Abstract: An assembly for determining a coefficient of moisture expansion of a single, identified workpiece or coupon. The assembly includes means for positioning the workpiece in a chamber having known environmental parameters; means for determining a workpiece length change, .DELTA.L caused by a chamber induced change in the workpiece's moisture content .DELTA.M; and, means for measuring a chamber-induced change in the workpiece's moisture content .DELTA.M.

Abstract: An end effector for use in probing a surface with a robotic arm. The end effector has a first portion that carries a gimbal with a probe, the gimbal holding the probe normal to the surface, and a second portion with a set of three shafts within a housing for urging the gimbal and probe against the surface. The second portion contains a potentiometer connected by another shaft to the first portion to measure the position of the first portion with respect to the second so that the second portion can be moved to place and maintain the shafts at the midpoint of their travel. Then, as irregularities in the surface are encountered, the first portion can respond by moving closer to or farther from the second portion.

Abstract: A simulation system for an automotive internal combustion engine is suitable for simulating an engine operation for performing a bench test for an engine associated vehicular component, such as an automatic power transmission, an automatic transaxle, a differential gear box, and so forth. The system comprises a power plant which incorporates a relatively high inertia, and means for compensating the high inertia for achieving a low inertia equivalent to the automotive internal combustion engine; an engine characteristics generator receiving predetermined engine operation parameter simulated data for deriving a control signal commanding an output torque of said power plant according to a predetermined engine output torque variation characteristic which is set in terms of said engine operation parameter simulated data, and means, responsive to a simulated engine environmental condition indicative data, for deriving a correction value based on said environmental condition for correcting said control signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic procedure is proposed for the checking of actuators for the control of internal combustion engines, in particular for the diagnosis of the function and effect of variations of the suction pipe or suction tract geometry and/or variations of the inlet/outlet valve control; this procedure serves the purpose of actuating the diagnosis during any operational state and/or during stationary operational states of the internal combustion engine. For diagnosis, those changes taking place during actuator triggering in operational data of the internal combustion engine which are only indirectly due to this actuator triggering are recorded as actual values and these actual values are compared with set values.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for measuring and analyzing the tread wear of a pneumatic tire. The tire is indexed about its axis. Between the indexing steps, a laser scanner obtains data from the tread surface. This data is normalized to eliminate any out-of-roundness of the tire data. Noise spikes are removed and replaced with values attributable to valid data. From the data, a reference curve corresponding to a lateral sector of the tire is devised. The data from actual lateral sectors is then compared to the reference curve by a curve-fitting process and the deviation between the actual data and the reference curve establishes the degree of irregular wear of the tire at that lateral point.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for performing a drill stem test in an open (not cased) borehole are disclosed. When the borehole is initially drilled, the drilling process induces a skin damage near the external surface of the open (not cased) wellbore. It is necessary and desirable to bypass, reduce, or eliminate the skin damage in order to provide a free or natural flow of well fluid from the reservoir in the formation into the wellbore. However, in order to determine the degree of skin damage which exists near the external surface of the wellbore, reservoir parameters such as pressures, temperature and flowrates of the formation fluid flowing from the reservoir into the wellbore is first measured in the presence of the skin damage. The skin damage is then bypassed, removed, eliminated, or reduced by, for example, perforating the external surface of the wellbore.

Abstract: The necked down transitional nozzle or channel leading to the measurement channel of a compact microanemometer gas meter having an open sensor is modified by introducing a flattened sector opposite the mounted sensor to eliminate particulate matter from being scattered in the direction of the sensor.

Abstract: A water level measurement system for use with a pressurized power plant boiler comprises a tubular pressure vessel for attachment to one end of the boiler such that the water level in the pressure vessel is the same as in the boiler. The pressure vessel has a central rod-like conductor which together with the vessel forms a coaxial RF waveguide. A pair of spaced reference discontinuities are provided in the conductor above the maximum level of the water, so that an RF pulse injected into the waveguide is reflected successively by both discontinuities and the surface of the water. The level of the water can then be determined independently of changes in the dielectric constant of the vapor above it, from the ratio between the time intervals between the first and second reflected pulses and between the first and third reflected pulses. The conductor is mounted at the top of the pressure vessel by way of a pressure seal and a ceramic insulator.

