Abstract: A series of rectangular roof panels and rectangular wall panels each include inner and outer corrugated sheet metal skins which are rigidly secured by fasteners to opposite sides of formed sheet metal longitudinally extending spacer members rigidly connected by formed sheet metal laterally extending spacer members. A formed sheet metal box-type ridge beam and a series of fasteners rigidly connect the inner skins and spacer members of the roof panels on opposite sides of the ridge to transmit tension forces, and a compressive wedge and fasteners rigidly connect the outer skins and spacer members of the roof panels for transmitting compression forces.

Abstract: Low level base means extend longitudinally on the earth's surface. Drilling mast support means are positioned adjacent and pivotally connected to the base means and setback tower means are pivotally connected to the mast support means and to the base means. Drilling mast means are secured to the mast support means. Lifting frame means are connected to the drilling mast support means whereby said drilling mast support means, mast connected thereto and setback tower means may be simultaneously elevated from a reclined position to an upright position on the base means. Cable means may be secured at one end to the lifting frame means and extended around sheave means on the base means over sheave means on the lifting frame means and under sheave means on the mast support means and then connected at its other end with any suitable power source to exert a pull on the cable and elevate the mast support, mast and setback tower to an upright position on the base means where the mast may be secured in upright position.

Abstract: A pair of safety stop blocks are welded to opposite sides of the fly section of a construction crane boom. The stop blocks have slide passages to receive the branches of a boom extension or load cable which is looped around an arcuate saddle near the base of the fly section. A pair of stop buttons are swaged to the extension cable branches between the saddle and the two stop blocks and are normally spaced somewhat from the stop blocks to allow the cable to seek an equal loading position around the saddle. The stop blocks carry cable retainer elements near the tops of the slide passages to prevent the escape of the cable therefrom. Should the extension cable fail in any region thereof under load, at least one swaged stop button will be engaged by a stop block of the boom fly section to positively arrest its retractive movement before any damage can occur.

Abstract: A stilt construction for a dwelling house is comprised of a core structure having a reinforced turned-down edge core slab and a plurality of wooden core pilings set into the earth to extend upward through the slab; moment-reacting connectors anchor the core slab perpendicularly to the pilings. A beam structure, horizontally supported by the tops of the core pilings, extends outward of the core to the tops of pilings remote from the core structure. Earth-supported slabs, which lay beneath the beam structure outboard of the core, are not anchored to the remote piles and are free to settle. An upper floor is supported upon the beam structure, while walls for the lower floor are suspended from the beam structure. Sill members along their lower edges adjacent to the earth-supported slab do not rely on it for bearing.

Abstract: A window insulation system adapted for use on large metal or wood framed windows such as used in factories, schools, etc., is installed in spaced relation to a window sash on the side thereof facing the interior of a building. The system includes insulation panels which are mounted on and held in spaced relation to the window by a framework which is supported on brackets mounted on window mullions. Additional stabilization of the system may be provided by brackets which are mounted on window muntins. The framework includes horizontally disposed H-shaped runners with vertical spline members mounted thereon, the spline members having double flanges which are adapted to extend between adjacent edges of the insulation panels. Decorative single-flanged splines cover the space between adjacent panel edges on the building interior side thereof, the single flange extending between the panel edges and the double flanges of the double-flanged spline to removably secure the panels on the framework.

Abstract: A fire barrier comprising an intumescent composition packed into the space between a thermoplastic pipe and an access hole or duct in a wall or floor through which the thermoplastic pipe is laid, said intumescent composition being characterized in that it will expand on heating to temperatures at which the thermoplastic pipe melts or burns, to form a fire resistant mass, said intumescent compound being present in sufficient amounts to completely fill the access hole or duct in its expanded state.

