Abstract: Relatively compact apparatus for rapidly and continuously measuring the percentage of dissolved gas in a liquid. In one embodiment thereof, the apparatus includes a gas permeable tube or membrane closed at one end having its other end connected to a pressure sensor. The gas permeable tube is mounted on the apparatus housing such that it can be immersed in the liquid to be measured. During the measurement process, if the liquid contains less dissolved gas than the equilibrium quantity at atmospheric pressure, it will absorb gas from within the gas permeable tube thereby changing the internal tube-gas pressure. The percentage of dissolved gas is related to the extent of gas absorption by the liquid and the resulting internal tube-gas pressure after gas absorption is substantially complete.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of quality grading in uniformity tests of rotors, in particular automobile tires, where a force and/or geometric variation function obtained in a measuring run from the rotating rotor is analyzed by comparison with limit values, with the root-mean-square value or the arithmetic mean of the variation function being used for such comparison with limit values.

Abstract: A device for detecting deformed wheels in a railroad vehicle moving along a track. At least two wave motion sensors are positioned along said track. The wave motions in the rails created by the axial pressure of the vehicle are filtered out from two wave motion sensors spaced apart at a distance along the rails, and the vehicle speed is determined as well as the timing for each vehicle axle passage over at least one of the sensors. The frequency fractions of the vibration signal resulting from possible wheel deformations are filtered out from one or two of the sensors. An analyzer unit analyzes the type of wheel deformation while determining which one of the vehicle wheels is defective. A signal is fed to an alarm circuit upon indication from the analyzer unit that the signal or signals from the high frequency filtering deviate(s) from predetermined, acceptable formations.

Abstract: Snubbers and methods and apparatus for the in-place testing thereof are disclosed. The snubbers include a manifold between the hydraulic cylinder and each of the two control valves fastened thereto whereby for test purposes the control valves and hydraulic cylinder may be isolated from each other and coupled to a test machine for the independent testing thereof. Isolation of the control valves from the hydraulic cylinder allows separate testing of the control valves for lockup and bleed, and isolation of the hydraulic cylinder allows the testing of the cylinder for leakage and breakaway. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the horizontal airspeed of helicopters in low speed ranges. At least three control functions, .theta..sub.o,i (collective pitch), .theta..sub.s,i (longitudinal control) and .theta..sub.c,i (lateral control) are measured. The magnitude of the horizontal airspeed, V.sub.H,i, is determined from its known relationship to .theta..sub.o,i. This magnitude is included in non-linear calibration equations .theta..sub.s (V.sub.H, .psi.) and .theta..sub.c (V.sub.H, .psi.) and control profiles .theta..sub.s (V.sub.H,i, .psi.) and .theta..sub.c (V.sub.H,i, .psi.) are derived therefrom. The measured values .theta..sub.s,i and .theta..sub.c,i are applied to the respective control profiles and corresponding phase pairs .psi..sub.s,1, .psi..sub.s,2 and .psi..sub.c,1, and .psi..sub.c,2 located. The pairs are compared and the incident flow angle .psi..sub.i is determined as the value common to the two pairs.

Abstract: A device for detecting the level of a liquid contained in a tank, for example the level of the fuel contained in the tank of a motor car. The device comprises a vertical bar inserted in the tank and a float movable with respect to the bar to follow the variations in the level. The bar, which is of insulating material, acts as a supporting element for a printed circuit having at least one continuous conductive track and a variable resistor parallel to the continuous track. On the float there is mounted a metal element which simultaneously contacts both the conductive track and the variable resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isometric muscle strength testing using a chair apparatus (40) having a support frame structure (42), a seat assembly (46), a foot rest assembly (60) and load cells (100) interconnected to the support frame structure (42) for measuring the isometric force exerted by any of a plurality of muscle groups in a human subject's body. The load cells (100) are possibly positioned on six track systems; a posterior track (80a), left and right lateral tracks (80b,c) an anterior track (80d), a forward upper track (80e) and a forward lower track (80f) to enable alignment with the muscle group selected for testing.

