Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling medium circuit for ice making machines and the like, comprising a freezing circuit in which a high-pressure and high-temperature vaporized cooling medium compressed in a compressor is fed to a condenser, the cooling medium liquefied through condensation in the condenser is fed to an expansion means through a first solenoid valve, the cooling medium expanded and vaporized through the expansion means is fed to an evaporator to perform heat exchange and the thus heated vaporized cooling medium is fed back to the compressor; and a hot gas circuit in which the high-pressure and high-temperature vaporized cooling medium fed from the compressor is partly by-passed to the evaporator through a second solenoid valve and a choking means to achieve ice releasing and the like in the evaporator, wherein the state of the first solenoid valve and that of the second solenoid valve can be changed over synchronously each time the ice making machine is switched to freezing operation or to ice releasing ope

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable decorative ornament (10) comprising a setting (12), at least one decorative piece (14), a coupler (16), and a fastener (18). The coupler (16) is formed on setting (12) and decorative piece (14). Decorative piece (14) may be removably coupled to the setting (12) by coupler (16). Interchangeable decorative ornament (10) may be displayed on a user by fastener (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides a flat knitting machine having a simple construction and provided with rocking sinkers capable of stably operating for high-speed knitting operation without damaging the yarns, and a method of operating the rocking sinkers. The flat knitting machine is provided with rocking sinkers (8), sinker operating means (3) for operating the sinkers (8), needle operating means (19), and a power transmitting mechanism (4, 21) interlocking the needle operating means (19) and the sinker operating means (3) to operate the sinker operating means (3) by at least part of the motion of the needle operating means (19).

Abstract: A window having a lock. A catch is provided at one of double sliding windows, and a latch is provided at the other double sliding windows so as to be rotatable and so as to be engageable with the catch. The latch prevents movement of the double sliding windows when the latch is engaged with the catch. A combination padlock prevents rotation of the latch when the latch and the catch are engaged. The combination padlock is locked and unlocked by combinations of positions of a plurality of dials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding pin tumbler locks, and more specifically, a mechanical key card lock. To determine the length and weight of a given pin tumbler, a probe is inserted within the lock, comprised of one or a matrix of many force sensing resistors. The probe will respond to variations in pressure and tension of each pin tumbler, and will thus provide a range of output resistances, directly related to the pressure exerted upon the sensor by a particular pin tumbler. The outputs of the sensors are then electronically sensed and recorded so that a duplicate key can be produced.

Abstract: A security combination key is provided, which consists of a hollow housing having a removable cover plate. An elongated guide member having an open track therein and a ward groove on a side thereof, extends from one side of the hollow housing. A plurality of blades having serrations extend in parallel relationships from within the hollow housing into the track of the guide member with the serrations exposed in the track. An apparatus is for sliding the blades in the track of the guide member, to form various combinations with the serrations to match up with pin tumblers in specific locks. A device is for locking the blades in a stationary position in the track of the guide member. The guide member having the ward groove can be inserted into a keyway having a compatible set of ward ridges in a cylinder of the lock, allowing the serrations of the blades to properly position the pin tumblers to permit operation of the lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock set includes a retaining tumbler which has a cammed outer tip adapted to be received in a receptive slot such that the cylinder may be rotated in the slot to engage the cammed outer tip of the retaining tumbler and cam down the tumbler into the cylinder to provide clearance between the slot and the cylinder for facilitating insertion of the cylinder into a receptive sleeve.

