Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydro-mechanical or electro-hydro-mechanical control system utilized for positioning a mechanical device. The control system incorporates an open-center control valve for selectively controlling the differential pressure applied to and the differential flow between input ports of a power output transducer in response to a mechanically applied rotational inputs. The power output transducer is then utilized to position a mechanical device. The control system is a closed loop circuit adapted to supply hydraulic fluid at a desired supply pressure to the control valve. The supply pressure is varied in relation to the absolute value of the pressure differential or load pressure exerted across the input ports of the power output transducer.

Abstract: An hydraulic piston and cylinder unit with a piston rod and first and second cylinders. The piston rod extends into the first cylinder, and the first cylinder extends into the second cylinder. The piston rod is connected to a first piston which divides the first cylinder into first and second chambers. A second piston, connected to the first cylinder, divides the second cylinder into first and second chambers. The second chambers of the first cylinder, and the first chamber of the second cylinder are in fluid communication such that an extension of the first cylinder causes a proportional extension of the second cylinder. A similar effect occurs during retraction of the cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an actuating unit that achieves shortening of the actuating travel of the brake power booster when the brake system is precharged. The actuating unit is preferably used with hydraulic brake systems of automotive vehicles having a master brake cylinder and a pneumatic brake power booster connected upstream thereof. The master brake cylinder is integrated in the booster housing of the brake power booster and a control valve of the brake power booster is arranged laterally beside the master brake cylinder. The control valve operates opposite to the actuating direction of the actuating member actuating the brake power booster by means of a lever mechanism with variable transmission. The lever mechanism is adapted to be deactivated in terms of effect after a predefinable actuating stroke of the master brake cylinder.

Abstract: In a geothermal electrical power generating plant of the type employing one or more flash crystallizers and one or more reactor clarifiers for processing a large quantity of particulate silica that precipitates out of the hot geothermal brine as thermal energy is extracted during power production, method and apparatus for continuously separating toxic particulate scale out of the nontoxic particulate silica. A portion of the clarifier sludge underflow is treated to cause vertical separation of the scale particles from the silica particles by means of a continuous vertical countercurrent decantation process in which a liquid slurry of the silica and scale particles is flowed upwardly at a velocity greater than the terminal settling velocity of the silica and less than the terminal settling velocity of the scale.

Abstract: A liquid fuel power plant (100) including an open-ended combustion chamber (102) and a first mechanism (114) for delivering a combustible fuel to the open-ended combustion chamber (102). A second mechanism (124) is included for igniting the fuel in the open-ended combustion chamber (102) and a concentric cylinder-shaped mechanism (130) is provided for extending the length of the combustion chamber (102) for decomposing the fuel to provide an exhaust gas comprised of fundamental elements. Finally, a third mechanism (202) is provided for using the exhaust gas to perform useful work. The air inlet line (122) delivers compressed air which is preheated in an air inlet passageway (194) and thereafter mixed with the combustible fuel in the open-ended combustion chamber (102). The residue of the combusted air-fuel mixture is thereafter forced by the compressed air into the concentric cylinder-shaped extension (130) which forms the reaction region (180) of the combustion chamber (102).

Abstract: A fuel injector 14 passes through wall 10 to inject fuel into a hot supersonic air flow 12. Wedge seals 26, 28 seal against leakage in cooperation with injection air flow 37, being compressed within seal carrier 16. Face seals 30, 32 are compressed by cover plate 34. Inboard seals 26, 44 are preferably more porous than the outboard seals so that there is a leakage of cooling air through crevice 44.

