Abstract: A device for controlling the heating of a catalyzer arranged in the exhaust passage of an engine. When the engine is started, the catalyzer is rapidy heated by the heater, and the time for which the power is supplied to the heater is increased as the catalyzer use period becomes longer, to thus increase the temperature of the catalyzer to the activation temperature thereof when the power supply to the heater is stopped regardless of whether the catalyzer is new or has deteriorated.

Abstract: Method for improving the heat rate of a steam turbine operated in a partial-arc mode includes sequential closing of control valves to establish a first arc of admission at which pressure drop on a first control stage reaches a predetermined level. Steam pressure to the turbine may then be reduced in combination with valve closing to maintain first stage pressure at or below the predetermined level. In a further method, low power operation is achieved by maintaining a constant arc of admission while simultaneously moving all open valves toward a closed position.

Abstract: In order to reduce the number of component parts required for a master cylinder incorporated in a hydraulic brake system and steering brake system which is composed of two master cylinders interconnected through a compensating line, it is suggested by the present invention that the compensating line (60) be connected to a compensating chamber (22) adjacent to the pressure chamber (21), and that a valve assembly isolating the pressure chamber (21) from the compensating chamber (22) be formed by a sealing cup (7) arranged on an operating piston (3) that is actuatable by the master cylinder piston (2).

Abstract: A hybrid engine is disclosed which utilizes the heat from the exhausted combustion gases of an internal combustion engine to generate steam externally of the cylinders of the engine. The steam is used to power turbines which may be effectively connected to augment the power supplied by the internal combustion engine or to act as a power transfer medium. The device includes a modified exhaust manifold which incorporates one way valves and water injection ports to enable steam pressurization within the manifold. Steam spent in the turbines is condensed and returned to the system with exhaust gases being vented to atmosphere subsequent to the utilization of their previously wasted heat energy for power production.

Abstract: The invention presented relates to a process and system for removing the moisture from the intake air of a gas turbine. More particularly, the process involves passing the intake air flow through a mesh pad to reduce the moisture level thereof downstream from the means used to cool the air prior to entering the gas turbine compressor.

Abstract: Compressor discharge capacity is controlled by using the smaller value as a desired cooling temperature for control, comprising a first desired evaporator cooling temperature computed from the pattern of the desired cooling temperature characterized by its being high when a cooling load is low, with a second desired evaporator cooling temperature computed from the pattern of the desired cooling temperature characterized by its being high when the outdoor temperature is moderate, and by its being low when the outdoor temeprature is low or high. Therefore, if the desired temperature is set high in a passenger compartment when the outdoor temperature is high, or if a cooling load is low when the outdoor temperature is low, the desired cooling temperature can be kept low for controlling while maintaining high dehumidifying capacity.

Abstract: A commercial food preparation refrigerator unit, comprising a food storage chamber disposed under a food preparation table and in which a unique baffle controls circulation of refrigerated air whereby to maintain condiments and/or ingredients in the chamber and foodstuffs in separate trays extending from the table into the chamber, at a uniform refrigerated temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioner system includes separate indoor and outdoor units affixed to opposite sides of a building wall. A plurality of conduits extend through the wall for transferring heat exchange media and electrical media between the units. Each conduit comprises a hollow first pipe extending through the wall, and two hollow second pipes connected to opposite ends of the first pipe and also connected to a respective unit. A hollow threaded fastener connects each second pipe to its respective first pipe and conducts a fluid between the pipes or houses an electrical wire extending between the pipes.

Abstract: A liquid polymer-salt solution as a desiccant in an air conditioning system comprised of a heat-pipe having its heat absorber section in an outside air inlet duct following water vapor adsorption into the desiccant by a contacter section of a dehumidifier, and the heat-pipe having its heat rejecter section in an exhaust air duct and preferably preceeding water vapor discharge from the desiccant by a regenerater section of the dehumidifier.

