Abstract: A device for increasing efficiency of a power plant operated by burning fossil fuel has a boiler for heating a process medium. An inlet line is connected to the boiler for feeding a first process gas in the form of combustion air into the boiler. An outlet line is connected to the boiler removing a second process gas in the form of flue gas from the steam generator. A heat exchanger for heating the combustion air by regaining some of the heat contained in the flue gas is provided. At least one device for preheating the combustion air is connected upstream of the heat exchanger. The device for preheating the combustion air preheats the combustion air with heat energy contained in the process medium which is at a low pressure level. At least one device for transferring a portion of the heat energy, introduced into the combustion air by preheating, from at least one of the process gases to the process medium at a high pressure level is provided.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle power plant has a vaporizer member responsive to heat input for vaporizing a working fluid and producing vaporized working fluid, a turbogenerator responsive to vaporized working fluid for generating power and producing heat depleted working fluid, a condenser member responsive to said heat depleted working fluid for condensing the same and producing condensate, and suitable piping for returning said condensate to the vaporizer. The working fluid is in the form of a liquid having a plurality of fractions; at least one fraction is distilled from said liquid to produce a distillated fluid. It is this distillated fluid that is supplied to the power plant as the working fluid.

Abstract: A water cooler having a container with a reservoir for storing water has a thermoelectric module operable to cool a conductor plate and form ice in the reservoir. A temperature sensor connected to the plate senses the temperature of the plate and activates a timer when the temperature is below the temperature at which water freezes. The timer operates a selected period of time to allow a block of ice to be formed on the plate. A photoelectric sensor operable to sense a selected size of the block of ice functions to actuate a switching device that changes the polarity of the electric power supplied to the thermoelectric module to supply heat energy to the plate to release the block of ice from the plate. The released block of ice floats in the water in the reservoir and cools the water.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed for cooling a cabin of a vehicle. The vehicle has combustion chambers and a cooling system which circulates vehicle coolant. The cooling system also includes a radiator and an intake manifold. The air conditioning system includes a source of a liquid gas which is connected to the combustion chambers with a first heat exchanger positioned between the source and the combustion chambers. A coolant line also extends through the first heat exchanger whereby a coolant passing therethrough is cooled via vaporization of the liquid fuel. A pump is connected to the coolant line and circulates the coolant through the air conditioning system. The coolant line is also connected to a second heat exchanger whereby coolant passing through the second heat exchanger is heated and thereby cools the air. The now heated coolant circulates back to the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process for a refrigeration system having a compressor which divides the refrigerant circuit into a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side measures on the high-pressure side the relative pressure and the temperature at time intervals. Whereupon, using the measured pressure, and on the basis of a refrigerant-specific function, an assigned temperature is determined. By subtracting the measured from the assigned temperature, a supercooling value is determined. The value can be analyzed as a measure of the refrigerant fill-level. At least during an operating phase which is greater than zero, which operating phase is defined by pre-defined operating conditions, for the evaluation of the refrigerant fill-level, a maximum value is used.

Abstract: A condenser that is a block of tubes and ribs with lateral collecting tubes, is provided with a tube-shaped collector in parallel to one of these collecting tubes and forms a unit with it, at least one float being arranged in this tube-shaped collector. The at least one float carries a transmitter element to which a receiver element is assigned which is arranged on the outside on the collector and receives signals through a wall of the collector.

Abstract: A refrigerant processor havinga pump for recovering refrigerant from a refrigeration system,a filter,a pump for pumping recovered refrigerant through the filter,a pump for evacuating said refrigeration system, means for charging said refrigeration system with refrigerant, anda controller.

Abstract: A combination air conditioner and pool heater.