Abstract: The present invention is a separation process for atmospheric gases. In the process, an atmospheric gas stream, for example air, is compressed and may be partly condensed prior to introduction into a vortex tube air separator. The performance of the tube separation can be upgraded, i.e. by improving the concentration and/or purity of the main oxygen stream, by enhancing the separator efficiency of the vortex tube (VT) apparatus. One approach is by selectively refrigerating the cold end of the tube with partial recycle of nitrogen gas waste stream, effecting a rectification section. Another approach is to increase the heat transfer between the outlet gas stream and the liquid film flowing along the curvilinear periphery of the separator means, by mechanical innovations in its configuration.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system for enhancing the recovery of argon wherein the pressure of the argon column is reduced from that of other columns in the system and a small stripping section is created within the argon column by the use of an additional condenser/reboiler and by the introduction of the argon column feed at an intermediate point of the column.

Abstract: Cryopump apparatus and method for controlling the operating temperature of a cryoarray in a cryopump. The cryopump has means for thermally isolating one of more of the cryoarrays from the refrigeration source. The means for thermally isolating is a thermal switch formed from at least first and second switch elements made of materials having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion. The thermal switch is also used in isolating one of the pump's cryoarrays during a partial regeneration process. The thermal switch of the preferred embodiment may also be used to prevent one of the pump's cryoarrays from falling below a predetermined operating temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioning system suitable for use in an electric vehicle. In the air conditioning system, a refrigerant gas circulatory system of the heat pump type for selectively effecting cooling and heating is disposed inside the electric vehicle and comprises lines which interconnect three heat exchangers, a directional control valve, a compressor and an expansion valve to one another. A control device is provided so as to activate and inactivate the heat exchanger, the directional control valve and the compressor. Before the expected running of the vehicle, at least a portion of the refrigerant gas circulatory system can be operated by the control device using a drive source different from the drive source used for running the vehicle. Accordingly, a comfortable room environment can be established for the expected time on riding by activating the air conditioning system in an unmanned state.

Abstract: The ancillary heat pump apparatus of the present invention for producing domestic hot water generally includes a domestic hot water heat pump having refrigerant and water circuits which are operatively disposed at the proximal ends thereof into close array at the heat exchanger of the domestic hot water heat pump. The refrigerant circuit of the domestic hot water heat pump hereof has a heat exchanger coil disposed at the distal end thereof, and the water circuit is connected at the distal end thereof to a hot water heater. In the apparatus of the present invention, the distal refrigerant circuit heat exchanger coil is disposed into operative heat exchanging position, directly or indirectly, with a return fluid stream of a heat source. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the heat source may be selected from the group consisting of (a) a space conditioning air stream heat pump, (b) a heating and air conditioning system, and (c) a hydronic distribution HVAC system.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine cooling system. A first turbocompressor and a heat exchanger are fluidly interconnected and are each in fluid communication to receive air of differing pressures and temperatures. Typically, such air is received from various regions of the engine low pressure compressor and the engine high pressure compressor. The system delivers air through a duct to a portion of the engine for cooling, such as the engine high pressure turbine region, at lower temperatures and higher pressures than if cooling air were directly ducted from the engine compressor to the engine turbine.

Abstract: To a branch (40) of a metal bracelet applicable to watches is fixed a frame (12) having a movable catch plate (20) and to which is hingedly connected an overturnable plate (14) having an end hook (34). Connected to the opposite branch of the bracelet is a forked member (16) having a tie bar (30) which fits into semicircular seats (26) formed in the frame (12) upon closure of the device. In another embodiment, the closing device includes two arched sheets (52) and (54), in sheet (54) a chamber (66) is formed in which slides a catch plate (76) the front end of which is coupled below the hook (52') formed at one end of sheet (52) upon closure of the device.

Abstract: The multibed flat knitting machine has upper needle beds, lower needle beds disposed under the upper needle beds, respectively, with their heads located adjacent to those of the upper needle beds. Knock-over bits are placed in the heads of the upper needle beds so as to slide parallel to the sliding directions of the upper needles. The knock-over bits are capable of being advanced to a position where the loop holders of the knock-over bits are beyond a corresponding position of the needle hooks of the advanced upper needles to support the needle heads of the upper needles of the upper needle beds.