Abstract: A vertically elongated module of sheet metal has a center panel with side flanges turned inwardly along each edge, and with narrow return flanges on the free edges of the side flanges. The upper and lower ends of the return flanges have tabs turned outwardly to the center panel, and the upper and lower ends of the side flanges are turned laterally as end flanges in lapped relation to the tabs. Turning of the end flanges leaves transverse flat nailing strips along the upper and lower ends of the module. The side flanges are of less width than the width of a standard 2.times.4. When erected into a wall, successive modules are secured in side-by-side relation on the wide side of a 2.times.4 plate by nailing their lower nailing strips along the narrow side of the lower plate, and an upper 2.times.4 plate is similarly secured to the upper nailing strips.

Abstract: A highly flexible reflective insulation inner assembly is provided which spaces a pair of flexible reflective insulation sheets while also sealing a volume of space therebetween. To accomplish this a corrugated strip of material is mounted on its edge between the pair of flexible reflective insulation sheets all along the perimeter of the two sheets. The corrugated strip seals and spaces the two flexible sheets while allowing them to be curved and bent to conform to the shape of the more rigid inner and outer case assembly which mounts on the body to be insulated to thus provide a flexible and efficient thermal insulation inner assembly. In vertical mounting of such reflective insulation inner assemblies the height of the enclosed volume is maintained at substantially twelve inches to minimize convective heat transfer thereby.

Abstract: Mechanically fastened appended tabs invisibly secure common edge-abutting wallboard panels to common wood or metal framing members. The fastener appendants are spaced apart tabs extending from the back of and exposed beyond the vertical edges of the wallboard panels so as to be conveniently screw fastened. When screw fastened to common wall framing members, the appended tabs secure the wallboard panels slightly off the framing member front surface to permit offset appendant tabs of abutting wallboard panels to slide between the fastened wallboard panels and the framing members and be engaged by the fastened wallboard panels in a tongue and groove relationship.

Abstract: An improved roof structure using flexible sheets of waterproof roofing material such as a felt backed polyvinyl chloride. An inverted generally V-shaped channel joins adjacent edges of the sheets of material. The channels have sides and an apex extending above the normal maximum water level on the roof structure during heavy rains. The adjacent edges of the material are bonded to the opposite sides of the channel and are further sealed by overlapping and bonding together or by a bonding to the inside of a second, overlapping inverted V-shaped channel. The air space in the first generally V-shaped channel may be vented to the atmosphere to prevent sweating beneath the roofing material.

Abstract: A steel section has a protuberance which rests on the outer circumferential surface of a framework panel concrete. A first short flange rests on the inner side of the panel. A second, long flange extends perpendicular to the framework panel and has a shallow V-shaped indentation. A third, short, flange lies parallel to the framework panel and a fourth flange continues to the protuberance. The third flange consists of two part-flanges butt-welded and flush-machined on the outer surface. The protuberance has three walls. The second, short, wall is parallel to the framework panel. The third wall is bent back to the first wall at an acute angle. The corner angle between the first flange and the third wall is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: The invention is a process for making a large post-tensioned floor bay consisting of a number of prefabricated reinforced-concrete floor elements.The floor bays are composed of such floor elements, in which channels, optionally closed at the bottom, but open on top in any case, run along the whole length of the elements, the channels being broken by ribs provided with vertically oblong holes. The floor elements are assembled in a way such that the channels join each other. Cables spanning the elements along a straight line are laid in the channels, and the cables can be given the required eccentricity at the points where necessary. The cables thus made eccentric are fixed by the channels being filled with concrete.No cable duct tubes are used and a single length of cable can be passed unbroken through several floor bays from wall to wall. Thus one-way or two-way load bearing floor bays can be formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for constructing buildings for use as dwellings, or for social or industrial use, which utilize, either partially or completely, prefabricated units dimensioned to render them easily transportable, which can be joined together in such a way as to create one-storied and multi-storied structures of various known designs, that are bound stably to one another in order to create buildings that extend upwards in height over a considerable number of stories and have anti-seismic characteristics of a high standard.The said units are constituted by a U-shaped, three dimensional base unit and by a complementary, three dimensional, angle shaped unit, these being provided with vertical walls or pillars which, over their full height, have an open space utilized for vertically binding with concrete, the said units one to the other and to the foundations.