Abstract: A heat pump type air conditioning system comprises an air duct in which air flows in a given direction with an aid of an electric air blower. A condenser is disposed in the air duct. A compressor has an outlet connected to an inlet of the condenser. A receiver dryer has an inlet connected to an outlet of the condenser. An outside expansion valve has an inlet connected to an outlet of the receiver dryer through a first passage. An outside evaporator has both an inlet connected to an outlet of the outside expansion valve and an outlet connected to an inlet of the compressor through a second passage. An inside evaporator is disposed in the air duct at a position upstream of the condenser. An inside expansion valve has both an inlet connected to the first passage and an outlet connected to an inlet of the inside evaporator.

Abstract: A compressor motor of an air conditioner is powered by A.C. power from an invertor. In a first mode of operation, the power comprises a combination of a commercial A.C. power source and a solar battery. In a second mode of operation, i.e., a cost-efficiency mode, the frequency of power supplied to the motor is varied to ensure that the motor is powered solely by power derived from the solar battery when such power is above a reference value.

Abstract: A camper cooling device is disclosed for a camper in the bed of a pickup truck comprising a holding tank, an intake grill, cooler pads, a plurality of adjustable vents, a maintenance door, and an overflow and drain tube. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the camper owner first inserts ice into the rear of the holding tank located on the top of the camper. This insertion of ice can be accomplished by standing on the rear bumper, tailgate, or ladder. When the camper is mobile, air flows through the intake grill and over the cooler pads located at the front of the system. The ice cools the incoming air. Vents situated inside the camper compartment direct cold air circulation within the camper. An overflow and drain tube is positioned in the rear of the system to drain excess water.

Abstract: A method for identifying a leaking earth tap heat exchanger includes measuring an electrical resistance between the electrically conducting tubing of the earth tap heat exchanger and the surrounding soil or water to determine if the electrically insulating layer has an undesired opening in a portion thereof thereby exposing an adjacent portion of the electrically conducting tubing to the soil or water as indicated by a relatively low electrical resistance. Each earth tap heat exchanger preferably comprises electrically conducting tubing having an electrically insulating layer covering an exterior thereof. The method may also be used to test the integrity of the electrically insulating layer to avoid corrosion as may be caused by direct contact between metallic tubing and adjacent soil or water. Apparatus aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage cooling system has an ice storage bin having a mechanical agitator disposed therein. The ice storage bin includes an opening at a bottom portion thereof, and the mechanical agitator is actuable to mechanically agitate ice in the ice bin and mechanically force ice through the opening. An ice guide is disposed adjacent the opening in the ice storage bin. A cold plate is disposed adjacent the ice guide. The cold plate has an inclined upper surface thereof and includes at least one beverage line disposed underneath the upper surface. The ice guide is positioned to deflect and guide ice onto the inclined upper :surface of the cold plate, wherein the ice is moved along the upper surface by mechanical force provided by an actuation of the agitator.

Abstract: The apparatus for heating or cooling a house includes two housings, both of which are located inside the house. The two housings are interconnected by two exterior sections of a single heat transfer line liquid. One housing encloses an air blower to circulate and distribute the indoor air throughout the house, a radiator and a heater connected to the liquid line. The other housing encloses a refrigeration system and a water bath cooled by this system and into which is immersed a cooling coil section of the liquid line. This line interconnects the radiator with a liquid circulating pump and by electro-valves with either the cooling coil or the heater. Cold or hot heat transfer liquid circulate through the radiator which cools or heats the indoor air circulated through the second housing.

Abstract: Process and installation for the compression and expansion of at least one gaseous stream, in which a first stream of a gaseous mixture is compressed in a compressor (5) having at least one compression stage (5A, 5B, 5C); a second stream of a gaseous mixture is supercharged in a supercharger (7); a third stream of a gaseous mixture is expanded in an expansion engine (9); at least a portion of the energy generated by the expansion engine is recovered with the supercharger (7) and at least a portion of the second supercharged stream is sent upstream of one stage (5B) of the compressor. The first and second streams are compressed in at least one stage (5A) of the compressor before sending the second stream to the supercharger. The second stream comes from upstream of one stage of the compressor and at least a portion of the supercharged second stream is returned downstream of this stage.

