Abstract: A manual, mechanical chord or note selecting device mounted on a fretted, stringed, musical instrument, said device having a convenient leverage means for faster, easier keying.

Abstract: A service mechanism for a shipboard missile vertical launch system has a base assembly which rides on a set of parallel tracks spanning a missile housing array. A carriage assembly is mounted for movement along the base assembly in a direction normal to the tracks. A portion of the carriage assembly is disposed for 360.degree. rotation about a vertical axis. A cradle elevator is mounted for movement on vertically running tracks on the rotatable portion of the carriage assembly. A cradle is adapted to engage and hold a missile cannister and is rotatably mounted on the cradle elevator to dispose the missile cannister with its long axis in either a vertical or a horizontal position. The cradle includes a hoist pawl which is adapted to engage one end of the missile cannister to raise or lower the cannister in the cradle when the long axis is disposed vertically.

Abstract: An all-hydraulic impactor for percussion tools and the like embodying an oil accumulator and an annular sleeve valve. Hydraulic fluid is initially supplied to the accumulator at full supply pressure and is then charged, for example, to three times the supply pressure by a differential piston arrangement. The impactor of the invention minimizes the required volume of the accumulator.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated brake booster in association with the hydraulic master brake cylinder of motor vehicles comprises a housing, an annular diaphragm having its outer periphery sealingly attached to the housing and its inner periphery sealingly attached to an axially movable power piston, a valve mechanism mounted in the power piston and operated by a manually operable push rod, which includes an air valve, and a key inserted into a radial slot of the power piston to thereby engage the air valve. The diaphragm is provided at the rear wall surface thereof adjacent to the housing with a plurality of radial projections abutting the housing. The circumferential space between neighboring radial projections is made smaller than the width of the key thereby holding the key in position and preventing the radial withdrawl thereof from the power piston.

Abstract: An air cylinder including a piston adapted to be stopped freely in any position as desired includes an automatic restoring type air cylinder member and a hydraulic cylinder member. The piston is formed with a hydraulic cylinder chamber having fitted therein a hydraulic fixed piston of the hydraulic cylinder member so that the piston can move freely in a cylinder body. An oil chamber defined by the end of the hydraulic fixed piston and the end of the hydraulic cylinder chamber is communicated with an oil tank via an oil passage mounting a check valve that can be opened by pressing means including a pilot piston and other parts.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder having a bore, a bearing therein and an extension bore. A head on the cylinder removably mounts and retains a gland assembly including a piston rod seal and wiper. A piston rod is reciprocally mounted within the bore and bearing and at its outer end mounts a stop plate assembly engageable with the cylinder head. The stop plate assembly is removable from the piston rod which is retractable into the extension bore, the outer end of the piston rod being inward of the wiper and seal, to permit removal and replacement of the seal and wiper. The method of replacing the seal and wiper from a cylinder assembly without disassembling the assembly or disconnecting the assembly from its support includes the steps of removing the stop plate assembly from the rod, retracting the rod into the bore extension until the front end of the rod clears the wiper and seal and removing and replacing the seal and wiper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing, dispensing and storing coffee involves the use of a movable liquid-gas separation member floatingly mounted on the top level of the brewed coffee so as to exclude air therefrom. The liquid-gas separation member is mounted so as to separate the storage container into a liquid containing portion and a gas containing portion. A vent from the gas containing portion of the container allows for the passage of air into and out of the container as coffee is introduced into the container or is withdrawn therefrom. By this method, the coffee can be stored for long periods of time at serving temperature without developing an acrid or strong, objectionable taste.

Abstract: Food products such as produce, fish, meat, and poultry are rapidly cooked and chilled in separate units through which a continuously running conveyor belt passes in a spiral pathway to converse cabinet space and produce energy efficient operation. Water is used as the heating and chilling medium in 100% humidity steam and cold humid air atmospheres respectively preferably at a pressure above atmospheric. This keeps all equipment surfaces moist and not readily contaminated by dried, accumulated, burnt on drippings, fat, proteins or other food residues. Thus, the sanitization process is simplified.The system operates with the conveyor belt continuously running in both food processing and mechanical sanitizing modes. The latter mode includes continuous cleaning of the belt and a periodic sanitation cycle with the food processing system shut down. The sanitization is achieved by jet spray scrubbing with warm water and detergent solution and circulation through the system.

