Abstract: A detector unit for investigation of fluid currents in conducting liquids, uch as sea water, for example, employs two similar metal electrodes in contact with the fluid, one exposed to the fluid current and the other protected therefrom.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement is described for determining the terrestrial refraction in geodetic measurements, (such as trigonometric height transfers when staking out and for precision tachymetry, controlling devices for building machinery using a laser beam, and precision levelling). The measuring arrangement includes a geodetic measuring instrument, an electronic calculator and a device for measuring differences of travel times of soundwaves. After the soundwaves produced by a sound emitter have traversed representative airlayers (for instance at different heights), the time difference is measured and is used for calculating the refraction.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing circuit utilizes an operational amplifier connected in a comparator configuration. The capacitance to be measured is connected to one input of the operational amplifier and is also connected to the output of the operational amplifier through a resistor to form a free-running multivibrator. The period of the multivibrator output depends upon the value of capacitance being measured. A switching transistor is connected to the output of the operational amplifier to cause a changing current output signal. The output signal is obtained as a change of current in a current sensor connected to the collector of the transistor.

Abstract: A capacitive system for sensing the level of material includes a conductive member electrically connected to ground potential, a probe including a sensing element arranged to establish a capacitance between the sensing element and conductive member which is determined by the level of the material and a shielding element interposed between the conductive member and the sensing element to form an electrically neutral zone therebetween to thereby reduce the effect of a conductive buildup of the material on the probe on the capacitance between the conductive member and the sensing element, and a first circuit electrically connected to the sensing and shielding elements for applying generally the same electrical potential to both the sensing and shielding elements, the first circuit having an output which varies in response to a change in the capacitance between the conductive member and the sensing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are provided for evaluating on a miniature scale the sprayability behavior of a specific sprayable aqueous composition. The data acquired through the utilization of such apparatus and processes enables one to predict the behavior of such a composition when used in selected full scale spray equipment. Such a composition is testable for mixability with water, for sprayability when so mixed, and for sprayable composition homogeneity. Correlation between evaluation apparatus nozzle size and full scale spray equipment nozzle size is achievable, so that a given such composition can be reformulated if desirable based upon results obtained from such tests.

Abstract: An accelerometer assembly is disclosed which includes an accelerometer mounting block formed of a rigid material having a proportion of the modulus of elasticity to the density of less than 15,000,000 psi/lb/in.sup.3. The natural frequency of the mounting block is safely below the accelerometer's response frequency but higher than the frequency to be recorded so that the mounting block does not resonate with high frequency vibrations and cause quick saturation of the accelerometer amplifier or erratic signals. The preferred mounting block is formed of polycarbonate, which is non-metallic, rigid, and lightweight, and has a natural frequency sufficiently below that of the accelerometer.

Abstract: A sealed differential pressure gauge of the general type shown in Phillips and Zoludow U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,140 in which a sealed housing is provided that includes a flexible diaphragm that is to be exposed to differential pressures to operate a sensitive and accurate motion transmitting indicator device that is in the form of a pivotally mounted helix cooperating with a range spring mounted magnet, with the range spring being linked to the diaphragm so that the movement of the diaphragm, indicates differential pressures and changes thereof, operates the indicator device for reading of the gauge. The housing comprises a housing member and back plate therefor that, together with the rim portion of the diaphragm, are shaped to provide for blowout capability of the gauge that is rearwardly directed out of the back of the gauge should overpressures be experienced when the gauge is in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus which utilizes solid state piezoresistive strain sensing means to measure the static pressure as well as the differential pressure across a primary element, such as an orifice plate, venturi tube, nozzle or wedge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the load bearing characteristics of a shipping container comprising a device for supporting a load so that the load can be inserted into the container through open doors at one end thereof, an arrangement for elevating the container so that the load is transferred from the supporting device to the container, structure for supporting the container in the elevated position when the elevating arrangement is lowered and measuring any stresses or strains in the container while it is under load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow by placing two pressure sensors diametrically opposite each other in a flow line. The use of two sensors effectively cancels acoustic pressure fluctuations while preserving the local turbulent pressure fluctuations. The turbulent pressure fluctuations are proportional to the square of the flow rate of the fluid and are processed by the electrical circuit to derive a quantity proportional to the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring torque (or functions derived therefrom or related thereto) transmitted by a shaft driven to rotate and connected to a load. The apparatus includes first and second optically flat, radiation reflecting, surfaces located on the shaft at respective first and second positions displaced from one another axially along the shaft and means for directing beams of radiation from a suitable source at the reflecting surfaces. There are first and second pick-up means spaced from the shaft and located to receive the radiation beams reflected by the respective first and second reflecting surfaces during rotation of the shaft and provide respective first and second outputs as a result of the radiation beams directed thereat by the reflecting surfaces. Signal processing circuit means associated with the first and second outputs provides an output interrelated with angular twist of the shaft at one of said first and second positions relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the foreign material deposited on a paper-contacting surface broadly comprising a frame member which is adapted to mate with the boundaries of and define an area on the surface within which the foreign material content is to be sampled, and additionally comprises a trough for contaminant collection.The present invention also relates to a method of collecting a sample of contaminant from a paper-contacting surface comprising: isolating a minor portion of said surface, said portion having a bottom border, moving said contaminant from said portion across said bottom border and collecting said contaminant.

