Abstract: An optical rate sensor (300) is disclosed for use in inertial reference systems to measure rates of angular rotation with substantially high resolution and sensitivity. The sensor (300) comprises a passive ring Sagnac interferometer (302) with a multiturn fiber optic ring (308) through which counter-propogating optical waves are transmitted. A non-reciprocal phase modulation is applied to the waves, and the waves are combined to produce a "zero order" fringe pattern having an intensity varying in accordance with the relative phase between the counter-propogating waves. The phase modulation is under control of modulated control signals which are functionally related to measured values of the angular rotation rate. The phase modulation thereby produces an intensity signal which tends to alternate between values of substantially maximum change with respect to given changes in phase shift resulting from the non-reciprocal phase modulation.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for mounting ground-engaging wheels to a vehicle frame where two arms are secured to opposite sides of the frame and a wheel-carrying axle is suspended between the arms. The axle is secured to the arms by a wrapper plate partially surrounding the axle, adapter plates mounted to the interior surface of the wrapper plate and a bolt to compress the wrapper about the axle and the adapter plate against the axle. In this configuration, the wrapper plate supports and strengthens the axle. The wrapper plate generally conforms to the profile of that portion of the axle which it surrounds. The axle can be square, oval, hexagon, octagon, rectangular or D-shaped in cross section. The wrapper plate and the adapter plates exert substantially transverse forces on the axle.

Abstract: An improved lift mechanism is provided in an air spring trailing arm suspension comprising control arms pivotally mounted to a frame and adapted to carry ground-engaging wheels. An air spring is mounted between the control arms and the frame. A plate member mounted for vertical displacement on guide rods secured to the frame carries an upper portion of the air spacing so that the air spring can be vertically displaced relative to the frame. A lower portion of the air spring engages a piston which is kept in a generally upwardly facing orientation by a parallelogram linkage. A ratchet and pawl mechanism locks the control arms in the retracted position, and a latch mechanism locks the plate member to the frame when the plate member is vertically displaced to a lower limit of vertical movement.

Abstract: A photometric analyzer for measuring differential total reduced sulfur in a sample gas stream is provided. It includes a supply for a sulfur bearing gas sample, an oven having an inlet connected to the supply for converting TRS to SO.sub.2 and an outlet through which the gas sample is discharged. A valve is connected to the outlet of the oven. An SO.sub.2 bypass line is connected between the supply and the valve. A sample cell with transparent ends has an inlet adjacent one end connected to the valve for alternately receiving sample gas from either the oven or the bypass line and has an outlet adjacent the other end. A pump connected to the sample cell outlet draws the gas sample through the sample cell. A light source at the one end of the sample cell directs light of a predetermined wave length through the sample cell. A light sensing device at the other end detects the amount of light passing through the sample cell at any given time and provides an output signal to an analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which can be inserted between the stack and a transceiver of a transmissometer to provide zero and span measurements using the primary light source from the transceiver. The apparatus includes a calibration device mounted between the transceiver and one side of the stack and within the path of the light beam. A zero reflector is mounted within the calibration device for movement back and forth between an inactive position and an active position within the path of the light beam to reflect the same amount of light back into the transceiver as the retro-reflector would across the stack when the stack is clear of smoke. In addition, means is connected to the zero reflector for accomplishing this movement. A span filter is also provided within the calibration device which is movable between an active position in the light beam path to provide an upscale reference calibration check.

Abstract: An improvement in a conventional air-operated diaphragm spring brake is provided by a guide (100) being disposed in registry with an aperture (26) in a service brake housing (16). A push-rod (10) extends from a diaphragm (58) within the housing (12) through the bushing (102) to pivotably connect to a slack adjuster (6). The bushing (102) serves to maintain the push-rod (10) at a preselected angle relative to the slack adjuster (6) when the push-rod is in the inoperative position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed, in which a shear and die set is adapted to be used in a numerically-controlled turret punch press for separating adjacent portions of a workpiece along predetermined parting lines, the shear and die set having a lower shearing or cutting edge on a vertical side of the shear portion of said set which is reciprocated vertically in shearing proximity to an upper cutting or shearing edge of a vertical wall of the die portion of said set, so that only a partial shear is effected for any reciprocation, and advancing the workpiece during the reciprocation so that a stepwise cut is effected along the entire length of said predetermined parting line and separation of the workpiece along said predetermined parting line is obtained.

