Abstract: The energy conversion system of the subject invention converts the energy from a source of pressurized fluid, such as a free-piston engine and a storage accumulator, to a work system at various pressure levels. This is accomplished by providing power modifying units which act to efficiently reduce the pressure level of the fluid from the source of pressurized fluid to the various pressure levels. A control arrangement monitors the operating pressures in the actuators and selects the path of pressurized fluid having the lowest pressure level needed to perform the task. Additionally, exhausted fluid containing energy is utilized by regenerating the fluid back to the inlet of the actuator or by directing it through the appropriate power modifying unit to amplify the pressure therein and supplement or recharge the source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating and controlling a free-piston Stirling engine with a displacement piston in a cylinder, said piston separating a hot cylinder space from a cold cylinder space, an annular space being formed between the cylinder and a sleeve section surrounding the cylinder, characterized in that the annular space extends right through from an annular gap in the region of the hot cylinder space to an annular gap in the region of the cold cylinder space, plates being inserted all the way along in the longitudinal direction into this annular space.

Abstract: A device (1) has a drive (2) with a gas chamber 93), a plate (4) moveably disposed therein, a heater (5), a cooler (8) and a regenerator (11). An auxiliary drive (14) can move the plate (4) without driving the machine (13). The plate (4) may thus advantageously be moved with little force, and the device (1) may be modified in a simple manner to permit a automatic start of the device through exposure to the sun.

Abstract: A brake system (10) having a proportioning device (18) through which a first fluid pressure is communicated to a first brake circuit and a second fluid pressure is communicated to a second brake circuit. The proportioning device (18) has a housing (90) with a first bore (204) connected with a first passage (98) for receiving the first fluid pressure and with a second passage (100) for receiving the second fluid pressure. A first piston (210) located in the first bore (204) of the housing (90) separates the first passage (98) from the second passage (100). The first piston (210) responds to a higher fluid pressure of the first and second fluid pressures by moving in the first bore (204) to providing additional fluid pressure to a lower fluid pressure of the first and second fluid pressures to substantially equalize the first and second fluid pressures supplied to the first and second brakes circuits for effecting said brake application.

Abstract: In a hydraulic brake system of the present invention, the communication between a power chamber 30 of a hydraulic booster 2 and wheel cylinders (WCY) 58, 59 is allowed by a switching valve 64 when fluid pressure of an accumulator (ACC) 46 exceeds predetermined pressure. During braking operation, the fluid pressure of the ACC 46 introduced in the power chamber 30 is introduced directly to the WCYs 58, 59, thereby rapidly actuating brakes and thus improving the response. When the fluid pressure of the ACC 46 is less than the predetermined pressure, the communication between a fluid chamber 57 of a master cylinder (MCY) 3 and the WCYs 58, 59 is allowed by the switching valve 64. During braking operation, MCY pressure developed by a MCY piston 53 operated by an input shaft 21 through a power piston 10 is introduced into the WCYs 58, 59 through the switching valve 64. The brakes can securely work even when the fluid pressure of the ACC 46 is less than the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An improved force transfer arrangement for use in a dual circuit master cylinder having a pair of nested concentric pistons for pressurizing a pair of respective fluid chambers, wherein the force transfer arrangement imparts an input force from an input piston on a pair of pistons such that the pair of pistons can move relative to each other to compensate for different travel lengths. The invention discloses three embodiments of the improved force transfer arrangement. A first embodiment includes a hydraulic fluid chamber in fluid communication with the input piston and the pair of pistons. A second embodiment includes a circumferentially arranged ball mechanism positioned between the input piston and the pair of pistons. A third embodiment includes a notched lever ring assembly positioned between the input piston and the pair of pistons.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a housing and a piston movable therein, which is sealed relative to a pressure chamber by way of a sealing element fixed on the housing. The pressure chamber is connectable to an unpressurized supply chamber by at least one transverse bore provided in the piston, wherein the transverse bore has a slot-shaped configuration and opens into at least one groove provided on the outer surface of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a master cylinder MC, which comprises a body section 2, a cap 3, a cylinder housing 1 composed of the body section 2 and the cap 3, a sleeve 8 fitted in the cylinder housing 1, primary and secondary pistons 4 and 5 provided to be guided by the sleeve 8 and slid, first and second pressure chambers 9 and 10 and spring mechanisms 11 and 12 respectively disposed in the first and second pressure chambers for pressing the primary and secondary pistons 4 and 5 in returning directions. In the peripheral portion 17a of the spring retainer 17 of the spring mechanism 11 for pressing the primary piston 4, hook sections 17e are formed by protruding a plurality of portions 17d outward in an axial direction and then folding the tip of each of the protruded portions in a piston axial direction so as to hook the same in the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 8.

