Abstract: Different types of automotive vehicles having differing age and mileage parameters are automatically inspected. The different types of vehicles are variables such as vehicle maker, model, and engine type. A programmed digital computer responds to outputs of measuring instruments for inspected engine, steering and braking responses of the vehicles. For each vehicle, the computer is supplied with data indicative of the vehicle type, the parameters and with signals indicative of the vehicle engine, steering, and braking responses. The computer responds to the program, signals and data to (a) derive extreme values for a range of acceptable values for each of the inspected engine, steering and braking responses, (b) compare the outputs of the measuring instruments indicative of the vehicle engine, steering, and braking responses, and (c) derive a malfunction signal for each engine, steering and braking response outside of the range of values therefor.

Abstract: An engine timing instrument as disclosed which is particularly designed for use with diesel engines and which responds to the actual time of firing within a cylinder. A strobe may be flashed at the crankshaft angle at which firing occurs and the crankshaft of the strobe flash may be advanced with respect to the firing angle until the strobe flash occurs at a top dead center position. The angle of advance of the strobe flash is measured to then indicate the angle of firing relative to the top dead center position. Important features relates to the use of a piezoelectric transducer placed in a glow plug hole to measure pressure, the transducer being connected to circuitry which provides both a firing pulse and a reference pulse. The reference pulse occurs close to and not later than the top dead center position and is used to measure the time of a subsequent firing pulse.

Abstract: In a well containing a multi-phase fluid flow regime is disposed an elongated body member with a funnel configuration attached thereto for the purpose of collecting and mixing the multiple fluid phases. An aperture is provided in the body member, proximate to the apex of the funnel configuration, to allow dicharge of the substantially homogeneous mixture of the fluid phases from the funnel through a passage in the body member. A rotor is acted upon by the flow of this mixture and generates a signal representative of the mixture flow rate. A portion of the mixture then enters a chamber in the elongated body member wherein a measurement is made of the degree of penetration of the mixture achieved by gamma radiation, thereby yielding a measurement representative of the density of the mixture. The flow rates and volumetric fractions of each of the individual phases may then be determined in accordance with the mixture density and total flow rate.

Abstract: A reference is established indicating the functional relation between differing proportions of one fluid phase within a mixture of a plurality of fluid phases to the dielectric response of that mixture. Measurements are taken within a well wherein the well fluid consists of multiple fluid phases, of the flow rate, density and dielectric response of the well fluid. The dielectric response measurement is related to the established reference to determine the apparent proportion or volumetric fraction of one fluid phase of the well fluid. The density measurement is utilized to determine the volumetric fraction of the same phase of the well fluid.

Abstract: A vibrating wire placed in the humidity duct of a standard radiosonde is used to measure vertical profiles of the concentration of supercooled liquid water in clouds. An electronic circuit is provided for monitoring the natural frequency of vibration which varies according to the mass of ice accumulated on the wire by contact freezing. The time rate of change of ice accumulation is related to the supercooled liquid water concentration. By monitoring the natural frequency, the supercooled liquid water concentration can be found.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a liquid-level sensing transducer having a baseplate which is adapted to removably secure the same to close an opening in a tank within which liquid level is to be measured by noting the angle of a pivoted float arm. A pivot-bearing mount of insulating material is secured by two spaced bolts to the baseplate, and this mount establishes two spaced parallel planes of support which are perpendicular to the pivot axis. A conductive plate is mounted in one of these two planes, and an electrical-resistance element is mounted in the other of these planes. A float-arm pivot member is rotatable in the pivot-bearing mount and includes a radially offsetting arm which sweeps the space between the parallel planes. The offsetting arm of the pivot member supports a moving-contact element in resiliently loaded wiping contact with the conductive plate at one end and with the resistance element at the other end.

Abstract: A sight-glass mounting consists of a section of pipe having a flange at each end and openings provided on diametrically opposite sides are sealingly covered by glass discs. The openings are arranged off-center with respect to the axis of the section of pipe.

