Abstract: An easy to assemble and install astragal is provided consisting of an exterior aluminum extrusion and an interior wooden portion. The exterior extrusion includes a pair of rearwardly extending center walls which form a channel for receiving the wooden interior portion. Attachments and door hardware can be conveniently installed in the wooden interior portion while the extruded exterior acts as cladding for durability.

Abstract: A heavily insulated emergency smoke hatch door is equipped with an operating mechanism which is located external to a cooler and/or freezer. This external location of the operating mechanism provides for the accommodation of heavier weight doors without effecting the venting area or access to the interior of the cooler and/or freezer. A latching mechanism keeps the door in the closed position and may be equipped with an automatic release device which will release the door upon sensing of a fire for heat within the cooler and/or freezer. Once the hatch door is released, the operating mechanism is operable to open the door for venting and access.

Abstract: A storm shutter apparatus for protectively covering openings in buildings such as windows and doors includes a panel member for fitting over a building opening, a brace member having an end and extending across the panel member, and an assembly for removably securing the end of the brace member to the building adjacent to the building opening. The assembly for removably securing preferably includes an anchor member for attaching to the building, two spaced-apart leg members extending from the anchor member for receiving between them the end of the brace member, and a retaining member for extending over the end of the brace member for retaining the end between the leg members. The brace member may be a unified part of the panel member, attached to the panel member or a separate member placed over the panel member.

Abstract: A polishing machine having a taut microabrasive sheet. The machine includes a machine polishing disk in the form of a planar reference disk and a microabrasive sheet held taut on the disk by an appropriate mechanism. The mechanism for holding the microabrasive sheet taut can be a delivery roll and a receiving roll. The machine can be applied to the polishing of silicon wafers containing integrated components and in particular magnetic read-write heads.

Abstract: A procedure for the numerically controlled processing of a workpiece on a grinding machine having a workholder for the workpiece as well as a wheelhead equipped with a grinding wheel, the wheelhead being pivoted on a wheelslide and able to be shifted together with the wheelslide in relation to the workholder, including detecting positions of a set of points situated within a working range of the grinding machine, covering coordinates of the set of points into basic data for a processing program of the grinding machine, and taking the basic data of the coordinates of the set of points into account while the workpiece is processed.

Abstract: The oscillating grinder includes a housing; a drive motor having a rotatably driven armature shaft and mounted in the housing; a grinder plate connected with the housing by one or more supporting members each having a long side; an eccentric element mounted eccentrically on the armature shaft for converting a rotary motion of the motor into a linear motion of the grinder plate; and a transmission element having a long side and connecting the eccentric element to the grinder plate. The transmission element and the supporting members have different angular moments of inertia in different directions so that a displacement of the eccentric element in one direction, advantageously in the handle direction, is completely transmitted to the grinder plate, but a displacement in another direction transverse to the first direction is no more than incompletely, and preferably not at all, transmitted to the grinder plate, thus providing a linear grinding motion.

Abstract: A method of forming a rib on a power transmission belt including the steps of providing an endless belt body having an elastic material to define at least part of a longitudinal rib on a completed power transmission belt, providing a grinding wheel with a peripheral cutting surface, rotating the grinding wheel in a first rotational direction, pressing the peripheral cutting surface of the grinding wheel against the belt body and grinding the body to define a rib thereon with an exposed surface defined by the elastic material, and altering the rotational velocity of the peripheral cutting surface to compensate for wear on the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A method of chucking semiconductor wafers, in which a silicone elastic layer with high flatness is formed on the surface of a hard substrate having fine through-holes for vacuum chucking. Next fine through-holes in the silicone elastic layer, are provided, each through-hole communicating with the fine through-holes of the hard substrate. Next a semi-conductor wafer is held on the hard substrate by vacuum chucking from the back side of the substrate, so as to hold the semiconductor wafer securely on the substrate only by surface adhesion of the silicone elastic layer during polishing of the wafer. This method does not require wax or similar adhesive for holding the semiconductor wafer on the hard surface during the polishing process, and can realize a high-precision and high-quality surface polishing process for the semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A system for processing head flexure assemblies employs lapping and edge blending means, interposed with washing, drying and heating equipment. The head assembly processing is implemented within a compact U-shaped arrangement. The lapping means and edge blending means incorporate precision alignment and securing components to ensure that the lapping and edge blending processes are accurately and expeditiously performed. The equipment and tooling used are contained in a relatively small area and insure an increased production rate and yield with high quality head assemblies lapped and edge blended to precise specifications.