Abstract: The brake booster has an envelope (10) with an axis of symmetry (X-X') separated sealingly by at least one movable partition (12) to define at least a first chamber (14) connected permanently to a source of low pressure and at least a second chamber (16). The second chamber (16) being selectively connected to the first chamber (14) or a source of high pressure through a three way valve structure actuated by a control rod (30,130). The three way valve structure has a plunger (28,128) which slides in a bore (26,126) of a piston (20,90) is connected to a control rod (30,130). The position of the plunger (28,128) in bore (26,126) selectively controls the communication between the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (16) or communication between the second chamber (16) and the source of high pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure generator having a body (1) with a first bore (11) therein for receiving a cylinder (21) of a piston assembly (2) to define a pressure chamber (12). The cylinder (21) has a second bore (211) for receiving an auxiliary piston (22) which defines a variable volume compensation chamber (23). The compensation chamber encloses a deformable member (5) which is adapted to exert an elastic force between the auxiliary piston (22) and a closed end (210) of cylinder (21). The compensation chamber (23) communicates with the pressure chamber (12) through a restriction (221) formed in a longitudinal duct (222) of the auxiliary piston (22). A sealing member (4) borne by a portion (222) of the auxiliary piston (22) closes the pressure chamber (12) such that the elastomeric member (5) dampens pressure differences between the pressure chamber (12) and compensation chamber (23).

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling a fluid. A heat transfer probe (tubular member) is insertable into the fluid to heat or cool the fluid. The tubular probe has a plurality of thermoelectric modules mounted in the wall thereof and the modules are in contact with air in the center of the tubular probe and with fluid in the container. Each module is comprised of mating N and P semiconductors. Heat or cooling is generated by the modules dependent on the direction of electrical current flow through the modules. Fins are bonded to the modules and extend into the ambient air in the tube to facilitate thermal transfer between the ambient air which flows across the modules in the tube. Fins are also bonded to the opposite side of the thermoelectric module and extend into the fluid to facilitate thermal transfer in the fluid.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of operating a cryogenic cooling device (1) with a cylinder (4, 5) in which a piston (6, 7) reciprocates and with a gas drive (8, 9) which produces the motion of the piston. In order to reduce the vibrations which occur during operation, the invention proposes that the gas drive (8, 9) is controlled in such a way that the piston (6, 7) is only accelerated for part of the stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of heat exchange in which a liquified gas is evaporated in a first coil disposed in a fluid heat exchange medium in a heat exchanger, absorbing heat by the evaporating liquid to chill the heat exchange medium, disposing in the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger a second coil containing heat exchange medium in fluid connection with a body of heat exchange medium contained in a reservoir, chilling the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger and circulating chilled heat exchange medium to the reservoir and from the reservoir to a facility location needing cooling, returning warmed heat exchange medium from the facility location to the reservoir and thence to the second coil for rechilling and reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for freezing food products including a first freezer section utilizing a liquid or solid cryogen and a second freezer section which utilizes cryogenic vapor from the first freezer section to complete the freezing operation, the first and second freezer sections being in a vertical arrangement to minimize floor space and improve cooling efficiency.

Abstract: An ice making machine comprises a refrigerant system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator and interconnecting refrigerant lines; a water system having a fresh water inlet, a water circulation mechanism, an ice-forming device in thermal contact with the evaporator and interconnecting water lines; and a control system comprising a temperature sensing device in thermal contact with the outlet of the condenser, and a microprocessor programmed to use input from the temperature sensing device either i) at a predetermined time after initiation of a freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the freeze cycle or ii) at a predetermined time prior to the end of the freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the harvest cycle, or iii) both i) and ii), to control the refrigeration and water systems to operate in a freeze cycle and/or the harvest cycle until the end of the desired duration(s).

Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with a solar generator is disclosed. The solar generator is capable of converting the DC power generated by a solar cell into the AC power whose voltage and frequency correspond to that of the commercial power source. The electrical power generated by the solar cell and the electrical power consumed by the air conditioner are monitored and may be displayed. The DC power generated by the solar cell is used directly by the air conditioner or used indirectly as the commercial power source by merging the converted AC power to the commercial power source. Further, the converted AC power may be selectively merged to the commercial power source depending on the various states of the air conditioner, and the air conditioning operations may be regulated depending on the electrical power generated by the solar cell.

