Abstract: To recognize knocking conditions in signals derived from a knock sensor, which signals representative of knocking may be masked by background or noise signals, and to clearly distinguish the knocking signal from background or noise signals, the knocking signals are integrated with respect to measuring or strobing intervals during a predetermined angle of crankshaft rotation, digitized in an A/D converter (7) and then compared in a comparator (9) with the same signals which have been passed through a low-pass digital filter (8) to compare the integrated, digitized signal of a then occurring combustion process or event with similar signals of prior combustion processes or events to thereby recognize and distinguish knocking signal conditions from noise signal conditions; digital filtering and comparison as well as sequence timing can be carried out in a single microprocessor (FIGS.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making in-situ measurements of flow resistivity on the Earth's ground surface. The novel feature of the invention is two concentric cylinders, 22 and 23, inserted into the ground surface 24 with a measured pressure 21 applied to the surface inside the inner cylinder 22. The outer cylinder 23 vents a plane B-B beneath the surface to the atmosphere through an air space 28. The flow to the inner cylinder is measured (16) thereby indicating the flow from the surface to the plane beneath the surface.

Abstract: A vacuum package tester is capable of providing data by which the internal pressure and volume of residual gas of a flexible wall vacuum package exposed to atmospheric pressure may be calculated. A container partially filled with liquid is surrounded by a deformation-absorbing enclosure. A vacuum pump reduces the pressure in the head space above the liquid, thereby causing a submerged package to expand. Pressure gauges record the respective pressures in the head space when the package expands by first and second known volumes. From this data, the internal pressure and volume of residual gas of said package, when exposed to ambient pressure and temperature, may be calculated. In use, the invention also performs an improved method.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a viscosimeter adapted to operate continuously, comprising a measuring capillary in which the liquid phase whose viscosity is measured undergoes a loss of pressure. It is characterized in that the measuring capillary (17) consists of a tube of several meters length, wound around itself according to a helix having a diameter of at least 10 cm, the internal diameter of the tube being substantially comprised between 0.20 and 0.30 mm, and in that a sensor for measuring the loss of pressure consists of two identical pressure sensors (22,23) positioned at the entry and at the exit of the capillary (17) for differentially measuring the loss of pressure in this capillary.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the concentration of solid particles dispersed in a liquid medium, (e.g. coal in oil), comprises (a) an ultrasonic pulser, (b) an ultrasonic receiver, (c) a gated peak detector, (d) signal conditioning and display circuits and (e) an ultrasonic transducer assembly including a layer of known impedance to receive the dispersion. The pulser produces an impulse which is converted by the transducer to an ultrasonic wave, which passes through and is reflected back by the interface between the layer and the dispersion to the ultrasonic receiver and passed to the gated peak detector which measures the peak amplitude of the echo from the layer/dispersion interface. The peak amplitude is then converted by the signal conditioning and display circuits to produce a display of the amplitude and/or the solids content of the dispersion.

Abstract: There is provided a new method for analysis of the size and/or distribution of particles emanating from a mother liquid by sedimentation in a rotating disc centrifuge, particularly a photosedimentometer. The method is characterized in that the spin fluid or medium is formed externally of the disc as distinct from being formed within the disc while it is rotating. The externally prepared spin medium is formed from at least two miscible liquids of different densities for example, methanol and water, in a manner such that they are substantially incompletely mixed whereby a density gradient is established in the spin medium. Thereafter the spin medium is injected into the disc while spinning at a given speed, and later the mother liquid is injected. Results are closely comparable to the buffered line start method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,968.

Abstract: An air flow rate measuring device for use with an internal combustion engine in which a signal accurately representing the air flow rate of intake air in an intake air passage of the engine is always available. A first, frequency signal is generated which has a frequency which varies in proportion to frequency of vortices in a vortex stream in the intake air passage. An analog signal is provided which has an amplitude which varies in accordance with an average of the air flow rate in the intake air passage. By using these signals together, an accurate indication of the air flow rate in the intake air passage is continuously provided.

