Abstract: A rotatable grinding wheel bears against a rotatable wafer disk support wheel to grind the wafer disks to a predetermined thickness. The grinding wheel is translatable laterally to its axis of rotation, which translation repositions the grinding wheel with respect to the support wheel in a fixed proportion to the lateral distance traveled and permits high tolerance grinding with relative coarse lateral positional adjustment of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A heat blanket for building enclosures with large glazing areas, such as greenhouses and other solar-oriented buildings comprises a night time/inclement daytime blanket consisting of series of tube stacks, each tube in a stack being inflatable so that the inflation of tubes within the stacks and in turn within the series of stacks, causes the tube stacks to spread themselves to cover a large area and, in turn, deflation allows a ready compression of the stacks to a storage region. Generally, inflation and deflation involves movement of the stacks horizontally to provide an insulating roof. After inflation, the tubes are sealed and each stack provides a substantial inflating value of closed tubes, specific values being adjustable by adding one tube to a stack. The inflation value can be supplemented by making the space between tubes (from stack to stack and within stacks) a closed space as well, by selective use of reflection techniques and other adjustments.

Abstract: A joist or truss assembly adapted for supporting a grid system which is installed under a stage ceiling combined with supporting columns. The truss has a number of vertically disposed diaphragms which are received and bolted rigidly to upper and lower chords to form the truss. The upper chord has two spaced-apart arms extending upwardly and outwardly from an upper aspect of its central connection portion and which define between them an upper groove which has a vertical cross-section configuration of an upright "T". The upper portions of the chord's arms are horizontal, extending both outwardly and inwardly, to define a slot which provides access centrally into the groove. The lower chord is identical to the upper chord but is rigidly connected to the diaphragms in an inverted condition whereby it exposes at its bottom a lower groove having a vertical cross-section configuraton of an inverted "T".

Abstract: Accelerated deterioration of a flexible polyvinyl chloride sheet is retarded by placing a spacer layer between the flexible sheet and a solid polyvinyl chloride support member for the flexible sheet. The spacer isolates the flexible sheet material from the solid material and also dissipates heat when the combination is exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A water stop for sealing the joint between a swimming pool wall and an overlying concrete deck is described, which water stop includes a flange useful in applying a finishing layer to the deck coping. The water stop includes a water barrier component that has a flat shelf adapted to seat generally horizontally on the upper end of a pool wall, and a skirt element extending transversely downward from the shelf to seat along the pool wall. A flange projects outwardly from the barrier component beyond its structure and inwardly of the pool, to present a finishing edge for the lower edge of a finishing layer applied to the deck coping surface.

Abstract: A window insulation device is disclosed for interior installation. The device comprises at least two tubular sections, and at least one male and one female section. The male and female sections are adjustably fitted for tight reception between the window sill and window frame.

Abstract: An anchor-clamp is disclosed for clamping to a prestressing member (50) intermediate its length and over a support (68). The clamp (FIG. 1), after initial assembly, is packed in polystyrene blocks (62, 64) for shipment. At the site of use, the anchor-clamp, still in its foam package, is assembled to the prestressing member (50) and then the concrete is poured and allowed to set. After hardening of the concrete, the prestressed member (50) is stressed in the conventional way, the polystyrene package is removed from about the anchor-clamp and the clamp is operated to clamp the stressed prestressing member (50). Thereafter, the entire clamp is imbedded in concrete. When only one intermediate anchor-clamp is used, it may be clamped to the prestressing member (50) prior to the stressing of the same.

Abstract: There is provided a building structure made from wooden logs with gaps between the logs for receiving insulation. The gaps are formed between the stacked logs by driving sharpened spikes into oppositely facing logs so that the opposing sharpened tips of the spikes penetrate the logs and secure a fixed distance between such logs. Two spikes are normally aligned with one another and respectively driven near the inner and outer walls of the log structure. Each spike has a hole drilled there through for receiving a screw-like rod interconnecting the two spikes and supporting various building items such as a wire mesh screen for receiving plaster, a vapor barrier and inside panels. Furthermore, insulation is provided between the two logs so that the thermal resistance of the overall building structure is greater than a building structure which would use logs alone.

Abstract: When masonry or wooden walls are insulated with hard-foam-slab insulation covered with plaster or mortar, reinforcement of the plaster or mortar can be omitted without incurring cracking if (a) the slabs are grooved, (b) the size and number of slab grooves have defined minimal values, depending on slab thickness, (c) the slabs have a residual shrinkage of at least 0.1 percent, (d) the plaster or mortar has a maximum plastic-resin content of 2.5 percent by weight and (e) the slab weight per cubic meter is, optionally, less than 20 kg per cubic meter.

