Abstract: A breathing apparatus comprises at least one spherical container (15) for breathable gas attached to a harness (1,9,20,21) (5) (109) for securing the same to a user. Each container may be located within a protective casing (14,14′) and is preferably formed of composite material.

Abstract: An electrically heatable catalytic converter for the cleaning of exhaust gas from combustion processes, preferably from internal combustion engines, comprising a shell and a carrier located inside the shell, preferably with a multitude of parallel channels through which the exhaust gas being cleaned can flow, where the carrier exhibits at least one layer that is catalytically active in relation to the exhaust gas, and where, furthermore, at least a portion of the surface of the carrier exhibits at least one electrically conductive resistance heating layer with electrical connection areas, which is insulated against the carrier by means of an insulation layer, and with at least one connection element that contacts the resistance heating layer in the electrical connection areas, is easily manufactured and reliable during operation if at least one connection element runs through the resistance heating layer and the insulation layer, as well as the carrier.

Abstract: A cylinder-filling system includes plural manifolds, for respectively coupling to groups of product containers to be filled, each manifold being connected through suitable valving and pumps to sources of different compressed gases. Respectively connected to the manifolds are reference cylinders which are in turn connected to load cells. A processor, coupled to a touch screen display, executes a program routine which enables user selection of the gas or gas mixture to be added through each manifold, including the identity and proportions of gases in each mixture and the order in which they are to be added, a number of operating parameters including vent and evacuation pressures, number of purge cycles, purge gas, alarm levels and pump and valve operating delay times. The processor controls automatic calculation of gas mixture fill weights from mixture proportions, and controls manual or automatic filling of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-type screw thread insert for insertion into a tapped hole of a workpiece. A cylindrical body comprising a plurality of helically wound coils is provided with at least one insertion zone which is bent radially inwards from the outer diameter of the cylindrical body and extends about a circumferential angle of about 360.degree. to 720.degree.. This facilitates insertion of the insert into a tapped hole of the workpiece so that special tools required hitherto may be dispensed with because the wire-type screw thread insert of the invention may be readily introduced into the tapped hole and may be threaded thereinto by a simple tool.

Abstract: A biasing structure for maintaining a pawl in engagement with a toothed gear of a ratchet wrench is provided. The structure includes an elongated plunger having an axis, a pawl engagement end, a spring insertion portion having a free end, a central portion connecting the engagement end to the spring insertion portion, and an annular first shoulder having a shoulder diameter formed between the spring insertion portion and the central portion. The spring insertion portion is tapered from a maximum diameter at the first shoulder to a minimum diameter at the free end. The structure also includes a compression spring coupled to the plunger assembly and having a plurality of coils, wherein at least one of the coils has a diameter less than the shoulder diameter and is disposed about the central portion. A reversible ratchet wrench having a pawl and using the biasing structure is also provided.

Abstract: An interference fit joint is provided and includes a first member having a plurality of internal splines separated by valleys and defining a splined aperture having a first axis. Each of the internal splines has a crest and first and second internal sides and is symmetrical about a plane which includes the first axis. This joint also includes a second member having a second axis and an exterior surface having a plurality of external splines separated by valleys and engageable with the internal splines to form an interference fit therebetween. Each of the external splines has a crest and first and second external sides and is symmetrical about a plane which includes the second axis. The first and second external sides are respectively shaped differently from and engageable with first and second internal sides of adjacent internal splines, there being no engagement at the crests and valleys. An indexable head ratchet wrench employing the joint is also disclosed.