Abstract: The specification discloses a solar power plant which utilizes a sun-tracking parabolic collector and a plurality of energy storage and conversion devices, all of which are operated under the control of a novel energy management system. Allocation of energy to a particular storage component or to useful output is dependent upon the state of the system as well as the nature of the demand. Outputted energy may also be recaptured and reallocated to minimize losses. Efficiency at the component level is enhanced by the utilization of novel heat exchangers which effectuate complete conversion of the operating liquid to superheated gas.

Abstract: A process for the production of electrical energy from a fluid circulating in a closed circuit, of the type employing a fluid brought to saturating vapor phase in a substantially vertical column, at the upper part of which the fluid is returned to liquid phase before being directed towards a fall column which it takes to return to the lower part of the first column where vaporization takes place and to actuate, between these two levels and within the fall column, at least one energy-producing member; a temperature being arranged to prevail in the vapor column which enables the vapor to be maintained close to its critical point.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle working fluid containing a mixture of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol and water, which is low toxic, incombustible, nonexplosive, noncorrosive and stable, and also has a high critical temperature and forms azeotropic-like composition. It is suited for use in a Rankine cycle using heat source of low temperature.

Abstract: A rotating slinger fuel injector for turbine engines is provided with a plurality of radial holes for distributing and mixing fuel and air throughout the combustor. Fuel is supplied from a stationary fuel manifold through fuel ports in a rotating slinger which distributes the fuel in a plurality of planes throughout the combustor. Air is channeled from the compressor rotor through radially and axially angled air ports provided in the slinger so as to distribute air in a plurality of planes which intersect the planes of distributed fuel at various points throughout the interior combustor. Thus the combustion intensity and efficiency is greatly increased.

Abstract: A combustor apparatus for use in gas turbine engines includes an annular dome of porous laminated material joined by a solid metal joint ring to inner and outer annular porous wall segments also constructed of porous laminated material; and wherein the solid metal joint ring includes a plurality of small diameter offset effusion holes for directing coolant through the solid metal ring at a rate to cool it without entrapment of unburned fuel against the combustor walls; the combustor further including a transition mount including a solid metal support ring welded to the aft end of a porous laminated metal combustor wall, the mount including a seal ring retained by a keeper and a thin conical, axially extending beam portion that is flexible to serve to accommodate differential thermal expansion of the combustor relative to a grounded support component and wherein the solid metal support also includes a plurality of effusion cooling holes located immediately outboard of a weld bead between the solid metal suppor

Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided with an improved frost detector for detecting frost on an evaporator coil of the system. The detector includes a saddle mounting structure adapted for direct mounting to the tubular coils conventionally employed in condensers and evaporators of refrigeration systems. An energy source and a sensor carried by the mounting structure are positioned on opposite sides of the tubular coil. The sensor is irradiated by the energy source until frost growth on the coil tube obstructs the line of sight path between the source and the sensor. Means are provided for adjusting the line of sight path with respect to the coil tube so that the thickness of frost permitted to accumulate before defrost actuation can be varied for particular applications. By utilizing a narrow beam device as an irradiation source, very precise control of the defrost cycle can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy conservation and utilization arrangement for use with an expansible refrigerant air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, refrigerant condensor and expansion means to selectively heat a reservoir of fluid, for example, the water used in a swimming pool where selector valve means are provided to selectively supply compressed refrigerant from the air conditioning unit compressor to heat exchange means to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the fluid to be heated, or to the condensor means associated with the air conditioner unit or, when it is desired to heat the fluid but not to provide cooling, to direct compressed refrigerant to the heat exchange means and then to a return conduit, where the return conduit includes refrigerant expansion means to expand the refrigerant means, second heat exchange means to heat the expanded refrigerant and conduit means to return the heated refrigerant to the selector valve means where the selector valve means

Abstract: A compressor start fault detection and control system for a reverse cycle refrigeration system for detecting faulty compressor startup operation and for controlling the system in response to the detection of a fault by inhibiting the compressor and for providing a fault indication, the control system comprising a controller means receiving an input indicative of the temperature of the compressor discharge refrigerant and an output indicative of a demand from a building temperature sensing means for heating or cooling of the building.