Abstract: A sight flow product includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet are designed to be connected in-line to fluid pipes within a manufacturing plant or other facility. A cartridge can be located within and conform substantially to a cavity in the body. One or more window assemblies are removably mounted on sides or ends of the body to retain and locate the cartridge within the body cavity. The cartridge can be removed from the body and replaced when either of the window assemblies has been removed. Each of the window assemblies includes a transparent window to allow visual inspection of fluid flow through the sight flow product. A fluid sensing device e.g., a flapper, rotor or condensation drip tube, can be mounted within the cartridge by connection to the cartridge itself or by connection to opposed alignment washers in the window assemblies to facilitate visually inspecting the fluid flow in the sight flow product.

Abstract: An accelerometer in which the seismic mass is formed in the shape of an annulus. The annular shape allows twisting motions as well as displacement of the seismic mass to be sensed and restoring electrostatic forces applied. This allows the supporting spring to be made extremely weak avoiding the mechanical limitations of springs.

Abstract: A transducer unit for determining the presence of twinned columnar growth in the interior of an as-cast ingot. The transducer unit has a first means for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves and second means for rotating the direction of the wave pulse of the waves. The transducer unit detects the presence of twinned columnar growth by comparing the round trip time of flight (RTTOF) of the ultrasonic waves traveling in a first direction to ultrasonic waves of the same frequency generated in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, a viscous liquid is used to couple the transducer unit to the ingot.

Abstract: A pressure detecting apparatus comprises a pressure sensor having a vibrating element forming a pressure sensing surface, which is secured to a housing at the periphery thereof; and a pressure transmission member including an abutment portion having an abutment surface which is in contact with a position to be detected and a transmission portion projecting from the substantial center of the rear side of the abutment portion. The transmission member has the tip end surface area which is smaller than that of the pressure sensing surface of said pressure sensor. The transmission portion is secured to the substantial center of the pressure sensing surface of the said pressure sensor at the tip end surface thereof.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting pressure in a combustion chamber of internal combustion engines has a housing, a sensor element arranged in the housing and composed of a piezoresistive material, a diaphragm, and a punch arranged between the diaphragm and the sensor element and introducing a pressure to be determined onto the sensor element. The punch has an end facing the sensor element, at least the end of the punch is composed of relatively soft material.

Abstract: A pressure gauge is provided comprising a sensor housing (1) closed by a cover (7). The sensor housing (1) is connected to a tube (3) containing the pressure to be measured. The space defined by the sensor housing (1) and the cover (7) is hermetically divided by a sensor housing cover (9) in such a way that inside a front measurement volume (11) a pressure sensor means (15) is placed. This pressure sensor means has a substantially flat shape. It is connected to the interior walls of the front volume by means of tubes (23) which are slender or slim, that is have a small section in relation to the area of the pressure sensor means (15). The carrying means (23) are preferably realized as metal tubes and in their interior the electrical connections (31) for the pressure sensor means pass. By this construction the exterior surface of the whole of the pressure sensor means (15) will be subjected to the measuring pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking a rotating blade to determine parameters associated with the rotation of that blade. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a detector in which at least two sensing photodiodes define substantially fan shaped detector planes and are arranged to sense an illuminated point at a known location on the blade passing through these planes. The time taken for the point on the blade to pass between the planes is measured and parameters associated with the rotation of the blade are calculated therefrom. In another embodiment, the detector defines at least two divergent detector fields, and a reactive radiation source responsive to the passage of the blade through the detector fields is provided on the blade. The reactive radiation source is arranged to radiate a signal such as a light signal which is detected by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing structure for a testing vessel, comprising a lid member secured to a base and having an upwardly projecting insertion portion and a supporting portion; a cylindrical container detachably mountable on the lid member in an up-and-down direction, the container having a lower open end portion to which said projection can be mated and which can be supported by the supporting portion and on which a plurality of first radially outwardly extending locking portions and first notches are alternately formed along a circumference thereof; a clutch member which is attached to the base and rotatingly guided in an circumferential direction by a guide member and on which a plurality of second radially inwardly extending locking portions and second notches are alternately formed within the same angular range as that of the first locking portions and first notches; and an elevator means for lowering and lifting the container to mount and dismount the latter with respect to the lid membe

Abstract: A tension measuring device for accurately measuring the tension applied to a fine, metallic wire, or the like, being uncoiled from a spool of wire, or the like. The tensioning device includes a pulley around which the wire is looped. The pulley is rotatably mounted at the end of an arm which itself is mounted on an axle for rotation under the influence of a first torsion spring which biases the arm against the tension forces exerted against the uncoiling wire and a second torsion spring which biases the arm against rotation caused by the weight of the arm and pulley. A knob is provided to twist the first torsion spring to increase the biasing force on the arm and pulley which counteracts the uncoiling tension on the wire. A pointer is associated with the knob and it moves across a scale indicating the amount of force applied to the first torsion spring. Another pointer is mounted on the arm and it moves across a second scale indicating movement of the arm above and below a zero point.