Abstract: A method for easily erecting a building wherein the thin-walled sections are detachably fitted to frame by simple anchoring means, which can be manually brought to engagement with the frame when the sections are bent to the same curvature as that of the frame and which are secured to the frame by the resiliency of the sections when these are allowed to flex back to their initial curvature when the manual bending force is relieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat-sealing the mouth of a bag supported on a conveyor includes a nozzle assembly for both spreading the mouth of the bag and evacuating the bag and a press assembly having confronting die units and resilient strip assemblies mounted to scissorable arms. The vacuum-sealing apparatus is positioned adjacent the side margin of the conveyor, and the bag having an article therein is horizontally supported on the conveyor with the mouth of the bag extending toward the heat-sealing apparatus over said side margin of the conveyor. The nozzle assembly includes a pair of parallel nozzle members of generally flat shape which are mounted to a drive mechanism such that the nozzle members may first be concurrently driven into the mouth of the bag and thereafter separated in a horizontal plane against the side margins of the bag mouth to an extent such that substantially all wrinkles are removed from the area of the bag to be sealed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for sealing cans 7, 7' each having a lid 8, 8' under vacuum, a lifting device is provided having a plate 13, 33 movable from below against a stationary, evacuatable bell 14, 36 and serving to receive a can 7, 7' already provided with a lid 8, 8'. Devices for lifting the lid 8, 8' from the can 7, 7' are furthermore provided. In order to be able in addition to seal cans of different sizes in this apparatus, without having to change the course of operation of the apparatus, an adjustment piston 20 is provided as the device for lifting the lid 8, 8' from the can 7, 7', the adjustment piston being capable of being subjected to pressure medium and being guided in an adjustment cylinder 18. Reduction elements 52, 53 are furthermore releasably disposable on the adjustment piston 20 on the one hand, and on the inner wall of the bell 14 on the other.

Abstract: A packaging paper cutting mechanism for use with a coin packaging machine, in which the setting position of a cutter is changed in accordance with the diameter of coins to be packaged so as to adjust the spacing between the cutter and a plurality of packaging rollers so that the cutting length of rolled packaging paper can be selected to a proper value. A pair of rollers for guiding the packaging paper is made movable together with the cutter so as to guide the packaging paper, while maintaining its preset satisfactory angle with respect to the cutter, even when the cutter is to be moved in accordance with the desired cutting length. Thus, the packaging paper can be cut easily and reliably at all times.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing slices of pitted cherries. It carries out successive orientation and slicing operations with direct introduction of a predetermined count of slices into containers (e.g., cans or jars). The desired count for each container can be adjusted to meet requirements.

Abstract: In applying an unthreaded metal closure to the threaded neck of a bottle by the use of profiled thread rollers to shape the skirt of the closure shell into conformity with the bottle thread while the shell is pressed down on the mouth of the bottle, the part of the skirt in which the thread is formed is engaged during the thread-rolling operation by at least one plain roll angularly displaced with respect to the thread rollers.

Abstract: Double leg suspended poultry dropped from a moving conveyor and guided into bags by a nozzle assembly that effects limited expansion of each bag in advance of entry of each bird into the bag. A ram packs each bird fully into the bag after partial entry resulting in tight fit packaging upon withdrawal of the ram and nozzle assembly from the bag as it is detached and dropped onto a receiving surface.

Abstract: A packaging machine in which the shipper package is formed from a carton blank which is wrapped around the article to be shipped. The packaging machine includes a loading station having a loading mechanism for loading an article into each compartment as the compartments move continuously through the loading station. The loading mechanism includes a loading platform disposed above the path of travel of the article receiving compartments and wiper blades mounted for movement along the loading platform in the direction of travel of the compartments to remove an article deposited on the loading platform and to deposit it in a compartment as the compartment moves out from under the loading platform. A wrapping station is provided wherein the article receiving compartments are moved longitudinally through the wrapping station on a conveyor and are moved laterally of the conveyor so as to project over an edge of the conveyor when passing through the wrapping station.

