Abstract: A method for producing mechanical energy from geothermal brine in which a heat transfer fluid (HTF) is heated by direct contact with the hot geothermal brine in cocurrent flow through a series of flash stages which are maintained at successively lower pressures so that the HTF is vaporized in each stage. A working fluid is countercurrently flowed through the series of flash stages in indirect heat exchange with the vapor produced in each stage so that the vapor is condensed in each stage and the working fluid is progressively heated as it passes through the series of flash stages. The heated working fluid is utilized in a heat engine for the production of mechanical energy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a feedback control method for controlling the starting of a steam turbine unit comprising a reheater, a turbine by-pass system consisting of a HP-by-pass system and a LP-by-pass system, at least one regulating valve for the HP-by-pass system, at least one regulating valve for the LP-by-pass system, at least one inlet valve for the HP-turbine, at least one intercept valve for the MP/LP-turbine and a governing device to regulate the turbine speed or power output, according to which method during no-load and low-load operation and up to a predetermined partial load the pressure within the reheater is regulated by a first feedback control device with the LP-by-pass regulating valve acting as positioning element in such manner that a greater quantity of steam will flow through the HP-turbine than through the MP-turbine, and a smaller quantity of steam through the HP-by-pass system than through the LP-by-pass system, whereby a maximum permissible HP-exhaust steam temperature will not be excee

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed in which a very cold gas, e.g. air, is injected into an upflowing stream of water to aerate and help lift the liquid at accelerated velocity. The gas-liquid mixture is discharged at high velocity into a separating zone converting dynamic energy into pressure energy; gas flows out to drive an expansion engine while the liquid next flows to a deep storage zone, entrapping gas as it descends at considerable velocity. The expanding gas is cooled by expansion and returned to the first stage. Meanwhile, the entrapped downflowing gas is allowed to collect above the liquid in deep storage under pressure, from whence it can be released for expansion, as in an engine, with further cooling to lower still further the temperature of the gas going to the first step. In a modification, a very cold gas, such as liquid nitrogen, may be used in the first step, means being provided for obtaining work and reliquefying the latter gas.

Abstract: A piston machine has arcuately-curved, cooperating pistons and cylinders arranged on the periphery of a pair of coaxially mounted rotatable disks or arms. Swiveling movements of the disks, causing the pistons to move in the cylinders, are controlled by cams and connecting gears. The cams are fixed with respect to the disks. Each cam is scanned by a cam follower connected by an arm to a shaft journaled in one of the disks. A connector gear is affixed to the cam follower and connector gear shaft to drive the disk opposite the disk in which the connector gear shaft is carried. Gear segments on the external periphery of each disk engage interchangeably a driven shaft for power output where work is produced by the machine as in compressed air and heat engine embodiments disclosed or for power input where the machine does work on the compressible fluid as in a compressor embodiment.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely operating self-advancing supports or the like at a long-walled pit face of a coal mine comprises a receiver attached to every group of the supports which are arranged in front of and along the long-walled pit face, each of the receivers having a specific frequency, hydraulic cylinders attached to the support for causing the support to be operated, electromagnetic valves connected to the receiver to control the hydraulic cylinders, and a portable operating means including keys for specifying the groups of the supports, key switches for specifying the supports to be operated, and a transmitting circuit having operating switches, wherein operating signals are applied from the operating means via the radio system to the receivers.

Abstract: A resin anchored rock or mine roof bolt anchor assembly including an elongated cylindrical anchor member to be inserted in a bore hole in assembled relation with a bolt after insertion of a destructible adhesive-resin-containing cartridge. The anchor member has an elongated bore to receive threaded portions of the bolt and includes a threaded entrance throat having distorted thread portions providing controlled interference with the threads of the bolt to induce resistance to rotation of the bolt relative to the anchor member when the bolt and throat threads are assembled at a first relative axial position and operative when the anchor member is restrained against rotation in the bore hole by setting of the adhesive resin and torque above a selected threshold is applied to the bolt to accommodate further threaded insertion of the bolt into the anchor member bore.

