Abstract: A real time nonvolatile residue (NVR) monitor operates to efficiently detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The present NVR monitor utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators in a controlled environment which efficiently promotes deposition of NVR on the sensor surface. The SAW resonators preferably operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10.sup.-11 g-cm.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-13 g-cm.sup.-2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency and to thermally separate NVR from a sample fluid contacting the SAW. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a preset temperature in accordance with optimal environmental conditions for separating NVR from the sample fluid.

Abstract: The liquid Leak Detector container must be mounted on the radiator support frame in a level position about eight inches from the radiator in line with the overflow tube. The overflow tube has to be cut to enable the tube ends to be fitted over each nipple of the container and secured by adjustable clamps. The radiator must be filled up with coolant to the top of the radiator filling neck while pinching the overflow tube below the coolant level of the overflow holding tank. The radiator cap is put on tight and the pinched tube released. When the engine is started up the coolant will increase in temperature and expand forcing the coolant to flow through the detector container to the overflow holding tank until the engine has reached operating temperature. The coolant will flow back into the radiator when the engine is not running.The presence of air in the coolant begins to accumulate in the top of the radiator when a leak develops.

Abstract: An on-line sensor for measuring volumetric concentration or percent solids of a slurry flowing in a pipeline includes a section of composite or dielectric pipe connected in the pipeline, with a plurality of sensing electrodes mounted around the periphery of the composite pipe having their inner ends in contact with the slurry flowing therethrough. Preferably the inner ends of the sensor electrodes are flush with the inner pipe wall surface. An electrical signal is applied to a bridge circuit that is connected to successive pairs of sensor electrodes around the periphery of the sensor and the ratios of the local conductivity between adjacent pairs of sensing electrodes to the conductivity between a pair of reference electrodes in contact with the liquid are measured and are used to compute the local slurry concentration between adjacent pairs of sensing electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for balancing a wheel comprising a rim and a tire. This device comprises a unit for measuring the wheel imbalance and a unit for scanning the rim dimensions. The scanner unit and the imbalance-measuring unit are connected to a computer which determines a rim contour from the scanner unit output signals and then the optimum positions and dimensions for the balance weights from the contour determined in conjunction with values supplied by the imbalance-measuring unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically controlled measuring apparatus for the volumetric measurement of the quantity of fuel injected by a fuel injection pump that has a displacement transducer which is surrounded by cooling chambers. The apparatus also includes a differential coil pair and a magnetically conductive core, which can be guided axially therein. The coil and the conductive core constitute part of a lifting rod connected to a measuring piston, with a coil carrier and a housing surrounding the coil carrier. The magnetically conductive core consisting of a ferritic material and being firmly surrounded by a sleeve, which forms the lifting rod, is not magnetizable and is provided with a slot extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: An acceleration recorder and related method for monitoring, discriminating, and recording acceleration events only when the acceleration and calculated velocity change both exceed selected trigger values. While the acceleration values meet a first, user-defined threshold, the acceleration values are integrated to calculate a velocity change value. If the velocity change value meets a second, user-defined threshold, the acceleration event, including the velocity change, is recorded in memory.

Abstract: A device that measures the distance traveled, speed, and height jumped of a person while running or walking. Accelerometers and rotational sensors are placed in the sole of one shoe along with an electronic circuit that performs mathematical calculations to determine the distance and height of each step. A radio frequency transmitter sends the distance and height information to a wristwatch or other central receiving unit. A radio frequency receiver in the wristwatch or other unit is coupled to a microprocessor that calculates an output speed based upon step-distance and elapsed time, and the distance traveled of the runner from the sum of all previous step distances. The output of the microprocessor is coupled to a display that shows the distance traveled, speed, or height jumped of the runner or walker.

