Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a series of elongated troughs having different widths at their opposite ends into a metal foil strip in several forming stages with the aid of sets of upper and lower dies which, one after the other, engage the metal strip which is promoted stepwise from stage to stage. The troughs are formed in a pre-forming stage with the same width at both ends and in the final forming stages the width of the trough at one end is reduced by the formation of pleats so as to obtain the final form of the troughs without bending of the strip.

Abstract: A brake shoe assembly and an apparatus and method for making same wherein the brake shoe includes a pair of spaced parallel arcuate ribs having outside radii secured to the underside of an arcuate plate with the inside radii of the arcuate ribs having a greater thickness than the outside radii. In accordance with the apparatus and method for making the brake shoe assembly, a straight length of rectangular bar stock having opposite faces is bent into an arcuate shaped member while maintaining the bar stock substantially flat with the opposite faces extending transversely to the axis of bending at a bending station. Subsequently, a plurality of holes are pierced between the opposite faces of the arcuate member at a piercing station.

Abstract: A pre-set and automatically operable means measures the plasticity of heated coal specimens or other material to be tested, and certain results thereof are indicated on visual read-out devices while other results are recorded in print-indicating instrumentalities, including signalling devices, are provided to keep the operator of the apparatus informed as to progress being made. A prime feature is the inclusion of several separate and closely adjacent specimen containers with the test specimen therein in heated condition, one of which may be in testing position while the other is in standby position with heated specimen intact and awaiting its turn to be moved into operating position.

Abstract: A high precision continuous flow rheometer utilizes an elongated restriction such as a slit or capillary tube that is supplied with fluid from a microprocessor controlled metering pump at various flow rates. An inlet chamber having a longitudinal axis that is skewed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the restriction is used to convey fluid from the metering pump to the restriction. Three pressure transducers are disposed along the slit or capillary tube and supply signals to the microprocessor from which the viscosity and elasticity, or first normal stress difference, of the fluid may be continuously calculated at various flow rates.

Abstract: An aircraft brake includes a stack of rotors and stators located between a backing plate and a pressure plate. A brake thermal sensor includes a probe carried by the backing plate generating a signal representing the temperature of a backing plate friction pad. A temperature indicator connected to the probe is actuated by the probe signal to monitor the temperature of the friction pad. The probe includes a heat conductor which conducts heat from the friction pad to a temperature responsive device embedded in the heat conductor. The temperature responsive device generates the probe signal. A spring is biased to maintain the heat conductor in engagement with the friction pad so that the friction pad temperature is continuously monitored. A heat insulator limits the heat loss from the heat conductor.

Abstract: A new and improved device for measurement and visual indication of both wind direction and wind speed. The device is suitable for use as a visual aircraft landing aid located at or near an airport to provide both wind direction and wind speed information to pilots desiring to land at the airport. A cylindrical lamp housing having a wind vane mounted on its top is rotatably mounted on a support post having a high intensity lamp mounted on its top and centered in the lamp housing. A lens is mounted on the interior surface of the cylindrical sides of the lamp housing at a location directly below the wind vane. The lens projects light emitted from the lamp to a concentric ring-shaped light scattering target positioned on the ground surrounding the device. When the wind vane is moved by the wind, the lamp housing and lens rotates and moves the lamp image to a new location on the target to visually indicate the wind direction.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling is provided for a fluid flowmeter wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first and a second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the counter mechanism of the flowmeter, and the second magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the propeller. The two magnet assemblies are constructed and located so that they magnetically influence one another, and when the propeller rotates the second assembly, the first assembly is driven to rotate thereby driving the counter.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the level of particulate material in a container is disclosed including level indication conduit vertically disposed in a container so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the container result in corresponding changes in the level of particulate material in the level indication conduit, further conduits for flowing a gaseous stream through the level indication conduit and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure drop in the gaseous stream flowing through the level indication conduit so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the level indication conduit causes corresponding changes in that pressure drop.