Abstract: A mine roof support comprising a floor-engageable member, a roof-engageable member such as a canopy extending forwardly of the floor-engaging member, a first extensible leg secured between the floor-engaging member and the canopy, a linkage, which may include a shield, mounted on the floor-engaging member and pivotally connected to the roof-engageable member at its rear end and a second extensible leg secured between the floor-engaging member and the linkage. The linkage is preferably operative to constrain its pivotal connection to the canopy to move upward and downward in a fixed path relative to the floor-engaging member.

Abstract: A concrete pile fitted with a special slightly tapered concrete tip of larger area. The tip has a central open socket for receiving concrete poured in after the pile is in place.

Abstract: A service connection between a water main and a meter within a building has a service conduit within a leakage conduit. The leakage conduit has a sealed connection with a casing sealed to the main and enclosing a corporation stop to which the service conduit is connected. The leakage conduit is sealed to the service conduit within the building and adjacent the meter and includes an outlet extending outwardly through the building wall above the ground so that leakage within the corporation casing or a leak in the service conduit may be quickly detected. In the event of a leak, the service conduit may be removed and replaced through the leakage conduit with excavation limited to exposing the corporation casing and the end of the leakage conduit connected thereto.

Abstract: An improved thermally active submarine conductor for transmission of high voltage electrical power within bodies of water whose maximum depth and pressure is in excess of the maximum depth and pressure operative capacity of available conductive elements of the said conductor, as well as alternative means for the said transmission. The said conductor is comprised of a number of specifically adapted interdependent elements, each essential to the said transmission function, including: thermally active conduction and insulation elements, and sheathing and mechanical armorment elements as may be required for depth pressure and mechanical flexing protection, in addition to flotation elements, and tethering and anchoring stabilization elements, in order to maintain the said conductive elements at a functional depth and lateral routing, within a prescribed variance range radially circumscribing the said routing; and to prevent said elements from descending to a depth and pressure prohibitive to their proper function.

Abstract: A control apparatus having an electronic timer including a plurality of flip-flop circuits connected in multiple stages in cascade. Outputs are taken from different stages of the electronic timer and the separate outputs are utilized to produce individual control timing signals which serve for controlling at least one device in accordance with the timing specific to the individual control timing signals.

Abstract: A controlled space is maintained at a desired set point temperature by adjusting the evaporator boiling pressure in a refrigeration system, thereby controlling the evaporator capacity (namely, the amount of cooling imparted to the air supplied to the space) which is inversely proportional to the evaporator boiling pressure. When the space temperature tends to vary from the desired set point due, for example, to a changing heat load, the control system automatically changes the refrigerant flow through the evaporator to establish the evaporator boiling pressure (and hence the boiling temperature) at the control point required to cool the air sufficiently to maintain the controlled space at the desired temperature. More specifically, in response to a space temperature increase, the flow rate of the refrigerant increases to decrease the evaporator boiling pressure; and in response to a drop below the set point, the refrigerant flow decreases to increase the evaporator boiling pressure.

Abstract: An air conditioning structure having a depending centrally located outlet opening and auxiliary air inlets disposed laterally with respect thereto in combination with an air handling mechanism coupled to the outlet and auxiliary air inlets thereof. The air handling mechanism is located within a special support frame for the air conditioning structure, with the frame being adapted to retain and protect insulative material adjacent the exterior surfaces of the air handler mechanism. The air handling mechanism includes a central supply duct for conducting air from the air conditioning structure to a point of use and has a pair of laterally disposed return air handler ducts for conducting and treating the air returned from the point of use to the air conditioning structure, and further includes an exhaust duct extending from the supply duct by which air from the point of use may optionally be exhausted to ambient.

Abstract: A refrigerating unit for a truck or freight container is mounted exteriorly of the wall of the vehicle body or container to be cooled with communication through the wall to the interior, has a flat and wide construction relative to the body or container, and includes a cross-current blower extending substantially the full width of the refrigerating unit and discharging cold air under the top of the interior to return at a lower level to the refrigerating unit.