Abstract: An auger type ice making apparatus having a discharge section comprising a modified elbow portion and a discharge tube extending outwardly therefrom with pressure applying apparatus mounted on the upper end of the auger for rotation therewith and located in the modified elbow and having a generally cylindrical outer surface immediately adjacent to the upper end of the auger and a generally conical outer surface extending upwardly therefrom and wherein a portion of the inner surface of the modified elbow comprises an oval surface opposite to the generally conical outer surface and wherein a portion of a radially outwardly extended flange on the upper end of the generally conical outer surface is located in an arcuate recess in the oval surface and with at least one cutter extending radially outwardly from the generally cylindrical outer surface. Also, apparatus is provided for distributing the refrigerant for improved performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid chilling of bottles and cans having a main bowl (46) and an inner bowl (48) in the main bowl. A basket (90) is mounted in the inner bowl and is adapted to receive bottles (92) to be chilled. The inner bowl has an opening (66) at its lower end. An agitator (88) driven by a submerged motor (86) assists in the circulation of cooling fluid in the main bowl and the inner bowl. The inner bowl has openings (76) near its upper end. Cooling fluid passes through these openings and into the gap between the inner bowl and the main bowl. Refrigeration coils (80) cool the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating chamber, a damper for opening and closing a cooling air supply channel, and an actuator for displacing the damper. A spring biases the damper closed. The actuator includes a rotary knob which rotates a cam disk. Rotation of the cam disk in one direction opens the damper against the spring bias. The knob includes a plurality of recesses which are selectively engageable by an elastic pin to yieldably retain the knob in various positions of damper adjustment.

Abstract: A refrigerant receiver includes a tubular body having a bottom and an open upper end portion, and a closure fitted in the open end portion. The open end portion is constricted and crimped by electromagnetic forming and thereby secured to the closure.

Abstract: A household refrigerator includes a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a condenser receiving refrigerant from the compressor and a phase separator receiving refrigerant from the condenser. The liquid refrigerant containing portion of the phase separator is connected to the inlet of the freezer evaporator, the outlet of which is connected to the compressor. The vapor refrigerant containing portion of the phase separator is connected to the compressor. The fresh food evaporator is connected to the phase separator to receive liquid refrigerant from the phase separator and to return vapor refrigerant to the phase separator.

Abstract: Warp and weft yarns are alternately laid one on top of the other and the weft yarns are stitched to provide a woven-like fabric appearance. At least one weft yarn is provided in each stitch course between the stitch loop and the underlap, the stitching forming no part of the interlacing and the woven-like fabric appearance.

Abstract: A thin-webbed H-beam steel having a web thinner that flanges is produced by forcibly water cooling the outer surface of the flanges during an intermediate hot rolling prior to a final hot rolling by cooling to less than 700.degree. C., interrupting the cooling to return the temperature to greater than 700.degree. C., and repeating the cooling and interrupting in order to refine the microstructure of the surface of the flanges to a predetermined depth from the surface; final-hot rolling the intermediate-hot rolled H-beam steel; and forcibly water cooling the flanges of the final-hot rolled H-beam steel in a manner such that the web does not wave during this forcible water cooling, and such that upon completion of the forcible water cooling, thermal stress, generated in the web during air cooling to room temperature, does not exceed the buckling strength of the web.

Abstract: In a method of producing a metallic container by subjecting a metallic material having an organic resin coating to single-staged or multiple-staged drawing, uniformly coating a lubricant on the surface of the organic resin coating of the metallic material and draw-forming the coated material, according to the present invention, a high lubricating property is obtained at the time of drawing by using a small amount of a saturated hydrocarbon as the lubricant, and by simply heating the formed can, a major portion of the lubricant can be removed and the degreasing and washing steps or the subsequent drying step essential in the conventional method, can be omitted, with the result that the printability or the flavor-retaining property can be markedly improved, and consumption of water resource and energy resource can be reduced and a high effect of preventing environmental pollution can be attained.

Abstract: A roller-type straightening apparatus for an H-beam having horizontal rolls for pressing the web of the H-beam are alternately vertically disposed. Pairs of vertical rolls press the outer surfaces of the opposed flanges of the H-beam. The horizontal roll presses the surface of the web of the H-beam. The pairs of vertical rolls are located to correspond in position to each of the horizontal rolls.

Abstract: A ratiometric signal correction system for use in detecting angular position of a butterfly valve in an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle which is input from one sensor to a master control unit and slave control units. The master control unit serves as reference, and mark pulse signals are transmitted to the or each slave control unit when the butterfly valve is in either of two predetermined angular positions whereupon discrepancies between the angular positions detected by each slave control unit and the master control unit are used to generate correcting factors etc. so that the position of the butterfly valve can be detected with substantially equal accuracy in all control units.

