Abstract: A pump jack drive apparatus includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected to a walking beam of the pump jack for reciprocating the horsehead, and a pair of microswitches or proximity switches which are closed by the walking beam at the limits of the stroke thereof for controlling such stroke. The cylinders are driven and controlled by a pump and control unit which includes a valve for feeding hydraulic fluid to one or the other of the hydraulic cylinders, a control cylinder for controlling the valve, and two solenoid operated control valves for controlling movement of the control cylinder in response to closing of the switches by the walking beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously adjusting the fluid pressures in a dual hydraulic circuit arrangement in which in a first hydraulic circuit pressurized fluid is supplied from a first pressure source to a first fluid pressure activated device and in a second hydraulic circuit pressurized fluid is supplied from a second pressure source to a second pressure activated device, comprising a cylinder having opposite closed ends and spaced bulkheads therein defining a central chamber between the bulkheads and a pair of chambers on respective opposite sides of the bulkheads. A pair of spaced first pistons are slidably mounted in the central chamber to define a control pressure chamber therebetween and first and second primary fluid pressure chambers between respective pistons and the bulkheads. The first primary fluid pressure chamber is connected to the first pressure source while the second primary fluid chamber is connected to the second pressure source.

Abstract: A method of operating a co-generating steam supply system having two units, the second of which utilizes a molten-salt primary heat transfer fluid, is disclosed for utilizing the steam produced by the first unit for maintaining selected component operating temperatures in the second unit during periods when the second unit is not producing steam. The steam generator of the second unit is maintained at operating temperature by reversing the fluid flow through both the shell and tube sides. The reverse flow of molten salt is in heat exchange relation with the reverse flow of steam drawn from the steam flow line of the first unit.

Abstract: The cryogenic refrigerator includes a movable displacer within an enclosure having first and second chambers of variable volume. A refrigerant fluid is circulated in a fluid path between said chambers and correlated with movement of the displacer. A spool valve controls introduction of high pressure fluid and low pressure fluid to said chambers. The displacer movement is controlled by an electric motor which has a cam for reciprocating the spool valve member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cryopump comprising a primary cryopanel 67 associated with a low temperature heat sink 60 having means for adsorbing a first low boiling point gas and a secondary cryopanel 80 associated with heat sink 60 and a higher temperature heat sink 48 having means for condensing a higher boiling point gas. There are means 90 for selectively conducting heat to the primary cryopanel to raise the temperature of the cryopanel above that which is necessary to cause said first gas to become desorbed from said cryopanel while having minimal effect on the capacity of the higher temperature heat sink.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing low grade thermal energy is shown to reduce the energy required to drive the compressor of a refrigeration or air conditioning system. The thermal energy is used to vaporize a fluid which is used as a motive fluid to drive a thermal compressor, such as a jet compressor or a vapor compression cycle compressor. In a normal air conditioning system including a condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and compressor, the jet compressor is inserted between the discharge of a compressor and the inlet for the condenser when there is sufficient thermal energy to drive a thermal compressor. This produces a two-stage compressor which improves the efficiency of the overall system. If separate fluids are utilized, a thermal evaporator is located in a heat exchange relationship with the condenser to cool the refrigerant fluid within the condenser tube, a tube-in-tube arrangement being such a heat exchange relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus useful in freeze concentration processes such as in the concentration of fruit juices. The apparatus performs both the recrystallization and ice-liquid separation steps of conventional freeze concentration systems. The apparatus comprises an inclined trough divided into zones by dams including, in sequence, a recrystallizer, an ice breakup, an ice drainage and an ice discharge zone. The apparatus is provided with a variable speed, rotating paddle auger with variably pitched paddles which advances, lifts, and breaks up the ice along the trough. The liquid concentrate is discharged through one or more discharge ports spaced along the bottom of the trough. The ice is discharged at the high end of the trough through a discharge chute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for operating an evaporative condenser refrigeration system at a low condensing temperature. The refrigeration system includes a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, and a coolant flowing therethrough. The condenser is sized for sufficient capacity for operation at the annual average wet bulb temperature of the locality of the refrigeration system. The evaporative condenser is operated at full capacity at all times during operation of the refrigeration system. The temperature of the incoming coolant fluid to the condenser is permitted to follow the prevailing wet bulb temperature of the locality. By operating at a low condensing temperature, a compressor arranged in the refrigeration system operates at the lowest practical horsepower requirement.