Abstract: A control system for a rotary type lawnmower having a cutter blade housing supporting an engine and having a handle extending upwardly for manipulation by an operator, the control system including a clutch between the motor shaft and the blade, the clutch being of the centrifugal type and having an external drum surface, a brake caliper assembly having two legs pivoted together near their centers and supported at the pivot by the housing, the inner portions of the legs clamping as a brake on said external drum surface and the outer portions of the legs supporting a spring operative in a direction to urge the inner legs to clamp toward each other, and a manual control including linkages coupled to the throttle and to the outer legs and operative when the control is manually actuated to advance the throttle and unclamp the brake, and when released to return the engine to idle and clamp the brake, contacts being provided on the legs to short-circuit the engine ignition when the brakes become excessively worn.

Abstract: In a thread-joining device capable of traveling from spinning station to spinning station of a spinning machine having respective means for feeding sliver thereto, a device for measuring a dimension of the sliver at the respective feeding means of the spinning stations.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for piecing-up yarn on an open-end spinning machine.A yarn reserve forming member is movable between an extended position, in which it constrains the yarn to follow a prescribed reserve yarn path, and a retracted position, in which the yarn follows another prescribed and shortened path and the end of yarn and its length, which is the difference between the lengths of said prescribed paths, is permitted to return to the spinning means to contact fibres fed thereto.To achieve efficient piecing-up, the yarn moves between such prescribed pathways from one to the other under control of the reserve forming member while the reserve yarn path is in a sense depleted and the yarn is caused by yarn insertion means to be inserted in the delivery roller nip at a predetermined position in the course of movement by the reserve forming member when the latter moves to the retracted position.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a voltage conversion circuit for providing a different supply voltage from the timepiece battery voltage, detection means for detecting a condition in which a drive signal of relatively high voltage must be applied to an electromagnetic transducer of the timepiece, which is driven intermittently, switching means controlled by the detection means for selecting either the battery voltage or the converted voltage, and a circuit containing a capacitor which is charged by the output voltage of the switching means while the electromagnetic transducer is not being driven, and is discharged by supplying power to the transducer when the latter is driven, so that drive power is supplied to the transducer from, in effect, a low impedance source.

Abstract: An electronic watch construction which comprises a casing, a watch glass supported by the casing, a module fixedly held in the casing and having a recess facing the watch glass, and a liquid crystal display cell at least a portion of which is disposed in the recess of the module, the display cell being fixedly mounted on one side of the module. An illumination device is disposed in the recess of the module below the liquid crystal display cell to illuminate the liquid crystal display cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the links of flat conveyor chain in situ which is characterized by a clamp portion adapted to firmly grip a link in the chain and a base portion which includes a forcing rod positioned to engage the edge of the next adjacent link to push said edge out of engagement with the link being held by the clamp portion. The clamp portion comprises a pair of parallel extending leg portions which are spaced from one another to receive the link member. An opening provided in said leg portions through which a locking member is extended to secure the link disposed between the legs such that the connection between the adjacent link is aligned with the forcing rod.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has three turbines, the intermediate and high pressure turbines running at substantially constant corrected speed. The low pressure turbine has variable nozzle guide vanes and the low pressure compressor has variable stators so as to enable its speed to be varied, while its mass flow is arranged to be large at low speeds.

Abstract: A device, operating on a closed gas power cycle between an upper and a lower horizontal datum plane, being separated through a distance of enormous height; comprising the steady-flow compression and the cooling of a suitable gas at the upper datum plane, and its reheating, and power-producing expansion through a compressor matched turbine at the lower datum plane; gravitational downward attractive force which is acting on the steady within a conduit downward-flowing mass of compressed gas, produces increased weight, which, in turn, produces a gravity-generated, from the compressor discharge to the turbine inlet, a downwardly increasing gas pressure rise; the gravity-produced gas pressure rise produces in the compressed gas expansion at the lower datum plane a substantially greater amount of power than is consumed in the gas compression at the upper datum plane, thus resulting in a surplus generated power output.