Abstract: A counter current extractor in which material to be extracted is caused to move in counter current with an extracting liquid by a screw conveyor characterized in that the direction of rotation of the screw conveyor is intermittently reversed. A process for extracting soluble and dispersible materials using such a counter current extractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating the juice and pulp or residual matter of fruit or vegetable material comprises a case having a substantially conical bore. The case has a material inlet opening on the top which communicates with the wide end of the bore; a juice outlet opening (with a filter therein) on the bottom which communicates with the bore; and a residual matter outlet opening on one side which communicates with the narrow end of the bore. A motor-driven rotary member is rotatably mounted in the bore. The rotary member has a spiral cutting blade portion for cutting the material into pieces and a spiral pressing portion connected to the spiral cutting blade portion for pressing and squeezing the cut pieces to extract the juice therefrom. The rotary member cuts material entering through the inlet opening into pieces, and feeds the pieces toward the narrow end of the bore while squeezing the pieces to separate the juice and the pulp or residual matter.

Abstract: In prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,586,081, 3,586,151 and 3,869,974, machines are disclosed for orienting an apple along the axis of its central core. The oriented apple was impaled on a fork and rotated while being processed. The machine herein disclosed cuts the apple into a plurality of rings and thereafter removes the core so that when the apple is released, one has a plurality of annular apple segments which are useful in decorating salads and the like.

Abstract: A vertical baler includes a housing defining a compacting chamber which receives a vertically moveable and power operated horizontal platen. The chamber has a front opening, and the lower portion of the chamber is closed by a pivotal door member which is secured to the cabinet by a latch mechanism including two separate pivotal members releasably connected by an over-center lock element. The upper part of the opening is closed by a vertical safety gate member which retracts upwardly and is partially counterbalanced by a torsion coil spring having one end portion secured to the housing. The other end portion of the coil spring is connected to a shaft supporting a pair of winch members around which are wrapped corresponding cables connected to the lower portion of the gate member.

Abstract: A drum type bar code line printer of the type has groups of predetermined kinds of bar code printing types which are arranged along the circumference of a printing drum in predetermined rows which are distributed along the axial direction of the drum. In each row, a non-printing (non-impact) area corresponding to the width of a bar code type is essentially formed adjacent to one end in the axial direction of the drum of each bar code type which has a black bar portion extending from said one end of the type through the predetermined modules of the type. The printer of the present invention is thereby free from the generation of so-called ghost images which are undesirably imprinted by adjacent bar code types.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an index wheel for use in a printing device. The device includes a plurality of type wheels which are coaxially juxtaposed to one another in independently rotatable manner. The outer circumference of each type wheel carries a multiplicity of lands respectively bearing types. The outer circumference of the type wheel also has a multiplicity of engagement grooves, each formed between two adjacent lands. An index wheel of the invention is engageable with each type wheel to rotationally drive the type wheel when the index wheel is manually rotated through a selecting shaft by means of a selecting knob. The index wheel includes a ring-shaped body. A multiplicity of teeth are formed on the outer circumference of the ring-shaped body and are circumferentially spaced such that they engage with the engagement grooves of the respective type wheel. A multiplicity of index letters are respectively borne on the outer circumference of the ring-shaped body between any two adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A dual harmonic gear phasing device forming a part of a web-forming printing tower or other web-handling station is disclosed which allows static or dynamic, 360.degree. infinite phase alterations of web-contacting rollers for coarse and fine tuning of the registration of a multiple-station printing press. The phasing device comprises an enclosed, oil filled structure having a pair of tandem coupled harmonic drive gears respectively connected through gearing or the like to the press drive and to a desired roller for phase changing purposes. Each phasing device also includes a selectively operable stepper motor coupled to one of the harmonic gears for effecting phase alterations. The harmonic gears serve as a 1:1 gear ratio transmission during normal running operations. The phasing device can be used on hard impression or perfecting printing towers, and on other types of web-handling equipment where proper registration is important, such as numbering and punching units.

Abstract: A particular type of registration control mark is utilized with a conventional pattern registration control system for the purpose of controlling registration between a printed pattern and an embossed pattern. The pattern registration control mark will develop signature bursts which are unique due to the design of the pattern registration control mark.

