Abstract: A metal sheet is formed into an arcuate contour by rolling the sheet under high pressure on an elastomeric pad (24) supported by a rigid frame. A pair of laterally spaced rollers (30, 32) are used to form the arc. Each moves from the transverse edge of the sheet inwardly and crosses the center line of the sheet. Under the high pressure applied to the rolls the sheet yields to form the arc and the elastomeric material elastically deforms as the arc is formed. The rollers depend from vertical guides (34, 36) which follow a track extending transversely across the sheet. A guide track (38) is provided in a transverse beam located above the rolls and the guides. Hydraulic or pneumatic jacks (70) apply pressure to the beam which in turn applies pressure to the rolls.

Abstract: Agricultural discs are given a hardened annular run by providing a differential heat treatment. During the heat treatment step an annular ring of heat conductive material is placed on the outer periphery of the disc. Thus ensures that the outer edge is of greater hardness than the central portion of the disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forging large irregular shapes in a closed-die operation, particularly for forging a blank to be machined to form a fluid end piece of a pump. The blank has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped body and a block projecting sideways from the body. The apparatus has a die opening of a shape to form the blank. In a single operation in a conventional open-die press a heated workpiece is upset and a portion squeezed sideways to form the block.

Abstract: A waveform generator is provided which is capable of generating simultaneously a plurality of electrical signals which have different waveforms. The waveform generator is completely battery operated and is particularly useful in testing multichannel devices where power is not available for standard waveform generators. A voltage regulation circuit is provided which provides a regulated voltage from a battery pack for use by the waveform generator. The forward voltage-current characteristics of the base emitter junction of a silicon transistor are used as the basis for the generation of a reference voltage for the voltage regulation circuit to thereby substantially minimize the battery drain caused by the use of a voltage regulation circuit.

Abstract: Improvements in chromatographic column construction, resulting in facilitating packing techniques, and preparation. Use of improved column in analytical and preparative chromatographic applications produces higher efficiencies, lower solvent pressures, faster throughput, and improved resolution of components.Column construction is such, that mechanical energy can be applied longitudinally to the column outer surface, to produce standing waves or controlled vibrations in the packing. The applied energy is in the preferred form of sonic or ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A temperature controlled oven chamber for gas chromatography incorporates a first stationary chamber wall, a second stationary chamber wall arranged remote from the first wall, and a displaceable chamber wall which is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the displaceable chamber wall forms the casing of the chamber or housing, and surrounds stationary analytical devices. In the open position, the displaceable wall is moved away from the first stationary wall, thereby opening the chamber or housing and yielding access to the analytical devices. When moving from the closed position to the open position, the displaceable wall will enclose the second wall at least temporarily.

Abstract: An elongate hydrostatic tester that includes two longitudinally spaced resilient packers, and a pair of oppositely disposed, pivotally supported rigid wings that are spring-loaded, and which wings at all times tend to pivot outwardly from a first position in which they are substantially parallel to the tester to a second position in which they are normal thereto. The pair of wings prevents the tubing tester from dropping downwardly by gravity in a tubing string when the tester is otherwise supported in the upper portion thereof.

Abstract: Abrasion testing, and hence particle content of fluids including liquids and gases is carried out by abrading a thin film 25 of an electrical conductor with the fluid, and measuring the resulting change in electrical resistance of the film.The method can be used to monitor metal particles in oil, and hence the state of wear of oil-lubricated metal parts, and the level of particulate pollution in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A liquid sampling apparatus for use in sampling the liquid in a well pipe to determine the surface contaminants contained therein includes an elongated hollow housing for insertion into the well pipe which is adapted to be lowered into the well by means of a flexible line affixed thereto. The other end of the flexible line is affixed to the removable well cap. Disposed above the lower edge of the hollow housing is a valve which includes a cup-shaped closure adapted to cooperate with and seal an opening provided in the bottom thereof by means of the weight of the liquid trapped in the sampling apparatus as it is lifted out of the well pipe.

Abstract: An instrument having a logarithmic response is provided which continuously easures rates of rainfall over a range of from 0.3 to 350 mm/hr by determining the electrical power required to evaporate the water as it arrives on an exposed sensor. The sensor determines the flux of rain or cloud water arriving on its surface and consists essentially of a porous, water absorbent, dielectric material held between two metallic electrodes across which a fixed electrical potential is maintained. The water is evaporated by electrical heating as it arrives on the surface, and the amount of power required is a measure of the mass flux of water to the collecting surface.