Abstract: A micromachined gyroscope has first and second coplanar bodies suspended over a substrate and movable in their plane relative to the substrate. The first body is dithered along a dither axis and is movable relative to the second body on the dither axis, but is rigidly connected for movement along an axis transverse to the dither axis. The second body is anchored so that it is substantially inhibited from moving along the dither axis, but can move with the first body along the transverse axis. The gyro has stop members and an anti-levitation system for preventing failure.

Abstract: The angular velocity detection element includes: a substrate; a pair of spaced support bodies arranged on the substrate and having support-side electrodes that face each other; a movable body, disposed between the support bodies, having a pair of movable-side electrodes facing the support-side electrodes; and a vibration generator for vibrating the movable body in one direction. The support-side electrodes mounted on the support bodies and the movable-side electrodes that are mounted on the movable body are arranged such that the movable-side electrodes face the support-side electrodes. A pair of displacement detectors detect the displacement of the movable body in one direction when the vibration generator imparts a vibration in one direction to the movable body, and a pair of angular velocity detectors detect, as an angular velocity, a displacement perpendicular to the one direction in which the movable body vibrates when the angular velocity acts on the movable body.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a support substrate (101), a fixed electrode (113) overlying the support substrate (101), a movable electrode (123, 423) overlying the support substrate and the first electrode (113) wherein the first and second electrodes (113, 123, and 423) form a capacitor with a sensing area, an anchor (122, 422) coupled to the support substrate (101), and beams (125, 425) coupling different attachment points (129) of the second electrode (123, 423) to the anchor (122, 422) wherein the different attachment points (129) form a simply connected polygon and wherein a portion of the sensing area is located within the simply connected polygon.

Abstract: Micromechanical comb structure includes a first comb device having a plurality of prongs and a second comb device having a plurality of prongs. The prongs of the first comb device and the prongs of the second comb device mesh with one another so that they are arranged side-by-side in pairs to form measuring capacitors. The prongs of at least one of the comb devices are designed to produce a variation in the mechanical natural frequencies of the prongs.

Abstract: A system for measuring acceleration in three axes comprises four individual sensors arranged in a rectangle on a common substrate with each having one main sensitivity axis. Each individual sensor has a seismic mass in the form of a cantilevered paddle connected by a bending beam to an outer frame and having a center of gravity. Each beam is arranged parallel to the substrate surface and each contains means for measuring the bending that occurs when acceleration forces act upon the system. The actual acceleration occurring on each axis can then be determined as a function of the error angle formed between the sensitivity axis and the normal to the substrate surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ultrasonic energy generated by a mechanical device and for applying lubricant to the device is presented. The apparatus includes a lubrication tool, such as a grease gun, which has a lubrication delivery element for delivering lubrication to the mechanical device. An ultrasonic transducer is contained in a housing which is removably attached to the outside of the lubrication delivery element such that the transducer makes acoustical contact with the lubrication tool. An electrical circuit, which may be attached to the lubrication device, produces an output signal which indicates the magnitude of detected ultrasonic energy. A method using such an ultrasonic energy detector in conjunction with a lubrication tool to detect the condition of a sealed mechanical rotating device and to determine when sufficient lubricant has been applied is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanner system and method for the imaging of a part system, the scanner comprising: a probe assembly spaced apart from the surface of the part including at least two tracking signals for emitting radiation and a transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves onto a surface in order to induce at least a portion of the waves to be reflected from the part, at least one detector for receiving the radiation wherein the detector is positioned to receive the radiation from the tracking signals, an analyzer for recognizing a three-dimensional location of the tracking signals based on the emitted radiation, a differential converter for generating an output signal representative of the waveform of the reflected waves, and a device such as a computer for relating said tracking signal location with the output signal and projecting an image of the resulting data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer; a delay line acoustically coupled to said transducer so that ultrasonic vibrations may be transmitted into said delay line from said ultrasonic transducer in a first direction, said delay line includes a first section and a second section; the first and second sections forming an interface that is substantially perpendicular to said first direction; and the second section including a surface for coupling with a material to be investigated. The probe can be used to measure a thickness of a coating on a substrate by transmitting a signal in a first direction from the transducer into the delay line; measuring a time t.sub.1 for a first portion of the signal to travel round trip from the transducer and the interface; using the measured time t.sub.1 to calculate an expected time t.sub.2 for a second portion of the signal to travel round trip from the transducer to an opposite face of the delay line; measuring a time t.sub.

