Abstract: A power generation system having a low pressure source of water, means connected to the source of water for pressurizing the water to a substantially higher pressure, means for forming steam from the pressurized water, and a steam turbine for deriving mechanical motion from the steam. The pressurizing means uses first and second chambers of variable volumes. Valve means are associated with the first and second chambers so that water flows into the first chamber when its volume is expanding but water is not allowed to flow into the first chamber when its volume is contracting. Likewise, the valve means are utilized so that water flows into the second chamber when its volume is expanding but water is not allowed to flow into the second chamber when its volume is contracting. Furthermore, valve means are associated with the first chamber to allow pressurized water to flow out of the first chamber when its volume is contracting.

Abstract: An open cycle external heat engine is provided which is of the reciprocating piston type, having compression cylinders separated from larger power cylinders; the heating of the compressed air being accomplished in an air heater with the compressed air never mixing with the heating gases, a heat exchanger being provided for recovering and recirculating the heat of the combustion gases.

Abstract: A plant including a power station with power station buildings of a heavy construction and with a cooling tower surrounding the power station buildings, especially a steam power plant with natural draft-cooling tower for dry cooling. The cooling tower has a manner known per se designed as double mantle construction with an inner bowl and an outer bowl surrounding the inner bowl in spaced relationship thereto. The outer walls of the power plant buildings form a portion of the inner bowl or form the entire inner bowl. The remaining cooling tower portions and the outer bowl are designed as light structures. Any portion of the inner bowl which might possibly extend upwardly from the power plant buildings rest on the power plant buildings while the outer bowl on one hand rests on the ground by way of a support structure, and on the other hand by way of wind bracing members rests on the power plant buildings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a stabilized and hardened layer, by which extensive and deep-layered zones of clay, silt, and/or sand (hereinafter referred in as "Weak Soil Layer") in such places as rivers, lakes, marshes, harbors and/or the sea may be easily turned into stabilized foundation ground necessary for civil construction, the surface layer of said weak soil layer being partially or wholly turned into stabilized foundation ground at or to a fixed depth by stabilization treatment of said weak soil layer with a solidifier agent including cement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for supporting an underground mine roadway or tunnel having a series of spaced rigid support members installed along the roadway or tunnel, the rigid support members being erected in turn adjacent to newly exposed mine or rock surface as the roadway or tunnel is extended. Deformable bags are arranged between the rigid support members and the adjacent mine or rock surface. In addition deformable limbs extend from the last installed support towards the next support to be erected, the bags and the containers being filled with flowable material including cement and a conveying medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving tunnels or the like employs a drive shield known per se, with drive members supported and guided on a frame. Rear extension members are linked to the drive members, preferably through units permitting relative displacement therebetween and these rear members form a rear shield for receiving supports and reinforcements for a permanent lining for the tunnel. A concrete spraying nozzle or the like applies a strip of concrete to the tunnel wall each time a rear member is shifted in the advancing direction. In this way a series of strips, preferably shape locked together at their ends, can be built up stage by stage to create the lining.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the location and set of a cement slurry within a support member of an offshore structure is disclosed. The location and setting properties of the cement are determined by monitoring the electrical resistivity of the fluid within the support member. Preferably, a plurality of electrical probes mounted along the length of the support member can be used to measure the electrical resistivity of fluid within the member. Normally, the presence of cement would be indicated by an abrupt change of resistivity as the cement displaces the original fluid (air or sea water) present in the support member. Resistivity of the cement slurry will also change gradually as the cement sets.

Abstract: The forward movement of a pipe-laying vessel when laying pipe offshore is controlled to maintain the position of the pipe as laid on the sea bed as close as possible to the desired track. The position of the touch down point on the sea bed of the pipeline suspended from the vessel is measured at periodic intervals by driving a survey vessel fitted with an echo location device along the already laid line. The measured position of a touch down point is compared with the desired track and any deviation is computed. Further movements of the pipe-laying vessel are adapted to minimize this deviation.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus for laying a pipeline, such as an oil duct or a gas duct, in a body of water, wherein the pipeline, or a section thereof, is enclosed within a ballast tube such that an intermediate space is formed between the pipeline or pipeline section and the ballast tube, said space being filled with a liquid less dense than water, such as a light hydrocarbon, while the pipeline is being laid, but may be filled, after the pipeline has been laid, with soft water or with a liquid heavier than water such as a grouting having a base of a hydraulic or hydrocarbon binder. The invention also comprises the provision of a plug at one end of an assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube whereby a free end of said assembly may be secured as by welding to a second assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube at a position remote from the liquid contained in the intermediate space in said first assembly.