Abstract: Thermostatic control apparatus for evaporative cooling systems includes a single thermostat and a plurality of relays and relay contacts to select appropriate combinations of cooling, ventilating, and motor control speed for a fan or a blower.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of a bottle, jar or the like is disclosed, characterized in that the desired temperature of the bottle may be selected and maintained by mechanically adjusting the heat transfer surface area of the device. The device includes inner and outer containers arranged in concentrically spaced relation, each of the containers having a vertically arranged tubular wall portion open at its upper end. The inner container is formed from a heat conducting material, and a first fluid medium having a given initial temperature is arranged in the space between the inner and outer containers. The bottle is arranged within the inner container as is a heat energy transfer control device which controls the transfer of heat energy between the bottle and the first fluid medium through the inner container, thereby to control the temperature of the bottle.

Abstract: An economizer is disclosed having a plurality of stages for flash cooling refrigerant liquid for use in a refrigeration system. The refrigerant liquid is cooled by evaporation of a portion of the liquid as it passes through throttling means into chambers of successively lower pressure. Sump means are provided to collect the refrigerant liquid flowing between the chambers. As the refrigerant enters each chamber, it is deflected by distribution means, thereby effecting more efficient separation of the flashed refrigerant vapor from the resulting liquid spray.

Abstract: An extended travel vibration damper assembly for use in a torsional coupling such as a torque converter wherein the damper assembly is incorporated in a speed responsive lockup coupling between the impeller and the turbine of the torque converter. A rotatable member between the housing and turbine carries a plurality of speed-responsive actuated friction clutches and is connected to the driving housing of the vibration damper. Within the housing are a pair of floating equalizers journalled on a hub having a pair of radially extending arms, and spring sets are positioned between the hub arms and equalizers for actuation by the housing to rotate the hub which is operatively connected to the turbine of the torque converter.

Abstract: In order to provide a shaft coupling between two aligned shafts in which the absolute minimum of torque transferred across the coupling due to misalignment is desired, and to further provide for the capability of mutual axial movement between the two shafts, a unique magnetic coupling is employed. The input shaft terminates in a yoke structure with permanent bar magnets mounted on the yoke facing surfaces. Like poles of the two bar magnets are disposed facing one another. The output shaft terminates in a third bar magnet which is introduced into the space between the other two bar magnets oriented with its north and south poles disposed, respectively, between the facing north poles and the facing south poles of the magnet pair on the yoke. There is thus mutual magnetic repulsion between the centrally disposed bar magnet on the output shaft and each of the bar magnets on the input shaft.

Abstract: An agitator-type washing machine comprising an axial-airgap motor and a planetary reduction gear means, wherein a reciprocating motion of the axial-airgap motor is transmitted to an agitator via the reduction gear means in a washing action thereby making use of a high rotational speed, hence large torque and high efficiency of the axial-airgap motor.

Abstract: A permanently attached lock for wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles or the like, wherein the bolt of the lock extends interiorally of the tubular head and fork stem and is locked therein to prevent rotation of said fork stem. Means are provided for anchoring a wire rope or restraint on said housing to effectively prevent theft of the vehicle when the rope is wound around a metal post or rack.

Abstract: A mechanical structure for controlling the available linear movement of a vehicle ignition lock mechanism has a tube member coaxial with the vehicle steering column. The tube member has an opening in which is disposed a pin which moves linearly when the ignition lock mechanism is manually operated. The tube is rotated when the vehicle transmission selector is moved whereby the pin has more or less linear travel available in the opening so that the ignition lock mechanism can be moved to the "Start" position when the transmission selector is in "Park" or "Neutral" and to the "Lock" position only when the transmission selector is in "Park".