Abstract: An analyzer for biological fluids includes a sample fluid metering device that is movable to a first metering position located directly over a generally planar test element supported in a metering station, and a reference fluid metering apparatus that is movable to a second metering position closely adjacent the first metering position. The reference fluid metering apparatus comprises a reference fluid supply reservoir supported in a location spaced from the metering station, an aspirator operable to aspirate reference fluid from the reservoir and to deposit the fluid on the test element positioned at the metering station and a cam and gear arrangement driven by a single drive motor for moving the aspirator linearly toward and away from the supply reservoir and toward and away from the metering station and for pivotally moving the aspirator between a position spaced from the supply reservoir and a position spaced from the metering station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water sampler device for collecting a sample of water at a desired depth, the water sampler device comprising a tubular member having at each end a rotatably mounted ball valve, a valve pulley mounted on the exterior of the tubular member and coupled to the ball valve for rotating the same, a center pulley mounted on the tubular member between the valve pulleys, an endless belt positioned around the three pulleys, an electric motor coupled to rotate the third pulley, electric circuitry for activating the electric motor and then deactivating the electric motor to open the ball valves at a desired level and then subsequently closing the ball valve at a level whereat the sample is taken.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting rotary motion from a source of power which may be of constant speed into a rectilinear force includes a coupling arrangement for driving an eccentrically unbalanced flywheel at a cyclically varying rotational speed and linkages for altering the timing of the cyclical variation of speed of the eccentrically unbalanced flywheel. The apparatus comprises a cam element which is driven at a constant rate of speed about an output axis which is perpendicular to its face. The cam element has a slot extending diametrically across its face, configured for slidably engaging a pin which is located on a cam follower. The cam follower is freely rotatable about an input axis that is offset from the output axis by an amount which allows the pin to remain in the slot when the elements are rotated. The cam follower in turn drives the flywheel at a cyclically varying rotational speed.

Abstract: In a draw-bar mechanism for moving the collet of a chuck or the like on a spindle of an automatic turning machine toward its axial clamping position and for thereafter closing the collet more slowly with greater force about a tool or workpiece to be clamped, motion is transmitted from an actuating sleeve to a draw bar or like control member by spherical thrust members movably confined between three faces obliquely inclined relative to each other. A first face is fixed relative to the spindle assembly and has one section parallel to the axis and another axially contiguous section obliquely inclined relative to the axis, the two sections merging in an exposed edge. A second face is fixed relative to the control member, and the third face is fixed relative to the actuating sleeve and has two axially consecutive sections obliquely inclined relative to each other.

Abstract: In a force amplifier, supporting members extend between a pressure plate and a countersupport plate. At each plate the supporting members bear against end bolts and intermediate the plates the support members bear against joint bolts. A spreader bolt extends through the countersupport plate and has a spreader head located between the joint bolts. The surfaces of the spreader bolt contacting the joint bolts are concavely shaped.

