Abstract: A panel reinforcement structure construction for attaching to and reinforcing a vehicle structural panel. An elongate channel member has two side sections and is secured at the elongate open section thereof to the vehicle structural panel. An arm is attached to each channel member side section, and each arm extends from the end of the channel member transversely to the elongate axis of the channel member. An attachment flange is attached to each channel member arm in a manner to also attach to the vehicle structural panel to reinforce the structural integrity thereof and resist the effect of shear forces acting transversely on the elongate channel member.

Abstract: A robot assembly for acquiring unorientated workpieces from a bin. A sensing system views the bin and collects data. A computer analyzes the data to determine candidate holdsites on the workpiece. The hand of the robot assembly then engages a workpiece at a selected holdsite. The workpiece is moved to a pose where the position and orientation of the workpiece are determined. After this determination, the workpiece may be disengaged, or moved to an intermediate or final goalsite. The method is applicable to workpieces that have six continuous unknown degrees of freedom. Furthermore, partial occlusion of the workpiece by the robot hand is allowed.

Abstract: Submicron particulates are removed from an effluent gaseous stream by nucleation. The nucleation is effected at isothermal conditions by varying the static pressure of the gas.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved bumper construction for an automotive vehicle.The vehicle has a plurality of bumper mounting stays and a body panel adjacent the stays.The bumper construction comprises a thin-walled plastic bumper, a reinforcement member mounted to the bumper at an intermediate section thereof adjacent the body panel and a spring member interposed between the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel. The reinforcement member and the intermediate section of the bumper are adapted to define a closed bumper configuration. The spring member is operatively connected to the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel such that the intermediate section of the bumper is supported through the spring member by the body panel.

Abstract: In an emergency locking seat belt retractor including a housing, a belt take-up shaft rotatably disposed in the housing for winding thereon a seat belt, a return spring for biasing the belt take-up shaft to rotate in a direction to retract the belt, a locking device for locking, when actuated, the belt take-up shaft against rotation in a direction to withdraw the seat belt, a shock sensing device for sensing a predetermined degree of shock applied thereto, and a transmitting device for actuating the locking device when the shock sensing device senses the predetermined degree of shock, the shock sensing device being pivotally connected to the housing by means of a pivot bolt.

Abstract: A governor sleeve is axially displaceable on a stationary governor shaft and has an inner space which is defined by one end of the governor shaft and which communicates with the inner chamber of a pump housing charged with fuel. The inner space varies in volume drawing thereinto and discharging therefrom fuel in response to axial displacement of the governor sleeve.

Abstract: A weft detaining device of a shuttleless loom, including a drum having a frustoconical section and a cylindrical section, a first catching member for catching the weft yarn on the drum in the vicinity of the border between the frustoconical and cylindrical sections for at least a period of weft pickings, a second catching member for catching the weft yarn on the drum for at least a period of the first time weft picking in sequential twice weft pickings and releasing its catching action to the weft yarn for at least a period of the second time weft picking of the sequential twice weft pickings, and a third catching member for catching the weft yarn on the drum cylindrical section for at least a period wherein the detaining of the weft yarn for the succeeding twice sequential weft pickings is completed, thereby enabling a so-called dual-pick pass weft insertion though the weft detaining device is of the drum type.

Abstract: A valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine including a first cam rotatable about an axis in timed relation to the engine speed, a second cam rockable about an axis and operatively engaged with a valve of the engine, a rocker arm rockable about an axis and interposed between said first and second cams to provide operative connection therebetween, and means responsive to varations of engine condition for shifting the axis of rocking movement of said rocker arm relative to said axes of said first and second cams thereby varying the angular position of said second cam independently of that of said first cam whereby valve lift, valve timing and the period during which the valve is open are varied in accordance with the varying operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A case is disclosed for containing an electronic watch module of the type having a display face and internal function switches manually operable by means of externally protruding depressible control buttons. The case includes a base component defining an open cavity for receiving the watch module, and a cover component with a window. Fasteners are employed to assemble the cover component to the base component at a position overlying the watch module, with the module display face visible through the cover window. Access openings in the assembled combination of the base and cover components are aligned with the module control buttons, and a spring is interposed between the module and the base component to resiliently urge the module into a fixed position within the case. The control buttons are concealed behind depressible spring contact sections which protrude outwardly through the access openings to provide a neat decorative appearance.