Abstract: For adjusting of three caliber opening rollers or guiding rolls, a light source is arranged on the one side of the roller or guiding roll, a device is located at another side of the roller or the guiding roll and receives a shadow image of a caliber contour and has a turnable, displaceable and arrestable bar template. The bar template has at least one polygon which corresponds to the number of rollers or guiding rolls of a caliber and sides which are offset from one another with the same angular position as rotary axes of the rollers or guiding rolls, and center points of inscribed circles of several such polygons are located on one another.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling the revolutions of the spinning roller (29) of a spinning lathe (10). The coordinate driving units (52,53), which are designed as valve controlled (49,51) hydrocylinders (42,47), are operated according to a playback process according to which the coordinate driving units (52,53) are operated according to a follow-up process in which position set values are electrically preregulated and mechanical real values are fed back. The slowing down path .DELTA.S (lag error) is continuously measured at least during the last revolution of the spinning roller (29), so that when a threshold value .DELTA.Smax is exceeded, the tracking speed V.sub.B is reduced and/or a transitioning to an intermediate routing curve occurs. A spinning lathe for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The well known Grob method, as practiced on a Grob machine, uses at least a partially profiled mandrel wherein during a cold forming operation, via a forming or impact roller of a workpiece blank, produces a hollow workpiece that is profiled at least internally wherein the material is shaped radially as well as axially in a single operation and the axial and radial shaping of the workpiece blank is achieved at least internally as a whole or in part in a straight or helical manner relative to the workpiece axis, by means of this forming roller and achieves the economical production of high quality workpieces in a single operation, with outer profiling also being achievable, and the difference (D) between the outer radius (RO) of the workpiece blank and the outer radius (RD) of the mandrel preferably being the same as or smaller than the length (WL) of the finished workpiece.

Abstract: A rolling mill in which an upper housing is guided upward and downward along columns, a fluid chamber is formed between the upper end section of each column and a column insertion hole of the upper housing; a fixed piston fixedly mounted on the column is fitted in the fluid chamber; a roll gap rapid widening piston is fixedly installed on the upper end of the column, and on this piston is vertically movably fitted a hydraulic cylinder; the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly mounted in the upper housing; pressure fluid is constantly supplied to an upper fluid chamber on the piston; a fluid chamber is provided in the column insertion hole of the upper housing, and a column clamping sleeve is fitted therein; and the pressure fluid is fed into, and discharged out of, the fluid chamber to move the upper housing upward and downward.

Abstract: A straight rod stock processor and method for use thereof which incorporates the employment of a rod stock loader to effect automatic shakeout of a piece of straight rod stock in pulling the same from a pre-load bundle of infeed stock and delivery to a set of secondary rod stock compression rollers interposed between the rod stock loader and a stirrup bender just forward of the stirrup bender head on the infeed side thereof so that essentially the entire length of an infed rod stock piece may be thereby positioned and controlled in delivery to the stirrup bender head for processing thus substantially reducing labor and waste and handling costs per ton which are otherwise normally associated with the processing of straight rod stock lengths through a stirrup bender.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reforming drawn and ironed containers are disclosed. The invention permits improvements in bottom profiles by radially expanding arcuate segments against the inner leg that connects the bottom rim of the container to the center panel. The reforming introduced by the present invention permits containers to be constructed of a lighter gauge material without suffering from any loss in strength. The container being reformed is seated on a flat surface and a radially expanding die is used in conjunction with a tapered mandrel to reform the bottom profile. Most preferably, the reforming tool of the present invention is incorporated into a container necking mechanism.

Abstract: A method for necking an end of a metal container include effecting initial deformation, generally radially inwardly, of an axial portion to establish a necked-in generally convex transition portion and an adjacent portion disposed between the transition portion and the container end which is initially generally cylindrical. Both portions are of reduced diameter with respect to the original can body diameter. Sequentially, through the series of formation steps, the portion to be necked in is further reduced in diameter to produce an outwardly generally convex portion disposed in underlying relationship with respect to an outwardly concave portion. A generally, radially, outwardly directed flange may be established within the end section of the necked-in portion. Apparatus to perform the foregoing forming steps consists of a plurality of die means which are subjected to relative axial movement and contact and reshape the exterior of the container portion that is to be necked in.