Abstract: In order to drive a unit mounted on a carrier rotatable about an axis, the drive for the unit is transmitted from a unit actuator to the unit-drive mechanism on the carrier by a shaft-driven member so arranged that its rotation relative to the carrier is unaffected by rotation of the carrier itself. In one alternative this is achieved by transmitting the output of the unit actuator through a flexible shaft which enters the carrier tangentially and is guided in the fixed structure for its adjacent end to project in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of the carrier, and in an alternative arrangement rotation transmitted to the carrier actuator is superimposed, by means of a differential gear drive arrangement, one gear of which is geared to the output shaft of the carrier drive actuator, upon the rotation of the pinion transmitting, to a ring gear coaxially rotatable about the carrier, the movement of the unit drive servomotor output shaft.

Abstract: An improved drive shaft is disclosed of the type used in a rotary fluid pressure device including an input-output shaft and a gerotor gear set having an externally toothed member which orbits and rotates within an internally toothed member. Both the input-output shaft and the externally toothed member define straight internal splines, and the drive shaft includes a set of crowned, involute external splines at each end thereof, in engagement with the respective straight internal splines. The crowned external splines are hobbed with a hob on which the cutter teeth have a pressure angle .phi..sub.H greater than the primary pressure angle .phi..sub.S of the crowned splines. The increased pressure angle .phi..sub.H of the cutter teeth makes it possible to reduce the crown angle on the splines, while still maintaining the necessary clearance X between each external spline and the adjacent internal spline at any given axial distance Y along the external spline from the central plane.

Abstract: A fuel cap is provided for threaded engagement with a vehicle fuel tank inlet in which a locking mechanism employs a key to move a lug from a stable locking position to an unstable unlocking position. The key may be immediately removed and the fuel cap may be threadably disengaged from the inlet and thereafter reengaged therewith once fuel has been introduced into the tank. The key need not be employed to lock the fuel cap, since once manipulation of the fuel cap to threadably engage the cap with the fuel inlet is initiated, the lug is moved from the unstable unlocking position to a stable locking position. The cap may thereafter not be threadably disengaged from the fuel tank inlet unless a key is employed to again shift the lug to the unstable unlocking position. A clutch mechanism is employed to prevent overtightening of the cap and consequent damage to the cap or fuel tank inlet, yet allow sufficient tightening to effectuate a vapor tight seal between the cap and the inlet.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided for a handle lock. The handle lock includes a handle housing, a closure handle, and a lock mechanism. The housing includes a tubular receptacle extending into a door or other closure, and a lateral flange on the receptacle supporting the housing on the outer surface of the closure. The closure handle has a stem received in the receptacle and a grip on the outer end of the stem, the handle being movable inwardly and outwardly with respect to the housing between an inner locked position wherein the grip is adjacent to the flange, and an outer operating position. The lock mechanism is carried by the handle and is cooperative in the locked position with structure on the housing, for locking the handle to the housing. The protective cover includes a mounting plate having an opening receiving the receptacle therethrough, while the flange secures the plate to the closure, and a casing mounted on the plate and continuously surrounding the flange and the grip in the locked position.

