Abstract: Pre-fabricated modular panels for attachment to the exterior walls of existing buildings to provide supplementary insulation. The panels include exterior facing, vertical support ribs, spacer members, a fastening strip secured to the spacer members and compressible insulation mounted from the vertical ribs to provide a ventilation space between the insulation and the facing. When the fastening strip is fastened to the building exterior wall, the insulation contacts said wall and is compressed thereagainst in contour accommodating relationship.

Abstract: A facing material for a building is disclosed which is capable of effectively and readily carrying out the lateral connection between facing materials as well as the vertical connection. The facing material comprises a flat plate body which is formed at both side ends thereof with a side fit-in section and a side fit-on section which are adapted to be readily securely fitted with respect to the side fit-on section of a first laterally adjacent facing material and the side fit-on section of a second laterally adjacent facing material opposite to the first one. Also, a method for vertically and laterally connecting facing materials together is disclosed which is capable of readily forming an outer face of a wall or a roof of a building.

Abstract: A building block or panel having the shape of a right parallelepiped having two opposed major faces (11), the remaining faces being edge faces which are formed to interlockingly engage with the edge faces of similar building blocks wherein two pairs of adjacent edge faces at opposed sides of the block are each formed with an elogate recess (13) extending from the respective corner of said adjacent edge faces to an intermediate location on each edge face, each edge face being formed with an elongate projection (15) which is able to be received in the recess (13) of a corresponding block; the one end (17) of each projection (15) adjacent the respective recess (13) being contoured to define at least a portion inclined at an angle of less than 90.degree. between the face and the base of the respective recess wherein the other end of each projection (15) has a face of a complementary configuration.

Abstract: A space frame is made from a plurality of truss modules and transverse chords. The truss modules and transverse chords are interconnected by fasteners contained therein. The truss modules have split longitudinal chords which are abutted to interconnect the truss modules. The transverse chords interconnect with the truss modules which are alternatingly arranged in two parallel planes to form the space frame matrix.

Abstract: A dropped-article sensor is positioned beneath the platform conveyor of a wrapping machine wherein articles are received at a feed-in station and conveyed to a wrapping station along a conveyor path extending between and including the feed-in station and the wrapping station with sheets of wrapping material being wrapped about the packages at the wrapping station. Articles dropped from the conveyor path fall upon the dropped-article sensor which not only catches the articles, but generates a wrapping machine stop signal or interrupt such that the dropped article must be retrieved before restarting the wrapping machine.

Abstract: An automatic bag tying apparatus for converting an open bag loosely holding a substance into a tight package. A first gripping assembly tightly grips the unsealed bag toward its mouth. A second gripping assembly loosely and slidably grips the unsealed bag to form a neck. A displacement assembly displaces the gripping means relative to each other to cause the gripping means to move apart until the substance stops against the second gripping means. Bag closure applying apparatus then applies a closure to the bag in close proximity to the substance to create the final, closed, tight package. The tying apparatus further includes a guide assembly, and the gripping assemblies open sufficiently wide to allow passage of the bag and product therethrough which enables gravity loading of the apparatus. Tightening of the bag about the product is also controlled by pressure sensing apparatus to prevent over-tensioning of the bag.

Abstract: Packing method and apparatus for packing consumer packages directly onto a pallet. First the packages are arranged to form a load layer on a support plate, which plate and load layer is supported at its sides by a guide plate. Then the support plate is removed so that the load layer is immediately slid onto the empty pallet located below the support plate or on top of a previous layer located on the pallet. Now the pallet together with its load layer, is lowered the height of one load layer so that the load layers are supported on all sides by the guide frame and as new packages emerge from below the guide frame they are simultaneously wrapped in the final wrapping material. The method can be modified so that after the load layer supported by the guide frame is formed on the support plate, the plate is lowered and removed so that the load layer is slid onto the pallet located at standard height below the support plate or on top of the previous load layer located on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel apparatus having a plurality of flexible members which extend downstream horizontally along a wrapping conveying assembly for making unitary packages which are wrapped on all sides. The apparatus is particularly adapted for wrapping of loads with lengths and circumferences which vary substantially from one load to the next. Film is wrapped around the load, the flexible members and the conveying assembly with the load being carried off by another conveyor. The flexible members extend from the load being wrapped to the previous load which has been wrapped so that the stretched film is wrapped around the flexible member between loads causing the flexible members to be pulled inward forming a configuration resembling an hour glass. As the loads are being continuous bundled, the wrapped bundles can be transported downstream to a cutting and sealing area where the wrap is severed and optionally sealed forming individually enclosed wrapped packages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for picking up objects randomly distributed on a surface, for example nuts on the ground, in which a wheel made up of a plurality of coaxially mounted, flexible cylindrical discs separated by flexible spacers is rotated over the ground so that nuts become wedged in the spaces between adjacent discs and rotate with the wheel. Ejector rods fixed to a handle eject the wedged nuts into a basket pivotably mounted on the handle.