Abstract: A stitch increasing method and a needle operating cam for a flat knitting machine having stitch increasing function. The needle operating cam for operating needle bodies and sliders of compound needles separately from each other, in which in relation to a lowering face of a needle body lowering cam of a loop delivering side cam, a slider lowering face for lowering a slider at a timing earlier than that by the lowering face of the needle body lowering cam is provided.

Abstract: A flat knitting machine which can carry out changing of knock over timing and changing of an elevating amount of a needle, in which a knock-over plate provided at its extreme end with a loop pressing plate having an end edge in contact with a knitting yarn is inserted into a bottom of a needle groove of a head portion of a needle bed so that the knock over plate can be slidably moved in a direction of forward and backward movement of a needle. Further, a knock over plate cam for operating the knock over plate in engagement with the knock over plate is provided on a carriage, and the knock over plate is moved forward and backward by the cam.

Abstract: The invention is an interlocking lockout device for a computer system. The lockout device comprises a locking disk dimensioned similarly to a floppy disk for so that it can be inserted and locked into a disk-drive. An engagement member of the locking disk interlocks with a bezel. In a locked position, the bezel covers the disk-drive preventing the locking disk from being removed from the disk-drive and preventing foreign matter from being inserted into the computer and disk-drive. While inserted, the locking disk keeps the computer system from booting and thereby prevents unauthorized operation of the computer system. The bezel and locking disk are adaptable on any size disk-drive and can easily be installed on different systems. This provides a lockout capability for computer systems with multiple drives and variable sized disks.

Abstract: A lockout apparatus for use on a valve's latching mechanism. The lockout apparatus is a rigid framework formed to encage the exterior structure of a valve and to provide a locking structural member for selective locked securement of the valve's movable latching mechanism, by example in a closed position. The lockout apparatus is sized according to the diameter and size of a valve, by example a ball valve, and includes opposing open-ended structure for accommodating attachment of piping to the inlet and outlet ends of an encaged valve. The locking apparatus is useful in meeting environmental protection requirements for locking outside valves, typically ball valves, an oil tanks and tanker trailers to avoid vandalism and accidental spills.

Abstract: A key-operated, combination changing, lock comprising a lock box, a slidable bolt and at least one bolt-retaining slider movable transversally across the bolt to retain the bolt in a resting and locking position, a bolt-locking arrangement being provided to hold the bolt once in the locking position. The bolt-locking arrangement comprising more than one locking plates capable of being actuated by at least one step of the key and being also capable of changing the combination of the lock when closed by a key different to the one used to lately open the lock. A key is also provided to operate the combination changing lock, having at least one bit step to actuate over the bolt-locking arrangement of the lock.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining narrow tolerances of accuracy to pe and size of a rolled product rolled in a wire mill and/or bar mill including at least two sizing stands of high stiffness wherein, with the exception of the last stand, the stands are adjustable under load. The stands cooperate with a device for determining the geometrical data of the rolled product, as well as the relevant rolling operation data. The device is mounted in front of the next-to-last stand for detecting the geometrical data of the rolled product before it enters into the next-to-last stand. The measured values are processed with a sizing model for obtaining a desired exact profile shape in the last roll stand in a computer for forming a signal which is used for adjusting the next-to-last stand.

Abstract: A cutoff apparatus is adapted to be positioned adjacent a roll-forming machine, and is particularly adapted for adjustably receiving and cutting bumper-length segments from a swept elongated shape made of high strength steel being extended from the roll-forming machine. The cutoff apparatus includes a carriage with rollers for rollingly engaging the elongated shape to align the carriage with the elongated shape, the carriage being adapted to periodically move with the roll-formed shape for a short distance as the roll-formed shape is being formed. The cutoff apparatus further includes a blade operably mounted to the carriage for cutting segments from the roll-formed shape on the fly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for extruding sections from materials, such as aluminium or aluminium alloys, in which material which has been rendered plastic is forced through an extrusion gap formed in a die and in which the extrusion gap is bounded by separate, mutually oppositely situated running surfaces, in which method, as a consequence of the shape and/or length of the running surfaces and/or width of the extrusion gap, the material forced through the extrusion gap experiences a lower resistance at one side of the die than at the other side of the die, more material being forced through the extrusion gap at said one side than at said other side, a curved section being formed as a result of the difference in the amount of material at the one side and at the other side, the longitudinal axis of said section having a curvature with a certain radius.

