Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a mower unit, having a control lever movable between a first terminal position and a second terminal position for raising and lowering the mower unit, a link mechanism for raising the mower unit with movement from the first terminal position to the second terminal position of the control lever, a first stopper for holding the control lever in the first terminal position, a second stopper for holding the control lever in the second terminal position, and an assist mechanism for applying a force to the link mechanism to raise the mower unit only when the control lever is located between the first terminal position and the second terminal position.

Abstract: The combination comprises a non-riding, power lawnmower having a housing mounted on fourwheels and a front mounted rake attachment for attachment to one of the opposite side walls of the housing for sweeping, scraping and thatching the area in the forward path of movement of the power lawnmower. The rake attachment comprises a generally U-shaped frame member having a bight portion and two leg portions each having a free distal end that extends rearwardly for attachment to one of the opposite side walls of the housing and first and second clamps mounted at each free distal end of each leg portion and each clamp including a U-shaped bracket which is wide enough to extend about one of the opposite side walls and which comprises a bottom plate, an elongate outer plate forming one leg of the bracket and a shorter inner plate forming the other leg of the bracket both inner and outer plates a bottom plate and extending upwardly about the housing and releasably fixed thereto with three hand manipulatable screws.

Abstract: A bleed valve is in fluid communication with the compressor fluid flow path and the bypass fluid flow path whereby a piston extends radially of the valve and includes a piston head radially remote from the compressor fluid flow path. A pneumatic chamber surrounds a portion of the piston head, and air from a source downstream of the impeller is introduced into the chamber. The piston including a valving member and a rigid sleeve connecting the piston head to the valving means opens or closes the communication between the compressor flow path and the bypass flow path. A precompressed spring is associated with the piston to normally urge the piston radially outwardly relative to the compressor fluid flow path to a valve open position, and when the pneumatic pressure in the chamber surrounding the piston head overcomes the precompressed spring, the valve is closed.

Abstract: An IR Suppressor (20) operative to suppress the infrared signature radiated from the high-temperature exhaust of an engine (12) and comprising a primary exhaust manifold (22), first and second mixing ducts (24a, 24b), and a secondary flow shroud (26). More specifically, the primary exhaust manifold (22) includes an elongate duct (28) adapted for receiving a primary flow of the high-temperature engine exhaust from the engine and at least two high aspect ratio nozzles (30a, 30b) integrated in combination with the elongate duct (28). The high aspect ratio nozzles (30a, 30b) are positioned so as to define at least two outlets at the same axial station along the length of the elongate duct (28). The first and second mixing ducts (24a, 24b) are disposed over the high aspect ratio nozzles (30a, 30b) so as to form a mixer/ejector defining at least two ejector inlets (44).

Abstract: Apparatus for the purification of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines is disclosed including a conduit for connecting the exhaust pipe from the engine with a canister containing an adsorbent for at least one of the components of the exhaust gases, and a valve associated with the conduit for selectively directing the exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe to the canister when the valve is open. Methods for purification of such exhaust gases are also disclosed including monitoring an operating condition for the internal combustion engine and controlling the flow of the exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust pipe in response to the monitored operating condition, controlling of the flow including selectively directing at least a portion of the exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe to the canister.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream from cold startup through continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine includes an oxidizing catalyst bed disposed in an exhaust pipe and a reducing catalyst bed disposed in the exhaust pipe downstream from the oxidizing catalyst bed. The oxidizing catalyst bed has one or more oxidizing catalysts and the reducing catalyst bed has one or more reducing catalysts. A method is provided for treating an exhaust gas stream both during cold start and during continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine by passing the stream through an oxidizing catalyst bed having one or more oxidizing catalysts at a light off temperature; a reducing catalyst bed having one or more reducing catalysts and providing hydrogen into the reducing catalyst bed to condition the reducing catalyst; and introducing hydrogen into the internal combustion engine during cold startup.