Abstract: An electric ignition device having a pyrotechnical delay portion and a pyrotechnical ignition portion enclosed in a container. A first conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the delay portion and a second conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the ignition portion. The elements are connected in series to receive a voltage input from an external source. The first element is dimensioned so that it will heat to an ignition temperature in response to a particular low voltage level and will conduct when a higher second voltage level is applied. The second element will heat to an ignition temperature only when the second voltage level is applied. If the first voltage level is applied, the first element heats and ignites the delay portion and the delay portion burns at a particular rate for a characteristic delay interval and then ignites the ignition portion. If the second voltage is applied, the second element heats to rapidly ignite the ignition portion.

Abstract: A protective surface coating for ammunition having no cartridge casing and ammunition having a combustible cartridge casing. A body of highly porous nitrocellulose is permeated from the outside with a polymer carried by a solvent to form a binder for the body. A layer of metal platelets containing air-pockets is bound to the body with a binding polymer. The metal platelets are covered with an outer coating of a rapidly curing resin. The protective coating is used to prevent the penetration of moisture into the porous cartridge casing or into the powder mass itself and to provide improved stability to heat and flames.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for sensing the center line of a track is disclosed. The track center line is previously marked out by a line of nails protruding upwardly from the ties and the center line follower is moved by engagement with the rails to right or left to derive an appropriate electrical signal causing operation of a ram carrying the center line follower in a direction to cancel the signal. A track operating device, such as a magnetic wheel for picking up tie plates from track that is being renewed, is disposed over each rail location and the top track operating devices are moved laterally conjointly with the center line follower thus to maintain the track operating devices at the correct lateral locations.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle is supported by wheels adapted to ride on a floor whereby the conveyor system does not include rails for supporting the vehicle. Guide rollers are provided on one side of the vehicle for contact with a guide on a floor mounted frame. The frame includes a drive shaft for driving a drive wheel on the vehicle. The drive wheel can oscillate about a generally horizontal axis between a drive position and an accumulation position. The floor supported frame includes pivotally mounted sections so that the vehicle can traverse 90.degree. angles.

Abstract: A railroad car truck may be assembled by spacing a pair of side frames to which is connected a transversely positioned bolster. End portions of the bolster are located within a window formed in a middle portion of each side frame to form a connection therebetween. Each side frame-bolster connection includes vertical cushioning provided by a set of coil springs interposed between a lower compression member of the side frame window and a bottom wall of the bolster. To damp the vertical cushioning of the bolster a pair of friction shoes carried by the bolster interact with wear plates fastened to vertical columns of the windows. The friction shoes impede bolster rotation which is maintained between fixed limits by contact between adjacent structural members of the bolster and side frame. To prevent undue flexing of the side window columns a stiffening rib may be selectively added to the columns.

Abstract: A safety device for a banking vehicle includes a pair of cylinders which extend to hold the superstructure in an upright position. The cylinders are hydraulically connected to an accumulator which provides a pressurized fluid reservoir. A valve controls flow from the accumulator to the cylinders. Upon detection of a failure in one of the vehicle systems the valve moves to a position in which fluid flows from the accumulator to extend the cylinders. A pilot operated check valve is positioned between the accumulator and the cylinders to hold the cylinders in the extended position until the failure is rectified.

Abstract: In a railroad car truck an elastomeric device is used to operatively connect each axle end of the wheelsets to a respective pedestal jaw of the side frames. The elastomeric device may comprise an elastic pad affixed between two metal plates. By choosing an elastic material having a relative high stiffness in shear, movements between the wheelsets and side frames are cushioned while at the same time the wheelsets and side frames are held in a substantially squared relationship. The squared relationship improves the dynamic stability of the truck by increasing its critical speed to allow higher speed travel.

Abstract: In a method of providing safe control, storage and transportation of banknotes there is used a closeable cassette (1) provided with locking means, said cassette containing a liquid-dye container (9) which is activated when an attempt is made to force the cassette, thereby to render the banknotes unusable. To prevent a successful robbery against, for example, a store or like place in which banknotes are introduced into the cassette with the aid of a special infeed unit (19, 20), the cassette is constructed so that it can be removably connected to said infeed unit while exposing an infeed opening (16), said infeed unit suitably being provided with a counter means. In conjunction therewith, the associated infeed and packing means of the cassette are inserted into the unit, whereupon banknotes can be fed into the cassette. The cassette, with the banknotes therein, is then released from the infeed unit while closing the infeed opening, whereafter the cassette is transported to a collecting location, e.g.

