Abstract: A chain link for a cable/hose handling chain, the chain link including a body defined by a pair of opposed sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall which together define a closed compartment for housing cables/hoses, each of the sidewalls being provided with pivotal formations to enable the chain link to be pivotally connected to a similar link to form a chain, at least one of the sidewalls being detachably attached to one end of the top and bottom walls to provide access to the compartment for insertion and removal of cable/hoses.

Abstract: In drive circuitry for powering an arc jet or ion engine aboard a spacecraft carrying solar panels, a start-up circuit interconnects an array of series-parallel connected solar panels to establish and maintain an arc and plasma in the engine. In the start-up circuit, an electric switch is placed in parallel with an electrode assembly of the engine. One terminal of the engine connects directly with the solar panel array, and another terminal of the engine connects via an inductor to the solar panel array. A capacitor connects across terminals of the solar panel array. A series connection of solar panels increases the voltage from that which is available from a single panel. Conduction of current from the solar panel via the inductor is initiated by the switch to store magnetic energy within the conductor. Thereupon, upon an opening of the switch, the inductor produces a relatively high voltage which strikes an arc in the engine.

Abstract: A gas flow guide is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to a cowling so as to move between forward and reverse thrust positions, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening bounded by a forward edge having a deflector, an opposite lateral side edges, an inner surface of the cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, a forward inner surface of the thrust reverser door tapering toward an outer surface so as to form a cavity opening into the gas flow duct when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, wherein the gas flow guide has at least one guide vane connected to the cowling so as to be located within the cavity when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position and located rearwardly of the deflector extending from the forward edge so as to guide the gas passing through the reverse thrust opening when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collecting internal combustion engine exhaust emission particulates comprising at least one channel (1), preferably several parallel unobstructed flow channels, of about 3 mm to 30 mm diameter, and a length of about 10 cm to 100 cm, said channel being surrounded on all sides by spaces, recesses or pockets (2) of about 1 mm width which are about 5 mm deep in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the channel, said channels being such that the exhaust gases flow at a velocity of about 5 m/s to 50 m/s. The invention further relates to the associated process.

Abstract: A method for exhaust gas purification using an exhaust gas purification system including (a) an adsorbent for adsorbing hydrocarbons in internal combustion engine exhaust gas provided in the engine exhaust pipe, (b) at least one catalyst for reducing harmful substances present in the exhaust gas, provided in the exhaust pipe upstream of the adsorbent in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, (c) at least one catalyst for reducing harmful substances present in the exhaust gas, provided in the exhaust pipe down-stream of the adsorbent in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, (d) a first inlet for introduction of secondary air into exhaust gas, formed in the exhaust pipe upstream of the most downstream catalyst of the catalyst (b), and (e) a second inlet for introduction of secondary air into exhaust gas, formed in the exhaust pipe between the catalyst (b) and the most downstream catalyst of the catalyst (c).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to the catalytic convertor, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the catalytic convertor.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an exhaust gas purification device for an engine having an exhaust passage, the device comprising a catalyst arranged in the exhaust passage and having an upstream end and a downstream end, a purification ratio of exhaust gas by the catalyst becoming more than a predetermined ratio when a temperature of the catalyst is within a predetermined temperature range, cooling means for cooling the upstream end of the catalyst, heating means for heating the downstream end of the catalyst, and control means for controlling the cooling means and the heating means to maintain the temperature of a portion of the catalyst, which portion is positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end, in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A three-way valve for changing over the direction of flow of high-temperature gas which can completely close flow paths and which is durable enough to prevent increase in leakage of gas even if the gas is engine exhaust. A valve mechanism provided in a valve chest includes an arm pivotable about a pivot shaft, a support rod mounted on a valve pressing portion of the arm, and two valve bodies supported on the support rod on both sides of the arm so as to be pivotable. The valve bodies have flat sealing surfaces adapted to be brought into surface-to-surface contact with flat valve seats formed at the inlets of bifurcated paths.

Abstract: A variable flow hydraulic system including a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid in a machine is disclosed herein. Along with the dual pumps, the system includes a reservoir, a flow sensitive unloading valve, and a conduit system for distributing fluid flow between the system components. The reservoir stores fluid for use in a work circuit with an actuator for performing work in response to applied fluid flow. The fixed and variable displacement pumps are driven by a power source (e.g., an engine) to provide a fixed and a variable fluid flow, respectively. The variable flow is applied to the work circuit. As for the fixed flow, the unloading valve switches the fixed flow to either bypass or be applied to the work circuit in response to a flow signal, which depends upon the fluid flow being applied to the work circuit.

