Abstract: A clearing apparatus comprising a clearing device for use in clearing operations, a carriage to which the clearing device is mounted for the carriage to support the clearing device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The clearing device comprises an elongated support member, a clearing head mounted at a leading end of the support member, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the support member, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the clearing head. The carriage comprises a frame, a single support wheel having a wheel axis about which the support wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use, and a pivot mount mounting the clearing device to the frame such that the clearing apparatus can be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.

Abstract: A method for rewinding a spinning cake from a spinning pot of a pot spinning apparatus onto a rewinding body, preferably onto a tube as a yarn carrier, includes drawing a sliver to be spun in a drafting configuration, guiding the sliver in a pneumatic piecing aid, and depositing the sliver with a traversing yarn guide onto an inner wall surface of the rotating spinning pot as the spinning cake, while maintaining a requisite rotation for formation of a yarn. A yarn guide is moved toward the middle of the spinning cake in a last stroke being shorter than a next-to-last stroke of the yarn guide toward the middle of the spinning cake, once a predetermined size of the spinning cake is reached, before initiating rewinding of the spinning cake onto the rewinding body. A delivery of the sliver from the drafting configuration is stopped once a reversing point of the stroke is reached. The rewinding body is introduced into the spinning pot and the yarn is transferred onto the rewinding body.

Abstract: In a method for cooling thermally loaded components of a gas turbine group as part of a combined installation which, in addition, also consists of a waste heat steam generator and a steam cycle, a quantity of saturated steam is extracted from a drum of the steam cycle. The components mentioned, namely the combustion chamber and the turbine, are cooled in series by this saturated steam and the steam is subsequently returned to a steam turbine of the steam cycle at an appropriate location. The steam, from the steam turbine, employed for cooling is moderated, if required, with a proportion of water from the waste heat steam generator upstream of the components to be cooled.

Abstract: A generally annular combustor system has a combustion chamber with an annular chamber portion and a plurality of can-like chamber portions protruding tangentially from the annular chamber portion, the portions collectively defining a single stage combustor. An external fuel/air premixer is associated with each can chamber portion to provide a preselected, nominally constant, lean fuel/air ratio mixture. A portion of the total compressed air flows to the premixers and the remaining portion is ducted to convection cooling passageways and finally admitted as dilution air proximate the exit of the annular chamber portion. When the fuel/power setting is changed, the combustion air flow is automatically set by varying the position of air valves associated with each premixer to achieve the desired combustible mass flow. In one embodiment, the air valve controls the dilution air flow rate from the plenum region and thus, indirectly, the combustion air flow rate.

Abstract: A membrane seal assembly separating forward and aft combustion chambers of a rocket motor. The assembly covers the aft surface of a bulkhead having apertures therein to preclude flow communication between the combustion chambers during combustion of propellant within the aft combustion chamber. The assembly includes a membrane which has a plurality of sectors which open along hinge lines away from the bulkhead to allow flow communication between the combustion chambers when a higher pressure is present in the forward combustion chamber than in the aft combustion chamber, i.e., during subsequent combustion of the propellant in the forward combustion chamber.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for reducing hydrocarbon emissions from an internal combustion engine during its cold-starting phase an adsorber, which adsorbs hydrocarbons below a desorption temperature and desorbs them above the desorption temperature, is arranged in a bypass conduit to the exhaust conduit and the exhaust gas is passed through the bypass conduit and the adsorber below the desorption temperature of the adsorber, and the bypass conduit is closed when a catalytic converter arranged close the engine in the exhaust conduit upstream of the bypass conduit reaches operating temperature and remains closed at least until a catalytic converter arranged downstream of the adsorber has reached operating temperature.

