Abstract: A thermal machine utilizing a positive displacement element which oscillates at a damped resonant frequency is disclosed. The positive displacement element controls the volume of expander and compressor subchambers. A heat exchanger is provided which includes a high temperature heat source, a low temperature heat source, and at least one heat sink. Valves control the flow of fluid into and out of the expander subchamber so that the subchamber acts to expand the fluid. A first working fluid is conducted through the expander subchamber, one of the heat sinks, a compressing device and the high temperature heat source in series. A second working fluid is conducted through the compressor subchamber, one of the heat sinks, an expanding device and the low temperature heat source in series.

Abstract: A fluid pressure generator, such as a master cylinder, includes a housing with a bore for movably supporting a pair of pistons. The pair of pistons cooperate with the housing and with each other to substantially define a pair of pressure chambers which are communicated with respective brake assemblies. A first piston of the pair of pistons is movable within the housing to pressurize a primary pressure chamber and the second piston of the pair of pistons is movable in response to pressurized fluid within the primary pressure chamber so as to pressurize a secondary pressure chamber. The second piston carries a valve assembly and includes a passage to provide fluid communication between the secondary pressure chamber and its respective brake assembly.

Abstract: A two-stage intensifier system for use in conjunction with a pressure-operable swing clamp or other pressure-operable device for supplying fluid pressure at a relatively low pressure to perform a first operation and thereafter to supply fluid pressure at a higher pressure to perform a second operation.

Abstract: A master cylinder has a housing with a bore therein having a tapered section located between first and second compensator ports connecting the bore to a reservoir. A sleeve locates first and second lip seals adjacent the first and second compensator ports, respectively. A first piston engages the first lip seal and a second piston engages the second lip seal to define first and second chambers within the bore. A bearing member which surrounds the first piston engages the sleeve and holds the first and second lip seals in a stationary position within the bore. Thereafter, an input member moves the first and second pistons past the first and second lip seals to pressurize the fluid in the first and second chambers and provides fluid pressure responsive devices with an operational input through first and second outlet ports in the housing.

Abstract: An improved turbocharged engine system comprising a piston engine with an inlet manifold, an exhaust manifold, a turbine driven by exhaust gases for transporting a portion of the exhaust gas energy to drive a compressor between a gas intake and the inlet manifold. There is used as the exhaust manifold a first exhaust manifold receiving exhaust gases only from a first set of pistons and a second exhaust manifold receiving exhaust gases only from a second set of pistons. The turbine comprises a first turbine driven by first exhaust manifold exhaust gases. The compressor comprises a first compressor driven by the first turbine. A portion of the exhaust gases from the second exhaust manifold are recycled to the inlet manifold.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing electricity utilizing the enthalpy released by a rising foam in a plurality of closed environments to generate power to drive a turbine. The closed environments are interconnected in a manner to permit the effluent from each closed environment to be used in an adjacent closed environment.

Abstract: A method of operation of a vapor cycle heat engine which includes the steps of regeneration, recompression, reheating and isothermal recompression with feedwater spray injection for improved cycle efficiency.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: Radiative heat rejection for the condensate of a steam system in which panels painted with titanium dioxide are put out in the desert and water as a heat exchange fluid is flowed on the underside of the panels. They will radiate into the night sky and produce significant cooling and provide for rejection of condenser heat from Rankine cycle water and steam turbines as well as reflect the sun. In addition to titanium dioxide panels one can use reversible plastic mattresses floating on a cool pond coated black on one side and silver on the other and with the black surface up at night, silver surface up in the daytime; they too will provide radiative heat rejection.

Abstract: Vapor vented from a liquefied petroleum gas storage container, vessel, or pit is compressed, cooled, and condensed. The condensate is admixed with liquefied petroleum gas taken from said storage and the admixture thus obtained is returned to said storage.