Abstract: An EMAT arrangement utilizes separate transmitter and receiver EMATs which may each be connected to a tuning capacitor by a stripline cable. An electrostatic shield may also be provided between the coils and the coils can be offset from each other by 1/2 the pitch distance of sections in the coil. This reduces the duration of main bang, thus making it possible for the EMAT arrangement to detect structures which are very close to the coils.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer with a piezoceramic disk in radial resonance operation is created to produce a narrow main cone angle with suppresion of secondary cones. This is accomplished with the help of a ring surrounding the piezoceramic disk on its lateral face with a form fit and frictional engagement, this ring being made of a material whose longitudinal wave velocity is higher than that of aluminum.

Abstract: An optical pressure sensor assembly integrated with a spark plug (16) and spark plug boot (12). The pressure sensor comprises an optical fiber (34) with a pressure diaphragm (36) at the tip to sense pressure and pressure changes within the combustion chamber (32) of a spark ignition engine. A channel (30) is provided in the spark plug to hold the sensor. The diaphragm (36) of the sensor is located closer to the spark electrode than to the electric conductor which is encased by the boot (12). The optical fiber (34) is contained within a shaft that is routed through the boot (12) and into the channel (30). The optical fiber (34) is operatively and electrically connected to the vehicle's engine controller. The opto-electric connection to the vehicle's engine controller is made adjacent a coil (72) in the boot (12) or removed from the coil (72). The fiber (34) is surrounded by a nonmetallic shaft (22) outside the engine. Inside the spark plug (16), the shaft is metallic.

Abstract: A pressure sensor system includes a first conductive surface electrically isolated from a second conductive surface. A dielectric material is interposed between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface. The dielectric material is movable with respect to at least one of the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface in response to a change in pressure exerted on the pressure sensor. A measurement system is connected to at least one of the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface to measure the capacitance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface representative of pressure.

Abstract: A capacitance-type pressure sensor capable of reducing a variation in reference capacitance. The capacitance-type pressure sensor includes insulating spacer (3b) arranged between a main capacitive electrode (4) and a reference capacitive electrode (5) to couple a base substrate (1) and a diaphragm substrate (2) to each other. The insulating spacer (3b) is patterned so as to restrain a variation in distance between the reference capacitive electrode (5) and a counter electrode (10) arranged on the diaphragm substrate (2). Such construction reduces a variation in capacitance between the reference capacitive electrode (5) and the diaphragm electrode (10), to thereby increase accuracy at which a pressure is measured.

Abstract: A pressure sensor superior in pressure resistance and capable of covering from a low to high pressure range as a measuring range is to be provided. Plural pressure sensing sections for high and low pressures are formed on a silicon board, the pressure sensing sections each com ing an outer frame portion, a diaphragm portion, a strain gauge portion and an electrode portion. The silicon board side with the strain gauge portions formed thereon and an insulating substrate having electrode take-out portions are bonded together in such a manner that the strain gauge portions are hermetically sealed and that the electrode portions on the silicon board and the electrode take-out portions of the insulating substrate are electrically connected with each other, to constitute a pressure sensing unit.