Abstract: A mixed phase pump for rapidly rotating cryogenic machinery is disclosed, preferably for installation to a superconducting generator rotor. The superconducting generator rotor includes an inner and outer rotor structure joined in a thermally insulated configuration not unlike that of a Dewar flask. The inner rotor contains a support cylinder for a refrigerant, typically helium, which when refrigerated to 3.5.degree. Kelvin at one half a standard atmosphere under the normal rapid rotation of the axially aligned support cylinder, classifies itself into a two-phase liquid gas system. The phases include an outer cylindrical helium pool and an axially inward gaseous core separated by a cylindrical gas-liquid interface. During normal operation of the rapidly revolving rotor, a pump removes the gas for recooling to a liquid state by receiving the gas in the vicinity of the axis of the rotor at an inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus in an air conditioning unit for reducing noise created by a condensate slinger comprising a condenser fan shroud having contained as an integral part thereof a curvilinear baffle having a splash surface of a predetermined configuration closely surrounding the slinger for the purpose of reducing the noise attendant the delivery of the condensate collected adjacent to the slinger over the surface of a condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a flexible line, such as a multiconductor electric cable for power and control circuits, a single flexible hose, or conventional flexible cables to a subsea station by remotely controlled means and without the assistance of divers or diver capsules or submarines. The apparatus includes a cable connecting frame structure upon which is pivotally mounted a socket-like container means which receives a receptacle means connected at one end of a flexible power cable or line. The frame structure is adapted to be releasably attached to the subsea station. A plug assembly is receivable by the socket-like container for electrical engagement with the receptacle means, and lock means holds the socket-line container in a selected position with respect to the subsea station.

Abstract: A heat transport system of small size which can be operated in any orientation consists of a coolant loop containing a vaporizable liquid as working fluid and includes in series a vaporizer, a condenser and two one-way valves and a pressurizer connected to the loop between the two valves. The pressurizer may be divided into two chambers by a flexible diaphragm, an inert gas in one chamber acting as a pneumatic spring for the system.

Abstract: Constant condenser pressure is maintained in an air-cooled condenser of a refrigeration system which operates at either full capacity or reduced capacity depending on the heat load requirements. When operating at full capacity, the condenser head pressure will be held generally constant at a relatively high control point even in the presence of wide variations in condenser cooling air temperature. On the other hand, when the heat load requirements decrease and the refrigeration system switches to its reduced capacity operating mode, the control point automatically drops to a substantially lower level, whereupon the condenser pressure is maintained relatively fixed at that lower control point despite major changes in the condenser cooling air temperature. By automatically lowering the control point at reduced system capacity, maximum efficiency and economical operation are obtained.

Abstract: An open-type air defrost refrigerated display employing recirculatory refrigerated air flow for cooling, and reverse air flow into the ambient and from the ambient for defrost, there being a return air grille opening which is bioriented, with portions oriented to receive recirculatory cold air flow from across the display access opening during refrigeration, and portions oriented to discharge reverse flow defrost air into the ambient during defrost. These second portions are aerodynamically aligned with the adjacent passage from whence the reverse flow defrost air flows.The passage means preferably includes, between the refrigeration coil and the refrigerated air outlet, damper means for restricting the recirculatory refrigerated air flow a controlled amount, while allowing unrestricted reverse defrost air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling wherein the flange of at least one of the shafts is flexible and its marginal portion is separably fastened to the marginal portion of the other flange. The flanges surround thrust transmitting elements which are urged against each other as a result of deformation of the flexible flange in response to fastening to the other flange. The flexible flange may be integral with or it may be separably fastened to the shank of the respective shaft. The flexibility of the coupling is enhanced if the flexible flange is provided with or mounted between knife edges which permit such flange to snap over in response to tilting of one shaft with respect to the other shaft and/or vice versa. The thrust transmitting elements may be integral with the respective shafts or they may constitute removable inserts. One of the thrust transmitting elements has a convex face which bears against a flat face of the other element so that the elements are in mere point contact with each other.