Abstract: A lock with plate-shaped tumblers opened or closed by a cylindrical key bar composed of a cylindrical key bar having annular extending grooves corresponding to the tumblers, cylindrical plug, lock body, protecting ring, protecting plate and several plate-shaped tumblers having square or oval holes therethrough arranged in single row, double rows or cross rows. The tumblers are arranged within the plug by single row, double row or cross row. When the lock is in the closed state, the tumblers are spring biased into a first set of obstructing grooves in the lock body. When the key bar is first inserted into the lock through the tumbler holes, the tumblers are pushed into a second set of grooves in the lock opposing the first set. When the key is turned, the tumblers fall into the corresponding grooves and upon further turning the sides of the grooves engage the tumblers turning the plug and opening the lock.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus for curling a sheet of metal into a curved configuration having a plurality of sheet contours which apparatus automatically and sequentially varies the degree of curvature of a sheet of metal being treated by the apparatus as the sheet progresses through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of pinch rolls and a bending roll for curving the sheet into predetermined arcs dependent upon the relative positions of the bending and pinch rolls, and a control mechanism to alter the relative positions of the bending and pinch rolls for each of a successive plurality of segments of the sheet as it travels through the apparatus. The control mechanism includes means to sense the actual distance the sheet has progressed through the roll forming apparatus and to compare the actual distance with one or more pre-established distances of sheet travel at which the radius of curvature of the sheet is to be changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the interior or exterior surface smoothness of a tube shell during cold draw operations is disclosed wherein the final reduction of the tube shell is completed within the die land.

Abstract: Portable manually-controlled hydraulic pipe-bending apparatus comprises a coupling head and reversible bending members to reverse the bending direction of a pipe relative to the apparatus. The coupling head has thereon two parallel pins for supporting the fixed bending member, and a piston stem that moves toward and away from the pins to support the movable member. The two arcuate bending members are provided with recesses to receive either the pins or the piston stem, thereby adapting them to reversible mounting for bending a tube in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thermal conductivity of a desired sample liquid, even of a transparent sample liquid, on the basis of thermal diffusion to the sample liquid from a small and thin metal disc which is heated by laser flash. The sample liquid is inserted within a small gap which is formed between the metal disc and a sample holding block, and the thermal diffusion can be measured by a thermocouple connected to the metal disc.

Abstract: A transducer for sensing density, pressure or pressure difference in fluids comprises a resonantly vibratable cylinder as its sensing element. The cylinder has a mounting ring at one end, the mounting ring being clamped against a base member by means of a spring arranged to exert a substantially constant clamping force on the mounting ring. An outer cover fits over the cylinder, the cover having a flange which is directly bolted to an upstanding annular rim of the base member and a depending skirt portion in which the spring is integrally formed by machining.

Abstract: An apparatus serving to detect pressure fluctuations in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, including an ionic current sensor, which is exposed to the gases in the combustion chamber and comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, between which a measurement voltage is applied and between which a connecting channel extends from the open combustion chamber into a dead space. In this manner, ionic currents may be detected which are caused by fluctuating pressures in the combustion chamber, particularly when there is engine knocking. Particularly when the geometry of the dead space is adapted to the frequency of the pressure fluctuations which are to be measured, these pressure fluctuations can be detected independently of other, slower pressure variations in the form of a pulsating current which is large when the ion-carrying gas enters the dead space and small when this gas, by now strongly deionized, exits the dead space.

Abstract: A method and device for testing tube leakage, more particularly in a moisture-separator reheat superheater, to determine a tightness of separating walls between two flowing media which are separated from each other is disclosed. A test medium, e.g. an inert gas, such as helium, is introduced into a first medium whereby a lack of tightness in the separating walls can be quantitatively measured by a mass spectrometer in a sample taken from the second medium. In the event that the second medium consists of a number of phases, the nongaseous phases can be separated out by first condensing and, if necessary, by freezing the sample prior to testing. The test gas may furthermore be supplied to the second medium through a calibrated orifice to permit a determination of the extent of the tube leakage.

Abstract: A force measuring device for simultaneously measuring the static or dynamic force from each jaw of a chuck or segment of a collet. The device is formed with an annular housing having several radially extending openings in which are disposed elongated force transducers. In use, the force transducers are supported at the inner end and project from the housing into engagement with the jaws of a chuck. Each transducer has bridge configured strain gages disposed thereon. The strain gages are connected to appropriate instrumentation through a slip ring arrangement. The unbalance of the bridge circuits is used to indicate the force of the chuck.