Abstract: A pressure sensor fabricated onto a substrate using conventional CMOS fabrication processes. The pressure sensor is built on a substrate having a first conductivity type and has defined in it a well of an opposite conductivity type. This well defines a membrane. Resistors are diffused into the well. Source/drain regions are provided for leadouts for the resistors. An n-cap is provided for the resistors. Metalization contacts may be provided to connect the membrane to a positive bias during a membrane etching process. A cavity is provided on the underside of the substrate through which pressure is applied to the membrane. Signal conditioning circuitry, such as an operational amplifier, may also be fabricated on the same substrate preferably using the same IC processes.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor for measurement of the pressure of a fluid comprises a sensor element (1) which is made of a ceramic, in particular glass ceramic, material and in the conventional way has interior capacitor plates. The sensor element (1) is plate-shaped and joined to a surrounding support ring (5"). The support ring (5") is made of metal and is connected to the sensor elemnt (1) by means of a joint (3') made of ceramics, in particular glass ceramics, at an annular region around an edge line of the sensor element (1). The support ring (5") can have a shoulder formed by a protrusion (15) in the interior surface thereof, against which shoulder then a region of the sensor element (1) rests and at which the joint (3') is made.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller torque measuring device for a measuring device in which the mass flow rate, in particular of a bulk material or a fluid, is measured by using the Coriolis measuring principle, comprising an impeller (1) mounted for rotation on a vertical shaft (2) driven by a motor (3), the impeller (1) mounted on one end of the shaft (2) and the motor (3) on the other end of the shaft (2), and wherein the mass flow is charged into the central area of the rotating impeller (1) on which the mass is radially directed to leave the rotating impeller (1) over its circumferential edge, and wherein the torque necessary for rotating the impeller is measured by a torque measuring device (4). The shaft (2) and the motor (3) are connected to a stand (14, 15, 16) supporting the impeller torque measuring device by means of the torque measuring device (4) measuring the torque exerted by the motor (3).

Abstract: A moving web tension monitoring apparatus of easily fabricated, relatively inexpensive and easily assembled construction comprises a cantilever mounted strain beam element coupled at the flexurable end thereof through a rigid coupling to one end of the support shaft for the web supporting guide roll. A twin beam type transducer having strain gauges at the flex points of the beams is coupled to the shaft supporting the moving web. The strain gauges are located and electrically connected to measure the radial forces applied to the shaft by the web independently of the length of the shaft.

Abstract: When there is a difference in characteristic between sensing devices received respectively in receiving portions disposed at the opposite ends of a shackle pin and, therefore, the voltage of a load signal obtained from the sensing device in the receiving portion side is higher than the voltage of a load signal obtained from the sensing device in the receiving portion side because of the above-mentioned difference even if the loads imposed on the receiving portions respectively are equal to each other, configuration is made so that a correction resistor is parallelly connected to a detection winding of the sensing device in the receiving portion side. Accordingly, a part of the induced current flowing between opposite ends of the detection winding also flow in the correction resistor, so that a voltage drop occurs in the correction resistor.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a dilution inlet, an elbow duct, and a gaseous inlet in flow communication with the elbow duct along the elbow duct outer turning radius. The elbow duct has a first end in flow communication with the dilution inlet, and a second end outlet for connecting to external equipment, such as a sampling system.

Abstract: A triple epicyclic differential transmission for converting three parallel inputs to three orthogonal outputs. The triple epicyclic differential transmission includes three input shaft/pinion assemblies and a ring gear assembly which includes three ring gear pairs--each pair driven by an input shaft/pinion assembly in an epicyclic manner. An outer structure assembly is rotatably mounted to the ring gear assembly and an idle pulley assembly is pivotably mounted to the outer structure assembly. An output pulley assembly is rotatably mounted to the idle pulley assembly and driven by the ring gear assembly via the idle pulley assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible link drive apparatus having a housing rotationally supporting an eccentric input shaft and an output shaft. An eccentric roller assembly is coupled to the eccentric input shaft, and the eccentric roller assembly comprising at least one input roller. Additionally, a clutch member is coupled to the output shaft. The present disclosure further relates to a flexible connection member that has a fixed end coupled to the housing through a flexible connection member anchor, and a free end coupled to the housing through a biasing member. The input roller intermittently contacts the flexible connection member and rotates the clutch member and the output shaft. The coupling of the free end of the flexible connection member to the housing by the biasing member causes a greater angle of travel for the clutch member and produces a greater output shaft rotation.