Abstract: Sewing machine attachment comprises a substantially horizontally extending positioning member having an open cavity therein, at least a portion of the cavity walls defining a seat for a magnetizable accessory and magnetic means within the positioning member for producing a magnetic flux which extends from the seat through the opening to the cavity for attracting the accessory. At least a portion of one wall of the cavity, preferably the bottom wall, is removably mounted on the positioning member.

Abstract: An attachment for a sewing machine comprises a looper bar positionable for horizontal oscillation underneath a vertically reciprocating needle, at a level determined by a workpiece feeler engaging the upper surface of a fabric being sewn, which is swingably carried on the stem of a presser foot resting on the workpiece while the latter is intermittently advanced by a bottom feeder periodically rising from a slot in a stitch plate and a reciprocable gripper foot synchronized therewith to act as a top feeder. A first sensor detects a rise in the presser foot, to an extent indicating the presence of resilient padding between an upper and a lower fabric layer, to activate the looper bar; a second sensor temporarily deactivates the first sensor whenever the bottom feeder projects above the stitch plate.

Abstract: A device for preventing the rotation of the bobbin case member of a horizontally fully rotatable shuttle comprises a retaining member adapted to contact one portion of the inner shuttle member for retaining the bobbin case member against rotation. One of the contact faces of the bobbin case member and the retaining member is partly formed with a recess. The retaining member is reciprocally movable along the contact face of the bobbin case member to prevent the rotation of the shuttle member and permit release of an upper thread free of resistance.

Abstract: A supporting pad for a hatch cover of a ship is provided. The supporting pad comprises a first receptacle firmly connected to the ship. A first slide block is displaceably arranged in the first receptacle. A second receptacle is firmly connected to the hatch cover and a second slide block is displaceably arranged therein. A variable accommodation space is provided at least between the first receptacle and the first slide block. The supporting pad further has an inlet opening oriented toward the variable accommodation space and a pump and a conduit for feeding a volume-stable curable composite material into the variable accommodation space for displacing and adjusting the slide block in the receptacle. By this measure, the bearing surfaces associated with one another are adjusted relative to one another individually.

Abstract: A cover for protecting the interior of a boat from the surrounding environment. The cover has first and second vertical supports connected to a dock. A horizontal member is connected with the first and second vertical supports to form a frame. First and second brackets are located on the first and second vertical supports. The first and second brackets have arms attached thereto that extend from the dock toward the water. A canopy is attached to the arms. A winch has cables connected to the first and second brackets to move the canopy with respect to the boat from a first position where flaps surround that portion of the boat out of the water, to a second position which allows unhampered ingress and egress between the boat and dock.

Abstract: In a rotary drum type device for coating granular solids of the type having a rotary drum with a perforated cylindrical wall section, a supporting ring surrounding the cylindrical wall section of the drum for rotatably supporting the same, and inlet and outlet duct means defined within the supporting ring and opening to the perforated cylindrical wall section of the drum in such a way that the hot air or the like is directed from the top of the drum toward a tumbling bed of granular solids formed within the drum, the perforated cylindrical wall section is so divided that the area which faces the opening of the inlet duct means will not face the opening of the outlet duct means and vice versa, whereby the coating agent which is deposited on the walls of the small holes of the cylindrical wall section facing the opening or inlet of the outlet duct means can be prevented from being separated and falling into the drum by the hot air or the like flowing through the opening of the inlet duct means into the drum.

Abstract: This finger-printing packet consists primarily of an inked sheet, for placement in a suitable jig, to apply ink to a person's finger, so as to obtain excellent finger-prints on a finger-print form. It further includes a foil cover, suitably adhered to the inked surface of the sheet, and a corner tab enables the user to remove the foil cover from the sheet easily.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application a cementing apparatus in which a pattern of cement is imprinted upon a part by an imprinting plate which, between imprinting operations, is submerged in a reservoir of cement. A part support, which cooperates with the plate, is shaped to receive the part or workpiece and is movable between loading and imprinting positions. The workpiece is retained by vacuum on the work support and is carried by it into contact with the plate, maintaining register so that the cement pattern is applied in a predetermined position on the workpiece.

Abstract: The coating device of the invention, which enables a layer of product to be deposited on a strip (1) travelling between two rotary cylinders (2, 3), is characterized in that it comprises a reserve (8) containing the coating product; a first roller (9) associated with the reserve for continuously taking therefrom a specific amount of coating product; a second roller (10) bearing against one of the rotary cylinders (3, 2), the first and second rollers being parallel and spaced from each other; a third loosely mounted roller (11), bearing on the first and second rollers; means (M.sub.1) for rotating the first roller and imparting thereto a constant preadjusted speed; and means (M.sub.2) for rotating the second roller and imparting thereto a speed equal to the travelling speed of the strip, the first and second rollers rotating in the same direction .