Abstract: A turbine meter is disclosed in which a sensing rotor downstream from the metering rotor senses changes in the exit angle of the fluid leaving the metering rotor, the output from the sensing rotor being combined with the output from the metering rotor to produce a corrected output indicative of the flow of fluid through the meter. The output from the sensing rotor and the output from the metering rotor may be compared to provide an indication of deviation from performance at calibration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved meter installation for a deep underground pipeline employing a meter pit. Pre-coiled, flexible tubing lengths are coupled between the ends of the pipeline in the pit and a flowmeter which is also housed within the pit. The meter is vertically movable within the pit. As the meter is raised, the pre-coiled tubing uncoils or expands, and as the meter is lowered, the pre-coiled tubing re-coils or contracts.The meter installation of this invention is particularly useful for water metering in pipelines laid a substantial depth below ground level--as, for example, in cold plains states. The present system provides a meter reader, repairman, or the like, with ready access to the meter without the necessity of physically entering the pit. The meter is easily raised to ground level without interrupting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A position determining apparatus comprising a taut electrically-conductive member; a pulse generator to feed a pulse of electric current along the member; a magnet located at a variable first point along the member, for example on a float on the surface of a liquid the level of which is to be determined, to apply a magnetic field to the member at that point; and a transducer positioned at a second point along the member to sense the arrival at the second point of a mechanical impulse induced in the member by interaction between the current pulse and the magnetic field as the current pulse passes the magnet. A time measuring circuit responsive to the time interval between the feeding of the current pulse and the arrival of the mechanical impulse at the second point is used to determine the position of the first point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using pressure changes to indicate volume chan in fluid level indicators or other devices with the required degree of sensitivity and accuracy is provided. A change in fluid volume is indicated by detection and display of a concurrent pressure change in a captive volume of air.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting and warning device of the kind including a tubular member having a mounting portion fitted on an opening of a reservoir and a float guiding portion downwardly extending from the mounting portion, a float having a magnet and slidably fitted around the float guiding portion, a reed switch disposed within the float guiding portion, terminals connected to the reed switch through lead wires, and a cover member covering the opening of the reservoir and the mounting portion of the tubular member. The tubular member is formed to have at least two projection radially outwardly projecting from the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directly measuring the interior temperature of a pressurized reactor includes a temperature sensor movable along a measurement channel between a measurement position within the reactor and a retracted position outside the reactor, a drive system for selectively reciprocating the sensor along the channel, and a device in the channel intermediate the measurement and retracted positions for closing the channel when the sensor is at the retracted position.

Abstract: A method of controlling energy conversion through the thermal processes which take place in a working space of a machine comprises measuring the temperature of the process by means of a temperature sensor direction in the working space and supplying components and proportions thereof to the working space in amounts determined as a function of the temperature. A device for carrying out the method comprises a temperature sensor having a measuring element which is a sintered mixture of zirconium oxide and iron oxide.

Abstract: An improved temperature sensing circuit is disclosed comprising a power supply which forward biases a diode sensing element to control the gain of an operational amplifier. A temperature change causes the resistance of the diode to change, which changes its current flow. Since the anode of the diode is connected to the operational amplifier, the result is that the operational amplifier has a very linear output voltage proportional to temperature.

