vigorous compact growth habit, and by its very long lasting flowers that are non-dropping.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Sabrina characterized by its red-purple flowers carried on upright flower stems, with the bouquet being compact and positioned centrally above the foliage, its compact growth habit, and its continuous flowering habit.

Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named Excel having flat capitulum form; decorative capitulum type; lavender ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum ranging from 55 to 70 mm. at maturity; uniform eight week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; tall plant height when grown as a pinched, spray pot mum, and spreading branching pattern.

Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named Charm having flat capitulum form; decorative capitulum type; light lavender pink ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum ranging from 90 to 110 mm. at maturity; uniform eight week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; medium plant height when grown as a pinched disbudded pot mum; and spreading branching pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of chrysanthemum named Illini Harvest characterized by its flat capitulum form and single anemone capitulum type; red bronze ray florets and yellow-green to golden yellow cushion of disc florets; 55-65 mm. diameter across face of capitulum; excellent flower production, and by its medium pot plant height and semi-upright branching pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of chrysanthemum plant named Powerhouse characterized by its flat capitulum form and decorative capitulum type, white ray floret color, diameter of 70-100 mm. across face of the capitulum, medium pot plant height and compact growth habit, semi-upright branching patterns, and approximately nine week flowering time.