Abstract: The warming up control device according to the present invention determines precisely whether the temperature of the catalytic converter of the internal combustion engine has reached the activating temperature of the catalyst after the engine starts, The device estimates the heat amount transferred from the exhaust gas the catalytic converter based on the amount of the fuel supplied to the engine, and calculates the total heat amount transferred to the catalytic converter after the engine starts. The device determines that the temperature of the catalytic converter reaches the activating temperature of the catalyst when the calculated total heat amount reaches a predetermined value. Since the completion of the warming up of the catalytic converter is precisely determined, the warming up operation of the catalyst, such as the ignition timing retardation, can be terminated at a proper time, thus an unnecessary increase in fuel consumption and a deterioration in the engine performance can be avoided.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for supplying a plurality of series-operated consumers of a hydraulically controlled installation, in particular of an injection molding machine, having a pump with feed-flow pressure control, is described. To be able to slow down greater moving masses with very little expenditure in regard to circuitry and devices, only a portion of the consumers, such as the extruder, the injection unit and possibly the ejector are operated in open circulation, while at least one selected further consumer, such as the clamping unit of the injection molding machine, where a greater mass must be moved in alternating directions, is moved in semi-closed or closed circulation.

Abstract: An encagement vessel contains water and a working gas capable of forming hydrate with the water. A heat exchange arrangement is associated with the encagement vessel for removing heat from the working gas and water in the encagement vessel to form gas hydrate at an initial temperature. A working gas supply continues to add working gas to the encagement vessel as heat is removed in order to maintain the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate at the equilibrium pressure associated with the initial temperature as the hydrate is formed. An equilibrium pressure shifting arrangement increases the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate to an end pressure. A dissociating heat exchanger is included for adding heat to the hydrate at the end equilibrium pressure to dissociate the gas hydrate into water and working gas at the end pressure.

Abstract: An air fuel mixer having a mixing duct, a set of inner and outer counter-rotating swirlers at the upstream end of the mixing duct, and means for injecting fuel into the mixing duct is provided, wherein high pressure air from a compressor is injected into the mixing duct through the swirlers to form an intense shear region and fuel is injected into the mixing duct from the fuel nozzle by means of a plurality of fuel spokes so that the high pressure air and the fuel is uniformly mixed therein so as to produce minimal formation of pollutants when the fuel/air mixture is exhausted out the downstream end of said mixing duct into the combustor and ignited.

Abstract: A compact replaceable temperature control module for use with semiconductor manufacturing equipment and a controller to control an operating temperature of an internal surface in a process chamber of the equipment. The control module includes a housing having a size which permits the housing to be placed in close proximity to the equipment. A circulatory system is carried by the housing and adapted to couple to the equipment for receiving a liquid from the equipment and returning the liquid to the equipment so as to create a closed loop system with the equipment for regulating the operating temperature of the internal surface in the process chamber. The circulatory system includes a thermal electric heat exchanger provided with a hollow core element having a temperature different than the unknown temperature and a pump for causing the liquid to flow through the hollow core element so as to cause the temperature of the liquid to more closely approximate the temperature of the hollow core element.

Abstract: A pulse tube cooler comprising pulse tube, a regenerator concentrically disposed around the pulse tube, and a thermal insulator concentrically disposed between the pulse tube and the regenerator. More specifically, the concentric pulse tube cooler comprises a cold finger assembly disposed at a first end of the concentric pulse tube cooler, a heat exchanger assembly disposed at a second end of the concentric pulse tube cooler that is coupled to a a surge volume and that is coupled to a source of operating gas, and a pulse tube expander assembly slidably and sealably secured to the heat exchanger assembly. The pulse tube expander assembly comprises a central pulse tube, a thermal insulator concentrically disposed around the central pulse tube, and a regenerator concentrically disposed around the concentric insulation tube. The pulse tube expander assembly comprises a slidable axial seal for slidably and sealably securing the pulse tube expander assembly to the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive system and method for regulating the temperature of a cryogenic liquid in a storage vessel (2), such as vehicle refueling station, comprises inner and outer walls (6, 8) defining a inner chamber (12) for housing the cryogenic liquid. To provide a variable thermal resistance around the inner chamber, a thermal control fluid is disposed within an insulation space (10) between the inner and outer walls. A fluid conduit (30) has an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a heat exchanger coil (36) disposed within the insulation space. A control valve (38) allows the cryogenic liquid to flow through the fluid conduit so that the cryogenic liquid is in heat exchange relationship with the thermal control gas as the liquid passes through the coil (i.e., the cryogenic liquid cools and condenses the thermal control gas to reduce the control gas pressure).