Abstract: An actuator unit in which an actuator section including a chuck pawl for adjusting a dial knob of a product on a line conveyer is moved in an X-Y plane by an X-Y axis servo mechanism, and the torque of the chuck pawl is adjusted by a torque adjusting mechanism while the operation of the torque actuator section is controlled by a control device which receives input data concerning the product that has been introduced onto the line conveyer. The actuator section is set to a position suitable for adjusting the product on the line conveyer, and further, the torque of the chuck pawl is adjusted to a suitable value for turning the dial knob of the product.

Abstract: A power takeoff (PTO) assembly equipped with an electromechanical shifter for moving a pinion gear of the PTO assembly into and out of engagement with a drive gear of that assembly or of a vehicle transmission on which the assembly is mounted. The PTO assembly includes a telescoping shock shaft having a first shaft section axially advanced by a power-driven linear actuator and operatively connected to a second shaft section equipped with a fork for urging the pinion gear laterally into (and out of) engagement with the drive gear. Between the two shaft sections is a compression spring that stores energy by compressing until a condition of alignment between the pinion and drive gears occurs, at which time the stored energy of the spring releases and quickly shifts the pinion gear into meshing engagement with the drive gear.

Abstract: A transmission configuration is provided which can be easily modified to provide a 12 forward, 4 reverse speed transmission, an 8 forward, 8 reverse speed transmission, an 8 forward, 4 reverse speed transmission, or a 4 forward, 4 reverse speed transmission by replacement of a few components. The overwhelming majority of the components in the transmission stay the same in any of the configurations, including most of the shafts, clutches, gears, and the housing.

Abstract: An automatic selector device for multi-gear change-speed gearbox includes a multi-way valve which can be driven into several valve positions each associated with one gear by a stepper motor whose operation depends on an electronic control unit. Each of the valve positions causes the appropriate gear to be selected. The multi-way valve is connected kinematically to a selector unit which can be actuated manually in order to block gears through the intermediary of a stop and an opposing stop.

Abstract: In a control device for shifting gears in an automotive-vehicle transmission, including a lever for input of the shifting motion that is pivotal about a first axis (I) in a first plane and about a second axis (II) in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and including output members movable substantially parallel to the first axis (I), the first output member is coupled to the lever via a joint and transfers a pivotal motion of the lever about the second axis (II), while the second output member is kinematically coupled to the lever by an interposed angular revolving train and transfers a pivotal motion of the lever about the first axis (I). The train has an input shaft and an output shaft that is perpendicular to the input shaft and is connected thereto by interengaging bevel gears. The lever is pivotally mounted on the input shaft so as to pivot about the second axis (II), and the second output member is connected to the output shaft by a one-armed output lever.

Abstract: A shifter with a manual speed selecting mechanism for a vehicular automatic transmission. The shifter includes a stationary member mounted on a vehicle body; a rocking retainer supported in a manner to rock on a first axis extending through and fixed by the stationary member, for transmitting motion of a shift lever to the automatic transmission. The shift lever is supported for rotation on the first axis and on a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis, and is brought into and out of engagement with the rocking retainer when rotated on the second axis. A switch is provided for detecting the position of the shift lever. A lock plate is supported on the rocking retainer for bringing the rocking retainer into and out of engagement with the stationary member when actuated by the rotation of the shift lever on the second axis.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism comprising a pipe 52 extended in relation to a front .alpha.-axis among the three axes of motion (.alpha.-axis, .beta.-axis, .gamma.-axis) of a wrist, on a center axis A--A of turning motion through the center of an .alpha.-axis reduction gear, a universal pipe coupling 61 provided in relation to a .beta.-axis on the center axis B--B of motion, a pipe 51 having one end connected to the pipe 52 and the other end connected to the pipe coupling 61, and a hose 4 extended along a support arm 3 and connected through the pipe coupling 61 to the pipe 51. The wrist mechanism is incorporated into a robot for work in which a fluid is used, such as an application of an adhesive and sealant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a controller having a power handle to control both the propulsion function and the braking function, and a reverser handle to control the direction in which the locomotive travels. The power handle is operatively connected to a propulsion and brake control device which controls the propulsion and braking functions of the locomotive, while the reverser handle is operatively connected to a reverser control device which controls direction of travel. The propulsion and brake control device preferably includes a propulsion controller to control the propulsion function of the locomotive, a braking controller to control the braking function and an indexing mechanism to independently operate either the propulsion controller or the braking controller.