Abstract: A multi-use vehicle support and lift for performing general repair and overhaul and to position a vehicle centrally on the support for measuring and then repairing collision damage using an attachable pulling tower.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for testing the operational capability of flexure area equipped sensors especially those made of micromachined silicon. A thermal actuator beam is provided to bridge the structures which are joined by the flexure area. During the test, the beam's temperature is changed relative to that of the flexure area so as to provide a differential expansion or contraction. The result is that the flexure area bends and conventional bending sensors for the flexure area can sense the amount of bend. By comparing the actual amount of bend sensed with the amount expected from the temperature change applied to the beam, the operational capability can be determined.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is tested by measuring/recording the pressure of the exhaust gas as the engine is rotate without combustion.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a diaphragm having a magnetic film fixed to one side thereof. The diaphragm is arranged to displace depending on a pressure differential applied thereacross to change an inductance of a coil which is arranged close to the magnetic film with a predetermined gap therebetween. An alternating current is supplied to the coil to be modulated by the inductance of the coil so that the pressure differential across the diaphragm is converted into an electric signal. A monitored pressure is derived based on this converted electric signal.

Abstract: A device for calibrating strain gages and strain transducers. The device includes an assembly with a first section and a second section positioned in relation to each other such that a gap is defined between the two sections. A strain transducer is attached to the assembly across the defined gap. The assembly includes an adjustment device which alters the position of the sections in relation to each other, thereby redefining the gap. A displacement sensor detects a displacement signal occurring due to the redefining of the gap caused by operation of the adjustment device. A strain transducer output detector detects a strain output signal occurring also due to the redefining of the gap by the adjustment device. A calibrating device inputs the signals from the displacement sensor and the strain transducer output detector and provides a calibration for the strain transducer attached to the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shock and impact testing apparatus for subjecting items under test, such as a motor vehicle crash sensor, to an acceleration pulse of a prescribed amplitude and shape, such as a half sine or haversine. The apparatus includes a stationary support providing a pivot point, a swivel arm mounted for rotational movement about the pivot point and an electric motor, arranged on the stationary support and mechanically coupled to the swivel arm, for rotating the swivel arm at a desired, prescribed speed. The arm has a free end for the attachment of the test object so that the test object is moved at the prescribed speed along a given path. A mechanical spring is arranged in this path for reversing the direction of motion of the test object, thereby imparting an acceleration pulse to the test object of a prescribed shape.

Abstract: A road surface condition sensor for judging if there is an appreciable unevenness on a road surface to provide a desirable braking performance for a vehicle, which comprises a vehicle speed estimating circuit for estimating the running speed of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle, and a judging circuit for making a judgement as to whether the magnitude of a time-derivative of the steering angle indicative of the unevenness of a road surface is greater than a threshold value which is determined according to the estimated running speed of the vehicle, and for outputting a road surface condition signal representing results of the judgement.

Abstract: Described is a process for qualitatively and quantitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the aroma components thereof from two or more different varieties and/or species of living flowers at a given point in time or over a given time period using a single enclosure to contain the living flowers and having aroma trapping means attached to the single enclosure and apparatus for carrying out such process. Also described is a process for preparing one or more perfume compositions comprising the steps of carrying out the aforementioned analysis or analyses and then, using the results of such analysis or analyses, providing and admixing at least the major components found in the analysis or analyses; apparatus for carrying out such process and perfume compositions prepared using such apparatus and process.

Abstract: A drain separator in a gas analyzer is provided to rapidly remove drain or condensate from a gas flow by creating a rotary motion in the gas flow prior to introducing it into a separating chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, separating chamber 2, formed as a downwardly divergent conical space, connects with gas-inlet passage 6 at its upper end and an exhaust gas-outlet passage 3 at the periphery of its base. A sample gas-outlet passage 8 is disposed within separating chamber 2 in a coaxially aligned, vertically spaced opposing relationship to gas-inlet passage 6. Rotation of the gas flow may be accomplished by a vane 7, disposed within gas-inlet passage 6. Upon introduction of the rotating gas flow into separating chamber 2, the pressure on the flow is reduced causing the drain to condense and become distributed about the circumference of the low pressure gas flow.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant cable for use in electrical detection systems for fluid leaks in pipelines and the like includes a central electrical conductor, annular spacer means of electrically insulating material disposed around the central conductor, the annular spacer having a plurality of void spaces for receiving leakage fluid, and an annular sheath disposed around the spacer in concentric relation with the central conductor, the annular spacer formed of a plurality of electrically conductive wires, said wires having a coating of corrosion resistant material for protection against water, acids, alkalis, solvents or other liquids or environmental contaminants that may be present in the vicinity. An uninsulated wire may be incorporated in the sheath to cooperate with an uninsulated central conductor to detect conductive liquids, thereby allowing a leak detection system utilizing the cable to distinguish between leaks of conductive and non-conductive liquids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of measuring the hardness or various other characteristics of a sample surface, comprises a load cell carrying a penetrator and connected to a computer for reading signals from the load cell. The sample is advantageously mounted on the vertically moveable table of a microscope. The table can be moved by a stepper motor also connected to the computer for raising the sample into contact with the penetrator until a preselected force is reached. The force is sufficient to indent the sample surface with the penetrator. Optical or other mechanisms can then be used to measure the indentation. One other mechanism which can be used to measure the indentation is a second load cell carrying a tube which also contacts the sample surface and produces a second signal. Signals from the two load cells can be processed to measure a difference between the signals which provides a measurement of the indentation produced by the penetrator.