Abstract: In a window lifter, an electric motor drives a window lifting arm via a gear arrangement. The gear arrangement includes a pinion interconnected with a larger diameter gear with both rotatably mounted on a pin. The pin is secured at one end to a base plate and at its other end to a stirrup. The pinion bears against the base plate, the stirrup extends outwardly from diametrically opposite sides of the gear and is connected at its ends outwardly from the gear to the base plate.

Abstract: A transmission comprising a housing having one and the other longitudinal end walls. The other longitudinal end wall includes an upper wall section and a lower wall section offset from the upper wall section toward the one longitudinal end wall to define a step surface between the upper and lower wall sections. A counter shaft has one and the other axial ends rotatably supported in the one longitudinal end wall and by the bearing, respectively. A chamber is formed in the lower wall section with the bearing exposed to the chamber. A passage communicates the step surface and the chamber with each other to introduce lubricating oil from the step surface into the chamber for lubricating the bearing.

Abstract: A steering shaft (10) includes an outer shaft (12) defining a bore (14) telescopically receiving an inner shaft (16). The inner shaft defines resilient tangs (38) frictionally engageable with the outer shaft to prevent relative axial movement of the shafts. The tangs define a tapered recess (42) and a tapered member (44) is received in the recess. The tapered member movably engages the tangs to frictionally engage the tangs with the outer shaft. A key (46) carried by the tapered member extends radially outwardly between the tangs and is slidably received in a keyway (50) defined by the outer shaft to couple the shafts for rotation in unison. An elongated rod (52) coupled to the tapered member extends through a bore (36) in the inner shaft and threadably carries a nut (56) engaging the inner shaft. Rotation of the nut moves the tapered member engaging the tangs with the outer shaft and preventing relative axial movement of the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use with adjustable rotary controls such as potentiometers to provide a means for locking the control knob and to provide varying amounts of drag force to aid in fine adjustments. A locking shoe assembly having integral locking shoes with cam surfaces is attached to the control panel with the rotary control shaft extending through its center. A locking knob with internal cams fits over the locking shoe assembly. A control knob with an integral land surface is attached to the rotary shaft, holds the locking knob in place and extends into the locking shoe assembly. Rotation of the locking knob engages the various cam surfaces thus binding the land surface and the control knob.

Abstract: A lubricant retaining device for use with a gear case having a pair of matable sections with a shaft receiving opening therein. The lubricant retaining device extends inwardly to the interior of said case to reduce lubricant flow through said shaft receiving opening.

Abstract: A tractor locking differential (12, 18) is controlled by a solenoid operated hydraulic valve (34). The solenoid valve is in turn controlled by a logic circuit (36) which is responsive to signals received from a differential lock floor switch (32), application of brake lights (26) through the closing of a contact (28 or 30), and also from powering up the tractor. When the ignition (20) is turned on a flip-flop (50) within the circuit (36) will be cleared by action of a power up to clear circuit (58, 60, 64, 66) to dispose valve (34) in its unlocked position. After power up the operator can selectively lock or unlock the differential by application of momentary contact switch (32) which causes flip-flop (50) to toggle. When a brake light switch (28 or 30) is closed the flip-flop (50) will be cleared causing valve (34) to be disposed in its unlocked position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power group for driving a vehicle comprising a torque converter component, a complementary gear component, a component including a feeder fluid pump system, and a component including an automatic and manual control whereby not only tne individual components are used to provide their optimum effect but also the combined effect of the individual components is optimized.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly may be shifted manually between a neutral position and high and low range position for establishing direct drive and reduction ratio drive modes. The assembly is shiftable as an integral unit, and requires only one mesh point when shifting to either of the high or low range positions. The ring and planet gears are unloaded in the direct drive mode, thus avoiding vibration and wear commonly experienced when running locked up.

Abstract: A one-way brake having end bearings the support wall of each of which is protruded at the inner race side portion thereof in the outward direction with respect to a space between inner and outer races from that surface of the support wall which is contacted by a support means connected to the outer race, to thereby increase the area of that portion of the inner race which is in sliding contact with an inner rib of the support wall. Accordingly, the wear resistance and stiffness of the end bearings can be increased without increasing an attaching space.