Abstract: A hydrometer that measures the specific gravity of fluid in channels (36) of a hydrometer body (10). The specific gravity is determined according to the buoyancy of balls (40) that are located in each channel. Lenses (42) are provided in body (10) to aid in observing the position of balls (40). Pedestals (38) are provided in each channel to maintain balls (40) out of sediment accumulated at the bottom of the channels.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for measuring the average hardness of a metal. This method capitalizes on the discovery that a longitudinal wave will travel roughly twice as fast as a transverse (shear) wave, the times-of-flight of the two waves are affected to different degrees by hardness, and there is a linear relationship between velocity and hardness. Longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic signals are applied to a first end (face) of the metal. The longitudinal and transverse signals are detected at this same first end of the metal after they are reflected off of the second end (face) of the metal. The time-of-flight for each of the longitudinal and transverse waves is measured. The hardness, H, in the metal is then determined by applying substantially the following equation: ##EQU1## where: H.sub.1 =known hardness for the hard phase of the metal;h=a constant for the metal alloy;R=measured ratio of shear and longitudinal times of transit; andR.sub.

Abstract: An improved non-destructive sonic testing apparatus is disclosed which is specially adapted for use in assessing the integrity of wooden utility poles. In one embodiment, the sonic testing apparatus of the present invention operates to perform a Fourier analysis on a signal which has been transmitted through a pole to be tested. Two or more criteria selected from the group of mode, mean, median and range are then determined for the resulting waveform and compared in order to provide a visual display representative of the condition of the pole being tested. In another embodiment of the present invention a software peak seeking algorithm is utilized to provide an envelope waveform from which successive half lives are determined. The relative time duration for successive half lives are compared to provide an indication of the amount of decay.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method for testing a material comprises an oscillator which generates a selected frequency in the ultrasonic range. A transducer is connected to the oscillator for applying an ultrasonic signal to the material and for receiving an echo signal back from the material. Two phase detectors are utilized one of which receives the echo signal and an in-phase oscillator signal to generate a first display signal, and the other of which receives a quadrature signal which is 90.degree. out of phase from the oscillator signal, as well as the echo signal to generate a second display signal. The first and second display signals are utilized in a visual display such as a cathode ray tube, to generate an image. The image changes according to the phase shift between the ultrasonic signal transmitted into the material and the echo signal, which, in turn, can be utilized to determine the presence and depth of a flaw or boundary in the material.

Abstract: A pressure transducer with a diaphragm coupler at one end and a sensing element at the other end connected by a capillary tube. The sensing element includes a cap member having a deformable surface including a top wall forming a thin diaphragm having a diametrically disposed raised beam extending across the top surface and having a gage receiving surface for receiving a plurality of strain gages.

Abstract: A device for withdrawal of a fixed volume of powdered, liquid or gaseous material from a withdrawal zone and for conditioning the withdrawn materials for the purpose of analysis which comprises a retractable cylindrical probe in which there is provided a cavity of known capacity, a retractable sleeve coaxially disposed over the probe for permitting or preventing access to the cavity, a substantially closed chamber in which the probe and sleeve are disposed for reciprocal movement into and out of the withdrawal zone, whereby the probe and sleeve may be extended from the chamber into the withdrawal zone, the sleeve may be retracted to fill the cavity, the sleeve may be extended to seal the cavity, the probe and sleeve may be retracted from the withdrawal zone back into the closed chamber, and finally, the sleeve may again be retracted to permit conditioning of the withdrawn material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the injection of a solvent borne sample into the injector port of a chromatograph having a carrier gas flow path for pressurizing the port. The gas pressure in a region adjacent the injector port is monitored. When vaporization of the solvent causes the carrier gas pressure to rise above the steady state value by a threshold amount, a control signal is generated which serves as an accurate time reference for the moment of sample injection into the injector port. The carrier gas pressure is monitored by time averaging the instantaneous carrier gas pressure and differentially sensing the instantaneous carrier gas pressure and the time averaged instantaneous carrier gas pressure. The time averaging is preferably done by flow restricting the carrier gas and accumulating the flow restricted carrier gas in a chamber.