Abstract: A thermometer having a short cup-shaped housing, an arcuately slotted top and an open bottom, the thermometer being used for sensing temperature on the surface of objects or room ambient temperatures in the event said surface temperature approximates the room ambient temperature. Extending into the inside of the housing is a centrally located member. The inside end of a bi-metallic element is mounted inside the housing eccentrically with respect to the centrally located member. A free end of the bi-metallic element is provided with a flanged or headed pin which is adapted to be captured by and float within a channel or slot extending radially outwardly from the outer edge of the annular ring such that expansions and contractions of the bi-metallic element are transmitted to and produce rotation of the annular ring.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a chamber, an inlet port for passage of urine into the chamber, and a plurality of generally upright spaced dividers in the chamber defining a plurality of generally upright compartments separated by the dividers intermediate adjacent compartments, with adjacent compartments communicating with each other over an upper portion of the dividers. The urine meter directs urine from the inlet port to one of the compartments such that urine serially overflows from the one compartment into the other compartments. The urine meter has a collection bag having a cavity, and the urine meter communicates between the chamber and an upper portion of the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the gaseous surface area of a material. The apparatus incorporates, inter alia, a novel manifold structure that permits the testing of multiple samples of the material in quick succession.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in balancing the blades of ceiling fans, wherein the pitch angles of the blades and the dihedral angles of the blades are measured and corrected, if necessary, by use of a beam of light reflected from a mirror temporarily flushly affixed to each blade, and wherein indexes are provided for measuring and correcting, if necessary, the circular angularities between the blades. Blades may be tested both individually or in sets connected to a hub.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor includes an improved impulse pump structure for providing fluid under pressure to a nozzle disposed at one end of a jet chamber to form a constant flow fluid jet, the jet chamber including a pair of temperature sensitive elements disposed at the other end in such a manner as to be differentially cooled by the fluid jet in dependence on the angular rotation of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the thickness of an object, including the steps of generating a higher order mode ultrasonic wave at a first location on the object, varying the frequency of the generated wave, and measuring, at a second location on the object, the minimum frequency at which the generated wave will propagate in the object. Where the ultrasonic wave generated is a horizontally polarized shear wave, the thickness t may be calculated from the relationshipt=(n V.sub.s)/(2 f.sub.c),where:n is the wave mode number,V.sub.s is the shear wave velocity, andf.sub.c is the minimum propagation frequency.Alternatively, the steps may be repeated for the next consecutive frequency minimum and the thickness t calculated from the formulat=V.sub.s /(2 .DELTA.f.sub.c)where: .DELTA.f.sub.c is the difference between two consecutive frequency minima.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a circular, flexible disc held at a constant distance from a curved absorbing surface by pins or flexible ribs. Sound from a loudspeaker is fed to the center of the disc and allowed to propagate radially in the space between disc and absorber. Radial arrays of microphones on the disc surface sense sound pressure amplitude and phase, from which impedance is calculated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pulsed ultrasonic imaging of a section of the interior of an object from reflections by internal discontinuities of recurrent transmitted pulses of ultrasonic energy, are provided. There is included a transducer array comprising a plurality of adjacent transducer elements for converting echo signals received from discontinuities within the object to equivalent electrical signals. Range gated signal processing means are provided for processing electrical signals from the transducer array reflected from discontinuities within any one of a plurality of range zones within the section to be imaged to provided range gated signals representative of segments of lines within the section to be imaged. The signal processing means includes electronic receiver beam focusing and scanning means for focusing the transducer array at the range zone at which the signals are range gated and for scanning the same.

Abstract: Ultrasonic test equipment for testing the welding seam a thick wall includes transducers arranged in tandem and along the welding seam, whereby a tandem pair inspects in any instance two surface-near zones (inner and outer surface) as well as an interior zone. One of the transducers of the pair participates in a function test. Two pairs cover the same zones, but from opposite sides.

Abstract: Semiconductor transducer devices are provided, some being formed from a single crystal and having a flexible portion which is vibratable. Also a multi-element is disclosed which is a body including mechanical semiconductor resonator. The body has a transverse valley across its width. A comb-like array of flexible silicon cantilevers extend from one end of the body. Each cantilever is adapted to respond to a periodic force such that each has a different vibrational frequency. An alternative embodiment includes an accelerometer having a block with a three cantilever array with a semiconductor filament fixed in tension between each adjacent pair. The middle cantilever is longer than the other two. A further alternative employs elements to support a crystal at two nodal points of vibration.

Abstract: A device for determining microscopic motion in static creep and dynamic oscillation between two objects by measuring relative displacement between the two objects connected by a metal wire includes a linear variable differential transformer disposed within a cylindrical housing. One end of the housing includes an extendable tubular member which is joined to one of the objects, The other end of the housing includes a fitting for securing a wire extending to the other object. The core of the linear variable displacement transformer is supported by a pair of spider diaphragms disposed on opposite sides of the transformer. The tubular member is connected by an extension spring to one of the diaphragms, while the wire retaining fitting is connected by a universal joint to the other diaphragm. The diaphragms provide high axial compliance so that the core may undergo microscopic displacement in concert with the displacement between the two objects.

Abstract: A railroad side frame test machine for loading side frames used on the trucks or carriages for railway cars to simulate the in-use loads utilizing a compact linkage that provides for direct loading of the specimen in the various load directions. The forces are applied to the specimen to insure that certain reactions are grounded, while other applied forces are basically ungrounded to effectively eliminate "cross talk" between the various input loads or forces.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the mass flow of a fluid comprises a hollow collector electrode assembly through which the fluid flows. The collector electrode assembly includes a central electrode disposed between and insulated from first and second outer electrodes. An ionizing electrode comprising a length of conductive wire is supported coaxially within the central collector electrode. A voltage source is provided for applying between the ionizing electrode and the collector electrode assembly a potential difference sufficient to ionize the fluid. The ions thereby produced at the ionizing electrode migrate towards the central collector electrode but are displaced in the direction of fluid flow by an amount dependent upon the mass flow of the fluid. A differential amplifier is responsive to the number of ions migrating to the outer collector electrodes to provide a measure of the displacement of the ions by the fluid flowing through the collector electrode assembly.

