Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder block having a plurality of main bearing bulkheads, and a skirt section. Each bearing bulkhead is formed with through-holes each of which as an upper end opening to the skirt section and a lower end opening to the bottom surface of the bearing bulkhead. The bearing bulkhead is formed at its bottom surface with a depression. Each of a plurality of bearing caps is installed to the bearing bulkhead in a manner to fit in the bearing bulkhead depression. Additionally, bolts are disposed respectively in the bearing bulkhead through-holes, each bolt having an upper end section located on the skirt section and a lower end section located in the hole formed in the bearing cap, thereby eliminating the need for excess structure on the bearing cap to sharply reduce the weight of the bearing cap.

Abstract: An automotive internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder block having a plurality of bearing sections, and a bearing beam structure secured to the bottom part of the cylinder block. The bearing beam structure includes a plurality of main bearing cap sections each of which associates with a respective cylinder block bearing section to rotatably support the journal of a crankshaft. First and second beam sections are formed at the upper corner portions of each bearing cap section to securely connect the bearing cap sections with each other. Additionally, first and second side wall sections are respectively formed along the opposite side portions of each bearing cap section to securely connect the bearing cap sections with each other. The first and second side wall sections are integral with the first and second beam sections, respectively. Therefore, vibration of the bearing beam structure and the cylinder block can be effectively suppressed, thereby achieving total engine noise reduction.

Abstract: An optical switching element utilizes a spherical diaphragm mounted for snap-action movement between a concave and convex shape. A light beam is directed through a small aperture to impinge on the diaphragm. The aperture is positioned at a distance from the diaphragm equal to the radius of curvature of the diaphragm to obtain maximum reflection of the light when the diaphragm is in its concave shape. Upon movement of the diaphragm to the convex shape in response to an external stimuli, substantially all of the light is absorbed within the supporting housing with little or no light being reflected through the small aperture. The presence or absence of the light beam thus provides an indication of the external condition which may be a temperature value, pressure value or the like. The switch may also be utilized as a mechanical limit switch or a plurality of such optical switches may be fabricated to form a keyboard for entry of data into a computing system.

Abstract: A gear shift apparatus of a manual transmission, consists of a retainer member securely connected to an extension housing connected to a transmission housing. The retainer member is formed with a relatively long hollow cylindrical section a part of which extends into the extension housing. A cylindrical socket member is slidably disposed in the retainer member cylindrical section and biased by a spring in an upward direction. A generally annular support member is disposed inside the cylindrical section. The spherical fulcrum section of a shift lever is supported at both the upper and lower parts respectively by the socket member and the support member. Thus, the shift lever can be effectively supported in suspension, thereby preventing the vibration of shift lever.

Abstract: A container, in particular for a codicil or similar personal document, which the relevant individual should carry with him substantially at all times, said container comprising a first, substantially cylindrical inner sleeve closed at one end and a second substantially cylindrical outer sleeve closed at one end, which sleeves can be screwed one over the other such that a closed space is formed within the inner sleeve into which a reel can be positioned carrying the codicil while at least one of the sleeves is provided with means to which a chain, string or the like is attached.

Abstract: Bisimide resins having improved fracture toughness and resistance to microcracking comprise a mixture of,(a) a bisimide of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which B represents a divalent radical containing a carbon-carbon double bond and A is a divalent radical containing at least two carbon atoms and(b) a polyisocyanate of the general formula (II)D(NCO).sub.x (II)in which x has a value of between 2 and 4 and D stands for an x-valent radical .

Abstract: A hydraulic control system disclosed herein comprises a line pressure regulator valve which regulates the fluid supplied from a pump to provide a line pressure variable at least depending upon output torque of the engine. The line pressure is supplied to a shift control valve which regulates the fluid supply to and discharge from cylinder chambers of drive and driven pulleys.

Abstract: In an M.B.B. type relay, a contact spring comprises a pair of flat spring parts integral at the base of the spring and separate at their free ends, each of which cooperates with a fixed contact. An actuating card drives both spring parts in the same direction and has a stepped portion so dimensioned that a first contact formed by one of the spring parts with one of the fixed contacts is closed before the second contact formed by the other spring part with the other fixed contact is opened.

Abstract: To control the compliance steering of the rear wheels of a vehicle during cornering or the like, a link member of the rear suspension arrangements supporting each of the rear road wheels, is provided with a servo mechansim which can vary the length thereof in a manner which tends to steer the rear wheel associated therewith in the same direction as the front wheels are turned to produce the cornering.

Abstract: A process for the production of sugars, and optionally cellulose and lignin, from lignocellulosic vegetable materials which comprises subjecting the vegetable materials to a chemical pretreatment with a mixture of water and lower aliphatic alcohols and/or ketones at a temperature from 100.degree. to 190.degree. C. for a period of from 4 hours to 2 minutes with control of the breakdown of the hemicellulose components followed by separation of residue and a subsequent main chemical treatment with a similar solvent mixture at elevated temperatures for a further period of from 6 hours to 2 minutes.