Abstract: A helium cooled superconducting magnet assembly including helium gas recondensing apparatus to return liquid helium to the helium supply in the helium vessel includes a recondenser positioned in the helium vessel above the helium supply connected to a cryocooler in a dual-sleeve assembly enabling breaking of thermal joints with thermal isolation from the helium for servicing of the cryocooler during superconducting operation of the magnet assembly, and providing recondensing of helium gas to fall by gravity back to the helium supply.

Abstract: The invention resides in improvements to refrigeration systems which rely on circulation of refrigerant gas through compression and expansion phases, and thereby discharging heat from a fluid to be cooled. The invention includes a subcooler (38) in the refrigerant loop, downstream of the refrigerant condenser (34) and a gas trap (36) between the condenser (34) and the subcooler (38), that assures temperature drop in the subcooler (38). The invention also comprehends a shut-off valve (44) between the compressor and the heat source heat exchanger (28). The invention further includes a high capacity-to-volume oil to air heat exchanger (48), for cooling the lubricating oil in the oil loop (26). Preferred refrigerant is ammonia. Incorporating the above improvements into refrigeration systems enables an overall reduction in system sizing. Such systems, having heat exchange capacity of at least 200,000 Btu/hr., up to at least 500,000 Btu/hr.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner which can operate in at least two operation modes, such as a cooling mode and heating mode. The capacity of the air conditioner is determined based on a difference between a set temperature and the temperature detected by a room temperature sensor every time a set time has elapsed, and the amount of variation of the detected temperature over the set time. The capacity can be controlled using PID control, fuzzy control, genetic algorithm control, or the like. The set time is varied based on the operating mode. Also, the set time can be varied in accordance with the volume of air blown into the room from the air conditioner, the direction of the blown air, the performance rating of the air conditioner and/or the size of the room to be conditioned.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and cooling an enclosed operator space in an off-road vehicle controlling evaporator fan speed, compressor clutch and condenser fan operation, and having sensors for detecting operator space temperature and an evaporator freezing condition, the condenser fan motor fuse condition, and under or over pressure conditions in the compressor; the apparatus also controls the operation of a heat source such as a heat valve in a coolant path or an electric resistance heater. The evaporator fan speed is controlled by pulse-width modulating power to the fan motor and speed is displayed by a bar graph; a digital display of temperature and system diagnostics is also provided. Operation of the clutch is inhibited when the evaporator freezes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for misting vehicle occupants. A golf cart or other open-air vehicle is equipped with an apparatus for providing a fine spray of water into the air inside and surrounding the vehicle, resulting in evaporative cooling for the occupants. A pumping system forces water from a water reservoir on-board the vehicle through mister nozzles. The pumping system uses a water filter, pump, and accumulator to achieve a steady spray. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure switch in the golf cart seat turns on the spray when an occupant is sitting in the cart, and stops misting when the occupant is not seated. Alternatively, the misters may be switched to spray continuously or turned off.

Abstract: A heat pump system dehumidifies air in an enclosure containing a source of humidity such as a swimming pool. The heat pump system invention transfers rejection heat from the primary refrigerant loop to a secondary water loop. The secondary water loop is coupled in heat exchange relationship to the primary condenser of the primary refrigerant loop for receiving the rejection heat including the latent heat and sensible heat from the refrigerant. The secondary water loop incorporates a circulating water pump and a storage tank and affords a substantially uniform load on the compressor, condenser and refrigerant of the refrigerant loop. The secondary water loop then provides versatility and flexibility in meeting variable load demand such as conditioning the enclosure air, heating water in open receptacles such as pools, dumping heat outside the enclosure, or adding heat to the enclosure. The secondary water loop displaces the variable load requirements from direct impact on the primary refrigerant loop.

Abstract: In this process, which incorporates an integral cascade, the coolant mixture issuing from the penultimate stage (1B) of the compressor cycle (1) is delivered to a distillation apparatus (5) the head vapor of which is cooled (in 24) to a temperature significantly lower than the ambient temperature, then separated into two phases (in 6C); the vapor stage is supplied to the last stage (1C) of the compressor, and the liquid phase constitutes a coolant fluid for the hot part (8) of the heat exchange line (7).