Abstract: A part of the air flowing through a main passage flows into a by-pass passage. A flow rate detector is provided in the by-pass passage. An outlet of the by-pass passage is opened at the narrowest portion of a venturi structure provided in the main passage. The by-pass passage is in communication with a pressure-accumulating chamber, which is in communication with the main passage at the portion thereof which is on the downstream side of the venturi structure. The pressure of the air flowing backward from the engine is stored in the pressure-accumulating chamber. The pressure in the pressure-accumulating chamber serves as a passage resistance with respect to the flow of the air in the by-pass passage. Accordingly, the flow rate detector permits determining the flow rate of the air, which does not contain a component representative of a backward flow of the air.

Abstract: A flow sensor comprising a pair of thin film heat sensors and a thin film heater is disclosed. A base supports the sensors and heater out of contact with the base with the sensors disposed on opposite sides of the heater. The heater is operated at a constant temperature above ambient temperature under both flow and no-flow conditions. Also disclosed is a flow sensor wherein a portion of the depression is devoid of a side wall.

Abstract: A flow sensor comprising a pair of thin film heat sensors and a thin film heater is disclosed. The flow sensor further comprises a semiconductor body with a depression therein and structure connecting the heater and the sensors to the body and bridging the depression so that at least a major portion of the heater and the sensors are out of contact with the body. The sensors are disposed on opposite sides of the heater, the structure connecting comprising two thin film members bridging the depression, each member comprising one sensor and a portion of the heater.

Abstract: An internal gate rotary vane fluid meter is provided with a direct gearless drive between the rotor and the gate mounted on parallel displaced shafts inside a housing. A plurality of timing discs mounted on the rotor are utilized for drivingly coupling and synchronizing the gate to the rotor.

Abstract: An internal gate rotary vane fluid meter which has markedly improved performance as a result of precise control over the geometry and dimensions of the rotating elements and the fluid flow path. In particular, the outer diameter of the gate is maximized and the inlet and outlet passages of the meter are shaped to perpendicularly intersect the rotor vanes when the vanes are sealing against the respective ends of the meter crescent. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet passages each have a total cross-sectional area substantially equal to a vane area to provide substantially constant fluid velocity.

Abstract: A dewpoint sensor has an inlet connected to a gas flow switch that first its air at 100 percent saturation at ambient temperature for determining a reference dewpoint temperature. The switch then connects the sensor to ambient air for determining the ambient dewpoint temperature. Entry of this temperature data in standard tables establishes relative humidity with improved accuracy at high humidity due to the measurement of both temperatures on the same sensor instrument.

Abstract: Adapters are provided for mounting automobile wheel assemblies of different sizes and types to the mandrel of a wheel balancing or tire truing machine. The adapters have few parts and precisely align the wheel assembly with the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of rubbing in a rotary machine, in which at least one acoustic sensor is mounted on at least the rotor part or the stator part of the rotary machine, and the output signal from the acoustic sensor is detected and then filtered to extract a frequency component having a frequency substantially equal to the rotational frequency of the rotary machine, so as to detect the occurrence of rubbing in the rotary machine as early as possible and also to locate the source of the rubbing. Even when the occurrence of abnormal metal-to-metal contact at a bearing of the rotary machine is detected, it is discriminated from rubbing so that the occurrence of the rubbing can be reliably detected.

Abstract: An ultrasound tomography device for scanning an object under examination from a plurality of directions. Coronal slice images of the plane areas near or at the female breast wall are obtained. Ultrasound lobes from ultrasound transducers are electronically directed or mechanically positioned to obliquely strike the coronal slice located at or near the breast wall. A full image of the coronal slice plane is reconstructed through section by section combination of the images obtained from the several ultrasound lobes.