Abstract: A device (1) for transmitting rotary motion from a first to a second shaft and for measuring the angular speed of said rotary motion, comprising a first and second pulse generator associated respectively with said first and second shaft, and governing, by means of a processing circuit, the operation of an electric motor (2) of direct current type one shaft (7) of which is torsionally coupled to said second shaft; and a speed indicator comprising means (25) sensitive to magnetic field variations is described. The main feature of this device (1) is that said second pulse generator comprises a magneto-electrical transducer (32), and a permanent magnet (9) is torsionally coupled to said second shaft; said magnet (9) determining the activation either of said magneto-electrical transducer (32), or of those means (25) of said speed indicator which are sensitive to magnetic field variations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system comprising a transducer array, control circuit and display system wherein the control system is able to actuate the transducer elements in groups of N and N+1 elements, actuate the groups in non-sequential order, actuate groups of selectively different sizes, subject the actuation signals to and the echo signals from the transducers to pre-programmable delay periods, compress the echo signals into a logarithmic representation, transform the echo signals into plural simultaneous visual displays on a standard TV monitor in split screen format, and transform the display of discrete points in the visual display into continuous lines. Further, each transducer element in the array may consist of a split or paired set of transducers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal measuring instrument for directly measuring wall thickness and for detecting flaws within the wall of a tube. This instrument comprises a rotatable disc support adapted to be moved through a length of tubing the disc having at least three holes spaced equal distance apart about its circumference, at least one laterally movable search unit compressively positioned in one of the holes, laterally movable contact shoes compressively positioned in the remaining holes, a rotatable handle having a visible indication mark corresponding to the position of the search unit, a conduit connecting the disc support to the handle, and an indicating device electrically connected to the search unit for directly presenting the internal characteristics of the tubing.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed which combines aspects of both dynamic and pseudo-dynamic focusing. The system includes a linearly arranged array of side-by-side transducers adapted for propagating ultrasonic energy into a body to be ultrasonically examined and for receiving reradiated sonic energy from points within the body. A signal channel is connected to each of the transducers for activating same to propagate the sonic energy and for receiving electrical signals from the transducers (which correspond to the reradiated energy). Controllable delay means are provided in each of the channels for introducing linear phase shifts in the electrical signals proceeding in the channels during both transmission and reception to thereby azimuthally steer the transducer array. Means are further provided for processing the received signals proceeding through the channels and for combining same to effect a visual display of the bodily portion being examined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer assembly and system including a disc-shaped transducer element surrounded by ring-shaped transducer elements of different width to permit dynamic focusing and minimum phase cancellation. The elements are switched so that the output signals for various depths have a small dynamic range whereby the dynamic range of associated amplifiers is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A fluid flowmeter of the vortex shedding type. The vortices are detected from their optical Schlieren effect on a focused optical system, the vortex frequently giving a measure of fluid flow rate. The optical components of the flowmeter may be mounted within a wedge-shaped bluff body placed in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A mass rate flow meter is provided having a universally-mounted gyroscopic apparatus against which a fluid stream, the mass rate of flow of which is to be measured, is directed. The fluid drives the rotor of the gyroscopic apparatus at and angular velocity proportional to the fluid stream velocity and impinges upon a pressure pad mounted on the gyroscopic apparatus, such that the effective impingement force is applied asymmetrically to the rotor, thereby applying a torque to the gyroscopic apparatus proportional to the dynamic pressure of the fluid stream and causing precessional rotation of the gyroscopic apparatus. The resulting precessional rotation of the gyroscopic apparatus is at a rate proportional to the mass rate of flow of the fluid. Measurement of the precessional rotation of the gyroscopic apparatus provides an indication of the mass rate of flow, and totalization of the precessional rotations provides total mass flow indications.

Abstract: A power take-off has a bracket attached to a truck engine and provided with a pivoted arm to the outer end of which the pump of a hydraulic system is attached and by which the pump pulley is positioned above and in alignment with a drive shaft pulley. Adjustable resilient means yieldably oppose movement of the pump pulley towards the drive shaft pulley and maintain the connecting belt under wanted tension. The arm may be depressed against the opposition of the resilient means to permit the belt to be easily removed or replaced.