Abstract: A flexure in a transducer such as an inertial guidance accelerometer for suspending a force sensitive element to a mounting base includes a reduced thickness central portion and a pair of relatively thick ribs disposed on opposite sides of the central portion. An electrically conductive coating is disposed on at least one face of the central portion to provide electrical connections to components located on the element. The reduced thickness of the central portion minimizes errors caused by stresses in the interface between the conductive coating and the element and the relatively thick ribs provide a desired strength and spring rate for the element suspension.

Abstract: A frame for being seated upon the fabric carries first and second spaced apart sensors capable of detecting the leading front of an acceleration wave as it passes each sensor. The first and second sensors each have an output, responsive to the presence of the acceleration wave, which can be coupled to a timer for measuring the time of flight of the acceleration wave between the two sensors. The velocity of the acceleration wave being determined by dividing the time of flight by the distance separating the sensors. An acceleration wave generating mechanism may also be carried by the frame and can include a solenoid oriented so that its armature impacts the fabric perpendicular thereto. Preferably the solenoid is energized by a pulse controlled by a solenoid energizing circuit. A noise immunity circuit connected to the sensors aids in discriminating against noise and transients.

Abstract: Ultrasonic wave attenuation in an object is determined from the number of zero crossings of a reflected signal as a function of depth. The zero crossing density is indicative of the frequency spectrum, and by comparing the zero crossing density at one level to the zero crossing density at a second level a measure of attenuation therebetween is obtained. Apparatus for implementing the method comprises a zero crossing detector such as a Schmitt triggered monostable multivibrator and a pulse counter.

Abstract: An extended flaw in a material is located in two or three dimensions by propagating ultrasonic energy in a predetermined direction in the material and logging receiving transducer positions and ranges at which individual facets on the surface of the flaw produce maximum amplitude ultrasonic returns. The positions of all of the individual facets in the material are calculated from the predetermined direction, receiving transducer positions and the corresponding ranges. The locations of the individual facets outline the extended flaw.

Abstract: A vibration sensor comprises a support plate, a generally elongated vibrator element mounted on the support plate at one end thereof in a cantilever fashion, and at least one plate-like metallic piece rigidly secured to that one end of the vibrator element.

Abstract: A corona-discharge type gas flow meter includes a discharge electrode, and a split collecting electrode, the collecting electrodes are connected to input amplifiers which act as current-to-voltage converters receiving a reference signal from an integrator acting to integrate the sum of the outputs of the input amplifiers. The output of the integrator is used to control an EHT supply for the discharge. An output amplifier provides a flow signal by running the signal from one input amplifier, from a variable offset nulling signal derived via an amplifier from the integrator and a fixed offset nulling signal from a potentiometer.

Abstract: An elongate body extends as a bar across a fluid flow passage and has a vortex shedding tapered head portion pointing upstream and a tail portion downstream of the head. The head has an axial length equal to or less than half the head width. The tail has a width less than head width throughout its length. A sensor is arranged downstream of the head. For example, the sensor may be in the tail portion of the body such as to sense the vortices produced alternately on the side surfaces. The frequency output of the sensor is proportional to the relative speed between the elongate body and the fluid. The arrangement can be used as a fluid flowmeter or a ship's log.

Abstract: A collection tube and method for drawing samples of blood and other biological fluids, such tube having a tip construction effective in promoting the entry of such fluids into the tube and, where the tube is designed to fill by capillary attraction, in enhancing the rate and extent of such action. The fine-bore tube is transparent and is cylindrical in shape with its tip beveled to define an oval planar end surface, the long axis of the oval intersecting a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the tube at an acute angle within the range of about 35.degree. to 60.degree..

Abstract: The disclosed device for diluting liquid sample feeds both the liquid sample and a diluent solution to a mixing point through a first and a second roller pumps respectively, so that the concentration of the liquid sample in the resultant mixture is controlled by regulating the revolving speeds of the first and second roller pumps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gyroscopic instrument comprising concentric containers, the inner container enclosing a rotating electric gyro rotor, magnetic fluid enclosed between the inner and outer concentric containers, and magnetic flux producing means mounted on at least one of the two concentric containers, so that magnetic fluxes reach the magnetic fluid to support the inner container without contacting the outer container. The magnetic flux producing means are preferably mounted and oriented on a line drawn on at least one of the concentric containers at predetermined distances so that magnetic fluxes transmitted from the pole of one flux means reach the opposite pole of an adjacent means by passing through the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A motor driven hinge assembly for effecting relative pivotal motion between hinged members. The assembly includes first and second members hinged together, drive links slidingly connected to the first member and pivotally connected to the second member, a motor disposed within the first member and a gear train and lead screw connecting the motor with the drive links. Actuation of the motor effects pivotal motion of the second member relative to the first member between folded and unfolded positions.