Abstract: A high reduction method and apparatus for continuously hot rolling a product through a plurality of roll passes, wherein the distribution of horizontal forces in at least one roll pass other than the first is such that spontaneous entry is prevented by a maximum momentary opposing force which is greater than the available delivery force of the preceding roll pass. An additional force is exerted on the product in advance of the preceding roll pass. This additional force, when combined with the available delivery force of the preceding roll pass, is of sufficient magnitude to overcome the maximum momentary opposing force of the said one roll pass and thus achieve forced entry therein.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat belt is attached to a slide mechanism attached to the vehicle body or door adjacent the occupant seat. The belt is connected to a slide element which slides on a rail between a forward released position (door open) and a rearward retaining position (door closed) in response to a door switch. A control mechanism overrides the effect of the door switch under certain conditions so that the belt does not release automatically when the door is opened. Examples of such conditions include specified criteria, ignition switch, transmission shift position, clutch position, and hand brake position.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device of the type comprising a semiconductor substrate made of P type silicon, a P type monocrystalline silicon region formed on the major surface of the substrate and containing a P type impurity, and a porous silicon oxide region surrounding the P type silicon region, the porous silicon oxide region is made to contact all side surfaces of the P type silicon region and all or at least a portion of the bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A fluid passing through a nozzle operative on the principle of wall effect of fluidic devices is variously deflected. A pair of control valves are provided at control fluid passages for supplying control jets into the throat portion of the nozzle in order to control the deflection of fluid flowing therethrough. A continuous straightforward flow is generated by simultaneous opening of said control valves.

Abstract: A diesel engine has a first lubrication system, containing conventional engine oil, used to lubricate that section of the engine subjected to excessive wear--the valve train including the cam shaft, valve lifters, rocker arm, valve stems, etc., and a second lubricant system, utilizing diesel fuel, for lubricating the remaining section of the engine--the crankshaft and associated parts, pistons, connecting rods, etc. By being exposed to crankcase blowby exhaust gases, diesel fuel used to lubricate the crankshaft, etc. absorbs pollutants and contaminants contained therein and recirculates these contaminants through the fuel system to be burned and exhausted. By constantly being lubricated with fresh lubricant, wear on these specific parts is reduced. Frequent lubrication changes have been eliminated because the diesel fuel/lubricant is continuously changed and circulated through fuel system.

Abstract: A switch arrangement comprises a movable switch member movable corresponding to shifting of transmission gear position and a stationary switch member including a plurality of contacts housed in a single member. The contacts are arranged to be adapted to respective transmission gear position and connectable with the movable switch member for electrical communication.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for an automotive vehicle which can prevent the shuddering phenomenon even while the vehicle is gradually accelerated or decelerated. The rubber member thereof is provided with multistep elasticity characteristics such that a first shearing portion of the rubber member is first deformed in shear, a second shearing portion thereof is next deformed in shear, and the other portion thereof is lastly deformed under compression. To achieve the above-mentioned elasticity characteristics, some appropriately sized slots, cavities, or gaps are provided within the rubber member at appropriate positions within the rubber member.

Abstract: In an air jet loom of the type wherein a weft yarn projected from a weft inserting nozzle is carried through a weft guide channel to pick the weft yarn into a shed of warp yarns by air jets from a plurality of auxiliary nozzles, weft picking is carried out by controlling the ejection of air jets from the auxiliary nozzles in a manner to simultaneously commence the air jet ejections from all the auxiliary nozzles prior to the time the weft yarn from the weft inserting nozzle reaches the auxiliary nozzle closest to the weft inserting nozzle, thereby producing a steady state air steam within the weft guide channel to stably complete a weft insertion into the shed of warp yarns.

Abstract: A barrel lock sleeve for snap-mounting in a keyway aperture of a door for use in lockably blocking the keyway for security purposes. The sleeve is fixed in the door aperture by the insertion and locking of a conventional barrel lock within the sleeve. The sleeve includes means for permitting the outside diameter of a forward portion of the sleeve to be resiliently compressed so that the sleeve can be snapped into the door aperture.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system serves to control the operation of hydraulic rams used to position and displace an annular member which delimits a concrete reception space disposed at the rear of a tunnel-driving apparatus. The system acts to compensate for irregular loading on the annular member to ensure the latter is drawn up behind a forward drive shield without twisting or tilting. The rams are divided into groups each connectible to its own pump unit and the system connects the chambers of the rams which reduce in volume as the member is drawn up to the pump units in a manner such that the latter act as brake motors to restrain the member against the concrete pressure differential on its rear side.