Abstract: A book block transport system having a plurality of block pincers continuously movable in a closed circular path, the block pincers comprising a supporting frame which includes a stationary internal clamping jaw. A swinging frame is rotatably suspended at one end from the supporting frame and has attached to the other end an external clamping jaw which is positioned so as to allow clamping of a book block between the internal and external clamping jaws. The internal and external clamping jaws are urged together by an elongated torsion bar spring. The swinging frame is rigidly attached to one end of the torsion bar spring and a cam lever is rigidly attached to the other end of the torsion bar spring. Movement of the external clamping jaw with respect to the internal clamping jaw is provided for by rotation of the cam lever. A cam follower positioned on the end of the cam lever fits within the groove of a stationary two-dimensional cam to provide for rotation of the cam lever.

Abstract: A rudder assembly for a ship having an upright keel plane and a drive for generating a screw race passing backwardly along the plane comprises a pair of like rudders lying in the race and pivotal about respective upright axes spaced symmetrically to opposite sides of the keel plane. Each rudder has a central plane lying parallel to the keel plane during normal straight forward travel of the ship and has a non-concave inner face turned toward the keel plane and an outer face formed by a convex front portion generally in front of the respective axis and a concave rear portion generally behind the respective axis. The rear portions diverge from the respective central planes by angles between 2.degree. and 10.degree., and the inner face has a rear portion similarly forming an angle of between 2.degree. and 8.degree. with the respective central plane. These rudders may be controlled individually in order to stop and even reverse the ship with a continuously backwardly moving screw race.

Abstract: A machine for shearing the pile of napped cloth includes a shearing bar and a shearing blade spaced by a variable gap from the bar. A control arrangement in accordance with the invention includes a sensing device for sensing the thickness of the base portion of the material and a further sensing device for measuring the variable gap. Signals from both sensing devices are compared and the output difference, if any, is used to actuate controls which adjust the variable gap.