Abstract: A mixing nozzle for producing a high velocity jet of airborne abrasive slurry comprising a cylindrical air passage of a length at least 2.5 times its diameter, a concentric circular chamber surrounding the cylindrical air passage and having a tangential entry for the abrasive slurry, and a nozzle portion having a region tapering from the diameter of the concentric circular chamber to a cylindrical region. The diameter of the cylindrical region should have a diameter lying between 1.2 and 3.0 times that of the air passage and a length at least six times its diameter. The air passage and the concentric chamber with its tangential entry is preferably formed as a replacement insert made from a wear resistant material.

Abstract: A hinged hanger system for pivotably attaching a rain gutter to the fascia of a building beneath the edge of a roof comprising a plurality of hinged hangers for mounting and supporting the rain gutter in a tiltable position, the hangers consisting of an "L" shaped bracket and a hinge section nestled within horizontal supports and pivotably hinged to the horizontal supports, and a pulley system with lines attached to the rain gutter for tilting the gutter to a dumping position and resetting the gutter to a receiving position.

Abstract: A window for installation in an inclined roof has a main frame and a bottom-hinged lower window frame which opens outwards to a substantially vertical position to form a breast wall. Each of two handrails forms the upper edge of a side railing between the lower window frame and a side portion of the main frame when the window is in the open balcony position. Each handrail has a length which is sufficient to form the upper side edge of the side railing when the window is installed at the lowest roof inclination within a specified angular range and can be cut to adapt its length to the actual roof inclination after the handrail is connected to the lower window frame and the associated side portion of the main frame. Vertical rail bars in each side railing are connected to the associated handrail by pivotal joints that are longitudinally displaceable in relation to the handrail and can be fastened in arbitrary positions along the handrail.

Abstract: A building structure includes outer walls, a roof having a lower border that overhangs one or more of the outer walls, and a frame for supporting the outer walls and roof. A top frame member is secured to the frame, extending longitudinally, and forms a portion of the outer side walls. A wall panel is received in a bottom edge of the top frame member and a board member having holes therein is received in a top portion of the top frame member. The board member, top frame member and wall panel form the outer side wall of the building. Rafter tails are also mounted to the frame, and overhang the outer side wall and top frame member. The rafter tails are covered by an overhang deck and a facia board. Air is allowed to enter the chamber formed between the rafter tails, overhang deck and facia board and pass through the board member into the building structure, thus providing a flow of air into the building.

Abstract: A composition for vibration damping of a structure releasing vibrational energy through its surface is disclosed. The composition includes either a substantially non-homogeneous visco elastic damping layer on the surface of the structure, or a visco elastic damping layer that is either homogeneous or non-homogeneous discontinuously attached to the surface of the structure. The non-homogeneity of the damping layer is caused by substantially planar voids, substantially spherical voids, or particles. The discontinuous attachment of the damping layer and the surface of the structure is caused by a plurality of grooves, indentations, or by the presence of a non-adhesive material where the damping layer and the surface structure are not secured.

Abstract: A magnetically shielded room has four walls, a floor, and a ceiling. One of the walls has a doorway therethrough, and a sliding door is provided to close the doorway. Each of the four walls, the floor, the ceiling, and the door is formed of at least one layer of electrically conductive material to exclude radio frequency energy from the interior of the room, and at least one layer of high magnetic permeability material to exclude magnetic fields from the interior of the room. Preferably, at least the wall with the doorway therethrough and the door are formed of two electrically conductive plates and a layer of high magnetic permeability material on each of the plates, the electrically conductive plates of the wall being spaced sufficiently far apart that the sliding door slides into the space between the plates when the doorway is opened.

Abstract: A brush for applying mascara to the eyelashes including long bristles and short bristles, the long bristles forming at least one crest on the brush. The crest or crests form a helix the pitch of which equals from one to four times the length of the brush.