Abstract: An ultrasound tomography device for scanning an object under examination from a plurality of directions. Coronal slice images of the plane or planes near or at the female breast wall are obtained. A sagittal scanner is used to obtain numerous small sectional oblique views of the slice to be viewed. A full image of the coronal slice plane is reconstructed through section by section combination of the images obtained from the several small sagittal sections. By providing the sagittal scanner with a scanning motion as well as with translational mobility a full composite view is provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus comprising, a pulser, a transducer connected to the pulser, which is driven by drive pulses from the pulser to radiate ultrasound wave toward an object and to receive echoes returned from the object to convert the echoes into electrical signals, the thickness of the transducer changing in a direction orthogonal to the ultrasound beam traveling direction, a filter connected to the transducer for filtering the electrical echo signals from the transducer with the filter characteristic which is changed according to a change of the thickness of the transducer, signal processing circuit connected to the filter for processing the electrical echo signals passed through the filter to convert it into tomogram signal, and a monitor connected to the signal processing circuit for displaying a tomogram according to a tomogram signal from the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A material testing apparatus for testing physical properties of a test specimen includes an improved crosshead member adjustably supported on spaced vertical columns and adapted to support a grip for a test specimen to be loaded along a load axis. The improved crosshead member includes a load measuring (load cell) section defined by four spaced-apart openings located symmetrically with respect to the load axis. As shown there are two openings on each side of the load axis. The openings extend through the crosshead member. The crosshead is reduced in thickness or cross section between the openings to raise the stress levels in the crosshead so that strain gages are applied directly to the measuring section and can be used to measure the load applied to a test specimen.

Abstract: A Karman's vortex street flow meter has two conduits through which a fluid to be measured flows, a vortex generating portion disposed at a junction where those portions of the fluid flowing through the respective conduits join each other, a plurality of vortex stabilizers disposed at predetermined equal intervals downstream of the vortex generating portion, and a detector for detecting the frequency at which vortices of a Karman's vortex street are generated downstream of the vortex generating portion to sense the flow speed or the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A flowmeter system and method comprising device defining a path for the flow of a fluid medium therethrough, first and second spaced apart transducers disposed along said flow path for generating acoustic compression waves (energy) in the flow medium between the transducers with increased transmission times and occurring immediately following the cessation of transmission of the other transducer, and circuitry means for measuring the phase difference in the received acoustic compression waves relative to that transmitted and for producing sum and difference voltage signals dependent upon the sum and differences of the two measured phase differences, the length of time for the generation of energy in the fluid being long enough to allow the energy to equilibrate and to allow more time after initiation of transmission before measurement of the phase difference and the purpose of having the second transmitter generate energy immediately following the cessation of the generation of the prior transducer is to swam

Abstract: A multi-degree of freedom force transducer is provided for measuring forces applied to gripper fingers in a manipulator when grasping an object therebetween. The transducer includes a pair of force sensor assemblies rigidly connected at a first end to a respective finger and at a second end to a drive member for the gripper. A plurality of parallel beam structures are contained in each of the force sensor assemblies, each consisting of a pair of flat parallel flexure members, each member bridging opposite sides of a gap in the structure. These parallel beam structures are oriented so that the axis perpendicular to the planar surfaces of the parallel flexure members are orthogonal to one another, providing the capability of measuring the force applied to an object held by the gripper in the X, Y and Z axial directions.

Abstract: A dynamometer controller comprising circuit means for accomplishing numerous improvements including means to convert the reactive load cell torque value into a true torque value instantaneously using an extremely simple passive circuit; a three mode controller including improved integration means to prevent reset windup and a dual mode operation to permit automatic shifting of the dynamometer between its motor and engine modes while preventing oscillations in the system when this occurs; improved means to drive the displays in the performance monitor by blanking one or two of the last significant digits selectively, as well as other improvements.

Abstract: A load monitoring arrangement for a vehicle axle comprises a bolt which in use is fixedly mounted on a vehicle body and is connected with a resilient suspension part so that the body is connected with the suspension part through the intermediary of the bolt. A transducer is secured to the bolt so as to monitor the effect of loading forces acting thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gauge for measuring the weighting force on a textile cot roll. The gauge consists of a pair of pivoted levers having portions extending forwardly of the pivot point which include reduced-thickness ends thereon adapted to be inserted into an opening between a cot roll arbor and a drive roll therefor. The drive roll-contacting lever portion is forked. The arbor roll-contacting lever arm is mounted between the forked arms of the arbor roll-contacting lever and is offset from the pivot point. This allows the lever ends to separate when the rear portions of the lever arms are forced apart by a screw threaded element extending through the rear portion of one of the levers into contact with the opposing portion of the other lever.