Abstract: A gear unit provides a number of operative ratios engaged by fluid pressure operated clutches operated by clutch actuators. These actuators are controlled by two-position flow reversing valves, one valve for each fluid pressure operated actuator. These valves are hydraulically connected in series with at least one actuator connected downstream of the last valve in the series connection and at least one actuator connected between each valve of the series. A valve control means is provided for controlling the operating sequence of the valves so that by changing the operative condition of one valve at a time the operative ratio of the gear unit can be changed to the next adjacent ratio provided by the unit in a progressive manner throughout the entire ratio range of the unit.

Abstract: A ratio control of a continuously variable transmission according to the present invention proposes governing which position a shift actuator is to take versus a throttle opening degree and a vehicle speed in accordance with a predetermined shift pattern predetermined for various combinations of the throttle opening degree and vehicle speed, and overriding this governing step to put the actuator in motion away from a maximum reduction ratio position when the vehicle speed has satisfied a predetermined relationship with a value that has been derived from a predetermined data at acceleration.

Abstract: In order to reduce a select shock of an automatic transmission, a measure is employed, which comprises a first device for detecting the selection of a drive range from a neutral range; a second device for detecting the starting of engaging movement of a hydraulically operated friction element for the drive range; a third device for controlling a hydraulic pressure applied to the friction element; a fourth device for causing the third device to raise the hydraulic pressure to a higher level from the time when the range selection is carried out to the time when the second device detects the starting of engaging movement and lower the hydraulic pressure to a lower level after the detection by the second device; a fifth device for producing an instruction signal when a predetermined time passes after the drive range detection by the first device; and a sixth device for causing the third device to lower the hydraulic pressure to the lower level upon issuance of the instruction signal irrespective of any detection

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, including a sensor for detecting a throttle valve opening which regulates an intake air quantity supplied to the vehicle engine, an engine speed sensor for detecting the engine speed, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle running speed, a calculating device for calculating the intake air quantity for a steady running of the vehicle, based on the detected throttle valve opening and engine speed, a processing device for processing the calculated intake air quantity to compensate the calculated intake air quantity for a first-order time lag and obtain an estimated intake air quantity, and an automatic shift control device for automatically selecting an optimum operating position of the automatic transmission, based on the estimated intake air quantity and the detected vehicle running speed, according to a predetermined shift control pattern.

Abstract: A bandsaw blade comprises a plurality of cutting teeth spaced longitudinally apart by gullets. Each tooth includes a steel portion and a carbide tip brazed to a front face of the steel portion. The deepest point of the gullet lies on a curved section having a relatively large radius of curvature, and is spaced longitudinally forwardly of the trailing carbide tip by a relatively large distance. Transversely spaced corners of the gullet bottom are made smoothly rounded by a shot-peening operation.

Abstract: A torque wrench comprises a body member containing a piston-cylinder assembly to the piston of which is secured a shuttle member reciprocable with the piston within the body member, and a housing mounted on the body member and including a drive member pivotal about an axis and having a neck portion radially remote from the pivot axis. The shuttle member has a cylindrical bore therein the central longitudinal axis of which extends parallel with the pivot axis of the drive member, said bore housing a cylindrical drive pin in which is formed a transverse bore, the neck portion of the drive member being received within said bore whereby, on linear movement of the piston, the drive member is pivoted about the pivot axis with the neck portion of the drive member undergoing guided sliding movement in the bore of the drive pin, and the drive pin pivoting about the central longitudinal axis of the bore in the shuttle member.

Abstract: An open-end ratchet wrench is shown which has a handle and a generally C-shaped head at one end of the handle providing a pair of open-ended jaws with spaced confronting jaw faces. The jaws are provided in the form of a plurality of rotatable toothed gears which are presized and prealigned to engage and rotate about the angular side surfaces of a nut or bolt head to be received between the jaws for turning. A ratchet mechanism is also provided for selectively preventing rotation of at least one of the gears in one direction.