Abstract: The coupling pin of the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig is provided with a theft prevention device for preventing the unauthorized coupling of unattended trailers. The device includes a truncated conical housing having a cylindrical sleeve which is secured to the inner base of the cone and is adapted to receive the coupling pin. The coupling pin is held within the sleeve by means of a pair of opposed, spring-biased locking jaws which normally protrude through a pair of opposed slots in the sleeve. In order to engage the reduced diameter portion of the coupling pin. The locking jaws are mounted on a pair of U-brackets. The brackets carry a pair of camming surfaces which are engaged by the wing cams of a key-operated lock. The lock is preferably recessed within the housing so that it cannot be sheared off during use. The invention has the additional utility of serving as a safety device for preventing the movement of a trailer during unloading operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of helicoidal springs in which there is associated with the mandrel for rolling of the spring a rotating cylinder carrying a helicoidal trace corresponding to the helix of the spring to be manufactured. A moving carriage which moves the mandrel longitudinally supports a scanner of the photoelectric cell type directed toward the rotating cylinder which controls the displacement of the movable carriage. Control devices supply a memory with the comparative values which provide for the future automatic control of the machine. The invention therefore relates to automatic machines to form helicoidal springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the gauge of metal strip rolled in a tandem strip mill. Load cells installed on a first stand generate signals representative of changes in the roll-separating force, and hence of gap error, at this stand. Such signals are fed-forward, with a delay to allow for transport time of the strip minus screw-reaction time, to a second stand to effect screw adjustment of the latter. Signals representative of gap error at the second stand, corrected for changes in the position of the screws at the second stand, are fed-forward to effect screw adjustment at a third stand, etc. The screws of the first stand are maintained at their original setting, while adjustments in the screws of succeeding stands made in response to changes in the roll-separating force are effected exclusively by signals fed-forward from a preceding stand.

Abstract: A graphite lubricant system for applying a coating of the lubricant to successive mandrels in a seamless pipe mill just prior to their insertion therein. The system provides for the selective application of the smokeless lubricant to the mandrels before they are inserted within the seamless pipe shell and both are run into the mill itself. In order to prevent the lubricant from clogging, the system includes a self-flushing arrangement which provides a cleaning function thereto when the system has been inactive for a given amount of time.

Abstract: A method for forming collared holes in a workpiece. The tool has a drill formed at one end thereof for forming a hole in the workpiece. Immediately adjacent and contiguous to the drill is a tapered configured portion which is extendable into the hole formed by the drill. Rotation of the tool causes a collar to form around the hole as the tapered portion of the tool is rotated and forced into the hole. The tool has a constant diametered rod configured portion to straighten and polish the inside surface of the collar formed around the hole in the workpiece. The method of forming the collared hole in a workpiece includes the steps of forming the hole in the workpiece, inserting the tapered tool into the hole so as to contact the tapered tool against the circumference of the hole. The tool is then rotated and the tapered portion is forced further through the hole so as to form the collar integral with the workpiece and surrounding the hole while protruding from opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A back-gear set is coupled between a gear forming roll and a gear blank into the virgin surface of which gear teeth are cold-rolled by forceful engagement of the roll with the blank. The blank and the roll are rotatable about axes which are movable relative to each other for infeed of the roll into the blank during cold-forming of the gear teeth in the blank. The back-gears are defined in cooperation with the infeed drive mechanism so that, at the time of contact of the roll with the blank, the blank and roll rotate at a ratio of angular velocities, and the ratio is not changed during infeed of the roll into the blank during cold-forming of teeth in the blank.

Abstract: The machine comprises a frame, a first roller rotatably supported by the frame and a second roller rotatably supported by the frame and disposed below the first roller to cooperate therewith. A gear is secured to the first roller to be rotatable therewith meshes with at least two pinions, each mounted on the shaft of a respective pressure-fluid operable motor. A pump is connected to each of the pressure-fluid operable motors to supply pressure-fluid in common to the motors so that all the pressure-fluid operable motors operate in synchronism.