Abstract: A dilution extractive probe assembly for sampling a gas stream in a stack is provided. It includes a hollow tubular dilution probe having a first end for receiving a sample of the gas stream from the stack to be analyzed and a second end through which the sample is discharged after dilution. A first filter is provided at the first end of the probe for filtering the sample gas it passes into the probe. A critical orifice is located within the probe downstream of the first filter. A first heater is provided for heating the first filter to maintain the sample at a temperature above the dew point of the sample gas. A partial vacuum is created for drawing the sample through the filter and into the probe. An eductor is located adjacent the second end of the probe for mixing the sample with a dilution gas. A second heater for heating the eductor to maintain the sample gas at a temperature above its dew point as it passes through the eductor is provided.

Abstract: An ironing table assembly (10) of the type for movement between stored and work positions and particularly adapted for fixed connection in a closet (12). The assembly (10) includes a support member (20) which may be secured to the closet floor (16) and the closet rod (14). A pivot member (48) is pivotally secured to the tubular member and presents a tubular portion (54). A table (42) is included and has a guide rod (58) depending therefrom. The guide rod (58) is slideably retained in the tubular portion (54). An arm (62) is pivotally connected to the tubular support member (20) at one end and is pivotally mounted to the bottom of the table (42) at the other end. The arm (62) guides rotational and translational movement of the table (42) in a fore and aft (Y-Z) plane from the upper stored position to a knife edge position. The table is then rotated to a lateral (X-Z) plane to the lower work position. A socket member (66) limits rotational movement of the board from the knife edge to the working position.

Abstract: Phase slippage of a test clock signal and the direction of such slippage are digitally detected, accumulated, and displayed and/or recorded. A test clock signal is recovered from one digital carrier signal. A reference clock signal is recovered from another digital carrier signal. From the test clock signal, first and second binary signals are generated at a frequency phase synchronized to the test clock signal. The second signal is shifted in phase from the first signal. Responsive to the reference clock signal, the states of the first and second signals are repeatedly sampled such that the sampled states are representative of the phase relationship between the test clock signal and the reference clock signal. Successive samples of the states of the first and second signals are compared to detect unit interval phase shifts between the test clock signal and the reference clock signal. The phase shifts detected by the comparison are accumulated at successive samples are compared to represent phase slippage.

Abstract: A first visual indicium (44) and a second visual indicium (50) are provided on a push rod (10) in an air operated diaphragm spring brake. The push rod (10) is mounted for reciprocal movement between an operative position and an inoperative position through an opening (26) in a service brake housing (16). The first indicium (44) comprises a discontinuity (45) in the surface of the push rod (10) having a leading edge (46) and grooves (48). The first indicium is positioned on the push rod such that the leading edge (46) will be exterior to the service chamber (12) only when the push rod is in the operative position and the brakes are substantially out of adjustment. The second visual indicium (50) comprises a second discontinuity formed of at least a leading edge (52) and a trailing edge (54). The second visual indicium (50) is positioned on the push rod whereby the trailing edge (54) will normally be exterior of the service chamber 12 adjacent the opening (26) when the push rod is in the inoperative position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly (10) of the type for moving between an upright seating position and a forwardly folded position. The assembly (10) includes a first seat assembly (24) mounted to a forward seating area (20) of the vehicle floor by a first frame assembly (26). The first frame assembly (16) allows forward folding movement of the first seat (24). The assembly (10) further includes a second seat assembly (40) which overlies the load carrying platform (18) when in the upright seating position. A second frame assembly (42) allows forward pivoting movement of the second seat (40). When the assembly (10) is in the forwardly folded position, a lip (56) on the bottom of the second seat (40) engages a recess (37) on the first seat (24). In this position, the first (24) and second (40) seats are disposed in the forward seating area (20), and the backrest (36) of the first seat (24) and the bottom (50) of the second seat (40) are substantially flush with the load carrying platform.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly (10) of the type for moving between an upright seating position and a forwardly folded position. The assembly (10) includes a base member (12) secured to the vehicle floor. Front (20) and rear (22) support brackets extend upwardly from the base member (12) and include tabs (24) for supporting a seat (56). A cross member (28) is pivotally connected to the base member (12) and front support bracket (20). The cross member (28) reacts in tension to a seating load and remains in tension in the event of an inertia or other force applied to the assembly (10) in the forward direction. When in the forwardly folded position, the cross member (28) nests within the front support bracket (20) and base member (12), and the rear support bracket (22) overlies a portion of the base member (12).

