Abstract: A key plate and hook assembly having an elongated tubular housing with a plurality of transverse slots to carry and retain key hooks each having an enlarged end portion, the slots each have an enlarged central portion to permit removal of the hook. A locking member having a plurality of slots separated by transverse ribs is slidably disposed in the housing and in one position the ribs underlie the enlarged central portion to retain the hooks in position, and in another position permit the key hooks to be removed. The front wall of the housing has a concave central portion so that the key hooks will normally assume positions at one end or the other of the housing slots depending on the physical position of the housing.

Abstract: A device and method for storing a set of keys in the compartment of a purse are disclosed. The device includes a flexible member, a key retaining device attached to one end of the flexible member and an end piece attached to the other end of the flexible member. The method of the invention includes attaching one or more keys to the key retaining device, lowering the key retaining device into the purse compartment and draping the flexible member over the opening of the purse compartment such that the end piece hangs freely outside the purse compartment.

Abstract: In a device for confining a pressurized working fluid within a tube to be expanded radially, a support to be positioned axially within the tube and at least one sealing member encircling the support. The sealing member is deformable so that it expands radially against the inside of the tube upon axial compression by the force of a pressurized working fluid introduced into the tube. A centering means is provided that prevents angular movement of the sealing member relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, thereby forcing the sealing member to assume a radially centered position within the tube as it expands.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the load-bearing properties of piles comprises a cover which fits over the upper end of a pile as a cap. A weight slidable on guide posts extending up from the cover is releasably held in a raised position by wedges acting on a bar which is pivotally connected with the weight and extends up through a tapered opening in a transverse support extending between and supported by upper portions of the guide posts. When the weight is released by moving the wedges upwardly in the tapered opening of the support, it falls by gravity toward the pile cover and engages coil springs mounted on the cover. The springs convert the kinetic energy of the weight into potential energy and apply a reaction force through the cover to the pile for a period of time. Acceleration of the pile and of the weight are measured and recorded. The potential energy of the springs is reapplied to the weight to cause it to rebound to a height lower than its initial height where it is held by the wedges.

Abstract: A repetitive gas chromatograph employing a backflush valve downstream from the detector and a separate sample injection valve located upstream located directly upstream from the single chromatographic column. Each valve is operated independently of the other so as to allow flexibility in the timing of going into backflush operation and returning the sample valve immediately after sample injection onto the column to sample passage through the sample valve so as to more quickly establish equilibration of the sample and the sample valve's walls. Type and location of sample valve and backflush valve allow continuous monitoring of a sample stream.

Abstract: A surface testing apparatus includes a bilaminar ceramic flexure element provided with means for generating a voltage which is proportional to the deflection of the flexure element. This voltage is compared with a reference voltage. After amplification the difference voltage is applied to the flexure element so that the applied force remains constant, independently of the deflection.

Abstract: A voltage source for measurement of pressure fluctuations in internal combustion engine cylinders by current detected between the electrodes of the sparkplug after the spark has died down, is derived from the ignition voltage. A capacitor can be charged to a voltage of a few hundred volts for this purpose in various ways, and either a positive or a negative measurement voltage can be provided with respect to ground across a measuring resistor for further processing. Very few additional components are required. It is possible to provide a voltage that is continuously available for the convenience of timing the measurement and for the capability of making the measurement and all of the cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: A throttle-valve most closed position sensing system is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a throttle position sensor for providing a signal indicative of the degree of opening of the associated throttle-valve. A decision circuit is provided for deciding throttle-valve position as the most closed position when receiving a throttle-valve position indicative signal smaller than or equal to the smallest signal having received from the throttle position sensor.