Abstract: Tube flaring apparatus for forming a radially outwardly extending flange at one end of a hollow malleable cylindrical conduit including a rotating spindle journaled on a stationary housing and mounting a chuck at one end thereof. The chuck cantileverly supports an axially extending conduit to be flared. A flaring tool is mounted for movement between an axially outer radially inner position removed from the conduit and an axially inner, radially outer position bearing against the inner surface of the outer end of the conduit to radially and axially displace the end to form a flange. The flaring tool is coupled to a piston rod axially driven by a fluid operated cylinder which is mounted in fixed relation relative to the chuck at the axially opposite end of the rotating spindle.

Abstract: The temperature of a measuring resistor is controlled for measuring the mass flow rate of intake air entering an internal combustion engine. The operating temperature of the measuring resistor is regulated by controlling the level of electric current flowing therethrough. A voltage signal based on the level of electric current flowing through the measuring resistor is generated which is indicative of the mass flow rate of air entering the engine. The operating temperature target value of the measuring resistor is adjusted based on the value of the voltage signal, to optimize the measurement sensitivity thereof based on the level of the intake air mass flow rate.

Abstract: An optically broadcasting wind direction indicator generates flashes of light which are separated by a time interval that is directly proportional to the angle of the wind direction relative to a fixed direction, such as north. An angle/voltage transducer generates a voltage that is proportional to the wind direction relative to the fixed direction, and this voltage is employed by timing circuitry or a microprocessor that generates pulses for actuating a light source trigger circuit first at the start of the time interval, and then at the end of the time interval. To aid an observer in distinguishing between the beginning and end of the interval, two stop flashes can be provided in quick succession. The time scale is preferably chosen so that each second of the time interval corresponds to 30.degree. of direction relative to north.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the mass flow rate of solids in a cyclone separator having an inlet for receiving a mixture of solids and gases and an outlet for discharging the separated gases. The method includes measuring the gas pressures at the inlet, in the separator, and at the outlet, and utilizing these pressure values to establish a ratio of the pressure drop across the outlet to the pressure drop across the separator. This ratio is then used to determine the mass flow rate of the solids into the cyclone.

Abstract: A housing structure for reducing back air flow to the mass air flow sensor of an internal combustion engine. The housing structure consists of a housing defining a main air flow passage therethrough. A bypass passage is provided in the housing parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main air flow passage which receives therein the sensing head of the mass air flow sensor. A recovery chamber is connected to the bypass passage and is enclosed by an internal structure. The internal structure forms a pair of venturies with the sidewalls of the housing which induces an air flow through the bypass passage and the recovery chamber. A calibrated aperture is provided through the internal structure connecting the recovery chamber to the main air flow passage downstream of the bypass passage. The calibrated aperture reduces the air flow through the bypass passage during a back air flow.