Abstract: The liquid ice system comprises an icing machine in the form of a compartment for receiving water and ice. Pulverizing means are provided for crushing the ice and uniquely oriented paddles stir the water and ice mixture to maintain a homogeneous mixture of liquid ice. A circulating conduit is provided in combination with a conveyor system and ice applicator devices connected to a portion of the conduit supported on an overhead structure of the conveyor. Boxes of vegetables or poultry are appropriately refrigerated for shipment by applying liquid ice to the boxes as they pass along the conveyor. Switches may be provided for automatically actuating the ice applicators when the box passes therebeneath.

Abstract: This invention provides a direct oil return system from the accumulator tank in the refrigerant circuit of a transport refrigeration system to the crankcase of the compressor for returning oil entrained in the refrigerant to the oil sump. A pressure relief valve in the lubricating oil circulating system positively opens under the influence of oil pressure from the positive displacement oil pump whenever the compressor is operating to bleed excess oil from the pump back to the sump. The oil return line from the accumulator tank of the refrigeration system is connected to the valve to enter through another inlet port which opens in response to the pressure relief valve being opened and flows therethrough to another outlet in the valve also in communication with the sump.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for use with a hot water tank. The air conditioning system includes a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger for removing heat from compressed refrigerant and for heating water to be stored in the hot water tank, a second water-refrigerant heat exchanger for selectively removing heat from or adding heat to refrigerant, and an air-refrigerant heat exchanger for selectively removing heat from or adding heat to the refrigerant whereby air is selectively cooled or heated.

Abstract: Water vapor released by evaporation in a cooling tower, is conducted through an enclosure to the upper inlet end of a vertical conduit extending into the body of water stored in the cooling tower. The water vapor downflowing through the vertical conduit under vacuum conditions is condensed by cooling sprays of water drawn by pumps from the bottom of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A constant temperature box is disclosed comprising a body which is open at one side thereof having a lid for closing the open side of the body, the body and lid being of adiabatic construction. The box has incorporated therewith a container filled with a beverage which serves as a cooling or heating source to thereby cool or warm foodstuffs and beverages kept within a space inside the body, the beverage being readily discharged from the container by means of a valve or air pump.

Abstract: An earring for use with pierced earlobes including an ornament having a base. An elongated relatively rigid wire extends from a rear surface of said base, through the earlobe of the user, and curves under and in front of the lobe to obtain a very light and comfortable purchase, sufficient to prevent accidental loss.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling comprises a rigid hub coupling part and a rigid ring coupling part which surrounds the hub part concentrically, the two parts being connected together by two similar symmetrically disposed resilient rings which bulge outwards away from each other to form a cavity between them. In order to vary the resilience of the coupling to suit requirements and avoid torsional oscillations, the outwardly bulging parts of the resilient rings are supported against each other by a resiliently deformable annular element which extends axially across, but does not fill, the cavity.

Abstract: A homokinetic universal joint assembly including an outer and an inner joint member with roller bodies engaged for torque transmission therebetween includes a guide member which is located centrally of the assembly within the inner joint member and which supports the roller bodies in the bisecting plane of the assembly. A control sleeve defines a mounting groove extending through the joint center and the guide member is supported within the mounting groove for movement in a direction radially of the joint assembly. The control sleeve is provided with spherical surfaces located equivalent distances on opposite sides of the joint center which are engaged to guide the control sleeve within the inner and outer joint members.

Abstract: An improvement in flexible couplings is disclosed. The coupling is characterized by having entrainment means separated by sectorial spaces, with baffles disposed in the spaces. The baffles are fastened to an annular disk, which is supported on one of the coupling parts.

Abstract: An improved clutch for use with an in-line capping machine quill assembly, permitting the driven friction wheel or disc to slip upon the occurrence of excessive torque. As contrasted with prior art constructions, the friction disc which contacts the caps during a seating operation does not form part of the clutch. The clutch is positioned at the top of the quill assembly, and employs a pair of metallic plates adjustably tensioned by spring washers. Threaded means is provided for adjusting clutch pressure for slippage within a predetermined torque range.