Abstract: A needle position indicator is positioned within the interior of a fuel injector nozzle holder which includes a needle having upper and lower ends, a needle seat which engages the lower end of the needle, a chamber having an upper end and a lower end through which the upper end of the needle extends, and a spring positioned within the chamber for exerting a force against the upper end of the chamber and against the upper end of the needle to bias the needle against the needle seat. The needle position indicator includes a magnet which is positioned within the cavity to generate a magnetic field within the cavity and a detector which is positioned within the cavity to detect changes in the strength of the magnetic field within the cavity caused by relative displacements of the upper portion of the needle within the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining tire dynamic characteristics in which a wheel and tire assembly is mounted on a shaft assembly of low mass. The tire tread is engageable with either a rotating or stationary supporting surface. Flexible connecting members having load-applying capabilities for urging the tire tread into loaded engagement with the tire supporting surface are located at each side of the tire and connected to the shaft assembly. The desired loading is measured by load cells on the connecting members. The tire may be vibrated at predetermined frequencies and amplitudes in predetermined directions by exciters and the resulting tire dynamic data selectively measured by one or more accelerometers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for marking a rotating tire, for example, to indicate the point of maximum radial force variation. The apparatus includes a marker head which is pivotable into contact with an inking pad in a direction similar to the direction of rotation of the tire at the point of contact of the marker head with the tire and which is also retractable from the tire.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a new and improved weight-on-bit and/or torque measuring apparatus for use in making measurements-while-drilling includes a tubular housing adapted to be attached in the drill string above the bit, the housing having diametrically opposed, radially directed holes that are enclosed to provide a sealed chamber isolated from ambient well fluids. The holes have peripheral wall surfaces to which are attached sensors that measure strain induced by axial and/or torsional loading of the housing. The strain sensors are attached to the walls at locations to be substantially insensitive to strains induced by temperature gradients, and an internal sleeve is utilized in combination with pressure equalization to eliminate spurious stresses in the region of the holes caused by pressure differences inside and outside the housing.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measuring the weight applied to a drilling bit or like device in a borehole while the drilling is taking place. The measuring apparatus has a tubular housing adapted to be coupled into a drill string preferably immediately above the drill bit. A transducer is mounted in the tubular housing and measures pressure in a captive fluid chamber within the housing which can be correlated to weight on the measuring apparatus and in turn on the drill bit.

Abstract: An elongated housing of a well logging instrument having a lever latch and positioning mechanism attached to a carriage and a snorkel and barrel assembly. One end of the sensing device is mounted on the carriage and the snorkel is affixed to the opposite end. The latch and positioning mechanism allows the assembly to be moved until the snorkel enters the barrel and retains it in place. The mechanism is then secured in place. The mechanism contains an indicator which is visible if the mechanism is not in position to be secured. Electrical signals are passed from the sensing device, through the snorkel to an electrical connector at the end of the barrel and through a cable to the earth's surface.

Abstract: The drilling or treating of subterranean shale-containing earth formations is improved by adjusting the composition of the fluid used to reduce the positive shale swelling strain it causes when a shale sample is first equilibrated with fluid under conditions simulating those in the earth formation and the equilibrating fluid is replaced by the fluid being tested without otherwise significantly altering the conditions of the equilibration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using microwaves to measure the level of liquid within a container comprising a waveguide for immersion into the liquid, an oscillating means for propagating a sweeping frequency electromagnetic signal down the waveguide for reflection from the surface of the liquid, impedance matched means for receiving the reflected signal and means for comparing the frequency of the reflected signal to the frequency of another output signal of the oscillating means, whereby the frequency difference corresponds to the time of travel of the signal within the waveguide and therefore the distance the signal travels before reflection.

Abstract: A system, suitable for use as an identity seal for an object, such as a container for fissile material, comprises a body including a cap for fitting over one end of the object, and a recess which contains a material such as "ARALDITE" or aluminium acting as a matrix for a plurality of inclusions of e.g. bronze embedded therein in a random configuration. The recess is closed by a cover which includes a central electrically conductive part. Also embedded in the matrix material and constituting further "inclusions" are two piezoelectric crystal transducers each electrically connected to the central cover part. In use, the transducers are electrically connected via the central cover part to external ultrasonic testing apparatus to provide a unique output indicative of the particular structure of the seal particularly the inclusion configuration and hence providing a unique "identity" and hence indication of integrity for the seal.