Abstract: A raking implement, which is especially well-suited for use as a sand trap rake, comprises a rake head which is formed from a resilient, elastomeric material. A plurality of tines extending from the crosshead are integrally formed from the same resilient, elastomeric material. A stiffener, which is also formed of a resilient elastomeric such as nylon, is embedded within the crosshead to increase the rigidity along a transverse axis. The rake head is attached to a hollow handle by means of an integrally molded socket, a threaded bolt and a wedge nut.

Abstract: In a jet spinning device, in order to enable automatic transport of the yarn from a twist jet to an output roller pair which, for spin-technological reasons, is somewhat spaced from the twist jet, the twist jet is placed in flow communication with a pneumatic guide tube projecting up to the output roller pair. In order to enable automatic threading of the yarn or the like into the output roller pair, the opening or mouth of the guide tube is arranged so close to the output roller pair that the yarn is conveyed into the converging space of the output roller pair and is engaged or entrained thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spun yarn having true twist comprising extracting staple fibers from a bundle of staple fibers; and collecting the extracted staple fibers on the periphery of a spinning rotor; and recontacting the extracted fibers with the bundle of staple fibers to form a combined untwisted yarn; and twisting the combined untwisted yarn to produce a twisted yarn; and withdrawing the twisted yarn from the spinning rotor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acceleration limiting a gas turbine engine (10) is disclosed. A proportional fuel control (11) regulates the fuel flow Wf from a hydromechanical unit (36) based upon an error signal E representing the difference between a demanded speed signal Nd and an actual speed signal Ng. The demanded speed signal Nd is generated by an integrator (32) as the time integral of the difference between the demanded signal Nd and a scheduled speed signal Ngs. Additionally, the difference signal is limited between an upper limit A1 and a lower limit D1 prior to the integration by a comparator (28) and a limiter circuit (30). The acceleration limit, A1 is generated as a function of a nondimensional parameter ratio (dN/dt.times.N)/Wf.

Abstract: A control device for a power-driven pump used for a car comprising a d.c. motor, an air pump driven by the d.c. motor and an exhaust device for reburning and purifying exhaust gas from an engine by actuating the air pump, wherein sensors for detecting quantity of air necessary to be fed into the exhaust device to purify the exhaust gas and a variable control device to variably control the revolution speed of the d.c. motor depending on the quantity of air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a piston driven internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger, provides for the exhaust gases of the cylinders to be conducted to an afterburner chamber and subsequently to the exhaust gas turbine of the turbocharger when the motor vehicle is coasting, i.e., when the motor vehicle and engine are being driven by the vehicle's inertia, with the ignition for the cylinders being turned off and the charging air being introduced into the afterburner chamber. The noncombusted fuel/air mixture from the cylinders is combusted in the afterburner chamber with the additional charging air to thereby bring the turbocharger to its full output for reacceleration of the engine.

Abstract: A turbine system is provided in which a turbine is associated with an auxiliary component such as a moisture separator reheater (MSR) through piping that extends over substantial distance and the respective supports for the turbine and the MSR are subject to differential movement upon a seismic shock. The turbine is rigidly supported on its foundation while the MSR has a floating support on its foundation which includes permanently lubricated sliding plates between the feet of the MSR and the MSR foundation. In addition, viscoelastic dampers are employed at spaced locations between the MSR and structural steel plates that are rigidly attached at one end to the turbine foundation. The dampers allow adequate movement of the MSR for the protection of crossover and crossunder piping due to thermal expansion and contraction, but minimize relative movement of the MSR and the turbine foundation upon seismic loading.

Abstract: In a power plant comprising an evaporator for transferring heat to the working fluid from a heat source whose temperature is subject to variation, thereby evaporating a working fluid, and a turbine driven by the evaporated working fluid, the temperature of the heat source is detected, an optimum physical value relating to the evaporation at the evaporator is caluculated in accordance with the detected temperature, and evaporation of the working fluid at the evaporator is controlled in accordance with the calculated optimum value.