Abstract: An internally lubricated, longitudinally split sleeve is positioned on a small diameter portion a mandrel having a rear end connected to a piston with a puller tool. The rear end of the split sleeve is flared and is against the front end of a tubular sleeve stop which immediately surrounds the mandrel. The puller tool includes a tubular sleeve holder which surrounds the sleeve stop. A forward main portion of the sleeve holder is separated by a pair of longitudinal slots into a pair of elongated fingers. The forward ends of the fingers define a sleeve and mandrel receiving end opening and jaws radially outwardly bounding the opening. The mandrel and sleeve holder are both extended and then the puller tool is moved into alignment with a sleeve and is moved endwise to push the mandrel through the sleeve until the flared end of the sleeve is against the sleeve stop. Then the sleeve holder is retracted.

Abstract: A package of ring fasteners comprising a multiplicity of similar ring fasteners each being made of a short length of metal wire of no smaller than 0.101 inch diameter material bent to provide a central bight portion and leading and trailing legs extending from opposite ends of said central bight portion terminating in spaced free ends.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a regulated negative voltage output pulse for use in calibrating a transducer, such as used in sensing an acceleration profile of a moving object, comprises a transistor responsive to a periodically generated control pulse for reversing the polarity charge on a capacitor. A negative voltage charge on the capacitor activates a negative voltage regulator to generate the desired regulated negative voltage calibration pulse. A pair of resistors are series connected to the regulated negative voltage output and a positive voltage reference source to provide an output for an external monitoring device to verify the generation of an accurate regulated negative voltage calibration pulse. The pair of resistors also provide a bypass of the negative voltage regulator when no external control pulse is present, thereby establishing a positive voltage output for the calibration pulse generating circuit when a regulated negative voltage calibration pulse is not being generated.

Abstract: The line of gas to be analyzed, the "zero" gas line and calibration gas line are each provided with a restriction operating in sonic rate supplying a nominal constant flow and downstream, have a discharge duct provided with a flow regulator. The nominal flows in the first and second lines are higher than the given flow supplied to the analyzer so that during each of the calibration and analysis steps, the whole of the circuit portion of the device is permanently flushed with the nominal gas of the line and/or by a portion of the recirculated flow of gas originating from another line.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for detecting leaks in, cathodically protecting, determining the effectiveness of such cathodic protection, and/or remediating fluid leaked from an aboveground storage tank. At least one substantially horizontal bore is formed beneath an aboveground storage tank and a slotted pipe or casing is positioned within the bore. The pipe or casing can be simultaneously advanced within the substantially horizontal bore while the bore is being formed. Slotted tubing and at least one anode are positioned within the slotted casing. The bore is filled with coke breeze and current is supplied to the anode(s) to cathodically protect substantially the entire tank bottom. The anode and slotted tubing can be removed to provide a passageway for remediation of fluid leakage from the storage tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence of surfactants in a liquid, such as a jet fuel or diesel fuel, by using the capillary rise technique, wherein an enclosed evacuated space is provided which is partially filled with water. A capillary tube is provided in the enclosed evacuated space having one of its ends submerged in the water. The liquid whose interfacial tension is to be measured is introduced into the evacuated space and the amount of rise in the capillary tube is measured. From the amount of rise in the capillary tube, the interfacial tension can be calculated. A high interfacial tension generally indicates the absence of surfactants which can affect the operation of coalescing filters which are designed to remove water from jet or diesel fuel before use.