Abstract: Flat printing screens can be coated on one or both sides by the method and apparatus. A liquid is applied to a screen by one or two squeegees secured to carriages moved up and down on rubber sprocket belts driven by a motor. The speed of application can be adjusted according to the desired thickness of the coating and the viscosity of the liquid. The squeegees are mutually offset somewhat in height to reliably prevent the liquid from running out when the squeegees are not in motion. Application takes place regularly and reproducibly even in the case of a thick coating. The drive by means of rubber sprocket belts and a counterweight ensure vibration-free movement of the squeegees along the screen.

Abstract: An automated immersion apparatus is described which is used for the treatment of fish with various vaccines and the like to prevent diseases in fish. The apparatus comprises a means to convey fish into a reservoir of the vaccine material and then to convey the fish out of the reservoir and release them to the environment.

Abstract: A device for feeding cattle, comprising a housing having a head insertion opening therein and a dosing device for supplying food to the feeding device, controlled by signals generated in response to the presence of cattle at said opening, and which makes it possible to give an adapted portion to each individual. According to the invention the device is characterized by a flap disposed downstream of the dosing device and arranged for allowing the passage of one dosed quantity of food at the time. It is thus prevented that an animal can cause residues of food to fall from the dosing device by bumping against the device.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor e.g. for the burning of fuels of different calorific values. The bottom part of the combustion chamber is divided into an outer and an inner fluidization zone by a partition wall adjacent to the distributor plate. Heat transfer surfaces are disposed in the outer fluidization zone. Heat can be withdrawn from the outer fluidization zone which is activated when burning fuel having a high calorific value. When burning fuel of lower calorific value the outer fluidization zone is not operated. The inner fluidization zone will be in operation in both cases. The supply of fluidizing gas to the second fluidization zone is controlled in order to maintain predetermined conditions in this zone.

Abstract: A piston for a reciprocating piston machine, of the type swivelled by means of a piston pin to the associated connecting rod small and consisting of two members constituting the piston head and the piston skirt, assembled together by stud bolts. The central portion of the piston skirt is constituted by a cylindrical hollowed central boss, and the connection of the boss to the peripheral cylindrical surface of the piston skirt is by a peripheral annular crown. Said hollow of the central boss is provided with radial ribs.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder machine, e.g. an engine or pump, in which the cylinder rotates about a first axis from which the cylinder is spaced, and the piston rotates about a second axis inclined to the first with the result that during the rotation, the piston reciprocates relative to the cylinder. Gas flow is controlled by a rotary valve which communicates with the cylinder and which rotates about an axis parallel to or coincident with the first axis. The piston is maintained in position relative to the cylinder by restraining means in the form, for example, of flat abutment surfaces provided between the piston and a spherically-surfaced piston ring thereon so as to limit lateral movement of the piston ring relative to the piston.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine utilizing either an Otto or a Diesel cycle contains two opposed pistons in each cylinder. The first piston drives a crank arm which drives a crankshaft. The crankshaft, through a timing means, drives an eccentric positive-motion cam which drives a movable cylinder head piston. The positive-motion cam drives the movable cylinder head piston via two roller followers, placed on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the cam. The first piston functions as a driving piston. The movable cylinder head piston changes the volume in the cylinder between the pistons as a function of the movement and position of the first piston.

Abstract: A source of gas pressure from an internal combustion engine is made available by tapping off the exhaust products within the combustion chamber, preferably just prior to exhausting the gas out of the engine. A pressure tap fitting communicates with the combustion chamber through the cylinder wall. The opening into the combustion chamber is closed off during most of the stroke of the engine by the skirt of the piston. As the piston, during the power stroke of the engine, is driven down the cylinder wall, the crown of the piston eventually clears the opening in the pressure tap. The exhaust gas, under very high pressure, enters the tap just prior to dumping the exhaust gas through the exhaust ports of the engine. Thus, a useful source of pressure is derived from the engine without affecting the operating efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: Ignition timing of an internal combustion engine is caused to advance in stepped increments as the engine speed increases in a uniform manner. Centrifugal weights of different sizes move a timing control element by angular increments against the action of a spring. The movement is with respect to a rotary member turning in timed relation with the crankshaft of the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn mower including an engine having a first rotatable gear, an energy storage and delivery mechanism connected to said engine and comprising an energy storing spiral spring, a gear set including rotatably mounted second and third gears in mesh with each other and with one of the gears of the gear set connected to the spiral spring, which gear set is displaceable between a stop position wherein one of the second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to rotation of the first gear, to rotate the second and third gears in the direction which is effective to store energy in the spiral spring and a start position wherein the other of said second and third gears is in mesh with the first gear so as, in response to delivery of energy to the gear set from the spiral spring, to rotate the first gear in the engine operating direction, a releasable pawl movable selectively between positions engaged with and disengaged from the energy storage and delivery mechanism for p