Abstract: A pipe bender for bending pipes, comprising two pivotally interconnected levers. The first lever is provided with a pivot pin and a circular segment disposed coaxially thereto which defines the inside bend of the pipe to be bent, for which purpose a slot is disposed in the circular circumferential portion, and with a first outer support for the pipe to be bent. The second lever is provided with a fork having two arms which receive the pivot pin, and with a second outer support for the pipe to be bent. The bar of the first lever may pass during the bending operation between the arms of the fork in order to bend a pipe through an angle of 180.degree. (U-shape). To bend pipes of different diameters the circular segment is divided in two parts relative to its median perpendicular plane. These two halves are to be spaced apart by means of spacer means.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes a base member and a platen member, movable relative to each other, with each carrying a jaw member having a crimping recess therein. An eccentrically mounted manually rotatable disc member acts as a cam to move the platen member relatively toward the base member to bring the jaw members into contact with one another. The crimping recesses are generally Y-shaped in configuration to cause the item to be crimped to have a crimped section which is diamond-shaped in cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A machine to work sheet material such as aluminium sheets or cardboard. Said machine comprises altogether a folding tool, a cutting tool, a punching tool and a single gearing down lever actuating these three tools simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to annular diaphragms for example for use in clutches, comprising a peripheral portion forming a Belleville washer and a central portion fragmented by slots into radial segments. By means of the method according to the invention, in order to obtain a reduced width for the open end of the slots, the two edges of the slots are produced in two separate operations, namely a first cutting operation in the course of which one of these edges is first formed and then a second cutting operation in the course of which the other edge is formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bending coated pipe including heating a specific area of the pipe coating by resistance heating to prevent damage at all areas of the pipe coating during bending of the pipe. The pipe bending equipment includes an upper bending die, and a lower pin up shoe and a lower strongback. The strongback has resistance heating means in a recess which is positioned over a specific area of the upper surface of the strongback, for heating the pipe coating prior to bending of the pipe. By heating of a relatively small specific area of the pipe coating, damage to the entire area of the coating is avoided.

Abstract: A method of forming an internal conical surface on the counterbore of an annular antifriction-bearing locking collar is disclosed which comprises the steps of providing one end of the collar with a counterbore having a circumferential side wall, and deforming relative to the axis of the counterbore at least a portion of the periphery of the counterbore by forcing a corresponding portion of the circumferential side wall of the counterbore generally radially inwardly to thereby form the internal conical surface on the counterbore.

Abstract: In each cycle of a sequence of repetitive cycles a longitudinal section of an elongated, continuous piece of material spaced from the free end of the piece is draped about an arcuate face of a mandrel by a bending tool moving about the axis of curvature of the mandrel face, and the free end of the piece is thereby engaged with the arcuate face of another mandrel and secured to the other mandrel, whereupon the section draped over the first mandrel is cut. The central portion of the blank severed thereby from the continuous piece is draped over the second mandrel bent into a ring, the curvature of the leading and trailing blank portion, being due to previous draping over the first mandrel.

Abstract: A hand-operated hydraulic compression tool for compressing a metal connector about a plurality of wires to be connected. The tool is adapted to make both parallel and butt-type connections of the wires. The tool includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the maximum pressure to be applied to the connector. The valve is removably installed in a cavity of the tool body for facilitated servicing. The tool further includes control structure for releasing the pressure upon completion of a forming operation, the flow passage for the returning hydraulic fluid utilizing a portion of the body cavity receiving the pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing electromagnetic energy for producing high impact forces by means of a ram propelled against a work piece. The work center of the apparatus includes a ram assembly of bolted construction having a hollow ram shaft, which ram assembly includes a gap between opposing conductive surfaces including associated fastener screws of driving disc and ram shaft of at least about five-sixteenths of an inch. A solid mass recoil assembly provides integral housing and recoil mass, enabling aerostatic bearing functioning, and also lowers shock and vibration levels to operator and equipment.

Abstract: In a breath tester of the type wherein a subject blows breath into an input for a predetermined continuous and uninterrupted flow, which breath is exposed to an electronic detector element whose output signal is employed to derive and display an output which is representative of the alcohol present in the breath and which detector, if subject to continued exposure of additional breath after the predetermined flow, is prone to produce an erroneous output, an electronic system is provided for electrically storing and isolating a detector signal produced from only the predetermined flow, whereby errors resulting from continuous flow or mechanical valving arrangements are avoided. The system disclosed includes circuit means for switching out and holding the end of flow detector signal and for producing an output based on that signal.

Abstract: A vibration type liquid density meter comprising a base, a connector having a mass substantially smaller than said base, two hollow cylindrical elongated pipes each having two ends, one end of each pipe connected to the base, and the other end of each pipe connected to the connector with the pipes disposed substantially parallel to each other and a piezoelectric element attached to the connector for driving the pipes into self excited oscillation at their natural frequency. The liquid to be measured is supplied through the base, pipes and connector and the density of the liquid is measured by the frequency of oscillation with corrections for temperature.