Abstract: An inertia responsive latch mechanism for vehicle seats including an inertia latch member (22) pivotally mounted on a back frame member (18). The back frame member (18) is pivotally supported by the support frame (12). The inertia latch member (22) coacts in a first position with the support frame (12) for limiting forward pivoting movement of the back frame from an upright position only when the initial forward movement of the back frame (18) exceeds a predetermined acceleration. The assembly is characterized by the support frame including a lip (34) to automatically coact with the inertia latch member (22) in a second position in the forwardly folded position for automatically locking the back frame in the forwardly folded position. A lever (36) is included to remove the inertia latch element from the second coacting position to allow the back frame member (18)to return to the upright seating position.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method and assembly (10) for upholstering a foam cushion (16) with fabric (12, 14). A locator strip (10) accurately positions the fabric (12) upon the cushion (16). The locator strip includes an array of U-shaped pockets (30) along one edge which are separated by finger-like projections (32). A thin fracturable filament (40) is fixedly attached to the distal end (34) of the projections (32) to enclose the pockets (30). The locator strip (10) is sewn between the edges (18, 20) of two fabrics (12, 14) with thread (36) stitches passing through the pockets (30) and around the projections (32). The locator strip (10) functions to guide the edges (18, 20) of the two fabric covers (12, 14) into an elongated slot (22) in the cushion (16).

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly (10) of the type for moving between an upright seating position and a forwardly folded position. The assembly (10) includes a seat (20). A rear seat frame (30) pivotally supports a pair of jaws (39). The jaws (39) engage a pin (40) for locking the assembly (10) in the upright seating position. A cam (46) engages the jaws (39) and spreads the same to remove the jaws (39) from engagement with the pin (40) to allow the assembly (10) to move to the forwardly folded position. The assembly (10) is pivotable about a front frame (50). In the forwardly folded position, the lower seating member (22) defines a load carrying surface. A guide rod (72) interconnects the front frame (50) and the housing (51) having jaws (39) therein. The guide rod (72) retracts the housing (51) and jaws (39) when in the forwardly folded position interiorly of the lower seating member (22) and positions the jaws over the pin (40) when moving the seat to the upright position.

Abstract: A rectangular spring assembly (10,10') of the continuous coil type is disclosed as including continuous coil edge reinforcers (20) at a first set of opposite margins (12) between which continuous coils (16) extend. Additional edge reinforcers (24,24') are also preferably provided at a second set of opposite margins (14) of the assembly. In one embodiment, the spring assembly (10) has its edge reinforcers (20,24) oriented with straight connectors (30) thereof located adjaent associated border wires (34) and preferably has the edge reinforcers all made unitary with each other. In another embodiment, the spring assembly (10') has the straight connector portions (30) of its edge reinforcers (24') spaced inwardly from the border wires (34) with the edge reinforcers (20) made separate from the edge reinforcers (24').

Abstract: A lightweight trailing arm suspension comprises a frame bracket assembly (18), a trailing arm (16) and an air spring assembly (22) formed of a fixed cup (64) with a movable piston (66) mounted in lateral juxtaposed relationship to a terminal end of the trailing arm assembly (56). A clamping assembly (28) affixes the trailing arm to the axle (24), thus suspending the ground engaging wheels (14). A wear pad (60) interposed between a portion of the clamping assembly (28) and the trailing arm (16) resists the torsional moment of the trailing arm to provide stability and minimize wear. The cup (64) is hollow and communicates with the interior of an air spring (72) to provide a reservoir therefor. A track bar (115) with bushed joints at both ends interconnects the frame (10) and the axle housing (26) to provide lateral stability.

Abstract: A control system for a lift axle suspension wherein two or more axle suspensions are mounted on a vehicle frame and a liftable axle is automatically raised or lowered depending on the load on another of the axle or axles. An override to the automatic lift system is provided when the vehicle is fully loaded to lift a liftable axle selectively for a limited, relatively short period of time to assist in maneuvering the vehicle. The control system detects the load on one axle and automatically raises the second axle to the raised position when the load on the first axle is below a first predetermined value and automatically lowers the second axle to the lower position when the lower load on the first axle is above a predetermined value which is greater than the first predetermined value. A delay is provided in the operation of the control system to lower the second axle upon the detection of the load on the first axle to compensate for road bumps.

Abstract: An adjustable ironing table (10) includes a top board (12) and collapsible legs (22,24). A housing (46) has a vertical wall (48) extending perpendicularly relative to the top board (12) and a horizontal wall (50). The vertical wall (48) includes an opening (52) for guiding a control element (36) through the housing (46). The horizontal wall (50) includes a slot (54). A plate (44) extends through the slot (54). A compression spring (42) is retained by the control element (36) between the vertical wall (48) and the plate (44), the spring (42) pivoting the plate (44) relative to the slot (54) to engage the control element (36). The top board (12) includes a peripheral flange (20) having an outwardly curled periphery (78). The top board (12) further includes a flat stretched portions (16) extending along the length of the top board ( 12). One of the legs (22) is connected by a base member (92) to guide rails (74), the base member (92) having four point containment of the guide rails (74).