Abstract: A dynamometer is provided with a testing member having a bending beam. The bending beam has an end embedded in a support and is elastically deformable in bending under the influence of a force Q applied to its opposite end. The dynamometer further comprises a sensor for detecting the deformation of the beam. Anchorage zones are defined in the material of the beam, for receiving four rows of windings of prestressed gauge wire having their principal strands directed approximately perpendicularly to the force Q. The principal strands remain in close contact with the beam in the bending zone. Two of the rows of windings have their principal strands arranged along the tensioned fibres of the beam and the other two have their main strands arranged along the compressed fibres of the beam. The four rows of windings form an electrical bridge assembly.

Abstract: An automatic liquid transfer system includes a horizontally translatable table and a vertically translatable set of pipettes. The table accommodates a titer tray having a multiplicity of receptacles to be filled, or holding liquid samples to be diluted, and a rack housing plural rows of disposable tips. During each cycle in a serial dilution process, a fresh set of tips are picked up by the pipettes and used to transfer liquid in a sterile manner from a sample or diluent source to a row of wells in the titer tray, or from one row to a succeeding row of wells where it is mixed with diluent. Thereafter, the tips are discharged back into the rack to maintain sterile conditions during the process. A sensor is provided on the machine to detect whether all of the tips in each set are disengaged and another set successfully picked up.

Abstract: A sampler for taking samples from multiple sources has a fixed, non-moving needle at a sampling station. A sample vial is lifted from a tray at the sampling station. The needle pierces the septum of the vial and enters the sample as the vial is lifted toward the needle. The sample vial is also rotated as it is lifted, and a bar code reader makes a number of spaced apart, helical reads on a bar code label attached to the vial for label identification of the sample. The needle includes an inner, sample needle and an outer, gas-pressurization needle. The sample is withdrawn by the positive displacement of a syringe connected to the sample needle. The combination of the gas pressurization within the vial and the positive displacement of the syringe insures movement of the sample and accurate control of the volume removed independent of the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A device for detecting contraband in closed luggage is provided. The device is especially useful for detecting fruits, vegetables, foodstuffs and other materials that give off carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner wherein a setting plate having a guide slot is fitted in an opening formed on a chassis and adapted to be rotated or fixed by a slide plate interlocked with a button slide, a link having a guide opening is rotatably fitted on the setting plate and a setting arm pivotally connected to the button slide is engaged with the guide slot of the setting plate and the guide opening of the link, the link being operable to displace a memory slide.

Abstract: A pushbutton tuner formed of a base unit (A) including a memory slide and operating members for displacing the memory slide upon operation of a push button; a coil unit (B) including a movable member provided with cores displaceable relative to coils; a clutch unit (C) including a clutch mechanism and provided with a rotating shaft for manual tuning operation; and an arm unit (D) including a plurality of button slides fitted with push buttons, respectively, and slidably disposed on a top plate. These units are assembled separately from each other and, then, mounted on a baseplate of the base unit (A).

Abstract: In a driving gear, a wheel is mounted on a supporting plate. The wheel has a rim with teeth on its inside surface and a pinion mounted on the supporting plate is in meshed engagement with the teeth. A housing, attached to the supporting plate, encloses the wheel. Entrainment surfaces on the outside circumference of the wheel engage an elongated power take-off member supported within and extending through the housing.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed automatic transmission employs a housing that fixedly supports an annular toothed raceway. A toothed wheel having an inner raceway is disposed within the toothed raceway and has rolling contact and tooth interengagement therewith. The housing supports a rotatable drive shaft that is concentric with the toothed raceway and supports a radially moveable roller bearing. A drive roller engages the roller bearing and the wheel's inner raceway. A stabilizing roller contacts the wheel's inner raceway and is supported by an arm that is secured to an output shaft. The output and input shafts are axially aligned. Rotation of the drive shaft will cause the roller bearing to impart radial driving impulses to the wheel through the drive roller. In turn the wheel transmits planetary rotation to the stabilizing roller, which rotates the output shaft through the connecting arm.The wheel acts as a circular lever with the fulcrum being on the wheel's contact point with the toothed raceway.