Abstract: A method for measuring average mass flow velocity in a duct employing an RTD (resistance temperature sensor or detector) sensing device which is a long, thin, unitary device adapted to be distributed across an extended field for the continuous, uninterrupted sensing or interrogation of such field. A very long, thin, ductile protective metal outer sheath houses a co-extensive body of insulation material, which in turn supports and electrically insulates one or more co-extensive RTD filaments and, in most forms of the invention, one or more heater filaments. The distributed RTD sensor may be configured in various ways to have continuous linear function sensitivity, continuous variable function sensitivity, or step function sensitivity. The distributed RTD sensor is used for measuring average mass flow velocity of fluids primarily in large ducts.

Abstract: A balancing station includes a vertical spindle having a collet for frictionally engaging the center hole of a wheel. A motor driven drum is mounted on an arm which is moved by an actuator to urge the drum against the wheel with a radial force so that it can frictionally drive the wheel. An idler drum or a second driven drum mounted on a similar arm on the opposite side of the wheel is moved by an actuator to engage the wheel at a location diametrically opposite the driven drum to apply a radial force to the wheel equal and opposite to the force from the driven drum. The arms are symmetrically mounted with respect to the spindle so that the two drums will contact diametrically opposite locations on the wheel for any size wheel over a large size range.

Abstract: Wheel balancer design informs the user to apply correction weight(s) on one or two planes of the wheel tire assembly. A comprehensive combination of a "split weight" key and display usage allows the user to split a singular weight into a variety of choices involving two (or more) weights. The two weights are applied at the proper angular displacements so as to provide perfect imbalance correction using standard size incremental weights.

Abstract: A drift canceling apparatus has an angular velocity detecting sensor with a detection output having temperature/time drift, the output being supplied to an object to be controlled. A reference signal extraction circuit extracts a reference signal from the detection output. The reference signal extraction circuit includes a differentiation circuit for differentiating the detection output of the angular velocity detecting sensor, a comparison circuit for comparing the detection output of the angular velocity detecting sensor with the output signal of the differentiation circuit to produce a comparison circuit output signal, a selection circuit for selecting only an output in a required normal operation region from the comparison circuit output signal, and a sample hold circuit for sample-holding the detection output of the angular velocity detecting sensor in response to the output of the selection circuit to produce a sample hold signal used as the reference signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for grading production quantities of spherical objects, such as roller balls for bearings. A resonant ultrasound spectrum (RUS) is generated for each spherical object and a set of degenerate sphere-resonance frequencies is identified. From the degenerate sphere-resonance frequencies and known relationships between degenerate sphere-resonance frequencies and Poisson's ratio, a Poisson's ratio can be determined, along with a "best" spherical diameter, to form spherical parameters for the sphere. From the RUS, fine-structure resonant frequency spectra are identified for each degenerate sphere-resonance frequency previously selected. From each fine-structure spectrum and associated sphere parameter values an asphericity value is determined. The asphericity value can then be compared with predetermined values to provide a measure for accepting or rejecting the sphere.

Abstract: A vibrator includes a vibrating table; a plurality of driven unbalanced shafts disposed within the vibrating table and arranged in pairs; and a plurality of unbalanced bodies. A separate unbalanced body is connected to each unbalanced shaft. The unbalanced bodies can assume various vibrating frequencies and angular positions. An adjustment device varies the vibrating frequencies and angular positions of the unbalanced bodies relative to one another. Each shaft is driven by a separate motor; the motors are adapted to rotate in synchronism with one another at a predetermined rotational speed. The adjustment device includes an electronic controller for regulating each of the motors.