Abstract: Pixel data is selectively updated in an ultrasound scanning system in which the monitor display includes a plurality of addressable pixels. A random access memory holds the intensity values for the display pixels, and the memory is updated in response to rescanning of a patient. Updating is inhibited for a pixel of a vector when the preceding vector included the same pixel. Spurious display effects are thereby minimized.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device is provided which is used in ultrasonic inspection of the material surrounding a threaded hole and which comprises a wedge of plastic or the like including a curved threaded surface adapted to be screwed into the threaded hole and a generally planar surface on which a conventional ultrasonic transducer is mounted. The plastic wedge can be rotated within the threaded hole to inspect for flaws in the material surrounding the threaded hole.

Abstract: A device for tightening a screw into bone material to a defined torque value M.sub.O less than that at which the bone irreversibly deforms including means for measuring the torque, M, necessary to obtain an angular rotation, .alpha., measured from the point where the screw first contacts the underlying material, and determining a value for M.sub.O as a function of M/.alpha..

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous monitoring of process stream chemical process. The apparatus includes a canister or reservoir with a sampling chamber having an inlet for the process stream in an upper portion of the canister and an outlet returning the sample to the process vessel. The inlet and outlet are offset from one another and sized to maintain a positive pressure within the sampling chamber so that a turbulent flow pattern through the sampling chamber is established. A measuring device such as an electrode assembly depends into the chamber within the canister and transmits a representative signal to a remote analytical instrument. Entrained gases are removed from the upper portion of the chamber via conduit and valve.

Abstract: A sealable membrane is inserted within the filler plug receptacle of a high voltage bushing for providing access to the gas space above the dielectric oil used within the bushing. Gas sampling is achieved by inserting the needle of a hypodermic syringe through the membrane and withdrawing a quantity of gas to be sampled. The sealable properties of the membrane allow a plurality of samples to be taken without destroying the gas-tight seal.

Abstract: A transmission comprising a housing having one and the other longitudinal end walls. An input shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the one longitudinal end wall. A bearing retainer having therein an opening through which the input shaft extends is mounted on the outer surface of the one longitudinal end wall and cooperates with the bearing to define a chamber. A seal member is disposed between the opening and the input shaft within the chamber. An oil receiver is disposed within the housing adjacent to an input gear mounted on the input shaft and in mesh with a counter gear mounted on a counter shaft. Lubricating oil within a reservoir at the bottom of the housing is scooped up by the counter gear and is received by the receiver. The oil is introduced through a passage from the receiver into the chamber to lubricate the bearing and the seal member.

Abstract: In a shift mechanism for a change-speed gearing in a power transmission unit, a spring loaded movable element in the form of a piston is slidably disposed within a reverse shift head member to be pushed inwardly by engagement with a shift-and-select lever, and a stopper pin is integral with the movable element and movable between a first position in which the movable element is apart from the lever and a second position in which the movable element is engaged with the lever, the stopper pin being arranged to be located at its outer end adjacent to a stationary member to restrict unexpected forward movement of a reverse fork shaft in its first position and to be aligned with a recessed portion of the stationary member to permit the forward movement of the reverse fork shaft in its second position for establishment of a reverse gear train.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a stamped body portion including a hub and a pair of spoke members having terminal portions integrally riveted to a split rim member and wrapped thereabout. One of the terminal portions is secured to the split portion of the rim member and the other is secured to an unsplit portion. The steering wheel is manufactured by forming the terminal portions with an intermediate flange and a terminal flange, locating the rim member at the juncture of the flanges, with the split of the rim member within the extent of one of the terminal flanges, piercing the terminal flange to either side of the split, piercing the other terminal flange, extruding portions of the rim member into the pierced openings to integrally rivet the rim member to the terminal portion and wrapping the terminal flanges over the recesses in the rim member resulting from the extrusion to clamp the rim member and terminal portions to each other.