Abstract: A hardness tester includes an indentor which is mounted to a linearly guided carrier movably supported in a frame, with a linkage mechanism being attached to the carrier for transmitting the load onto the indentor. Interposed within the linkage mechanism is a force gage which converts the force exerted thereupon into an electric variable and is operatively connected to a comparator circuit by which the electric variable generated in the force gage is compared with a preset, selectable desired value. The comparator circuit includes an output which controls a drive unit which in turn is connected to the linkage mechanism by which the load upon the indentor is exerted.

Abstract: A weather-fastness test method utilizing a novel sample holder and constituted by the steps of fixing the sample to the holder which is provided with metal coils the shape of which varies in accordance with the variation in the temperature of the ambient air and the radiation heat from a light source and which are connected so as to apply a force to the sample as the temperature changes, placing the sample under predetermined conditions, e.g. exposing the sample to radiation by light, to air having a temperature and humidity of predetermined levels, and to rain, while the sample is under repeated tension, compressive force and/or bending stress due to the variation of the shape of the coils and imparted to the sample, and then evaluating the weather-fastness resistance of the sample.

Abstract: System and method for filtering a misfire data stream having numerical values that indicate whether a firing of a cylinder was a misfire or a proper firing, to yield an optimum measurement misfire-rate for accurate and rapid determination of whether an engine is misfiring beyond a threshold level.

Abstract: A plate brake tester for testing the adequacy of the brakes of a vehicle, particularly suited for testing the brakes of multi-axle vehicles, includes weight bearing plates suitably sized to receive thereon wheel/tire assemblies of a vehicle as the vehicle is driven over the plates. The plates have sensors associated therewith for sensing not only the brake force applied by each wheel/tire assembly, but also for directly sensing the dynamic weight of the wheel/tire assembly on each plate during braking. The adequacy of the brakes is determined from the brake force and the directly sensed dynamic weight. At least some of the sensors are preferably dual axis load cells, each dual axis load cell having one output representing vertical force applied to that plate and having a second output representing horizontal force applied to that plate, the horizontal force being the braking force from the wheel/tire assembly disposed on that plate.

Abstract: The axial force on the valve stem of a large valve can be related to the output of a strain sensor mounted on the yoke of the valve, but accuracy can be achieved only if the strain sensor is first calibrated by applying a known axial force to the valve stem. This can be done conveniently by using the invention, which includes two loading beams juxtaposed on opposite sides of the valve stem, elongated in a direction perpendicular to the valve stem, and including a split nut or a collet for gripping the valve stem. Legs extend from the ends of the loading beam assembly parallel to the valve stem, and one or both of these legs includes a hydraulic ram for applying force to one or both ends of the loading beam assembly. This applied force can be measured independently of the yoke-mounted strain sensor.

Abstract: A split path mass flowmeter includes a housing having a longitudinally extending bore within which a flow splitter is positioned. The flow splitter includes a tapered portion having a taper corresponding generally to that of a tapered portion of the bore. The tapered portion of the flow splitter is nested within the tapered portion of the bore, the tapered portions of these elements thereby forming a self-holding retention section for non-adjustably retaining the flow splitter within the bore. The retention section may taper outwardly or inwardly in the direction of fluid flow. A calibration section may precede or follow the retention section or may be combined into the retention section. Further, a recovery section may be separately disposed downstream of the retention and calibration sections or may be combined along with the calibration function in the retention section.

Abstract: A liquid petroleum gas (LPG) gauge sensor unit fits between the units of an existing magnetically-coupled LPG gauge and includes a magnetic field sensing switch, a mechanism to variably position the switch and an intermediate magnet. The intermediate magnet is positioned upon an axle-like mechanism upon which it is free to rotate and magnetically couples to the existing gauge base magnet which is, in turn, connected to a float that measures the liquid level. The existing indicator magnet in the gauge assembly magnetically couples with the intermediate magnet so that the gauge unit visually indicates the level of LPG within the LPG tank, despite the increased distance between the base and indicator magnets caused by the sensor unit. The magnetic field sensing switch is used to sense the position of the base or intermediate magnet and thereby sense the liquid level.