Abstract: A vertical expansion joint for connecting substrates in new of existing structures provides a fabricated seal, comprising a strip of cured, low modulus silicone attached to an open-cell polyurethane backer foam or, alternately, a closed cell polyethylene foam. The silicone strip of the joint is narrower than the backer foam and compatible with construction grade sealants, neutral cure sealants and room-temperature vulcanized sealant. The seal is inserted into the joint to be filled. A wet silicone sealant into the recessed areas on either side of the cured silicone strip. The wet sealant dries and creates a bond between the strip and the substrates. The resulting bond allows extreme expansion and contraction of the curtainwalls or substrates, while maintaining a watertight seal.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. Rail extensions are also provided for added safety and to further protect components during transportation between venues. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A rafter to plate connection in a wood frame building including wood top plate, and a wood rafter joined by a variable pitch connector including a rafter seat for receiving a portion of the wood rafter, a fixed base member affixed to the outside edge of the wood top plate, first and second side members joined to opposite sides of the wood rafter, an adjustable base member joined to the rafter seat along a bend line and having a lower end in contact with the upper surface of the wood top plate. Fasteners join the fixed base member to the outside edge of the wood top plate, the adjustable base member to the wood top plate and the wood rafter to the side members.

Abstract: An adjustable beam holder to be used with parallel spaced apart forming boards. The holder includes a case with a longitudinal slot that receives a headed threaded shank members and the other end of the shank is inserted through holes in the flanges of a clamp having a U-Shaped bracket. The bracket embraces one of the beams of a truss member urging same toward the case that is anchored in concrete. Readily detachable arms are mounted to the upper wall of the case member in order to rest over the edges of forming wall and thereby aligning the upper wall flush with the plane defined by the upper edges.

Abstract: A kit including a plurality of spaced parallel collar pairs are mounted about an associated column, wherein the column pairs are of a generally polygonal configuration having a predetermined number of walls, wherein the walls receive an individual cover plate of a plurality of cover plates to provide for securement of the cover plates to the collar pairs. Foot and crown molding is subsequently mounted to the upper and lowermost distal ends respectively of the cover plates to provide for enclosing of the associated column.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete building (10) has vertical walls (16) formed of prefabricated modules (24) which may be assembled offsite and then transported to the construction site for installation and application of concrete. The prefabricated modules (24) are supported between lower and upper channel-shaped support members (30, 40) and are spaced from each other a sufficient distance for a concrete column (54) therebetween. A backing member (50) is secured between adjacent modules (24) and vertical reinforcing rods (42) are provided adjacent backing member (50) in the space between the modules (24) for the concrete columns (54). Concrete is applied pneumatically against the backing member (50) to fill the space between the modules (24) to form the concrete column (54).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tongue and groove product which comprises a first and second major surface and a first and second longitudinal edge. The first longitudinally edge includes a longitudinally-extending groove. The second longitudinal edge includes a longitudinally-extending protruding tongue for interlockingly engaging a complimentary grooved longitudinal edge of an adjacent tongue and groove board. The protruding tongue has an upper and a lower longitudinally-extending surface. The major design feature of this invention is that the protruding tongue has at least one substantially vertically-extending opening formed therein. Each of the openings extends through the protruding tongue from said longitudinally-extending upper surface to said longitudinally-extending lower surface for providing at least one drain path for water to drain by gravity from said first major surface downwardly through each said vertically-extending opening.

Abstract: The apparatus has a circular can filling device, a lid star wheel, a lid supply star wheel and a sealing device. The sealing device is spaced from both the filling device and the lid supply means but the path is very short. The lid star wheel and the can filling device for filling the containers or cans have a common contains transfer area, in which the lids are individually placed on the cans. In order to transport the cans with the lids thereon to the sealing device, a conveying unit is provided, which has two container guides, between which the containers are guided to the sealing device by the conveying unit.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also enclosed.

Abstract: Sheets and rolls of sheets with labels having multiple choice blocks and information areas corresponding to the choice blocks. The sheets include a closure bonding material for securing the sheets around items to be wrapped. The labels are detachably connected to the sheets with an adhesive, a perforation or a tear line. Spots of closure bonding material may be placed on the labels to hold the labels in a wrapped position. The information areas typically include data which may be selected to describe the source, type and characteristics of the items to be wrapped in the sheets. The sheets may also include detachable sleeves for protecting wrapped items during shipping and handle areas which may be punched out of the sheets for grasping the wrapped items. The handle areas may also contain information similar to that on the detachable labels. Sheets having labels with choice blocks may also be used for forming flower pots or flower pot covers.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping a floral group comprised of a pad of sheets of material. Each sheet of material has adhesive unevenly disposed across the upper surface of the material with the amount of adhesive being greater near one end of the adhesive than near the other end of the adhesive. Methods of wrapping the floral grouping with the wrapping material.