Abstract: A linkage for actuating a pair of suction cups that are located adjacent the other end of the guide rails and that can fold an upwardly inclined blank on the guide rails; the suctions cups being adapted to hold by suction two adjacent side panels of the blank, that are contiguous to the lower guide rail and on vertically opposite sides of the blank, and to rotate in opposite directions about the lower guide rail until the suction cups are 90.degree. apart, so that the two adjacent side panels are folded 90.degree. apart about the lower guide rail and thereby the blank is folded into a rectangular tube.

Abstract: A gearbox drive that adapts the drive train ratios of vehicles to standard speedometers, including an input gear, an intermediate gear and an output gear rotatable about axes defining an equilateral triangle, arranged so that upon rotation of the input shaft in either direction, the reaction forces on the intermediate gear will be substantially balanced. The gears are supported in mating cup-shaped input and output gear cases with the input gear case member having an input gear bearing and two secondary bearings each of which selectively supports either the intermediate gear or the output gear. The output gear case member has an output gear bearing and two secondary bearings each of which selectively supports either the intermediate gear or the input gear.

Abstract: An interlock device for a shift mechanism of a multi-speed power transmission device includes a shift rod capable of selective axial positioning at a plurality of predetermined locations for specific gear ratio operating conditions and a neutral non-operating condition. The shift rod includes detents in the surface thereof associated with these locations and a position locating device is aligned with the shift rod to be capable of being forced into engaging contact with one of these detents by the introduction of pressurized air into a power cylinder acting thereon. Selective axial positioning of the shift rod is prevented when the torque transmitting power source providing the input to the transmission device is in a power mode and causes the pressurized air to be applied to the power cylinder.

Abstract: A foot-operated device for controlling a parking brake wherein a parking brake pedal is locked in its operated position through engagement of a pawl member with ratchet teeth. The pawl member is connected to a bracket pivotally supporting the pedal, and the ratchet teeth are formed on the pedal. The parking brake is released only when a pedal pad pivotally connected to the pedal is pivoted on the pedal and the pedal is depressed. Near the pawl member is disposed a lever pivotally connected to the bracket. The pedal, pedal pad, pawl member and lever are pivoted about respective axes which are parallel to one another. The pedal pad and the lever are connected by a connecting device which transmit a pivotal movement of the pedal pad to the lever such that a movement of said pedal pad incident to a pivotal movement of the pedal is not transferred to the lever.

Abstract: A locking and positioning apparatus for reclining seats including a back member pivotally connected to a seat member for movement between an upright position and various inclined positions. The locking and positioning apparatus includes first and second telescoping members innerconnected by a pair of gripping elements which are normally biased into frictional gripping engagement with one of the members for preventing relative movement between the members in either direction of travel between the members. A manually actuatable pivotal lever having portions disposed between the pair of gripping elements is provided for releasing the pair of gripping elements from gripping engagement with the one member for preventing relative movement between the members in either direction of travel.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel cover is disclosed formed of a continuous tubular member adapted to tightly conform and be maintained upon a steering wheel without the use of auxiliary fasteners or wrapping cords. The cover is fabricated having a semi-rigid, resilient inner tubular core which frictionally adheres to the circumference of the steering wheel and an outer fabric covering adapted to dissipate heat and cold and provide a substantially slip free hand gripping surface.

Abstract: A gear crank for a bicycle comprises a crank shaft, a pair of crank arms and at least one chain gear, the crank shaft carrying at its one axial end one of the crank arms, and a larger diameter portion onto which the chain gear is connected not-rotatably with respect to the crank shaft.