Abstract: Acceleration is measured using an array of micro-machined elements. The array is configured so each successive element is deflected by a higher acceleration. For each acceleration there will be a set of elements that is deflected. By determining the transition point between deflected and undeflected elements, the acceleration can be measured.

Abstract: Increasing use of thermo-mechanically treated high strength steels in construction projects has created a need for on-site inspection of welded joints by ultrasonic techniques. However, such steels are acoustically anisotropic, and corrections of test results for anisotropy, according to the traditional methodologies, require lengthy and complex preparation steps which are unsuitable for on-site testing. The present invention presents an automated quick and simple methodology, and a compact apparatus for determining the acoustic anisotropy in such materials. The apparatus is expected to lead to effective management of quality assurance not only in civil and architectural engineering projects but in heavy machinery and ship building industries.

Abstract: A high precision pressure transducer system for checking the reliability of a second pressure transducer system used to monitor the level of a fluid confined in a holding tank. Since the response of the pressure transducer is temperature sensitive, it is continually housed in an battery powered oven which is configured to provide a temperature stable environment at specified temperature for an extended period of time. Further, a high precision temperature stabilized oscillator and counter are coupled to a single board computer to accurately determine the pressure transducer oscillation frequency and convert it to an applied pressure. All of the components are powered by the batteries which during periods of availability of line power are charged by an on board battery charger. The pressure readings outputs are transmitted to a line printer and a vacuum florescent display.

Abstract: A pressure micro-sensor is formed by a sandwich of three silicon plates in contact by their periphery, with an interposed insulating layer in order to define an internal cavity. The lower plate (2) includes a thinner region (21) forming a diaphragm, on its internal side. The intermediate plate (1) includes a peripheral region (11) forming a frame coupled to the upper and lower plates by a silicon oxide layer (24, 25), a first stud (13) mounted onto the thinner region of the lower plate, a second stud (14) mounted onto a thick region of the lower plate, and a silicon beam (15) forming a resonator and disposed between the upper surfaces of the first and second studs in front of the upper plate (3). A first electrode (32) is connected to the upper plate, a second electrode (33) is connected to the frame and a third electrode (31) is connected to the second stud.

Abstract: A force sensor component comprising a dimensionally stable body of electrically conductive material, the body having a selected outer surface formed into a predetermined topography; the body including an electrically conductive material in an amount sufficient to render the body electrically conductive at least throughout the selected outer surface of the body; the predetermined topography of the outer surface of the body comprising a plurality of interconnecting ridges across the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A conventional dynamic testing machine, such as an MTS (Material Test System) is modified to allow for a new method for dynamically monitoring fatigue damage in a specimen. Load and stroke signals are used to determine phase angle and gain frequency response parameters for a specimen as it is cyclically loaded. Although the cycles required for specimens to fatigue to failure varies greatly from specimen to specimen, the phase shift between the load and stroke signals as well as the gain of the stroke signal remains fairly constant from specimen to specimen. These characteristic parameters can be used to accurately determine the percent of life remaining and residual strength in other specimens.

Abstract: An improved gauge for measuring the thickness and construction of a compressible material, such as gasket material, is disclosed. The gauge includes a pneumatic cylinder maintaining an upper probe at a first vertical position. The cylinder is selectively opened such that the upper probe may fall vertically against a compressible material to be tested. A predetermined weight is attached to the upper probe such that the upper probe is biased vertically downwardly by the weight. An electronic gauge measures the amount of deformation of the compressible material due to the predetermined weight, and an indication of the thickness and quality of the compressible material is made based on the amount of measured deformation.