Abstract: An oven in whose wall heat insulating material is used in the form of panels consisting of highly refractory, ceramic fibre material pressed against one another, said strips being fastened with the aid of a refractory adhesive material at right angles to a refractory base plate, said strips being provided with reinforcements whereby the reinforcement is formed by tubes of highly refractory, ceramic material arranged in channels formed by registering holes in consecutive strips.

Abstract: A strap system for securing insulation batts in position relative to depending purlins of a building. The strap system includes first and second strap members each having keyhole-type slots in respective ends thereof and button means for fastening the straps one to another.

Abstract: A clip comprises a lower leg at right angles to a shank and two upper legs defined by a slot extending upwardly from said shank. The shank is disposed in a slot in a connecting beam disposed between the ends of adjacent panels, and the lower leg of the clip is secured to a joist member before the adjacent panel is secured to the panel already in place. Upper and lower facing sheets on each panel extend beyond the insulating panel core and envelop respective edge portions of the connecting beam for attachment thereto.

Abstract: A bar-positioning member comprising a long metal wire or wire rod with at least one indentation to receive a metal bar intersectingly disposed relative to the wire. The indentation is formed by bending part of the wire and it has only one opening which opens along the longitudinal direction of the wire. The indentation has a bottom shaped approximately in conformity with the circumference of the bar.An apparatus for making a bar positioning member, as above described, comprising a pendulumlike mold member swingable about the base end thereof. The mold member has a grip to hold an intermediate portion of the wire, and the contour of the base end is shaped in conformity with the shape of the indentation.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a film-wrapped package into a carton. A relatively flat film-wrapped package, sealed along a peripherally extending flange that projects away from its contents, is inserted into a carton through an open side having closure flaps. To ensure against interference of the flange with the closure flap upon closing the carton, the package is inserted using a pushing device having a concavely curved face engageable with the package flange, and operative to curl the flange into the carton for frictional retention by a wall of the carton.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the packaging of fibrous material, such as staple fibers or tow ribbons, in bales of high density by multi-stage compression and wrapping with two-dimensional packaging material and reinforcing bands. It further relates to equipment suitable for this process. The material to be packaged is first placed in transportable press containers and pressed, transported in these containers to a central press, and then subjected to a main pressing step. The packaging and reinforcing of the bales produced are carried out in the central press which can be performed automatically if desired. By this invention it is possible to combine three or more laying-down and first-stage press devices, which may be supplied from different fiber lines, with a main press.

Abstract: An envelope flap opening apparatus 11 includes a suction cup 21 mounted on a slidable rotatable shaft 23. The shaft 23 both rotates the suction cup 21 so as to partially open an envelope flap 17 engaged thereby and advances the suction cup 21 alongside the travelling envelope 15 until the partially opened flap 17 passes beneath a stationary blade member 91 which fully opens the envelope flap 17.

Abstract: A self-propelled gas engine-operated lawn mower adapted to be controlled by a remotely positioned operator holding a radio transmitter, which is capable of transmitting radio signals of differentiating characteristics. A radio receiver mounted on the lawn mower controls servomotors, which in turn operate microswitches and relays assembled therewith to selectively energize a plurality of reversible electric motors which are coupled mechanically with the steering wheel, traction wheels and the transmission between the latter and the main driving shaft of the engine. These motors control the steering, the speed of propulsion of the mower in both forward and reverse directions and the engagement and disengagement of the drive to the traction wheels to start and stop the mower at the will of the operator. The stopping of the mower is also enforced in the event the operator is incapacitated and unable to exert his will, thereby imposing a "dead-man's control" to stop the travel of the mower in such a contingency.

Abstract: An edging device for trimming grass around the edges of objects set in the ground, in particular memorial markers and sidewalks in cemeteries. The edging device includes a vehicle and a frame supported thereby, and three trimmers carried by the frame for edging the sides of the object set in the ground, each of the trimmers being adapted to follow the contour of an edge of the object as the vehicle traverses past the object. Adjustment means are also provided for movably adjusting the position of one of the trimmers relative to the other trimmers so that different size objects may be trimmed. The trimmers preferably include rotatable trimmers which are mounted for rotation about horizontal axes and which includes flexible frailing elements.