Abstract: A method of and device for gauging a liquid meter, the device comprising an enclosure containing a piston and hydraulically connectable to the measuring member of the meter, the piston being a plunger piston with a cross-section smaller than that of the enclosure and being mounted for a sliding motion in fluid-tight relationship through a wall mounted transversely within the enclosure to there define two fluid-tight capacities between which the piston moves in plunging relationship.

Abstract: A portable basketball rim rebound testing device 10 is illustrated as a preferred embodiment for testing the rebound characteristics of a basketball rim 12 and its accompanying support system to determine the rebound characteristics of the system. The apparatus 10 includes a depending frame 28 having a "C" shaped hook 36 for releasably rigidly connecting the frame to the basketball rim 12. A free weight 60 is mounted on a guide rod 52 permitting the free weight to be dropped and impacting against face plate 56 and ceramic washer 58 to generate a sharp force impulse for deflecting the basketball rim downwardly and then permitting the rim to vibrate. A transducer 24 is mounted on the depending frame 28 to sense either the acceleration or the force being applied to the basketball rim 12 for a period of approximately 50 milliseconds to obtain sufficient information to calculate the rebound characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a gas in an ambient atmosphere comprises a multiple quantum well structure; a thin mesh of a transition metal formed on the multiple quantum well structure; and an arrangement for monitoring transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the mesh and the multiple quantum well structure.

Abstract: A vessel for containing an electro-conductive fluid, the vessel having a laminated wall structure and including an outer structural shell, an inner corrosion-resistant lining made of electrically non-conductive material, constituting a barrier between the structural shell and electro-conductive fluid in the vessel. An electrically resistive medium is mounted between the structural shell and the corrosion-resistant lining, the resistive medium carrying an array of electrodes mounted in spaced apart relationship at fixed and known locations. A main electrode is mounted in the vessel extending into the electro-conductive fluid which forms an electric path between the main electrode and the resistive medium in occurence of a fault in the corrosion-resistant liner, such that electro-conductive fluid is allowed to contact the resistive medium. An electronic controller impresses a voltage difference across electrodes of the array for causing electric current to circulate through the resistive medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the concentration of relatively low molecular weight target components in a liquid. The method involves commingling the liquid with a diluent to form a liquid-diluent mixture, stripping the target components from the liquid-diluent mixture, and passing the stripped target components to a detection zone wherein the concentration of each target component is determined absent the separate analysis for each component.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to soil erodibility testing utilizing: an outer backwater tank, which during testing is filled with water; an inner liner positioned at least partially within the outer backwater tank for minimizing return turbulence and providing a mount for either a feed tube or pin profiler means, and; a feed tube having a nozzle thereon, which is positioned within the interior of the inner liner. Water is forced through the feed tubed and nozzle, into contact with soil to be tested, so that at least a portion of the soil is removed by erosion. The volume of soil removed by erosion is determined based on the differences between an initial soil profile and an eroded soil profile, which may be measured with a pin profiler means.

Abstract: A misfire detection device for an internal combustion engine determines the time length tx from each ignition timing, as determined by the ignition signal Se, to a predetermined angle of the crank shaft after the ignition timing as determined by the crank angle pulse signal Sd. When the difference between the current and the preceding time lengths thus determined exceeds a reference level, an occurrence of misfire is detected. Alternatively, when the difference .DELTA..omega.d between the instantaneous angular velocities immediately after the ignition timing and a predetermined angle thereafter as determined on the basis of the crank angle pulse signal Sd is less than a predetermined reference level, an occurrence of misfire is detected.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine coupled with a supercharger includes an air flow meter positioned upstream of the compressor of the supercharger. The engine also has an intercooler disposed between the compressor and a throttle valve. Variation in an amount of air in a boost chamber between the compressor and the throttle valve are derived on the basis of the volume of the boost chamber and variations of the boost pressure detected between the intercooler and the throttle valve. The intake air flow rate detected by the air flow meter is corrected by the thus calculated variations in the amount of air.

Abstract: An assembly capable of being launched from a submarine to carry into seawater an element responsive to a property of the water to be measured, comprising a carrier member coupled to the element, a lifting body shaped to provide hydrodynamic lift, a tether for mechanically connecting the lifting body to the submarine, the lifting body and the tether being constructed and arranged so that the lifting body, when connected to a moving submarine, will move through the water at a distance above the submarine, a supply of electrically conductive cable connected to the element and stored at least in part by the lifting body for payout to accommodate movement of the submarine relative to the member and releasable coupling means for holding the member and the lifting body together during their launch from the submarine and there after releasing the lifting body from the member.

