Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A sillcock which has freeze resistance, backflow contamination resistance and back pressure release from the downstream water, having a resilient, radially compressible and expandable back pressure seal valve which is also axially movable a controlled amount to thereby cover or uncover an inner vent hole between the water passage and a vent passage, to allow pressure release from the water flow passage to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the temperature of material conveyed through fluid conveying devices. The apparatus may include an enclosure supported upon a chase or chases, which may extend from the enclosure downwardly to the frost line. Heating elements may be included within the chase(s) or enclosure to maintain the temperature of the material and the fluid conveying devices surrounding the material above a predetermined setpoint all the way to the frost line. The enclosure may employ a suitable valve to facilitate the removal of discharged material from the enclosure in applications where the fluid conveying device discharges material to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A two stage gas pressure regulator with a body housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a common interior wall dividing the body housing into two chambers forming two pressure reducing stages. Respective intersecting fluid passageways through the common interior wall communicate the first stage to the second stage and provide a gauge pressure tap on the body housing, the intersecting passageways meeting at an intersection point within the common interior wall. Respective diaphragms are provided for each stage, and a cover has a vent venting the volume defined between the cover and the second stage diaphragm. A small passageway is provided in a common cover wall between the two stages, the small passageway being sized to suitably vent both cover portions above the respective diaphragms through the vent while eliminating overpressurization of the second stage in the event of pressure regulating failure of the first stage.

Abstract: A trickle valve useful for removing solids from the bottom of a cyclone separator dipleg includes a valve seat and a reverse angle, integrally counter-weighted flapper plate pivotally mounted on the valve and closed against the valve seat which opens to release particulate solids built up in said dipleg before the solids build to a level greater than their angle of internal friction, thereby clogging the dipleg. The valve seat is at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the horizontal (i.e., 60.degree.) and the counterweight is flush mounted on the plate by welding as an integral part of the plate so that the plate can easily open to 90.degree.. This is useful with cyclones in catalytic crackers and particularly with secondary cyclones in which the fluidized solids loading is relatively light.

Abstract: A connector adapted for a quick connection to and for sealing and filling a valve assembly, such as a Schraeder Valve. The connector provides a secondary containment feature which prevents leakage when removing the connector, thereby improving performance and efficiency. The connector includes a collet member at one end that fits over the threaded portion of the valve assembly and, when closed, compresses a seal that engages the external threads of the valve, thereby eliminating the need for threading an external fitting on the valve assembly. As the system pressure increases, an internal plunger, having a forward flow orifice and a rear inlet orifice, is axially displaced and depresses the valve assembly stem. Simultaneously, the forward orifice passes ahead of an internal O-ring and allows fluid flow. As pressure is relieved from the system, the plunger and forward flow orifice move behind the internal O-ring and seal the piston chamber, thereby preventing leakage when removing the connector.

Abstract: A mixing valve has a cartridge assembly that includes a ball valve with a control stem for adjusting the movable ball valve for controlling the flow rate and temperature mix of the mixed water. The ball valve has a pin extending therethrough that is received in vertically extending slots and in a cartridge housing member. The pin is press fitted int the ball valve to prevent the ball from falling out the lower open end of the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for automatically regulating water pressure in water pipe mainly including a tube connected to and between two sections of water pipes. A plurality of pressure-reduction members and springs are alternately disposed in the tube. The pressure-reduction members have an external diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the tube. Grooves or through holes are formed on a circumferential surface or bottom surface, respectively, of the pressure-reduction members for water to pass through. Whereby, when a small volume of water with low water pressure flows into the tube, the springs are in an extended state, allowing water flowing into the tube to freely pass the grooves around the pressure-reduction members and to enter into the springs via circumferential clearances of the springs, and finally flows out of the tube via the through holes on the lowest pressure-reduction member in the tube.

Abstract: There is provided a method of lining an existing underground main pipe involving a branch pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible extension conduit, in which a basic unit includes a joint base, two joints, two ball valves, a sliding pipe, two dirt covers, a flat pipe, two damping collars and two embedded retainers, and so on. Therein the embedded retainer is placed in the caulking groove of the ball valve so that the caulking groove of the embedded retainer catches the catching rim in the caulking groove of the ball valve. The sliding pipe is put in the ball valve and welded a thrust collar at the smaller end to limit the sliding range of the sliding pipe in the ball valve, and the combined ball valve is located in the spherical bearing consisting of the joint base and the joint. When the earth crust moves or the temperature gets a great changing, the dirt cover can prevent the sand and the soil from seeping in, and the conduit can change the length and bend an angle in each section.