Abstract: The dust producing properties of a pigment or dye are measured under conditions which close approximate those during handling. A vessel with baffles having pigment or dye therein is rotated for a specified time while air is drawn through the rotating vessel by a specified amount of vacuum applied downstream of the vessel. The baffles disturb the pigment or dye in the vessel, creating dust particles which are entrained in an airstream created by the vacuum. Larger particles trapped in this vacuum are removed by a separator, while the dust particles are trapped in the airstream are trapped by a filter. The dusting properties of the pigment or dye in the vessel may then be determined by weighing the filter.

Abstract: A vehicle use-lock actuator is proposed comprising a stationary housing and a reversible drive motor for locking and unlocking successively two remotely positioned locks. In this actuator, the drive motor is mounted within the housing in a hidden position. There is a single control slide for keeping normally respective wire cables at their neutral position for keeping in turn the locks in their locked position. There is provided within the housing a three stage reduction and reversely accelerating gearing between the drive motor and the control slide. The first stage includes a crown gear, while the third stage includes rack teeth which is united rigidly with the control slide.

Abstract: An infinitely variable traction roller transmission with preferably four traction rollers arranged between, and in engagement with, opposite toric discs for the transmission of motion therebetween includes, for each roller, a pivotal support member having a roller supported thereon by a hydrostatic or an antifriction bearing including hydraulic fluid adapted to force the roller into motion transmitting engagement with the toric discs. The pivotal support member is supported by antifriction bearing segments or hydrostatic means and has gear segments disposed at opposite ends thereof, with the gear segments of adjacent roller support members being in meshing engagement for transmission ratio changing pivot movement of all the traction rollers in unison.

Abstract: Shifting mechanism for shifting gears in a gear box. The gear box has a housing, a gear shaft in the housing, a plurality of gears on the shaft, a shift key movable along the shaft for individually connecting the gears to the shaft, a shift collar positioned around the shaft and engaged with the shift key, and a shift fork for moving the collar along the shaft. The shift key moves along a longitudinal groove in the shaft and has a lug with an extended position and a retracted position. The gears have bores through which the gear shaft extends so that the gears are rotatably supported on the shaft. At least one of the gears has a plurality of uniformly spaced recesses circumferentially located around the bore to receive the lug of the shift key so that the gear rotates with the shaft. The recesses have ramps extending regularly in common directions from the bottoms of the recesses toward a common face of the gear.

Abstract: In a transmission comprising a plurality of freely rotatable gears on a change-speed shaft, shift keys slidably disposed within the shaft are supported by a shift collar pivotally but non-slidably by an engagement of the keys with the inner circumference of shift collar. The shift keys are biased to pivot for a selective gear-coupling operation by compression leaf springs disposed between an end face of the shift collar and base end projections of the shift keys.The springs arranged outside the shaft will not require a particular design of the keys and contribute to prolong the life of shift keys. The support structure for shift keys by the shift collar as well as the arrangement of key-biasing springs will secure a compactness of the transmission.

Abstract: A thirteen-speed driving wheel which includes a pedal drive shaft on the axis of the wheel, pedal crank arms, and vehicle interface fittings on both sides for mounting in pedal powered vehicles to replace the chain and derailleur system used in conventional bicycles. The driving wheel is particularly well suited for use in front wheel drive recumbent bicycles and tricycles and, because the driving gears are all enclosed within the wheel hub, provides a compact, low maintenance alternative to conventional chain drives.

Abstract: A bi-directional advance gear having a torque limiting radial friction clutch is disclosed. The friction clutch comprises an annular member having an inner and outer periphery and having gear teeth defined by its outer periphery and radially inwardly projecting teeth on its inner periphery. A flat web substantially closes one face of the annular member to provide a shallow recess bounded by the projecting teeth and defines an opening concentric to the annular member. An inner member having a hub portion is rotatably mounted in the opening and has a pinion gear at one end. The other end of the hub has a plurality of radially extending rosette-shaped springs contained in the recess. Each spring has a pair of radially extending leg portions joined by an arcuate portion. Each arcuate portion has a lobe biased into engagement with the inwardly projecting teeth.