Abstract: In the process for the low temperature separation of air, purified and cooled air is fed into a distillation system comprising at least one rectification column and there is rectified by a counter-current material exchange between a vapor and a liquid phase. The material exchange in at least one section in at least one rectification column is brought about by a packing having a specific surface area of at least 1000 m.sup.2 /m.sup.3.

Abstract: A convertible circular knitting machine having a creel and feeders which is adapted to be converted from producing fleece fabric to producing jersey fabric or back. The apparatus includes a knitting cylinder adapted to receive a plurality of knitting needles and a bed for supporting the cylinder. A plurality of fleece section blocks are adapted to be attached to the bed and arranged along the perimeter of the cylinder to produce fleece fabric. The apparatus also includes a plurality of jersey section blocks each having the same number of feeders and peripheral dimensions as each fleece section block and adapted to be attached to the bed and arranged along the perimeter of the cylinder to produce jersey and a plurality of fleece sinkers for use with the fleece section blocks for producing fleece fabric and a plurality of jersey sinkers for use with the jersey section blocks for producing jersey fabric.

Abstract: The thread cutting and aspiration unit has a vertical cutter supporting post which is shifted towards the axis of a toothed thread trimming disk. A cutting blade associated with each cutter is mounted at the end of a lower L-shaped portion of a corresponding supporting post. The L-shaped portion allows thread to pass beyond the cutter and to be cut by a following blade, so that a considerable length of thread can be aspirated by an aspiration port.

Abstract: A method and relative equipment, applicable to a knitting machine for the production of collars and similar articles, for restraining, during knitting, the terminal portions of cut thread (12, 13) protruding from the edge (5) of said collars by inserting them inside the courses of stitches which compose them. The means for inserting (16) said thread ends (12, 13) between two successive courses of stitches (2,3 and 3,4) while knitting, comprise at least one nozzle (27, 37) producing a fluid current(22, 32). One of the nozzles (37) may be able to rotate from a first direction (A) of catching the end portion of thread to a second direction (B) aligned with the courses of stitches during the knitting process. Means for inserting can also comprise a first nozzle (27) producing a first jet of fluid (22) for catching the thread end and a second nozzle (37) producing a second jet of fluid (32) for inserting it between two courses of stitches.

Abstract: A lower body garment for covering the legs, hips, waist and midriff of the wearer, formed from a tubular sleeve knit of successive yarn courses which includes a waistband, a midriff encircling portion integrally knit with the waistband and leg portions integrally knit with the midriff encircling portion. The leg portions are formed by slitting the tubular sleeve and joining the slit edges to provide a continuous longitudinal leg enclosing seam extending throughout the leg portions. Cuff portions are integrally knit with the leg portions and are also joined by the continuous longitudinal seam. The garment may be made with or without a lining.

Abstract: In order to dissolve powdered detergent prior to its being introduced into a clothes washer, the detergent is placed in a conical container which is slid into a body to a position beneath a water inlet nozzle. The container carries a filter which is pushed upwardly so that its upper edge bears against a top wall of the body.

Abstract: A suspension mounts a tub to a housing in a clothes washer. The suspension includes a coil spring having first and second loops at opposite ends thereof, and an integral rod joined thereto. A one-piece snubber has a resilient middle portion and opposite first and second lugs disposed inside the coil spring, with the first lug being aligned with the first loop, and the second lug being aligned with the second loop. The snubber middle portion includes a sidewall defining a cavity which changes in volume in response to excursions between the first and second lugs. The rod has a proximal end for joining one end of the spring to the washer housing, with the other end of the spring being joinable to the tub so that the snubber and spring cooperate together to provide a variable spring and damper suspension supporting the tub.

Abstract: An improvement in a handcuff having a rigid central body and lockable wrist shackles for use in conjunction with a prisoner's waist chain. The central body of the handcuff has a slot for receiving a link from the waist chain and a dead bolt and lock set means mounted within the central body of the handcuff for extending the dead bolt through the slot to engage and hold the prisoner's waist chain.