Abstract: A freewheel device for connecting a power input to a selected one of a plurality of outputs so as to transmit rotary motion in one direction of rotation and to over-run when the speed of the selected one of the outputs exceeds that of the input, includes a neutral condition in which the input is rotationally disengaged from any of the outputs. In a described embodiment, the freewheel device comprises a plurality of rollers retained circumferentially adjacent one end of an axially movable shaft in operative association with a plurality of wedge-shaped portions formed on the shaft, axial movement of the shaft serving to engage the rollers between the wedge-shaped portions and, selectively axially spaced-apart internal, cylindrical surfaces formed on each of the outputs and on a rotatable support.The freewheel device finds particular application in the transmission system of multi-engined helicopters.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a gear transmission mechanism including first and second friction mechanisms which are alternatively engaged by alternative supply of first and second pressures thereto when the highest speed stage and the next to highest speed stage are alternatively engaged, and a torque converter including a lockup clutch.

Abstract: A wire cutter and stripper apparatus is disclosed. A crank means has a crank shaft rotatably mounted on a frame and a crank arm means fixedly mounted on the crank shaft. The crank arm means is operatively engaged to a cutter and stripper means. An actuator means is operable to rotate the crank shaft to move the cutter and stripper means toward an insulated wire fed intermittently through the wire cutter and stripper apparatus by a wire feed means.

Abstract: An open ended ratchet wrench comprising a wrenching disc having a radially disposed open ended nut recess, carrying pivoting tongue ratchet pawls, the disc held between two jaws with ratchet teeth engaged by the pawls. One of the jaws is pivotally retractable for installation and removal of the interchangeable wrenching disc. The handle carrying the jaws may be installed upon or removed from the disc regardless of the position of the nut recess and either laterally or longitudinally in respect to the nut. According to one aspect of the invention, a retractable jaw is pivotally connected to the handle and retained by matching notches in the jaw and the handle. The jaw pivot pin carries an eccentric cam which acts against an appropriately shaped perforation in the retractable jaw to disengage the notches.

Abstract: A linkage apparatus for a pair of relatively pivotal elements, such as the pivotal jaws of a hand tool, preferably includes at least a pair of linkage members pivotally interconnecting the pivotal elements. Each of the preferred linkage members is pivotally pinned to the pivotal elements and includes elongated apertures therein for receiving and supporting the pivot pins of the other linkage member.

Abstract: A practice of severing a length of chain wherein the chain is supported and an interior link of the chain is severed at the link portion which passes through the central opening of an immediately adjacent link.

Abstract: To permit continuous adjustment of separating rollers (10, 11) positioned downstream of cutter cylinders (3, 4) cutting sheets (7) from a continuous web (1) during operation of the machine, to adjust for different lengths of cut sheets, and accelerate the cut sheets to the circumferential speed of a gripper apparatus, the separating cylinders (10, 11) are mounted on a first carrier structure (38) which is longitudinally moveable independently of the drive therefore with respect to transport belts (8, 9) passing beneath the separating rollers, the adjustment spacing between the separating rollers being controllable, for example by compressed air cylinders (55). Drives, in order to reduce noise, preferably are by gear belts driven from the cutter cylinders, to provide for synchronized operation of the transport or conveyor belts, the separating cylinders (10, 11) and of subsequent transport apparatus, such as a gripper cylinder (12).

Abstract: Apparatus 30, FIG. 2 for severing an article 12 from a carrier strip 10 and for positioning the severed article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a die 33 having an aperture 32 exiting therethrough from an entrance end 35 to an exit end 36. A ramped shaped wall 37 is located on one surface of the aperture to taper the aperature as it extends from the entrance end to the exit end such that the exit end has a rectangular block "C" shaped opening. A punch 31 in axial alignment with the aperture for entering into and extending through the aperture, has a cavity 43 on one surface to accept ramped shaped wall 37 as punch 31 extends into aperture 32 and to form a block "C" shaped surface on the bottom face 42 of punch 31. When an article 12 is placed between punch 31 and aperture 32 and punch 31 is moved into the aperture, article 12 is severed from carrier strip 10 and is pushed by face 42 into the aperture.