Abstract: An indicator gauge may utilize a motion amplifying gauge movement. The motion amplifying mechanism makes it possible for a diaphragm-type pressure gauge to provide large angular displacements for an indicating pointer. The indicator gauge may be configured to have a maximum readout visibility in the range from about 0.degree. to about 270.degree.. A single-piece crankshaft located on an adjustable mounting translates the short range of motion of a diaphragm button to a pivotal gear segment. The crankshaft may be configured as a C-shaped crankshaft or an L-shaped crankshaft. The pivotal gear segment may be wedge-shaped or have an extension arm for contact with the crankshaft. The crankshaft may also contact a downwardly or upwardly extending boss located on the pivotal gear segment.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to facilitate prediction of the life of a structure, such as a frame of a dump truck and so forth without requiring cumbersome calculations. A gauge (2, 3 or 4) for predicting a life of a structure comprises a gauge main body of a thin plate form having annular ring portions (5, 6) of substantially the same configuration at both ends and a strip-like connecting portion (7) integrally connecting the annular ring portions and formed with V-shaped cut-outs (8, 8) at the intermediate portion in opposition to each other. The gauge main body has a shorter life than the life of the structure (1) to be predicted. A crack gauge is fitted between the mutually opposing cut-outs. The gauge is fixed on a predetermined position on the structure by way of welding or so forth. A breaking time of the gauge can be obtained from a variation of a measured resistance of the crack gauge. Based on the breaking period, the life of the structure (1) is predicted.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow of a liquid through a conduit by observing the transit of an injected gas bubble through the conduit. A gas source, responsive to the pressure of the liquid in the conduit, supplies gas at a predetermined pressure to a gas injector. This allows the gas injectors to inject a predetermined volume of gas into the conduit, largely independent of the absolute pressure of the liquid. An image, produces a conduit image representative of the gas bubble and the liquid in the conduit, comprising a plurality of elements corresponding to a plurality of predetermined locations along the conduit. A timer responsive to the conduit image produces a plurality of transit times substantially equal to the times required for the gas bubble to transit between adjacent predetermined locations. A time analyzer and indicator are included for analyzing the plurality of transit times and indicating the flow of the liquid through the conduit.

Abstract: An adsorber device for collecting diffusible ions in a liquid medium. The adsorber device includes an ion exchange "sink" comprising a hollow, spherical capsule filled with an ion exchange material or other adsorber. Further, the present invention includes a process for analyzing a test medium which includes scattering multiple adsorber devices throughout the test medium; recovering the devices after a predetermined amount of time; and leaching the accumulated solutes from the adsorber material to provide an extract solution which can then be analyzed by various procedures to determine quantities of accumulated solutes.

Abstract: A Coriolis force mass flowmeter comprises a single conduit with two fixed extremities including two end sections respectively extending from the two fixed extremities of the conduit in over-hanging relationship and a looped midsection connecting the two end sections of the conduit to one another in a configuration symmetric about a center plane perpendicularly intersecting with the center section of the conduit and dividing the conduit into two equal opposite halves, wherein an electromagnetic vibrator generates a flexural vibration of the conduit in a symmetric mode about the center plane and two vibration sensors measure the flexural vibration of the conduit at two locations located symmetrically about the center plane, and the mass flow rate of media moving through the conduit is determined as a function of a difference between two flexural vibrations respectively measured by the two vibration sensors.

Abstract: A positive-displacement pipette is provided comprising a longitudinally extending body portion having a bore passing therethrough, a hand grip portion disposed at one end of the body, and a tip portion coupled to and coaxially extending from the hand-grip portion. A cylinder is employed connected to and extending coaxially from the tip portion of the pipette, wherein the cylinder has a jet at its bottom end and a piston rod extending through the cylinder to the jet. A gripping arm in the form of a slidable sleeve is movably supported within the bore of the body and is adapted for gripping the piston rod by force applied to the slidable sleeve to thereby cause the sleeve to attach itself to the piston rod by friction. A device located on the hand grip portion of the body is provided for applying force to the slidable sleeve and hence to the piston rod extending through the cylinder to the jet.

Abstract: Gas flux rate from a surface is measured using an elongated tubular housing having a lower open end and an upper open end with a support positioned within the housing a predetermined distance from the lower open end. A gas sampling wand extends into the housing from the upper open end and is supported on the support. The wand has a lower open end at the support generally co-planar with the lower open end of the housing. An air baffle is coupled to the upper open end of the housing for reducing velocity and pressure fluctuations of atmospheric air entering the housing from the upper end. A detector is coupled to the wand for measuring the concentration of selected gases within the housing. A funnel-shaped hood circumscribes the lower open end of the wand and increases the sample collection area of the wand. An air pump is coupled to the wand for drawing air and gases into the wand from the area adjacent the lower open end of the housing.