Abstract: A power machine has a base, an operator support portion, and a hydraulic slew motor coupled to move the operator support portion relative to the base. A boom, an arm, and a tool are all coupled to one another and to the operator support portion and are powered by hydraulic actuators. A slew valve is coupled to receive hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic power circuit and is also coupled to the slew motor to provide hydraulic fluid to the slew motor and receive hydraulic fluid from the slew motor. A first power actuator valve is coupled to receive hydraulic fluid from the slew valve and is coupled to provide hydraulic fluid to one of the hydraulic boom actuator, the hydraulic arm actuator and the tool actuator. The slew valve is coupled in series with the power actuator valve.

Abstract: A spring brake actuator (10), with a large-force compression spring (72) in a spring chamber (101) of the housing, has vent openings (102) in the housing communicating with the spring chamber (101). A gas permeable filter element (104) covers the vent openings (102), and a filter frame assembly (106) is disposed over the filter element. The filter frame assembly (106) defines tortuous air passages from the filter element (104) to atmosphere so that air entering the spring chamber from atmosphere will be substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for an auto-hoist lift having improved noise characteristics and a more compact design. A motor and pump driving the power unit are located inside a hydraulic fluid reservoir to thereby reduce the amount of noise reaching the immediate vicinity of the power unit. The motor and pump are submerged in the hydraulic fluid to advantageously utilize the hydraulic fluid to cool the motor. The power unit may further incorporate a delay valve for reducing the start-up torque load on the motor, thereby allowing the motor to be sized for normal operating requirements rather than oversized for start-up requirements.

Abstract: A hot and cold engine operating based on a regenerative gas cyclical process, with at least two pistons (2, 3), which separate at least three processing chambers (4, 6, 7) with an in-line arrangement of respectively at least one heat exchanger (13, 15) and at least one regenerator (11, 12) arranged in series with the heat exchanger. In order to eliminate the danger of freezing for the cold heat exchanger (15) and thus the air heat exchanger (16), at least one of the regenerators (12) assigned to the cold processing chamber (6) has a bypass (17) with a control valve (17a).

Abstract: A hydraulic synchronizing circuit includes at least one master cylinder unit including a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a piston and at least one piston rod, the piston having a primary effective surface and a secondary effective surface. The hydraulic synchronizing circuit further includes at least one slave cylinder unit including a primary chamber, a secondary chamber, a piston and at least one piston rod, the piston having a primary effective surface and a secondary effective surface. The master cylinder unit and the slave cylinder unit are arranged to be single-acting. The secondary effective surface of the master cylinder unit and the primary effective surface of the slave cylinder unit are substantially equal. A tank at least partially formed by the secondary chamber of the slave cylinder unit and containing a fluid is provided. A pump sucks the fluid from the tank. A first conduit operatively connects the tank to the primary chamber of the master cylinder unit via the pump.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine having an air intake duct for supplying combustion air to the engine, an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gases from the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation pipe extending between the exhaust pipe and the air intake duct and including an exhaust gas recirculation valve, oxygen sensors are provided in the air intake pipe and in the exhaust duct and are connected to a control unit which determines from the signals generated by the oxygen sensors the actual exhaust gas recirculation rate and dependent thereon controls the exhaust gas recirculation valve so as to generate a desired exhaust gas recirculation flow for the momentary engine operating point.

Abstract: Charge air systems may include a small electric motor-driven compressor for supplying charge air to four-cycle internal combustion engines, including systems with turbocharger charge air compressors in series and parallel connection. The disclosed charge air systems can provide an effective charge air flow path to the internal combustion engine and avoids air flow restrictions at high engine operating speeds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed which enable conversion of geothermal energy into electrical energy using the principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). A hot, electrically conductive fluid produced from a geothermal resource either naturally or by artificial means, is passed under pressure through a suitable nozzle designed to increase the kinetic energy of the fluid, and then into a MHD duct where a portion of the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and extracted.

Abstract: In order to obtain a particularly compact steam power plant (1) with a plurality of pressure stages (4a, 4b) mounted on a common turbine shaft (6), a condenser (10) is mounted at the outflow side in the axial direction of the turbine shaft (6) and a feed-water preheater (14) has a modular design. The feed-water preheater (14) has a plurality of heat exchanger modules (20, 22) which are arranged in a common housing (24) and may be heated by steam (A.sub.N, A.sub.H) tapped from one or all pressure stages (4a, 4b). The heat exchanger modules (20, 22) are mounted in series at the feed-water side and in parallel at the tapped steam side.