Abstract: A dispenser pouch has outer walls and a divider wall sealed to the outer walls to provide two separate compartments containing product. Each outer wall has a dispensing aperture formed therein communicating with one of the compartments. A closure flap is connected to each of the outer walls and positionable over a dispensing aperture. The invention also encompasses a method for forming the dispensing pouch.

Abstract: A bag package making machine that operates aseptically and in which a product is filled into a tube of packaging material and bag packages are partitioned off from that tube, the parts that come into contact with the packaging material and the product are sterilized, before filling operation begins, by passing a sterilizing agent through the filling tube and the bag forming part. For passing a sterilizing agent through the filling tube, a cup-shaped connecting element, which is enclosed by the packaging material tube, is connected to the outlet of the filling tube. Toward the end of the sterilizing phase, the filling tube and the connecting element are moved apart from one another, and the part of the packaging material tube surrounding these parts is sealed off between the connecting element and the filling tube and severed, so that the filling tube end remains in the closed end portion of the tube of packaging material which continues in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: A device for loading a product into a container wherein the device includes a delivery apparatus movable during a travel cycle toward and away from a travel limit and wherein the product is delivered through the delivery apparatus into the container during a certain portion of the travel cycle includes means operable during another portion of the travel cycle prior to the certain portion for applying a coating to an inner wall of a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated loading of pipette tips (26) into storage containers or racks (28). The apparatus (21, 21a) includes a tip-orienting roller assembly (22, 22a) for orienting the tips (26) in side-by-side contact and general parallel alignment, and a spacer assembly (24, 24a) which engages the tips (26) and pushes them from the orienting assembly (22) while simultaneously spacing them at a spacing suitable for insertion into a storage container or rack (28) having spaced apart tip-receiving openings (81). In the preferred embodiment, the tip orienting assembly (22) is provided by a vibratory feeder (30) which feeds a pair of spaced apart and inclined counter-rotating rollers (36, 37), and the spacer assembly (24) pushes the tips (26) between the rollers (36, 37) and into an intermediate transfer nest assembly (27, 27a). The nest assembly (27, 27a) transfers between the roller assembly (23) and the pipette tip rack or box (28).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously loading containers into cartons in oriented two row arrays is provided. A supply delivers the containers individually to a depositing device for individually receiving respective containers. The depositing device is then moved to individually deposit the containers delivered thereto in a first collection device for collecting the containers in rows and columns corresponding to the array. The first collection device includes a matrix of dedicated channels similar to the array into which channels the depositing device deposits the containers in a sequential manner whereby the matrix is repeatedly filled with the containers row by row. Individually and alternately after each associated row of the matrix is filled, each row of containers in the first collection device is next delivered to a second collection device for collecting the containers in separated rows. The second collection device includes a respective bay for each respective row of the array of containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for successively forming foam filled cushions for packaging purposes of the type in which a bag containing foam precursors is added to a container so that as the foam precursors form foam, the bag forms a custom cushion adjacent objects in the container. The method comprises attaching an adhesive strip to the longitudinal edges of a pair of sheets of plastic film material being advanced along predetermined paths of travel in face to face contact from a stock supply, and between which sheets a foamable composition is injected, to thereby join the sheets together and form one edge of the bag, while periodically sealing the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheets together transversely to the path of travel to form a bag while periodically severing a completed bag from the next succeeding bag being formed.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes transport mechanism (40, 42) for feeding a stack of sheets, such as currency notes, from a position in which the stack is accessible to a user of the apparatus into a secure container. A stack banding device (138) is arranged to form a band around the stack during feeding of the stack from the accessible position into the container. The band comprises two self-adhesive labels which are respectively peeled off two carrier strips (166) wound around two spools (168) included in the stack banding device (138). A printer is arranged to print stack identification data on each band. The stack banding device (138) may be used in an ATM for identifying a stack of currency notes which a customer has failed to collect at an exit port of the ATM and which has been fed into a rejected note container.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for disposition in supermarkets and the like for dispensing, in open condition, plastic or otherwise flexible bags for receiving therein articles purchased on site. The apparatus includes a reel formed of a continuous web of bags serially attached together in end-to-end relation, and a device for unwinding the continuous web from the reel and for advancing the web so as to transport the leading bag to a bag opening and retaining device. At the opening device, the leading bag is detached from the continuous web, a pair of relatively movable grippers grasps the opposite faces of and opens the bag, and the opened bag is supported by a vertically-movable loading platform as articles are introduced into the bag through a hopper located immediately above the platform-supported open bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming fluid-containing envelopes from two superimposed layers of enclosure material, defining a workpiece, by transporting the workpiece on a support to a plurality of processing stations. One of the processing stations forms at least a portion of the perimeter of each envelope to be formed from the workpiece by appropriately sealing the two layers together in a predefined pattern. At least one inlet coinciding with an unsealed portion of the layers is provided for each such envelope such that an appropriate fluid may be provided thereto when the workpiece is positioned at another processing station. Advantageously, the workpiece is maintained in a certain position on/relative to the support when provided to the envelope filling/forming station and other processing stations which may be incorporated (e.g., secondary sealing station, die cutting station).

