Abstract: A method and container are provided for pre-treating soiled fabrics, such as clothes, to enhance cleaning thereof upon subsequent laundering such as in a domestic washing machine. The soiled fabrics are moisturized and stored in the container which is sealed airtight to retain the moisture in the fabrics. Preferably, the soiled fabrics are moisturized to provide a minimum moisture content of about 7% based on the weight thereof.

Abstract: A device for treating a preferably cellulose-containing suspension, comprising a housing (1) on a stand (2).

Abstract: A plastic spacer ring for spacing apart and sealing plastic dye tubes during yarn package dyeing. Each plastic spacer ring has an annular groove on both its upper and lower surface for receiving an end face of a dye tube. Each groove has an open top and a closed bottom with the width of the open top greater than, and the width at the closed bottom less than the predetermined wall thickness of the plastic dye tube body. This construction provides tangential contact between the end faces of the plastic dye tubes on both side walls of the annular groove, which in turn, provides two seals substantially continuously about the circumference of the end face of the dye tube.

Abstract: The handcuff assembly comprises a first wrist encircling means for selectively encircling one wrist, a second wrist encircling means for selectively encircling a second wrist, and a connecting means for rigidly connecting the first wrist encircling means to the second wrist encircling means. The connecting means comprises an elongated body having an opening therein suitable for acting as a receptacle for a hand to allow the connecting means with opening to serve as a device to acquire leverage over the detainee whose wrists are secured in the shackles.

Abstract: An apparatus for secure positioning over and around a steering wheel and steering column to prevent theft. The apparatus comprises a plate positionable over the top of a central part of a steering wheel having a steering column with laterally extending rods for turn signals and the like. The plate has a short post extending downwardly from one edge thereof with an upper end pivotally secured about an axis with respect to the plate and with the lower end having an inwardly projecting leg. The plate also has a long post which extends downwardly from a second edge of the plate diametrically opposite from the first edge with an upper end pivotally secured about an axis with respect to the plate about an axis parallel with the first axis and with a lower end having an outwardly projecting leg. The apparatus further includes a first housing half and a second housing half positionable around the steering column beneath the steering wheel.

Abstract: A suitcase fastener has a retaining member secured to the cover of a suitcase and a fastening assembly mounted on the case of the suitcase to engage the retaining member for holding the case and the cover together. The fastening assembly includes a base block with a receiving space. A first swing member has one end portion pivoted to the base block and another end portion biased away from the receiving space. A clasp member, pivoted to the other end portion of the first swing member, has a hook element and an engagement element at two end portions thereof and is biased to an unfolded position relative to the first swing member. The swing member and the clasp member are operable to be moved to their folded position in which the hook element is pressed to engage the retaining member and in which the other end portion of the first swing member and the engagement element of the clasp member are pressed into the receiving space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for the automated bending of continuous reels of metal strips, particularly for the bending of sharpened metal strip into steel rule dies. A sequence of steps is provided to perform a number of bends in the strip, at various positions on the strip, and of various magnitudes, in order to approximate the shape desired. Data containing the shape to be produced is introduced into a programmable computation and control system, which also contains data regarding the physical characteristics of the metal strip. An optical detection system is used to detect the shape produced at every step, and an electrical signal is fed back from the detection system into the computation and control system to compensate for any errors, particularly those errors caused by springback of the metal strip.

Abstract: A feedback control of a hot and/or cold rolling process by means of a process control system, which executes a predetermined rolling program containing the initial and final dimensions, material data, roll temperatures, etc., and has a master system for controlling the setpoint values of subordinate, preferably decoupled, individual control units for the variable functional variables of the individual roll stands, e.g. rolling force, rotational speed, screw-down position [setting], etc. The setpoint values of the control units are determined in a computational operation using model equations, in which prepared and statistically processed measured values of the process variables are substituted, with convergent adaptation of absolute parameters to the actual parameters.

Abstract: An improved plate leveller comprising a housing, a rigid top beam and a bottom beam mounted on the housing, a flexible beam disposed between the upper rigid beam and the bottom beam and connected at the ends thereof to secondary bending cylinders mounted on the rigid top beam, upper back-up roll assemblies mounted on the flexible beam, lower back-up roll assemblies mounted on the lower beam, upper and lower work rolls disposed between the back-up roll assemblies, and a primary bending cylinder mounted on the rigid top beam and bearing on an upper surface of the flexible beam and, with the secondary bending cylinders, bending the flexible beam to counteract deflection of the bottom beam under load, thereby to maintain the upper and lower work rolls in parallel relationship to each other and providing uniform dimensions of plate passed therebetween.