Abstract: A temperature compensated safety control is employed to shut off the compressor at high compression ratios, caused, for example, by reduced air flow over the condenser or other reasons. This is especially useful on both reverse cycle heat pumps and conventional, non-reversible refrigeration and air conditioning systems to protect the compressor. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature compensation is provided by making the control responsive to outdoor ambient air temperatures.

Abstract: A frozen comestible freezer has a freezing chamber, a receiving chamber, and a tank of liquid comestible which is fed to the receiving chamber through an aerator proportioner which provides the correct proportion of liquid comestible and air for the aerator. The aerator proportioner has a feed tube solely for liquid comestible and an air tube solely for air. The tubes are mounted on a multi-level plug in the passage between the tank and the receiving chamber. The plug has a high level portion and a low level portion. The air tube extends through the high level portion of the plug and the liquid comestible feeding tube extends downwardly from the low level portion of the plug. A finger grip is provided on the high level portion of the plug. The low level portion of the plug constitutes a liquid comestible sump.

Abstract: An earring holder for use with earrings of the pierced ear type includes a serpentine rod, with an enlarged spherical or drop-shaped outer end followed by a shallow U-shaped outer portion for holding an earring and a deeper inverted U-shaped inner portion, the bight of which rests in the passage through the pierced ear during use. No hook or stays are required to maintain the holder and earring in position, the holder being more or less balanced in the ear lobe and gently squeezing the lower portion of the ear lobe of the user.

Abstract: Block bearings designed to equip the trunnions of the spider of the joint are provided for fixing by lugs to a flange of the joint mounted on a shaft to be coupled. They include drive tenons clampable in a corresponding groove formed in the contacting surface of the flange, as well as centering end pieces situated at the base of said tenons, towards the inside of the cardan joint. The improved joint finds application in transmissions through block bearings, in heavy vehicles.

Abstract: This multiple needle cylinder hosiery knitting machine is provided with a single horizontally disposed pattern disc surrounding the needle cylinders and controlling the simultaneous knitting of a sock on each of the needle cylinders. All of the instrumentalities used in knitting a sock at each needle cylinder, such as the yarn feed fingers, yarn cutters, the needle selecting devices, etc., are controlled by cams on the pattern disc. Drive means is provided for imparting step-by-step movement to the single pattern disc and a pattern chain controls movement of the pattern disc. Easy access is provided to the pattern disc and to each of the needle cylinders for changing patterns, cleaning and lubricating, for replacing parts, and for making other adjustments and repairs to the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a secure multi-level key system. A multi-level key system utilizes ribs of known width upon the higher level keys to properly displace obstruction pins corresponding to selected locking pins of the lock housing. A two-part cylinder pin is utilized in order that a higher level key may equalize the spring-biased locking pin with a shallower groove than is necessary for a subordinate key to equalize the same locking pin. The obstruction pins sense the presence or absence of the ribs associated with the high order keys. Subordinate keys, lacking ribs, depend on the additional displacement of the cylinder pin to properly position the obstruction pins to unlock the lock. Creation of a higher order key requires a two-step process of reducing the depth of the groove corresponding to a given cylinder pin of the lock as well as building up the ribs required to offset the obstruction pins associated with the same cylinder pin of the lock.

Abstract: A vehicle-repair apparatus has a floor-mounted generally rectangular track having two long and two short sides that are spaced apart sufficiently to accept a vehicle within the sides. A long portal having a pair of upright leg members and a cross member spans the track between the short sides and a similar short portal spans it between the long sides. These portals can be moved perpendicularly to each other along the respective sides. It is possible to lock each of the legs at the respective side to the track, and to lock the cross members of the portals together. A support can be secured to any of the legs or cross members and a jack in turn can be secured to it to pull or push out a dent in a vehicle standing within the track.