Abstract: A universal joint is defined by housing portions integral with tubular drive and driven shafts. The housing member on the drive shaft is of generally concave internal shape and has surface irregularities which, in combination with generally complementary irregularities on an enlarged end portion of spherical shape on the driven shaft, define the bearing races of the joint.

Abstract: Means for selectively positioning needles in a circular knitting machine wherein a radially movable needle positioning cam is insertable from an inoperative position out of the path of control butts of needles or jacks into fully inserted or partially inserted positions to selectively engage all the butts or only long butts. A needle raising cam is mounted in advance of the needle positioning cam with its advance end pivoted for positioning of the raising cam down out of the path of control butts, in a fully raised position engaging the control butts to raise them clear of the positioning cam during insertion of the positioning cam, or in an intermediate inclined position to raise the control butts for engagement with the positioning cam at an inclination that permits high speed operation. The raising cam is mounted on a shaft that is operated by a mechanism that is driven from a pattern drum mounted on the machine coaxial and underlying the needle cylinder.

Abstract: A double flat-bed knitting machine comprises four needle beds disposed in two mutually opposed pairs which are themselves disposed each in two mutually bisecting planes. A slide carrying cam means is arranged for actuating the needles of the four needle beds, and the needles are double-headed tongue needles. The machine further comprises transfer plates in the needle beds remote from a knitware take-off point.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine having a program or pattern drum coaxial and underlying the needle cylinder. The pattern drum is advanced intermittently and selectively by pawls engaging ratchet wheels of different pitch on the drum, with the pawls driven with different strokes through shafts parallel with the cylinder axis and oscillated by followers riding on cams on the needle cylinder, the followers being selectively and independently displaceable by electro-mechanical units to produce intermittent operation of the pattern drum. Cams on the drum act through followers mounted on shafts coaxial with the cylinder axis to oscillate operating arms for controlling radial cams for needle and jack butt manipulation, for controlling an arm with an inclined surface for displacing the cylinder to adjust the length of the loop being knit, and for controlling other instrumentalities of the machine.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning a fabric workpiece, e.g., a so-called spotting machine, operates with a suction nozzle having a screen on which the workpiece is supported. The machine is portable, its casing containing a combination air blower and vacuum pump for generating the suction, and a water tank and pump assembly that provides water under controlled pressure and volume to an applicator tool whereby such water is applied to the workpiece. The size of the screen is restricted to enhance the suction effect, and the pressure of water to the tool is restricted to prevent the splashing of water and dislodged stain particles by controlling the impact velocity. These factors also ensure rapid withdrawal of the water by the suction nozzle and inhibit spreading of the water in the workpiece beyond the area to which it is applied. This process is aided by the shape of the tool which has a flat face for engaging the workpiece and forming a shield around the orifice from which the water flows.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking first and second relatively movable members together to prevent relative movement therebetween. A first set of spaced tubular members having aligned bores is mounted on the first member, and a second set of spaced tubular members having aligned bores is mounted on the second member. The tubular members of the second set are spaced apart in a manner to receive the first set therebetween with the bores of the first and second sets aligned. A removable hardened metal latching bolt having cross-sectional dimensions, generally corresponding in shape to the shape of the bores in the tubular members, is passed through such bores, and received by the tubular members to hold the first and second sets in alignment, A locking structure holds the latching bolt in place, the locking structure including a key-release lock, and a locking bolt extending generally perpendicular to the latching bolt and in interfering engagement therewith.

Abstract: A tamper-proof locking device mountable on a lidded container or the like. A first member has a first portion which overlies the closed lid of the container. A second portion of the first member overlies a side wall of the container below the lid. A third portion of the first member extends away from the second portion and the container side wall. An opening in the third portion has an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid. The second portion is secured to the side wall of the container. The second member has a first portion which cooperates with the first member when assembled thereon to form an enclosure that prevents access of a tool to the element which secures the second portion of the first member to the container side wall. The second member has a second portion which is parallel to the third portion of the first member and which has an opening. This opening is in alignment with the opening in the third section of the first member. A rectilinear shackle is receivable in the openings.

Abstract: A lock assembly having a lock housing which is secured to a first member such as a lid or door of a locker or other container. The lock housing includes a bar lock accessible at a first end portion, a second end portion, a continuous top portion and a continuous first side portion. The bottom portion is provided with an opening into which a strike may be introduced for engagement by the bar lock and the lock housing covers and conceals the strike. The strike is adjustably and releasably secured to the locker so that the mutual positional relation between the strike and the lock housing may be altered.