Abstract: A chemical energy power plant includes control of steam temperature to prevent turbine damage while allowing throttling of the power output level and rapid response to commands for changed power output level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the temperature and pressure of confined substances is disclosed. Heat may be removed from or added to a substance within a tank or pipe by means of thermal conduction between the substance and a thermoelectric heat pump. As a result, undesired vaporization and soldification of the substance within the tank is prevented and the temperature and pressure thereof may be controlled. A temperature and/or pressure sensor is utilized to activate the heat pump at appropriate times and various ways are disclosed to provide maximum thermal heat transfer between the substance within the tank and the heat pump.

Abstract: A cryopump and method for using cryopumping to enhance the sensitivity of a leak detection system. The cryopump is used to control the relative pumping speeds of the gases normally frozen out on the pump or adsorbed in a cold adsorbent to thereby achieve the enhanced sensitivity of the system. The system is characterized by controlled access to the cold panel which is disposed within the warm panel.

Abstract: An absorption cooling and heating apparatus and method, in which generator means evaporates a refrigerant from a solution therewithin to form refrigerant vapor, and condenser means then condenses the refrigerant vapor so produced within the generator means. Evaporator means receives the condensed refrigerant from the condenser means, and evaporates the same to form vapor therewithin, with absorber means being provided to absorb the refrigerant vapor that was formed in the evaporator means. The absorber means also receives a concentrated solution conveyed from the generator means, and delivers a dilute solution to the generator means. Heat exchanger means is provided for effecting heat exchange between the concentrated solution being passed to the absorber means, and the dilute solution being returned back to the generator means. Also, switch means for alternately changing to a cooling or to a heating cycle is provided.

Abstract: An evaporation-cooled gas insulated electrical apparatus comprising, in a housing, an electrical device generating heat when in operation, a condensable refrigerant convertible between liquid and vapor phases, and a noncondensable, electrically insulating gas. The condensable refrigerant and the noncondensable gas are selected so that the ratio V.sub.g /V.sub.1 of the gas phase volume V.sub.g and the liquid phase volume V.sub.1 is between 1 and 10, and so that the specific weight of the noncondensable gas is smaller than the specific weight of the vapor of the condensable refrigerant during operation, and so that the noncondensable gas and the condensable refrigerant vapor are separated due to the difference in their specific weights.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the accumulation of frost on the evaporator coils of refrigerating equipment. An emitter or source of electromagnetic radiation having a selected narrow band of wavelengths and a selected intensity directs the electromagnetic radiation at the frost. A detector, spaced from the frost and emitter, receives the narrow band of electromagnetic radiation and detects changes in the intensity of the radiation due to absorption or scattering of the radiation by the frost in a relation proportional to the thickness of the frost. Control means responding to the detected change in intensity of the radiation is provided to initiate a defrost cycle and control the accumulation of the frost on the evaporator coil surfaces. Other embodiments of the invention include a liquid level detector and a physical state phase change detector.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle or heat pump employing an electrochemical compressor. The cycle uses a working fluid at least one component of which is electrochemically active. Another component of the working fluid is condensable. In one embodiment, the electrochemically active component is hydrogen and the condensable component is water. The electrochemical compressor raises the pressure of the working fluid and delivers it to a condenser where the condensable component is precipitated by heat exchange with a sink fluid. The working fluid is then reduced in pressure in a thermal expansion valve. Subsequently, the low pressure working fluid is delivered to an evaporator where the condensed phase of the working fluid is boiled by heat exchange with a source fluid. The evaporator effluent working fluid may be partially in the gas phase and partially in the liquid phase when it is returned from the evaporator to the electrochemical compressor.

Abstract: A pressure differential valve connected to a refrigerating circuit piping which, when a refrigerating cycle stops, blocks the high pressure coolant from diffusing into the low pressure section. Said pressure differential valve comprises a valve body having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet; a valve disk installed in a valve chamber between the first inlet and the first outlet to open or close the passage between the first inlet and outlet, the valve disk being urged to open by a spring; a diaphragm installed between the second inlet and the second outlet to form pressure chambers; and a check valve secured to the diaphragm and communicating to both of the pressure chambers; whereby when the check valve is closed, the diaphragm causes, through a connecting rod, the valve disk to close. Said valve disk has radially projecting guide vanes attached to the axially extending portion of the seat-contacting disk to form spaces through which coolant can flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for a non-mechanical refrigerated vehicle is disclosed. A rail car (10) has an enclosed storage area (17). A bunker (20) is positioned proximate the ceiling (16) for containing solid refrigerant flakes. Loading manifold (50), supply manifold (70) and the nozzle (75) transfer and convert the liquid CO.sub.2 into the solid refrigerant flakes that are directed into the bunker (22). A mesh screen (30) allows for vapor to exit the bunker (22) to the storage area (17). The screen mesh (30) is positioned proximate the first sidewall (11). The sidewalls (11) and (12) have channels (34) and the floor strips (44) have air flow channels (44e) for the flow of air, including vapor. When the refrigerant flakes sublimate in the bunker (22), the vapor flows from the bunker (22) out the screen mesh (30), down the channel (34) of the first sidewall (11), across the air flow channel ( 44e) and up the channel (34) of the second sidewall (32), all by convection.