Abstract: A combustion chamber is disclosed for a turbojet engine in which the combustion chamber has a forward intake, a rear exit and a perforated casing extending between the intake and exit. The combustion chamber also has at least two rows of insulating tiles arrayed on the casing in forward and rear rows with both rows extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the casing bounding the combustion chamber. Each rear tile has a forward edge portion with a sloping wall and each forward tile has a tapered rear edge portion overlapping the forward edge portion with a clearance therebetween such that the tampered rear edge portion and the sloping wall bound a slot opening into the combustion chamber and slanting towards the rear of the combustion chamber to facilitate the formation of an air cooling film on inner surfaces of the tiles.

Abstract: A convoluted or multiple-pass neck tube joins inner and outer elements of a vacuum-jacketed vessel. The additional length of the convoluted neck tube creates an increased distance for heat to conduct from the outer to the inner vessel. As such, a convoluted neck tube can be substitute in place of a straight neck tube or a bellows neck tube to reduce heat gain into the inner vessel. An additional benefit achieved by the convoluted neck tube is greater flexibility of the neck tube, thus yielding more stress resistance.

Abstract: A receptacle for maintaining perishables, such as food, at a reduced temperature features an exterior shell joined to an interior shell so that a space occupied by a vacuum exists between them. The junction of the inner and outer shells is located on the exterior of the receptacle. Phase change material is disposed within compartments in the bottom of the receptacle and is covered by a false bottom. A cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, is poured down the interior walls of the receptacle and into the compartments containing the phase change material so that the phase change material is frozen in situs. A liquid absorbing material may be substituted for the phase change material.

Abstract: A cryogen recondensing magnetic resonance imager superconducting magnet utilizing a rare earth displacement material cryocooler with a superconducting sleeve surrounding a portion of the circumference of the cold end of the cryocooler to provide superconducting current flow of currents induced by movement of the rare earth displacer to generate opposing magnetic fields which shield the imaging region of the superconducting magnet from magnetic interference generated by movement of the cryocooler rare earth displacer.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus comprising a refrigeration cycle comprising at least a compressor, a condenser, a dryer, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator, a refrigerant composed mainly of a fluorocarbon type refrigerant containing no chlorine and having a critical temperature of 40.degree. C. or higher, and a refrigerating machine oil comprising as base oil an ester oil of one or more fatty acids which contains at least two ester linkages ##STR1## in the molecule and has a viscosity at 40.degree. C. of 2 to 70 cSt and a viscosity at 100.degree. C. of 1 to 9 cSt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a cool air dispersing operation of a refrigerator for maintaining the temperature in a cooling compartment uniform. Many horizontal dispersing blades and vertical dispersing blades of planar plate shape, which respectively control the horizontal and vertical discharge directions of cool air are installed in a cool air duct. The blades are continuously rotated while a deviation of temperature in the cooling compartment is smaller than a predetermined value, whereby the cool air in the cooling compartment is successively supplied into the respective areas in the cooling compartment. Meanwhile, if the deviation is greater than the predetermined value, the blades are stopped at a specific position so that the cool air is discharged toward an area of which temperature is high. Thus, the temperature in the cooling compartment becomes uniform in a short period of time. Further, no vortex of cool air is generated since the blades are shaped into a planar plate.

Abstract: A water collection and dispensing machine having a primary housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air blower structured to draw air into the primary housing through the air inlet and push air out of said primary housing through the air outlet. The water collection and dispensing machine further includes an evaporator coil structured to cycle a cold refrigerant liquid therethrough, the evaporator coil being disposed in line with the air inlet so that the air drawn into the primary housing through the air inlet passes there over and moisture therefrom condenses on an exterior surface of the evaporator coil so that it may be collected in the form of water droplets, filtered to eliminate contaminants, and dispensed for convenient consumption by a user.