Abstract: An automated system for exchanging components of a continuous seam-welded tube mill to change from production of one tubular product to another. The components to be changed are mounted upon sub-base units adapted to be removably affixed to a fixed mill base. Alternate sets of changeable mill units mounted on duplicate sub-base sections are provided for off line tooling change and setup. Changeover modules are provided alongside and spaced from the mill base. Bridging roll units are extendible to span the space between the mill bases and the changeover modules, and push-pull units are incorporated in the changeover modules to shift the sub-base sections from the mill base to the changeover module and the previously retooled duplicate sub-base sections from the changeover modules into operative position on the mill bases.

Abstract: A frame supports an interchangeable mandrel or die which receives the center portion of an elongated metal rod having opposite threaded end portions, and the rod is clamped to the die by a locking bar actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. The frame also includes a set of vertically spaced cross members connected by a pair of parallel spaced guide rods which support a carrier bar for vertical movement. The carrier bar pivotally supports corresponding end portions of a pair of arms each formed by parallel spaced plates, and each pair of plates defines slightly angled aligned cam slots. A pair of bending rollers are supported by the opposite end portions of the arms, and a hub member extends between the plates of each arm and supports rollers which engage the corresponding cam slots to provide for moving the arms and bending rollers along non-parallel converging paths for overbending the rod around the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the extrusion of tubing, sheets and profile shapes, wherein shearing strains in the material being extruded through a die serve to orient the microstructures of the material so that its strength properties are improved in the direction transverse to the extruding direction.

Abstract: An extruder with an air evacuation mechanism includes a cylinder with a die mounted at an outlet end and a piston movable between a position outside an opposite inlet end and a position inside the cylinder. A separate sealing device is mounted at the inlet end and accompanies the piston when it is retracted from the cylinder. The sealing device includes a casing with sealing rings mounted on the piston or a piston rod thereof.

Abstract: A device for use in the repair of automobiles, trucks, farm equipment and other vehicles having sheet metal bodies capable of deformation from impact accidents, which device includes a main body portion having a first nestable solid section and a second tubular receiving section, the receiving section being constrictedly open at its proximal end being closed on its distal end by a closure which is threaded to receive a work head of varying configurations, each of which is interchangeable with the other for carrying out specific tasks or functions within a specific area of the vehicular body.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for in situ calibration of various types of pressure gauges is provided for measuring absolute pressure, manometric pressure or differential pressure. The apparatus includes a reference chamber where a desired pressure can be established with very high accuracy. Pressure regulation is based on an output signal from a calibrated electronic pressure sensor connected to the reference chamber, and on a reference signal (V.sub.ref), these signals being supplied to an electronic control circuit which controls a regulating valve. The regulating valve controls gas pressure within the reference chamber so that the pressure is established on the desired valve.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor heat controlling apparatus includes: a current-limiting type oxygen sensor whose electrical characteristic varies with a change in an oxygen concentration of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and whose alternating current resistance varies with a change in an operating temperature of the sensor; a voltage source connected with the sensor through a resistor to supply a given voltage to the sensor; a differential amplifier having a first input connected with the sensor and a second input connected with the voltage source through the resistor, the amplifier producing at its output an output signal derived from the difference between the given voltage and an output voltage from the sensor, the output signal being representative of the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gases; a first closed loop circuit which connects the output of the amplifier with the first input of the amplifier via a first feedback resistor so as to control a current flow through the sensor; a second closed

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a leak in a closed, fluid transfer system, specifically a hydraulic system, by comparing the actual rate of fluid level change in the fluid reservoir to the rate of fluid level change computed from the rate of flow and capacity of the system wherein an actual rate of level change in excess of the computed change indicates leakage from the system. An apparatus for determining direction of flow through a conduit and method using the apparatus in which a magnet on a piston slidably engaged inside a valve body is caused to move thereby causing a variance in a measured inductance indicating the direction the piston has moved.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a leak detection means that directs any leaked fluid to a single preselected radial point where it contacts and activates an indicating means. The means for defining the leakage flow path to the indicating means also acts as a barrier preventing contamination of the flange bolts by any leaking fluid.