Abstract: A sonic flow meter for measuring the rate of flow of a fluid within an enclosed axially elongated hollow conduit is disclosed. First and second transducers are secured to the exterior surface of the conduit. The transducers are spaced from each other along the axis of the conduit such that the first transducer is located downstream from the second transducer with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid. Each of the transducers are adapted to transmit to each other, and receive from each other, sinusoidal sonic signals which pass through the fluid in the conduit. Sonic signal transmission means are provided for causing a plurality of sonic signals to be transmitted in an upstream direction from the first to the second transducer means and for causing an equal plurality of sonic signals to be transmitted in a downstream direction from the second to the first transducer means.

Abstract: A low pressure drop air flowmeter for an automobile engine is disclosed. The meter contains a main air flow passage, a relatively small venturi to receive a portion of the air flow, pressure ports for sensing stagnation and static pressure and a set of swirl vanes disposed adjacent the outlet of the venturi and operative to impart a swirl to the remainder of the air in the main passage, thereby creating a reduced pressure at the venturi outlet for amplifying the pressure difference between the stagnation and static pressure without appreciably increasing the pressure drop across the flowmeter. A tertiary passage provides a path of fluid communication between points upstream and downstream of the swirl vanes. This passage can be selectively opened or restricted by a valve which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, opens the tertiary passage with increasing overall flow rate.

Abstract: A flowmeter for liquids includes a hollow housing having an internal metering chamber, at least two liquid connections coupled to the housing and communicating with the metering chamber for establishing a liquid flow therethrough, a generally disc-shaped wobble plate having a centrally-disposed spherical wobble center mounted within the metering chamber and non-contacting coacting signal transmitter elements associated with the housing and wobbler plate for generating signals which proportionally correspond to the wobble frequency of the wobble plate. The flowmeter is especially suited for measuring small or weak liquid flows.

Abstract: A vaporization cooled transformer of the type comprising a transformer tank in combination with a heat exchanger employs temperature sensing means in both the tank and the heat exchanger for sensing a predetermined temperature differential to indicate the presence of air in the transformer. When the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined range, an alarm and a transformer disconnect relay become actuated. The temperature differential sensor can also be calibrated to provide excess moisture indication above a threshold moisture content caused by the saturation of the molecular sieve water scavenger within the transformer assembly.

Abstract: Novel and stable compositions of matter are disclosed which change color sharply upon a transition from a liquid state to a solid state or from a solid state to a liquid state, which change of state is at substantially a predetermined temperature corresponding to a temperature to be measured.The constituents of the novel compositions of matter comprise:1. a solvent (I) consisting of a single substance or a mixture of substances and adapted to change from a solid state at substantially a predetermined temperature to a liquid state and2. an indicator system (II) consisting of one or more substances different from (I), characterized in that(a) (II) is soluble in (I) when the latter is in the liquid phase, and(b) (II) changes color visible to the naked eye when (I) passes from the solid to the liquid phase or from the liquid to the solid phase.Thermometers containing said stable compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: An angular acceleration sensing device which operates on a principle whereby the relative motion of a volume of gas or fluid contained within an annular ring or torroid is sensed when the container is subjected to an angular acceleration about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the fluid ring. The apparatus includes an enclosed circular fluid-filled channel which can be an annular ring or torroid; thermally sensitive elements suspended within the fluid channel and an electronic circuit providing power to the sensing elements and output voltages.

Abstract: A method of detecting very small structural flaws at loads below those which cause the flaws to propagate is disclosed. Certain phenomena and relationships of fracture mechanics are utilized in conjunction with the generation, detection and interpretation of thermal emission signals indicative of plastic deformation of the tested material.

