Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows structure for the connection of two segments of an articulated vehicle. In order to perform their different functions the different parts of the bellows structure are submitted to differing degrees of irradiation in order to modify the cross-linking of polymer therein.

Abstract: A gas is forced upwardly through a fluidization medium, such as sand, producing a fluidized bed which flows under the influence of gravity through an inclined trough. The separation of the side walls of the trough decreases in the direction of flow of the fluidized bed increasing the depth thereof. The apparent density of the fluidized bed is maintained substantially uniform, regardless of the increase in depth, by correspondingly increasing the pressure of the air forced through the medium in a manner corresponding to the depth thereof. A gas distribution plate beneath the fluidization medium having a higher resistance to the flow of gas than the layer of fluidization medium thereabove contributes to the maintenance of a substantially uniform apparent density in the fluidized bed despite variations in its depth.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring a plurality of workpieces has a pair of transfer rails along which run a plurality of jig pallets, each carrying a workpiece. A transfer bar is disposed between the pair of transfer rails so as to reciprocatingly move in the longitudinal direction of the rails. An engaging claw adapted to be driven up and down by a driving device is provided on the jig pallet, while a plurality of engaging blocks adapted to be engaged by the engaging claws are integrally provided on the transfer bar. The engaging claws are driven into and out of engagement with the corresponding engaging blocks so as to couple and uncouple the jig pallets and the transfer bar, whereby the jig pallets are transferred solely by linear motion of the transfer bar.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed with a vertically hinged passenger door mounted in a side panel thereof. The door permits passenger ingress and egress to the bed area, and conceals a gas cap behind the door and under the bed. Access to the gas cap and ingress and egress is controlled by a locking mechanism operatively associated with the door.

Abstract: An aerial tramway grip assembly (21) including a gripping head (24) carrying a pair of opposed movable jaws (26, 27) for gripping a haul rope (23) and a resilient biasing assembly (37) biasing the jaws (26, 27) towards a closed position. The improvement in the grip assembly (21) is comprised of two pairs of opposed stationary gripping surfaces (41,42,43,44) positioned proximate the jaws (26,27) and positioned to cooperate with an opposed one of the jaws (26,27) to grip the haul rope (23) therebetween in the event of release of the gripping force provided by the other jaw. Additionally, resilient biasing is provided by two independent rubber blocks or cylinders (38,39) which bias each jaw (26,27) toward an opposed jaw and toward the opposed stationary gripping surface (41-44). The stationary gripping surfaces (41-44) additionally are oriented to be gravity biased into wedging engagement with the haul rope (23) so as to grip the haul rope (23) even in the event of failure of the movable jaws (26,27).

Abstract: The offset mechanical gripper is for mounting on a robot for grasping an electrical component. Two pairs of fingers are offset on L-shaped arms. The fingers in a pickup pair move toward and away from a fixed pickup plane to always hold grasped components centered on the plane. The first pair of arms is mounted on a first carriage and the second pair of arms is mounted on a second carriage so that spacing between the carriages controls spacing between the pairs of fingers. The pairs of fingers are each operated by a fluid cylinder, with adjustment of travel and sensing of non-grasp.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring headed pins includes a frame having a pair of spaced, parallel side rails and an end plate secured between the side rails at one end thereof. A pair of plates are secured together and connected between the side rails at the other ends thereof. The pair of plates have at least a portion of their opposed surfaces spaced from each other, and have aligned holes therethrough for receiving the pins to be transferred. A third plate having openings therethrough is slidable in the space between the pair of plates. An operating rod is connected to the third plate and can move the third plate between a first position in which the holes in the third plate are aligned with the holes in the pair of plates, and a second position in which the holes in the third plate only partially overlap the holes in the pair of plates. With the third plate in its second position, pins can be inserted through the holes and will not pass completely therethrough so that they will be held in the apparatus.

Abstract: A gripping device 10 for providing large moment-carrying capability for handling long cylindrical work-pieces W of a wide range of diameters. The device 10, which may be attached as an end effector for a robotic arm, includes two spaced pairs of parallel jaw type gripping members, 87, 102 and 101, 98. Each gripping member includes a gripping pad 110d with a contour which accommodates the grasping of cylindrical objects of different diameters. Movement of the gripping members between a fully open position (FIG. 3) and a fully closed position (FIG. 4) is controlled by a pair of concentrically arranged inner and outer output drive shafts 56, 59, each of which is provided with a pair of arms (81,82 and 83,84) extending in generally opposed radial directions of the shaft axis and to which a gripping member is pivotally attached near its distal end.

Abstract: A container inspection process and apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of contaminants present on or absorbed into the walls of plastic containers. The process flushes volatiles from within the container by injecting gas, draws a vapor sample from within the container and analyzes the sample with an ionization instrument.

Abstract: An intercirculation tunnel between successive railroad cars or highway vehicles for ensuring protection against bad weather and atmospheric agents as well as noise and heat insulation as a unitized structure with oval constant cross section. The structure has a self-supporting wall that is elastically deformable throughout without mechanical devices, and that is composed of a multilayer composite of compact elastomers including an outer layer and an inner layer which can also contain reinforcements and an intermediate layer of a cellular polymer material.