Abstract: A rod actuator which includes a d.c. motor, a reduction gearing, a solenoid assembly which is used to define an intermediate stop position, and rotation stops. The angular extent through which an output shaft of the reduction gearing is rotatable is limited by a pair of limit stops. The solenoid assembly includes a plunger which is located intermediate the limit stops. A rotational stop is rotatably mounted on the output shaft and has a projection which is adapted to abut against the plunger to cease the motion of the rotational stop. The rotational stop is mounted on the output shaft so as to be rotatable relative thereto through a small angle by a lost motion, but is driven for integral rotation with the output shaft when such angle is exceeded. A lost motion connector is used so the angles of rotation where the rotation of the output shaft is stopped by the plunger during its clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations will be substantially equal.

Abstract: A gear box having two coaxial output shafts. The gear box provides for selectively turning the shafts whereby either the outer and inner output shafts rotate together in the same direction at the same angular velocity, the inner output shaft is rotated while the outer output shaft remains stationary, or the outer and inner output shafts are rotated independently of each other. The gear box includes two spaced apart coaxial spur bevel gears and a pair of spur bevel pinions each in meshing engagement with both spur bevel gears. A spur shaft is concentrically located over the inner output shaft and the spur bevel pinions are structurally attached to the spur shaft by radially axles. A first one of the spur bevel gears is concentrically located on the outer output shaft and attached thereto for rotation therewith. The second one of the spur bevel gears is concentrically located on the spur shaft and is journal mounted thereon for independent rotation.

Abstract: A drivetrain (12) includes a transaxle assembly (16) for driving ground engaging wheels of a land vehicle powered by an AC motor. The transaxle includes a ratio change section having planetary gear sets (24, 26) and brake assemblies (28, 30). Sun gears (60, 62) of the gear sets are directly and continuously connected to an input drive shaft (38) driven by the motor. A first drive (78a) directly and continuously connects a planetary gear carrier (78) of gear sets (24) with a ring gear (68) of gear set (26). A second drive (80a) directly and continuously connects a planetary gear carrier (80) of gear set (26) with a sun gear (64) of a final speed reduction gear set (34) having a planetary gear carrier directly and continuously connected to a differential (22). Brakes (28, 30) are selectively engageable to respectively ground a ring gear 66 of gear set 24 and ring gear 68 of gear set 26.

Abstract: An axial gear train having syncline face cycloid gearing which includes an opposed, spaced apart first pair of face gears each of which is rotatably carried on respective shafts having a common axis, an inclined shaft fixed to the end of one of the two shafts, the inclined shaft having an axis passing at a point between the two face gears, and inclined at a given angle to the common axis, a face cycloid gear rotatably supported on the inclined shaft and a second pair of face gears, wherein the mating first and second face gears have a different number of teeth and the same modules, and wherein at least one of the mating face gears having the converged point of the tooth shapes of the tooth faces thereof displaced from the pitch cone vertex thereof along the generator of the pitch cone with the amount of displacement being equal to that of the displacement between the pitch cone vertices of the mating face gears to thereby ensure that the mutual teeth thereof are in accord with the tooth trace along their full

Abstract: A method for controlling an AMT system (10) is provided including sensing and identifying faulty input signals (GNS) from the gear neutral--not gear neutral sensor (76), and, if the signal is faulty, modifying the logic method for control (42) to a logic method tolerant of the identified faulty input signal.

Abstract: A ratio control system for a continuously variable transmission performs a feedback control wherein an integral control gain and a proportional control gain are varied depending upon the level of a line pressure that is used to actuate a pulley unit during shifting operation.

Abstract: A gripper for allowing a twist or screw type container cap to be removed with relatively little exertion by a person's hand, includes a generally solid body of rubber-like resilient material, the body having a recess in which a container cap can be snuggly fitted regardless of the cap size within a determined range of cap sizes. The body material is sufficiently elastic, in the region of the recess, to conform substantially to the outer periphery of the inserted container cap, so that an opening force is applied by the material to the outer periphery of the cap when the body is twisted by the user's hand and the cap is restrained by its associated container from rotation with respect to the gripper body.

Abstract: A lever type crown seal bottle cap remover including a first lever and a second lever pivotally connected to one another, the first lever having a crown cap engaging member extending at right angles therefrom and the second lever having a curved flange engaging finger adapted to be inserted between the lower edge of the crown cap to effect removal of the crown cap from the bottle without distorting the flat top crown surface of the crown cap.