Abstract: A transmission shift rail comprising a control rail and a shift fork are provided. The shift fork is not translated when the control rail is translated in a first shift plane. The shift fork is translated when the control rail is translated in a second shift plane. The shift fork is translated when the control rail is rotated to the first shift plane.

Abstract: A phase control mechanism controls phase relationship between two shafts. The phase control mechanism may be used to control various mechanical devices such as the pitch of propellers of aircraft and boats, the pitch of power producing windmills, opening and closing lathe and drill chucks and controlling the eccentricity of some forms of continuously variable transmissions when the mechanisms are not only stationary but also in normal operational motion. The phase control mechanism includes first gears 3,4; 56,64 coupled to the output shafts which are to be phase controlled. A transfer gear 5; 16,17; 52,54 is provided for rotation or operation independent of the input and is coupled to the first gears 3,4; 56,64 to allow rotary motion to be transferred between the first gear members and a phase adjuster 10; 80 causes the first gears 3,4; 56,64 to advance or regress relative to one another to change the phase relationship between the outputs.

Abstract: A torque-dividing transmission, particularly for aircraft, having a single nput pinion and a single output gear, both rotating about respective fixed axes; at least two gear assemblies, both interposed between the pinion and the output gear, and each for transferring a respective portion of the torque from the pinion to the output gear; and a torque-dividing device for dividing the input torque equally between the two gear assemblies; the torque-dividing device having, for each gear assembly, a number of elongated elements elastically bendable in use.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly is provided including a cylindrical member having a fixed axis. An annular member is supported for rotation about the axis of the cylindrical member. A lever is connected to the annular member and is moveable within a first shift lane and a second shift lane substantially parallel the first shift lane. The second lane is connected to the first lane by a bisecting lane. A compliant member is provided to move the lever from the first lane to the second lane. The compliant member is provided between the cylindrical member and annular member.

Abstract: Lever device for double-action remote-control, i.e. of rigid tie rods and/or flexible cables, consisting of a lever (12) rotatable in respect of a base element (13), connectable (in 14) to a carrying structure external to an operating machine in which the device (11) is contained into bellows (10) connected-to the base element (13) while the lever (12) is connected to a mobile component (15) from which the elements to fasten the ends of two cables (22) for remote transmission extend and the base element is coupled to two reaction sheaths (21) of the two transmission cables (22), three ball elements (16, 16'), placed at 90.degree.

Abstract: A braking force distribution linkage for a muscular energy-actuated parking brake system of a motor vehicle, in which the braking force is transferred at least via control cables both to one gear of the vehicle's transmission and to the wheels of at least one driven vehicle axle, the wheel brakes on each vehicle axle being respectively articulated via a compensation element. A linkage, lever and balance arm arrangement ensures a sufficient parking-hold effect on a road surface with differing nonskid properties, even in the event of failure of a portion of the braking system.

Abstract: A pedal apparatus provides quick and secure assembly of a pedal lever and an interconnecting mechanism. The pedal apparatus includes the pedal lever (18) and a fixed end (32) of a cylindrical member (30) is attached to the pedal lever. An interconnecting mechanism (40) is disposed between the device to be actuated by the operators efforts on the pedal lever and has a first end attached the cylindrical member. A snap lock (50) is provided having a body portion (52) disposed adjacent to a free end of the cylindrical member. The snap lock also includes at least one retaining leg (54) projecting outward from the body portion toward the pedal lever. The retaining leg has a predetermined length and width to allow installation of the first end of the interconnecting mechanism onto the cylindrical member and retention thereafter of the first end of the interconnecting means between a tip of the retaining leg and the pedal lever.