Abstract: A vibrating device having a mass rotated about a first shaft while the first shaft is rotated about a second shaft.

Abstract: The tensiometer is designed to measure the tension in cables from extremely heavy loads as might occur in large cranes and in oil well rigs. The tensiometer utilizes a pair of spaced tandem pulleys bearing against spaced points on the cable and a central pulley engaging an opposite point intermediate the spaced points so as to force the cable laterally. The tension in the cable tends to straighten the cable and thus exert a load on the central pulley and by measuring this load, a force is developed constituting a function of tension in the cable. The central pulley is removably mounted from the frame structure on an arm. One end of this arm is thus arranged to be pivoted to the frame structure after the cable has been received against the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: A derailleur for a bicycle, which is adapted to shift a driving chain to a selected one of two or more sprocket wheels by pushing or pulling a push-pull control wire. The derailleur is provided with at least one arm oscillating independently from a movable member in shifting one of the push-pull wire and an outer cable for the wire. The wire is secured to the arm and a spring is secured to the arm so that when the movable member is, in changing speed, loaded above a predetermined value, the arm is oscillated to prevent the wire from buckling. On the other hand, when the resistance is removed the energy stored in the spring by the oscillation of the arm allows the movable member to shift so that the driving chain may be shifted to a desired speed-changing stage.

Abstract: A power transmission adapted to be connected between a prime mover and a driven means which comprises a variable pulley drive comprising drive and driven pulleys connected by a belt, each having at least one flange axially movable with respect to the other. The pulleys continuously rotate when the prime mover is operational. The output of the prime mover is directly connected to the pulley drive. The prime mover may be an automobile engine, the driven means may include the wheels of an automobile. A speed-responsive friction starting device with means to shift between neutral, forward and reverse is connected between the driven pulley and the driven means. Shifting of a dry, i.e, non-lubricated, belt on the pulleys when the speed ratio is changing is enhanced because of the continuous driving of the pulleys. Also, because the direction of the rotation of the pulleys is always the same, shifting between forward and reverse is enhanced, this being true for any type of belt.

Abstract: A technique for correcting backlash in gears utilized in printing machines. The backlash is corrected by means of toothed segments, i.e. sections of a gear, with each segment having gear teeth of varying width, with the teeth at the center of the segment having greatest width and the width of successive teeth decreasing by 0.005 to 0.6 mm to minimum values at both ends of the segment. Each segment is positioned so that the gear teeth of proper diameter to reduce backlash are disposed next to the teeth of the gear on which the segment is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balance wheel for rotating machines, especially combustion engines, including, for example, outboard motors. Hitherto, such balance wheels or flywheels have been manufactured from different non-ferrous metals as zinc or aluminum alloys, and in one embodiment they have the shape of an inverted pot having low side walls. On the inner side of the walls balance wheel magnets, that is, permanent magnets for the ignition or generator system of the motor, are attached, and the other elements of the ignition or generator systems are disposed outwardly around the output shaft of the engine and inside the "pot". However, for obtaining a suitable magnetic field, the permanent magnets are not attached directly to the balance wheel of a non-magnetic material--zinc or aluminum--but on a ring of magnetic material, for instance steel, which in its turn is attached to the balance wheel.As known, the object of a balance wheel is to act as an accumulator of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for motor vehicle in which the engine is positioned in front side of the front axle, a sub-transmission is provided in the space formed above the front axle, a main transmission is adapted to transmit the output of the sub-transmission to the front wheels and to the rear wheels through means for transmitting the output, and the means for transmitting the output includes a clutch means for selectively connecting the transmission to the rear axle.