Abstract: The change in capacitance of a sensor is linearly proportional to ice thickness provided that the ice thickness is significantly less than the distance between the conductive electrodes. By employing sensors with different electrodes, the sensitivity to ice may be traded off against the ability to measure greater ice thickness. A sensor with small spacing between electrodes will exhibit a large change in capacitance when covered by a thin layer of ice, however, the capacitance change will be linear only for very thin layers of ice. A sensor with greater spacing between electrodes is less sensitive to ice accretion but has a correspondingly greater ice thickness measurement range. Accordingly, sensor (55) is relatively sensitive and is employed to determine whether or not ice or water is present.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument adapted selectively to provide a sportsman, such as a mountain climber, with readily-readable indications of the existing altitude or direction. The instrument includes a magnetometer which yields an analog signal as a function of direction and a pressure sensor which yields an analog signal as a function of atmospheric pressure. These analog signals are converted into corresponding digital signals and applied to a microprocessor which acts to control an LCD display having two display modes--one providing a numerical readout of altitude, the other a 360 degree readout of direction. When the microprocessor is switched to the altitude mode, it then processes the signal derived from the pressure sensor to yield a digital output for operating the display to indicate the existing altitude. When the microprocessor is switched to the direction mode, it then processes the signal derived from the magnetometer to yield a digital output for operating the display to indicate the existing direction.

Abstract: Reduced attitude sensitivity is achieved in a fluid mass flow meter of the type which determines fluid flow from the temperature difference between an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor positioned along the flow path of the fluid externally of a sensing conduit for the fluid. A housing, taking particular forms, has wall structure spaced along the sensors adapted to substantially limit the ambient gaseous atmosphere along the sensors to a thin film. The housing wall structure further is spaced along portions of the sensing conduit between the sensors and the input and output ports of the conduit to substantially limit the ambient gaseous atmosphere along such portions to a thin film. In one form, such wall structure, along these portions, converges from both directions along the conduit, to provide support regions for the conduit. The sensors, specifically, are self-heating coil elements formed of temperature-sensitive resistance wire wound around the outside of the sensing conduit.

Abstract: An integrated accelerometer includes features for minimizing the effects of foreseeable operational stresses. The accelerometer is of a type that includes a planar support base having an internal aperture for accommodating a hinged strut and limit stops for minimizing the travel of the shadow paddle portion of the strut. The limit stops are fabricated of material of suitable spring constant to provide an appropriate degree of "give" without degrading instrument performance or accuracy. Two-piece arrangements sandwich the hinges, thereby limiting flexure to an acceptable range. The predictable mechanical stresses resulting, for example, from thermal coefficient mismatches between the materials of the torquer coil and the strut are minimized by the use of a spacer intermediate the base and the coil.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detector for detecting air in a fluid passage is disclosed. The detector comprises a transmitting crystal and complementary receiving crystal disposed around the fluid passage. A sweep oscillator is used to apply a variable-frequency signal to drive the transmitting crystal into resonance so that a burst of ultrasonic energy is released therefrom. The swept frequency range encompasses the resonant frequency of the transmitting crystal, ensuring that it resonates. If there is fluid in the passage, the ultrasonic energy causes a relatively high voltage to develop across the receiving crystal. Air in the passage attenuates transmission of the ultrasonic energy so that a low voltage signal is developed across the receiving crystal. A sensor circuit connected to the receiving crystal monitors the signal developed thereacross and in response to the magnitude of the signal, asserts a signal that indicates whether there is air or fluid in the passage.

Abstract: An acoustic-emission sensor includes a composite synthetic resin-ceramic piezoelectric element which has a plurality of substantially mutually parallel columnar ceramic piezoelectric bodies. The columnar ceramic piezoelectric bodies are polarized in a longitudinal direction and are disposed in a synthetic-resin matrix. Since only longitudinal waves can be detected from among acoustic-emission waves, an intensity and variation in intensity can be detected accurately.