Abstract: Jewelry embodying the present invention and satisfying the foregoing needs includes a body of jewelry material, a plurality of relatively large gems and a plurality of relatively small gems, and a gem mounting on the body of jewelry material mounting the gem serially, non-overlapped and alternating individual relatively large and relatively small gems and mounting the relatively large gems at a higher level than the relatively small gems. A method embodying the present invention and satisfying the foregoing needs in the art includes the steps of providing a body of jewelry material, providing a first plurality of relatively large gems and a second plurality of relatively small gems, mounting the gems on the body of jewelry material serially, non-overlapping and alternating relatively large and relatively small gems and mounting the first plurality of relatively large gems at a higher level than the second plurality of relatively small gems.

Abstract: A unit is disclosed for transmitting motion to the hosiery suction tube in a circular knitting machine of the type having a fixed supporting plate to which a cylinder support with a vertical axis, an internal hosiery passage tube that is coaxial to the cylinder support, and an underlying perforated tube are rotatably coupled. The unit has respective flanges rigidly coupled below the cylinder support and above the perforated tube and supporting respective pluralities of permanent magnets that are distributed in an annular fashion and constitute a magnetic coupling between the flanges for the rotary actuation of the perforated tube. A collar of a material that has high magnetic reluctance is arranged in the air gap formed between the rings of facing magnets and has a device for rotary coupling to the hosiery passage and a device for selective coupling to said flanges or to said fixed supporting plate for causing or stopping the rotation of the hosiery passage tube.

Abstract: A foot protector in combination with hosiery, such as high fashion women's hosiery, is provided to be worn on a foot of a wearer. The foot protector is designed and constructed to provide cushioning comfort to a ball portion, i.e., bottom or planar areas thereof, of a wearer's foot to concentrate cushioning to where most needed. The foot protector preferably is a knit footlet having integrally knit thickened cushion areas provided only in ball portion areas thereof, whereby other areas of the footlet are not thickened to such an amount as to make a shoe feel undersized and tight on a wearer's foot. The knit thickened cushion areas have terry loops integrally knit only in a ball portion of the footlet and are so constructed as to underlie only a corresponding ball portion of a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A warp-knitted shoe liner fabric of a three-bar construction having a three-dimensional compressible character in the fabric's thickness dimension with a pattern of elongated coursewise underlaps at the fabric's technical back which, in use, is to be oriented to face inwardly of the interior foot-receiving area of the shoe. The fabric is preferably finished with dye bath-carrying anti-microbial/anti-fungal and wicking enhancement agents, and also has silicone and acrylic polymers applied to resist fraying and abrasion and improve the fabric softness.

Abstract: In a textile machine, in particular in a knitting machine, with controlla working elements and an arrangement for selecting the working elements, the working elements are held in their initial position by a holding magnet and are selectively released from their initial position by an electromagnetic control system. In order to obtain a textile machine with a simple design, capable of being driven at high working speeds but in a reliable and safe manner, at least one holding magnet is rigidly fixed to the part of the textile machine that carries the working elements. A direct contact between the working elements and the moving control system is thus avoided, so that a contactless selection of the working elements is made possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser, comprising a substantially cylindrical, vertical container, through which cellulose pulp is arranged to be transported, nozzle arms, for delivering a fluid, such as washing liquid, to the pulp, concentrically disposed screen surfaces and screen arms disposed on and connected to said screen surfaces for withdrawal of said fluid. The screen arms are provided, at their outer ends, with withdrawal pipes, directed substantially vertically downwards, which are slidably controlled and are connected in sealing arrangement to outlets for said fluid. The invention relates also to a stuffing box designed to receive a rod, preferably a pull rod for raising and lowering a screen pack having screen surfaces in a diffuser, said rod being guided in sealing arrangement and slidably through a fixture which is mounted in a bearing for free movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to said rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chaos washing machine for improving washing power and preventing the twist of clothes comprising a first washing tank having a plurality of induce holes for inducing the water current in which a detergent dissolved into the space where the laundry is contained, a second washing tank for enclosing the washing tank to be filled with water and a detergent, water current fans and fan motors occurring a turbulent flow to water in which a detergent is dissolved and pushing the turbulent flow from the second washing tank through the induce holes into the first washing tank and a washing tank motor for rotating the first washing tank.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus for a clothes washing machine includes a pair of valve bodies each having a water inlet and a water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipes are secured between mating edges of a pair of wall portions of a housing of the washing machine. The water outlet pipes are disposed either entirely within notches formed in one of the wall portions, or partially within notches formed in both of the wall portions. The valved members include outward protrusions slidably disposed in at least one of the wall portions.