Abstract: A refuse container assembly for storing refuse material at a refuse transfer station is provided with a receptacle, having a refuse storage chamber and a refuse material intake and discharge opening at the upper end of the chamber, mounted on a support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle between a lower, upright position for receiving and storing thereat refuse material discharged into the opening by refuse collection vehicles and an elevated, at least partially inverted, position for discharging refuse material from the container through the opening into a refuse transportation vehicle, the assembly including a mechanism for pivoting the receptacle between the lower and elevated position, the mechanism including arms mounted on the support frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely of the receptacle, first extendable and retractable actuator having one end connected to the support frame and the other end connected to the arms remote

Abstract: An improved control system is described for controlling the passage of a vehicle between certain control points, the control is achieved by passing electronic tokens, which permit movement of the vehicle past a control point, between a signal box and the vehicle via a first data communications channel which is security interlocked by solid state interlocking in the data channel. A communications processor is included in the interlocking and forms part of the vital safety system of the interlocking. The improvement comprises the provision of a second data communications channel between the signal box and train, this second channel interfacing with the solid state interlocking. At the signal box a keyboard may be provided for feeding data to the interlocking and the second communications channel may communicate with the vital part of the solid state interlocking via a similar route to the keyboard.

Abstract: Mixed scrap metal pieces 6 are sorted in a fluidised hindered settler containing sand, through which the pieces settle at a differential rate. The sand is fluidised by air from 20 and vibration-driven around a circular trough 2. A depthwise partition 14a sorts the pieces according to settling rate, whereafter they are removed up separate ramps 14 and 16. The sand is levelled preparatory to receiving the pieces 6, and only afterwards is it fluidised.

Abstract: A debris catcher comprising a conical screen (filter) in a drill string which defines an annular accumulation space between the screen and the inner wall of the drill string is presented. The central portion of the screen is open to establish an unimpeded flow path. A centrifugal deflector, impeller or similar device above (upstream from) the screen establishes a helical flow pattern in the drilling mud whereby debris entrained in the mud is forced outwardly by centrifugal action. The debris is then caught in the annular accumulation space between the screen and the drill string wall when the mud flows through the screen. If the accumulator fills or the screen becomes clogged, mud will still flow through the center flow passage. The debris catcher of the present invention is preferably positioned within a drill string upstream of a mud powered turbine or other device in the mud stream, the operation of which may be jeopardized by debris in the mud stream.

Abstract: A screening apparatus is provided having a plurality of axially aligned discs or rings which are lined up one behind the other, spaced a predetermined distance from each other and rotate as a single unit about a central longitudinal axis. A large central aperture is formed through each of the discs to form a tubular, drum type structure within which material to be separated is placed. Upon rotation of the tubular structure, acceptable material flows through the slots between adjacent discs while over-size material exits one open end of the tubular structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper comprising a bearing member and an elastic deformable plastic element provided with an impact surface, which element substantially consists of a number of interconnected box-shaped formations, the cross sections of which are regular polygons having an even number of sides and the center lines of which are parallel to the impact surface in which near the midpoints of two opposite sides the box-shaped formations are connected with each other and with the impact surface by connecting webs extending lengthwise along the box-shaped formations perpendicular to the impact surface and to the said sides. The choice of the locations for the interconnecting webs results in a relatively high elastic deformation of the element.

Abstract: A tracer element for use in determining the efficiency of a heavy medium separation method which is made of aluminum, an aluminum/zinc alloy or an aluminum/magnesium alloy.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle which provides a trailer compartment for transporting horses and other animals and living quarters for humans. A cab has a frame which is connected with the trailer frame by a special connection system that enhances the strength and rigidity of the frame. The cab body and trailer body are welded together with flat steel plates. The vehicle provides a low elevation for the trailer floor to facilitate loading and unloading of animals. Front wheel drive propulsion eliminates the need for a drive line to the rear wheels which would interfere with the low to the ground floor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating silicon seed particles from silicon dust and large, heavy silicon particles. A classifier apparatus is a vertically oriented column having an inert gas flowing upwardly therethrough. A mixture of various size particles is dispensed into the central portion of the tube such that small dust particles and product size particles are entrained in the flowing gas and heavier particles fall to a receiver at the bottom of the tube. The small dust particles are separated from the product size particles near the top of the tube by providing an enlarged cross-sectional area flow path which continues to entrain the small particles but not the product size particles. The product size particles are then captured in a receptacle near the top of the tube.

Abstract: A carrying rack mountable on a vehicle, such as a pickup, for carrying bulky and oversized objects. The rack is characterized by including a frame mountable to the bed of the vehicle and including a forward rack member. The frame also includes a pair of support members extending rearwardly of the front rack member, these support members including a pivotal connection carrying a rear rack section. The rear rack section is movable between a forward, folded position and a rearward, extended position for carrying large objects thereupon. The foldable nature of the rack permits easier access into the bed of the truck when the rack is not in use, while providing an aesthestically pleasing configuration, such as that of a roll bar. Optional winch means, lighting, and reflectors may also be incorporated in the unit.