Abstract: An exhaust purifying apparatus purifies an unburnt gas component, such as unburnt hydrocarbon (HC), discharged from an internal combustion engine without fail and prevents the unburnt hydrocarbon from being discharged into the atmosphere. In order to achieve this, the exhaust gas purifying apparatus is provided with a plurality of exhaust passages connected to the internal combustion engine. A joint exhaust passage is formed by merging the exhaust passages and an exhaust gas flows through the joint exhaust passage. An adsorption/desorption unit is provided in each of the exhaust passages for adsorbing an unburnt gas component contained in the exhaust gas that flows through each of the exhaust passages at a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature. The adsorption/desorption unit desorbs the adsorbed unburnt gas component at a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine includes one or more pairs of pipe members. Each pipe member has a downstream end portion, and includes along its downstream end portion a side wall in opposing relation with, and concave with respect to, the side wall of the other pipe member of the pair. The pipe members are joined at only two contacting areas of their respective downstream end portions. A gap is defined by the opposing concave side walls in which the side walls expand and contract while heating and cooling. Each of the pair of pipe members includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe disposed within the outer pipe. The inner pipe contacts the outer pipe at three contacting areas that are spaced from each other on the outer pipe so that an air-filled space at least partially separates the inner pipe and the outer pipe. Exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine are conveyed through such pairs of pipe members downstream to one or more exhaust pipes.

Abstract: A regenerative power steering system 10 for a vehicle, alternatively operable in an unassisted, straight steering mode, a powered assist mode which provides a powered assist to entry of the vehicle into a turn and an energy regeneration mode which recovers energy while the vehicle exits a turn. The system comprises a motor pump 24 connected to a fluid delivery line 20 and a reservoir structure 76, in turn connected to a closed-center control valve assembly 38 for actuating a power cylinder 18 connected to the vehicle wheels. The pump 24 is connected to the delivery line 20 and the reservoir structure 76 by a four-way cross-over valve 30.

Abstract: A drive system for a mobile operating device. The drive system includes a drive motor driving a first variable-delivery hydraulic pump which is in fluid engagement with a first hydraulic motor, the first hydraulic motor being part of a hydraulic travelling drive. A second hydraulic motor drives at least one second variable-delivery hydraulic pump which is in fluid engagement with an operating hydraulic system for implementing device-specific functions.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a swash plate type continuously variable transmission capable of automatically affording a lock-up state in which second distributing valves are stopped at their stroke mid-point to cut off motor ports when a motor swash plate stands upright, even without using any special interlocking mechanism. Second distributing valves for bringing motor ports of motor cylinder bores into communication with a high-pressure oil path and a low-pressure oil path selectively in an alternate manner are arranged in parallel with the axis X of a cylinder block; a valve swash plate for reciprocating the second distributing valves is integrally combined with a motor swash plate on the same slant plane; and the motor ports are formed so as to be controlled selectively by the second distributing valves at respective positions 90.degree.

Abstract: A multistage two-phase turbine having multiple stages to receive fluid, each stage having an inlet and outlet comprising nozzles at the inlet to each stage to accelerate the fluid that consists of a mixture of gas and liquid, to form two-phase jets; a rotating separator structure to receive and separate the two-phase jets into gas streams and liquid stream in each stage; the turbine having a rotating output shaft, and there being structure to convert the kinetic energy of the liquid streams into shaft power; structure to remove the separated liquid from at least one stage and transfer it to nozzles at the next stage; structure to remove the separated liquid from the last stage and transfer it to primary outlet structure; and structure to remove the separated gas from at least one stage and transfer it to a secondary outlet structure.

Abstract: A gas turbine combustor is provided having a nozzle housing adjacent to a main combustion zone, a diffusion fuel pilot nozzle, at least one main nozzle extending through the nozzle housing and attached thereto, and a parabolic pilot cone projecting from the vicinity of an injection port of the pilot nozzle. The parabolic pilot cone has a diverged end adjacent to the main combustion zone, and a parabolic profile forming a pilot flame zone adjacent to the injection port and the diverged end. The increased volume of the pilot flame zone provide a more stable pilot flame. The more stable pilot flame and leaner fuel/air mixture reduce NO.sub.x /CO emissions. A second gas turbine combustor is provided having a fluted pilot cone. The fluted pilot cone has an undulated diverged end adjacent to the main combustion zone forming a pilot flame zone adjacent to the injection port and the undulated diverged end. The undulated diverged end of the fluted pilot cone creates turbulence in the main combustion zone.

Abstract: A heat transfer structure for the efficient cooling of a heated surface such as the combustor wall of a gas turbine has a high heat transfer coefficient and can therefore operate at a relatively low pressure loss. A cooling jacket is formed around the heated surface by means of an apertured wall parallel to and spaced from the heated surface. Cooling fluid such as air flows into the cooling jacket through the apertures and impinges as air jets on the heated surface. The heat transfer coefficient is greatly increased by flow diversion features associated with the apertures which act as Coanda surfaces to divert the air jets so that they impinge obliquely and turbulently on the heated surface and establish subsequent turbulent sinuous cross-flows of the cooling air on the heated surface.