Abstract: A weaving machine includes a plurality of individually adjustable heald frames for forming an upper shed and lower shed by acting on warp threads. The heald frames are coordinately controllable by a control unit. At least one shuttle transports weft threads through the upper shed and lower shed. At least one shuttle path arranged under the warp threads forming the lower shed supports the at least one shuttle. The control unit controls movement of the heald frames effected by a position adjustable unit to bring about different upwardly and downwardly directed forces on the warp threads, depending upon a desired weaving design. The control unit adapts the forces applied to the warp threads of the lower shed to the shuttle path so as to provide the at least one shuttle with clearance through the upper shed and the lower shed that is substantially unaffected by the warp threads in spite of the respective force applied to the warp threads.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting material into an aerosol spray can that includes an improved can and pumping cylinder support arrangement. The arrangement simplifies the steps necessary to load and unload a can and offers a simplified construction for improved durability. The disclosed apparatus is compatible with cans of different size and affords a cabinet to contain the pumping process.

Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a motor vehicle. The arrangement includes a fuel tank containing fuel therein and having a gas space disposed above the fuel, and a venting device connected to the fuel tank. The venting device includes an activated charcoal filter and a venting conduit connecting the gas space to the activated charcoal filter for establishing gas communication therebetween. A stop valve is disposed in the venting conduit and is adapted to open gas communication between the gas space and the activated charcoal filter during refueling. Moreover, a fuel separator is disposed in the venting conduit for separating fuel from a gas flow through the venting conduit thereby yielding separated fuel.

Abstract: A device for filling containers contains a transfer mechanism drivable by a servodrive and which cyclically moves the containers initially to a filling station and then to a balance. By reverse rotation and optionally subsequent forward rotation of the servodrive by a small angle of e.g. 1.degree., it is possible to disengage the transfer mechanism from the containers, so that the latter can be weighed on the balance, without the measured result being falsified by friction between the transfer mechanism and the containers.By multiple rotating backwards and forwards the servodrive by a small angle, it is possible to vibrate the container, so that bridges and the like forming in the material to be filled can be eliminated.

Abstract: A filling system is set forth that assists in providing fast and simple configuration of a fill system of a packaging machine between its configuration during a production cycle of the machine and its configuration during a clean-in-place cycle of the machine. The filling system comprises a valve housing having a flow channel, an inlet to the flow channel, and an outlet from the flow channel. The valve housing has a flange extending therefrom about at least a portion of the periphery of the valve housing. A valve member is disposed in the valve housing for controlling fluid flow from the outlet of the valve housing. A clean-in-place manifold is also provided for use during a clean-in-place operation of the packaging machine. The clean-in-place manifold has an inlet and an outlet and a flange disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the inlet of the manifold. A sanitary cover is provided for use during a production cycle of the machine.

Abstract: A transportable, sealable container, for example a SMIF pod, including a box and box door. The box has a first sealing surface and the box door has a second sealing surface. The two sealing surfaces form a seal when the box door is moved in a sealing position with respect to the box. A latch mechanism is provided in the box door for holding the box door in the sealing position. The container further includes a breather assembly having an aperture, with a filter, that allows gas to flow between the interior of the container and an environment external to the container. A valve, which is actuated by the latch, opens and closes the aperture. When the latch unlocks the box door, the valve opens the aperture. When the door is locked, the valve closes the aperture.

Abstract: A hose adapter for use in connecting a preconditioned air hose to an aircraft having a ring connector with a plurality of slots formed therethrough by which a ground-based heating/air conditioning unit is connected to an internal ventilation system of the aircraft. The hose adapter includes a generally hollow housing and slot-engaging arms which connect the housing to a ring connector in a snap-fit manner. The housing includes a lower end having an inlet which is connectable to a preconditioned air hose, and an upper end having an outlet which is connectable to a ring connector of an aircraft. The slot-engaging arms are biased toward a locking position wherein the slot-engaging arms provide a quick connect to a ring connector and an unbiased position wherein the slot-engaging arms releasably disconnect from the ring connector.