Abstract: A heat-actuated air conditioner/heat pump is disclosed which includes a sealed, rotatable tube. The sealed tube contains a working fluid and includes an evaporator leg and a condenser leg, the condenser leg extending a greater distance from the axis of rotation than the evaporator leg. As the tube is rotated, a vapor pressure differential is created between the evaporator and condenser legs with the higher pressure in the condenser leg. Because of this pressure differential, the working fluid will evaporate in the evaporator leg at a lower temperature than that at which it will condense in the condenser leg. The evaporator leg thus can be used for cooling a stream of house air (house air conditioning) while the condenser leg rejects heat to a stream of ambient air. When all of the working fluid has evaporated, the system may be recharged for another cooling cycle by supplying heat to the condenser leg to drive the working fluid back into the evaporator leg.

Abstract: a reusable concave container for carrying and cooling canned beverages and sandwiches having a bottom section containing a plurality of cylindrical compartments communicating with each other by open channels for accomodating canned beverages or sandwiches, a top section containing either corresponding compartments or a separable water storage pack, quick-release securing snaps for securing the top section to the bottom section, and a shoulder strap for carrying the container.

Abstract: A reaction turbine is used in a refrigeration (or heat pump) process, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: A presser foot, for a knitting machine having independently operable needles located in opposed needle beds, has a leading portion and a trailing portion extending rearwardly from the leading portion. The leading portion comprises a member with a smooth surface adapted to contact knitted loops when the presser foot is in use, the forward part of this smooth surface being higher than the rearward part and the two parts having a smooth transition between them. This member is adapted to resist deformation by the forces applied by knitted loops and is so shaped that the inclination of the forward part of said smooth surface which first contacts the knitted loops during relative movement of machine needles and presser foot, in use, is inclined to the direction of said relative movement at an angle less than 35.degree..

Abstract: A door brace is disclosed adapted to interengage a door and a floor beneath the door and prevent unauthorized entry through the door. The brace comprises sections interconnected substantially end-to-end and collapsible with respect to each other into a compact form. One end section of the prop member has means adapted to engage the door, while the other end section has pivotally mounted base means adapted to engage the floor. Optionally, the prop member has lock means adapted to extend from the prop member to an exterior side of the door where the lock means is operable for locking or unlocking. The prop member may also have pressure-sensitive means adapted to signal a warning upon pressure upon the prop member due to unauthorized attempt to open the door.

Abstract: A shielded lock assembly suitable for joining first and second members together comprises in combination a shackle-bearing element having a body portion and a shackle carried thereby, and a lock body having a keyhole and having a shackle-receiving aperture opening in a given direction and adapted to receive and releasably retain the shackle therein. A housing is adapted to be secured to the first member, said housing defining an enclosure adapted to receive the lock body and having access openings communicating with the aperture and the keyhole, respectively. Means are operatively connected to the housing and engageable with the lock body for retaining the lock body in the enclosure.

Abstract: Attachment device by means of which a safety device can be attached to an article, comprising a hollow sleeve accommodating a screw member through operation of which the attachment device can be attached to an article to be protected, while said sleeve extends beyond the article-averted end of the screw member and being provided with a transverse bore hole provided in the corresponding end, said transverse bore hole being adapted to receive a lock shackle or the like which renders the screw member inaccessible to tools.

Abstract: The method of forming tubes from strip in which a complementary rib and groove are spaced apart to each extend longitudinally on the strip and oppositely facing on the said strip characterized by guiding the strip into a helical configuration to overlap the edges of the said strip, and pressing together the overlapping parts of the said strip while maintaining a differential pressure in the direction of feed to force the strip together under such differential pressure.

Abstract: The forging device is equipped with two upsetting-tool holders which are shaped as angular elements 7. They are installed between a head 1 and a base 11, are mounted slidably in a direction transverse to the head movement and are connected with the head by articulated connectors 6. The arms 7b of the angular elements 7 which are situated parallel to the head movement are equipped with upsetting tools 13. Between the upsetting tools 13 a gripper of the forged material is installed, which is composed of two jaws 2a, 2b. The arms 7a of the angular elements 7, which are transverse to the head movement, are mounted slidably with regard to the jaw 2a of the gripper in the direction transverse to the head movement. These arms 7a are pressed against the jaw 2a in the direction of the head movement and cause the clamping of the material between the jaws 2a, 2b. After the material has been clamped, the jaws 2a, 2b remain immobile during the whole metal forming process.