Abstract: Equipment and techniques test the integrity of one or more seals within an oilfield tubular threaded connection 12. A test fixture 74 may be utilized including three axially spaced sensors 92, 86 and 88 which are each responsive to radial deformation of an outer surface of an internally pressurized threaded connection. Excessive radial deformation indicates a failure of at least one of the threaded connection seals. A relatively simple yet highly reliable technique is provided for quickly and easily determining the sealing integrity of a threaded connection made up at a well site. If any one of the multiple seals fails during the test, the operator may either break out and re-test the connection, or may make up and test a new threaded connection. The present invention may be used for substantially increasing the integrity of oilfield tubular connections and thereby reducing the overall cost of hydrocarbon exploration and recovery operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for confirming the presence or absence of leaks in a liquid storage container, particularly in partially filled underground storage tanks, subjected to partial vacuum for the purpose of testing the tank for the presence of a leak in the area above the liquid using a hydrophone or microphone either positioned in or attached to the container to detect the sound produced by the ingress of fluid into the container as a result of the vacuum. The ingress of fluid is confirmed by recording and observing the vacuum pump on/off cycles that define a time period for the system to change from a high vacuum state at a first predetermined pressure toward a low vacuum state at a second predetermined pressure, with the pump operated to restore tank vacuum level at the end of each period back to the first predetermined pressure, such observed trends of the measured patterns in the on/off cycles for a leaking container being distinguishable from the on/off cycles for a non-leaking container.

Abstract: Instrumentation and techniques to image small objects, such as but not limited to individual human chromosomes, with nanometer resolution, to cut-off identified parts of such objects, to move around and manipulate such cut-off parts on the substrate on which they are being imaged to predetermined locations on the substrate, and to remove the cut-off parts from the substrate. This is accomplished using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and by modification of the conventional cantilever stylus assembly of an AFM, such that plural cantilevers are used with either sharp-tips or knife-edges thereon. In addition, the invention can be utilized for measuring hardness of materials.

Abstract: A diagnostic testing apparatus for testing an automotive IAC motor normally controlled by pulse signals from the electronic control module (ECM) of an automotive electrical system, which apparatus is coupled between the ECM and the IAC motor circuits and provides first circuits re-establishing a normal signalling communication therebetween, and second circuits comprising parallel test circuits including indicators and switches constructed and arranged for indicating faults in the component.

Abstract: A method for measuring the linear flow velocity, radial position, direction, and the flow rate of water flowing within and behind a well borehole casing. A logging tool containing a source of essentially monoenergetic 14 MeV neutrons and at least one gamma ray detector is positioned within the well borehole opposite the zone in which water flow measurements are desired. The neutron source is turned on thereby irradiating any flowing water and other areas in the vicinity of the well borehole with high energy neutrons. After a predetermined irradiation time, the neutron source is turned off. Following a quiescent period of several milliseconds to allow thermal capture gamma radiation to decay to a negligible level, the gamma ray detector is turned on and the count rate from the N-16 induced within the flowing water is recorded as a function of time. The linear flow velocity, the Full Width Half Maximum time period, and the total count are determined directly from the resulting count rate curve.

Abstract: A fluid flow detection monitor (80), particularly useful in monitoring pressure differentials between a controlled environment and its surroundings, includes a heat source (1) situated between an upstream and downstream thermal sensor (2,3) within a channel (5). The electrical resistance of the downstream sensor varies as the downstream sensor is heated from fluid carried past the heat source. Circuitry is used to detect the electrical resistance differential between the thermal sensors, thereby detecting the presence of fluid flow.

Abstract: A flow transducer muff for positioning a substantially right-angled parallelepiped-shaped flow transducer in the expiration channel of a ventilator includes a first muff half and a second muff half respectively connectable to opposite sides of the flow transducer, and a connecting link attaching the muff halves together and permitting the muff halves to be bent around the connecting link to fit against the flow transducer.

Abstract: A method for measuring a pressure drop at a component within a flue gas desulfurization vessel caused by a gas flow includes locating a plurality of taps near the component to be measured in order to receive a portion of the flow. A line leading from the tap is connected to a pressure measuring device in order to measure the pressure at the component based on the flow fed into the tap. After the pressure is measured, the line is disconnected from the pressure device and connected to a cleaning device in order to clean the connecting line and tap. After cleaning the tap, air is blown through the line in order to dry the line for the next measurement. The pressure drop determined is used to calculate the liquid flow passing through the system from pre established relationships.