Abstract: A conventional keyed, pin-tumbler lock has an abutment portion formed on the key axially adjacent one of the key notches at the side thereof axially inward of the lock cylinder which normally axially obstructs that lock pin when the key is properly inserted in the lock cylinder key slot to prevent normal withdrawal of the key from the lock cylinder while still permitting free rotation of the lock cylinder by the key in its normal locking and unlocking movements. A key removal member is axially insertable into the key slot adjacent the key within a key axial recess and has a leading angled surface portion terminating axially in a raised surface portion which progressively move and ultimately retain that particular pin from its key pin notch and the key abutment portion obstruction, thereby permitting normal key removal from the lock cylinder.

Abstract: A control system for controlling operating steps of a press and/or transfer mechanism therefor in dependence upon the position of a drive shaft of a drive mechanism of the press. The system includes a coded pulse generator supplying coded pulses indicative of the position of the drive shaft to a decoder from which decoded pulses are supplied to a control pulse distributor to an amplifying unit and appropriate regulating member for regulation of the operating step. A monitoring unit is also provided for monitoring the operation of the control system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determining the sequence of die sizes to be used in a multi-die/block drawing machine to draw metal from any given input stock size to any given final wire size to give optimum efficiency and proposes nomograms for achieving the sequence quickly and easily.

Abstract: A large flat metal plate is formed to have a three-dimensional shape of compound curvature by locally heating to an elevated temperature along predetermined lines and then quickly cooling, as by using a torch which carries a water spray nozzle. The heating extends completely through the thickness of the plate, and cooling causes significant shrinkage in the plane thereof in a direction perpendicular to the line of heating. Heating is carried out along lines in a geometric pattern and in a preselected sequence involving all quadrants of the plate so that it experiences a gradual transformation overall. The plate is normally supported upon an underlying cradle shaped to the desired compound curvature.

Abstract: A blind riveter comprises chuck jaws for clamping a tension shaft of a blind rivet and a longitudinally movable tension chuck for moving the chuck jaws radially relative to the tension shaft for clamping and releasing the tension shaft as the tension shaft longitudinally moves in relation to the chuck jaws back and forth from a charging position into a tension position. As the tension shaft longitudinally moves, the chuck jaws and a clamped tension shaft are carried along until reaching a tear off position of the tension shaft. A step face is pressed against the chuck jaws by a loaded spring for pressing the chuck jaws into the charging position. A loaded return spring presses the tension chuck into the charging position. Means for moving the tension chuck against the force of the return spring is provided. The charging position of the tension chuck can be shifted with an adjustable abutment for the return spring, where the position of the abutment is adjusted to vary the load of the return spring.

Abstract: A new and improved pulling hook apparatus for straightening and bending automobile frames and bodies wherein the hook is formed having a longitudinal handle portion with a hook pulling portion at one end and an eye connecting portion at the other end and including a pulling plate member having a greater size than the hook pulling portion for removably mounting on the hook pulling portion to increase the work engaging surface of the hook to apply the force over a larger surface area of a work piece.

Abstract: A can decorating and deforming craft device includes a base for supporting a can laid on its side and at least one can deforming element mounted for selective deforming engagement with an upwardly facing surface of a can placed in position on the base. A lever extends longitudinally of the can and is manually pivotable toward and away from the can to bring one or more of the detachably mounted can deforming elements into surface deforming engagement with the can. Additionally, one or more side deforming elements may be detachably interlocked with the base to provide for selective deformation of the can sides in addition to the deformation of an upwardly facing surface of the can. The can may be deformed into a wide variety of different shapes and decorative paints, decals and the like may be applied to the deformed can to provide a design resembling the face of a clown or the like as an example.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for measuring the frictional force between abrasive surfaces and a fibrous mat are disclosed. The measure of the frictional force gives an indication of the looseness of the bonding of the fibers on the surface of the mat.

Abstract: A gas sampling method and apparatus for determining the volume of air present in carbonated liquid in bottles and cans and in process lines. The method comprises testing a predetermined quantity of liquid containing CO.sub.2 gas by absorbing free CO.sub.2 gas evolved from said liquid in a liquid CO.sub.2 -absorbent solution whereby any air is concentrated as a residual gas and subjecting said liquid CO.sub.2 -absorbent solution with residual gas in a confined volume under a predetermined compressive force and measuring any resulting volumetric change whereby the volume of air present can be determined.