Abstract: A hand brake for motor vehicles, and including a trestle provided with a toothing, a brake lever pivotally supported on the trestle, a locking pawl for retaining the brake lever on the trestle in an arbitrary selected pull position, at least one brake cable, a spring-biased tensioning element for the brake cable supported on the trestle, and a spring-biased arrangement for connecting the brake lever with the tensioning element, with the tensioning element being formed as a tooth segment or a tooth wheel which is constantly form-lockingly connected with the brake lever and a brake cable connector associated with the trestle.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly and method of making same includes cutting a straight handlebar tube to a desired length, forming a reinforcing member or slug to fit within the tube including drilling and tapping radial bores and forming a longitudinal groove in the slug for the passage of control wires etc. Somewhat larger diameter bores are formed near the center of the handlebar tube in registry with the bores in the slug. The slug is then fixed in the tube in the desired position after which the tube is bent to the desired configuration and handgrip sections are formed. The handlebar is then finished as by chrome plating. A mount is formed having bores spaced like those of the slug and a longitudinal groove to support the center section of the handlebar. The mount is then finished as desired. Threaded fastening members are then passed through the bores in the mount and the handlebar and are screwed into the threaded bores in the slug to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an assembly to be mounted on a vehicle steering shaft which rotates about an axis to steer the vehicle and which has a threaded end portion. The assembly includes a steering wheel armature (10), a hub (34) fixedly connected to the steering wheel armature (10) and for non-rotatable attachment to the steering shaft, an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (50), an inflator (15) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint (50), a frame (24) supporting the vehicle occupant restraint (50), and the inflator (15) on the steering wheel armature (10), and a cover (35) covering the steering wheel armature (10), the vehicle occupant restraint (50), and the inflator (15). A rotatable fastener (30) axially forces the assembly onto the steering shaft with the hub (34) non-rotatably attached to the steering shaft. The fastener (30) has an attachment portion (33) for threaded engagement with the threaded end portion of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An energy storage flywheel having a benign failure mode, the rotor of which is constructed of a brittle, high specific strength, isotropic solid.

Abstract: A housing for at least partially housing a boat lift pulley of a boat lift includes a main wall having a substantially vertically disposed wall portion defining an inwardly opening generally concave chamber adapted to at least partially receive therein a boat lift pulley. The main wall includes vertical and horizontal planes disposed substantially normal to each other with the concave chamber being offset to one side of the vertical plane. First and second wall portions of the main wall located at opposite sides of the horizontal plane are adapted for selective removal whereby a gear driven shaft can project therethrough to adapt a housing for selective utilization in either of two positions of installation oriented 180.degree. relative to each other. A peripheral edge portion of the main wall preferably includes symmetrically located fasteners for securing the housing to a companion housing in each of the two positions of 180.degree. oriented installation.

Abstract: A torque support mountable between a first housing of a driven unit and a second housing of a driving unit includes a scalloped one-piece plastic base body having a first side connectable with the first housing and a second side connectable with the second housing so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to both the first housing an the second housing. The first side includes a first planar contact face with through-openings for fastening with the first housing and the second side includes a flange-like edge area with a second planar contact face for resting against the second housing. The plastic piece is injection molded with support webs and includes metal bushings which are arranged perpendicular to the second planar contact face to provide a torque support which is simple and economical to manufacture, mechanically stable, has a certain elasticity and is adaptable to virtually any gear unit connection surfaces.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission design including externally mounted protrusions or devices for creating a durable, visible coding system. A clip means is also disclosed for securing to the ends of the axle horns to protect the casing from contact with vehicle wheels. The transmission also includes a friction pack for improved control of the transmission, having a control arm which is not secured directly to the external housing of the transmission.

Abstract: An adapter is provided which makes tightening fittings in miniature fluid flow systems, such as liquid chromatography and flow injection analysis, more precise. Current methods for tightening miniature fittings involve either finger tightening by itself or using a miniature wrench after finger tightening. These methods can lead to wide variations in the amount of torque applied to the fittings, due to differences in the strength and coordination from one person to the next. Over-tightening or undertightening can lead to leaks in these high pressure systems or can result in damage of expensive fluid components such as pumps or valves. The present adapter can be used with any standard torque wrench or torque screwdriver to precisely indicate the amount of torque being applied to these special fittings. Ordinary drive sockets cannot be used with fluid flow systems because the socket interferes with the tubing which protrudes from the fittings being tightened.