Abstract: An inertial energy storage rotor device or superflywheel having a hub means affixed to a rim means by a plurality of spokes formed from a single filament which is wrapped partially around the rim means and alternately engages the upper and lower surfaces of the hub means to join the spokes. In one embodiment, the hub is secured by a single filament wound into a plurality of spokes to a ring means about which a rim means is wound. The ring means is secured to the rim means of this embodiment at a plurality of discrete locations about the circumference thereof.

Abstract: An improved piston pin assembly which includes a hollow tubular piston pin and one or more supports positioned within the hollow space formed by the piston pin so as to inhibit deflection of the piston pin when the assembly is subjected to load conditions.

Abstract: A drive assembly (20) has a planetary gear assembly (27), driven member (22), and first housing element (28). The assembly (20) is, for example, part of a final drive (12) of a work vehicle (10) or pulley drive for a material handling system. A first bearing element (30) supports the driven member (22) in rotatable relationship relative to the housing element (28). A second bearing element (32) supports the housing element (28) in rotatable relationship relative to the gear assembly (27). On the vehicle (10), gear reduction taken inside of a tandem housing (14) has heretofore resulted in an overturning reaction force on the housing (14) which creates unequal wheel loads.

Abstract: A method of making precision dies sets is provided with apparatus for holding retainer blocks in proper alignment in order to bore dowel-receiving and screw-receiving holes.

Abstract: A method of machining parts shaped as bodies of revolutionists consists in that cutters are arranged along a circumference, the axis of which coincides with that of a workpiece being machined, a forming cutter being set so that its point is spaced apart from the axis of the workpiece at a distance equal to the radius of a finished part, whereas non-forming cutters are set with their points spaced at distances from the axis of the workpiece being machined within stock left for machining, all the cutters being given longitudinal and cross motions. According to the invention, all cutters are set so that their points are situated in the same plane, which is perpendicular to the axis of the workpiece being machined, the non-forming cutters being arranged in positions wherein the depth of cut of each non-forming cutter is less than that of the forming cutter by a value equal to the height of surface micro-roughnesses produced by the forming cutter.

Abstract: A turning apparatus, intended to be mounted on a work shaft for in-place ting, may include a pair of mounting rings which are attachable to the shaft and which support a longitudinal annulate frame assembly which rotates about the area to be cut. A drive assembly is mounted on a mounting ring and engages a ring gear attached to the frame assembly for providing it rotational force. A longitudinal track assembly is mounted on and extends between the ends of the frame assembly. A carriage assembly is slidably mounted on the track assembly and is in operational engagement with a lead screw which is also mounted on the track assembly. The carriage assembly is adapted to hold a cutter for machining the shaft surface as the frame assembly rotates. A hydraulic indexing device incrementally rotates the lead screw in synchronism with the rotation of the frame assembly to move the carriage assembly and the cutter along the axis of the work piece.

Abstract: A mechanism for die-cutting a laminated strip includes a roll stand having an annular carrier band mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. A plurality of roll mounting assemblies are mounted for discharging strip material onto the carrier band to form a laminated strip. Each roll mounting assembly includes a pivotally mounted roll support which includes a frictional carrier so that the weight of the roll produces frictional forces for pivoting the roll into engagement with the carrier band. A feed assembly transports the laminated strip from the carrier band to a horizontally oriented conveyor belt disposed below a die-cutter driven for vertical reciprocatory movement by a first eccentrically mounted crank arm. The conveyor belt pulleys are disposed on a carrier which is mounted for horizontal reciprocating movement below the die-cutter. The connecting rod is coupled to the carrier reciprocating assembly and to a second eccentric mounted on the first eccentric.

Abstract: A rotary punch for punching envelope blanks from moving webs of paper or like or for making shaped cuts from prepared envelope blanks has a backup roll which bears on a cutter roll. The punch is characterized by the provision of intermediate bearings with an adjustable member therebetween. This precludes unwanted movements in the bearings between the two rolls due to varying cutting and out-of-balance forces, the adjustable member making it possible to correct the between-axes distance to suit cutter wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting blocks of wafers comprises one or more cutting members arranged along a plane of transport for the wafer blocks. The transporting of the wafer blocks is accomplished by one or more endless revolving members carrying a plurality of pressure components. The endless revolving transport members may be mounted either above or below the plane of transport and extend into the plane of transport during movement of the wafer blocks toward and away from the cutting member or members.