Abstract: A lever actuated oil filter remover is presented. At least two arcuate shell-like coupling elements are coupled together inside a casing by a spider arm. An interior cam on the casing can mate with an external cam on the arcuate elements so that the diameter of the arcuate elements increases or decreases as a function of whether or not the cams are mating. A lever coupled to the aft end of the spider arm and the aft end of the casing moves the spider arm fore and aft in relation to the casing, permitting the arcuate elements to selectively grasp and release a prior art oil filter more quickly and easily than with prior art oil filter removers. The preceding elements are coupled by appropriate coupling means such as pins.

Abstract: A driving tool comprising a magnet and compression spring assembly insertable into a socket is disclosed. The insertable assembly comprises a flexible stem internal to the spring in the axis of rotation allowing the spring to compress and proving a straightening and travel limiting function. The nut or bolt is conveniently placed at the top edge of the socket for easy removal following disassembly, or positioning prior to a driving operation.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench having a pair of spring-biased pivoted handles and a plurality of jaw members having fastener-contacting faces actuable by squeezing motion of the handles to close upon a range of sizes of hexagonal fastener members.

Abstract: A flitch or cant is successively transported by a pair of differentially operated clamps, first to a scanning station, and then to a sawing station where the wane is removed. A series of flitches is processed in this manner such that as the wane edge from a first flitch is sawn, a next flitch in succession is optically scanned. The sawing and scanning is accomplished by means of a combination saw and scanner which moves in a direction longitudinal of the flitch as respective flitches are held in stationary positions at the sawing station and at the scanning station. Between passes of the saw-scanner combination, the sawn flitch is conveyed away and the next flitch in line is conveyed forwardly to the sawing position while being skewed by the clamps in accordance with the characterization generated by the scanner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for severing and stacking articles which have been differentially pressure formed in a sheet of thermoplastic material from the sheet. Apparatus is provided for moving the sheet in a horizontal path and relatively vertically moving opposed upper and lower trim dies into engagement with vertically opposite sides of the sheet to trim the articles from the sheet at a trim station. The articles free fall through an opening in the lower die and free fall to an underlying accumulator. The accumulator includes mechanism which is moveable from a stack forming position in the path of freely falling articles to receive and accumulate freely falling severed articles in a stack, and a releasing position in which a formed the stack is released for vertical free fall.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for tuberiform vegetables or root crops, in which a rotor (2) is mounted rotatably in a rotation casing (1), the rotor carrying the material (4) and pressing it against the inner wall of the rotation casing. The casing is defined over a circumferential section thereof by a flap (7) mounted pivotally on the casing, with the flap when open defining a cutting gap (8) with a slice-cutting cutter (6) fixed on the casing. An adjusting device (20) is provided for pivoting the flap (7) and adjusting the thickness of the cut. A strip cutter (25), which is mounted on a driven cutting belt (10), is fitted with transversely lying cutters (12) which cut the slices (4a) into strips (4b) in a cutting zone. Downstream of the strip cutter is a dice cutter (26) which cuts the strips into dice and can comprise a circular cutter shaft or the like.

Abstract: A shingle cutter apparatus includes a rigid base plate having a first end wall spaced from a second end wall, and a first side wall with a cutter anvil directed along the first side wall coplanar with a top surface of the base plate, with a pivotal cutter blade mounted in cooperation with the anvil. A modification of the invention includes an abutment fence pivotally mounted relative to the base plate for effecting cutting of angular cuts relative to a shingle member.

Abstract: A motorized miter saw includes a base having a turntable mounted thereon for rotation about a vertical axis, a cutting unit having a mounting apparatus for securing the cutting unit on the turntable for movement to non-cutting and cutting positions relative to the turntable, and an indexing apparatus for releasably securing the turntable in predetermined positions of angular adjustment. The saw also includes a detent receiving recess at each predetermined position, a detent alignable by rotation of the turntable with any one of the recesses and a detent biasing member constantly biasing the detent into the specific recess which it is aligned.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for an electronic musical instrument has a jack which is movable and rotatable by a force to be transmitted from a key, and a hammer which is rotatable by a force to be transmitted from the jack. The jack is rotatably engaged by a fulcrum which is provided in the key. The jack is urged to its original position by a spring. The key has a return load applying portion which abuts the hammer when the hammer rotated by the jack returns to its original position.