Abstract: An ultrasonographic exposure apparatus is disclosed. An ultrasound transducer is positioned in a reservoir so that it is immersed in a transport liquid within the reservoir. An ultrasonographic element is positioned in contact with the transport liquid, and a damper is located to form an interface with the transport liquid adjacent the ultrasonographic element remote from the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer probe having multiple rotating transducer elements the transducer outputs are switched in response to sine and cosine signals from a resolver. The same signals are used to switch and time the display scan. If the transducers are misaligned a multiple blurred image may result. It is proposed to modify the resolver signals changing the phase of the signals for at least one transducer to bring the display signals into registration. In one example it is achieved by, for at least one transducer element output, mixing a proportion of at least one of the sine and cosine signals with the other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer is provided which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves from a metallic part predominately in only one direction. At least two rows of permanent magnets are placed adjacent each other in a side-by-side relation. The N-S axes of the magnets are substantially parallel and adjacent magnets in each row have opposite polarity so that two periodic magnetic fields are created. The adjacent magnets are off-set by one-fourth period. Coils wrapped around each row of magnets are driven in phase quadrature in order to generate a unidirectional elastic wave in the metallic part. In another embodiment, sets of three rows of magnets are offset by one-sixth period and driven in 60.degree. phase shift.

Abstract: As leads that have been thermocompressively bonded to ceramic substrates are pulled to destruction, stress waves are monitored and counted. The total count is compared to empirically developed ranges associated with known failures to determine the failure mode (e.g., lead failure, gold-to-gold failure, ceramic pullout).

Abstract: A method for measuring the bonding power of an adhesive material, particuly a sheet material comprising fibres impregnated with a glue. After having applied against the material the face of a totally reflecting prism the index of refraction of which is lower than that of the glue, a force is exerted which tends to bring apart from each other the prism and said material, the value of the force corresponding to the separation is determined and the quotient is made of said force by the value of the contact area measured at the moment of the separation from the light totally reflected by said face.

Abstract: A pushbutton (keyboard) tuning apparatus for a radio receiver is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flat tuning key carrying an adjustable and lockable tuning cam means (plunger) which is guided in a slot in the tuning key and locked into position by applying force to an appendage forming part of said slot. Slideable end caps are positioned on each tuning key and each cap carries a pin for selectively applying the force to the locking appendage. Each cap also carries a resilient tongue for actuating clutch disengagement of a manual rotary knob tuning apparatus having a shaft axially displaceable for releasing any pushbuttons previously depressed and being held in their depressed condition.

Abstract: A stepless speed change gear has an axially movable speed changing ring that is frictionally engaged with a plurality of conical rollers. The stepless gear has improved durability and reduced weight due to a flat annular power transmitting surface and an annular power transmitting surface of arcuate cross-sectional contour on the bottom portion of each conical roller. A force caused by a contact pressure generating device is applied to the conical rollers at the annular power transmitting surface of arcuate cross-sectional contour, so as to advance the conical rollers into a space between the speed changing ring and another frictionally engaging member as a wedge so that required contact pressures are applied on the frictionally engaging points.

Abstract: A linear actuator which can apply high forces is described, which includes a reciprocating rod having a threaded portion engaged by a nut that is directly coupled to the rotor of an electric motor. The nut is connected to the rotor in a manner that minimizes loading on the rotor, by the use of a coupling that transmits torque to the nut but permits it to shift axially and radially with respect to the rotor. The nut has a threaded hydrostatic bearing for engaging the threaded rod portion, with an oilcarrying groove in the nut being interrupted.

Abstract: End bearing assemblies are provided for articulating links, especially for articulating control links associated with helicopter rotor mechanisms. The end bearing assemblies comprise at least two elastomeric bearing sections connected by a load-transmitting member and arranged to react to loadings and accommodate motions along and about at least one of three mutually orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A bicycle speed change lever device comprises a lever body pivotally mounted on a support shaft and having a handle portion and a base portion which is formed with internal hollow spaces, within which are disposed a step positioning mechanism including a resiliently urged engaging piece and a plurality of engaging recesses arranged so as to cooperate for retaining the lever body in a selected speed gear position, and a one-way clutch mechanism including means for permitting the lever body to pivotally move in one direction with reduced frictional resistance.