Abstract: A body having a longitudinal opening therethrough is provided with longitudinally spaced, annular seal means. The body is provided with passage means for conducting fluid to move the seal means radially of the body opening to seal against tubular members in the body opening.The tubular members are connected together by suitable means such as a coupling, weld, or other arrangement prior to positioning the connection between the seal means and after the seal means has sealed off the connection therebetween, the body includes additional passage means for conducting fluid pressure to increase the fluid pressure externally of the connection to a pressure significantly greater than the internal pressure to externally test the connection by instrumentally or visually detecting any resultant inflow of the pressurized external fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring sheet comprising a support having thereon a layer of microcapsules containing an electron-donating color former capable of forming a color on contact with an electron-accepting color developer, the microcapsules comprising a mixture of at least two groups of microcapsules having different ratios .delta./D of the number average wall thickness .delta. of the microcapsules to the volume average particle diameter D of the microcapsules and having a Ps value difference of about 50 to about 1,000 kg/cm.sup.2. Various planar and linear pressures and the distributions thereof can be measured by the pressure-measuring sheet utilizing changes in the densities of colors formed upon the application of pressures to the microcapsule layer because the color density changes are directly related to the pressures applied.

Abstract: A navigational device consisting of a magnetic compass containing a pattern having a specified relation of black-to-white density with respect to angle, rotating with the compass card, a light source for illumination of the pattern, pairs of sensors mounted in the compass and responsive to the light intensity reflected from or transmitted through the pattern, the output from one pair of sensors being proportional to the sine of the angle made by the sensor pair zero reference line with respect to Magnetic North, and the output of the other pair of sensors being proportional to the cosine of said angle, both outputs being suitable for operation of a remote indicating compass, and various modifications thereof for making the outputs of the sensor pairs proportional to the sine and cosine of the angle between a manually settable desired heading or angle and the angle of the said sensor pair zero reference line with respect to Magnetic North.

Abstract: A self-contained temperature probe assembly for sensing the disc cavity temperature of a gas turbine engine is shown. The assembly includes a thermocouple probe comprising an upper tube and a lower tube housing the probe leads. The lower tube extends from the cylinder housing through the blade ring to guide the probe tip through a hollow vane to adjacent a rotor disc and includes a tapered portion for sealing engagement with a tapered aperture in the blade ring as biased by a coil spring. The upper tube extends outwardly from the turbine cylinder to the probe head. The adjacent ends of the two tubes are retained in a standard flange in predetermined spaced relation against outward withdrawal and the lead wires are coiled within the space to maintain a slack condition to prevent transmission of vibration of the lead wires into the probe head and also prevent the rather fragile wires from supporting any weight of the probe during shipping or installation of the probe to the turbine.

Abstract: Device for producing conditions in a flowing medium permitting measurement of a representative temperature includes a twist-producing stage and a twist-reducing stage disposed serially in flow direction of the flowing medium within the flow cross section thereof and upstream of a temperature measuring sensor.

Abstract: A method for linearizing the exponential characteristic curve of an electronic component, in particular the temperature/resistance characteristic of a thermistor is provided. The output value of the component is compared with the output value of a reference circuit varying exponentially in time and in the same sense as said characteristic, and the time interval is measured between a fixed starting moment, at which the exponential variation is already taking place, and the moment when the two output values become equal.

Abstract: A receiver probe for ultrasonic energy is described in which the surface deformation caused by compressive wave energy affects a thin gas-filled gap, its width being in the order of 10.sup.-7 meter. The gap is formed by opposing surfaces of an optical prism and an optical interference means. A beam of light is conducted to the boundary surface between the prism and gas. Changes in reflected and/or transmitted light beam portions resulting from compressive wave energy induced changes in gap width are sensed by opto-electric means.