Abstract: A structure for use in an internal combustion engine including a cooling passage between an engine block outer wall and cylinder walls each defining therein a cylinder. The engine block outer wall has a thickened portion with connection arms extending to the respective cylinder walls to provide a rigid connection between the cylinder wall and the position at which a knock sensor is attached. The rigid connection is effective to transmit vibrations due to internal combustion in the cylinders to the knock sensor with minimized attenuation and minimized distortion.

Abstract: A twin ignition plug control system for an internal combustion engine by which two point ignition is switched to one-point ignition only when engine load is heavy and the engine is not being warmed-up. Since the control system according to the present invention is so configured that many elements or sections can be used in common with a convention fuel injection valve control system, without providing various sensors or detectors such as a vacuum sensor disposed with an intake manifold for detecting engine load, a clutch switch or a neutral switch for detecting engine idling, etc., it is possible to simplify the twin ignition plug control system and thus reduce the manufacturing cost. When a microcomputer is incorporated within the fuel injection valve control system, in particular, the present invention is advantageous.

Abstract: A heat-pump type air conditioning apparatus comprising a compressor, a condenser, a throttle member, and an evaporator, which constitute a refrigerant circulation circuit, and an unloading circuit is connected to the compressor to carry out a load reduction control. The air conditioning apparatus further comprises a detector for detecting load condition applied on the compressor and generating a signal representing the detected load condition, and a detector for detecting a condition of a power source for driving the compressor and generating a signal relating to the detected condition of the power source. A control unit is operatively connected to the detectors for controlling the switching of the air conditioning apparatus from a normal, full-capacity operation to a controlled, reduced capacity operation or vice versa in accordance with the signals regarding the detected load and the detected condition of the power source.

Abstract: A method of detecting embrittlement of a heat-resisting steel comprises evaluating the brittleness of the heat-resisting steel on the basis of the repassivation current value obtained by (a) connecting the steel as the anode of an anode polarization curve measuring apparatus wherein an aqueous solution containing an organic acid and an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or its salt is used as an electrolytic solution; and (b) raising the anode potential from an active region to a passive region and thereafter lowering the anode potential to measure the repassivation current value.

Abstract: A valve operation changing system of an internal combustion engine comprises first and second cams formed on a camshaft. The first and second cams are different in cam profile from each other. At least one of the cams has a plurality of cam faces which are axially separate from each other. Additionally, a rocker arm is provided with a follower section contactable with the cam face of the first and second cams. The follower section has a plurality of contact faces at least one of which is contactable with the cam face of the first cam when the rocker arm is in a first position, while with the cam face of the second cam when the rocker arm is in a second position, thereby reducing the moving distance of the rocker arm to improve the response in valve timing change of an engine valve.

Abstract: A telephone set, adaptable for either wall or desk top mounting, has an integral hookswitch and cup. The cup is at the rear of the telephone set, in the desk mounting mode, and at the top in the wall mounting mode. The cup receives the receiver end of the handset. The cup as a whole is pivoted and has a lever which acts on contact actuators of a switch. The cup is biased up, to an off hook position, being depressed by the handset to the on hook position.

Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant named Silverado particularly characterized as to uniqueness by the combined characteristics of flat capitulum form; daisy capitulum type; white ray floret color; diameter across face of capitulum ranging from 50 to 65 mm. at maturity; uniform ten week photoperiodic flowering response to short days; tall plant height when grown single stem; 10 to 15 cm. peduncles on open, normally terminal sprays, and slow development of male sterile green discs.

Abstract: A passage is provided in a heat exchanger water compartment to permit extension of a tube therethrough and at the same time assist in sealing the tube and passage interface. The distance between the intersection of the lower bottom edge of the water compartment bottom part with the inner edge of the passage and the intersection of the horizontal extension of the upper edge of the bottom part in the direction of the passage extension has a positive value.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of poinsettia plant named Red Champion, characterized by its large and deeper than normal red bracts and darker than normal green foliage, very vigorous and strong stems, long lasting characteristics for both foliage and bracts, excellent breaking when pinched, and its ease of propagation from cuttings.

Abstract: A stopper is provided on the inner wire of a Bowden cable type arrangement. The stopper allows the wire to be pulled in a first axial direction to operate one of two latch mechanisms and engages a shoulder defined in the second latch mechanism when driven in a second axial direction to produce a reaction which causes the tubular housing disposed about the wire between the second latch mechanism and a single handled actuating mechanism, to flex and pull a lever of the second latch mechanism for operating same, whereby a single lever can be used to selectively operate two different mechanisms. .Iadd.