Abstract: A portable power tool cutting guide comprised of a single guidepiece of extruded material molded to form a dual-sided fence with a remaining flat but ribbed upper surface surrounding the fence and a smooth lower surface, where a reference edge indexed to the particular power tool is cut by aligning the power tool with the fence and cutting the guidepiece parallel to said edge, and the reference edge is then aligned with the desired straight cutting line of a workpiece by means of attachment to the workpiece itself in order to make a straight cut.

Abstract: The improved tire changer tool set of the present invention includes a tire rim engager and a lever. The tire rim engager is in the form of a disc having a depending peripheral portion which may be a detachable ring and which is adapted to securely seat the engager in the rim of a tire. The tire rim engager also includes an upstanding generally central post having an expanded top which retains the lever in position around the post. The tire rim engager can have an annular recess on its bottom surface to receive the top portion of the detachable ring. Such ring can be held in place with screws through the disc and ring. Rims of different diameters can be installed on the disc. The lever is long and generally flat with two portions connected by a step so that when the lever is connected to the post by a side notch in the lever, one portion of the lever is raised and can act as a handle in rotating the lever around the post.

Abstract: A closure system for a sliding main door and a sliding screen door system of the type typically used in houses and some commercial buildings operates to permit three modes of operation of the sliding screen door and the sliding main door relative to one another. In a first mode of operation handles on the doors freely pass by one another and the two doors may be operated completely independently of one another. The handle on the sliding screen door is capable of movement to different vertical positions; and in another position, cooperating surfaces on the two handles cause the sliding screen door always to be closed when the main door is closed. When the main door is opened, however, the sliding screen door in this mode is capable of movement back and forth independently of the main door to the extent of the opening of the sliding main door.

Abstract: The opposite vertically elongated edges of a series of pivotly connected slats forming an accordion type folding shutter are provided with integral tubelike connector members. The slat integrally joins its outer member along a plane which is tangent to the outer surface of the outer member so that the extended adjacent pair of slats form a roughly ninety (90.degree.) degree angle when the shutter is extended. Thus, the forces of impact applied against the shutter is absorbed by the crushing of the outer member towards and against and then with the inner member, in engagement between the adjacent inner and outer member beads and the partial transmission of forces through the adjacent portions of the slats for resisting separation of the adjacent slats and penetration of the force applying object.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed in which a mechanical hydraulic component includes fluid-bearing passageways. The fluid-bearing passageways are defined by a pre-formed tubing cluster which resides within a block which is cast around the tubing cluster in order to define a solid body which is fuse-bonded to the tubing cluster. The present mechanical body is formed by providing hollow tubing which is bent to provide a tube member having a desired configuration. A number of tube members are secured in order to provide a tubing cluster which defines the preformed fluid-bearing passageways. After that, a castable material is cast around the tubing cluster so as to produce a solid block with the tubing cluster embedded therein. The block and tubing cluster are formed of predetermined materials which result in chemical infiltration in order to produce a low-porosity fusion bond.

Abstract: A conveyor belt of a continuous strip-casting device for casting strips of metal, particularly steel, which belt is guided by a driven drum and a drum horizontally adjacent to the driven drum and displaceable for tensioning the belt. The belt rests in this connection on a support arranged between the drums and the side thereof facing away from the cast strip is cooled. The conveyor belt has, on the side remote from the cast strip, uniformly distributed blind holes. The blind holes are separated by webs of a minimum width. The total surface area of the webs is 0.15 to 0.4 times the total surface area of the belt. The bottoms of the blind holes have a wall thickness which, upon heating by the cast strip with simultaneous cooling of the inside surface of the blind holes, permits a bulging of the bottom of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: To solve the problem of capturing the strip leading edge for improving the success rate of coiling and to eliminate the complicated recovery of the coiled strip for improving the productivity, a process of online-coiling a quench-solidified magnetic strip produced by ejecting a liquid metal or metal alloy onto a moving cooled substrate comprises the step of rotating a coiling roll having a magnetized surface to coil the strip therearound, at a coiling roll surface speed within the range of not less than 90% and less than 100% of a moving speed of the substrate, upon starting the coiling.