Abstract: A fluid meter counter assembly includes a one-way clutch with an input hub drivingly releasable and connectable to a clutch shaft for unidirectional rotation of the clutch shaft and, in turn, a register in response to a reciprocating force coupled eccentrically to the input hub from outside of its rotational plane. A tubular support fixedly connected to the input hub extends along the clutch shaft and includes a distal end with an integral reaction surface spaced from the rotational plane of the hub and in bearing engagement with the outside of the clutch shaft to react against tilting of the hub within its rotational plane and binding relative to the clutch shaft under side load.

Abstract: The V-belt drive has a drive pulley (1) and a power take-off pulley (2) and an endless V-belt (3) rotating around both pulleys (1, 2). This V-belt drive is equipped with a torque measuring device in that an rpm sensor (4, 5) is assigned to both the drive pulley (1) and the power take-off pulley (2), which continuously detects the pulley rpm, the two rpm sensors (4, 5) are connected with an electronic control (8) which determines the gear ratio between the drive and the power take-off pulleys (1, 2) from the detected rpm, a calibration device (10) which associates a set gear ratio with a defined torque is connected with the electronic control (8), and the electronic control (8) is connected with an electronic evaluator (14).

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring length of flexible line moved through the device along with tensile force in moving or stationary line. The device has a grooved counterwheel and pressure wheels pressing the line into a groove around the counterwheel and includes adjusters for adjusting the pressing force exerted by each pressure wheel on the line. A load cell mounted on the device is used to measure the resultant force on the counterwheel from tensile force in the line. A counter or counterdrive is connectible to the counterwheel shaft.

Abstract: An automatic preparation apparatus comprising turntable means for mounting thereon a plurality of containers including sample containers, rack means, provided at a stationary position separate from the turntable means, for mounting thereon a plurality of sample containers, robot means for transferring the sample containers between the turntable means and the rack means, and control means for performing desired treatments on the liquid in the sample containers on the turntable means.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission (10) in particular for toy automobiles includes a substantially cylindrical element (19) rotating axially in kinematic connection with the motion output (22) of the transmission. On the cylindrical element (19) there are fitted in a rotating manner toothed gears (17, 18) each of which is in kinematic connection at a different ratio with the motion input of the transmission. Inside the cylindrical element (19) a cursor (24) is axially sliding between the gears (17, 18) for selective sequential radial engagement between the cylindrical element (19) and the gears (17, 18) so as to realize motion transmission with a different ratio between input and output through selection of engagement between the cylindrical element and a gear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiaxial industrial robot (1), including of a mount (2), a rotatable and swingable rocker (3), a swingable extension arm (6) and a multi-member rotatable and swingable robot hand (8), whose members are driven by motors (10, 11, 12) arranged on extension arm (6). Extension arm (6) is mounted (27) on one side on a one-arm formed rocker (4), whereby at least two motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged next to each other on the extension arm in the direction of extension of its swinging axis (7). With a triangular arrangement, motors (10, 11, 12) are arranged with their motor axes (13) in an isosceles triangle, whose base is oriented to bearing (27) of extension arm (6).

Abstract: A robot wrist mechanism such as those used for painting, sealing and welding operations is disclosed. The robot wrist mechanism comprises an arm rotated by a drive source; a first wrist member rotatably supported on the end of the arm so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; a second wrist member supported at another end of the first wrist member so as to be freely rotatable about a second rotation axis. The second axis and the arm axis are arranged to lie in the same plane. A mounting shaft is provided on the second wrist member with an axis of the mounting shaft lying in a plane including the first axis and orthogonal to the second axis. The second wrist member is arranged to protrude upwards with respect to a plane including the first axis and the axis of the mounting shaft. With the robot wrist mechanism of the present invention, the drive mechanism transmitting the drive force of the drive shaft to the mounting shaft protrudes upwards of a line through the mounting shaft and arm.