Abstract: An absorption cool-water machine including a high quality fuel system and an exhaust heat utility system and apparatus and method for controlling the same is described in which the control has improved effectiveness in preventing the occurrence of crystallization in the exhaust heat exchanger tubing and/or corrosion resulting from an increase in high temperature regenerator temperatures and to otherwise prevent the production of unavailable refrigerant, save energy in an exhaust heat charge mode of operation, and to insure refrigerating ability even when exhaust water temperatures are low without reducing the effectiveness of the machine. In the described organization, a determination is made of the operative state of the exhaust heat utility system and adjustments are automatically made in supremum limiters for controlling the degree of opening of throttle valves for adjusting the supply of fuel and combustion air to the high quality fuel system that supplies heat to the high temperature regenerator.

Abstract: A dehumidifier/cooling apparatus for use in a room having an elevated temperature and/or humidity is provided which utilizes the natural coolness of tap water to condense water vapor from the air or merely cool the air. The tap water line is diverted into a heat exchanger upstream of a hot water heater to dehumidify and/or cool the air in the room the air and remove the latent heat given off during condensation to cool and/or dehumidify the room air and to pre-heat the water entering the hot water heater.

Abstract: The waste heat from a heating part mounted on a vehicle is recovered and extracted by a refrigerant for gas injection so that the heating capacity at a low ambient temperature may be effectively improved while suppressing an increase in the power consumption. At the heating time, the refrigerant is circulated in a closed circuit composed of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure regulator and an outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant, as condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, is regulated to an intermediate pressure by a pressure regulator and introduced into a heat exchanger. In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant extracts the heat from the heating part at the side of the vehicle so that it evaporates. The refrigerant thus having evaporated is introduced through an evaporation pressure regulating valve via a gas injection passage into a gas injection port of the compressor.

Abstract: An improved dehumidification system for automotive use includes a rotating, wheel like heat exchanger with axially open cells that carry a water adsorbing material. Opposed ambient air and heated air flows, covering opposite halves of the wheel, continually adsorb water on one side and are recharged on the other side. Alternating radially closed cells between the axially open cells carry no desiccant material, but receive a cross cooling flow, on the water adsorbing side of the wheel only, to remove the heat released during the water adsorption process. The desiccant recharging process on the other side of the wheel is not disturbed by the cross cooling flow.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a direction changing device enabling safe handling of condensed water without causing reduction in direction changing capacity in a cooling-mode operation is provided. The air conditioner comprises a main body, air conditioning members provided in the main body for achieving a function of conditioning the air, an outlet grille located in a front side of the main body for directing air from inside the main body to outside the main body and a lateral flap placed in an opening of the outlet grille for changing the direction of air in the lateral direction. A part of the lateral flap is held by a mounting shaft. The lateral flap can be pivotally moved in the lateral direction about the mounting shaft. A convex portion is provided in a downwind end of the lateral flap.

Abstract: An evaporator for a transport refrigeration system configured to be mounted in a conditioned space and having a downwardly facing intake and an air discharge end adapted to discharge conditioned air horizontally. The evaporator includes a structural frame for mounting the unit. The structural frame includes first and second lateral supports extending on opposite sides of the evaporator and at least one horizontal transverse member interconnecting the lateral supports. The evaporator fan is structurally supported by the transverse member at a location in fluid flow communication with the air intake. The evaporator coil extends between the lateral supports intermediate the air discharge end and the location of the evaporator fan. The lateral supports serve as tube sheets of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for storing small packets of perishable material so as to extend the storage life of the material is provided. A base and housing fixed to the base are provided. A heat exchange device which includes a sealed container filled with a cooling medium is mounted inside the housing. A plurality of vertically oriented tubes that have open tops and bottoms are provided for holding a plurality of small packets of the perishable material in heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. A cover is mounted over the housing and the stored perishable material therein to keep the packets of material below room temperature until such time as one of the packets is dispensed for use.

