Abstract: A tunnelling machine for large cross-section tunnels (with a 12 m diameter and more), as well as for excavating loose rocks leading to groundwater, has a shield with a cylindrical case. A front section (1) of the case is rotary. The front face (3) of the rotary section is designed at least outside a central area (11) as a helical heading supporting surface at least approximately full when seen in the axial direction (6) of the tunnel. Preferably, the supporting surface is composed of several helical surfaces (4, 5) that supplement each other in the circumferential and/or radial directions. In the supporting surface is arranged at least one excavating shoulder (12, 13) whose surface is at an angle with respect to the supporting surface. An excavating device is preferably arranged on at least one excavating shoulder (12, 13). In the area of the supporting surface the earth or rocks are supported at the same time as they are excavated exclusively at the excavating shoulder(s).

Abstract: The method is performed on a tape banding machine with a winding tape made of a paper tape coated with plastic or lacquer which forms at least one tensionable loop. The loop is severed after tightening and binding the winding tape. When forming the loop, the tape banding machine directs the plastic or lacquer layer of a winding tape which is coated on one side onto its uncoated surface made of porous paper. Where the winding tape is coated on both sides, the plastic layers are directed onto each other. The free end is bound to the aforementioned winding tape by ultrasonic cold welding. The flat working surface of the sonotrode of a tape banding machine is divided into sections by at least one recess; it consists of preferably small grid surfaces. The recesses are preferably grooves which run in a lengthwise direction and at an angle of 30.degree.-60.degree. to this lengthwise direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in X-ray cassette unloading and loading apparatus, including novel detection of presence or absence of film in the cassette and the position thereof in the upper or lower cassette part, utilizing radiation, such as infra-red, to which the film is not sensitive. Radiation is directed into each cassette part after opening and the radiation reflected from the respective parts is compared. The radiation means, as well as means for holding the cassette parts in open position and air jet means for releasing film from the upper cassette portion, are all mounted on parallelly moving guide members which engage the lateral edges of the cassette to position it.

Abstract: In a turbo-machine having a rotor member movable relative to a stationary housing member there is provided a substantially ring-shaped or annular seal between both of these members and serves to seal pressurized water from an external space or region. One of both of these members possesses a sealing surface against which there is pressed a sealing body of the seal which is inserted into the other member, the sealing body being for instance constituted by a lip seal. Improved lubrication, reduced friction and enhanced service life of the seal is attained in that, the sealing surface has fed thereto a friction-reducing liquid, for instance by means of radial grooves provided in the sealing surface or by means of bores opening into the sealing surface.

Abstract: Electronic control for franking machines such as postage meters and stamping machines having a printing device, a postage value printing selection device, a total postal charge storage register and a settable subtracting value counter, including a microprocessor, a volatile main memory for storing data and non-volatilesemiconductor memories for storing data and the number of writing cycles performed, the memories being connected to the microprocessor, a line voltage power supply, supply capacitors disposed in the power supply, a switch controlled by the microprocessor for connecting the non-volatile memories to the supply capacitors of the power supply exclusively in the event of an interruption of the line voltage to cause the non-volatile memories to take over data stored in the main memory, and a register connected to one of the non-volatile memories for preventing the exceeding of a predetermined number of writing cycles of the one non-volatile memory after the power supply resumes.

Abstract: Electronically controlled indicator and testing device for the denominational printing of franking machines, including a numerical display, a microprocessor for setting values or assigned characteristics in the numerical display, a device for sequentially visualizing all numerals in the numerical display after the franking machine is turned on, a program memory, a main memory, a data memory, and an exchangeable memory each connected to the microprocessor, a printing mechanism, a selectable option printing drum, an electro-mechanical device cooperating with the microprocessor for setting denominations in the printing mechanism and option printing drum, an electronic setting tester independent of the electro-mechanical device for comparing set values in the printing mechanism and option printing drum with the set values or assigned characteristics in the numerical display and for releasing an option print only if the set values agree, a key for triggering an additional run of all numerals of the numerical displ

Abstract: The disclosed gun is of the type having a housing with a nozzle and a deflecting plate spaced from the muzzle and mounted on a rod axially guided in the muzzle, the annular channel formed between the muzzle and the rod serving as a powder channel. Electrodes extend into the powder channel and are connected to a high voltage source. A stepping motor is connected to the rod to change its axial position, and control means are connected to the motor. Digital circuits inside the housing and manually operable switches permit automatic control or manual control from the gun of the deflecting plate spacing, the voltage, and the powder feed. Indicating means on the gun display the values of the controlled parameters.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a Francis-type hydraulic machine, i.e., a turbine, pump-turbine or pump, having a bladed wheel of large diameter, and in which bearing apparatus for supporting the rotor is arranged in a peripheral region of the bladed wheel spaced radially from the axis.