Abstract: A miniature electronic pressure gauge is described comprising a case (10) having an aperture leading to a transducer (1) connected to an amplifier (3), the transducer (1) and amplifier (3) being powered from a power source (2) in the form of a storage battery such as a Nicod battery. A pressure signal from the amplifier (3) is fed to a linearization circuit (4) and to an analogue/digital converter (6) clocked with pulses from clock generator (5). The output of converter (6) is fed to a decoder/driver (7) for a seven segment L.C.D. (8). In a preferred construction the pressure gauge is releasably retained in a fluid-tight engagement in a bore in the wall of a pressure chamber of a paint spray gun.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a semiconductor strain gauge and resistors for compensating temperature, a zero point or the like and made of the same material as that of said semiconductor strain gauge are formed on a metal diaphragm thereof. The resistors for the compensating circuit and the strain gauge are simultaneously formed by patterning a polycrystalline silicone thin film or the like laminated on the diaphragm. As a result, the number of the elements and the manufacturing processes such as a soldering process are reduced for the purpose of improving manufacturing yield. In order to widen the zero point compensating range, a plurality of zero-point compensating resistors, if formed, are disposed on a circumference relative to the center of the diaphragm so as to reduced the scattering in the level of the resistance of each of the resistors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measured value pickup for vacuum measurements, with the pickup including a sensor as well as electronic circuits for supplying the sensor with voltage, and a signal processing device. In order to be able to employ the measure value pickup independently of the location of the measured value processing system, it is proposed to configure it as a transmitter.

Abstract: An anemometer, in which a preferably cylindrical flow-capturing surface (1) is fastened to the control lever (10) of an electrical transducer (2) which is fixed to the top of a support (16) mounted in a box (15). The flow-capturing surface (1) is fastened to a cylindrical hollow body (18) arranged in an annular chamber (19) which surrounds the electrical transducer (2) and the support (16) thereof. The upper part of the cylindrical body (18) is passed through an opening (315) formed in the upper wall (115) of the box and sealingly closed by a resilient annular collar (14) fixed to the cylindrical hollow body (18) and to the upper wall (115) of the box (15). The flow-capturing surface (1) is protected by a covering disc (23) fastened to the upper wall (115) of the box (15) by spaced thin rods (24).

Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a stream of material includes an impeller shaft; an impeller wheel secured to the impeller shaft; a first roller bearing having an inner race receiving and supporting the impeller shaft; a drive motor having an output shaft; a first gear secured to the output shaft; a second gear secured to the impeller shaft; and a third gear meshing with the first and second gears, whereby the drive motor is drivingly connected to the impeller shaft by the first, second and third gears for rotating the impeller shaft with a predetermined rpm. The stream of material is directed onto the impeller wheel, whereby a braking torque is applied to the impeller wheel by the stream of material impinging thereon.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of any discontinuity in an anticorrosion oil coating applied onto the internal walls of a nautical ballast. The method comprises the steps of (1) adding an oil-soluble tracer to the anticorrosion oil coating prior to its application onto the internal walls of the ballast, the tracer being insoluble in water and rust; inert to rust, water and the oil; and capable of emitting visible light under the effect of a black light; (2) after application of the oil coating, submitting the inside walls coated with the oil to the effect of a black light, and (3) checking the continuity of the visible light that is emitted by the oil coating, whereby the presence of oil is detected by visible light emitted by the tracer and its absence is detected by the absence of any emitted visible light. An anticorrosion oil containing such a tracer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid operated shift actuator (11) is provided, and is especially suited for use in an X-Y shift mechanism for a change-gear mechanical transmission. The shift actuator includes a piston rod (47), a piston member (87), and a pair of auxiliary pistons (93 and 95), to define fluid pressure chambers (91 and 92). After the piston member (87) and the piston rod (47) have been displaced from neutral in either direction, into a gear engagement position, pressurizing both fluid pressure chambers (91 and 92) will cause the actuator to return to the neutral position (gear disengagement) with substantially less force than that exerted when the actuator moved into the gear engagement position.