Abstract: A structure for supporting an electric fan and fixing it to the radiator of a vehicle having climate control, comprising a unitary injection-moulded plastics material body including a rectangular frame, a plurality of arms for fixing the structure to the body of a vehicle, a housing for receiving a rotatable cooling fan and a mount for the electric motor for driving the fan. The structure also includes a support surface and a seat for supporting and fixing a dehydration filter forming part of the climate control system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A continuously operable portable icemaker charged with an ammonia solution and pressured to about 450 pounds per square inch with hydrogen and powered with a source of heat to cause percolation of the ammonia solution acts to freeze water charged into a removable refillable cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: In an air conditioner in which plural outdoor units are connected to plural indoor units, at least one outdoor unit is provided with a compressor having a power control mechanism for inhibiting a part of a compression work, and the power of the compressor is made variable by controlling the power control mechanism. The outdoor unit is provided with two heat exchangers which are designed in a substantially U-shaped form, and disposed in a main body of the outdoor unit so that the opening sides thereof are confronted to each other, and the refrigerating elements which constitutes a refrigerant circuit and contains at least the compressor, an accumulator, etc. are disposed in a space which is surrounded by the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system for the separation of feed air wherein at least some of the feed air is liquefied upstream of the separation columns, all of the liquefied feed air is introduced into a higher pressure column, and then a portion of this liquefied feed air is withdrawn from the higher pressure column and in serial fashion introduced into a lower pressure column.

Abstract: Air is separated into oxygen and nitrogen in a double rectification column comprising a higher pressure rectification column and a lower pressure rectification column. Liquid nitrogen reflux for the separation is provided by condensing nitrogen vapor taken from the column in a condenser-reboiler. Additional separation is performed in an intermediate pressure rectification column. A first stream of argon-enriched vapor is withdrawn from an intermediate region of the lower pressure rectification column and has an argon fraction separated from it in a first side rectification column. A second stream of argon-enriched vapor is similarly withdrawn and is separated in a second side rectification column which provides vapor to heat a reboiler associated with the intermediate pressure rectification column. Alternatively a stream of oxygen vapor can be so employed instead of the second argon-enriched vapor stream.

Abstract: An arrangement for a warp knitting or circular knitting machine, includes a carrier having a face with a groove. Also included is an evenly spaced plurality of thread processing elements lying in a single plane and protruding from the face of the carrier. A hardenable filling material is located in the groove in the face of the carrier. The thread processing elements have proximal ends embedded into this hardenable filling material in the groove of the face of the carrier.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a spin-dry tub and an oscillatory agitator disposed at the bottom of the tub. The agitator includes a centrally located vertical hole in which an axial fan is mounted. A drive mechanism oscillates the axial fan relative to the agitator about a vertical axis to generate an upward water jet that disperses the laundry in a manner preventing entwinement and entanglement thereof. The driving mechanism comprises a roller mounted on an underside of the agitator. The roller engages the bottom of the tub and is oscillated by frictional contact therewith during oscillation of the agitator. Oscillation of the roller is transmitted to the axial fan by a flexible shaft.

Abstract: In a fully-automated washing machine, a rotating cylindrical tub in which laundry is cleaned has an agitating rod installed through the center of the tub. A water-supply pipe is axially formed within the agitating rod by penetrating the same and connected to an external water supplying source. A sprinkler unit installed on top of the agitating rod injects water supplied through the water-supply pipe into the tub. The water is supplied such that it is widely dispersed on the clothes in the tub.

Abstract: An automatic washer having a wash tub in which a rotatable wash basket is disposed. A wash plate is rotatably mounted in the wash basket and is capable of independently rotating or co-rotating with respect to the wash basket. The wash plate has at least two ripples integrally formed in its surface whereby upon the rotation of the wash plate, any clothing in contact with the ripple will be directed vertically to impart mechanical energy to the clothing instead of carrying the clothing with the wash plate as it is rotated.

Abstract: A quiet fill water system for a washing machine comprises a washing tub having an outer wall and an entry port disposed within the outer wall and a valve having a water inlet and a water outlet. A water reservoir is coupled to the outer wall, the water reservoir having a tube entry port, a cup-shaped bottom portion and a water outlet wherein the water outlet is mated with the outer wall entry port so as to provide fluid communication between the water reservoir and the washing tub. A capillary tube having a first end, a second end and a tip portion is disposed such that the first end is coupled to the water outlet of the valve and the second end is positioned within the tube entry port so that the tip portion is disposed within the cup-portion of the water reservoir at a lower position relative to the water outlet such that a quiescent reservoir of water is formed during a fill period so as to decrease the level of noise of the fill period.

Abstract: A plurality of walls form a housing cavity in which a latch hasp is received. An opening in the housing receives therethrough the latch hasp, the latch enclosing the cavity. The bolt seal has a shank with a head at one end or with a U-shaped bight in a second embodiment. The head engages a housing wall and a locking body engages and locks to the shank at a shank end distal the head. The shank between the head and lock body is fully enclosed by the housing and latch to preclude access to the shank by tampering tools. In a second embodiment, the shank bight engages the received hasp of a latch. The shank distal the bight is locked to the housing by a locking body. The latch depends into and encloses the housing cavity open at the top. The shank between the bight and the locking body is fully enclosed in the cavity. Different housings are disclosed wherein the head may be enclosed or exposed for access by a shank breaking tool. A reusable bolt and locking body is disclosed for use with several embodiments.