Abstract: A control valve system for a planetary transmission having planetary gear elements and clutch and brake means for controlling the relative motion of the gear elements, said clutch and brake means including a second speed ratio brake servo having a double acting piston with a brake apply side and brake release side, a fluid pump driven by the input elements of said transmission, a throttle pressure valve for developing a torque input signal, a source of a driven speed signal, control valves responsive to said signals for controlling distribution of pressure from said pump to said servos, and a servo regulator valve means for modulating the regulated pressure in said circuit in response to changes in said torque signal to develop a controlled pressure on the release side of said second speed ratio servo, whereby the rate of application of said second speed ratio servo is controlled upon application of pressure to the apply side thereof.

Abstract: A multiple ratio automotive vehicle transmission having a hydrokinetic torque converter and a compound planetary gear unit that establish a plurality of underdrive ratios, a direct drive ratio and an overdrive ratio, the ratio changes from the first underdrive ratio to a second underdrive ratio from the second underdrive ratio to the direct drive ratio each being established by engagement by a single torque establishing device, brake means for controlling application and release of the torque establishing devices to effect transmission of reaction torque from a reaction element of the gearing to a stationary portion of the mechanism, said controlling means being adapted to establish optimum shift points during ratio changes regardless of the magnitude of the torque being delivered at the instant a ratio shift occurs.

Abstract: A sharpener for steel edges of skis comprises a compact, inexpensive, portable holder containing a cutting plate and a guide pin. The cover for the holder can be positioned to serve as a handle. The cutting plate preferably forms an angle of less than 90.degree. with the steel edge of the ski to be sharpened.

Abstract: This invention pertains to ratchet mechanisms, and has particular application to ratchet wrenches of the type employing removable sockets for engagement with a stud having a ball detent for holding the sockets thereto during wrench operation. The novelty of the invention resides in the use of a push-button selector for alternately effecting the reversing action of the ratchet mechanism in conjunction with a push-button device for releasing the sockets from the stud.

Abstract: A drilling tool including a central, laterally flattened primary drill adapted to produce a cylindrical main drillhole and a secondary drill, pivotally displaceable relative to the primary drill, in a laterally outward direction to produce an undercut, a sleeve which concentrically surrounds the primary drill and is axially slidable on the shaft of the primary drill against the action of a spring and a slotted link system adapted to effect pivoting of the secondary drill relative to the primary drill. The sleeve is constructed as a cage having a rear portion adapted to guide it for axial movement along the shaft, webs extend from the rear portion in the general direction of the shaft axis and leave large passages in the axial and circumferential direction, and an end ring joins the webs at their outer ends.

Abstract: This invention relates to an underfloor wheel set lathe for the profiling of wheel sets of trackbound vehicles of the type in which the wheels are at least in part supposed by rolls carried by a roll carrier, at least one of the rolls being driven. Movement of the roll carrier is resisted by a horizontally acting brake mechanism which permits vertical lifting movements of the carrier. The force with which horizontal movement is resisted may, by suitable hydraulic means, be controlled as a function of the cutting force or driving force imparted to the wheels, the lifting force exerted against the wheels, or otherwise coordinated with the force applied in the course of profiling.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially cutting cylindrical material including three rollers mounted with a first frame which is pivotable about an axis of one of the rollers with respect to a second frame which carries a saw arbor. One of the rollers is driven in rotation by a motor, and is geared to the saw arbor to drive the saw blades in rotation. A second roller is movable with respect to the first frame and the first roller, and a third roller is mounted on a hydraulic cylinder to clamp the three rollers against the exterior surface of a cylindrical material. Axial grooves are located on the drive roller to facilitate driving of the material, and circumferential grooves are provided on one of the other rollers to prevent axial displacement of the material subsequent to clamping. A ball screw unit pivots the first frame with respect to the second frame to cause the saw blades to engage the material and make radial cuts into the material. A process for radially cutting cylindrical material is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A lightweight spring-loaded grinding wheel assembly for mounting adjacent a disc and wherein idling grinders are positioned away from a blade during inactive portions of the cycle, and upon release of an external force, the grinders are urged into co-acting and sharpening relationship with a blade by a flexing support.

