Abstract: Energy absorption elements for automotive vehicles are obtained by winding filaments in the form of a continuous wire impregnated with polymerizable resin in such a manner that the turns are wound parallel to one another in horizontal planes about a detachable core of complementary contour, so as to obtain a member having a closed-loop contour; the energy absorption elements may constitute closed-contour members for producing two or more automobile bumpers cutting said elements at predetermined locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an easy-fit signal unit for motor vehicle, this unit being disposed in a bumper section of moulded flexible material comprising a cavity for receiving said unit and means for retaining matching means formed on said unit. In said signal unit, the retaining means comprise male and female snap-action means formed at registering locations on said unit and on a deformable wall of said receiving cavity of said bumper section.

Abstract: A tachometer circuit in accordance with the invention has two or more output states dependent upon the frequency of an applied signal. The tachometer circuit is of the type comprising at least one time-measurement circuit having two discharge paths for a capacitor which forms part of a time-constant network. One of the discharge paths is controlled by the applied signal and the other path is caused to conduct after a predetermined time. In the circuit of the present invention the discharge path to which the input signal is applied includes a thyristor or like element with a high holding current which ensures a non-controllable discharge of the capacitor, and the other discharge path comprises a unijunction transistor or like element with a low holding current.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the state of a rotating machining tool, such as a drill bit, in a machining head. The system employs an electromagnetic detector having a coil connected in series with an oscillating circuit. As the tool rotates, its lands and flutes cause detectable variations in reluctance which are used to modulate the output of the oscillator circuit. The modulated oscillator output is monitored as an indication of the state of the tool.

Abstract: This device for releasing and actuating a sliding door is of the type comprising a handle-forming plate-flush mounted in the door volume by means of a double joint. This control plate is thus pivoted at two points located preferably in the end portions of the plate to permit the door opening and closing movements.

Abstract: An outer return tube is provided outside an exhaust silencer case and forms part of means for interconnecting the downstream end of an upstream tube and the upstream end of a downstream tube with respect to the direction of travel of the exhaust gases through the silencer. The upstream tube and downstream tube are perforated and extend in the case. At least a fraction of the exhaust gas stream travels through the outer return tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the opening and closing of a door, whether hinged or sliding, from both outside and inside, said device comprises, mounted on a common shaft, a first control plate replacing the conventional handle and rotatably rigid with said shaft, said first plate being housed in an external case, and another control plate mounted for loose rotation on said shaft and housed in an internal case, means being provided for interconnecting said plates when being rotated in one direction.

Abstract: An improvement in internal combustion engines for suppressing faulty carburetion caused by acoustic vibrations in the engine is provided by an acoustic resonator communicated with the intake manifold between the valves and the carburetor thereof. The resonator consists of an enclosed chamber of preselected volume connected to the intake manifold by at least one tubular conduit.

Abstract: An improvement in internal combustion engines for suppressing faulty carburetion caused by acoustic vibrations in the engine is provided by an acoustic resonator communicated with the intake manifold between the valves and the carburetor thereof. The resonator consists of an enclosed chamber of preselected volume connected to the intake manifold by at least one tubular conduit.

Abstract: A prechamber in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is fed with a rich air-fuel mixture by means of a valve comprising a flexible blade element which normally rests on a flat seat. The actuator control for opening of the blade element is effected on the one hand by natural aspiration of the cylinder and on the other hand by a cam element carried by a cam shaft and directly acting on the flexible blade element.

Abstract: A nozzle for blowing foundry cores, the nozzle being adapted to be fitted to a filling tray of a type operated in conjunction with the hot-box process. The nozzle consists of a pair of tubular concentric plastic sleeves assembled and shaped to provide an intermediate annular-sectioned space constituting a cooling jacket in which water is circulated, the male sleeve carrying at its lower end a plastic nose-piece adapted to withstand heavy abrasive and thermal conditions.