Abstract: A piston machine useful as a power generating machine or a working or pumping machine is disclosed. One or a plurality of double-acting pistons having eccentric piston shafts are guided in cylindrical combustion or working chambers of a machine housing. By means of a driving joint mechanism, the pistons translate along and pivot about their longitudinal axes in oscillatory movements to either drive or be driven by an output shaft.

Abstract: A derailleur for a bicycle, which comprises a base member, a movable member and two linkage members carrying the movable member therewith in the relation of being swingingly movable with respect to the base member, a control member swinging independently from the movable member, a pair of plates for energy-storing, which sandwich therebetween one of the linkage members and cooperate with the control member through an engageable projection thereof and a positioning and maintaining member provided between the control member and one of the base member, movable member and two linkage members for positioning the driving chain guide cages with respect to any one of a plurality of sprockets whereby the speed change stage can preliminarily be selected when the bicycle is at a standstill or while running when not pedalling.

Abstract: A speed change pulley has a fixed side plate and a movable side plate, with resilient means urging the movable side plate towards the fixed side plate, to vary the width of a belt-receiving V groove therebetween. The resilient means comprises a resilient diaphragm engaged with the movable side plate by at least one engagement member which is formed separately from the diaphragm and suitably mounted thereon, and engaged in a complementary opening at the periphery of the movable side plate.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for a riding lawn mower or the like has a double pulley variable speed sheave assembly coupled between a driving pulley and a driven pulley by first and second V-belts, respectively. A mechanical control linkage is operable to shift the sheave assembly along the cam profile of a cam arm from a stopped position with both belts declutched to a range of low to high speed positions with the belts drivingly engaged. Said control linkage is springably biased to urge the sheave assembly toward the stopped position. The cam arm is also springably biased generally away from the driving and driven pulleys to maintain the belts under driving tension throughout the range of low to high speed positions in a manner such that belt tension varies with variations in operating speed.

Abstract: Improved change speed gearing utilizing an improved blocker means for effecting engagement of the jaw clutch associated with the low speed gearing of a simple transmission, or with the low speed gearing of the main transmission section of a splitter type compound transmission. A transmission having an input shaft driven by a one-way prime mover, a main shaft and at least one countershaft, and including pairs of shiftable gears arranged on and cooperatively between said shafts, is provided with positive clutches, preferably spring loaded jaw clutches, for effecting connection to one of said shafts of a selected one gear of a selected one of said pairs of said gears upon the achievement of substantial synchronization between such gear and such shaft. Blockers are provided for protecting the positive clutch teeth from excessive wear during such shifting.

Abstract: In a remote-control gearshift mechanism for a vehicle of the type including a control shaft extended in parallel with a steering column and movable in the axial direction and rotatable about its axis by a gearshift lever, a linkage for transmitting the axial and rotary movements of said control shaft to a transmission, a first spring loaded over the lower portion of said control shaft for normally biasing said control shaft upward to its neutral position which corresponds to a position intermediate between the ends of the stroke of said control shaft in the axial direction, a second spring loaded over the upper portion of said control shaft for normally biasing said control shaft downward to its neutral position, and stopper means for limiting the spring action of said each spring independently of each other in such a manner that said control shaft may be prevented from moving past its neutral position, whereby shift-lever-action feeling may be improved.

Abstract: In a shift mechanism for an automotive transmission of the type wherein the lower end of a shift lever is coupled through a control rod to a control shaft of the automotive transmission, means for pivotally supporting the shift lever for the select and shift operations is mounted on a parallelogram double rocker linkage consisting of a pair of parallel rockers the upper ends of which are pivoted to a chassis and a coupler the both ends of which are pivoted to said pair of parallel rockers in such a way that the line connecting between the pivotal points of the coupler may be in parallel with the line connecting the upper pivotal points of the pair of parallel rockers and that the parallelogram double rocker linkage pivots about said upper pivotal points of the pair of parallel rockers in a vertical plane in parallel with the axis of the control rod; and the lower end of one of the pair of parallel rockers is pivoted to one end of a support rod which extends in parallel with the control rod and which has its t