Abstract: A lock for a door has a housing with an opening, a latch bolt and a further latch bolt both mounted to the housing for parallel displacement relative to the housing. A latch follower formed as part of a latch is connected to the latch bolt as is a changer, with the parallel displacement occurring due to the action of one of the latch follower via the latch and the changer via a key. A lock cylinder is situated in the housing opening. Two drive rods and associated control plates are provided along and a changer lever hinged to one of the control plates and connected to the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder can drive the changer via the changer lever and its hinged control plate. One side of the lock has, therefore, two drive rods.

Abstract: A deadbolt lock system is provided for a swinging door which prevents movement of the deadbolts from a locked position to an unlocked position when the door is open. Movement of the deadbolts from an unlocked to a locked position when the door is opened is prevented by a slide plate which is locked into a deadbolt deactivating position by a plunger which is biased outward when the door is opened. The system also provides for an unlocking of the deadbolts and an opening of the door with a single rotation of the inside handle.

Abstract: A cast saw for removing hard orthopaedic bandages, for example formed of plaster is disclosed. The cast saw is a unitary device containing a rechargeable battery pack in a removable filter form collection chamber. A shroud covers at least a portion of the saw blade and such shroud is movable by the cutting operation from the interference of the casting material as the blade is received within the casting material while cutting through such casting material. A dust channel is formed within the housing and dust and debris caused by the cutting operation is pulled through such dust channel by the forces applied by impeller rotated by an electric motor received within the housing. A pressure sensitive switch is supplied which senses an increase in force on the saw blade and increases the current supplied to the motor proportionally in order to provide additional torque to the motor.

Abstract: A locking slide latch comprises components that are easily assembled without the need for separate fasteners or adhesives. A preferred latch comprises a gripable base member having a spring member mounted thereon, a locking member rotatably mounted on the spring member and a rotatable lock plug mounted in the spring member and contacting the locking member. These components are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly and allowing for interchangeability of parts to meet varying latch requirements. The latches are preferably manufactured from corrosion resistant materials such as plastics, composites and corrosion resistant metals, and are highly suitable for use in automotive, recreational vehicle and marine applications.

Abstract: The invention is based on the principle that the antitheft device has a body of a hard material which cannot be easily cut through and which covers the points of connection of at least one rib with the steering wheel rim and the steering wheel hub. As a result, even though the uncovered rim portion or uncovered ribs are cut through, the device still preserves its antitheft functions, and the vehicle remain non-steerable. The body of the device has a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration so that the device can be hooked up over the wheel rim and then locked to the rim by a lock.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock has a key operated lock cylinder signalling antitheft and locking-and-unlocking positions via Hall effect chips which include electronic circuitry working into evaluation circuitry connected to the chips. The chips themselves can be selected from a series of mass produced chips based on criteria including the magnetic thresholds and electrical thresholds of the chips provided that the thresholds of the evaluation circuitry are selected appropriately matching of each chip or its Hall effect element to the system is thoroughly avoided.

Abstract: A flat metal key has a groove-shaped recess in the narrow side of the bow for receiving a transponder as a code transmitter, a ferrite coil and a line connecting the ferrite coil with the code transmitter.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated lock is disclosed, which includes a lock bolt with a turnpin. An electromagnet is used as a retaining magnet, the electromagnet including a controlling and locking mechanism for locking or releasing the lock bolt. A control slide moves a control cam, a locking slide has a turnway, and a cross slide is coupled to the electromagnet with the locking slide. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a handling mechanism is used for actuating the lock bolt and for driving the control slide moving the control cam, the cross slide coupled to the electromagnet and the locking slide, so that the turnpin of the lock bolt immerses in the turnway of the locking slide. In an alternative, preferred embodiment, a tumbler lock mechanism is used, instead of the handling mechanism, and includes a double-bit key, so that both a key and a coded command are required for opening the lock.

Abstract: A key control device comprises an access key and lock, and a stored key and lock. The access lock operably receives the access key and is keyed such that when the access key is inserted into the access lock, it becomes movable between an access key release state and an access key capture state. The stored lock operably receives the stored key and is keyed such that when the stored key is received by the stored lock it becomes movable between a stored key release state and a stored key capture state. Only one key can be removed at any given time from either lock and such removal locks the other key against removal so that it is retained by the key control device. The access and stored lock are totally independent and not interconnected in any way.

