Abstract: A device to store energy includes a phase change material (PCM), with a phase change temperature Tc, contained in a sealed container and constituting a storage core. A source to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TA, to cause a phase change of the PCM. A recuperator to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TB, to cause a phase change of the PCM in the opposite direction to the phase change produced by the source. A controller to control the heat flows between the PCM, the source and the recuperator. An apertured support in contact with the PCM in the sealed container and in thermal contact with the source and the recuperator.

Abstract: A device to store energy includes a phase change material (PCM), with a phase change temperature Tc, contained in a sealed container and constituting a storage core. A source to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TA, to cause a phase change of the PCM. A recuperator to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TB, to cause a phase change of the PCM in the opposite direction to the phase change produced by the source. A controller to control the heat flows between the PCM, the source and the recuperator. An apertured support in contact with the PCM in the sealed container and in thermal contact with the source and the recuperator.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a frame, one rear face configured to be secured to a vertical wall, and a radiating element made of fragile material forming the front of the apparatus. The frame includes at least one securing element to join a rear face of the radiating element to the frame. The heating apparatus further includes a support integral with the frame. The support has a first face equipped with a heating element to heat the radiating element and a second face glued to the rear face of the radiating element.

Abstract: In a turntable device for measuring angles of lock of a steerable wheel of an automobile, the spindle of the turntable is coupled to an angular displacement pickup carried by a movable arm or the like which is subjected to the translational displacements of the turntable. The movable arm or another part which is associated with the turntable and accompanies this latter in its translational displacements is equipped with a detection element placed opposite to a stationary zone having physical characteristics (such as electrical conductivity, reflecting power, etc.) which are different from those of the zone support. The function of the zone surface is virtually to materialize the freedom of displacement conferred on the turntable by its mode of assembly. The detection element is connected into an electric circuit for controlling a visual signal element or a system for stopping the measuring apparatus associated with the angular displacement pickup of the device.

Abstract: Data acquisition and processing equipment permits simultaneous testing of a plurality of automotive vehicles located at different test stations of a technical test center. The equipment comprises remote control boxes each having an electronic identity, a display console enabling operators to assign each control box to one vehicle, a CRT screen for displaying test data as well as a menu of test operations, remote control receivers for the signal transmitted by the control boxes, a computerized central unit connected to the display console, to the different test stations, to the display screen and to the remote control receivers.

Abstract: This method of measuring the power of an automotive vehicle engine on a roller-type testing bench comprises selecting the vehicle velocity and/or the engine speed whereat it is desired to make the measurement; increasing the engine speed during a first acceleration phase up to the selected value, measuring at this value the power available at the wheels, accelerating the engine slightly above the selected value, then disconnecting the drive and engaging the neutral; and allowing the rollers to slow down while they drive the engine transmission by inertia in order to measure, during this second deceleration phase, the power lost in the transmission.

Abstract: A laser beam emitter is placed at the level of each front wheel and a first laser beam is projected transversely in front of the vehicle onto a first receiver placed in front of the other front wheel. A second laser beam emerging from the same emitter is projected onto a reflecting mirror placed at the level of the corresponding rear wheel and the reflected laser beam is transmitted to a second receiver. The different distances read on the receivers are transmitted to the memory of an electronic computer which automatically determines the values of the angles of toe-in and toe-out of the front or rear wheels as well as the set-back or relative axial displacement between the front wheels.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of and an apparatus for fitting and removing a so-called unpuncturable inner tube with respect to a corresponding pneumatic tire. The inner tube is elongated and disposed in front of the tire held in a vertical position, and the lower front portion of the tube is introduced into the lower portion of the tire. The apparatus comprises a gantry-like frame structure for holding the tire vertically, and a movable carriage extending at right angles to the gantry and supporting a tiltable device comprising essentially two arms pivotally interconnected and adapted to elongate the inner tube. Removal of the inner tube is also feasible due to the provision of means for partially crushing the tire containing the inner tube until one portion of the tube projects into the central aperture of the tire from which it is then expelled by a push arm extension adapted to be fitted to the upper one of the pair of extension arms.