Abstract: A combination lock comprises a lock seat, a dial set, a sliding seat, a lock tongue, a resilient block, a lock seat cover, and a shackle having a movable end and a fixed end. When the dial set is turned to a set series of numbers to work the mechanism that opens the lock, the stopping rod of the dial set is not obstructed by the dial so as to enable the fixed end of the shackle to actuate the sliding seat. The movement of the sliding seat can bring about the displacement of the lock tongue without obstructing the movable end of the shackle, thereby enabling the movable end of the shackle to be ejected by the resilient block. When the set series of numbers is disturbed, the stopping rod of the dial set remains stationary such that the sliding set is urged by the stopping rod, and that the sliding seat can not be moved by the fixed end of the shackle.

Abstract: A locking device for air brake valves on vehicles is provided which comprises releasable elements for engaging an air brake valve control knob at the dashboard of the vehicle to prevent the control knob from being pushed inwardly to release the air brakes when the locking device is properly secured in place between the head of the control knob and the dashboard of the vehicle. A first element and a second element are adapted to be coupled together about the shaft of the control knob, and locked together. A portion for engaging the head of the control knob prevents removal of the head from the shaft of the control knob.

Abstract: A bolt-operated, vertical-lift lever lock having a lockcase or lock base and a lock cap, provided with a lever housing attached to at least one of the lockcase or lock base and lock cap and, wherein the lever housing is so constructed that the, or each, lever may slide within the lever housing and be protected against unauthorized lateral or longitudinal forces applied to the bolt.

Abstract: A lockable doorknob enclosure for use on doorknobs of the type having a knob attached to a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The lockable doorknob enclosure comprises: a containment structure having a sealable cavity for enclosing the doorknob and a portion of the shaft; an adjustable spacing mechanism; and a locking mechanism. The containment structure includes first and second pivoting structures which are preferably connected by a hinge. The first and second pivoting structures form a containment cavity of a size sufficient to receive therein the doorknob and a portion of the shaft when the pivoting structures are pivoted into a first, or closed, position. The containment structure has an aperture therethrough of dimensions sufficient to allow the shaft to be installed through the aperture when the first and second pivoting structures are pivoted into a second, or open, position.

Abstract: In a rolling and cutting method for an endless hot-rolled steel strip comprising continuous hot rolling and joining rough-rolled slabs to each other with a joint having a boundary between slabs, subjecting the joined rough-rolled strip continuously to hot finish rolling to obtain an endless hot-rolled steel strip with a joint having a boundary between strips, cutting the endless hot-rolled steel strip immediately before coiling, and coiling each cut strip into a coil, the endless hot-rolled steel strip being cut such that the boundary between two successive slabs or sheets is positioned on the radially outermost face of the coil; the target cut point is set relative to the boundary by applying the tracking error of the boundary and the cutting control error for ensuring that the target cut point is accurately positioned on the radially outermost surface of the coil; the strip is kept from breaking at the boundary when coiled, and the coil as a final product can be produced with minimum scrap.