Abstract: A new and improved device for securing the accelerator and brake pedals of a vehicle including a lower plate having a first rectangular notch and a second rectangular notch, a primary aperture and a secondary aperture, a lock indicator having a lower surface and an upper surface with the upper surface of the lock indicator secured to the lower plate, a number of light emitting diodes secured to one of the edges of the lock indicator. The device further includes an upper plate having a first rectangular notch and a secondary rectangular notch, a primary aperture and a secondary aperture. A pin is employed in securing the lower plate to the upper plate by way of the primary aperture. The pin enables the lower and upper plates to be pivotally related to each other. A locking device is secured within the secondary apertures of the lower plate and upper plate. The lock is defined by a key receiving end and a cylinder end.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting of an automobile steering wheel which includes a protective member made of cut-resistant material covering the steering wheel rim and a connector for attaching the protective member to the steering wheel rim. The protective member radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to preclude access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim.

Abstract: A device for disabling a steering wheel of a vehicle or vessel. The device has a sheathing jacket which covers the steering wheel and locks onto the rim. A blocking bar is provided which interferes with the turning of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle detention device provides a pair of stopper blocks, where one of the stopper blocks moves on a guide shaft relative to the other stopper block secured to the guide shaft. A locking device is provided in order to prevent the movable stopper block from shifting away from a tire so that both the stationary and movable stopper blocks remain in contact with the tire at both sides of ground contact point to prevent rotation of the wheel with the tire mounted thereon. Using a pair of chains, the wheel is secured and placed under detention with the stopper blocks closely held in contact with the tire. Since the mechanical components necessary for releasing the tire and wheel are fully concealed by a key-actuated cover unit, no one can readily remove the vehicle detention device from the restrained vehicle without operating a proper key, thus securely detaining the vehicle.

Abstract: A propeller lock for preventing unauthorized removal of a marine propeller from the drive shaft of a marine propeller gear housing, the marine propeller having a plurality of blades extending from a generally hollow cylindrical hub having an outer end and an inner end, the hub being connected to the drive shaft by a nut, the nut and the drive shaft being contained inside the hub and the outer end, including a cover for covering the outer end of the propeller to prevent removal of the nut, and rotatable clamps for connecting the cover to the propeller.

Abstract: A lock comprises a first retaining member, a second retaining member, a connection member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the first retaining member or the second retaining member and is provided with a first retaining portion capable of a reciprocating motion. The connection member is fastened pivotally with the first or the second retaining member and is provided with a second retaining portion engageable with the first retaining portion. The connection member is further provided with one end which can be used for driving screws.

Abstract: A user of a self-powered electronic combination lock rotates an outer dial to cause generators to generate energy for storage in a capacitor bank. The user then rotates an inner dial to cause a microcontroller to sequentially display a combination of numbers, and presses the inner dial to select a displayed number. The microcontroller determines direction and extent of motion of the inner dial by receiving signals derived from Wiegand sensors placed in proximity to a magnetized disc which rotates integrally with the inner dial, and controls the display of numerals on an LCD display accordingly. When the microcontroller determines that a correct combination has been entered, it activates a motor to move a motor cam to act directly on a locking lever so that the locking lever can engage a drive cam integrally linked with the inner dial, to allow the inner dial to withdraw the lock's bolt.

Abstract: The locking device consists of a key (2) and a lock cylinder (1), with a cylinder core (5) which is rotatable in a casing (3) and has an axially extending channel (16) for insertion of a key (2) which passes through plate-shaped tumblers (7) arranged axially in succession so as to be displaceable in the cylinder core (5) and, with bit stages provided on the key shank (13), locates these tumblers (7) in a position releasing the rotation of the cylinder core (5). The locating displacement movement of the tumbler plates (7) is designed as a rotational movement around the axis of the key shank (13), and its range is preferably limited by stops (21, 22).

Abstract: In a corner reduction device for reducing side corners of a slab with corner rolls, a pair of upper and lower corner rolls are mounted inside a unitary unit frame, and a corner roll unit housing the unitary frame which is movable in the direction of width and vertical direction of the material is formed. Vertical position of the corner roll unit is controlled by a lifting power control cylinder through a push rod and position in direction of material width is controlled by a reduction cylinder. Driving of cylinder servo valves is controlled in accordance with position set values set by position setters, load set values set by load setters, and feedback signals from position sensors, thereby controlling the corner roll positions to fixed lateral and vertical positions. The driving of the servo valves is corrected according to values detected by cylinder pressure sensors, to evenly reduce the right and left corners of the material.