Abstract: This invention provides a glassy metal-suction casting method capable of readily and conveniently producing a large-sized amorphous material with excellent properties as an amorphous material. Such an object of the invention is attained by filling a metal material in a mold cooled with water; melting said metal material by using a high-energy heat source which is capable of rapidly melting said metal material; and introducing the resulting molten metal instantaneously into a vertically extending water-cooled mold provided below said mold by using a difference in gas pressure or gravity to move the metal melt at a high speed and attain a high quenching rate to thereby enable the production of a glassy metal ingot of a large size.

Abstract: A device for slowing down the non-solidified portions of a cast strand during continuous casting of billets or blooms. The device comprises a group of at least three separate molds (1-4) which are open in the direction of casting and which are arranged such that each one is supplied with a flow of melt. The device also comprises a number of magnetic core parts (5-8), and at least one magnetic-field generating member (9-13), adapted to generate and transfer, together with the magnetic core parts, a static magnetic field or a periodic low-frequency magnetic field to the inflowing melt in such a way that the movement of the melt is slowed down. The magnetic core parts and the magnetic-field generating members are arranged such that, together with all the molds in the group, they form a common closed magnetic circuit. All the molds included in the group are arranged in series with each other in the closed magnetic circuit.

Abstract: The modular heat exchange baskets for a rotary regenerative air preheater which normally have a single stacked array of heat exchange plates, are constructed with heat exchange plate support bars intermediate the top and bottom surface. The basket then has two separate stacked arrays of heat exchange plates which permits the plate material or arrangement in the top of each basket to be different from the plate material or arrangement in the bottom. For side loaded air preheaters with basket support gratings, the arrangement of heat exchange plates can be changed without the need to move the gratings.

Abstract: This invention for use with a water-using system is directed to a heat recovery and storage device adapted to recover heat from warm waste liquid and transfer it to cooler supply water where the flows of both waste liquid and supply water are intermittent and not necessarily contemporaneous, and to store the warmed supply water until required for use.

Abstract: A heating/cooling system includes a plurality of solid panels which form part of a wall or floor. The panels are in the form of heating/cooling modules and incorporate a heat exchange element within the panel and in thermal contact with the material, e.g. chipboard, fiberboard or plywood, forming the panel. The panels can be provided with, for example, tongue and groove formations so that they can engage with like panels or with "industry-standard" panels which do not incorporate heat exchange elements.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates defining flow spaces between pairs of adjacent plates, the stack being compressed together between a head and a follower by load bearing rails, the head and the follower are urged together by tie bars. To obtain even compression of the plates the tie bars are as close as possible to the flow spaces. At least one tie bar extends through a cut-out formed within a plate area, the cut-out being bounded at the outer periphery of one of the plates.

Abstract: A side pocket mandrel arranged to receive a measuring instrument such as a pressure gauge in the open-bottomed side pocket thereof includes an electrical contact mounted at the top of the side pocket and connected to a cable extending upward to the surface, and an instrument lowered on a wireline kickover tool and inserted upward into the pocket and latched in place with a mating electrical connector automatically engaging the contact. Placement of the electrical contact at the top of the pocket prevents debris from settling around it and preventing reengagement after removal of the gauge for any reason.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a detector for the detection of abrasive material being carried by fluid passing through a wellhead, the detector including an erosion block having a passage therein and a bore intercepting the passage; a probe which is inserted into the bore of the erosion block, this probe having a contact zone exposed to the passage when the probe is inserted in the bore and a first bore extension inboard of the surface of the contact zone which communicates with a first bore; and a first pressure transducer provided for sensing pressure in the first bore and in the first bore extension connected thereto; the pressure transducer providing an electrical output indicative of a change in pressure in the first bore and being electrically coupled to a device which is responsive to the electrical output of the first pressure transducer.

Abstract: A rod guide assembly having a mount rigidly molded on rod shank, a centralizer rotatably mounted on the mount having, closure means between the mount and the centralizer for preventing flow of particles into the centralizer.

Abstract: A consumable probe is installed in an elbow zone of a well. The consumable probe is subject to ablation caused by abrasive particles suspended in the fluid being transported by the conduit. As the probe is ablated pressure sensitive chambers will be exposed and the pressure in the conduit will pressurize the pressure sensitive chambers and signal a readout station in a position remote from the location of the probe in the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which allows running in a whipstock packer in combination with a setting assembly, which also includes instrumentation to sense the depth, as well as orientation of the anchor orientation groove on the packer. The packer can be run in the hole on wireline and when the proper depth is reached the sensed and a signal from the surface sets the setting tool into motion to set the packer with the whipstock anchor groove in proper orientation. The whipstock, along with a mill and the anchor are then run in and latched into the anchor groove on the packer on a second trip and milling through a casing begins.