Abstract: A straightener for motor vehicles which includes a bench frame having a pair of spaced longitudinal beams interconnected by cross beams. Mounting plates are appropriately disposed at predetermined intervals along the length of the longitudinal beams with the mounting plates being provided with mounting holes for mounting either cross members or intermediate beams supporting the cross members such that adapters associated with the vehicle mounting points are supported on the cross members. The intermediate beams have a length which is at least essentially equal to a length of the longitudinal beams and are provided with holes corresponding to mounting holes of the mounting plates or cross members, together with additional holes arranged in a grid pattern along the length of the intermediate beams.

Abstract: Surface irregularities on a member (12), such as a main bearing or rod journal of a crankshaft (13), are determined by engaging a template edge (15,28) of a surface gauge (10,24) on the surface. A first side of the gauge (10,24) is subjected to light (19) to enable a worker to detect any light emitted between the surface (11) and template edge (15,28) which will indicate irregularities in the surface (11). The surface (11) is then machined to remove such irregularities. A plurality of such surface gauges (10,10',24) having template edges (15,15',28) of varied lengths, may be provided to the worker in kit form to facilitate the gauging of substantially all journal surfaces (11,22) in an engine, for example. Expeditious gauging of various journal surfaces (11,22) may thus be accomplished with a high degree of quality control.

Abstract: An ignition range detector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, in which at each combustion of the internal combustion engine, a pressure signal of a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in a cylinder is integrated by a signal associated with the crank angle to produce an area S.sub.1 +S.sub.2 presenting the combustion state. At the same time, the pressure signal for a hypothetical case of misfire under the same condition is integrated to produce an area S.sub.1. It is decided whether the ratio (S.sub.1 +S.sub.2)/S.sub.1 is higher than a predetermined value .alpha. or not thereby to detect an ignition range always stably regardless of the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine including the load thereon.

Abstract: A flowmeter is provided for receiving a plurality of fluid streams and providing signals representative of the mass flow rate of each stream and the differential mass flow rate of any selected pair of the streams. A housing defines a flow channel to accommodate each stream to be measured. An impeller is rotatably mounted in each channel to impart measured angular momentum to the fluid flowing in that channel and all of the impellers are driven by a common turbine and shaft. The impellers are each resiliently coupled to the shaft so that the impellers lag behind the shaft by an amount proportional to the angular momentum imparted by each impeller to the fluid in its respective channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely positioning sensing devices within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a pressure-tight housing located adjacent to the reactor wherein the housing has a port connected by means of a passageway to an inlet of the reactor. Valve means are provided within the passageway for isolating the housing from the reactor. A plurality of cylinders are rotatably mounted within the housing about an axis thereof such that each of the cylinders may be aligned with the port in the housing. Each of the cylinders have a piston and a ram. The ram includes a sensing device such as a thermocouple. Means are provided for moving the piston within the cylinder such that when a cylinder is registered with the housing's port, the sensing device may be positioned in the reactor.

Abstract: A method of testing the effectiveness of Anti-G suits involves the use of a manikin shaped to correspond to the portion of the body over which the suit fits. The manikin is filled with fluid and includes a pressure sensing device to provide an indication of the force exerted by the suit against the manikin upon pressurization of the suit. The volume of fluid displaced also provides an indication of the efficiency of the suit.

Abstract: The density r of a fluid, e.g. dispersion or suspension, is measured in a plurality of steps and by calculating the same according to the formula r=c.times.dG/dV, wherein c is a constant value and dG/dV is the differential of the weight measuring value dG to the volume measuring value dV. In this way some measuring inaccuracies of the measuring instruments can be avoided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter in which a received signal processing part includes a reference signal generator for generating a reference signal corresponding to the magnitude of a received signal, and a comparator for comparing the received signal with the reference signal. The reference signal varies in accordance with the magnitude of the received signal, and further may possess a hysteresis width corresponding to the output of the comparator. Therefore, a noise signal is effectively removed from the received signal at the comparator, and only a Doppler shift frequency is detected.