Abstract: Cooling air to be provided to a passenger cabin of a motorized vehicle is generated using a desiccant-based moisture collector, a heat exchanger, and an evaporator/condenser unit, such as a rotating evaporator/condenser wheel. High temperature air that has a temperature sufficient to evaporate moisture from desiccant of the moisture collector and into the air is directed into the moisture collector so that humidified air exits the moisture collector. The humidified air is directed into a condensation section of the evaporator/condenser unit so that moisture condenses from the humidified air onto a surface of the evaporator/condenser unit. Low temperature air having a temperature low enough that the desiccant of the moisture collector collects moisture from the air and dehumidified air exits the moisture collector is directed into the moisture collector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a cooling or a condensing of a hot fluid received from a heat generating apparatus using a cooling apparatus or a condenser. The apparatus includes a hollow cooling or condensing pot (6) having an inner cavity (10) providing an axial through channel in the pot (6). There is at least one cooling sling (12) in the cavity and/or adjacent the walls or inside the walls (13) of the pot (6). The cooling or condensing pot (6) is formed for mounting on a hull lead-through (4) with one end thereof, or as a lead-through of a water craft. This lead-through exteriorly opens underneath the level of the surrounding sea water (3). The second end (2) of the cooling or condensing pot (6) is arranged for being connected to a tube or hose which is open upwardly, for instance a drainage hose (2) of a sink (1) or a similar device.

Abstract: A dehumidifying apparatus of an air conditioner and a control method thereof by which a heating/dehumidifying operation is performed when a room temperature is lowered.

Abstract: A control system for mobile air conditioning systems for controlling the rate at which the system compressor or clutch is cycled between operational and decreased refrigerant flow, by selectively controlling the response time of certain system control signals to flow demand changes including de-icing control, from interactions between de-icing control and flow control valves, as well as system overall control. Upon the detection of an icing condition, the response of the control system is delayed to a degree to control the rate at which the capacity of the compressor can be cycled with in design limits. The delay feature allows the differential used in differentiating between icing and non-icing conditions to be significantly reduced over that required in the prior art and thereby improving the performance of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the evaporator temperature of an air conditioner as a function of the outside dew point, in which the air temperature and the dew point temperature of the incoming air drawn in from outside by the air conditioner for air conditioning an interior are determined. An evaporator demand temperature without reheating is determined from the interior temperature setpoint information. On the one hand, the evaporator temperature is set to a setpoint that, within presettable temperature limits, is selected as the smaller value of the evaporator demand temperature. On the other hand, the evaporator temperature is set to a setpoint that, within presettable temperature limits, is the difference between the air temperature and the dew point temperature of the incoming air on the other. A typical use of the method, for example, is in the air conditioners of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning air through the removal of moisture from air to be conditioned comprising a first path for a first flow of air to be dehumidified, the first path having an input end and an output end with a first blower between the input end and the output end to effect the movement of air from the input end to the output end; a second path for a second flow of air, the second path being independent of the first path and adapted to remove moisture from the second flow of air, the second path being in a closed loop configuration with a second blower for continuously moving the second flow of air around the second path and with a plurality of temperature changing devices sequentially positioned in the second path including an air precooling device, a cooling condenser device for condensing moisture from the second flow of air, a reheating device coupled to the precooling device, and a heating device; and a desiccant wheel with a motor to rotate the wheel in a continuous path of travel th

Abstract: A snow forming station is provided for making and/or maintaining snow on a ski slop constituted by a moveable base assembly which passes through the snow forming station. The snow forming station has a snow chamber surrounding a section of the moveable base assembly and a return air chamber through which a refrigerated air supply mean is recirculated. Snow making apparatus supplies snow to the chamber and snow carried in the return air is precipitated prior to return to the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: In constituting an air conditioner case by bonding a first case member having a cooling air intake chamber and a second case member that is not provided with a cooling air intake chamber, the cooling air intake chamber is formed in a direction that is perpendicular to an air intake port and a blower mounting hole, opening via an opening portion. A mounting plate provided with a regulator is mounted at the opening portion. Thus, since a partitioning wall and barrier walls defining the periphery of the cooling air intake chamber can be formed at the same time as the formation of the case main body of the first case member, it is not necessary to further divide the first case member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a cool air dispersing device capable of dispersing cool air vertically. In a duct of a cooling compartment are installed many vertical dispersing blades of planar plate shape for dispersing cool air flowing thereinto vertically. A vertical shaft is installed in the duct. Many horizontal dispersing blades of planar shape are installed on the shaft. The shaft is rotated by a motor, and a cam is installed on the shaft. The cam converts a rotational movement of the motor to an elevational/de-elevational movement of the vertical dispersing blades. Thus, the cool air is dispersed horizontally and vertically in the compartment, and the temperature in the compartment is maintained uniform. Further, if the blades are stopped, the cool air can be concentrated on a specific area.