Abstract: To eliminate a vertically asymmetrical deflection, a rolling mill comprises a device for measuring horizontal deflections of upper and lower work rolls 2, 3 during rolling, a device for comparing values measured on the upper and lower sides and calculating the difference therebetween, and a horizontal deflection controller four determining whether the difference exceeds a predetermined range or not and imparting a horizontal bending to at least one of the work rolls. To eliminate a transversely asymmetrical deflection, a rolling mill comprises a device for measuring horizontal deflections of at least one of the work rolls at axially spaced positions during rolling, a device for comparing values measured on at the axially spaced positions and calculating the difference therebetween, and a horizontal deflection controller for determining whether the difference exceeds a predetermined range or not and imparting a horizontal bending to the one work roll at least one of the axially spaced positions.

Abstract: A thread rolling machine in which the dies are monitored for a mismatch condition by a proximity sensor responsive to displacement of the moveable die in a direction parallel to the axis of the workpiece. This displacement, which occurs when a mismatch condition exists, is permitted by the running clearances in the slide carrying the moveable die. When more than a negligible displacement occurs, corrective action can be taken to reject out of specification workpieces and to adjust the relative positions of the dies to maintain them in a matched condition.

Abstract: The principal effect and objective of this present invention is to furnish a quality hand held tool made to last, that is easily used for the straightening of a fish tape. Additionally when properly used this tool will remove the kinks, bends and curls which occur to the fish tape. Furthermore this present invention will renew the fish tape with each use. This present invention consists of a series of metal pins placed in line with each other and evenly spaced, giving the fish tape something to be woven over. The pins are unitary with one side of the tool. When both sides of the tool are properly assembled and secured together, having the fish tape enclosed within the tool, this present invention is pulled along the length of the fish tape until satisfactory restoration is complete. Its that simple.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extrusion of profiles includes at least two rectilinear transport path for receiving extruded profiles and provided with clamping devices for clasping the leading and trailing ends respectively of respective extruded profiles. The two transport paths are carried by a drum-like rotatable support whereby each transport path can be moved from an extrusion position whereat an extruded profile can be received on the transport path, and a transfer position whereat the profile can be transferred from the transport path to another processing station, and further to the extrusion position.

Abstract: A synthetic single crystal diamond for wire drawing die; the process of manufacturing it and a wire drawing die to utilize it are disclosed. At least one plane of the diamond for wire drawing die is a cleavage plane of (111) faces, and the drawing hole of wire drawing die lies vertical to the cleavage plane. The diamond for the wire drawing die is produced by providing a synthetic single crystal having 20-400 ppm nitrogen of Ib type diamond. A groove is made on the diamond surface parallel to (111) faces employing energy beams such as a laser beam, an ion beam and an electron beam. A wedge is struck into the groove to cleave the diamond, and a plate is obtained. Furthermore, the plate is divided into polyhedrons, employing either an energy beam or a blade. The cleavage plane of the polyhedron is almost parallel to the (111) faces of crystal, therefore the cleavage plane is used as the standard plane to build the drawing hole.

Abstract: An ultrasound phantom and method of imaging are provided wherein the method quantifies data in decibels based on the log of a ratio of the signal intensity between adjacent regions within an ultrasound phantom. A phantom is disclosed for use with the method wherein the phantom can simulate the flow of blood within surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, the phantom is comprised of an open-cell, reticulated foam material matrix having a first density and at least one movable belt having a second density. The belt rotates on pulleys to simulate blood flow. The geometric relationship between the moving belt and the surrounding open-cell foam material provides a quantitative basis of assessing the beam forming characteristics of the imager as well as the ability of the system to separate the Doppler shifted signal from the stationary clutter signal.