Abstract: The disclosed mass flow transducer is of the type including a balanced bridge comprising two, substantially identical, thermal elements forming two sides of the bridge between the top and the bottom of the bridge, the two elements being adapted to be positioned in two regions of a laminar flow tube in a symmetrical tandem arrangement so as to sense flow through the tube, one element being upstream from the other. The preferred transducer includes control means for monitoring the voltage at the top and bottom of the bridge and monitoring the current required to maintain the node between the thermal elements at virtual ground.

Abstract: A gravity meter has a portable housing for holding a corner cube retroreflector that can be dropped within the housing. The housing also holds a laser and an optical fiber having a first end in light communication with the laser. Additionally, the fiber has a second end which terminates at a ferrule. Light from the laser propagates through the optical fiber, and a portion of the light is reflected by the second end of the fiber back through the optical fiber to a beam splitter, while another portion of the light propagates through the second end of the fiber and is reflected by the falling corner cube back through the fiber to the beam splitter. The two reflected portions of the laser light interfere with each other to generate an interference fringe pattern which is extracted by the beam splitter.

Abstract: A mounting housing made of plastic is intended for pointer-type measuring units, especially for mechanical thermometers, barometers, hygrometers or the like, all of which have a central pointer shaft with a pointer movable over a ring dial. It includes an essentially cylindrical housing box (1) with a housing bottom (15) made in one piece with the rear side of a box wall (13) and with a front-side flange ring (2). The housing box is provided on the inside with elastically deflectable snap-in elements (24) for automatically holding an inserted measuring unit (20), and has ratchet-tooth-like fastening elements (23) on the outside to fasten it in a recess of a measuring instrument holder.

Abstract: A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static eletricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor and a method of making an acceleration sensor is described in which a movable sensor element is located in a hollow space formed in the middle of three silicon plates. During production, air can be removed from the hollow space through a hole in one of the two outer plates. The hole is then closed by an additional plate, which allows for a defined pressure to be set in the hollow space.

Abstract: A device for measuring acceleration based on the shift in resonant frequency of a vibrating cantilevered beam in response to an acceleration force having a component along its major axis is disclosed. Such accelerometers may be manufactured by micromachining in silicon, and comprise one or more beams, each provided with drive means for keeping the beam in vibration at the resonant frequency, and detection means for sensing changes in the resonant frequency. The sensitivity of accelerometers according to the invention is determined by the length of the cantilevered beam, a factor easily controlled during manufacture, and by the resonant frequency of the beam, which is continuously measured in use. Accelerometers constructed according to the invention are self-calibrating, self-testing and susceptible to large-scale batch manufacture.

Abstract: Angular motion sensor for sensing angular velocity components at higher frequencies. A first lower case member open at the top thereof supports a magnet therein for establishing a magnetic field oriented parallel to a central axis of the lower case. An insulating surface covers the magnet and a conductive liquid is disposed in a channel defined by the insulating surface and the lower case sidewalls. An upper case having an insulated inner surface including a sidewall structure complementary to the lower case sidewall structure forms a lid for the channel and is insulated from the lower case. The upper case is insulated from the conductive liquid, except at a hole in the insulation lying along a central axis of the lower case and upper case. Relative motion between the liquid mass and upper and lower case structures generates a voltage potential between the upper and lower cases, representing the relative velocity.

Abstract: In the whole-product ultrasonic inspection system proposed, a test head mount, having an axis of rotation, is mounted on a height-adjustable test bench. A test-piece, manipulator having an axis of rotation, is also mounted on the test bench. The test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis are parallel to each other. A guideway is coupled between the test bench and the test head mount or the test-piece manipulator. The guideway runs in a direction that is orthogonal to the test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis. The guideway is arranged such that the test-piece manipulator can move relative to the test head mount between a test position in which the test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis coincide and a service position in which an object to be tested can be received by the test head mount.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an ultrasonic flaw detection system are disclosed. A continuous wave of wide-band direct-sequence spread-spectrum signals continuously drives one or more transmitting transducers, thereby flooding a test object with coded ultrasound. In operation, the ultrasonic testing system is capable of reliably and predictably transmitting a high degree of ultrasonic energy (power) to a test object. Code division multiplexing correlation techniques using a variably delayed replica of a selected segment of the DSSS signal are applied to the signals received by the receiving transducers to generate a signature representing the signal returned from all reflectors within the test object.