Abstract: Mechanical transmission apparatus having a pair of first and second shafts mounted in a housing, and a gear train mounted thereon. A first small gear mounted on the first shaft meshes with a second large gear mounted on the second shaft. A third small gear mounted on the second shaft is fixedly connected to the second gear and meshes with a fourth large gear mounted on the first shaft. Each one of the large gears has substantially the same number of teeth and each one of the small gears has substantially the same number of teeth. A source of power is coupled to the gear train, and one of the first and second shafts is coupled drivingly to a load. One of the gears of the gear train is fixed to its one of the first and second shafts, whereby power is transmitted from the source through the gear train to the load.

Abstract: A tilt drive is provided for a metallurgical vessel which is mounted on a large sprocket wheel driven by two or more reduction gears. The reduction gears are joined by a torque equalizing apparatus which transmits torque from the pinion of one gear to the pinion of the other, thus acting as a forced synchronizer. The torque equalizing apparatus is effective in both the dynamic and static operations of the drive.

Abstract: A worm (10) and worm gear (12) mechanism in which the gear (12), in addition to its gear teeth (20), also has a helical thread (22) formed thereon. The helical thread (11) of the worm (10) conventionally meshes with the gear teeth (20) of the worm gear (12), rotation of the worm (10) causing a corresponding rotation of the gear (12). The gear (12) is fitted in a threaded hole (21) so that, as it is rotated by the worm (10), it is also caused to move along its longitudinal axis within the hole (21).

Abstract: A lever mechanism (10) suitably, amongst other uses, for use in the control of tractor draft links (22) from a location remote from the tractor operators station.The lever mechanism includes an operating member (40), a support (43) relative to which said operating member is displaceable (Z), a lever (42) pivotally mounted on the support about a pivot axis (44) which is also translationally moveable (X), a first formation (56) on the lever, a second formation (57) on the operating member, and bias means (53) acting to translationally move the lever on its axis (44) away from the second formation (57) to hold the first and second formations (56,57) disengaged when the lever is released.

Abstract: A continuously variable V-belt transmission comprises means for producing a signal indicative of state of a hydrodynamic transmission unit which is drivingly connected to a continuously variable V-belt transmission unit. A line pressure regulator valve regulates fluid supplied by a pump in response to the signal to produce a line pressure variable depending upon the state of the hydrodynamic transmission unit.

Abstract: A gear-shifting mechanism for an automotive transmission or the like comprises a first power train with at least two cascaded ratio-changing couplers inserted between an input shaft and an output shaft, the cascaded couplers being bypassed by a second power train which is normally disengaged but is engageable during shiftovers to interconnect the two shafts with at least one step-down ratio different from any of the speed ratios that can be established by the first power train. The two or possibly more power trains may be constituted by planetary-gear assemblies. One or more of the cascaded couplers could be divided into parallel sections to be alternatively clutched in.

Abstract: A suction cap for the control of the oil pressure regulation system in an automatic gearbox comprising an intermediate chamber bounded by a diaphragm, a housing and a bellows, with a spring connected, on the one hand, to a push-rod and engaging, on the other hand, an inner radial surface of the housing.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle transmission is provided which has at least two transmission trains, which includes a high speed transmission train and a low speed transmission train. The low speed transmission train includes a one-way clutch. Each of the transmission trains have a clutch therein. The control apparatus comprises a hydraulic circuit coupled to the clutch and a creep-preventer which is coupled to the hydraulic circuit for operating in response to the idling of the vehicle engine when the vehicle is stopped, and to make the one-way clutch inoperative to prevent transmission of power through the low speed transmission when the clutch of the high speed transmission is engaged, to thereby permit operation of the clutch of the low speed transmission train without the transmission of power therethrough.