Abstract: A mechanism for converting reciprocating movement of a piston within a cylinder includes a guide defining a closed loop path, an output shaft, and a driven member having a periphery extending along the path. A rod is connected at one end to the piston and has another end moved along the path. The guide has a centerline offset from the centerline of the piston. A drive member engages said driven member as said rod moves along an essentially perpendicular path.

Abstract: A four-cycle internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder bore formed in a cylinder block, a piston slidably fitted in the cylinder bore, and a combustion chamber formed in a cylinder head above the piston. The bore, piston and combustion chamber have an elongated non-circular cross-section which, for example, can be of elongated circular or elliptical shape. An intake system for fuel mixture is connected to the combustion chamber to supply fuel mixture to a central region of the combustion chamber and an exhaust system is connected to each end of the combustion chamber in an outer region for discharge of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A braking device for a four-cycle engine of a vehicle, particularly for an internal combustion Diesel engine, with a motor brake adjustment member which is connected with a shutoff element in the exhaust conduit and with a control element in a pressure conduit. Pressure cylinders are associated with the exhaust valves and are connected to the pressure conduit after the control element. Compensating pistons are respectively connected with the valve shafts and are subjected to pressure in the pressure cylinders for closing the exhaust valves. The motor brake adjustment member has a first adjustment range for actuating the shutoff element, and a second adjustment range for actuating the control element.

Abstract: A device for feed control of valve-controlled internal combustion engines, with the combustion chamber capable of being closed off by an intake valve toward the intake passage, and with a further shutoff element being provided in the intake passage. This further shutoff element is a slotted flat slide valve which is movable in an oscillating manner and cooperates with counter slots. The counter slots are formed by vanes arranged in the housing. The flat slide valve is drivable by a cam.

Abstract: A throttle valve opening control device for an internal combustion engine operative to control the opening of a throttle valve by supplying a signal based on the results of feeding of operation parameters of the internal combustion engine into a computer to a throttle valve actuator comprising an initial stage speed reducing gear secured to a DC motor, and a final stage speed reducing gear for driving an output shaft for opening and closing the throttle valve. The initial stage speed reducing gear and the final stage speed reducing gear are located on the same axial line, and a side of the initial stage speed reducing gear opposite the side thereof at which the DC motor is secured is in bearing relation to the final stage speed reducing gear.

Abstract: The operation of the interrupting switch in the primary circuit of an ignition coil triggers a first timing circuit having a fixed interval or one sometimes modified by engine loading, at the end of which a timing interval signal is generated which lasts for a second interval. The latter is applied to switch a resistor across the timing wave generator to load down its output voltage. In this manner, an engine equipped with a simple ignition shift providing spark advance in the low speed region and then steady or slightly retarding timing thereafter, can be caused to provide a retarding priming shift that sets in at a medium speed, increases and then tapers off with higher speeds so as to cover a speed range in which the engine is particularly sensitive to engine knock and avoiding the inefficiencies which would be necessary if the simple ignition shift system had to be backed off to avoid intersecting the knock boundary.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine comprises an intake passage, an air-fuel mixture supply means, electromagnetic means for correcting the air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture supplied by the air-fuel mixture supply means, an exhaust passage, and a feedback control system. The error signal in the feedback control system is oscillated by a dither signal having a periodical pattern for oscillating the air-fuel ratio of the mixture. The dither signal comprises a plurality of positive excursions and negative excursions, and at least one of the positive excursions is lower than the other and at least one of the negative excursions is lower than the other. The dither signal is applied to the electromagnetic means for oscillating the air-fuel ratio of the mixture.A detector senses the concentration of exhaust gases.