Abstract: Method of, and apparatus for, processing heat-softened fiber-forming material comprising a bushing block. The bushing block has a wall defining a passage for accommodating flow of heat-softened material from a supply into a fiber-forming bushing. The bushing block further includes insulating means comprising an insulating space surrounding the wall and a radiation shield surrounding the insulating space.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for extracting liquid from porous fabrics. The apparatus includes a vacuum source, a back-up plate positioned opposite the vacuum source such that a gap exists therebetween, an adjusting means for setting the minimum size of the gap between the vacuum source and the back-up plate, and a mounting structure to which the back-up plate is secured, the mounting structure allowing the plate to move in a direction away from the vacuum source thereby increasing the size of the gap. In operation, a porous fabric is passed through the gap while the back-up plate floats thereon. The plate is able to bounce over seams or any other irregularities within the fabric.

Abstract: A press for extracting water from wet washing comprises a housing, a perforated press floor for supporting a batch of wet washing, and a hydraulic ram for pressing the wet washing down against the press floor. The hydraulic ram is constituted by a generally bell-shaped diaphragm carrier whose open end is closed by a bowed-in, flexible diaphragm. The hollow interior of the diaphragm carrier is pressurizable with hydraulic fluid. A charging frame is provided to assist with the uniform pressing of wet washing while helping prevent damage to the washing arising from jamming. The charging frame is movable with the diaphragm carrier towards the press floor.

Abstract: Three handcuffs are connected in series by a pair of chains. These chains are connected to the handcuffs by eyes which are connected to the respective heads of the handcuffs and by an additional eye which is connected to the pivot of the centrally located handcuff. With the handcuffs extended, two of the handcuffs are adapted to assume coplanar relationship and the other handcuff is located in an offset parallel plane.

Abstract: A single key-operated keeper lock for a zipper-type slide fastener includes a barrel assembly of a tubular barrel and an anvil fixed to and projecting radially from the barrel, a plug assembly of a lock cylinder rotatably received in the barrel and a keeper arm fixed to and projecting radially from the cylinder adjacent to a proximal end thereof, the plug assembly being rotatable relative to the barrel assembly between alternate positions for alternately securing a fastener element between the keeper arm and the anvil, and releasing the element, tumblers carried by the cylinder, movable into engagement with the barrel to prevent the relative rotation, and movable out of such engagement by insertion of a key in the cylinder in the direction of the axis of rotation, a locking bar reciprocally movable in the barrel rectilinearly along such axis between a base portion of the barrel and a distal end portion of the cylinder, the base portion defining a recess receiving the locking bar in each of the several positio

Abstract: A battery locking means comprising two nuts adapted to be threaded to the top ends of two battery hold down posts respectively located on opposite sides of the battery. One of the nuts has a single chain link attached thereto and the other nut has attached thereto a chain link of a length of chain. The length of the chain is sufficient to extend over the battery to allow one of its links to fit around a single link of chain whereby the shackle of a padlock may be inserted through the single link to prevent removal of the battery.

Abstract: A transmission shift control mechanism has a pivotally mounted shift lever and bracket on which is pivotally mounted a lock pawl. A lock lever is pivotally mounted on the same axis as the shift lever and bracket and has an abutment surface thereon which is maintained in contact with a cam surface on the lock pawl. The shift lever and bracket and the lock lever are operatively connected by a spring. The lock lever is connected to the vehicle steering column by a cable mechanism such that the lock lever is maintained stationary when the steering column is locked whereupon pivotal movement of the shift lever and bracket results in relative movement between the lock pawl and abutment surface causing engagement between the lock pawl and the stationary latch member whereby further pivoting of the shift lever and bracket is prevented.

Abstract: A manually operated wire or cable bending apparatus comprising a support assembly for supporting a forming die at one end thereof. A drum assembly comprising a pair of spaced apart interconnected weighted members is mounted on the support assembly, one such weighted member provided with graduations thereon from 0.degree. to 360.degree. on one end face thereof, whereas the other said weighted member having a means for swivelly securing a measuring tape which is adjustably mounted on said support assembly. The forming die comprises a forming block pivotally mounted on a rotatable handle, the forming block cooperating with a fixed grooved forming die to bend a wire or cable positioned between the said forming block and said grooved forming a die when a handle to which the said forming block is pivotally mounted thereon is rotated counterclockwise.