Abstract: A storage cabinet suitable for storing cigars, wherein relative humidity and temperature levels in the cabinet are maintained within a programmed range. More specifically, an ideal relative humidity to temperature ratio is maintained within the cabinet. An indicator displays real-time temperature, relative humidity and/or moisture level of the interior of the cabinet. A temperature control system comprises thermoelectric chips, rather than compressors, to maintain the temperature inside the cabinet. A humidity control system comprises a water container and fans directed at the water container for distributing humidity throughout the cabinet.In an alternate embodiment, a moisture level is programmed and maintained despite fluctuations in temperature and/or humidity within the cabinet.

Abstract: A sensor/cooling system (20) includes a cold finger (46) with an endcap (54) having an end projection (56) at a first end (44) thereof. The end projection (56) defines a recess (58) in an end of the endcap (54), preferably along a longitudinal centerline (60) of the cold finger (46). A support structure (29) has a platform (30) with a first side (40) and a second side (42) oppositely disposed from the first side (40). The second side (42) is affixed to the end projection (56) of the endcap (54) so as to overlie the recess (58). A sensor assembly (28) is affixed to the first side (40) of the platform (30), a cryogenic cooler (50) is affixed to a second end (48) of the cold finger (46), and a vacuum housing (24) encloses at least the sensor assembly (28).

Abstract: A cryogenic pumping system is provided, comprising a vacuum environment, an aerogel sorbent formed from a carbon aerogel disposed within the vacuum environment, and cooling means for cooling the aerogel sorbent sufficiently to adsorb molecules from the vacuum environment onto the aerogel sorbent. Embodiments of the invention include a liquid refrigerant cryosorption pump, a compressed helium cryogenic pump, a cryopanel and a Meissner coil, each of which uses carbon aerogel as a sorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a regeneration shield 22 for a vacuum system, typically used in the processing of integrated circuits. The regeneration shield protects fragile arrays 13, having a dislocatable material 16, such as charcoal, in a high vacuum pump 4 from volatile regeneration gases, which impinge the fragile material on the array and dislocate that material to cause pumping inefficiencies and scrap. The shield may be planar, concave, or convex and may have sides. The shield may also have inwardly and outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently using various components as a system for cooling air. The apparatus uses the combination of an evaporative cooler with a water reservoir and a refrigerated air system with a water-cooled condenser. A pump or series of pumps are used to supply water to the evaporative cooler and to the water-cooled condenser from the water reservoir. A mechanism for controlling the hardness of supplied water may also be included. After the reservoir water has been supplied to the other components in the system, it is returned to the water reservoir. During cooler weather, the output air from the evaporative cooler is supplied to a series of ducts and is used to cool the interior of a structure such as a home.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprising: a duct; a compressor having an inlet and an outlet; a reheat coil located in the duct and having an outlet and an inlet operatively connected to the compressor outlet; and a condenser having an outlet, and an inlet operatively connected to the reheat coil outlet. The system also comprises an expansion device, an evaporator and a receiver system. The expansion device has an outlet, and an inlet operatively connected to the condenser outlet. The evaporator is located in the duct upstream of the reheat coil and has an inlet operatively connected to the expansion device outlet, and has an outlet operatively connected to the compressor inlet. The receiver system has an inlet operatively connected to the condenser outlet and has an outlet operatively connected to the evaporator inlet. The receiver system includes an upstream flow control device, a receiver and a downstream flow control device in series.

Abstract: Hot gas bypass of compressed fluid is accomplished using standard components of an oil separation circuit. In this method, an electronically controlled valve, which is selectively opened and closed for returning oil accumulated in the oil separator is also selectively opened when a determination is made that hot gas bypass is desired. This electronically controlled valve is placed in the oil separator return line. When the valve is opened, hot gas is bypassed from compressor outlet into compressor inlet through the oil separator.

Abstract: The invention is an insulation system that enables the ice sheet of a skating rink to be economically established and maintained outdoors even at relatively high ambient temperatures. A part of the insulation system is a removable cover member that can be raised and lowered. The cover is raised to allow access to the ice and can serve much as a patio cover in this position. In the lowered position the cover forms a surface similar to a deck attached to a domestic dwelling and enables the area occupied by the ice rink to be used for other purposes when it is not being used for ice-related activities. The embodiment described is directed to residential use outdoor. The invention can be adapted for commercial use and for indoor use.

Abstract: A cooling assembly for an integrated circuit (IC) chip module wherein an evaporator-cooled IC module is enclosed within an insulated housing which features a low thermal conductivity barrier between its inner and outer walls of insulation.