Abstract: A double-acting cylinder piston unit for controlling the feed motion of a saw blade relative to a workpiece in a mechanical frame saw having a stationary machine frame, a housing part pivotally mounted on the machine frame and a saw frame guide movably mounted in the housing part and carrying a saw blade. The piston of the cylinder piston unit is pivotally connected to the machine frame, while the cylinder thereof is pivotally connected to the pivotally mounted housing part. The cylinder includes a cylinder head in the form of a block, and the unit includes a reservoir delimited by one face of the block, a first wall extending from, and substantially perpendicular to, the one face and a second wall spaced from, and substantially parallel to, the face.

Abstract: A light-weight and structurally simple system for guiding the saw frame of a mechanical frame saw machine having a crank drive and a stationary machine frame on which the system is pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A guitar construction having a complete body, neck, head, nut and tail piece formed as a single, integral, metal casting with tuning pegs, finger board, bridge and strings mounted thereon. The body portion is in the usual bell-shaped outline, formed by a continuous metal rib with a plurality of other ribs, all integrally formed in the same casting, extending across the space enclosed by the continuous rib and themselves defining a plurality of other spaces extending through the body. Solid, planar sheets, preferably of transparent plastic, cover the front and rear sides of an opening defined by one set of ribs to form a hollow chamber. The bridge is affixed to one of the ribs defining the chamber to produce a resonant effect similar to that of a hollow body guitar, while retaining the open appearance and unitary construction. Conventional pick-up means for an electronic amplification system are mounted in one of the enclosed spaces.

Abstract: A neck construction for attachment to the body of a guitar, or similar stringed instrument, which includes a headpiece, elongated neck and means for attachment to the instrument body, all formed as a unitary metal casting, only the fretted fingerboard being an initially separate piece. The elongated portion has a unique configuration, including a lower curved portion with an integral upper wall consisting of flat, planar portions extending inwardly from the edges of the curved portion to spaced, opposing edges. The fingerboard is affixed to the planar portions in covering relating thereto and thus to the space therebetween, to define an enclosed chamber along the majority of the neck's length, which is of uniform shape and thickness, tapering gradually outwardly from the head toward the end attached to the body. The attachment may be integral, i.e., by forming the neck and body as a single piece, or by other securing means when the neck and body are initially separate.

Abstract: An improved process for joining a shell having a plastic base portion to a cartridge case within a joining region. The joining region extends along a plastic base portion of said shell when it is inserted into the neck portion of the casing and has an upper and lower limit. The base portion is being axially inserted into the neck portion of the casing while being subjected to a relative rotational movement. A glueing or synthetic substance having flow capability is introduced into the neck portion of the casing. This plastic or glueing substance after hardening adheres more strongly to the inner surface of the neck portion than on said plastic base portion.

Abstract: A weapon firing system including weapon interrogation means is disclosed wherein a weapon control computer (8) provides a signal (at 27) for closing a normally open switch (16) and signals (at 29, 29A, 29B, 29N) for connecting one of a plurality of weapon select relays (18, 18A, 18B, 18N) to the switch. During weapon interrogation, a low level interrogation signal (from 20) is applied through the closed switch and the one relay to a weapon igniter (12, 12A, 12B, 12N) connected to a corresponding weapon (2, 2A, 2B, 2N) to interrogate the availability of the weapon for firing. The igniter provides an impedance indicative of said availability, which is sensed by a sensor (28) for providing a signal (E.sub.L) which is applied to the computer for mission programming and display purposes.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a firing/safing cam assembly having three dispositions: one permitting firing in one direction of rotation; another permitting firing in the other direction of rotation; and yet another precluding firing in either direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a Gatling type gun having a firing/safing cam assembly having three dispositions: one permitting firing in one direction of rotation; another permitting firing in the other direction of rotation; and yet another precluding firing in either direction of rotation of the rotor, all by means of two independently operated cam elements and a continuum element operated as a function of the respective dispositions of said cam elements.