Abstract: A force control method for a bar feeder supporting a workpiece in a lathe, including seizing the workpiece by a Z-axis spindle of the lathe and the bar feeder, performing position control by the Z-axis spindle of the lathe, and performing force control by the bar feeder to apply a constant torque to the workpiece during the force control of the bar feeder supporting the workpiece in the lathe. This control of the bar feeder does not require the Z-axis spindle of the lathe and the bar feeder to be synchronized for the position control in the Z-axis direction, and prevents the workpiece from being deflected.

Abstract: In one form, the disclosure describes a lathe apparatus and method for manufacturing a product with a non-axisymmetric shape from a workpiece, such as a toric contact lens, comprises a spindle for rotating the workpiece about an axis of rotation, a cutting tool, a two-axis bed for supporting the cutting tool and for moving the cutting tool along a predetermined path adjacent the workpiece as the spindle rotates the workpiece, and a mechanism for oscillating the cutting tool along an oscillation axis as the two-axis bed moves the cutting tool along the predetermined path, wherein the oscillation axis is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the non-zero angle is about 45.degree.. In a second form, a lathe apparatus comprises a rotary bed for arcuately moving a cutting tool adjacent a workpiece and a mechanism for translationally reciprocating the cutting tool as the cutting tool is arcuately moved adjacent the workpiece.

Abstract: A centering spindle for use with a workpiece which is to be induction hardened includes a generally cylindrical outer housing into which a shaft is positioned and mounted in spaced relation to the housing by a bearing arrangement. The bearing arrangement allows the shaft to rotate relative to the housing. The end of the shaft extending out of the housing is connected to an isolation spacer which is fabricated out of an electrical insulator material. The isolation spacer in turn is attached to a removable tip which is constructed and arranged for interfacing with the workpiece to be induction hardened. The design of the centering spindle is such that the tip may be removed and replaced when it becomes worn without the need to replace any of the other parts or components of the centering spindle. Further, any electromagnetic field induced in the workpiece and transmitted to the tip will not be transmitted to the shaft nor to the bearing arrangement due to the isolation spacer.

Abstract: A device for cutting a detonating cord having an explosive core is provided. The device includes a detonating cord holding member having a cord holding portion, such as an aperture or recess, configured to closely receive the detonating cord so that the detonating cord is held in place relative to the holding member. The cord holding member also has a side surface from which the detonating cord projects when the detonating cord is held in the cord holding portion prior to cutting. A blade arm is pivotally mounted to the cord holding member. The blade arm carries a sharpened blade and is pivotal between an open and closed position. The blade passes over the cord holding portion in close proximity to the side surface so that the detonating cord is cut by the blade as the blade is passed over the cord holding portion.

Abstract: A method of operating an orbital saw to transversely sever superposed elongated web plies into shorter length products which includes advancing along a linear path superposed elongated web plies having a cross sectional area of at least about 3.5 square inches (2200 mm.sup.

Abstract: An automatic tube shearing system of the type requiring no shearing blades comprising an automatic two-stage tube feed mechanism and a bladeless shear. The feed mechanism comprises a tube loader, a pinch roller type initial drive, a selectively engageable main roller drive and an intermittent drive including a gripper which operates in a precision fashion to feed tube through the shear apparatus. The shear apparatus is of the type requiring tooling, both externally and internally of the tubing to prevent deformation during the bladeless shear operation. The internal tooling comprises a mandrel having a position stabilization rod extending along the tube end feed path and equipped with a pair of spaced apart latches which operate in a complemental fashion to permit tube lengths to be fed onto the mandrel rod and later fed through the shear without ever unlocking the stabilization rod and losing the proper positioning of the mandrel.