Abstract: Plate freezer apparatus has a plurality of vertically disposed refrigerated plates separated from each other by spacer frames to define a plurality of open topped compartments to receive product to be frozen. The assembly of plates and spacer frames are held together by spring tensioned rods which apply a compressive force to the assembly. Each plate has a number of wedge surfaces and a plate separating device engages the wedge surfaces of an adjacent pair of plates to thereby separate those plates to enable the spacer frame and frozen material therebetween to be withdrawn. The frozen material is removed from the spacer frame which is then re-inserted between the separated plates and the separating device removed before the compartment is refilled with product to be frozen.

Abstract: The invention provides an absorption-refrigeration system including:generator means in which the vapor of a volatile refrigerant, dissolved in n absorbent, is driven off the absorbent by heat exchange with a source of thermal energy;condenser means in which the refrigerant vapor is turned into liquid refrigerant;evaporator means in which the liquid refrigerant is turned into refrigerant vapor by heat exchange with the substance to be refrigerated, andabsorber means in which the refrigerant vapor is redissolved in the absorbent to be recycled,characterized in that the refrigerant is selected from the group of fluoro-and fluoro-chloro-hydrocarbons, that the absorbent is an organic polar solvent possessing a strong chemical affinity with respect to the refrigerant, and that at least one of the heat exchanges involves direct contact between the partners to the heat exchange, which partners are mutually non-reactive and non-miscible.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator, particularly for air conditioning installations in automotive vehicles, comprising an evaporator block including several evaporator tubes and coolant supply means. The coolant supply means comprise an expansion valve, a feed tube and a manifold from which the evaporator tubes extend. A calming line segment for the coolant is arranged within the manifold. A distributing space connected with the calming segment is located adjacent to the calming segment. Means are provided for deflecting the coolant between the calming segment and the distributor space.

Abstract: An improved earring for pierced ears including a plastic post and backing is disclosed, which earring has less tendency to irritate the wearer's pierced ear hole than conventional pierced earrings. The post and clutch may be of nylon and the post is pliable so that it tends to bend if its inward end is pressed against the head or neck.

Abstract: A locking electrical outlet box is positioned over one or a pair of electrical wall outlets having a conventional apertured face plate secured to the wall. The box includes an apertured bottom wall for registry with the wall outlets with the face plate removed and for fastening the box upon the wall and the face plate applied to the bottom all. The box includes a cover hinged thereon with an apertured latch bar and one or a pair of outwardly opening slots adapted to receive an electric cord from an appliance terminating in a plug. A key lock is anchored upon the box and includes a rotatable latch registerable with the latch bar.

Abstract: An improved deadbolt lockset is provided in which one of two different backset distances is facilitated in a single latch assembly. At least one planar side plate coupled to a deadbolt extension is provided and is slidably contained within a hollow latch case. Movement of the side plate determines the distance from the face plate of the assembly to the axis of an actuating assembly. The latch case includes slots formed therein for positioning the actuating assembly and to allow movement of the side plates.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated door lock has a pivotally mounted deadlock lever which can lock either a latchbolt or a deadbolt. The locking and release movement of the deadlock lever is controlled by pivoting a release lever which is biased by a spring to maintain the deadlock lever in its selected operating positions. A solenoid-controlled main operating lever pivots to extend or retract the latchbolt or deadbolt through a lost motion connection. The lost motion connection ensures that the deadlock lever is moved to its release position before the latchbolt or deadbolt is retracted into the lock. The lock includes a triggerbolt which is extended when the door is open and is pushed into the lock when the door is closed. Switches are provided to monitor the operational condition of the lock and the position of the door. Indicator lights are provided at a remote guard station to show the operational condition of the lock. A switch is also provided to control the energization current of the solenoid.