Abstract: A horseshoe stock piece and various complementary pieces provide variety of custom features for horseshoes such as heel calk trailers, trailer calks, calk horseshoes and patent shoes. The stock piece is a horseshoe structure with conventional top or hoof surface, a bottom or ground surface, inner and outer faces, fullering on the ground side, and nail holes within the fullering. The heel end of each arm of the stock piece has a flat, rectangular recess formed in the ground surface face which is from 40%-60% of the depth or thickness of the shoe stock. A transverse groove is formed in the central portion of the recess. The groove has walls which are perpendicular to the surface of the groove and there is a threaded aperture formed in the base of the groove. The foregoing is dimensioned to receive a complementary piece secured in the recess. The complementary piece has a transverse extension or lug extending into the groove.

Abstract: A horseshoe having holes for horseshoe nails extending therethrough and including a resilient material. Washers are embedded in the resilient material and horseshoe nails extend through the washers and the holes when the horseshoe is fastened to a horse's hoof. A portion of the horseshoe adapted to bear on the hoof comprises a plate against which the resilient material adheres. The washers abut the plate and are horizontally movable relative thereto, and the holes in the plate have a larger cross section than the nail, such that the nail is capable of moving horizontally together with the washers during loading of the horse's hoof.

Abstract: A preventive safety system may be used in a process in which loosely formed process material is produced in a first unit (1) and is transportable to a receiving, second unit (2), and in which process the treatment of material in the first unit is liable to generate a hazardous particle or particles which has/have a temperature which is sufficiently high to initiate burning and/or an explosion in at least the second unit.

Abstract: A combination of a reversible plough with a plurality of soil preparation devices including an improved height control system. The apparatus includes a headstock by means of which the combination can be mounted on lifting arms at the rear of a propelling vehicle. The soil preparation devices are each mounted on a movable part of a plough frame via a respective swivel coupling that allows the device to be towed and also to be suspended during plough body reversal. A common hydraulic pressure control circuit is provided to control the height of each soil preparation device relative to its respective swivel coupling, and to provide automatic self-compensating adjustment of each device as they follow the contour of the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is a cultivating tool which includes a rod having a handle on one end and a tool head with soil-breaking elements on the opposite end of the rod. The tool head can take the form of a fork spade with tines or cutting blades arranged in at least two planes.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a planter has wing sections which, when folded for transport, are stacked side-by-side above a center section. Improvements include structure which reduces bending moments about the pivot connections between a guide link forming part of a four-bar linkage which stacks the wings, and the wing frame. A drive train for the row unit meters is also placed in the transport position without disconnecting the drive shafts.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of angularly-spaced support arms formed to extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an inside surface with a spindle connected thereto and an outer surface. A number of cutter cones equal to a number of support arms are rotatably mounted on respective spindles. Each of the cutter cones includes an integral cylindrical cavity for receiving the respective spindle. A gap with a generally cylindrical portion is formed between the spindle and the cavity with a seal element disposed within the gap. The gap has an opening contiguous with the bottom edge of the outer surface and extending outwardly from the spindle. A bearing element is disposed within each gap between the exterior of the respective spindle and the interior of the respective cavity. A seal element is disposed within each gap to seal between the respective spindle and the interior of the respective cavity.

Abstract: A material for applying hardfacings to the teeth of steel tooth rolling cutter drill bits comprises a mixture of refractory metal carbide, such as tungsten carbide, cobalt and metallic matrix powders formed into a core structure and surrounded by a thin metallic sheath. The metallic matrix powders include iron, deoxidizers and alloy powders. The ratio by weight of the metallic matrix powders to the sheath exceeds 2.5, so that the core structure provides most of the matrix material for the hardfacing and only a small proportion of such material is provided by the thin sheath, which may have a thickness of only 0.001" to 0.010". The core structure may include an organic binder, such as methylcellulose, to provide strength and to prevent segregation of the core materials.