Abstract: A precision hand-driven tapping system for use with an inert rotating-spindle machine which is employed for stability and guidance, comprising a wrench body, guide means and non-integral tap adapter and is secured within said machine by its chuck, collett or clamping device. The wrench body has thereon, and out of the tap line-of-sight, handles spaced 120.degree. apart, or a wheel-like device, for applying hand force to rotate the body. A series of tap-holding adapters are used to secure various sized taps by their shanks. Adapters are press-fitted into the wrench body. A machine clamping device holds the system guide means which, in turn, allows the adapter and tap holding body of the wrench to be manually advanced toward a work piece, manually operated to tap it, and to subsequently be retracted and removably secured at the machine clamping device without the machinist removing his or her hands from the wrench.

Abstract: An improved centering system for turning lathes consisting of a conical device milled with four grooves, equally spaced, to accept corners of square stock to be turned which will provide for concentric turnings. The centering fixture is improved in that it receives the corners rather than the sides of widely varying stock to assure that the center will be obtained.

Abstract: A machine and method to operate the machine to provide a plurality of valve-like perforations in the rubber-like backing of a nap mat or carpet by delivering the nap mat or carpet to and under a spiked roll. The machine includes a sensing device to ensure the leading and trailing edges of the nap mat are not perforated by the spiked roll.

Abstract: An edging apparatus edges a wood board to achieve a desired rounding effect under a rounding rule of the lumber industry. A positioning apparatus positions and holds two edging saws, and the positions of the saws are initially controlled by an operator who selects initial cut positions. Input data, including board length and thickness parameters and the initial cut positions are generated by input devices and a computer is responsive to the input data for computing the best cut positions of the saws. In making this computation, the computer takes into consideration the rounding rule and, according to predetermined criteria, the computer selects best cut positions that will produce an edged board whose measurement exceeds a whole board foot measurement by a desired fraction of a board foot. Adjustment input may be provided to adjust the size of the desired fraction of the board foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a continuous paper web with transversely extending weakened zones into successive stacks of overlapping panels in zig-zag formation has two endless foraminous belt conveyors with divergent active reaches which attract alternate panels of the running web and advance alternate weakened zones into the range of the flights of two spiral conveyors. The spiral conveyors terminate the change of orientation of oncoming panels and deposit the panels on a vertically movable support whereon the panels accumulate into a stack. When the number of panels in a stack reaches a predetermined value, a nozzle admits compressed air between the topmost panel of the stack and the next-following panel so as to open the zig-zag formation and permit insertion of a table having a slot for a reciprocable knife which severs the web along the fold line between the topmost panel of the stack and the next-following panel.

Abstract: The tool holder of a machine for cutting a supply of insulated electrical conductor into discrete lengths employs a standard cutting blade. The standard blade serves as the outer boundary of the tool holder and of the remainder of the machine, thereby assuring that the cut lengths can pass to the next processing station without striking any component and thereby become disoriented. Use of the standard cutting blades is accomplished by employing conventional fasteners to retain the blade on the tool holder. The cutting blade is located in the tool holder by a slotted member and blade shank end locator.

Abstract: A band-saw-cutting system for cutting sections from a work in a substantially continuous, automated manner. The system includes a work carrier adapted to support one or more pieces of work and to be reciprocated to carry the work from a home position to a forward position in a cutting stroke to cut the work and back to the home position in a return stroke. The system includes blade-moving means for automatically moving the blade out of the cutting plane of the blade during each return stroke such that the work will not contact and rub against the blade during the return stroke, and for moving the blade back into the cutting plane prior to the initiation of the next cutting stroke. The system further includes means for automatically moving the work transversely against an adjustable fence to position the work relative to the cutting plane to cut desired thicknesses from the work during each cutting stroke.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ceramic green shaped bodies is disclosed, which comprises a cutting frame having two arm portions arranged side by side in the widthwise direction of the ceramic green shaped body. A cutting fine wire directly extends about the two arm portions through a roll arranged in each of the arm portions. The arm portions are moved toward a cutting direction of the ceramic green shaped body to move the cutting fine wire extended about the rolls into the ceramic green shaped body to cut it. The cutting fine wire is moved reciprocally during the moving of the cutting fine wire across the ceramic green shaped body, and while moving the arm portions toward the cutting direction of the ceramic green shaped body.