Abstract: In refrigeration; in order to transfer heat from the heat supplier, or to the heat absorber, it is necessary that temperature gradients be maintained between said heat exchangers and the interacting medium. These temperature gradients increase the difference between the temperature of the heat supplier and that of the heat absorber. The efficiency of refrigeration systems decrease as said temperature differences increase. Said mediums, if gaseous, as they frequently are, offer great resistance to heat transfer. This results in large temperature gradients and substantially reduces refrigeration efficiency. The present invention involves enveloping the enclosed space with the enclosure heat exchanger so that less heat has to be transferred through the gaseous contents, and additional, inexpensive, heat transfer surface becomes available. The reduction in temperature gradients result in increased efficiency.Recovery of reject heat for residential type water heating is also included as a natural extension.

Abstract: A refrigerant recycle and reclaim system includes two liquid refrigerant receivers; a low and a high pressure compressor in fluid communication with each other, each having their own oil separator; a condenser; filter driers; a particular arrangement of check and block valves and a high pressure float proximate the receivers; suction gas cooling components; and auxiliary devices. The suction gas cooling components include an expansion valve, a filter drier, a solenoid valve, and a mixer with sensor. The auxiliary devices include level switches, relief valves, purity sensors, and solenoids. The check and block valves, in combination with the high pressure float, automatically select which liquid receiver the refrigerant will therein be contained. The cooling components serve to lower the temperature of heat-intensive suction gases before entering into the low pressure compressor. The auxiliary devices help serve to continuously recycle refrigerants up to 275 PSIG.

Abstract: A reservoir is filled under pressure with a gas, by introducing a quantity of a gas into an intermediate receptacle (3), liquefying this quantity of gas, upon its introduction into the intermediate receptacle, by heat exchange with a refrigerant fluid, reheating and vaporizing this quantity of gas in the intermediate receptacle by thermal contact with a heat source (15), and placing in fluid communication the intermediate receptacle and the reservoir (2) when the pressure in the intermediate receptacle becomes greater than the pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A gemstone, on which respectively at least four facets of equal size have been cut in the upper part and the lower part above and below the girdle plane, which have a parallel base edge, wherein the angle (.alpha.) between an upper part facet (20 . . . 23) and the girdle plane is less than the angle (.beta.) between a lower part facet (10 . . . 13) and the girdle plane. Between the lateral edges of the lower part facets (10, 11, 12, 13) one group (40 . . . 43) of narrow, triangular additional facets, which extend fan-like from a girdle plane, is provided. The narrow sides of the one group of additional facets meet in the connecting lines between the tips of the lower part facets (10, 11, 12, 13) and the narrow sides of the additional facets of a respectively neighboring group.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index elements are fabricated from the melt, using two or more molten glass compositions, to prevent bubble formation in the elements. The individual glass compositions are melted in separate containers, and then added as appropriate to a single crucible. The more dense glasses settle to the bottom of the crucible, while the less dense glasses float on top of the melt layer. As a consequence of using molten glass, no bubbles appear. Batching of the process can be done by the level of the free melt surface, which means that one can control the batched volume of the melted glass by controlling the level of the free melt surface in the crucible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fibers provided with hermetic coatings, wherein the bare fiber made from a heated preform advances through a stream of reactive gaseous medium which flows at a constant speed in the direction of advance of the fiber, which is then accelerated, and which is finally removed remote from the fiber by a stream of inert gas flowing in the opposite direction from the direction of the stream of reactive gaseous medium. Application is to manufacturing optical fibers for telecommunications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for producing glass fiber product from scrap glass fibers comprising at least one crusher having at least one pair of rotatable rollers which rotate at essentially the same speed, the rollers having intermeshing protuberances for crushing scrap glass fibers passing therebetween; a dryer for drying the crushed glass fibers to form dried glass fibers having a mean average moisture content of less than about one weight percent; and a separating device for separating the crushed glass fibers into (1) a first portion of crushed glass fibers having a mean average length of less than about 5 millimeters and (2) oversize dried waste material.

Abstract: A device for tensioning knitted fabrics in knitting machines, particularly in large-diameter circular machines device comprises a plurality of tensioning rollers which are arranged side by side so as to contact substantially all the transverse extension of the fabric, said rollers being arranged below the needle work area of the machine. Each tensioning roller cooperates with a contrast roller which acts on the face of the fabric that is opposite to the face that makes contact with the tensioning rollers and is orientated so that its axis is parallel to the axis of the corresponding tensioning roller. There are actuators for actuating the tensioning rollers so that they rotate about their respective axes in order to apply traction to the fabric being formed. The actuators comprise, for each tensioning roller, a motor which can be actuated independently or in correlation with the actuation of the motors that actuate the other tensioning rollers.