Abstract: A rotating rate control apparatus for adjusting rotation of an engine of a working vehicle between a minimum rate and a maximum rate. The control apparatus has a first, a second and a third rotating rate adjusting devices. The first rotating rate adjusting device adjusts a basic rotating rate of the engine between the minimum rate and maximum rate. The second rotating rate adjusting device is shiftable between an ON position and an OFF position. The second rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when in the ON position, to set the engine to a predetermined rotating rate between the minimum rate and the maximum rate inclusive. The third rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when the second rotating rate adjusting device is in the OFF position, to adjust the rotating rate of the engine between the basic rotating rate adjusted by the first rotating rate adjusting device and the maximum rate.

Abstract: A cable is provided for attacking rotating wing aircraft by breaking and/or fouling rotor blades and/or blade pitch adjusting mechanisms. The cable comprises a stretchable core and shallow helix angle outer strands. A high hysteresis rubber or rubber-like material occupies the spaces between the strands and the core. The high hysteresis material prevents the cable from bouncing off the rotor blades when coming into contact therewith.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle has variable convergent flaps, ejector flaps, and short divergent flaps spaced inwardly from the ejector flaps, cooling air is introduced through the opening between the divergent and ejector flaps. When the nozzle is vectored, the size of the opening is increased in the region of the nozzle experiencing higher static pressure.

Abstract: A thrust augmentor heat shield for enclosing radially extending fuel pipes which can be attached to and removed from the outer duct wall from within the augmentor. The heat shield includes a hollow, elongate housing extending substantially entirely along the length of the fuel pipe, a nose projecting forwardly from the housing and received within a slot formed in the duct wall and a bolt for clamping the housing to the duct wall and urging the nose of the housing into the slot. The housing includes an opening between the outer duct wall and the diffuser wall for conveying cooling air radially inwardly along the housing, and openings along lateral sides of the housing in registry with the fuel discharge ports of the fuel tube. The housing includes a diffuser flowpath segment such that, when the housings are arranged in a spoke pattern, the segments form a continuous annular wall joined by splined connections.

Abstract: A generally annular combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine is disclosed in which a plurality of generally cylindrical walls extend forwardly from an upstream end wall of the combustion chamber such that each cylindrical wall defines a cavity which is in communication with the interior of the combustion chamber. A first fuel injection head is located in each of the cylindrical walls so as to inject fuel into the cavity which is mixed with air and passes into the combustion chamber. The first fuel injection heads are located at a first axial position with respect to a longitudinal axis passing through the combustion chamber. A plurality of second fuel injection heads are located adjacent to the upstream end wall of the combustion chamber so as to spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The second fuel injection heads are located axially downstream of the axial positions of the first fuel injection heads.

Abstract: An exhaust gas filter and/or a catalytic converter for the removal of harmful constituents from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided with a feed duct (6) to a filter or converter unit (1) made from metal materials, which form a unit penetrated by cavities, through which the exhaust gas is conveyed, from compression-moulded wires or fibers as a tangled mass, braiding, knitted fabric or woven cloth or in powder, granular or chip form, and with a delivery duct (7) for the exhaust gas purified by the filter or converter unit (1). The filter or converter unit (1) is also constructed as a heat exchanger unit for the exhaust gas to be cleaned.