Abstract: Leak-detecting apparatus for a tire-vulcanizing press which is extremely sensitive and is capable of monitoring minute leaks in a diaphragm or bag in the region of the bottom of the bag susceptible to cracking and removed from the vicinity of the leak-detecting apparatus which ordinarily is at a top plate of the press. The apparatus includes temperature-sensitive resistive means in a normally balanced bridge circuit which is unbalanced by leakage fluid from the diaphragm for indicating a malfunction of the press and also includes a check valve for preventing air from outside the press from entering the vicinity of the temperature-sensitive resistive means.

Abstract: Pneumatic test signals are generated indicative of the extent to which seal imperfections are present in the wrappers of rod-shaped articles, and the pneumatic test signals are converted into electrical test signals. A pneumatic comparison signal is generated and converted into an electrical comparison signal. Signals dependent upon the difference between the electrical comparison and test signals are derived from the electrical comparison and test signals. The determination of whether the wrappers are defective or non-defective includes comparing the derived signals against a reference value.

Abstract: An embedded stress sensor gage for use in solid fuel rocket motors and the like consisting of a modified bridge circuit containing temperature sensitive resistive elements and a pair of series connected resistors coupled in parallel with the bridge. A comparison of the voltage at the midpoint of the series connected resistors and the output voltage of the bridge and the voltages at the active resistive elements provides information from which it is possible to determine the change in gage element resistance for each temperature and stress condition.

Abstract: A production tool wear detector which provides a direct, non-contact measurement of the amount of material removed from a cutting tool due to wear during operation thereof. One or more sensing devices monitor the distance to a selected wearing cutting surface of the tool and the distance to a selected non-wearing reference surface of the tool and such distances are suitably processed by appropriate electronic circuitry so as to provide a signal representing the wear characteristics of such cutting surface, which signal can be appropriately displayed, or otherwise used, to make an operator aware of when the tool has worn to a point below a selected threshold. Such a system permits in situ, continuous monitoring of one or more cutting tools during actual use of the tools in a consistent and accurate fashion at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A device for sensing the exerted load on a rope, wire, or the like, comprises two mutually aligned wheels around which the rope or wire passes and a load sensor placed between the wheels. A clamping device connected to the load sensor is clamped to the rope or wire to divert the path of the rope or wire as it passes between the wheels. The load sensor comprises a roller connected to the clamping device and a shaft pivotally mounted within the roller by means of self-aligning bearings. A plurality of transducers are mounted to the shaft and the transducers are coupled to a means for indicating the load on the rope, wire, or the like as a function of a variation in the electrical characteristics of the transducer during bending of the shaft responsive to exertion of a load on the rope, wire, or the like.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for use in measuring weight-on-bit downhole during a drilling operation includes tubular telescoping members having resilient means reacting therebetween whereby relative longitudinal movement of the members is functionally relative to axial loading of a drill bit, sensor means mounted on one member and connected by linkage means to the other member for sensing the amount of relative movement, and means providing an elastic discontinuity in said linkage means for substantially isolating said sensor means from vibratory movement of said other member due to the cutting action of the bit.

Abstract: A method for indicating the proximity of a hydrocarbon reservoir by measurements of thermal gradients in dry holes. Due to the lower thermal conductivity of hydrocarbon-containing rock, the thermal gradients within such rock are abnormally high when compared to normal subsurface thermal gradients and the anomaly extends well beyond the boundaries of the reservoir. Geothermal gradients are measured along the entire length of deep boreholes, which have proved to be dry, or in shallow test boreholes. A comparison of the shape of such gradient curves to theoretical curves indicates the presence of a hydrocarbon deposit spaced laterally from a deep dry hole or below a shallow surface test hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of an object within a temperature range of between about 100.degree. C and about 2700.degree. C by deriving a signal indicative of the temperature of the object from the total radiation within a limited wavelength range extending from about 8 to about 14 microns. In one form of the invention, a device is provided which includes a radiation detector, a reference member, a temperature control device for automatically maintaining the temperature of the reference member at a substantially constant value, a device for alternately directing radiation from the object and from the reference through a filter to the radiation detector, a signal processing system for receiving signals from the radiation detector and outputting a signal indicative of the temperature of the object, responsive to the difference between the radiation detected from the object and from the reference member.