Abstract: A machine and method for forming line pipe is disclosed wherein small diameter roll elements not exceeding five times the thickness of the blank form a tube. The roll elements positioned in a pyramid roll assembly are dynamically adjustable toward and away from each other to provide different size line pipe, or similar tubular articles. The segments of the upper roll elements are mounted on cantilever arms, the leading edge of blank being deflected against the upper curved surface of the arms during the final stages of forming. The deflection is maintained within the elastic recovery limit of the metal. A rigid frame mounts the cantilever arm and other components. The frame includes a plurality of vertical bed plates and corresponding upper frame plates and cross tie members. A pusher mechanism pushes the sheet blank through the pyramid roll assembly. A multi-walled tube may be formed by providing the required additional length to the blank and continuation of the forming beyond 360.degree..

Abstract: A generally circular die is mounted on a rotatable shaft in non-rotatable relation thereto. The periphery of the die is formed by a plurality of separate arcuate (circular) portions curved along a path equal in radius to the desired radius of curvature of the bend in the different size pipes being bent. Each of the arcuate portions includes a hemispherical recess having a diameter differing from the others and substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube being bent in that particular arcuate portion. A force transmitting member is secured by an arm to the aforementioned vertical shaft and is rotatable therewith. The surface of the force transmitting member is provided with a plurality of separate arcuate portions, each having a hemispherical recess therein corresponding to those on the corresponding portion on the die face opposite.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for cold extruding 18% nickel maraging steel to form an article of manufacture, such as a sub projectile blank for the manufacture of cannon rounds which includes performing a series of cold extrusion operations on an extrusion blank with a tapered punch to produce a combination forward extrusion and backward extrusion. On the first cold extrusion operation a tapered hole is formed in the extrusion blank and the extrusion blank is elongated. Subsequent cold extrusion operations progressively elongate both the extrusion blank and the tapered hole. The punch and die geometry are such that the tapered hole is elongated by penetration of the punch into the blank and additionally backward extrusion of the material around the punch. Additionally, as the tapered hole becomes increasingly longer, a floating punch is employed wherein at least a portion of the punch is supported by the walls of the tapered hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightening jig for vehicle bodies, particularly for the cabs of trucks, of the kind comprising a stand for fastening to a floor or other foundation, and being equipped with a number of bearing fixings in which a number of bearing components on a vehicle body are intended to fit and be fixed when the vehicle body is located on the jig.

Abstract: A press has at least one reciprocal ram securing a die movable to and from an opposing die, the ram normally spacing the dies apart with a predetermined normal clearance. The die is retained in the ram assembly with at least one tensioned longitudinal bolt which bolt also normally compresses a spacer member, the bolt having longitudinal stretching means selectively actionable for longitudinally stretching the bolt without otherwise affecting bolt adjustment to relieve compression on the spacer member and permit selective transverse removal of the spacer member. When greater than normal die access clearance is required, the bolt is stretched, the spacer member removed and the ram longitudinally shortened in length for the increased clearance. Ram relengthening, spacer member replacement and an ultimate relieving of bolt stretching reassembles the ram in exact original normal form with the exact same bolt tensioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the mass of an unknown object in a zero gravity environment having an impact plate connected at one end of a spring with the other end connected to an object of known mass, such as a space vehicle. A movement of the impact plate acts to close a switch which is again opened at the end of the impact time.

Abstract: A fluorescent leak detection composition is provided comprising water, a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of about 12 to about 14 in an amount effective to produce stable bubbling of the composition for a time sufficient to enable detection of a leak in a container when the composition is applied to the surface thereof, about 0.025 to about 1.0 weight percent sodium fluorescein and a semisynthetic cellulose thickening agent in an amount effective to provide the composition with a viscosity of about 75 to about 125 cps at 20.degree. C. Preferably, an antifreeze agent is added in an amount effective to retard freezing of the composition for at least 5 minutes when the composition is applied to a cold surface, such as refrigeration pipes.