Abstract: In the fin pass forming apparatus, the fin roller is split in two symmetrically with respect to the center line of the flow direction of a steel pipe to be formed, and a plurality of side rollers are arranged on a section perpendicular to the flow direction of the steel pipe. At least one fin roller stand is mixed in a group of roller stands including a cluster mill composed of a lower roller and a plurality of pairs of side rollers. The fin roller arranged in the cluster mill is split in two, one is a roller on the work side and the other is a roller on the drive side. The split fin rollers come into contact with a steel pipe to be formed at arbitrary positions in arbitrary directions in the circumferential direction of the steel pipe to be formed so as to conduct a fin pass formation. The plurality of fin pass forming rollers are arranged on a section different from the flow direction of the steel pipe to be formed.

Abstract: A cutter/bender apparatus is provided for selectively cutting and bending a workpiece. The bending member includes a bending pin actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that moves the bending pin into and out of engagement with the workpiece to clamp the workpiece against a support plate. When clamped, another hydraulic cylinder lifts a movable bending member toward the workpiece, bending the workpiece about the bending pin in the process. The cutting member includes a fixed cutting member and a movable cutting member mounted in side to side abutment. The cutting members include a slot that extends laterally therethrough in which the workpiece to be cut is placed. The hydraulic cylinder that operates the movable bending member also provides motion for the movable cutting member. As the movable cutting member moves, it moves the aligned slots of the individual cutting members out of alignment, shearing the workpiece in the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of extruding pipes on horizontal presses, and in particular relates to a method of extruding pipes wherein a removable centering plug is provided to prevent displacement of the central guide rod during the initial stages of pipe extrusion. The centering plug is adapted to fit around the guide rod and within the extrusion orifice. The centering plug is concentrically fitted within the extrusion orifice and is capable of being extruded through the extrusion orifice.

Abstract: A power assisted crimping tool is disclosed particularly suited to crimping and dimpling of structural steel decking and roofing panels together. The invention comprises a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of a toggle linkage that is driven by an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. The input pivot of the toggle linkage is constrained to move linearly by means of a cross head formed in the frame which, in turn, causes the jaws to move in unison rather than one jaw moving against the other. According to one embodiment, the jaws are provided with a plurality of punch and die sets disposed in opposite orientations, such that as the decking or roofing panel joint is crimped by the jaws, the punch and die sets raise a plurality of dimples having alternating orientations.

Abstract: A press brake, or other machine for bending sheet metal or plate metal, comprises a frame, a bed mounted to the frame, and a ram movably mounted to the frame. An assembly for moving the ram relative to the bed to bend sheets and plates of metal positioned between the ram and bed comprises first and second wedges, and first and second inclined ramp surfaces that the wedges slide relative to when moving in first and second directions relative to the frame to move the ram toward and away from the bed for bending operations. The assembly has an actuator which moves the first and second wedges relative to the ramp surfaces. The first and second wedges are drivingly linked to balance distribution of force across the ram. A Vernier scale assembly is mounted generally horizontally with the ram and wedges, to allow setting a scale component to control switching means to stop downward ram movement at a desired point.

Abstract: A laminated punch assembly (20) is adapted for use in a press brake to bend sheet metal (M) interposed between a punch and die when the punch and die are moved relatively toward one another. The improved punch assembly includes a plurality of plate-like members (24). Each member has large-area obverse and reverse faces (30, 31), and has a peripheral surface. A slot extends into each member from a portion of its peripheral surface, and communicates the two faces. The plurality of members are arranged in face-to-face area contact to define an elongated laminated punch assembly, with the slots of each member being aligned to form an elongated slot in the punch assembly. An elongated insert (26) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the punch assembly slot, and has an exposed bending surface (63) adapted to engage the sheet material when the brake is used.The invention also provides an improved die assembly for use in such a press brake.

Abstract: A sensor for the seat of a motor vehicle includes a compressible, preferably foam layer disposed between two conductive sheets. In one embodiment, the capacitance between the conductive sheets is measured to determine what and whether an object is disposed on the sensor, while in another application, apertures are formed through the compressible layer to allow the conductive sheets to contact one another through the apertures. One embodiment having relatively low resistivity to produce a short circuit, and another embodiment has higher resistivity in which the magnitude of the change and resistance may be used to determine the nature of an object.