Abstract: A neck rod member for stringed instruments, particularly for a bass guitar, includes two rod portions which extend parallel to each other and are mounted one above the other. The first ends of the rod portions are fixedly connected to each other. An adjustment device is mounted on the second ends of the rod portions for effectively shortening the length of one of the rod portions relative to the effective length of the other of the rod portions, so that a corresponding bending force is imparted on the neck rod member. The adjustment device includes a threaded shaft attached to the second end of one of the rod portions and an adjusting nut mounted with threaded engagement on the threaded shaft. A follower member is mounted on the second end of the other of the rod portions. The follower member is in driving engagement with the adjusting nut in axial direction of the neck rod member.

Abstract: An adjustable tuning barrel is disclosed for use with a woodwind instrument that allows the instrument to be easily tuned during play. The tuning barrel includes a fixed element, an adjusting ring coaxial with the fixed element and held in rotatable contacting relationship therewith, and an extending element in rotatable and threaded relationship with the adjusting ring, and in rotatable and motionally resisting relationship with the fixed element. The adjusting ring is wide enough to be comfortably located and manipulated during play. The fixed and extending elements are adapted to facilitate thermal exchange with the ambient environment.

Abstract: A system and process for neutralizing unexploded ordinances and clearing explosive infested areas such that maneuvers can be both readily and confidently continued without significant delay is disclosed. The system clears such unexploded ordnances infested areas by initially spraying the explosive infested area with a cryogenic liquid to supercool the unexploded ordinances and reduce an output voltage of a detonator of the unexploded ordinances thereby rendering the unexploded ordinances inert, gathering the now unexploded ordinances and submerging the inert unexploded ordinances in a tank containing the same or similar cryogenic liquid so that the unexploded ordinances are maintained in a supercooled and inert state to allow for disposal.

Abstract: A tracking system (10) is for use in a weapons system (W). The tracking system is used to assist a gunner (G) in designating and tracking a target which the gunner can fire upon using a weapon under his control. A laser (12) operating at a wavelength beyond the visible band (i.e., 70.7 um) projects a laser beam (B) at the target which illuminates a portion of the target struck by the beam. The laser is boresighted with the weapon and moves with it as the gunner tracks the target. A curved window is interposed between the laser and the target. The window (16) passes a portion of the incident laser beam on it for the laser beam to strike the target. The window also reflects a portion of the laser beam. The amount of the laser beam passing through the window is substantially greater than the portion reflected. The reflected portion of the laser beam reflects at an angle (.theta.) with respect to the incident beam.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid Pressure-operated actuator comprises a first cylinder assembly having an output which operatively carries a second cylinder assembly such that an axial output force is effected from an output shaft of the second cylinder assembly, the output from the second cylinder assembly is a fast forward output stroke which is followed by a greatly increased high pressure force generated by the first cylinder assembly and effected through the output shaft of the second cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A reaction type control valve, primarily intended for controlling a power assisted steering system, comprising a hydraulic interface having variable effective reaction areas, the extent of which is determined by selected functions of values of torque applied thereto. Differential hydraulic fluid pressure is generated by the valve, which differential hydraulic fluid pressure is proportional to the applied torque and inversely proportional to any particular effective reaction area. Hydraulic fluid is induced to flow through a hydraulic interface between first and second valve members wherein primary and secondary sets of input and return orifices are selectively utilized to define the effective reaction areas as a function of the input torque. The primary and secondary sets of input and return orifices are located at selected radii.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic brake-booster comprising a casing (10), inside which is situated a piston (22) consisting of a rear tubular part (22) which supports a skirt (14) and which with the aid of an unwinding diaphragm (12) defines a front chamber (16) permanently connected to a vacuum source and a rear chamber (18) selectively connected to the front chamber (16) or to the atmosphere by a valve mechanism (20a, 32a, 40) actuated by a control rod (34) adapted to bear, by way of a plunger (32) sliding in a bore (30) of the piston (20), against one face of a reaction disk (58) fastened to a push rod (56), the valve mechanism (20a, 32a, 40) comprising a valve closure member (40) cooperating with a first valve seat (32a) formed on the plunger (32) and with a second valve seat (20a) formed on the piston (20 ), a retaining member (50), for the plunger (32) disposed in a radial space (38) in the piston (20) and having an inner end region extending the bore (30) of the piston (20) and forming a stop surfac

Abstract: A retainer for locating a poppet member of a control valve in a bore while positioning a return spring connected to an input member within bore to direct substantially turbulent free air through slots in the retainer to a poppet member for distribution to a chamber when an input force moves a plunger of the control valve away from the poppet member.