Abstract: A thermocouple temperature measuring circuit has input terminals connectable to the thermocouple to form the cold junctions of the thermocouple. An input amplifier amplifies the thermocouple signal. A cold junction temperature compensation circuit includes means for sensing the temperature of the cold junctions and for providing an output signal which exhibits a predetermined coefficient between cold junction temperature and output signal magnitude. The output signals of the amplifier and compensation circuit are summed at a summing junction and provided to an output amplifier for supply to a temperature indicating meter. A bias means is also coupled to the summing junction for providing a bias suitable for adjusting the magnitude of the output signal in accordance with the low temperature to be indicated on the meter.

Abstract: A variable volume, positive displacement pump apparatus for withdrawing samples of liquid from a reservoir and discharging them into a sample analyzer. In the preferred form of pump, two syringe assemblies are provided, each one having a movable plunger assembly and a valve unit associated therewith. The plunger assemblies are reciprocated by engagement thereof by a motor driven, reciprocable carriage assembly which includes a cross member for pushing selected metering rods upwardly against the plungers. The carriage also includes a pair of yokes to engage the plungers and pull them downwardly to aspirate the specimens. Valve movement is achieved by a gear drive which moves the valve between one position which enables the syringe to be filled and another position enabling the syringe contents to be discharged. The volume displaced with each stroke is determined by the length of the metering rod inserted between the carriage and the syringe plunger.

Abstract: A crosscut sampler particularly useful for obtaining samples of flowing granular or particulate material in a pneumatic conveying system including a sample collecting head in a housing connected with the material conveying pipes, the head having a slot-shaped opening extending transversely across the flow passage of granular materials, there being a closure to seal the head and prevent entrance of materials between sampling cycles, the closure for the entrance to the head including a valve element within the head interior and movable into and out of obstructing relation with the entrance to the head, and an air cylinder on the head to operate the closure, the head being mounted on a slide for movement in the housing across the flow passage of flowing materials, and a collecting container to receive the samples from the head.

Abstract: The entrance on a sampling device for molten metal is defined in part by a tube made from a deoxidizing agent such as aluminum. The tube melts as a sample of molten bath passes therethrough to a collecting chamber so that all portions of the sample are deoxidized uniformly.

Abstract: A combined micrometer screw and syringe assembly with variable predeterminable settings providing for the repeated, exactly reproducible delivery of predetermined variable volumetric amounts of liquid from the syringe but with permissive interim availability of the entire volume of the syringe for rinsing and cleaning thereof without altering any predetermined setting for the definite amount to be delivered therefrom.

Abstract: A capacitance type differential pressure sensor which includes isolation diaphragms and incompressible fluid filling so that the sensing element does not have to be exposed to hostile fluids for pressure sensing and which isolation diaphragms are arranged in a manner to minimize sensitivity to acceleration forces encountered during use.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner is disclosed in which each pushbutton key can exert an equal force against a slidable tuning element in response to actuation of the key. A link means engages each key during actuation of the key and fixedly positions the key with respect to the tuner frame while a locked adjustable element on the fixed key contacts the slidable tuning element through an elbow lever to position the tuning element.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier comprises a circular plate formed with teeth and interchangeably mounted for rotation by an arm longitudinally movable parallel to the plane of the plate. The arm can also rotate about the center of the plate. The arm has at least one pin adjustably fixed relative to the arm and arranged to cooperate alternately with one of the sides of opposite teeth, which side is oblique with respect to the trajectory of the arm. Longitudinal movement of the arm in either direction is effected by hydraulic means, connected with the arm through passage means suitably permitting the rotating of the arm. The longitudinal movement causes the plate to pivot by one step. At the end of the longitudinal travel of the arm, in either direction, the pin is located in the base of the gap between two teeth.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for temporarily clamping cables and the like for the purpose of tensioning or stressing such cables comprising a clamping wheel rotatably mounted at a carriage. A plurality of guide elements for the cable to be tensioned arranged about the periphery of the clamping wheel. These guide elements each comprise two clamping jaws. The clamping jaws of each pair can be pressed against one another by the force of spring means in order to fixedly clamp a section of cable disposed therebetween. Means controlled by the rotating clamping wheel are provided in order to release or eliminate the clamping action of the cooperating pairs of jaws for selectively receiving and releasing the cable at predetermined portions of the revolving path of travel of the clamping wheel. As control element there is employed a single large roller which is eccentrically mounted with regard to the axis of the clamping wheel.