Abstract: For the purpose of sequentially varying a tone pitch of a generated musical tone, a variation information generator is provided which is operable by a performer to generate a variation information designating an arvitrary variation rate of the tone pitch. An operation circuit is provided for producing a modified frequency information in response to the variation information and a frequency information representing a tone pitch regarding a depressed key. The modified frequency information is supplied to a musical tone signal generator and the output thereof is applied to a sound system for generating the musical tone, thereby obtaining a musical effect similar to glissando or portamento and having an arbitrary variation rate.

Abstract: A musician's pick (10) having both a pick portion (26) and an upper grip portion (24). The pick portion (26) and upper grip portion (24) are angularly oriented each with respect to the other in a predetermined manner. Grip portion (24) is generally semi-circular in contour and includes a predetermined diameter adapted to interface with the thumb and forefinger of a user on opposing surfaces thereof. The pick portion (26) includes a predetermined extended length adapted to engage strings (14) of a guitar (12) at a predetermined depth when the grip portion (24) is interfaced by the thumb and forefinger of the user. The predetermined angular orientation between the pick portion (26) and the grip portion (24) of the pick (10) allows the pick portion (26) to engage the strings (14) in a generally parallel relation despite the normal, non-parallel relation between the strings (14) and the longitudinal axis (20) of a user's forearm (18).

Abstract: There is disclosed an actuator for the selector hooks of the capture type combination system used in mechanical or electro-pneumatic organs. All the selector hooks which have been shifted to operating position are simultaneously pulled down by a mechanism actuated by a crank system driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: A plug for the mouthpiece of a wooden recorder, molded integral from plastic material, has a concave and a flat end wall interconnected by side and intermediate walls. A lower side wall, or an intermediate wall parallel thereto, has one or two outer humps designed to contact the inner mouthpiece surface and is sufficiently deformable to flex inward upon insertion into the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A ligature for retaining a reed on the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument such as a clarinet or saxophone comprising a pair of rubber O-rings adapted to fit over the reed and mouthpiece applying sufficient compressive force to hold said reed in place. The O-rings are held at a predetermined fixed distance apart by the use of a stiff flat strip of braided nylon looped about each O-ring such as to allow for twisting and untwisting of the O-rings.

Abstract: A store carrier having automatic sway bracing which includes two sway braces located symmetrically at a span larger than a pair of inner suspension hooks and smaller than a pair of outer suspension hooks. When a store is loaded on either the inner or outer pair of hooks and the hooks close, a pair of spring loaded tapered wedges on each side of vertically moveable sway brace supporting columns are released to slide and wedge against mating tapered surfaces on the sway brace column thereby locking the sway braces against the loaded store. The wedges are compliant in that they are spring biased against the sliding surface so as to avoid unloading the wedge when subjected to vibratory loads. The wedges are thus prevented from excessive tightening when subject to vibration. At hook opening the tapered wedges are driven with the hooks to cocked positions ready to accept the next store.

Abstract: A reversible fluid unit which may be used as a motor, pump, brake or clutch. The unit has a plurality of sequentially inflatable diaphragms, to impart a rotative force to a plurality of roller members. When used as a motor, brake or clutch, air under pressure is sequentially fed to the plurality of diaphragms which inflate against roller members connected to a driven output shaft. As the diaphragms inflate, the roller members are contacted by the inflated diaphragms to impart or brake rotary motion thereto. When used as a pump, the rollers are rotated to pump air out through the diaphragm members.

Abstract: To reduce the overall weight of a vacuum brake booster, the booster housing is provided with an axially extending central tube connecting the end walls of the housing in order to transmit the occurring axial forces. Two separate pistons are provided, a differential pressure piston surrounding the tube and a control valve piston disposed in the bore of the tube. Both pistons are connected with one another by radial pins extending through axial slots in the tube. The differential pressure piston is sealed by a diaphragm which progressively covers the slots when this piston moves in an operational direction. This arrangement reduces the axial length of the booster housing.