Abstract: A pressure transducer is provided for measuring pressure within a measurand environment, the transducer comprising a header which includes a substantially nondeformable molded housing formed from a first thermoplastic material defining a cavity and first and second openings into the cavity and a resilient diaphragm formed from the first thermoplastic material molded to the housing and spanning the first opening; a pressure sensing device disposed within the housing; and a pressure transfer medium disposed within the cavity so as to couple the diaphragm to the pressure sensing device.

Abstract: An improved acoustic transducer, transducerized fastener and method of manufacture are presented wherein a piezoelectric crystal and a contact/retaining button assembly are permanently attached to a fastener. The contact/retaining button assembly has an insulator board sandwiched between upper and lower electrodes, with at least one plated thru-hole for electrical contact between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor arrangement which is installed in the surface of carriageways or runways and serves to detect the wheel loads of vehicles or aircraft and/or their shear components on the surface during travel. The construction of the flanged tube sensor with piezoelectric crystal plates makes possible modular assembly, in that either piezo-plates sensitive to pressure P only, or to shear S, or to combinations of both are installed, since all piezo-plates have the same dimensions. The force introduction flange makes possible a concentration of the force lines onto the measuring arrangement with a substantial mechanical amplifying effect. The packing of the flanged tube sensor ready to install ensures proper fitting and positioning in the installation groove. Here the two rolling force insulation compounds and the foam insulator of the tubular part are important. The application of the invention lies in traffic management for weight detection.

Abstract: Keratin fiber condition is evaluated by testing dry hair to determine analysis factors. For each factor, two values of elongation are determined by measuring the force required to obtain a first value and a second value of elongation of the fiber. The percent total elongation of the fiber to its break point is also determined. The ratio of the two measured forces is used with the percent total elongation in empirically derived nonlinear equations to determine analysis factors, such as a condition factor and a moisture factor. It is found that each factor is independent of fiber diameter or the source of the fiber. It is also found that the factors change as a function of subjective or objective measures of chemical damage to, and moisture content of, the hair fiber. The factors can, therefore, be used for identifying hair care products suitable for application to the hair without inducing unacceptable damage.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor is provided which remembers the maximum stn a structure has experienced in a given timeframe. A reflective surface is fixed at one location on the structure, and a multi-mode optical fiber with a flat end is fixed at another location on the structure and is positioned so that its flat end is in contact with the reflective surface. A microbore capillary tube attached to the reflective surface encloses the fiber at its flat end and frictionally retains it in contact with the reflective surface. Increasing strain in the structure pulls the fiber end away from the reflective surface in proportion to the amount of strain; however, when strain is decreasing, the fiber buckles rather than moving closer to the reflective surface. Therefore, the maximum strain is reflected as a maximum distance between the fiber end and the reflective surface.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor is provided which remembers the maximum stn a structure has experienced in a given timeframe. A pair of multi-mode optical fibers with flat ends meet end-to-end within a microbore capillary tube with which the fibers have frictional contact. The fibers are fastened to the structure at two points a known distance apart on either side of the capillary tube. Increasing strain in the structure pulls the fiber ends apart in proportion to the amount of strain; however, when strain is decreasing, the fibers buckle rather than move closer together. Therefore, the maximum strain is reflected as a maximum distance between the fiber ends. When the maximum strain experienced is to be measured, the free end of one fiber is connected to a light source and the free end of the other fiber is connected to a detector.

Abstract: A device for compressing a specimen which includes a fixed support assembly supporting the specimen and a mobile piston assembly which compresses the specimen. The support assembly and the piston assemblies have respective first and second planar faces in contact with and supporting the specimen. The specimen is compressed between the first and second planar faces. Each of the supported piston assembly include a swivel joint and a part of the mobile piston assembly has the first planar face slidably engaging a part of the fixed assembly having the second planar face.