Abstract: A chain with cutting teeth wherein a width of a gauge of a drive link is reduced, and a ratio of a set to a height of cutting teeth of a cutter link is below 0.55.

Abstract: These small, inexpensive ornaments and novelties emit music and other sounds (such as simulated voice) when exposed to light, and can be placed out-of-doors in a garden. Being light-powered, they can operate for an essentially indefinite time, even though unattended.Each such ornament or novelty consists of a thematically configured body and a three-element working module sealed in a watertight can. It has no input keyboard or other terminal, and no display panel or other electronic or visual data output, except the audio output.Elements are (1) a circuit, preprogrammed to produce electronic oscillations corresponding to a tune or other sounds preestablished at manufacture, (2) a speaker receiving the oscillations and emitting the sounds, and (3) a solar panel powering the circuit. The speaker shuts off if light is inadequate for completely correct operation, and otherwise is amplitude modulated by the light level.

Abstract: A guitar controller for an electronic music synthesizer utilizes a multiplexed string energization and fret acquisition system wherein a high impedance buffer allows voltages to be detected off the strings at the various frets without drawing current through the frets or fret/string contacts. Unique string bend and string vibration sensors and expression auxiliary sensors are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A keyboard operated musical instrument is disclosed in which musical tones are created by reading out data values stored in a waveshape memory. The number of stored data points is reduced by storing the data values in segments corresponding to one-half of the number of data points for a period of a waveshape. By using synthesized data having a symmetry about the midpoint, the second half of the waveshape is recovered by a forward and backward memory address read of each waveshape segment. After reading each segment a predetermined number of cycles, an abrupt jump is made to the next segment of waveshape data points. The fundamental frequency of the tone is varied in a temporal manner by changing the memory advance rate of reading waveshape data out of memory in response to a frequency offset data corresponding to each segment of the waveshape data. An alternative embodiment is disclosed for a tone generator in which the musical waveshape is computed in real time from stored sets of harmonic coefficients.

Abstract: An improved drumstick comprising a body and an end, a longitudinal axis extending through said body and said end, a knob means extending from said end and which is engaged by a percussion means fitting thereover, the external dimension of said percussion means when measured laterally through the longitudinal axis being no greater than the lateral dimension of said stick when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, at the point of abutment between the stick and the percussion means so as to facilitate handling of the stick and to enhance the physical durability thereof.

Abstract: A cocking slide (2,3) for automatic hand firearms serves for manually pulling back the spring loaded lock of the weapon by means of a one-way coupling (8,9). The cocking slide (2,3) comprises a handle (3), projecting laterally from the weapon, which possesses a device (11,12,13) for arbitrarily blocking the one-way coupling (8,9). In order to safeguard the cocking slide (2,3), in spite of it being easy and safe to actuate, against damage by the effect of external forces, and to enable the lock to be urged forward by means of the cocking slide (2,3), the handle (3) consists of a guiding part (4) and a grip part (6). The grip part (6) is spring-loaded and slewable about an axle parallel with the barrel. Moreover, the grip part is slewable toward the weapon against spring bias over the entire path of the cocking slide, whereby the one-way coupling (8,9) can be blocked.

Abstract: A stores handling system for an aircraft having a fuselage including a chamber for enclosing the stores handling system proximate an area openable through said fuselage through which stores may be loaded into and ejected from the aircraft. The handling system comprises a magazine arranged substantially vertically within the chamber for storing and positioning ejectable stores and including a flexible drive having stores holding shoes spaced apart thereon for engaging and retaining stores against movement within the aircraft, and for lifting and/or lowering stores within the magazine; and a launching mechanism for receiving stores individually from said magazine drive, and including an actuator having hands pivotable between a first closed position and a second open position for engaging the lowermost store to preclude ejecting movement when said hands are in said first position, and for engaging said stores to eject same from the aircraft when said hands are in said second position.