Abstract: A chuteless rotary scything mulching lawn mower is described which is particularly adapted to be powered by an electric motor including sealed motors. The cutting chamber includes a toroidal portion bounded by concentric skirt walls wherein the cross sectional area of the toroid increases towards the inner skirt. The inner skirt slopes downwardly towards the axis of the cutting blade, and terminates close thereto so as to reduce air leakage from the toroid. Air passage openings are provided into the housing on the axial side of the inner skirt through which cooling air is drawn for the motor. This air stream combines with air from the toroidal chamber which is redirected by the inner skirt wall to distribute grass cuttings over a comminuting portion of the blade. The blade is sharpened to a chisel edge along the upper surface thereof, the bevelled surface of the chisel edge functioning as an air propelling surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for piecing up yarn on an apparatus for producing wrap yarn. The device includes delivery rolls, a hollow spindle, takeup rolls, and a wind up device. A binding thread is fed from a bobbin carried on the hollow spindle for wrapping around a fiber bundle being fed through the delivery rolls and the hollow spindle. A clamping device and yarn guide is provided for positioning a piecing thread into the nip of the delivery rolls for being joined with said fiber bundle upon breaking of the wrap yarn.

Abstract: A method for reducing radar attenuation caused by the formation of free etrons in the exhaust plume of a combusting high impulse rocket propellant which comprises contacting a microwave attenuation reducing additive having at least one element selected from the group consisting of Groups IIIA, IVA, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table with said high impulse propellant. A novel propellant composition characterized by its combustion of low microwave attenuation properties. A class of additives useful for reducing the microwave attenuation characteristics of high impulse propellants.

Abstract: A rocket motor equipped with a movable nozzle is provided with pneumatic pressure system for the operation of the mechanism for moving the nozzle with a gas for the pneumatic supplied from a gas generating propellant separate from the main propellant but located within the motor itself.

Abstract: A brake force amplifier for the brake system of a motor vehicle, whose control valve is activated by means of a travel-limiting flexible element.The travel-limiting flexible element is arranged outside of the amplifier, decentralized from the control valve. This arrangement saves space, and is easily disconnected should the auxiliary force fail. This is accomplished by engaging an hydraulic circuit, which is intended to transfer the motion of the travel limiting flexible element, with the assistance of a disengagement device. The disengagement device has a piston, which is subject to spring pressure on one side and to reservoir pressure on the other side and which eliminates the effect of the travel-limiting flexible element with the aid of a piston rod.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an intake duct and a turbocharger arranged in the intake duct. A primary throttle valve connected to the accelerator pedal is arranged in the intake duct located downstream of the turbocharger. A secondary throttle valve is arranged in the intake duct located downstream of the primary throttle valve. An auxiliary intake passage is branched off from the intake duct located between the primary and the secondary throttle valves and is connected to the intake passage located downstream of the secondary throttle valve. The secondary throttle valve is gradually closed from the full open position as the level of the vacuum or the positive pressure, which are produced in the intake duct located between the primary and the secondary throttle valves, is increased.

Abstract: A gas-operated motor adapted to be driven by gas evaporated from a reservoir of liquefied carbon dioxide or the like. In order to overcome the problems generally associated with such motors due to the cooling of the gas as it evaporates from the liquid state in the reservoir and expands in the working chamber(s) of the motor, a chamber holding a substance which undergoes a change of state to release heat to the gas in operation of the motor is included. More particularly this chamber is located to be in heat conductive relationship both with the working chamber(s) of the motor and with a tortuous passage through which gas is supplied to the working chamber(s) and wherein superheating of the gas prior to its introduction to the working chamber(s) takes place.

Abstract: A method of providing useful work utilizing the difference between higher and lower elevations and an attendant difference in temperature. The method includes the step of providing a working medium comprised of more than one component, the components having different temperature values at which they vaporize and condense. Vapors of the working medium are condensed at the location of the higher elevation, and are directed under the force of gravity to means at a lower elevation capable of utilizing the medium in liquid form to produce useful work. The working medium in liquid form absorbs heat at the lower elevation and produces the vapors for the condensation step, the vapors being directed from the lower elevation to the higher elevation for condensing. The composition of the working medium is adjusted to response to changes in ambient temperature to provide a system having maximum efficiency in extracting work from the working medium.