Abstract: An automatic transmission with overdrive, including: a torque converter; a torque converter housing; an oil pump; an overdrive gear mechanism; an overdrive case; an underdrive gear mechanism; a transmission case; and an oil pan. In this automatic transmission, the overdrive gear mechanism is positioned between the torque converter and the underdrive gear mechanism. An exhaust passage is positioned in a lower portion of the overdrive case in side-by-side relationship to an intake passage adapted to introduce oil from the oil pan to the oil pump. As a result, oil is circulated from the oil pump to the hydraulic control device, then to the underdrive gear mechanism and the overdrive gear mechanism and then to the oil pan back to the oil pump.

Abstract: A vertical drive mechanism is provided for a cutting apparatus. The cutting pparatus can be used for in place machining of a valve seat which may include an annular turntable adapted to be rotatably mounted on the valve above the valve seat. A feed shaft is mounted through the turntable so as to be rotatable therewith, and a bottom of the feed shaft is adapted to receive a cutter for machining the valve seat. The vertical drive mechanism is mounted on the feed shaft and includes a nut threaded on the feed shaft and a gear combination. The gear combination may include a first portion which is fixedly connected to the nut, a second portion which operatively engages the first gear portion, and a third portion which operatively engages the second gear portion, the third gear portion being mounted for rotatable slidable friction engagement about the nut.

Abstract: An edge sharpener, in particular for sharpening the steel edges of skis, is composed of a main body in which there is a recess for holding a file blade and within which is inserted a clamping wedge so as to exert distributed forces on the surface area of the file blade when the clamping wedge is forced into the recess substantially radially. In a particular feature of the invention, the main holder has a flexible foil which comes to lie between the pressure surface of the clamping wedge and the surface of the file so that movement of the clamping wedge does not result in abrasive contact with the surface of the file. The lower part of the clamping wedge has an inclined surface which cooperates with a similarly inclined surface in the holder. The clamping wedge is further equipped with gripping surfaces so that, during manual use, the force of the hand on the sharpener to execute the sharpening strokes tends to move the clamping wedge more forcefully into the recess, thereby increasing the clamping action.

Abstract: A metal casing is provided having flat, parallel front and back sides. A first cylindrical cavity having a bottom wall is formed in the front casing side. A cylindrical metal plug having top and bottom ends is secured by heat shrinking in the first casing cavity, the bottom end having a second, concentric cylindrical cavity formed therein and engaging the bottom wall of the cavity. A cylindrical metal blank having opposite ends and a concentric core formed of a synthetic hard, wear-resistant material, such as polycrystalline aggregate of synthetic or natural diamond or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, is secured in the second cavity by heat shrinking with one end engaging the bottom thereof and the other end engaging the first casing cavity bottom wall.

Abstract: The invention is an improved opener device for opening sealed cans of the type using a pull-tab to initiate the opening. The device consists of rod-like tool having a handle on one end and a series of notches on the opposite end. One of the notches near the end hooks into the pull-tab and the other notches are on the opposite side and serve as a holding means on the rim of the can be opened and concurrently as a fulcrum point for the lever action to lift the pull-tab and thereby opening the can.

Abstract: A hand tool for use in providing protective manual assistance in opening frangible hermetically sealed ampuls having an elongated main body portion and an integral axially projecting removable end merging with the body portion through a peripherally constricted and relatively weakened neck designed to fracture and separate the removable end from the body portion in response to a bending stress manually applied to the removable end portion. The hand tool comprises an essentially rigid one-piece construction which may be manually gripped within one hand of the user and which is designed to accommodate its reuse with widely varying ampul sizes. The hand tool features a pair of elongate protective finger grips arranged in side-by-side interspaced relationship at one end and integrally merging together at an opposite longitudinal end to define a generally U-shaped central recess within which to position the removable end of a sealed ampul.