Abstract: A test fixture for simulating the inflation profile of a vehicle air bag. The test fixture includes a cavity block containing compressed nitrogen at a first predetermined pressure, and accumulator containing compressed nitrogen a second higher predetermined pressure, a diffuser containing an air bag at ambient pressure, a first rupture disk intermediate the accumulator and the cavity block adapted to rupture at a third predetermined pressure intermediate the first and second predetermined pressures, and a second rupture disk intermediate the diffuser and the cavity block adapted to rupture at a fourth predetermined pressure intermediate the first and second predetermined pressures.

Abstract: A failsafe limit switch with automatic reset for a rolling fire door is usable together with a rolling door with a brake. There is a movable plunger between a secured position and a triggered position which compresses a spring as it moves from its triggered position to its secured position. A movable catch between the engaged position and the released position holds the plunger in the secured position when the catch is in the engaged position under the impetus of the spring when the catch is in the released position. When the catch is in the released position, it also closes the contacts of a normally open switch; and if the catch is in the engaged position, it allows the contacts of the switch to open. The switch is wired in series with a solenoid; the movable arm of the solenoid acts to move the plunger from the triggered position to the secured position when the solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A device for avoiding gear flank backlash or chattering of first and second gear trains. Each of the gear trains include a plurality of mutually meshing gear wheels. The first gear train has a first initial wheel and a first end wheel. The first initial wheel is driven. The second gear train has a second initial wheel and a second end wheel. The second end wheel is driven. The first and second initial wheels of the first and second gear trains are non-rotatably connected to one another. A tensioning device is connected between the first and second end wheels and it produces a torque in a preferred rotational direction of the gear wheels of the first gear train. The torque acts between the first initial wheel and the first end wheel and ensures a definite flank alignment of the gear wheels during the operation of the first gear train.

Abstract: An actuator module for inducing the relative motion of robot members joined in a robot joint includes a Ferguson epicyclic gear train, integral motor and integrated control means. The gear train comprises a plurality of base gears connected to the robot members and a plurality of planet gear carriers, each planet gear carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably mounted therein. A motor integrated with certain gear train components induces the rotation of the planet gear carriers about or within the base gears. Because of the Ferguson paradox, this induces the motion of base gears connected to one robot member relative to those connected to the other robot member, which in turn causes the relative motion of the robot members. The actuator module can be configured as dual substantially symmetric systems and may comprise multiple stages of epicyclic gearing.

Abstract: In the two dimensional drive system of the present invention, each end of a first X-shaft is connected to each first Y-guide, and the first X-shaft is capable of moving along the first Y-guides. Each end of a second X-shaft is connected to each second Y-guide, and the second X-shaft is capable of moving along the second Y-guides. Each end of a Y-shaft is connected to each X-guide, and the Y-shaft is capable of moving along the X-guides. A first moving body always locates at a cross point of the first X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. A second moving body always locates at a cross point of the second X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. An X-drive mechanism moves the Y-shaft along the X-guides. A first Y-drive mechanism moves the first X-shaft along the first Y-guides. A second Y-drive mechanism moves the second X-shaft along the second Y-guides.

Abstract: A bicycle speed control having a casing to hold a control mechanism being consisted of a sector ratchet wheel, a cable winch and a lever, an upper stop plate and a curved lower stop plate for controlling shifting of speeds of a bicycle, wherein moving the curved lower stop plate with the thumb toward the lever causes the bicycle controller to shift from a lower speed to a higher speed; moving the lever with the index finger toward the curved lower stop plate causes the bicycle controller to shift from a higher speed to a lower speed.

Abstract: A mount for optional equipment for bicycles. The mount is mounted on handle bars of bicycles. A number of pairs of flanges are attached to or formed on the mount. A pair of flanges is attached to or formed on each item of optional equipment. The pairs of flanges attached to or formed on the mount engage with the pairs of flanges attached to or formed on the items of optional equipment, so that the items of optional equipment are mounted on the mount in a quickrelease way.