Abstract: An operating valve assembly for a power steering unit comprises inner and outer sleeves in sliding contact with each other and relatively rotatable in response to the twisting of a torsion bar corresponding to a steering load. The outer sleeve is formed in its inner circumferential surface with a plurality of recesses circumferentially spaced apart and having circular opening edges, which recesses are alternately connected to a pump and a drain chamber. The inner sleeve is formed in its outer circumferential surface with grooves establishing communication between adjacent ones of the aforesaid recesses. The outer sleeve is formed with apertures opening into the respective grooves, with the apertures being alternately connected to one or the other of the power cylinder chambers. The operating valve assembly is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

Abstract: An air deflector for motor vehicle windows for directing air into the interior of a motor vehicle, the air deflector including a mechanism for releasably securing the air deflector to an open window and a plate extending from the securing mechanism to the exterior of the motor vehicle to divert and direct air through the open window into the interior of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which recirculates air to raise air temperature near the floor in winter, and to provide a direct flow of air blown generally horizontally slightly above persons standing on the floor in summer. A fan assembly is housed in a unitary duct-like housing which is open near its base to take in air. The duct-like housing is capped with an outlet hood which adjustably telescopes on the housing so that air flow from openings in the outlet hood can be adjusted for winter or summer operation.

Abstract: A beverage carbonator device comprising an outer main container for holding the beverage as it is being, and after it is, carbonated, which is open at its upper end and has a beverage dispensing off-on control valve or spigot at its lower end, and a carbonation generating and pressure regulating assembly arranged for mounting within the container in sealed application to the container open end. The assembly includes a lower carbonating gas generating tank that is to receive and contain the carbonating gas generating substances, which tank is removably connected in sealed relation to an orificed floor of a carbonating gas receiver that is closed at its upper end by a flexible diaphragm, with the receiver in turn being secured to a cover that is part of the assembly and that is sealingly applied to the container upper end.

Abstract: A calender wherein the end portions of the lowermost roll of the roll train was mounted for movement along vertical guide rails on the stand. The lowermost roll is movable upwardly by two upright hydrostatic cylinder and piston units with plungers whose axes are coplanar with the axis of the lowermost roll. When the cylinder and piston units lift the lowermost roll to operative position, shoulders on the bearings abut against stationary stops on the stand and the stops are disposed only at one side of the common plane of the aforementioned axes so that the bearings tend to jam against the adjacent portions of the guide rails as soon as the shoulders engage the respective stops. The jamming action is enhanced if the stops are remote from the aforementioned plane and if the guide rails have T-shaped heads which are slidable in complementary T-shaped grooves of the bearings. The stops are installed at the level of the axis of the lowermost roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for engraving a rotating cylinder by means of a laser, in which the laser beam is focused onto a small area of the cylinder surface by a lens, including means for defining a path for the flow of compressed air across the path of the laser beam, and a suction device communicating with the region between the lens and the cylinder for extracting air from this region, the flow of air serving to remove debris from the area being engraved and to prevent it from reaching the lens.

Abstract: In an impact printer including a print wheel having a plurality of selectable character type bearing elements for respectively printing a plurality of characters, said print wheel being rotatable for selectively positioning selected type elements in successive print positions, impact means impellable against the selected elements to drive said elements against the printing medium and means for impelling the impact means against said selected type element, the present invention provides the improvement comprising means for sensing the flight time of the impelled impact means until impact by sensing variations in velocity of said impact means and means responsive to said sensed flight time for controlling the impelling means to vary the flight time.

Abstract: A product name stamping device of the label printers in which an ink-soaked member is provided to the stamp holder and a light and small ink-soaking member which contacts the ink-soaked member of the holder is fitted to the stamp. This construction make the stamp small and compact. The compactness of the stamp makes easy the handling and storage of a large number of stamps and also spares material bringing about a reduction in cost. The device is so constructed that setting the stamp into the holder automatically supplies ink to the stamp.