Abstract: A drill bit, process of drilling, and method of manufacturing the same are provided wherein the drill bit has a bit body defining a radially extending waist and a plurality of cutting elements proximate the waist. The waist has an outer diameter less than an outer diameter defined by a plurality of outermost cutting elements. The difference in outer diameters between the waist and the outermost cutting elements is determined by the thickness of filter cake that forms on the wall of a wellbore, such that the waist of the bit does not contact the filter cake during the drilling process.

Abstract: A preform cutting element for a rotary drag-type drill bit includes a facing table of polycrystalline diamond having a rear surface bonded to a tungsten carbide substrate. The cutting element is formed with an angled chamfer to form a straight cutting edge on the facing table. The junction between one end of the cutting edge and the remainder of the peripheral surface of the facing table is chamfered in a part-circular arc to provide a smooth transition between the cutting edge and the rest of the peripheral surface. Such transition may reduce the spalling or other damage which may be caused by steady state and impact loads in this region.

Abstract: An efficient direct drive system is featured which is easier to maintain than conventional systems. The system includes a drive assembly which employs a hydraulic motor to rotate a shaft assembly and power most or all of the drive chains of the vehicle's endless track assembly at once. A laterally located motor directly rotates the shaft assembly. A gear assembly is included in the drive system. A brake assembly may be included in the system. The shaft assembly is made up of an inner shaft and an outer shaft sleeve which are disposed over portions of the inner shaft. Laterally outer drive sprockets are bolted or otherwise affixed to the outer shaft sleeve. The inner shaft and outer shaft sleeve are further keyed together so that the shaft assembly is rotatable as a unitary piece. The shaft assembly may be easily dismantled to change the laterally outer sprockets when necessary.

Abstract: A power plant support device for a vehicle which includes a releasable first mount and second mount. The first mount has a releasing mechanism which releases a connection to the power plant upon an impact force larger than a predetermined impact force. The second mount rotatably supports the power plant and is located below the center of gravity of the power plant, but it has enough endurance to support against the predetermined impact force. When a front collision of the vehicle occurs and the power plant receives an impact force larger than the predetermined impact force, the connection between the first mount and the power plant is released and the power plant rotates about the second mount, so that the power plant moves away from a lower dash panel of the passenger compartment. Thus, the degree of crush of a framework of the vehicle increases and a larger shock can be absorbed.

Abstract: A driving-torque distribution control system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprises a transfer having a transfer clutch for variably adjusting a front and rear drive-wheel torque distribution, and a torque-split controller for setting a weighting coefficient to a lower speed of rotational speeds of secondary drive wheels depending on a wheel-load shift between the secondary drive wheels e.g. a lateral acceleration exerted on the vehicle or a rolling moment. The controller calculates a simple mean of rotational speeds of primary drive wheels, and also calculates a weighted mean of rotational speeds of the secondary drive wheels based on the weighting coefficient so as to control the transfer clutch in accordance with the front and rear drive-wheel torque distribution based on a difference between the simple mean and the weighted mean. The weighting coefficient is held constant until the lateral acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A miniaturized single-seater motor-vehicle, in particular for sports and recreative use, comprises two half-frames (2a) identical with each other and substantially extending according to longitudinal vertical planes, each half-frame (2a) being formed of a plurality of sections (9, 11, 12, 13, 14) defining a substantially closed line. The frame (2) supports a motor (19) disposed forwardly of a rear axle (10) and at alowermost position relative to a seat (10). A steering wheel (20) comprises a forward half portion (20b) and a rear half portion (20a) which are asymmetrical relative to an axis of rotation (21). Two side footboards (18) project laterally from the opposite sides of the frame (2) base.

Abstract: A vehicle speed responsive power steering apparatus enables a pressure which acts upon a power cylinder to be variably controlled in accordance with a vehicle speed or the like, thus allowing an assisting force to be controlled in a variable manner. A control valve CV selectively connects a pump P and a tank T to left and right chambers CL, CR of a power cylinder. The control valve comprises a first and a second fluid pressure bridge circuit 10, 20. The first fluid pressure bridge circuit includes a left and a right path 12, 13, in which a first and a second pair of variable throttles 1R, 1L and 2L, 2R are disposed which are opened or closed in response to a steering operation. The left and the right chamber of the cylinder are connected to the respective paths at the junctions between the variable throttles.