Abstract: In order to locate a defective tube in a U-tube bundle of a steam generator so arranged that the tube ends are fixed in a tube plate which defines an internal space with the bottom end-wall of the steam generator shell, the entire tube plate is swept by at least one camera placed within the internal space and is visualized on a display screen placed externally of the steam generator. A luminous mark having an identification function is projected independently onto the tube plate at the point corresponding to the extremity of a defective tube and is displayed on the screen during the sweeping operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the hardness of wooden telephone and powerline poles to determine whether they are safe for climbing by linemen. A gaff is wedged into the side of the pole a preselected distance under hydraulic pressure. The maximum applied pressure is a measure of the hardness of the wood which correlates well with the results obtained during subjective tests by linemen.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for measuring compressive loads and more specifically for measuring the "diametral load to close", of a gapped piston ring or sealing ring. The ring is mounted in a vertical plane so that the diameter through its gap is substantially horizontal. At the opposite ends of the vertical diameter, the ring is supported by, and makes contact with, upper and lower slide members which are movable towards and away from each other in a vertical direction. The lower slide rests on a load cell. A compressive load may be applied to the piston ring through the upper slide so as to close the piston ring gap, and the compressive load is registered by the load cell.

Abstract: A measure of engine torque can be obtained by measuring the difference between crankshaft oscillations at the front and rear end of the engine. Angle encoders producing phase outputs attached to the front and rear ends of the crankshaft have their outputs sampled by a phase locked loop to produce instantaneous velocity signals for each unit of crankshaft and a phase comparator connected to both encoder outputs produces a signal proportional to shaft twist. The velocity signals are each differentiated to produce acceleration signals and a calculation circuit scales and combines various signals according to the equation T=A.theta..sub.1 -B.theta..sub.2 +C.theta..sub.1 -E.theta..sub.2 +F(.theta..sub.1 -.theta..sub.2) where T is the engine torque and A, B, C, E and F are constants.

Abstract: A transducer is described for simultaneously measuring several parameters of a small region of a muscle tissue or other object, with minimal traumatizing or damage of the object. A trifunctional transducer which can measure the force applied by a muscle fiber, the displacement of the fiber, and the change in thickness of the fiber, includes a device having three legs with inner ends joined together and outer ends formed to pierce the tissue and lie therein. Two of the legs are relatively stiff, to measure force applied by the tissue, and a third leg is relatively flexible to measure displacement of the tissue relative to one or both stiff legs, and with the three legs lying in a common plane so that the force and displacement measurements all relate to the same direction of muscle movement.

Abstract: A transmitting section includes an oscillator which has a surface acoustic wave device of which the frequency characteristic varies responding to the temperature of a base plate thereof, the oscillator generating an oscillation output of a frequency corresponding to the frequency characteristic and an antenna for transmitting the oscillation output. A receiving section includes a receiving antenna, a means for detecting the output of the receiving antenna, and a signal processing circuit for processing the output of the detecting means to generate at least one of the temperature display and control signals of the base plate of the surface acoustic wave device.

Abstract: A micropipette system provides one-hand operation to jettison a disposable tip assembly of pipette barrel and plunger when used, to engage and automatically calibrate a fresh tip assembly; to select aliquot setting desired from a visible scale also providing positive, tactile-click setting signals, and also by choice of automatically accommodated tip assembly diameters to provide different aliquot ranges, and to draw in and to discharge the aliquot portions chosen, by means of a mechanism comprising substantially only the elements of actuator shaft element, return and grip springs and housing; clearance shaft element, pipette barrel, vise with grip spring and plunger; and automatic calibration coacting pipette-tip packaging, except for springs, all of which may be plastic.