Abstract: A flapper valve having a negative rate characteristic is variably opened by an external force and controls fluid pressure to a piston which moves, in response to this pressure, in order to return the valve to a null position. A positive rate flapper valve applies force to the negative rate flapper valve and balances the fluid pressure in the negative rate flapper valve, thus providing high sensitivity negative flapper valve operation in the null position region and a negative rate in the region to overcome piston friction, without instability.

Abstract: A variable speed multi-cylinder assembly is provided with expandable bushing seals to block leakage of fluid from higher speed stages to lower speed stages.

Abstract: A hydraulic system (40) for an excavator (10) which utilizes regeneration, minimizes cavitation, and provides hose break protection is disclosed. A valve assembly (50) is permanently connected to a hydraulic actuator (30) which is to be controlled. A hydraulic power supply (42) remote from the hydraulic actuator is connected to the valve assembly (50) through a pair of flexible hoses (56, 58). Pressurized hydraulic fluid can flow to the valve assembly through either of the flexible hydraulic hoses, but the valve assembly (50) includes a check valve (60) so hydraulic fluid return is only possible through one hose (56). A two position valve (62) is provided in the valve assembly (50) between a pair of operating ports (36, 38) on the hydraulic actuator (30). The two position valve (62) can be opened in response to a signal from the operator, connecting the two ports (36, 38) together to permit regeneration.

Abstract: A spring cushioned static seal hydraulically operated actuator is disclosed which contains a hydraulically driven piston arranged to reciprocate in a chamber. A spring couples the piston to a rotatable shaft which limits the torque placed on the shaft by the piston in its drive stroke. A return spring functions to return the piston and drive spring to their initial positions upon release of the hydraulic drive applied to the piston. A static seal on the piston seals at the completion of the drive stroke of the piston. The actuator may be used to operate a subsea diverter to direct "pump down" or through flow line (TFL tools) through wye-branched flow passageways formed in a diverter body member located on a submerged well head.

Abstract: A sliding piston joint of a hydrostatic piston machine has a piston having a recess or cavity and a sliding shoe having a head portion receivable into the recess or cavity of the piston so as to support the latter. The sliding shoe has a base portion having a surface which faces away from the piston and faces toward a hydrostatic pressure zone generated during operation of the machine. The head portion of the sliding shoe and the piston have surfaces which are in sliding contact with one another. A throughgoing passage extends through the sliding shoe so that a portion of working fluid flows from the hydrodynamic pressure zone to the contacting surfaces of the sliding shoe and the piston to thereby relieve the latter.

Abstract: An air vent for emergency introduction of fresh air into a closed building. A dome cover is mounted on a spring-loaded plunger and released by a solenoid upon detection of poisonous gases, smoke or heat, or a lack of oxygen thereby opening the dome cover.

Abstract: This invention concerns food cooking and dispensing apparatus which includes a container for the foods to be cooked and dispensed, a cooking unit and a food holder. The food holder is movable between a first position in or exposed to the cooking unit. There is also included a metering device which is adapted, when operated, to convey a predetermined quantity of the food from the container to the food holder in its first position. The food holder is such that when moved to its second position it discharges food therein gravitationally to a dispensing unit. The apparatus also includes actuating means for operating the metering device and moving the food holder and also prepaid coin operated means for initiating the action of the actuating means.

Abstract: A dot matrix printer is provided which has a row of hammer elements having horizontal impactor bars aligned at upper and lower levels and in partial overlapping relation with adjacent impactor bars. A row of print elements is also provided which alternately have horizontal upper and lower level non-overlapping impact receiving bars positioned opposite the hammer elements and in alignment with corresponding upper and lower impactor bars. Each print element has a dot print element on its opposite side and the row of print elements is mounted on a reciprocating shuttle. Means are provided for actuating the hammer elements whereby selected hammer impactor bars will impact the impact receiving bars to effect transverse deflection of the print elements to form dot impressions on a print medium.