Abstract: A self-registering temperature control device in which an electronic control section for controlling air temperature in a refrigerated container and an automatic temperature recording section are accommodated in a housing is provided. This structure permits easy survey of all the units concerned with temperature controlling and recording.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a hot gas defrost system wherein superheated gas from the system compressor is conducted into a heat exchanger mounted within an accumulator for supplying heat to vaporize liquid refrigerant received from the evaporator. After the gas passes through the heat exchanger it is conducted to the condenser where it is condensed to a liquid and then routed to the evaporator. In the evaporator or frost accumulating coil the liquid refrigerant is subcooled, supplying heat to melt the ice formed on the evaporator surfaces and the liquid is thereafter conducted to the accumulator where the heat supplied from the heat exchanger acts to vaporize the fluid. The vaporized refrigerant is then recycled to the compressor to complete the system.

Abstract: A high capacity ice making machine comprising a plurality of ice producing mechanisms, each of which is provided with a plurality of ice forming molds or cups having a rotatable water spray bar located therebelow for communicating make-up water from a water sump toward the molds during a freezing cycle. The ice producing mechanisms are arranged in two tandem pairs and communicate ice produced during the freezing cycle into a common ice storage bin located therebelow. The refrigeration systems associated with each of the ice producing mechanisms employ a common refrigerant condenser which is mounted by means of a hinge arrangement whereby to permit movement of the condenser between a normally closed position and an open position to provide access to the interior of the ice making machine for purposes of inspection, maintenance and the like.

Abstract: A freezing or cooling plant comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant. Moreover, the plant comprises an apparatus to be cooled, e.g. a continuously driven ice cream freezing apparatus. An oil separator is connected with the lowermost part of the evaporator compartment of the apparatus by means of a pipe wherein a shut-off-valve is provided. If the risk should arise that the apparatus stops due to a too hard freezing of the material treated in the apparatus, the evaporator compartment may rapidly be emptied by opening the valve.

Abstract: A power turbine rotor drive shaft has a flanged end connected to a turbine rotor disc supported by a rotor bearing housing so as to be rotatably supported by a turbine rotor bearing assembly at one end of the shaft and including a second splined end thereon coupled to a shaft extension supported at one portion thereof by a roller bearing shaft assembly and wherein the shaft has a predetermined fundamental bending vibration mode between the rotor bearing assembly and the shaft bearing assembly and wherein an insert sleeve is shrunk-fit within an inside diameter of the shaft to stiffen the shaft so as to increase the fundamental bending vibration mode of the resultant composite shaft without excessively increasing the weight of the composite shaft.

Abstract: A method of rigidifying the normally flexible joint of a flexible torque transmission coupling without the use of support arbors. The joint of the coupling is axially compressed to provide both angular and axial rigidity of the coupling prior to balancing in a conventional manner. The method of compressing the joint may be adapted to accommodate the particular coupling being balanced.

Abstract: The transmission comprises two slidable tripod joints. In each joint, the tulip element is extended around the shaft of the tripod element by an abutment member which defines a concave part-spherical surface. A check member having a convex part-spherical surface fitting the concave surface is disposed around the shaft between the tripod element and the abutment member with a radial clearance which is at least equal to the amplitude of the orbital movement of the tripod element at the maximum angle of deviation of the joint. Each joint has a spring which is compressed between the inner end of its tulip element and the adjacent end of the shaft. In this way, the maximum extension of the transmission is distributed equally between the two joints and the shaft is constantly centered so that noise and wear of the check members is avoided. The invention is in particular applicable to transmissions for independent rear driving wheels of automobile vehicles.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damping assembly including plates (14,16,18) between which is interposed friction material (30). The plates are held in an assembly and limited against motion by unthreaded reaction pins (38) supported at both ends. The friction material (30) is located radially outwardly of the usual spring assemblies (28) to increase the moment arm over which frictional forces may act. The central plate (16) has a smaller central aperture (22) than the central apertures (20,24) in the adjacent plates and is provided with spline teeth (25) having an axial length substantially no greater than the thickness of the plates (16) so as to allow a coupling (50) to be canted with respect to the rotational axis of the assembly during assembly of a transmission input shaft thereto.