Abstract: An analytical system for determining whether separator materials should function satisfactorily in the alkaline environment of a secondary alkaline system comprises determining the rate at which zinc diffusion is occurring as well as whether or not the separator material is serving as a complete barrier. The overall analytical sequence also includes determining the following characteristics of the separator material: (1) freedom from either defects in the film or pores with larger than acceptable sizes, (2) suitability of the porosity, (3) satisfactory electrolyte transport, and (4) satisfactory resistance to chemical attack in the operating environment of the cell or battery system.

Abstract: A bladder leak and rupture detector employs a low level flow sensor for detecting both bladder leaks and ruptures. False failure signals are avoided by a dual mode logic circuit which monitors for bladder leaks or low level failures only during a preselected portion of the curing cycle and at other times requires sustained flow through the sensor for a predetermined time to indicate bladder ruptures or high level failures. In either case, a warning signal is generated and the cycle may be interrupted to prevent loadng of a next tire into the curing press. Leakage flow passages may be provided for both upper and lower portions of the tire mold cavity to ensure detection of leaks, and vent passages with shut-off valves are provided to facilitate low level leak detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a liquid surface utilizes a single semiconductor sensing element having a thermal resistance which is related to the thermal conductivity of the environment surrounding it. A control logic sequentially and periodically samples and stores ambient temperatures of the environment surrounding the sensing element, subsequently heats the sensing element, samples and stores peak temperatures of the sensing element resulting from the heating, and finally differentiates between the ambient temperatures and peak temperatures to detect any change in the difference therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic indicator device for providing an audible or visible indication when an internal combustion engine to which the device is fitted reaches a predetermined rotational speed so that the driver can, if he wishes, change gear or reduce speed in order to save fuel. The device includes a detector for sensing electrical impulses generated by the engine ignition circuit in operation thereof and for producing an output signal the frequency of which is related to engine speed. This frequency signal is converted to an analogue voltage signal in a frequency-to-voltage converter and the output of the converter is compared with a reference voltage to provide an electrical output signal to a lamp, buzzer or the like when the engine speed reaches the value determined by the reference voltage level.

Abstract: Gravity flow of liquid in sewer pipes or similar conduits is determined in the absence of a weir, flume, or similar flow-rating device by sensing the depth of the liquid in the pipe, converting such depth to the corresponding rate of flow through the pipe in accordance with a known relationship of depth to flow and without performing any mental computation, and providing a readable indication of instantaneous flow rate, and/or optionally integrating the flow rate over time, recording such flow rate and/or the integrated flow, printing out one or the other, or both, etc. Apparatus for doing so includes a pressure sensor, a depth-to-flow converter, and usually a separate indicator/recorder. Unlike systems utilizing flumes or weirs, this apparatus and this method can accommodate sludge deposited in a pipe or other conduit to be monitored.

Abstract: An acoustic current meter in which two channels have acoustic paths oriented at right angles to each other to measure orthogonal components of a current velocity. Each channel includes two transducers aimed at an acoustic mirror so that the reflected acoustic signal from each transducer impinges upon the opposite transducer. Periodically, a burst of high frequency acoustic energy is simultaneous emitted by each transducer. A current flowing produces a relative phase shift between the received signals representative of the current velocity. The output signal produced by each of the transducers is mixed with a common reference signal to provide two, low frequency, beat frequency signals having a phase difference proportional to the current velocity. Due to the reduction in frequency, the phase shift is expanded in time with respect to the phase shift of the acoustic signals and may be easily measured.

Abstract: A humidity sensor utilizing the electrical output of a piezoelectric crystal held in compressive stress at one end of a lever arm, the fulcrum at the other end of the lever arm consisting of a flexure hinge of moisture sensitive material with a thickness under 10 mils. The crystal is nested in a frame to which the flexure hinge is attached and the frame hinge and lever arm may be molded out of the same moisture sensitive material. A moisture sensitive form of Nylon may be used for the flexure hinge. The signal output of the crystal is a function of the compressive stress which in turn varies as the modulus of the flexure hinge varies as caused by changes in ambient humidity.