Abstract: A guide device for receiving a slideable element, the device comprising laterally spaced series of studs with each stud of each series arranged opposite a space between two adjacent studs of the other series. Studs of each series are spaced apart a distance at least equal to the width of one stud of the opposing series. This guide device is produced by a moulding process especially an injection-moulded process and due to the disposition and arrangement of the studs the moulding process and equipment is simplified.

Abstract: A speed limiting system for a vehicle in which the main speed controlling member is equipped with an overridable return device that applies to such speed controlling member a limited predetermined magnitude of force opposing movement of the speed control member to a higher speed position whenever the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed. The return means is operated by control signal means utilizing signals representing the actual vehicle speed and an adjustable preset speed limit, and effecting comparison of such signals.

Abstract: A cable is mounted on a winding drum coupled with the output shaft of a reversible motor which is caused to rotate by control means when an operating parameter of the vehicle exceeds or goes below a predetermined value. The cable is kept taut and its free end is connected by resilient means to a mobile member which is connected to the accelerator control linkage.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine structure comprising a one-piece cylinder-block and crankcase casting with integral cylinder-head, of light alloy, and incorporating valve guides, induction ports, exhaust ports, spark plug wells, cooling-water chambers open at the upper portion of the casting around the valve seatings and closed by a cover, said cooling-water chambers extending axially around the cylinders and outside the areas corresponding to the induction and exhaust ports and also to the spark-plug wells, said casting further comprising in said areas around said cylinders a wall portion provided with cooling fins, whereby the casting can be obtained directly from a light alloy in a chill-mould, notably according to the known high-pressure casting process.

Abstract: A method for controlling the response time of an electromechanical device having an actuating solenoid comprising: applying three reference voltages from three reference voltage sources in a predetermined order to a voltage and current amplifier which drives the solenoid, generating from the three reference voltages three corresponding currents through the solenoid, the three currents being a premagnetization current, a maximum activation current of the solenoid and a deactivation current of the solenoid.

Abstract: A mobile element of a tire testing device is immobilized relative to a bath of an eutectic alloy by cooling the eutectic alloy to a temperature below its solidus/liquidus, and the mobile element is released by reheating the eutectic alloy to above its solidus/liquidus. Immobilization and release are effected by means of a jacket passing hot or cold fluid.

Abstract: The switch comprises a body carrying fixed electric contacts and a movable member rotatably mounted in the body. The body has curved ribs of identical radius which extend around a barrel and define between them a plurality of free spaces containing electrically conductive balls. At least two of the spaces are partly occupied by the fixed contacts. An electrically conductive ring is interposed between the balls and elastically yieldable members carried by the base of the movable element. The conductive ring is put in contact with the fixed contacts through the balls, which constitute moving contacts, and closes the switch electrically when the movable element is rotated relative to the body. The edges of the ribs constitute abutments for the balls.

Abstract: The invention is directed to means for improving the operating conditions of internal combustion engines by the selective recirculation of exhaust gases as a function of the different engine speeds. More particularly, the exhaust gases are recirculated when starting the engine, during the period preceding the actual ignition, during low engine speed periods corresponding to a considerable and pre-adjusted induction vacuum, and also when the engine is operating under full-load conditions, the recirculation being discontinued at the other engine speeds, to reduce the atmospheric pollution and improve the engine performances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for the hinged lid, panel or bonnet of a motor vehicle. Said lock comprises a locking hook pivoted to a support by means of a pivot pin, and a keeper coacting with said hook, said hook being urged to its open or release position by a torsion spring interposed between said hook and said support, and means for locking said hook in its closing or locking position in relation to said keeper, said locking means comprising on the one hand said spring reacting against said support by means of an arm having a certain freedom of movement as far as the distance between said arm and the hook axis is concerned, and on the other hand manual control means coacting with said spring arm for varying said distance between said arm and said hook axis, whereby said spring arm will coact according to its distance from said axis with either a stop member for locking said hook in its locking or closing position, or another stop member for retaining said hook in its opening or release position.