Abstract: A twin lever control assembly for controlling two inter-related functions, such as a clutch/gearbox unit and a throttle of a marine power unit, has an interlock to permit movement of one lever only if the remaining lever is in a particular position. The assembly has an interlocking shaft fitted for movement between two connecting members which rotate with rotation of the respective lever. The shaft has a length greater than spacing between opposed faces of the connecting members, and is spring-urged towards the first connecting member. The connecting members have sockets to receive adjacent ends of the interlocking shaft to prevent movement of the receiving connecting member, the shaft being forced into the socket by either the spring force, or by a camming effect between the first member and the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping insulation from electrical conductors which have a circular cross-section includes a stationary stand on which a circular base plate is rotatably mounted. An elongated support unit for the conductor to be stripped is secured to and extends outwardly from the base plate. One or more insulation cutting knives are slidably or pivotally mounted on a mounting member which rotates together with the circular base plate. The number of knives depends on the type of conductor being stripped. Each knife is provided with an actuating device. The actuating device may be stationary or it may rotate at a rate slower than the rate at which the circular base plate rotates so that the associated knife gradually penetrates into and cuts the insulation layer on the conductor so that it can be stripped.

Abstract: A well pipe spinner includes two body parts carrying rollers and mounted by two pivotal connections for swinging movement between a closed position in which the rollers grip and drive a well pipe and an open position releasing the pipe. A structure extends between and interconnects the two pivotal connections in a relation permitting relative adjustment of their pivotal axes toward and away from one another for gripping different sizes of pipe. The tool is supported by a structure which is adapted to be suspended from a line or other element and which suspends the two body parts and pivotal connections at essentially the locations of the two pivotal axes.

Abstract: A feeder for power tools to permit rapid installation of fasteners such as screws, nuts or the like. The feeder includes a magazine which receives a supply of fasteners in individual holders for movement through an arcuate, tubular guide to an installation station. Means is provided to move the rotatable fastener driver into engagement with the fastener to install the latter. Subsequent withdrawal of novel spacing pins from the surface of the object results in automatic ejection of the empty fastener holder and movement of a fresh fastener and its holder into proper position for installation. The operation may be continued repeatedly to install a plurality of fasteners with each successive fastener being automatically moved in sequence to the installation position.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for aiding in properly connecting the threaded segment of one object, for example a spark plug, to a complementary threaded segment of a second object, for example an engine block including a complementary threaded hole. This device is designed so as to be capable of applying sufficient torque to the first object to loosely connect its threaded segment to the threaded segment of the second object in a properly threaded fashion. On the other hand, the device is designed so as not to be able to apply sufficient torque to the first object to connect together the threaded segments in a way which would strip or otherwise damage the threads. In this way, once the two objects are loosely connected together in a properly threaded fashion, a second device, for example a standard socket wrench, can be utilized for tightening the two objects without fear of damaging their threads.

Abstract: A wrench is formed of two jaws which are shaped to conform to standard fasteners, such as hex nuts, and are supported within a housing for translation relative to each other for gripping the fastener. Closing force on the jaws is exerted by a pivoting handle acting through an overcenter linkage. A crank-shaped lever is positioned contiguous to the overcenter linkage permits operation of the wrench with the jaws being either tightly clenched or slightly withdrawn from the fastener. One end of the overcenter linkage is connected to the housing by a screw which is rotated to set a spacing between the jaws.

Abstract: A key for a tamper-resistant fastener having three sockets, one below the other, one of the sockets being eccentric relative to the center axis of the fastener. The key comprises a flat blade portion having integral upper, middle and lower insertable portions, the center axis of the middle insertable portion being off-set from the center axis of the key. The width and length of each of the insertable portions corresponds respectively to the diameter and depth of the upper, middle, and lower sockets. The upper and lower insertable portions of the key prevent tilting of the key when torque is applied by the off-centered middle section to the eccentric middle socket of the fastener.

Abstract: Apparatus for resurfacing vehicle brake discs by machining opposite sides of the brake disc by a pair of tools and in which the tools can be moved by a lead screw and including a motor which is coupled to the lead screw by a belt for driving it and including means for decoupling the motor to the lead screw including means for loosening the belt so it will not drive the lead screw.

Abstract: A bed for a machine tool comprising a bottom, sides, a front, a rear and top with the bottom having a three point suspension and the top having a substantial portion inclined at between 55.degree. and 65.degree. from the horizontal and including a pair of spaced cavities within the bed which are ribbed and provide dual torque tube reinforcement.