Abstract: A lint filter having a succession of mesh screens which are arranged in parallel in a tank which receives lint-containing water from a laundry facility. The mesh screens are positioned so that the lint-containing water must pass through the screens in order to leave the tank. The lint-containing water is sprayed evenly on one side of the tank and proceeds across the tank toward the mesh screens. The mesh screens are angled so that lint and particles contained in the lint-containing water are allowed to fall to the bottom of the tank. Multiple exits allow lint-filtered water to leave the lint filter.

Abstract: A washing machine in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by means of anchoring devices (2), each one of which includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series and enclosed in a rigid housing (50). Firmly secured to first end portions (11, 21) of the elastic elements (10, 20) there are rigid elements (14, 24) that extend inside the respective elastic elements (10, 20) and have their free end portions in the shape of hooks (15, 25) defining the anchoring points of the device (2). The free end portions (15, 25) protrude from apertures (33, 43) provided in mutually opposed bottom portions (32, 42) of the housing (50) against which are capable of abutting the second end portions (12, 22) of the same elastic elements (10, 20). As a result, the latter are subject to a variable extent of compression during the washing cycle.

Abstract: By providing a separate and independent release assembly having independent activation means for controlling the release or opening of a combination lock, an effective, easily produced, combination lock is achieved. The combination lock of the present invention virtually eliminates the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock, using known picking techniques, while also being constructed with the interior chambers thereof virtually sealed from ambient surroundings, preventing unwanted contamination from entering the interior of the lock and the rotating components thereof. In addition, a minimum number of components are employed in combination with a housing and a movable shackle which is completely controlled by a separate and independent shackle release assembly having an independent activation member. In this way, the unique combination padlock construction of this invention is achieved.

Abstract: A security pouch for carrying confidential documents or other valuables from a sending to a remote receiving station, the pouch being adapted to inform its receiver whether at some point in the course of transit, the pouch had been intercepted and opened and then reclosed. The pouch is provided with closure means, a locking mechanism which when locked engages the closure means and secures the documents within the pouch, and an electronic module operatively coupled to this mechanism. The electronic module includes a random number generator, an elapsed time measuring unit and an LCD display to present the number and the elapsed time. When at the sending station, the sender locks the pouch containing the documents, this action triggers the generator to produce and display a random number. And it also resets the elapsed time unit which then proceeds to count time.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for automobiles including an elongated tubular shaft having a length consistent with a distance between a steering wheel and accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle. A receiving collar is securable within an opening formed within a floor board of the motor vehicle disposed adjacent to the accelerator pedal. The receiving collar has an open outer end for receiving the lower end of the shaft therein in an operative orientation. A pedal plate is secured to the shaft upwardly of the lower end thereof and is positionable beneath the accelerator pedal in the operative orientation. A locking mechanism is secured to the upper end of the shaft for engaging the steering wheel.

Abstract: A door handle assembly is described comprising a mounting base, a cover plate, an inner cylinder and a lock mechanism wherein the cover plate covers the means for attaching the handle assembly to a door. The handle or grip holds the cover plate in place and the lock mechanism holds the handle in place. The handle assembly cannot be removed without the removal of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A roller levelling machine for levelling a rolled section includes a section inlet for introducing the rolled section into the roller levelling machine and a plurality of bending rollers for levelling the rolled section. The roller levelling machine further includes at least one runout roller which is adjustable by an adjusting element for guiding the levelled rolled section. A position sensor device for determining the location of the rolled section is arranged following the runout roller at a predetermined distance from the runout roller. For transmitting the location, the position sensor device is connected to an adjusting control unit for the runout roller. The control unit is capable of determining from the determined location an adjusting signal for the adjusting element and transmitting the adjusting signal to the adjusting element. The adjusting element is configured to adjust the runout roller in accordance with the adjusting signal.

Abstract: A forming method of forming a plate-shaped workpiece using a female tool having a concave section of a desired shape and a male tool which matches with the female tool, includes the following steps: providing an elastic punch in a cylindrical holder provided in the male tool; pressurizing and compressing the elastic punch relatively by a pressuring member; pressing the holder against the workpiece by means of one portion of the elastic punch; and projecting one portion of the elastic punch from the holder so as to deform a portion of the workpiece to be processed according to the shape of the concave section of the female tool so that the workpiece is formed in a state such that the workpiece is nipped pressingly between the female tool and the holder.