Abstract: A volumetric direct gas meter is driven by a servomotor and the rotational speed of the motor is regulated in response to the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports of the meter so that the pressure tends to zero.

Abstract: A method for collecting a small sample of a lighter medium floating on the surface of a heavier medium in an open topped container comprises lowering an elongated tube into the mediums for forcing the lighter medium up into the elongated tube for testing or the like. A lighter medium collection device for carrying out the above method and a method of assembling a sampling device are disclosed.

Abstract: A stored energy gyroscope includes a power spring contained within the gyroscope rotor. A latching arm is positioned to hold the rotor in place with the spring fully wound, and when the latching arm is released from the hold position the power spring unwinds to drive the rotor up to speed. A sustaining motor contained within the rotor extends the useful life of the gyroscope by maintaining angular momentum of the rotor and eliminating deceleration torques upon dissipation of the spring power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator for an electric starter, comprising a thin sleeve of which the periphery comprises two flanges between which a two-piece collar is placed. The lugs of this collar engage in a notch in the lever to prevent rotation of the sleeve. The invention finds particular application in the automobile industry.

Abstract: A rotatable input shaft (1) drives a rotatable output shaft (18) through a roller (7) which roller is displaceable along its rotational axis (8) while maintaining driving engagement with drive faces (6 and 14) of the shafts (1 and 18) respectively to vary the drive ratio through the assembly. The roller (7) is controlled in its displacement by a piston and cylinder device (10, 11) to which fluid pressure is directed under control of a spool valve (22). The spool (26) of valve (22) is displaceable to determine fluid flow towards and from the piston chambers (12 and 13) of the piston and cylinder device under control of the speed of rotation of the output shaft (18) through a centrifugal governor (34) and a push rod (33) reacting between the spool (26) and the governor (34).

Abstract: In a gear train where there is backlash, the backlash is prevented by a gear drive which includes an anti-backlash driven pinion which is mounted on, or is otherwise connected to, a torsion spring shaft that is adjustable for twisting, and thereby, loading the anti-backlash driven gear.

Abstract: A side mounted transmission shifting mechanism having a lever pivotally connected for reciprocating and pivoting a crank arm on the crankshaft to shift a vehicle transmission. The crank arm selectively engages one of a plurality of shift rails to selectively shift the transmission.

Abstract: Transfer unit includes a shift rod which is slidably supported at both ends in a transfer case and is adapted to cooperate with a shift fork to effect changeover between two wheel and four wheel drive conditions. The shift fork is supported by the shift rod so as to be movable in both shift directions and is resiliently retained in position on the shift rod.

Abstract: A timing device has a day dial and a time dial which rotate to control an electrical output in a programmed manner for a predetermined day period. The time dial and day dial operate a pivotally mounted lever to actuate a switch which is connected between electrical input and output, or load, connectors. The time dial operatively contacts one end of the lever and the day dial operatively contacts the other end of the lever when the dials have been preset to do so by the use of actuating pins which can be positioned in the dials. When both ends of the lever are contacted, the switch is actuated. The pins can be held in their respective time dial or day dial in an operative or inoperative position. Manual means are also provided to bypass the time dial and day dial by directly connecting the input connectors to the output, or load, connectors.

Abstract: A crankshaft and its method of manufacture involves a straight, one piece shaft, with eccentric journals and circular gear base pressed onto the shaft and secured thereto in proper angular orientation.

Abstract: A multi-speed bicycle transmission located at the drive pedal hub and including a drive pedal actuatable shifting assembly for effecting gear change in response to limited reverse rotation of the drive pedal shaft at a pair of predetermined locations in the path of rotative displacement thereof. The drive pedal responsive shifting assembly further includes a slidable collar on the drive pedal shaft having two pairs of selectively contoured camming means thereon that are engageable by radially displaceable shift pin means extending into the pedal hub to effect longitudinal displacement of said collar on said collar on the drive pedal shaft and accompanying shifting of the gears in response thereto.