Abstract: A sublance for use in performing measurements and/or taking samples in a metallurgical furnace, which has an elongate outer body (3), (11) having at its upper end a suspension structure (4), and at its lower end (12) a probe (10). Near the upper end, the body is divided by a rotational coupling (8), (9) into two parts, the lower part 11 being relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis, so that bending distortion of the lance in use can be reversed by turning the lance through 180.degree.. To achieve a simple construction, the inner and intermediate tubes (15), (14) within the lance are not rotationally divided but extend within the rotatable outer part (11) to the lower end (12) where the inner tube (15) is rotationally coupled to the probe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for taking samples of ground water in soil and rock, comprising an at least partially evacuated sampling container of which the end facing downward in operative position is sealed air-tight by a first member of flexible material. The object of the invention is to improve the existing art for taking ground water samples in soil and rock. The device according to the invention renders it possible to take samples, which are hermetically sealed until they are analyzed in the laboratory. The device according to the invention is characterized, in that a second member of flexible material closes the upper end of the ground water sampler, and a two-sided cannula is movable in its longitudinal direction relative to the two members.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system for a two-degree-of freedom flexure-suspended free-rotor gyroscope and a miniature gyroscope incorporating such a flexure system. An axial strut suspension device for controlling the axial position of the rotor includes a series of thin, flat sections, while the radial suspension function is performed by a cross-shaped element of very thin metal, one pair of the diametrically opposed cross ends thereof being affixed to the rotor-driving shaft, while the other pair of opposed cross ends thereof is affixed to the gyroscope rotor.

Abstract: An improved power transfer device utilizes an input power source supplemented by an unbalanced weight assembly which increases the torque on an output shaft as a function of load associated with the device. The input shaft is provided with a drive gear in operable engagement with an internal toothed ring gear, and the ring gear is provided with a plurality of diametrically opposed, radial extensions to which weight support arms are pivotably attached. The remaining free ends of the weight support arms are attached to the outer extensions of a cruciform support and are further in parallel alignment with and fixedly secured to elongated weights, such securement being offset from a central portion of the weights. A difference in load between the input shaft and output shaft results in the ring gear shifting in an unbalanced manner relative to the output shaft so as to deliver an additional torque to the shaft through the shifting of the unbalanced weights.

Abstract: A gear change mechanism for a tractor is designed so that a single shift lever only is used both for gear and "Hi-lo" selection. When the lever is in a gear selected position, it can be swung sideways, bringing with it its associated pivotally mounted shift lever quadrant (12) to make the "Hi-lo" change. A stop (26, 26a) is provided to prevent such a change in neutral.

Abstract: A small engine throttle control which includes three molded plastic parts, two mating parts forming a housing and a third part, a lever pivotally mounted in side the housing and extending to the exterior thereof with a spring detent and rack structure between the lever and the housing to retain the throttle lever in any desired set position and with an enlarged ridge maintaining the throttle lever in idle position and preventing inadvertent stopping because such detent is larger and thus requires a positive force to move the throttle lever to stop position.

Abstract: A release mechanism is provided ensuring simultaneous opening of the two clamps of a traction apparatus for freeing the cable which passes therethrough.The release lever is mounted for longitudinal sliding by actuation of the handle while moving the intermediate pin carried by the warping out lever. A pivoting bolt, mounted in a widened end of a longitudinal oblong slit of said lever, prevents the release movement. The release can only be obtained when the user frees said bolt with one hand against the return action of a spring and, with the other hand, operates simultaneously said handle.

Abstract: A control lever assembly includes a housing with a pivot member rotatably mounted therein on a pivot pin. A pair of cam members are pivotally mounted on the pivot pin adjacent opposite sides of the pivot member. One cam member is frictionally coupled to the housing. The other cam member is biased to a neutral position by a centering spring. A cross arm is movable in the pivot member to alternately couple and uncouple one or the other of the cam members from the pivot member, depending upon the energization state of a mode-select solenoid. A detent follower releasably holds the pivot member in a displaced position when in the spring-centered mode. A rotary potentiometer coupled to the pivot member generates an electrical signal representing the position of the pivot member and a lever handle attached thereto.

Abstract: A protector for the hand of a rider mounted on a bicycle or motorcycle is disclosed herein which is of semi-circular shape having an arcuate mid-section terminating at its opposite ends in retainers for detachably mounting onto the handlebar of the vehicle about the handgrips thereof. The retainer at one end is of the C-clamp variety having fasteners securing the clamp to the handlebar while the other retainer is an inwardly projection adapted to cooperate with the open bore terminating end of the handlebar to hold or retain the protector in position.