Abstract: A gas pressure adjusting device in the gas-operated mechanism of a gas-operated autoloading shotgun is in the form of a valve assembly comprising essentially a valve seat encompassing a stepped valve opening consisting of adjacent opening parts of different diameters, a valve body having first and second pressure-receiving surfaces and first and second sliding contact surfaces respectively fitted slideably in the valve opening parts, and a spring urging the valve body toward and into closed state against the valve seat. This valve assembly operates with a double action wherein the gas pressure tapped from the barrel bore acts initially on only the first pressure-receiving surface of the valve body and, upon exceeding a predetermined pressure, moves the valve body past a point where it acts also on the second pressure-receiving surface thereby to be released into the outside air.

Abstract: This invention provides a valving arrangement for a reciprocating engine in which there are two valve assemblies, each with a pressure responsive valve member. As the piston approaches the end of its stroke in either direction, the exhaust port is closed, such as by an extension on the piston, causing fluid pressure to build up in the end of the cylinder. This pressure is conducted to the valve assemblies through fluid lines, causing the pressure-responsive valve members to move in response to the pressure build-up in the end of the cylinder. These valve members control the inlet and exhaust connections to the cylinder so that the piston is caused to reciprocate by the working fluid as the valve members are moved pneumatically to open and close the lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous actuation of a plurality of hydraulic consumers by means of intrinsically-safe electro-hydraulic valves. The consumers are connected by hydraulic directional control valves to a pressure line and/or a return line. These hydraulic directional control valves can be connected in a predetermined manner, via pre-control valves to a control line. The pre-control valves are pressureless, and possess electro-magnets with a current consumption of less than 50 milliamps. By connection of a series-connected electro-hydraulic directional control valve means, the pre-control valves are connected to the control line, and at the same time are hydraulically locked.

Abstract: Passive dehumidification ventilator for crawl spaces and attics of dwellings. According to the present invention, dehumidification is accomplished for the attics and crawl spaces of dwellings by providing entrance tubes for circulating air in these regions. The tubes are constructed such that cooler incoming air through the center of the tubes causes condensation on exterior surfaces of moisture that is contained in the air of an attic or crawl space. This moisture is then conveyed exterior to the building so that it is not reintrained in the air flow. Since moisture is reduced by condensation, a lower air flow is required to reduce the moisture content, and thus the heat load of the heating system is reduced thereby. In a soffit unit, a plurality of tubes direct air into the region adjacent the roof structure such that moisture ladened air flowing down the inner surface of the roof condenses the moisture therefrom on the exterior of the tubes.

Abstract: A spring-return type actuator for valves including a piston cylinder mechanism, a movement conversion-transmission means disposed in the piston cylinder mechanism for converting reciprocation of a piston into a rotary motion of a valve drive shaft, a spring mechanism disposed in series relative to the piston cylinder mechanism, and a plurality of tie rods each including a male member having one end thereof attached to a flange portion of one side wall of the spring mechanism and having an external thread portion, and a female member having one end thereof screwed into a flange portion of the other side wall of the spring mechanism and having an internal thread portion helically meshed with the external thread portion of the male member and having a winglike member attached to the outer periphery thereof for engaging the female member with the outer periphery of the spring box to prevent the female member from rotating, and each tie rod having a length set larger than the free length of a spring when assumed i

Abstract: A piston comprises a crown (10) and a ring band (11) carried on two gudgeon pin bosses (12a, 12b) by two supports (20). There are upper and lower pairs of struts (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) on each side of the gudgeon pin bosses, one strut of each pair projecting from one gudgeon pin boss and the other strut of each pair projecting from the other gudgeon pin boss. Each pair carries a respective arcuate skirt portion (22) which extends only part the way round the and is symmetrical about a plane including the piston axis (28) and normal to the gudgeon pin bore axis. There are thus axially and circumferentially extending gaps (25) of constant axial width both between the upper arcuate skirt portions and the ring band between the upper arcuate skirt portions and the lower arcuate skirt portions. This provides a lightweight piston which is very conformable and can be fitted tightly in an associated cylinder or liner to reduce noise.