Abstract: A differential assembly 10 includes a first casing member 50 and a second casing member 52 disposed contiguous to the first casing member. The first and second casings 50, 52 are rotatable about an axis of rotation 87. The first and second casing members define a chamber 20 in which is located a pair of side gears 32, 34 each of which is connectable to an output shaft 26, 28, a pinion shaft 40, and a pair of pinion gears 36, 38 supported on the pinion shaft 40. The first casing member 50 includes a first opening 86 which is substantially radially disposed relative to the axis of rotation and the second casing member 52 includes a second opening 80 which is substantially radially disposed relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A partially cutaway circular cylindrical tool for changing the master pins in an Almont lock is presented. The tool is fixedly coupled at one end along its axis to a handle which may be a key handle. At the opposite end, the tool comprises a plug stop which prevents the tool from going too far into the Almont lock. The partially cutaway circular cylindrical surface defines a master pin slot, two wire slots, a wire slot ridge, a stationary pin slot, and a pin holding cam ridge, which includes a cam adjacent to the master pin slot all parallel to the axis. Perpendicular to the axis and disposed about halfway between the end of the plug stop inserted into the lock and the point of coupling between the handle and the balance of the tool is a perpendicular stationary pin slot which entends between the master pin slot and the stationary pin slot. In operation, the tool is inserted into the Almont lock and rotated so that the master pins, which are wafer tumblers, slide up the master pin slot.

Abstract: A tool having a gripping mechanism engageable with separate parts of the upper end of a valve box assembly to transfer rotational force to the box assembly to adjust the height thereof. The tool has an upright body connected to a cross handle at its upper end and the gripping mechanism at its lower end. The gripping mechanism has upper and lower members and a plurality of grip members pivotally mounted on the upper and lower members. Each grip member has an adjustable head. Each head has an edge which pivots into driving contact with a separate part of the box assembly when the gripping mechanism is rotated.

Abstract: A device which facilitates the connection and disconnection of threaded members includes a first handle receiving collar secured at the end of an elongate member and a second handle receiving collar which is slidably and rotatably disposed on the elongate member. A first wrench is appropriately positioned on one of the threaded members and the first collar is positioned about the handle of the first wrench. In a similar manner, a second wrench is appropriately positioned on the threaded members and the slidable collar is positioned about its handle. Force is then applied to the elongate member of the device and the threaded members are expeditiously connected or disconnected.

Abstract: A feed and cutting device for dividing a continuous web into portions is described. The device comprises along a feed plane, guiding device for the web comprising a pair of mutually tangential rollers, apparatus for feeding the web along said plane and a device for cutting the web into portions. The main feature of the device is that at least one of the guide rollers is mounted on a shaft coaxial thereto and rotating with continuous motion, and is connected to the shaft by a self-locking device which prohibits any discordant relative rotation between the roller and the shaft but which allows idle rotation of the roller on the shaft at an angular speed exceeding the angular speed of the shaft, the angular speed of the shaft being close to but less than the angular speed transmitted to the respective roller by the feed device by way of said web.

Abstract: In a power frame saw having a machine frame, workpiece clamping jaws mounted on the machine frame and relatively movable for clamping a workpiece in a fixed position, a guide member pivotally mounted with weight balancing on the machine frame, a saw bow mounted on the guide member to undergo reciprocating movement in a given direction relative to the guide member, a saw blade held in the bow to extend at an oblique angle to the direction of movement, a drive system connected for imparting such reciprocating movement to the bow to cause the saw blade to perform successive cutting and return strokes, and components for controlling pivotal movement of the guide means relative to the machine frame and including a source of hydraulic pressure fluid, and an adjustment device responsive to the spacing between the clamping jaws to control the advance of the saw blade into the workpiece during each successive cutting stroke.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved modular drum generator which plays a recorded drum beat and which may be used in combination with a plurality of identical, improved modular drum generators to provide an electronic percussion section. The improved modular drum generator includes a bistable latch which has a clock input, which is electrically coupled to a computer which generates a "play" strobe pulse, a set of three data inputs, one of which is held at logic "1" and the other two of which are electrically coupled to a computer data bus which also generates volume data and pitch data, a reset input and a set of three outputs corresponding to the data inputs. The improved modular drum generator further includes a voltage controlled oscillator the input of which is electrically coupled to the pitch output of the bistable latch and the output of which is electrically coupled to the clock input of a twelve bit binary counter, which provides 2.sup.

Abstract: A selector switch for musical instruments such as electric guitars is provided with a palm switch that can be manually actuated so that any of the various pick-ups of the guitar can be actuated, so that there is a convenient method of switching to either one or both of the electric pick-ups for treble sounds, bassy sounds and the like. The selector switch includes a construction that does not require use of the fingers or excess movement of the playing hand in order to actuate the pick-up selector switch. A rocker switch is provided with three positions that can be actuated with the heel of the players hand.