Abstract: A tensiometer engages an elongated test member at three spacially displaced points, the intermediate point being defined by a fulcrum about which the member is bent by application of a known spring force to the member at one of the other points. The spring force is coupled to the test member via a movable member which moves in a substantially frictionless manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the flow rates of each component of two-phase flow consisting of a gas and a liquid or three-phase flow consisting of water, oil and gas, including a first volumetric flow meter stage, and second and third momentum flow meter stages coupled in a series flow path with the volumetric flow meter stage and in which a velocity ratio between the gas and the liquid in the series flow path is maintained to be one. A processor calculates flow rates of the components of flow by solving volumetric flow and momentum or energy equations defining flow through the first through third stages utilizing a volumetric flow output from the first stage and momentum flux outputs from said second and third stages, and an indicator displays flow of liquid and gas or oil, water and gas components of the flow. To measure three-phase flow, a water-cut meter is provided to determine the amount of water flow, which is then used by the processor to determine the flow of the rest of the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid measurement system includes two transducers which are located in a duct to provide a measuring path through a measuring tube. The transducers are switchable to allow each to be used for both transmission and reception and the speed of fluid passing through the measuring tube will be depedent on the difference in time periods for a signal from the transducers passing with or against the fluid flow. A calibration mechanism employing an auxiliary transducer with its own ultrasonic paths allows accurate measurment of speed of sound values to be determined to the particular system parameters including transducer delay.

Abstract: A flow impedance device is provided for an obstruction flowmeter for determining the flow rate of a compressible or incompressible fluid in a conduit. The flowmeter preferably includes means for measuring the temperature and pressure of the fluid as well as the pressure differential across the flow impedance device along with further means for computing a flow rate from the measured pressures. The flow impedance device may include a plate having a plurality of elongated openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. The plate is installed generally transverse to fluid flow in the conduit to force the fluid to flow through the plurality of elongated openings.

Abstract: A stainless steel load cell having a shear web design suitable for use in a continuous casting environment is disclosed. Strain gauges are disposed on both sides of each of the four webs to detect deformation, while a wheatstone bridge is provided, having thermally-compensated potentiometers, to balance the strain gauge output to provide a signal indicative of an applied load. The interior of the load cell is sealed on both sides with disc shaped stainless steel seal members. The interior of the load cell is coated with a very low durometer polymer to provide the bridge and strain gauges with a barrier to moisture and other corrosive vapors. The load cell is enclosed by an air-tight canister that is supplied with pressurized nitrogen gas for drying purposes.

Abstract: An ambient air collection device comprising a primary induction valve having a body, an air inlet, an air outlet, an ambient air output port, a channel extended between the air inlet and air outlet, an actuation chamber having an input port coupled to the channel and an output port coupled to the ambient air output port, an ambient air intake valve coupled to the actuation chamber for delivering ambient air thereto, switch means positioned within the input port and output port of the actuation chamber and having a biased orientation for allowing transfer of ambient air within the actuation chamber to the ambient air output port based upon detection of a flow of breathable air through the channel and an unbiased orientation for preventing such transfer when no flow is detected; and a removable hollow vacuum pressurized vacuum test cylinder coupled to the ambient air output port for collecting the ambient air.

Abstract: A linear actuator of the present invention includes a hollow drive tube. A slip clutch having front and rear camming surfaces is housed in the tube for rotation about an longitudinal axis. The slip clutch is axially fixed in the tube by a shoe. The slip clutch threadably receives a threaded shaft which is connected to a gear motor to be driven thereby. The shaft has stop nuts at either end, each of which has a camming surface which mates with a respective camming surface of the slip clutch. When the shaft is rotated by the motor, it rotates in the slip clutch. The slip clutch frictionally engages the drive tube, via the shoe, so that the tube will move linearly. When the slip clutch is engaged by one of the stop nuts, the slip clutch will free wheel in the tube and the tube will cease its linear movement. The slip clutch will continue to rotate in the tube till the motor is stopped or its direction is reversed.

Abstract: A combination of a control lever connector and a motorcycle having a hand control lever and a handlebar. The connector includes a split mounting bracket having a tubular portion surrounding the handlebar, where the control lever is attached to the bracket. The connector also includes a pair of complementary circumferential clamping members clamped around the handlebar, where at least one of the clamping members has an arcuate internal semi-circular groove. A lug is extending radially from one end of the bracket; and, and there is at least one compressible member placed within the groove between the lug and one end of the groove, where the compressible member is operable to return the mounting bracket to its initial position when the control lever is released.