Abstract: An ice guide plate with a trapezoidal main body joined to a right triangular side plate by a joining plate. The joining plate has only two lateral water recovery slots in a lower section thereof. A pair of drip ridges are provided on the back of the joining plate as continuations of two reinforcing ribs of the main body and the side plate. A valley gutter slot is provided along the lower edge of the joining plates and extends up into the main body and the adjacent side plate as well.

Abstract: An improved ice chest and cold plate apparatus for use in beverage dispensers. The ice chest and cold plate apparatus includes an ice storage container having an open top, a bottom, and four sidewalls. A cold plate heat exchanger is affixed to the outer surface of the bottom of the ice storage container with a thermally conductive adhesive. The cold plate includes a plurality of cooling circuits comprising tubular coils extending in a serpentine path and die-cast in aluminum to form an aluminum block. The improved ice chest and cold plate apparatus is simpler, less expensive and easier to manufacture than prior art ice chests with cold plates.

Abstract: A tank of an accumulator is divided into an upper room and lower room by a dryer unit. The upper room is divided into a right upper divided room located at a refrigerant inlet side and a left upper divided room located at a refrigerant outlet side by a separating wall formed with the dryer unit. The right and left upper divided rooms communicate with each other through a plurality of apertures that are provided in the separating wall. Further, an oil returning tube is integrally formed with the dryer unit, and a filter is provided in the dryer unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorption refrigerating machine in which evaporators as well as absorbers are arranged in a two-stage manner. A refrigerant, heated by a regenerator, is condensed by a condenser, and then is fed to a first evaporator. The refrigerant, produced in the first evaporator, is absorbed by a first absorber, formed integrally with the first evaporator, and is formed into an intermediate solution, and then is fed to a second absorber. The second absorber comprises a spray absorber which obviates the need for providing a heat-transfer pipe therein. The condensed refrigerant is supplied to a second evaporator, formed integrally with the second absorber, from a refrigerant tank formed at a lower portion of the condenser or at a lower portion of the first evaporator. The refrigerant, fed to the second evaporator, is absorbed by the solution sprayed in a supercooled condition in the second absorber, thereby producing a dilute solution.

Abstract: Provided are a novel system and method for delivery of a vapor phase product to a point of use, as well as a novel on-site chemical distribution system and method. The system for delivery of a vapor phase product includes a storage vessel containing a liquid chemical under its own vapor pressure, a column connected to receive the chemical in liquified state from the storage vessel, wherein the chemical is fractionated into a contaminated liquid heavy fraction and a purified light vapor fraction and a conduit connected to the column for removing the purified light vapor fraction therefrom. The system is connected to the point of use for introducing the purified vapor fraction thereto. Particular applicability is found in semiconductor manufacturing in the delivery of electronic specialty gases to one or more semiconductor processing tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the combined operation of a furnace and an air distillation apparatus. The air distillation apparatus comprises at least one medium pressure column and a mixing column supplying oxygen to the furnace. The furnace and the distillation apparatus are supplied by a same blower, the mixing column receiving air compressed by a compressor coupled to a cryogenic turbine expanding with work a fluid from the distillation apparatus. The compressor/turbine assembly is coupled to and receives auxiliary power from an auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A jewelry piece 10 includes a light transparent, ornamental element 20 and a light emitting diode 16 positioned near the ornamental element. A battery case 12 has a side wall 12b having a threaded opening 29 therein providing access to a battery being held within the battery case. A clasp 14 has an outwardly projecting threaded element 14b adapted to be received in the threaded opening 29. There is a first conductive wire 26 having one end connected to one terminal of the battery and another end connected to the diode 16 and a second conductive wire 30 having one end connected to the light source and another end having a clasp 14. The clasp 14, when partially inserted into the opening 29, completes a loop but does not contact the other terminal of the battery, preventing the diode 16 from being energized. When completely inserted into the opening 29, the clasp 14 makes contact with the other terminal of battery to energize the light source.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device is provided with a core formed on a substrate and a clad layer. A low-temperature film-forming method, such as the CVD or PVD method, is used in a core forming process for forming the core and a clad forming process for forming the clad layer. The surface of the clad layer is coated with a protective film of chrome or the like in a protective film forming process that is carried out after the clad forming process. In a heating/pressurizing process that is carried out after the protective film forming process, the clad layer is heated and pressurized from its outside by the HIP (hot isostatic pressing) method. This heating/pressurizing process substantially eliminates voids in the clad layer and the like, and enhances or improves the density of a buffer layer, core, and upper clad layer and the transparency of the core layer. The protective film is removed by etching or the like in a removing process.