Abstract: A machine and method for knurling an end portion of a cylindrical workpiece including a hypodermic needle or biopsy needle. The machine includes a base to which a reciprocating mechanism and a serrated block are attached. A pressure bar is positioned above the base and has a second serrated block attached thereto. The pressure bar is reciprocated back and forth, each movement comprising a stroke. A pair of lobes are attached to the top surface of the pressure bar. A pair of roller blocks are also attached to the base, each roller block having a rectangular opening and a roller located therein. The pressure bar passes through the rectangular openings. As the pressure bar is reciprocated back and forth and the lobes come into contact with the rollers, the pressure bar is biased toward the base whereby a knurl is formed in a workpiece placed between the two serrated blocks. A method for knurling an end portion of a cylindrical workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: A horizontal/vertical roll stand with a pair of work rolls which can be exchangeably mounted with chocks and adjusting spindles in the stand includes a housing which is formed by four posts which extend from the corners of a common base plate, wherein the posts have an essentially rectangular cross-section. A cube-shaped receiving space which is open toward the top and at the sides for a cassette-type roll mounting unit is defined by the base plate and the four posts. During the exchange of the rolls, the roll mounting unit can be pulled out as a structural unit from the receiving space of the stand. Pairs of the posts form guides therebetween. A total of four support plates with a center support member each for four adjusting spindles are releasably fastened to the guides. The adjusting spindles have adjusting nuts on right/left thread portions, wherein pairs of adjusting nuts engage with cylindrically shaped projections into chocks of the rolls and adjust the rolls.

Abstract: A process for extrusion of a metal billet placed in a container delimiting a housing for the billet. One end of the container is closed by a closing bottom and the other end by a dummy block. Before extrusion, the billet is pre-compressed in order to apply it against the inner face of the housing. At the start of the pre-compression, a limited play is maintained between the closing bottom and the corresponding end of the container, preventing the container from approaching the closing bottom during pre-compression so as to allow evacuation of air contained between the billet and the inner housing face during expansion of the billet.

Abstract: A discharging furnace and a filling furnace are disposed in three dimensions in the upper and lower positions of a filling and discharging furnace. A reservoir is provided in an inclined surface protruding toward the lower filling furnace. The reservoir includes a valve operatively connected thereto. A hot blast heated by a duct heater through a duct is mainly fed into the discharging furnace for further heating, while a remaining small portion of the hot blast is fed into the filling furnace for keeping the filling furnace warm. Inside the discharging furnace, a filling material filled in a bent workpiece is molten and discharged into the reservoir and when the valve is opened, the gathered filling material is filled into the inside of the workpiece which is carried by a filling carrier. The filling carrier is divided into three portions of a filling pallet, a carrier body and a sealing pallet, wherein the filling pallet is provided with a nozzle and the sealing pallet is provided with a seal member.

Abstract: In an automatic apparatus including a frame defining a work axis relative to a workpiece held in position relative to the frame, a transfer assembly on the frame and operatively associated with a machine tool for moving the machine tool into and out of positional alignment with the work axis, and a coldworking tool carried by the transfer assembly and defining a coldworking tool axis that is spaced from the axis of the tool. The coldworking tool is movable into an operative position with the axis thereof being coincident with the work axis when the transfer assembly moves the machine tool out of positional alignment with the work axis whereupon the coldworking tool is then axially movable along the work axis and into and out of a hole provided in the workpiece for coldworking the same. A fluid delivery assembly is on the frame and connected to a source of fluid used by the coldworking tool.