Abstract: A venting device comprising connecting lines which are embodied as double-walled that form hollow spaces and whose hollow spaces communicate with one another and with an intake pipe by means of bypass lines. By means of a pressure sensor installed in a bypass line, the vacuum is measured; normally this vacuum must roughly correspond to the vacuum in the intake pipe and if this is the case, it can be concluded that the venting device is functional and tight. If there is a large increase in the vacuum measurement then it is concluded that there is a leak in the venting system. The venting device is particularly intended for use in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A scanned-stylus atomic force microscope (AFM) employing the optical lever technique, and method of operating the same. The AFM of the invention includes a light source and a scanned optical assembly which guides a light beam emitted from the laser source onto a point on said cantilever during scanning thereof. A moving laser beam is thus created which will automatically track the movement of the cantilever during scanning. The invention also allows the laser beam to be used to measure, calibrate or correct the motion of the scanning mechanism, and further allows viewing of the sample and cantilever using an optical microscope.

Abstract: A moisture activated wiper sensor has all necessary electronic and optical components for detecting moisture and performing signal processing in a single module which mounts to a vehicle windshield. The packaging of the optical components and associated electronic circuitry in an acceptably small housing is achieved by use of insert-molded lenses and infrared emitters and detectors mounted on separate printed circuit boards called wing boards. Wing board supports molded into the housing assure proper orientation of the wing boards relative to the lenses. Flexible cables connect the wing boards to a main circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to the type of device for measuring a mass flow in a harvester, where the flow is deflected at the outlet of an elevator (E) at a conveyor shaft wall (G) to form a stratified homogeneous flow and the flow is continuously measured as a function of the fill level by a capacitor (MC). The capacitor has a first capacitor plate (MC1) at a mass flow front side and a second capacitor plate (MC2) at a distance from the mass flow. The first capacitor plate is bordered and enclosed by a first protective electrode (R1) held at the same potential as the first capacitor plate by an impedance transformer. The second capacitor plate includes a portion of the conveyor shaft wall located opposite the first capacitor plate (MC1) and by lateral areas of the conveyor shaft wall.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe extending from an engine of an outboard motor is covered with an exhaust pipe cover that defines a cooling water passage around an outer periphery of the pipe. An exhaust gas sampling pipe has a base end inserted into the exhaust pipe through the exhaust pipe cover, and a tip end occluded by a detachable plug. The exhaust gas sampling pipe and the plug are accommodated within an engine cover detachably mounted on an upper portion of an undercase, whereby it is protected against rusting due to the deposition of seawater and damaging due to collision against another object.

Abstract: This assisted selection system comprises an electrohydraulic actuator (12) which controls the input element of the gearbox and may itself be controlled by parameters provided by the engine control computer. The actuator (12) comprises a group of solenoid valves (34, 35, 37, 52, 53) connected to cylinders (15, 16, 41, 42) controlling a fork selecting shaft (13). The cylinders (15, 16) may cause the rotation of the shaft (13) by means of a rocker (14) for selecting the fork corresponding to the chosen ratio, and cause the shaft (13) to move in translation so as to engage the chosen ratio by displacement of the selected fork. This automatic selecting system, which is also applicable to gearboxes of the barrel type, permits, when coupled with the engine control computer, the driver to avoid effecting the declutching and clutching operations, while enabling him to fully master his selection of the speed, if he desires, with no loss due to slip.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rotational speed of an input shaft of a motor vehicle transmission such as a compound heavy duty transmission to achieve synchronous during a ratio change includes a variable speed motor having a motor shaft operably engaged with an input shaft of the transmission, preferably through an intermediate gear and a countershaft gear. The motor may be an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor, having a speed variable between zero and a maximum so that the input shaft speed can be decreased during upshifts, or increased during downshifts. In an alternative embodiment, the motor is operably engaged with the input shaft and with the output shaft.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism includes a drive shaft, a plurality of drive gears each fixedly mounted around the drive shaft, a plurality of driven gears each respectively meshing with a corresponding one of the drive gears, a plurality of single direction needle bearings each fixedly mounted in a corresponding one of the plurality of driven gears, a driven shaft mounted in the plurality of single direction needle bearings, an elongated sleeve slidably mounted around the driven shaft, the elongated sleeve being slidable on the driven shaft between a first position where an enlarged free end thereof is fitted into a corresponding one of the single direction needle bearings such that the elongated sleeve is rotated by the associated driven gear, thereby rotating the driven shaft therewith, and a second position where the enlarged free end thereof is not in contact with any one of the single direction needle bearings such that the elongated sleeve and the driven gear stop rotating, a rack slidably mounted in parall