Abstract: A wire stripping machine for stripping the insulation from the ends of a plurality of stranded-core insulated wires and twisting the exposed conductor strands includes upper and lower stripping heads mounted on a support for movement between an open position and a closed, operative position. Each stripping head includes wire separating discs that separate the wires to-be-stripped so that they lie laterally adjacent one another and a stripping element that simultaneously strips the insulation from the ends of the wires and twists the conductor strands. Each stripping element includes an elongated stripping bar having a serrated wire contacting surface and an insulation cutting knife that extends along the length of the stripping bar and presents a cutting edge positioned above the wire contacting surface.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a cutting apparatus for forming individual battery grid structures from a sheet material having cut out portions thereon, said apparatus comprising spaced apart first and second rotatable means, a plurality of leading knives carried by said first means, a plurality of trailing knives carried by said second means, said knives arranged to cut transversely of said material forming shear lines from the edge of said sheet material to the cut out portions of said material, a plurality of blades carried by said first and second rotatable means for cutting longitudinally of said sheet material along a slit line between adjacent cut out portions of said sheet material, said knives and blades being spaced about the periphery of said first and second rotatable means and arranged to cooperate to sectionalize and form thereby individual battery grid structures from said sheet material.

Abstract: A cutting machine for subdividing material lengths comprises a roller table establishing a transport path along which the material is directed to a cutting zone. A cutting head assembly has a cutting blade for cutting material located at the cutting zone. A front vise assembly is fixed adjacent to the cutting zone with first and second jaws arranged in opposed mutually spaced relationship on opposite sides of the transport path. A first jaw operating mechanism is provided for adjusting the spacing of the first and second jaws between an open position permitting movement therebetween of the material and a closed position clamping the material therebetween. A rear vise assembly is mounted on a carriage underlying the roller table. The carriage is movable in opposite directions parallel to the transport path. The rear vise assembly has third and fourth jaws also arranged in opposed mutually spaced relationship on opposite sides of the transport path.

Abstract: The machine comprises an operating arm accommodated with a pair of horizontally extending shoulders and is rockingly supported by a pin pivoted on parallel vertical supporting standards or uprights for said shoulders and forming part of the machine bedplate. The pin may be vertically moved along slots formed on said standards or uprights. The working plane is horizontal and may be rotated about a vertical axis and with said shoulders forms a cavity. Said plane has attached thereon the several counter-tools for the punching, nibbling and cutting operations and peripherally has cut profiles for rounding off. A mechanism is carried by the horizontal shoulders to cause the rocking movement for said operating arm and relative associated toolholders.

Abstract: A blanking machine for blanking holes in a sheet of metal in a zigzag fashion comprising a bolster, a pair of rails, fixedly secured to the bolster extending in a direction right angles to the feeding direction of the sheet of metal to be blanked, a lower die set slidably mounted on the rails, a die fixedly secured to the lower die set, an upper die set having a punch mounted thereon opposite the die, the upper and the lower die sets being coupled together, a hydraulic cylinder having a plurality of pressure chambers formed therein, a transmission mechanism connected to a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, and a connecting rod for connecting the transmission mechanism to the upper or lower die set.

Abstract: A rotary tool assembly including a support shaft with a circular mounting flange mounted on the end of the support shaft and extending radially therefrom to a circular periphery. The mounting flange has a recess in the front face which extends radially inwardly from the outer circular periphery of the mounting flange to an axially extending shoulder which has a machined surface. A circular cutting blade is disposed in the first recess and has front and rear surfaces with a circular central opening extending around and engaging the machined shoulder. A circular clamping ring is disposed in a second recess in the front face of the mounting flange with an outer circular periphery disposed in overlapping relationship with the inner circular periphery of the central opening in the cutting blade to clamp the cutting blade to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A mitre box has a saw guide subassembly rotatably supported on a vertical post and a multiplicity of indents spaced about a portion of its periphery. A wedge member is pivoted on the base member below the saw guide subassembly and is biased to engage an edge portion in one of the indents thereof to prevent its rotation. Positioning means is provided to orient the engagement edge portion of the wedge member in axial alignment with the post to ensure accurate and stable positioning of the subassembly in a predetermined rotated position about the post. The saw guide subassembly may include a fixedly supported saw guide element and a second saw guide element which is carried on the fixed guide element and pivotable relative thereto about a pivot point adjacent the upper edge of the guide elements to equalize the pressure exerted by the ends of the saw guide subassembly on the saw received therebetween.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling the cutting feed speed of a saw frame of a sawing machine, such as a band-sawing machine, includes an improved control valve on the discharge line enabling the fluid to draw off from the hydraulic cylinder, the control valve being capable of amplifying changes of pressure in the cylinder occurring in response to changes of cutting resistance to the saw blade, thereby securing a proper control over the cutting feed speed of the saw frame irrespective of the size and weight of the saw frame.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument which has any desired compass of musical sounds and which produces justly intoned pitches based on any desired pitch or note and which is capable of changing at will during performance the basic pitch or the "do" (of do, re, me, etc.). The instrument has a single master oscillator having means for changing the pulse interval at will and during performance. The output of the oscillator is fed to a system of counters and gates, the output of which is a number of pulse trains which are related in frequency by ratios of small integers and which ratios are maintained unchanged regardless of the frequencies of the various outputs. The instrument includes a keycylinderin place of the usual keyboard and it has on its surface several helices of conductive contacts.