Abstract: A central locking system with a two-door control for motor vehicles, in which certain locking operations are precluded in dependance on the position of the key of a starter switch of the driving engine. In order to prevent an unitentional locking of the vehicle doors under certain operating conditions, means are provided according to the present invention which enable a locking actuation of the central locking system exclusively by the interior actuating element of the driver door on the steering column side when the key is in the starter whereas only a mechanical locking of the individual front door on the passenger side is possible by way of the interior actuating element of this passenger door.

Abstract: The levers (5) of a lock which retain a bolt (3) in its locking position are prevented from moving to release the bolt by a latching member (12) in its latching position. The latching member (12) is movable along a guide (10) to an unlatching position by action of a solenoid (15). Insertion of the key (6) into the lock operates a switch (20) which actuates a timer operating the solenoid after a delay.

Abstract: A cylinder operated deadbolt lock in which a solid housing is provided with bores and apertures only to accommodate the lock components, such as the lock cylinder, the lock bolt, and the bolt moving mechanism. The lock bolt is provided with a rack and extends into the housing where it is thrown and withdrawn by a pinion mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulic overload control system for a mechanical power press having a flywheel driven eccentric shaft and one or more pitmen drivingly coupled to the eccentric shaft. The press has a slide drivingly coupled to the pitmen by corresponding hydraulic piston and cylinder connections.

Abstract: A method of correcting distortions existing in a rolled strip product by using a tension leveling equipment including a leveling mill station for smoothing out distortions remained in the strip product by producing a permanent elongation through the repetition of bending procedures rendered upon the strip while passing under tension therethrough, a pair of bridle units disposed on the both input and output sides of the leveling mill station, and means for rendering a tension upon the strip from a predetermined rate of elongation under the effect of a difference in the feeding velocities of the bridle units, which comprises the steps of detecting the distortions in the shape of the strip product upon the delivery thereof from the output bridle unit, obtaining detection signals, and controlling the rate of intermeshing in the leveling mill station and the rate of elongation of the strip product to a required range in accordance with the detection signals.

Abstract: A method of controlling a tension levelling equipment for correcting residual distortions in an extension of strip including a series of input and output bridle roll means for rendering a tension upon the extension of strip extending between the input and output sides of a levelling mill station for smoothing out the distortions, and slipping clutch means connecting the bridle roll means with driving means allowing a slipping motion therebetween, which comprises the steps of measuring a current tension rendered upon the extension of strip at both the input and output sides of either of the input and output bridle roll means, and controlling the engaging torques of the slipping clutches in such a manner that a current slipping motion produced between the extension of strip and the bridle roll means may be nullified or eliminated according to the result of measurement of tensions, whereby it can remove all possible defects such as flaws and scratches in the surface of a strip product caused from the slipping mo

Abstract: An improvement in a continuous rolling mill for forming flat steel strip into tubing. The improvement is a strip preparation station including upper and lower composite roller systems. Each system has end rollers which define a pass path for the strip. The lower end rollers have a support surface for engaging the lower surface of the strip and an outer pocket with a lower transition surface extending between the support surface and the outer pocket. Each of the upper end rollers has an engagement surface for contacting the upper strip surface and an outer flange which terminates below the level of the support surface and extends into the pocket. Each upper end roller has a bevelled working surface adjoining the engagement surface and overlying at least a portion of the transition surface and a portion of the support surface for cold working the irregularities of the strip. A method of preparing a strip for formation into a tube in a continuous rolling mill is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing the thickness of a slab of metal under conditions that tend to produce alligator defects in the ends of the slab, the method comprising the steps of tapering at least one end of the slab and directing the same into a rolling mill. The tapered end of the slab is reduced in thickness in the mill, the amount of reduction increasing as the tapered end passes through the mill. The slab continues through the mill to reduce the thickness of the same. The end of the slab is again tapered and directed again through a rolling mill, with each of said tapers providing combinations of entry thickness to thickness reduction such that the reduction taken in the area of each taper is in an entry thickness to thickness reduction zone that does not produce alligatoring in the ends of the slab. The remaining untapered portion of the slab is reduced in thickness in the mill in an entry thickness to thickness reduction zone in which alligator formation tends to occur.

Abstract: An extrusion press is provided with a butt dislodging apparatus for removal of a billet butt from an extrusion die with the dislodging apparatus including an elongated butt knock-off bar having a free end which is movable within proximity to a butt shear blade and in converging relationship with a shear plane along which the shear blade is movable.