Abstract: Mechanism for cutting a web of rolled flexible sheet material in a dispenser having a feed roller and pinch roller between which the web passes is provided with a knife mounted in the feed roller to be projected outwardly beyond the periphery of the feed roller during a web severing cycle wherein engagement of the pinch roller with the web immediately before the knife penetrates it acts to maintain tension in the web ahead of the knife and a high friction surface portion of the feed roller periphery which is in contact with the roll of material maintains tension in the web behind the knife as the web severing cycle proceeds while peripheral protrusions on the feed roller momentarily bump the roll out of contact with the feed roller during feed roller rotation to permit periphery which is in contact with the roll of material maintains tension in the web behind the knife as the web severing cycle proceeds while peripheral protrusions on the feed roller momentarily bump the roll out of contact with the feed roll

Abstract: Metering apparatus includes a casing defining spaced first and second chambers and respective first and second piston members sealingly slidable by applied fluid pressure in the chambers. Support member coupled to and moveable with the second piston members projects from the casing to receive a load to be metered. Located within the first piston member is a third chamber in which a plunger is sealingly slidable. The second and third chambers are in communication whereby respective opposed transverse faces of the second piston members and the plunger are engageable to determine a limit position for the second piston means in the second chamber. In a preferred application, the metering apparatus is incorporated in a block forming machine, for example a cheese block forming machine, in which the load support platform is positioned within an upright housing to receive a column of a solid medium confined within the housing.

Abstract: A table saw guide apparatus includes a generally flat guide plate adapted to overlie the tabletop of a table saw, and an upstanding stop device is disposed adjacent to, and space laterally by a short distance from the saw blade. A projection is disposed on the underside of the plate and is adapted to fit securely within a tabletop groove for ficing the plate on the tabletop. A substantially flat workpiece carrier is disposed on, and in overlying relationship, with the upper surface of the plate. The carrier has an edge adapted to engage the stop device for slidable engagement therewith. The upper surface of the workpiece carrier is flush with the top edge surface of the stop device to permit the workpiece to rest on top of both the top edge surface device and the upper surface of the carrier. A gauge device is mounted removably in the upper surface of the carrier for engaging the workpiece and for helping position it angularly relative to the saw blade.

Abstract: A method of cutting a hole in the wall of a pliable tube in which the tube is flattened and is held with the walls touching each other and in which a plug is cut in one of the sidewalls while the tube is in this flattened position.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing an endless blade for splitting hides, textile products and the like. A fixed assembly carries upper and lower cylinders or rollers for feeding the workpiece to the blade. A mobile or movable assembly carries the blade mounted on two spaced pulleys and is adjustable with respect to the rollers in order to change the spacing between the blade edge and the feeding plane between the rollers. Also mounted on the movable assembly is a sharpening device in the form of two grinding wheels which are biased toward the blade edge. A blade positioning mechanism controlled by a photocell sensing the position of the blade edge maintains the blade edge in the desired position relative to the rollers despite erosion of the blade due to sharpening and wear.

Abstract: An anchor for a bass drum or similar percussion instrument having a barrier secured to one end of a flexible foldable friction mat of a size capable of receiving the instrument at the barrier end and the player at the other end.

Abstract: An electronic learning aid for interactive operation with an operator with capabilities for the synthesis of a tone or sequence of tones. The tone, in the alternative, is used to either prompt the operator to respond in like fashion or is in response to the operator's input of a tone or sequence of tones. In this fashion the learning aid selects a tune to be synthesized and communicates this tonal sequence to the operator who responds by attempting to mimic the sequence. An alternate operation of the learning aid is for the operator to audibly input a tone sequence and for the electronic learning aid to attempt to mimic the sequence of tones.

Abstract: A device and method for safely cutting through the outer body or case of a round of ammunition to recover the internal components thereof by providing a cutting implement on an operable device sized to receive the round when closed and engage the cutting implement.

Abstract: A three rack and double pinion weapon elevation mechanism is disclosed and is useful for positioning and balancing a weapon, such as a cannon, on a combat vehicle. Two hydraulically-actuated gear racks are in facing relation with a main pinion in meshing engagement therebetween. The main pinion is integral with a shaft to which an output pinion is attached. Rotation of the main pinion produces an identical rotation of the output pinion. The output pinion is in mesh with a sector gear attached to the weapon. The two racks are slidable past the main pinion causing it and the output pinion to rotate in one direction or the other, producing a corresponding elevation or depression of the weapon. A third hydraulically-actuated rack is meshed with the main pinion to exert an elevating torque on the output pinion counter to a depressing torque exerted thereon by the weight of the weapon and which varies with changes in weapon elevation angle.