Abstract: A stringed instrument in the form of an electric guitar having a body and a neck. A plurality of strings secured to the outer end of the neck extend along the neck and past a bridge carried by the body. The opposite ends of the strings are coupled with pegs which are rotatably mounted on the body adjacent to the bridge. The pegs are manually rotated by shafts which are located within the body itself. A worm gear connects each shaft to a respective peg. A knob is on the outer end of each shaft and each knob is located in a respective recess in a side-wall or an end wall of the body. A knob and a switch for control of amplified sounds are also recessed within the body. The body and neck are reduced in mass to decrease the weight of the instrument.

Abstract: A self-extruding fastener having a head provided with a cross groove, a stem having two screw threads and a tapering portion terminating at a sharp pointed forward end adapted to form a guide opening in a thin sheet of metal. A third screw thread generates in a position midway between said two screw threads and in a portion where the stem ends and the tapering portion begins, and extends to the pointed forward end, while the two screw threads disappear in the tapering portion. Therefore, the self-extruding fastener according to the invention comprises three sections, that is, two screw thread section, three screw thread section and one screw thread section.

Abstract: The method includes positioning a plurality of rotary milling saw stations about a path of travel for successive screw blanks. Two longitudinally overlapping fluting cuts are made on each side of each blank to configure a drilling point. The blanks are rotated about their axis a predetermined amount, during travel between work stations, to expose the appropriate peripheral surface of the blank to the appropriate work station. The method and apparatus described in the invention is capable of producing a drill screw with relatively long flutes behind the cutting edges while not appreciably weakening the point structure. The turret carrying the blanks is intermittently indexed in timed relationship with the activation of the milling saw, the work stations and means to clamp the blanks at the work stations.

Abstract: A high efficiency, low cost fluid pressure engine. This engine converts reciprocating piston motion to rotary output in a novel manner. The engine comprises at least two parallel pistons adapted to reciprocate in cylinders within an engine block closed by upper and lower heads. Each piston is rigidly secured to a piston rod located along the cylinder centerline and extending through substantially fluid tight packing in the lower head. The lower end of each piston rod is flexibly connected to a first connecting means which also includes an opening surrounding a first crank pin. A pair of reciprocating valve means, located within said engine block, are adapted to selectively introduce and exhaust the engine drive fluid into and out of the cylinder above and below the pistons. Valve push rods secured to said valve means are connected to a second connecting means which also has an opening surrounding a second crank pin.

