Abstract: A load counterbalancing coiled wire spring assembly adapted to provide predetermined nonuniform bending stress induced torsional load supporting force in response to load induced longitudinal spring wire displacement.

Abstract: The lifting capacity of a human subject is assessed through dynamic testing protocols utilizing a cylindrical robot that tracks the path of the lift and provides load position information to a data analysis system. The movable linkage of the cylindrical robot moves in a very low friction manner and is designed to be extremely lightweight, while having remarkable strength and rigidity to withstand bending moments and torsional effects. Thus, the apparatus permits three-dimensional lift testing of actual loads, including actual job loads, with the test subject experiencing the true feel and inertial effects of the load. Static force transducers and related means are provided to permit isometric testing.

Abstract: Fluid flow control valve in which bidirectional displacement of a valve operator is effected by momentary utilization of high current flow in a permanent magnetic flux field and longer term utilization of minimal current flow with in said flux field to maintain valve operator position in limiting displaced condition.

Abstract: Fluid flow control valve in which bidirectional displacement of a valve operator is effected by momentary utilization of high current flow in a permanent magnetic flux field and longer term utilization of minimal current flow with in said flux field to maintain valve operator position in limiting displaced condition.

Abstract: Improved methods for circular weft knitting of variegated articles and selectively programmable circular weft knitting machine apparatus for carrying out such methods including means for effecting selective, controlled two dimensional displacement of compound needle member components and associated sinker elements so as to provide each such needle member with the selectable capability of performing a knit, tuck or float operation at each yarn feed location independent of the direction of knitting needle approach thereto.

Abstract: A speed change device that includes an annular ring journaled on the periphery of a swash plate having a plurality of equally spaced radially extending frusto-conical rollers on the periphery thereof adapted to intermittently engage a selectively shaped fixed race and a selectively shaped movable race at low pressure angles with attendant low normal forces.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed drive mechanism which is specifically adaptable for automotive applications is made up of a single ball or spherical element interpositioned between drive and driven members in opposed facing relation to one another on opposite sides of the ball, each of the drive and driven members having generally annular, frusto-conical surface portions engageable along one of the surfaces of engagement with the ball, and control rollers are mounted under compression against a surface portion of the ball so as to urge the ball into balanced frictional engagement with the drive and driven members while establishing the axis of rotation of the ball and determining the speed ratio imparted through the ball between said drive and driven members.

Abstract: An earthquake tremor responsive valve closing assembly that includes a magnetically suspended pendulous weight adapted to be dropped upon a cocked trigger assembly for an internally spring biased gas line valve in response to a decrease in magnetic retention force resulting from tremor induced displacements.

Abstract: Methods for circular weft knitting of variegated diversiform and articles and selectively programmable circular weft knitting machine apparatus for carrying out such methods including controlled two dimensional displacement of compound needle member components and associated sinker elements so as to provide each such needle member with the selectable capability of performing a knit, tuck or float operation at each yarn feed location independent of the direction of knitting needle approach thereto.

Abstract: A differential speed reducer has a wobble member mounted on an input shaft so as to follow a sinusoidal path of movement. A first gear journaled on the wobble member has a radially disposed cam surface on one face to follow the sinusoidal movement of the wobble member, and a second gear is axially spaced from the first gear with correspondingly formed cam surfaces aligned with those of the first gear, and a plurality of balls are interpositioned between the first and second cam surfaces to transmit torque from the rotary input shaft to the second cam surface. For multiple speed reduction, a second set of cam surfaces corresponding to the first cam surfaces is interposed between the input shaft and first set of cam surfaces, and rolling elements again impart torque from the input side into the first set of cam surfaces. The first and second sets of cam surfaces can be formed on different radii and concentrically positioned with respect to one another so as to form a very compact speed reducer unit.

Abstract: A drive system adapted for use in motor vehicles comprises an infinitely variable speed drive transmission coupled to a DC motor, and the speed ratio of the transmission is controlled by a speed-responsive flyweight or governor so as to maintain the DC motor at its most efficient operating level.

Abstract: The apparatus is particularly adapted for disintegrating bale-like masses of waste textile strand material that includes synthetic (e.g., polyester, nylon, etc.) textile strands of large-magnitude tensile strength and frequently of considerable length. The length and strength of such strands, in conjunction with their normally quite-random and entangled array within the bale-like masses received by a reclaimer of waste strand material, has heretofore necessitated the manual disintegration of such masses. The apparatus of the present invention automatically and efficiently disintegrates bale-like masses of waste textile strand material of the above-described type, as well as of other types, and does so in a manner which does not so impair desirable physical properties of the strand material as to restrict its various end-uses.