Abstract: The duct system includes rectangular duct sections suspended from a ceiling of a room, discharging conditioned air from the top, and being formed of fabricated acoustical fibrous board sound absorbent with respect to sounds emanating from sources in the room outside of the duct sections.

Abstract: An aeration fan mounting system having a wall adapter and a fan housing with aligned interior surfaces and held in end-to-end alignment with each other by support bracket assemblies having insertion rings extending outwardly from both the wall adapter and fan housing and also having brackets for holding the insertion rings adjacent each other.

Abstract: Ventilating apparatus suitable for use with double glazed panels comprises an elongate cylindrical member having an outwardly circumferentially extending flange and adapted to receive removably a ventilating component therein and an annular member thereon. The cylindrical member extends through apertures in the panels and the flange and annular member are adhesively secured to adjacent panels thereby to seal the cylindrical member relative to the panels.

Abstract: A solar radiation heat influx sensor mounted within an automotive vehicle fender mirror housing, which can accurately detect solar radiation heat influx due to rays of sunlight falling upon the vehicle. The detected heat influx value is used in controlling an automotive vehicle air-conditioning system to adjust passenger compartment air temperature, more specifically to determine an appropriate air conditioning air mix door opening percentage. The solar radiation heat influx sensor according to the present invention comprises a sensor body having inlet and outlet portions and a central window, a blower to drive air therethrough, an outside-air temperature sensor disposed in the inlet portion thereof and a warmed-air temperature sensor disposed in the outlet portion thereof, and a calculating unit to calculate solar radiation heat influx in response to the two detected temperatures in accordance with a predetermined equation.

Abstract: The over-pasteurization of a product in a tunnel pasteurizer can result when the normal movement of the product through the pasteurizer is delayed. Over-pasteurization is prevented by cooling the product in the pasteurizing zone to reduce its temperature to a temperature at which no appreciable pasteurization occurs. The temperature of the product may be returned to pasteurizing temperatures when the delay no longer exists. An improved tunnel pasteurizer is described for preventing over-pasteurization of spraying the product with cool water to reduce its temperature. The preferred pasteurizer also includes an automatic level control system for the regenerative paired zones, an external water tank to recover and reuse energy and water usually wasted and a closed cooling system which provides for cooling of the pasteurizer water without the risk of cross-contamination of the cooling source and the pasteurizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal tank-type container, particularly for use in winemaking, the beverage industry and the preparation of alcohol. The upper portion of the container is of a substantially circular cylindrical shape. The invention resides in the container being pear-shaped or escutcheon-shaped in cross section normal to the longitudinal container axis, with the narrow portion pointing downward. This enables the container to be conveniently emptied and easily cleaned.

Abstract: The machine comprises a dough flattening out station, a puff-pastry cutting station, a cut puff-pastry triangle spacing and orienting station, a triangle aligning station and a forming station, wherein a plurality of conveyor apparatus are provided effective to convey baking pans under the forming station, in such a way as to cause the pastry pieces to orderly fall into shaped recesses formed in the pans.The machine further comprises a mechanical type of device effective to control the falling of the formed pastry pieces on the pans and a rotating brush device for bending the pieces according to a predetermined curvature.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in blanching edible nuts, particularly peanuts. Two generally vertical plates are disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another and connected to a drive mechanism for producing lengthwise oscillations of the two plates, both of which are covered with abrasive inner surfaces. Unblanched peanuts are fed into a gap at the top of the two plates, which are set apart by a distance generally corresponding to the average thickness of the peanuts being processed. As the peanuts move down between the plates, the oscillating action of the plates blanches the peanuts which drop out through the bottom and are carried away for further processing, packaging, inspection or the like. Vertical grooves are formed in the inner face of each plate near each end thereof to prevent the nuts from falling out of the open ends between the plates.