Abstract: The ball nut and screw assembly includes a ball nut with a radially projecting tang which is received in an aperture in a connector collar for the ball nut. The tang has an axially extending slot which receives a wall portion of the connecting collar. The engagement of the ball nut retainer wall portion or member with the slot locks the ball nut to the connecting collar. If needed, a key can be secured in the aperture to limit axial movement between the tang and the connecting collar. The tang may be manufactured as a separate element having an interlocking slot and projection coupling with the nut.

Abstract: A cap for supporting a spehrical fulcrum member of a change lever between the cap itself and a hemispherical bottom wall of a housing, and a retainer for pressing the cap through an elastic ring are fitted to the housing. The retainer and the housing are provided at opposed peripheral surfaces of thereof with an engagement claw and an engagement hole, respectively. Therefoere, by only fitting the retainer to the housing, it is possible to easily secure the retainer to the housing.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly for a manual transmission is disclosed. A boss of a shifting lever is supported for rotation by a shift shaft on a lever retainer. A boss of a selecting lever is supported for rotation by a support shaft parallel to the shift shaft on the lever retainer. A boss of a shift lever is supported for selecting operation about a select shaft at right angles to the shift shaft on the shifting lever. Shifting operation of the shift lever is transmitted via a select arm and an end ball portion thereof to an engagement portion of the selecting lever to cause rotation of the selecting lever about the axis of the support shaft. The shift lever is formed integrally with its boss, the select arm and the ball portion.

Abstract: A neutral-reverse shift control actuator is provided in a countershaft transmission. The actuator is operatively connected through a resilient detent mechanism to a forward shift control mechanism. During a neutral-reverse shift maneuver, the drive connection partially manipulates the forward synchronizer, such that synchronization between the input and output shaft is achieved during a reverse shift maneuver. During a five-six or six-five shift, a detent structure is available to reduce the 3-4 neutral force of the centering spring in the shift control mechanism.

Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of shift rails, each of which is axially movable forwardly and rearwardly from a center neutral position to respective gear engaging positions. The lower shift rails are provided for manual shifting among the lower gear ratios of the transmission. The highest shift rail is provided for selective manual or automatic shifting among the highest two gear ratios of the transmission. An electronic controller is provided for controlling the automatic shifting of the transmission in response to sensed operating conditions of the vehicle. A circuit is provided for sensing the rotational position of the automatic shift shaft and for generating an electrical signal which is representative of the actual position thereof, which is also representative of the actual position of the highest shift rail, to the electronic controller. The transmission also includes a shift lever having an end which extends through an opening formed in a case.

Abstract: A base support for a moveable object, particularly an amusement ride employing a stepping motor and stepping motor controller to move the object in fine increments. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member. An amusement ride is attached to a first support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly and motor driven worm gear disposed between the base member and the support structure to effect movement of the amusement ride about a predetermined axis. The worm gear is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is controlled by a stepping motor controller to control incremental movement of the amusement ride. A second worm gear assembly can be interposed transversely between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movements of the antenna about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft consisting of a solid inner shaft member slidable within a tube member. A C-shaped connecting member or clip is inserted into a pair of opposed holes in tube member. The ends of connecting member engage a shoulder on the shaft member to prevent the two portions (the shaft member and the tube member) of the intermediate member from disengaging. The shaft member and the tube member are slidable relative to one another to accommodate movement of the front axle and the steering gear mechanism.

Abstract: A release assembly for operating a remote mechanism such as a subsea well connector includes a funnel-shaped body adapted to engage the well connector and a movable arm adapted to engage and disengage a locking cap of the well connector and provide lifting force in order to actuate the locking cap.