Abstract: A learning or updating function which corrects the feedback control correction factor is included in a dual O.sub.2 sensor type control system. Correction related data which is used to modify in response to the output of an upstream sensor or sensor section, is recorded at memory addresses which corresponding to the sub-sections of an engine operation map. When the output of the upstream sensor changes, a sub-region in which the engine operation fell a time .tau. earlier or in which the engine operation has continuously fallen for the time .tau., is selected and the correction related data which is recorded at the corresponding address, read out, updated based in the output of the second sensor or sensor section and re-recorded at the same address.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle adapted for operating a plurality of reel mower cutting units and for driving at least one vehicle component such as drive wheels or power steering. The vehicle carries an engine near the front of the vehicle which generates heat. The system includes a fluid reservoir located remote from the engine and near the rear of the vehicle. An input line is coupled with the reservoir, and a first pump is operatively coupled with the input line. A first motor receives fluid from the first pump for driving a reel mower, and a branched line having first and second branches receives fluid from the first motor. The first branch is a first return line extending to the reservoir. A second pump having a lower capacity than the first pump is operatively coupled with the second branch, and a second motor receives fluid from the second pump for driving the vehicle component.

Abstract: Described herein is a brake valve which is arranged to prevent low pressure relief actions by relief valves (59A) and (59B) at the time of starting an actuator, for improving the response characteristics and the safety of operation. This brake valve has relief valves (59A) and (59B) and check valves (70A) and (70B) located in coaxial positions, the check valves (70A) and (70B) being arranged to seat on fore end portions of valve seat members (62A) and (62B) when opened, thereby to substantially block the communication of the valve seat members (62A) and (62B) with inlet link passages (56A) and (56B). Therefore, when the check valve (70A) or (70B) is opened at the time of starting the actuator, the valve seat member (62A) or (62B) is supplied with only a throttled flow of hydraulic pressure through the notched portions (73A) or (73B).

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus which is so constructed that an input pulley for engine power is set lower in mounting position with respect to the axis of a driving axle so s to enable the platform of a vehicle to be lowered. The engine position lowers to promote miniaturization, a lower center of gravity and running stability of the vehicle. For maintenance of the transmission for driving the axle, the entire axle driving apparatus need not be removed from the frame of the vehicle. A bearing for supporting the axle to the casing is held with exact dimensional precision so as not to cause a backlash on the axle, to thereby prolong the life span of the bearing. The axle is ensured to be sealed, the number of mounting bolts for the casing need not be increased in order to improve rigidity, and the casing is strong so that the assembly time for the axle driving apparatus is minimized.

Abstract: A rotary Stirling cycle engine which has a pair of hollow chambers (20) each having an elliptical rotor (30) positioned inside and rotatably sealed to the chambers inner walls. A crankshaft (40) connects the rotors in tandem to transmit rotational energy when the rotors revolve around the chambers. A cooling and a heating heat exchanger (44) and (48) are each connected through ports (26) and (28) in the chambers sidewalls one to the other. Working fluid (60) is present at a constant volume within the chambers and heat exchangers, revolving the rotors as the volume in each chamber changes due to the cyclic expansion and contraction of the working fluid as it sweeps around the chambers through the ports while being alternately heated and cooled by the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A contraction-extension mechanism type actuator is provided which operates with a small and simple mechanism, offers no hindrance to other work units, adopts a construction capable of fine adjustment, and enables only the leading end of a module to be freely moved while producing virtually no motion of the module itself. These objects are accomplished by a contraction-extension mechanism type actuator which is a joint array formed of a shape-memorizing alloy and provided with a contraction-extension mechanism having shape-controlling heaters integrally attached to the component joints of the array and having the joint array itself serving as its own a drive source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for improving operating efficiency of a hydraulic actuator loop and an improved hydraulic actuator loop. The method includes transferring hydraulic fluid between a first and a second hydraulic actuator when the actuators are disengaged from a load and transferring hydraulic fluid from an energy source to each of the actuators separately when the actuators engage the load. The method also includes transferring fluid from the energy source to the first actuator when the actuators are approaching the load and transferring fluid from the first actuator to a drain when the actuators are retracting from the load.