Abstract: An overload coupling includes two portions that are relatively rotatable about a common axis upon overload. During operation, the driving portion turns the driven portion through one or more shear pins that are closely fitted in the same or a respective cutting element. In one version, the two portions have aligned sleeves that hold a common shear pin. The sleeves and pins can be readily exchanged for those able to transmit greater or lesser torque. Also, there can be two or more pins held in the aligned sleeves and offset from the sleeves' center line for adjustment. In another version, one portion can mount groups of pins, one of which fits into a recess between two cylindrical cutting elements. The elements have different sized cavities to closely bear on one pin until shear. After shear, the driving portion r.p.m. is reduced or stopped until another pin or portion is urged into the recess. Different sized pins can be used and each element rotated to expose the correct cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for the positive delivery of thread to a circular knitting machine having a plurality of movable belts which are positioned at different heights. A plurality of conveyor rollers are associated with the belts and are supported on a machine support ring. A plurality of cut-off devices individually coact with the conveyor rollers and, when the thread tension lessens, move the respective thread from its conveying position, in which it is movably clamped between one of the belts and its respective conveyor roller, into a rest position in which the thread lies outside of the belt. A number of the conveyor rollers, each of which corresponds with one of the belts, are individually rotatably but coaxially supported about a common axis defined by a support which projects from a holder, which holder is secured to the support ring. An elongated guide bar is also secured to the holder in sidewardly spaced but parallel relationship with respect to the common axis.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for wet processing an endless rope of material wherein a modified J-box arrangement is provided for storing an accumulation of rope in a treating bath and a combined overflow chamber and liquid jet assembly is provided for circulating the rope to and from the bath in an entraining liquid stream. The storage arrangement includes a partially perforate outer wall and an imperforate partial inner wall spaced inwardly therefrom forming a confinement area therebetween for rope and liquid returning from the circulatory system. The confinement is sufficient to maintain therein a column of the returning liquid extending above the level of the bath whereby gravitational forces acting thereon hydraulically move the rope accumulation through the bath, the rope in the confinement being released to expand as it moves past the terminating end of the inner wall whereby movement of the rope through the bath is enhanced.

Abstract: A combination lock having a latch mechanism capable of being closed even when the lock is off combination employs an axially movable shaft rotatably supporting combination dials and having a latch element for engaging a cooperable hasp, the latch element being spring biased to a latched position. A slide member, the movement of which is blocked when any dial is off combination, is coupled to the latch element and the shaft and connected to a manual actuator for moving the latch element to an unlatched position. The coupling permits the latch element to move to its unlatched position independently of the slide member so that the hasp may enter the lock and be engaged by the latch element when movement of the slide member is blocked. The operating mechanism of the lock is supported on a frame by a support member connected to one end of the shaft and by a shift lever slidably related to the shaft at its opposite end.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant steering column lock incorporating an improved combination lock is disclosed. The improved combination lock includes an array of discs, each having an electrically conductive member extending therethrough. The disc at one end of the array is connected to the active terminal of the vehicle's electrical system and the disc at the other end of the array is grounded. When the discs are rotated to align the electrically conductive members, a circuit is completed to a solenoid or the like which regulates movement of a locking bolt between its locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: Material is drawn from a roll of flat stock, passed through a pipe forming machine, and welded to provide a continuous length of pipe which is stored in a variable size loop. Pipe is withdrawn from the loop by means of a series of pipe straightening and feeding rollers which feeds the pipe to a bending machine. The bending machine is suspended from an overhead platform for rotation about a vertical axis and carries a shearing cutter so that multi-bend pipe sections, such as automobile exhaust pipes, may be bent, severed and dropped onto a conveyor for inspection and disposition while the pipe is being continuously formed from the flat stock. Distance between bends and plane of bend are respectively controlled by the pipe feeder and the bend machine rotation. Differences between forming and bending rates are compensated by varying the amount of pipe in the storage loop.

Abstract: A swaging machine for tight-swaging of end pieces (42) on a wire (44), cable, metal bar or metal filament having two with rolling grooves provided rolls (34,36) being freely rotatably mounted on two shaft journals secured to a base support. The machine is provided with a pulling device (54,56) that is securable by coupling means to the end piece when this end piece member is put in between the rolls and that can be controlled by an hydraulic driving unit (16) preferably for pulling the end piece between the rolls.

Abstract: A tube or rod end forming apparatus comprises a rotary head (12) provided with a series of angularly spaced dies (30) for cooperation with a tube or rod held by a clamping device (10) which locates the tube or rod in alignment with the lowermost die (30). The head (12) is angularly indexable by means of an arm (50) which is pivotal about the rotary axis of the head (12) and is provided with a piston and cylinder operated plunger (52) for cooperation with sockets (56) in the head (12). The arm (50) is pivoted by a piston and cylinder (58) to effect indexing of the head (12). This arrangement allows accurate indexing of the head while positively holding it captive against rotation while the head executes a forming operation. The clamping device is so constructed that its jaws (70, 72) can be readily replaced or re-orientated for use with different tube diameters without the need for any bolting or like fastening devices.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for tongue and groove pliers that involves forging plier members with a bend between the nose and handle portions, forging arcuate projections on the members with mating surfaces on the projections. The surfaces having an angular orientation relative to the adjacent plier surface of 90.degree. minus an angle that is less than the supplement of the angle of the bend, and straightening the members so that the mating surfaces, when engaged, tend to urge said plier members relatively toward each other.