Abstract: A light-weight miniature, high-speed, light-load anti-friction nut assemblage adapted to receive a screw. The assemblage has a nut body with an axial bore through which the screw can pass, and a second bore extending transversely of its axis and intersecting the axial bore. There is a roller pin disposed in the second bore, having a nose adapted for engagement with side walls of the screw thread. The roller pin is carried on a first miniature anti-friction bearing having inner and outer races, with adhesive being applied between the inner race and the roller pin, and between the outer race and the walls of the second bore. A second miniature anti-friction bearing is carried in a recess in the axial bore of the nut body, this second bearing centralizing the nut body on the screw for relative turning with respect thereto. Reduced component count and significant manufacturing economies are realized.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle gearbox the selector rods (30-33) carrying the forks which actuate the gear coupling devices are disposed with their axes (30a-33a) at the same distance from the axis (17) of the gearbox shaft with which the coupling devices are associated. When one of the rods is moved away from its neutral position the other rods are locked in the neutral position by locking means (18) including a first series of locking dowels (34) slidable in separate substantially parallel seats (35) formed in the gearbox casing, and cooperating with respective notches (30b-33b) provided on the selector rods. The said seats (35) open into a common cylindrical cavity (36), extending transversely thereto, in which there is provided a train of locking pins (37) resiliently thrust against one another.

Abstract: An indexed gear-shift mechanism for a bicycle that has one lever for up-shifting and another lever for down-shifting. A ratchet wheel is fixed to the down-shifting lever and has two rows of teeth along an outer curvature thereof. A pair of pawls are placed on the up-shifting lever and works in conjunction with the two rows of teeth. A pair of springs respectively apply force on the levers in a counterclockwise direction. When a rider applies a force on the up-shifting lever in a clockwise direction, the pawls move to a next adjacent pair of teeth, one pawl preventing rotation of the lever and the other pawls preventing rotation of the ratchet wheel; the bicycle is in a higher gear. When a rider applies a force on the down-shifting lever in a clockwise direction, the pawls move to a previous adjacent pair of teeth, but the pawls do not prohibit movement of the down-shifting lever; therefore, the ratchet wheel may be down-shifted through as many gears as desired in one action.

Abstract: The arrangement comprises a stop bar (1) formed from a cylindrical rod having a lengthwise slot therein. The stop bar (1) is secured to a fixed support within an actuator casing (7). A stop plate (15) is slidably secured in the slot and presents upper and lower stop edge portions (16, 17) for engagement with spaced limbs (23) of arm means for converting linear motion into angular motion. The position of the stop edge portions (16, 17) relative to the stop bar (1) is adjustable by means of replaceable shims (21) in the slot.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle wheel comprises a pair of facing fly wheel halves. The flywheel halves include spokes which extend outwardly from a hub portion and terminate in concave rim portions which face one another. When the two halves are joined, the rim portions define a water tight cavity. This cavity is filled with a heavy material which is initially flowable and which sets in the cavity. Preferably the mixture includes hematite chips, magnetite powder, hydrated lime, portland cement, a water reducer, and water.

Abstract: A manual transmission modular clutch unit is provided comprising a clutch cover assembly, a clutch friction disc assembly, and a flywheel disc assembly which modular clutch unit may be pre-assembled and balanced off line prior to shipment to a vehicle assembly plant. The manual transmission modular clutch unit contains each clutch component with the exception of an engine starter ring which is customarily attached to the clutch flywheel disc. A unique attaching arrangement is provided for the pre-installation of an automatic transmission drive plate on each engine crankshaft of a vehicle assembly line. As the drive plate is interchangeable with either a manual transmission modular clutch unit or an automatic transmission torque converter both manual and automatic transmission vehicles may be built on a common assembly line while minimizing both labor and parts.

Abstract: A damper device for a motor having a boss section attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, a mass inertia section rotatably supported by the boss section such that it surrounds the outer periphery of the boss section with a gap left therebetween, a magnetic fluid filling up the gap, and magnets provided in either the boss section or the mass inertia section for preventing leakage of the magnetic fluid. Furthermore, the boss section and the mass section facing each other through the gap are made of materials differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion, even if the magnetic fluid is heated by heating of the motor, an external temperature variation and the like so that its viscosity is decreased, such a decrease in viscosity can be canceled out by a change in gap dimension caused by the difference in expansion between the boss section material and the mass section material differing in the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: In an elastic clutch of disk design, particularly a split flywheel for an internal combustion engine, a coupling including an oblong spring is arranged between two coupling halves that are mutually rotatable. Essentially stretched in relaxed condition, the spring is subdivided in two or more partial sections by wedge-shaped spring cups, the longitudinal axes of which partial sections have relative to one another a buckled arrangement. Obtained in this way is a spring favorable for specific operating conditions, with a low spring stiffness, but with the spring being composed of essentially straight-line partial sections. Provided thereby is a spring that can be manufactured at low cost, which, in operation, is favorably stressed and not subjected to any wear.