Abstract: A pilot assembly for switching the fluid supply valve of a hydraulic pump is actuated by the pressurized hydraulic fluid which operates the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump includes a main cylinder, a main piston within the main cylinder, and a main valve for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the rear end of the main cylinder for driving the piston forwardly. The pilot assembly includes a pilot cylinder and a pilot spool within the cylinder. A first hydraulic conduit connects one end of the pilot cylinder to the front end of the main cylinder, and a second hydraulic conduit connects the other end of the pilot cylinder to the main cylinder at a position spaced rearwardly from the front end of the main cylinder. When the main piston passes forwardly of the second hydraulic conduit, the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the main cylinder moves the pilot spool, and pressurized hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow to the main valve to switch the main valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic power booster system in which a hydraulic power brake booster has a hydraulic ratio changing mechanism. The ratio is established by trapping hydraulic fluid in a chamber with an input piston having a larger effective area than an output piston forming movable chamber walls. A ratio piston or sleeve exposed to booster power pressure and the trapped pressure is moved upon power runout, causing the booster ratio to change as the ratio of these pressures change, providing a smooth transition from a high ratio toward a 1:1 ratio as the booster shifts to manual operation from hydraulic power operation. A valve which operates to trap pressure in the chamber upon booster actuation also provides a vent path from the chamber when the booster is fully released so that any air in the chamber may be bled out.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a housing which journals coaxial input and output shafts. Drivingly connected to the input shaft is an eccentric which rotatably carries a gear wheel. The gear wheel is prevented from rotating in the housing so that it gyrates when the input shaft rotates. An internally toothed ring meshes with the gear wheel and is drivingly connected to the output shaft. The internally toothed ring defines a greater number of gear teeth than does the gear wheel so that gyration of the gear wheel incident to the rotation of the input shaft drives the output shaft via the internally toothed ring. A valve device is responsive to rotation of the input shaft relative to the output shaft to control fluid flow to and from a fluid motor. The fluid motor is coaxial with and drivingly connected to the output shaft so as to increase the torque derivable from the output shaft incident to rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator in which a piston and a cylinder define an annular gap therebetween axially connecting two portions of the cylinder cavity otherwise separated by the piston. When compressed air is admitted to one of the cavity portions, an O-ring in an annular groove of the cylinder wall is expanded by the compressed air and seals the gap, and the piston is moved against the restraint of a strong compression spring. When the air backing the O-ring is vented, the air pressure in the cylinder drives the O-ring back into the groove, and air thereafter escapes quickly from the one portion of the cavity through the gap and into the other cavity portion which is open to the atmosphere. The resulting quick movement of the piston by the expanding compression spring is transmitted to a device outside the cylinder for operating the same.

Abstract: A ventilator, in particular for an air shaft of a space to be ventilated on board a vessel, said ventilator comprising a box-shaped housing that is at least partly open downwards, and a hood-shaped part continuous with said housing and in open communication therewith, which hood-shaped part is open outwards on one side. In order to substantially decrease, or fully prevent the ingress of water in the air shaft through the ventilator, there are provided in the housing at least one horizontal longitudinal partition and at least two transverse partitions continuous therewith and extending in substantially vertical and opposite directions, said partitions dividing the housing in two parts, said longitudinal partition having an opening therein that can be closed by means of a float.

Abstract: A painting booth through which a conveyor passes to transfer articles such as automobile bodies to be painted. The booth comprises spraying spaces each with a paint spraying machine disposed therein, buffer spaces adjoining the respective spraying spaces and a duct arranged to blow air into each spraying space. To minimize power and heat expenses for operation of the booth, each buffer space has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of each spraying space. The buffer spaces may be provided with no forcible ventilation. Alternatively, the booth may comprise another duct to blow air into at least one of the buffer spaces through air inlets arranged such that air flows in the buffer space towards an adjoining spraying space at a velocity lower than the velocity of a flow of air in the spraying space.

Abstract: An air damper having a plurality of blades of the opposed blade type is provided wherein such damper provides substantially uniform air flow distribution throughout the flow area of such damper.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing compressible, heat settable material, and in one embodiment, useful in producing foodstuffs including so-called tortillas made from wheat flour, comprises a step-motion, rotatable, heated drum; a curved, pivotally-mounted, heated compression plate positioned in proximity to the drum for being swung into position parallel to the surface of said drum when the drum is in the stop-phase of step motion; feed means for feeding foodstuff materials into the region between the drum and the plate when the plate is swung away from the drum; and means for conveying compressed foodstuffs away from the drum surface as it rotates in the motion phase of the step motion.