Abstract: According to the present method and apparatus work pieces such as railroad wheels are power clamped on a cone shaped inwardly facing side. In a first clamping step clamping areas are impressed into the side or surface of the work piece said clamping areas having a suitable inclination. In a second clamping step the actual power clamping is performed at these clamping areas. For this purpose a plurality of radially moving clamping jaws are arranged to carry at least one clamping tooth. Each clamping tooth in turn is adjustable in its position in an axial direction along its respective radially moveable clamping jaw.

Abstract: A solid square cross-section bloom or billet is pierced to form a hollow cylindrical piece with a closed end, using a combination of a mandrel carrying a plug or piercing point at its leading end and a set of rolls. The closed-end cylindrical workpiece and the piercing mandrel together, at the completion of piercing, are fed into a rotary elongating mill, with the closed end of the workpiece foremost. Rotary elongation is performed on the workpiece while pushing the mandrel until the plug has at least passed the point at which the closed end of the workpiece clears the delivery end of the elongation rolls.

Abstract: A power metal-forming press of the underdrive type having a pair of laterally spaced rocker shafts journaled in the base. A set of vertical pull rods are connected to arms at the ends of the shafts for reciprocating the press slide. Driving subassemblies are provided at the near side and far side of the press each including a main drive gear carrying an eccentric. A pitman pivotally engaging the eccentric has a short arm which is coupled via a connecting link to a rocker arm on one of the shafts. The pitman also has a long arm extending generally in the opposite direction, the end of the long arm being guided with respect to the frame along a generally longitudinal path. The long arm is so angled with respect to the connecting link under conditions of bottoming of the slide that upon rotation of the main drive gear the short arm traces a generally elliptical path having a major axis which bears an acute angle to the bottoming orientation of the connecting link.

Abstract: Sampling equipment is provided for sensing and controlling the settling rate of a flocculated slurry suspension in a settling tank, the sampling equipment comprises a metering device (23) including a vertical settling chamber for repeatedly taking a sample of the suspension from the settling tank. Means (33, 35, 19) are provided for temporarily retaining the height of the sample at a preselected level during a settling period and detector means (40, 41, 42) are provided for detecting when a boundary level defined by the settling solids reaches a further preselected level. Timer means determine the actual settling period elapsing between the start of the settling period and the time when the boundary level has reached the further preselected level.

Abstract: A novel automatic test measuring apparatus of the pendulum variety for readily and easily determining film and the like hardness is adapted to automate all the operations necessarily preceding the commencement of a measurement stage using, in connection therewith, a recording unit or printer to supply the operator with the numerical results of all the measurements without personal manipulation(s). In making a measurement, the necessary time count for passing from amplitude .alpha. to amplitude .beta. is effected by means of a photo-electric cell. This records the passage of a pendulum arm having a predetermined period during the time that the oscillation amplitude is higher than .beta.. The involved count gives the measured time necessary for the measurement. The automatic apparatus advantageously reduces error relating to each measurement and increases the number of measurements to be effected on one and the same test film to yield a vastly more reliable mean statistical value.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the location of the liquid level in a well or borehole. A source of acoustic pressure pulses is coupled to the surface casing so that they are transmitted down the well and reflected by the gas-liquid interface. A transducer is also coupled to the well to produce an electrical signal in response to direct and reflected acoustic pulses occurring in the well. Gating circuitry responds to the transducer for starting and stopping the counting of clock pulses by a digital counter. A digital readout device is used to indicate the depth to the liquid level in the well. The acoustic pulse source is automatically actuated at predetermined times, and the depth to the liquid level and the time are automatically recorded. This produces a record of time and liquid depth which can extend over a period of several days.

Abstract: A measuring funnel for determining the tension of slivers includes a stationary component having a funnel-shaped inlet opening and a movable component. The bore for the passage of the sliver continues in the movable component, and may have a section along which it continues to taper. The passage of sliver thereby exerts a force on the movable component in the direction of its travel. This force is compensated by pneumatic or electrical means, so that the movable component takes a balanced position for every sliver cross section. These balanced positions are then converted into corresponding signals by means of electrical or pneumatic sensors, which signals are either used for measuring the absolute sliver cross section or for regulating the sliver cross section to a set value.