Abstract: Control system which may be manually operable without disengaging, automatically or otherwise, the automatic features of the control system.

Abstract: A planetary gear arrangement for an automatic power transmission mechanism in an automotive driveline having rearward traction wheels and a forward engine wherein axial loads developed on the gearing due to thrust forces resulting from displacement of the rear vehicle suspension while the vehicle is accelerating or when it is operated over a rough road bed are transmitted directly to the case as the torque transmitting elements of the gearing are isolated from these thrust forces, and wherein provision is made for preloading thrust bearings in the gearing to accommodate axial displacement of the torque output shaft with respect to the other torque transmission elements of the gearing when the suspension is deflected and the geometry of the driveshaft and suspension system changes while the vehicle is operating under torque.

Abstract: A system is provided for fuel-efficiently operating an engine in a vehicle wherein the vehicle engine is coupled through a clutch to an infinitely variable ratio gear driving a planetary gear train. A clutch pedal actuates the clutch, and an accelerator pedal is coupled to the fuel delivery mechanism of the engine. A first storage unit is responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal and selects a stored value for the ratio of the infinitely variable ratio gear. A drive unit is provided for adjusting the ratio of the infinitely variable gear in response to the selected value from the first storage. A second storage unit is responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal and selects a stored value for a fuel delivery mechanism. A third storage unit is responsive to the position of the clutch pedal and selects a stored value for the fuel delivery mechanism. A comparison unit is coupled to the second and third storage units for selecting the smaller of the values for the fuel delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrodynamic-mechanical transmission of the type having a by-pass clutch to by-pass the hydrodynamic torque converter includes a main control valve to disengage the forward gear clutch element and thereby the engine from the driving wheels when the accelerator pedal is released. At the same time, the main control valves causes the by-pass clutch, if engaged, to disengage. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, the forward gear clutch element re-engages as well as the by-pass clutch, but since the by-pass clutch is still disengaged at the time the forward gear clutch element re-engages, the jerking motion that may otherwise occur is absorbed in the hydrodynamic torque converter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic control system for a powershift, preselect transmission (10) including a plurality of power paths (36, 38) alternately connectable between input (12) and output (20) shafts by first engaging selected ones of synchronizer clutches (42, 74, 84) associated with each of a plurality speed ratio gears (44, 46, 76, 78, 80) in each path and then alternately engaging a powershift clutch (48, 82) associated with each path. The control system includes a hydraulic logic system (118) which may be electronic and a hydraulic and shift valve system which may be electrically controlled should the logic be electronic. The control system preselects ratio gears in a nondriving path and then alternately engages the powershift clutches to switch driving connections from one path to the other. The logic system includes an improved reverse sequence valve (132) and improved shift valves (124, 126, 128).

Abstract: A sharpening device for supporting a file for sharpening the cutting elements of a chain saw. The device includes a base portion that is removably secured to the chain bar of the chain saw, and a top guide portion slidably mounted on the base portion and for supporting the file. The top guide portion moves between a first position at the chain for sharpening one of the cutting elements and a second position away from the chain to permit indexing of the chain to locate another cutting element for sharpening. In one embodiment, the base portion includes two sidewalls, and the chain bar is clamped between the sidewalls. In an alternate embodiment, the base portion includes a magnet for holding the base portion to one side of the chain bar, and further includes two flat pins that project from the base portion for resting on the chain bar.

Abstract: A wrench includes two mutually movable jaws that are mounted by means of parallel linkages to a housing forming the handle. A rod is axially movable in the handle by means of an internally threaded sleeve extending into the bottom of the handle. The rod is connected at its top, by a pivotal link, to the top of the outer member of the parallel linkage. A locking member is pivotally attached to the housing and there is pivotally connected thereto, a wedge-shaped member that is adapted to engage a locking sleeve loosely mounted on the rod. The rotation of the threaded sleeve adjusts the distance between the jaws, while the engagement of the stop member with the locking sleeve prevents the movement of the jaws when they are in a working position.