Abstract: A twist-grip cable control having cable movement parallel to the axis of the twist-grip rotation. A bell-crank lever is pivotally mounted within a housing with the inner portion of a Bowden cable connected to one arm of the lever. The other arm of the lever operatively engages a pin or finger member radially extending, fixedly mounted on a rotatable twist-grip sleeve. A guide is formed within a portion of the housing to receive the pin member and to limit the rotation of the sleeve. The device includes anchor means for securing one cable of the Bowden cable to the housing permitting the other cable to move relative to the anchored cable.

Abstract: A switching lever mechanism for operating a switching lever between two end positions comprising first and second laterally spaced apart cams, a follower lever physically mounted between its ends and including one end with a roller follower disposed between the cams. An opposite end of the follower lever is connectible to a member for shifting the member. A socket is formed on the follower lever between the roller follower and the pivotal mounting thereof and a bolt having a spherical head is pivotally mounted on the socket. A bracket mounted in a stationary position alongside the follower lever is provided with a set screw having a head portion. A sleeve is pivotally mounted on the head portion and carries the bolt. A spring biases the sleeve and bolt outwardly to hold the follower lever in either of its two end positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a power transmission apparatus which includes a hydraulic torque converter and mechanical gears. The torque converter includes a circulatory turbine in addition to the usual output turbine. The mechanical gears include first, second and third gearings. The first gearing connects the circulatory turbine to the converter input shaft. The second gearing connects the first gearing to the converter output member through a unidirectional freewheel. The third gearing connects the second gearing to an output member of the apparatus.

Abstract: An output split-type mechanical and hydraulic transmission includes input, intermediate, and output shafts, differential gear mechanisms for establishing different input-output speed ratios, clutch mechanisms for selectively cooperating with components of the differential gear mechanisms and the input, intermediate, and output shafts to establish different input-output speed ratio ranges, and first and second hydraulic pump motors. The first pump motor has a variable hydraulic capacity and is mechanically and driveably connected to the input shaft for establishing variations in the hydraulic capacity. The second pump motor is mechanically connected to at least one component of the differential gear mechanisms for establishing rotational speeds of the components of the differential gear mechanisms during the different input-output speed ratio ranges in relationship to the variations o the first pump motor's hydraulic capacity.

Abstract: A transaxle is provided, especially for small riding vehicles, such as lawn mowers. The transaxle is exceptionally shallow, with the gear shift lever entering the housing on about the same level as the rear axles. The transaxle has six forward speeds in a compact housing by virtue of a unique gear train arrangement in which shafts serve multiple functions. A driven bevel gear in the transaxle housing is also backed-up by a structurally-integral rib or flange in the housing. A unique bearing design provides effective lubrication for the output shafts or axles of the transaxle. A compact differential of the transaxle also rotates within a cavity without any axle.

Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed in which a stepped-ratio system having a conventional gearbox is combined with a short range, smoothly adjustable-ratio system to give a continuous range of transmission ratios through and beyond the fixed ratio steps of the gearbox.An arrangement is described in which all the variable parameters of the system are commanded by an electrically operated control system in response to a single demand signal from an operator.

Abstract: A manual shift control mechanism for a transmission has two drive transmitting cables which are connected to the steering column lock mechanism and the transmission control mechanism, respectively. The cables are interconnected by a pin which is connected through a leaf type spring to the manual shift lever. When the steering column lock mechanism is in the "Lock" mode, the cable attached thereto cannot move so that movement of the shift lever results in flexing of the spring and the pin and transmission cable does not move. Thus, when the steering column lock mechanism is in the "Lock" mode, the transmission control mechanism cannot be moved from the "Park" mode. When the steering column lock mechanism is in an operating mode other than "Lock", movement of the manual shift lever is transmitted to the transmission cable through the spring and pin to effect shifting of the transmission control.

Abstract: An engine-transmission control system having an engine associated with a variable hydrostatic transmission with a ratio governor valve to set the transmission ratio and, thus, control engine speed, a horsepower demand signal valve and an engine speed signal valve with the signals derived from these valves being applied in opposition to the ratio governor valve for control thereof, and an engine fuel governor for the engine providing an operating curve for the engine which relates engine speed to engine horsepower to cause operation along the locus of minimum fuel consumption for the engine whereby operation of the transmission to set the engine speed determines engine horsepower by operation of the engine along the operating curve.