Abstract: An index-feed machining system having such a construction that a plurality of machining units on which a cassette incorporating a plurality of machining means is detachably mounted are disposed at intervals of mp (m being a given positive integer, p being a workpiece-feeding pitch) in the workpiece-feeding direction corresponding to a plurality of machining processes; the machining processes being sequentially performed by the machining units at the workpiece-feeding pitches, in which drive means for driving the machining means are provided in the cassette comprising a plurality of machining units, and the driving force of the driving means of a particular machining unit is made larger than the driving force of the driving means of other machining units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the fixing of a vehicle to an automobile body straightening bench. A car body rim (5) is fixed to a beam that extends from the automobile body straightener by means of two clamp jaws (3, 4) at each point of fixation. The clamp jaws (3, 4) are at their respective outer ends linked by a pair of scissor arms (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b). These are pivotally connected at two opposed connection points (6a, 6b). The two scissor arms (3a, 3b) for one of the clamp jaws (3) are linked by a first yoke (7), which is rotatably mounted in the scissor arms (3a, 3b). In the middle of the first yoke (7) there is a boring (7a) in which at least one threaded bolt (8) is driven. The scissor arms (4a, 4b) are linked by a plate (9) that is arranged to form a holding-up tool against the upper side (2a) of said beam (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting liquid level data for any composition of fuel contained in a vehicle fuel tank and for transmitting this data via a multiplex bus to a central vehicle computer. A first capacitor stores a charge proportional to the level of a full fuel tank. A second capacitor stores a charge proportional to the instant level of the fuel in the tank. A micro-controller in communication with the first and second capacitors and with the multiplex bus for controlling the discharge of the capacitors, The micro-controller determines the absolute level of the fuel and transmits the data to the multiplex bus.

Abstract: A digital liquid level sensing apparatus and method for detecting variations in the dielectric of a substance being sensed. The apparatus includes a capacitive element array which is disposed in a fluid to be measured and which includes a plurality of individual (i.e., segmented) input plates positioned along an axis of measurement of the fluid to be detected. The array also includes a common output plate having a length sufficient to span the entire accumulated length of the input plates. A controller sequentially applies DC excitation pulses to the input plates which cause a series of output currents to be coupled onto the output plate. The output currents are input to a current-to-voltage amplifier which generates a series of corresponding analog output voltages. The analog output voltages are then input to a peak voltage detector circuit to generate a series of peak voltage signals representative of the magnitudes of the analog output voltages.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw shaft including a hollow hole, a vibration controlling mass member inserted into the hollow hole, a rubber member or a synthetic resin member which is interposed between the outer surface of the vibration controlling mass member and the inner surface of the hollow hole of the screw shaft to prevent contact between the vibration controlling mass member and hollow hole. Further, the ball screw device includes vibration controlling mass member hold rings respectively interposed between the outer surface of the vibration controlling mass member and the inner surface of the hollow hole of the screw shaft and providing two or more support points spaced from each other in the axial direction of the mass member, with slight clearances being provided at least between the outside diameter surfaces of the hold rings and the inside diameter surface of the hollow hole.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission presents a main stage and a range reducer cascade connected to each other. The main stage includes an input shaft, two drive shafts coaxial with each other and selectively connected to the input shaft by respective hydraulic clutches, a countershaft, and a driven shaft connectable to the countershaft according to a number of gear ratios. The countershaft is selectively connectable to one of the drive shafts directly or via an inverting train by means of a first synchronized clutch, and is selectively connectable to the other drive shaft according to a step-down ratio and a step-up ratio by means of a second synchronized clutch. The hydraulic clutches and first and second synchronized clutches are controlled by an electronic control unit in response to manual operation and in predetermined sequences.

Abstract: An adjustable set bearing for a gear assembly for a power seat adjuster on a vehicle, wherein the gear assembly couples a motor output shaft to a lead screw. The gear assembly is contained in a housing assembly and includes a first gear rotatably mounted to the housing and having connecting means to the motor output shaft. The first gear has end journals and a worm disposed therebetween. A second gear is carried for rotation on the lead screw and is in meshing engagement with the first gear. The housing assembly includes adjustable supporting means for supporting an end journal. The adjustable supporting means includes an adjustable set bearing that is threadably insertable into an access port into contact with an end journal. The adjustable set bearing has an inner smooth concentric surface for supporting an end journal of the worm and allowing rotatable movement of the end journal.

Abstract: A drive apparatus equipped with a ball screw which drastically improves the feeding accuracy of the driven members. The drive apparatus is equipped with detecting devices that have mutually different resolutions so as to detect the amount of rotation of each of a plurality of nuts possessed by the ball screw, thereby improving the overall resolution of the apparatus.