Abstract: A demodulated audio signal for detection of engine-knock is digitalized to produce a sequence of digital signals corresponding to the various cylinders of the engine in turn. These digital signals are recursively filtered by applying a factor k to a newer value and its complement (1-k) to an older value from the same cylinder or a value obtained therefrom by partial filtering and the sum of the two factor-modified terms is formed to provide a reference value with which the most recent digital signal is compared, to produce an indication of engine-knock when the latter exceeds a reference value by a predetermined amount. The factor k is varied in accordance with acceleration of engine speed or with the level of signals from the vibration sensor that exists before the application of automatic gain control prior to integration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a possible leak in a vacuum package, in which the vacuum package is received within a wrapping wall at least essentially consisting of a gas-tight, flexible wrapping foil adapted for substantial adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package under the influence of overpressure, so that the vacuum package is tightly enveloped by the wrapping wall. Overpressure is applied to the wrapping foil such that this adjustment to the contours of the vacuum package is effected without sealing any leak present, ensuring that the pressure exteriorly of the vacuum package remains higher than the pressure within said vacuum package. Hermetic sealing from the outside air is effected in the residual space remaining between the vacuum package and the wrapping wall during a predetermined detection period, the pressure being gauged in function of the time.

Abstract: A system for measurement of the speed and torque produced by hydraulic motors. A strain gauge-based, integral hydraulic motor speed and torque sensor is accurate in measuring the motor speed at system pressures greater than 1.4 megapascals (MPa) (203 lb./in.sup.2). The sensor can also accurately determine the torque being produced by the motor from the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method and performing apparatus for testing the efficacy of the lock-up mechanism for a torque converter on a transmission test machine includes a lock-up switch wired in a manner to simultaneously direct current to the lock-up solenoid of the transmission under test and a digital clock. The current is provided by the associated electrical system of the operating prime mover of the test machine. A simulated axle load on the test machine is braked to preclude rotation of the transmission's output shaft connected thereto. Upon operation of the prime mover, the transmission shifts into high gear and current from the electrical system is directed to the solenoid and clock by closure of the lock-up switch. Upon proper engagement of the lock-up assembly, the direct drive established between the driven and braked output shaft precludes rotation of the drive shaft. This preclusion of rotation shuts down the prime mover and cuts off generation of the current by the associated electrical system.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the evaluation and diagnosis of tire contributions to annoying erratic motions of a vehicle, which motions are induced when the vehicle travels over longitudinally grooved pavement. The apparatus utilizes a vehicle the forward end of which is supported on a laterally movable carriage, with freedom to yaw, and the rear end of which carries a loaded test tire and an axially spaced companion tire on respective curcumferentially grooved and circumferentially smooth tire driving means. Sensor means are provided to measure transverse or angular motions or displacements generated as the test tire moves laterally across the grooved drive surfaces in response to lateral movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle body comprising positioning a vehicle body provided with desired configurations and dispositions of interior compartments and components in a wind tunnel facility, depositing fluid entrainable particles on the vehicle body and operating the wind tunnel facility to direct a fluid stream onto the vehicle body laden with such entrainable particles whereby the particles are caused to be entrained by the fluid stream along laminar layers of fluid flow and remain deposited in various stagnant, barrier and wake zones, resulting in a reconfigured vehicle body having optimized aerodynamic characteristics. The particles can be deposited on the vehicle body and the fluid stream may then be directed onto the vehicle body or the particles may be injected into the fluid stream upstream of the vehicle body to be entrained and carried by the fluid stream and deposited on the vehicle body in the stagnation, barrier and wake zones.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to mapping or survey apparatus and methods, and more particularly concerns efficient transmission of survey signals or data from depth level in a borehole or well to the well surface, for analysis, display or recordation; further it concerns efficient transmission of command data from a surface computer unit to the survey tool at depth level in a borehole or well for control of instrumentation operating modes, operating characteristics, or diagnostic purposes; and further it concerns supply of DC power downwardly to the instrumentation via a wireline by which such command signal and survey data or signals may be transmitted upwardly or downwardly respectively.

Abstract: In a formation tester having a snorkel extending laterally for penetration of a formation, differential sticking may occur. In the preferred embodiment, the snorkel is surrounded by a seal ring and a resilient pad around the snorkel. The present invention includes upper and lower, evenly spaced push-off pistons. They are extendable parallel to the snorkel to push the tool body away from the wall of the borehole. The pistons extend piston rods supporting end located pads to enable breaking of differential sticking on retraction of the snorkel.