Abstract: A gas sampling device has a gas-entry passage dimensioned to provide laminar flow to the gas and opening into a larger gas-receiving passage. A gas sampling tube is supported from the larger gas-receiving passage, extends only to the smaller gas-entry passage for sampling the entering gas, and is coaxially spaced from the walls of the gas-entry passage to sample the gas in the gas-entry passage without dilution from the gas-receiving passage or interference with the gas flow. The device is particularly useful for sampling small exhaled breath gas flow in combination with neonatal respiratory apparatus for sampling the breath of neonates.

Abstract: A vibrating beam accelerometer is provided which includes a quartz vibrating beam resonator as aa force transducer, and which also includes resiliently biased relief arms which release the quartz beam should the acceleration forces become excessive. The relief arms serve to protect the beam against overload forces, and to permit the proof mass of the accelerometer to be sufficiently high as to enable the accelerometer to measure accelerations in a relatively wide range as compared with the range capabilities of prior art vibrating beam accelerometers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for the inspection of underwater structures consisting of means for scanning a beam of ultrasound over the surface of the structure at a predetermined angle of incidence, means for receiving and displaying echo signals from the structure indicative of discontinuities within the structure, the action of the display means being initiated by control signals derived from echo signals returning from the surface of the structure, thereby rendering the displayed signals independent of the separation between the scanning means and the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A pressure measuring instrument of the vibrating-wire type comprising an elongate base on which is pivotally mounted an elongate lever parallel to the base. A vibratory wire in the form of a very thin flat ribbon of tungsten is held tautly between the lever and the base. A pair of bellows are supported on the base, on opposite sides of the pivot mounting for the lever, and apply a torque to the lever proportional to differential pressure. Counterbalance means are provided to prevent errors with changes in spatial orientation of the instrument. The lever support-structure is formed of a composite of elements providing a match of temperature expansion characteristics with the vibratory wire. An overrange protection mechanism prevents the application of excessive force to the wire.

Abstract: To provide a low cost electrical readout for differential fluid pressure, a strain gauge, preferably a piezo-resistive semiconductor, is bonded to a flexible strip of metal sandwiched diametrically between a matched pair of diaphragms circumferentially sealed in a fluid-tight cavity, preferably formed by a pair of modified orifice plates. Opposite sides of the diaphragm assembly are in fluid communication via suitable tubing with a fluid restrictive device, formed in one embodiment by a vane-type flowmeter. An inlet and outlet formed in each orifice plate allows shunted fluid to flow across opposite faces of the diaphragm assembly so that the semiconductor strain gauge can be used to sense the temperature of the fluid in the conduit. Replaceable inserts in the face of each orifice plate permit simple alteration of the device to meet desired operational parameters.

Abstract: A postage meter attachment or conversion apparatus is disclosed that will effectively convert a manually lever settable postage meter into an electrically controlled postage meter. The conversion apparatus is easily assembled to and disassembled from a standard lever settable postage meter. Each lever of the meter is settable simultaneously. The motion of the drive mechanism of the conversion apparatus conforms to the arcuate motion of the meter setting levers, thus eliminating the need for precise alignment between the levers and the drive mechanism. The conversion apparatus can be used to make the mechanical meter compatible in an electrical environment containing equipment such as a computer, a digital scale, and other postage system processing devices.

Abstract: A mechanical system for speed adjustment, comprising mechanical driving means and a driven shaft member, with linking means between the driving source and the drive shaft member for driving the latter, the system further comprises a crank element comprising an eccentric disc disposed on the driven shaft member and a connecting rod driven by the eccentric disc, the connecting rod comprising an arm portion that rides the eccentric disc. Also included are means for adjusting the eccentricity of the eccentric disc with respect to the driven shaft, which adjusting means comprises a spacing element movable into and from a position between the crank element and the driven shaft, the system also contains an output shaft element driven by the connecting rod.