Abstract: A pendulous type of accelerometer is disclosed herein and includes a sealed housing defining an oil filled internal chamber, a pendulous member located within the housing chamber and a pair of bearing mechanisms for pivotally supporting the pendulous member. The accelerometer also includes an assembly associated with each of the bearing mechanisms for preloading the latter, each of which includes two preload arrangements, a first or inner arrangement and a second or outer arrangement. The inner arrangement is provided for applying and adjusting a preload force against its associated bearing mechanism before the housing is assembled and its chamber is filled with oil and sealed and the outer arrangement is provided for further adjusting the applied preload force from outside the housing after the latter is assembled and its inner chambers filled with oil and sealed.

Abstract: The shear absorption of a viscoelastic material is determined by directing acoustical energy at the viscoelastic material and sampling the backscattered signals that result when compressional waves propagate through the material and are scattered by either a fluid-filled or evacuated cavity contained therein. The backscattered signals are converted to a resonance amplitude versus frequency domain and the shear absorption of the viscoelastic material is determined from the frequency and the half-width of the resonance peaks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the material properties characterizing a fluid contained in a cavity inside a solid comprises analyzing the resonances in the amplitude of elastic waves scattered by the cavity. Specifically, the resonance positions and their widths are used to determine the sound speed and the density of the cavity filler. The sound speed is found from the spacing between two consecutive overtones of any mode, which asymptotically becomes uniform for the higher-index overtones. The density is obtained from the width of any high order resonance and accordingly, all the information about the material composition of the filler is contained, and can be extracted, from the high-frequency asymptotic region.

Abstract: Residual stress measurements are made using a strain gage and stress relief achieved by local melting of a region of the object being tested by a laser beam or other finely directed heat source. Surface strain is measured dynamically before the heat of the molten region diffuses under the gage and results in thermal stress. The method is semi-nondestructive because the molten region recasts with little loss of material, is rapid, and can be utilized on difficult geometries such as the interior surface of reactor pipe.

Abstract: The invention achieves a method and a device for providing infinitely variable adjustment to the throw of an eccentric from zero to a maximum while the eccentric is permitted to continuously travel in angular motion. This is achieved by two juxtaposed and eccentric members mounted on a drive shaft, one (the outer) overriding, the other (the inner). The eccentric members may be relatively positioned by a control shaft, which extends coaxially through the drive shaft, and gearingly mates with the outer eccentric member. The outer surface of the outer eccentric can be arranged (by relatively positioning the outer and inner eccentric members) to trace the loci of points of a circle, whereupon no reciprocation takes place, or of a family of ellipses of varying eccentricity, whereby reciprocation is achieved in correspondence to the relative eccentricity in the path of travel of the outer surface.

Abstract: An automatic belt tensioner has a vacuum motor which is stroked by a variable vacuum source such as a gasoline engine intake to drive a one-way device which is operatively connected to rotate a nut in one direction. A nut is threadably engaged with a nonrotatable screw member and is connected to a pivotal support member. When the nut is rotated in one direction by the vacuum motor and the one-way device, the screw member is moved longitudinally to pivot the pulley support in a direction to increase belt tension. The reaction force between the nut and screw member which is proportional to belt tension is applied to a vacuum cut-off mechanism which disconnects the vacuum source from the vacuum motor so that a predetermined belt tension is maintained.

Abstract: An anti-backlash nut having one or more longitudinal flexural members with one end fixed and one end free-floating is disclosed which undergoes translational movement along a shaft. This anti-backlash nut is improved by providing ramps at the free-floating ends of the flexural members and means to apply axial forces on the ramps to thereby create radial force vectors which maintain the ramps in contact with the shaft even after the nut has become worn.

Abstract: A main T-shaped lever 3 is articulated at the ends of its horizontal arm on two links 5, 6 mounted so as to pivot on a support plate 1 in such a way that the four axes of articulation A, B, C, D form a deformable isosceles trapezoid when the main lever is in the central position E of its travel which, moreover, is parallel to the front 2 of the plate. Secondary levers 9, 10 actuated by cams 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b act on the air-conditioning controls 13, 14.Particular application is to the case of multiple controls manipulated by a single lever with a large straight displacement with no deflection.