Abstract: Adjustable ratchet pliers having jaw members that can be easily and rapidly adjusted to accommodate different size workpieces and in which one jaw member includes a slide track with a sunken area located along an elongated slot and the other jaw member includes a slide member that carries a locking means. The slide member has a portion which slides within the sunken area to keep the locking means in the proper position to provide a smooth action of the plies during adjustment.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cutting and welding slugs to lead wires, a die has a bore therein through which the slug feedstock is stepwise advanced. The die is ferromagnetic and a permanent magnet is positioned with one magnetic pole adjacent the cutting end of the die. A knife has an opening therein for receiving the feedstock advancing out of the die when the hole and die are aligned. Rocking of the knife cuts free a slug. When the knife is rocked back into alignment, the slug positions itself on the freshly cut end of the feedstock. Advance of the feedstock then pushes the slug out of the knife and presents it to a clamp.

Abstract: Slot wedges are cut from lengths of wedge stock having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section by air-operated shearing means triggered when an end of the wedge stock contacts a paddle mounted with a paddle-operated electrical switch on a slide assembly movable longitudinally along the path of feed of wedge stock past the shearing means. The shearing means comprises a movable blade having an external symmetrical U-shaped cutting edge cooperating with a fixed blade having an internal symmetrical U-shaped cutting edge with a rounded end and straight, parallel sides. A guide dial with multiple selectable apertures is used to center the wedge stock on the shearing means. The guide dial is aided by an upward protrusion which projects between the legs of the wedge stock cross-section to keep the wedge stock perpendicular to the cutting plane.

Abstract: A pipe shearing device comprising a carriage supported slidably by a pair of spline shafts, a drum cam disposed in parallel with the carriage and engaging a pair of follower rollers of the carriage in its cam rail under a holding condition, a rotary drive means connected through a gear train to said spline shafts, a pair of rotary blades provided respectively on a pair of spline bosses which are supported by said carriage and in engagement with said spline shafts, a pair of arms provided on said carriage and adapted to open or close freely, chucks provided to counter to the pair of arms and a pipe chuck mechanism composed of lower blades provided in the chucks respectively and having an arm drive mechanism imparted, so that while the carriage is making a reciprocal movement produced by the revolution of the drum cam, the chuck mechanism grips or holds the pipe during such section of the forward movement of the carriage that the carriage speed is in synchronism with the pipe feed speed, while one of the rotary

Abstract: A slitter apparatus for cutting a continuous web is disclosed comprising a slitter blade and a slitter mounting bracket. The bracket comprises a threaded depth-post assembly, a spring unit for maintaining the desired tension at the cutting surface, and a dove-tail spring-loaded base.

Abstract: An expression pedal assembly for a musical instrument with conventional electromechanical control means of the pedal being replaced by proximity control means. The pedal assembly is comprised of a casing which houses a proximity detector plate, a proximity detector circuit and may include an audio circuit compartment. Earth shielding of the bottom and walls of the casing is provided. A heel rest at one end of the pedal casing serves to provide the only support for a musician's foot and is so positioned to support the sole of the foot above the proximity device to provide the musician with swift and fluent control of a musical function controlled by the response of the proximity device to movement of said sole.

Abstract: A cabling arrangement for secondary ammunition arranged in the form of at least two ammunition elements in series in a cylindrical casing of a distribution system and being ejectable therefrom. The cabling arrangement serves for supply of electrical energy and/or information to the secondary ammunition and includes a continuous electrical conductor system extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The conductor system is provided with terminals correlated with the individual ammunition elements, the terminals establishing defined separating zones between the conductor system and the individual ammunition elements.

Abstract: An ammunition container has an ammunition supporting platform which is movable upwardly within the outer housing by springs which are loaded by the weight of the ammunition supported thereon. As the ammunition is used, the decrease in the weight of the ammunition thereon allows the springs to recover and elevate the platform to provide a relatively constant upper position for the upper plane of the ammunition supported on the platform.

Abstract: An armored vehicle with a rotatable turret, e.g. a tank, has its gun (cannon) supplied from a munitions bunker behind the turret in which the munitions rounds are stored in tubes inclined at angles less than 90.degree. to the axis of the gun when the breech thereof is aligned with an opening in the magazine through which the rounds are fed from a tunnel in the magazine aligned with the gun. The rounds lie in substantially horizontal planes and are withdrawn from storage tubes by a device movable axially along the tunnel and swingable into alignment with each tube to withdraw the round therefrom and feed it through the opening into the breech of the gun.