Abstract: Bubble-free core glass can be deposited at relatively high rate (e.g., >0.3 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute, preferably 0.6 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute or more) by MCVD if the deposition conditions are appropriately selected. For instance, a relatively high torch traverse speed, a relatively low sintering temperature, and/or relatively low gas flow rates can facilitate high rate deposition of bubble-free glass. By way of example, conditions are disclosed that yielded essentially bubble-free core glass (.DELTA.=0.35%) at a rate of 1 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating steps of a process for interconnecting optical fibers. The apparatus contains a planar surface having a plurality of openings. A plurality of optical fiber processing modules are suspended within the plurality of openings, with each of the modules configured to execute a different step of the optical fiber interconnection process. A material transfer mechanism, such as a robot arm, is arranged above the planar surface and is connected to a controller. The apparatus can incorporate an optical fiber precision handling tool, which holds, transports and aligns the fibers to be processed. The robot arm is operative to pick-up and move the optical fiber precision handling tool between the plurality of modules. This allows the optical fibers to be transferred through a series of process steps without having to re-secure or re-orient the fibers between the steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a three-dimensional knit, i.e. a knit whose area is shaped spatially. In accordance with the invention a homogeneously tough three-dimensional knit structure is achieved when loops in specific portions are widened and/or narrowed, this widening/narrowing of the loops being done at many locations arranged distributed homogeneously over the area to be formed three-dimensionally. In the same way a three-dimensional knit may be produced in which the knitting needles are inactivated at least in part over at least one course in the portion to be shaped and later reactivated whilst in the other portions full knitting is continued.

Abstract: A stamped knitting tool, receivable for reciprocating motion in a guide groove of a knitting tool carrier forming a component of a knitting machine, includes a shank having a shank length, first and second opposite broad sides having outer faces, a full shank thickness defined by a distance between the outer face of said the first broad side and the outer face of the second broad side, and a guide region extending along a portion of the shank length. The guide region remains at all times within the guide groove when the knitting tool reciprocates in the guide groove. The knitting tool further has at least one butt carried by the shank; and at least one free surface which is provided in at least the first broad side. The free surface is recessed relative to the outer face of the first broad side, whereby a distance between the recessed free surface and the outer face of the second broad side defines a reduced shank thickness which is less than the full shank thickness.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for reducing the length of the lead-in thread in double-cylinder circular hosiery-making or knitting machines in which the thread, fed by a corresponding thread guide, is clamped at its end, before knitting begins, by a thread cutting and clamping device which laterally faces the needle cylinders of the machine downstream of the position of the thread guide, relative to the direction in which the needle cylinders rotate about their own axis, with respect to the thread guide and to the cutting and clamping device. The process consists in keeping the thread clamped by the cutting and clamping device even after the thread has been taken up by the needles at the beginning of the knitting process, and in cutting the portion of thread which, at the beginning of the knitting process, lies between the first needle that took up the thread and the point where the thread is clamped in the cutting and clamping device.

Abstract: Process for the production of warp-knitted fabrics realized from discontinuous natural or synthetic yarns constituted of at least 50% of discontinuous fiber yarns, or yarns constituted of at least 50% discontinuous fiber, comprising the healding of the yarn in an air current, warp-knitted fabrics from discontinuous fibers so obtained, and apparatus for the production thereof.

Abstract: A wash tank adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium has a body member having a front opening formed therein, the body member having side walls and a back wall opposite the front opening. The side walls terminate in a front body member edge portion that defines the front opening. The edge portion serves in the sealing mechanism, as discussed below. A substantially cylindrical basket is disposed within the body member for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The basket has a front opening formed therein, and has a side wall and a back wall opposite the front opening. The basket side wall terminates in a front basket edge portion defining the basket front opening. The said basket edge portion is spaced forward from the body member edge portion when the basket is positioned in the body member, serving to prevent loose garments or materials placed within the basket from becoming caught in the seal and interfering with seal integrity.

Abstract: A washing machine having a dual damping structure can effectively prevent undesirable vibration of an outer tub by lowering the center of gravity of outer tub depending on a quantity of washing objects to stabilize the outer tub. A first damping part having a cap and a first spring is installed on the other end of a supporting rod, and dampens longitudinal vibration of the supporting rod. A second damping part having a slider and a second spring is integrally formed on a lower periphery of the outer tub. Also, there is provided a connecting means connecting the first damping part with the second damping part so as to transmit the vibration of the second damping part into the first damping part.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a lock mount (10) and a lock core (50). The lock mount (10) includes front and rear mount faces (15, 14) and an inner mount wall (17) which defines a core-receiving chamber (18) extending from the front mount face (15) to the rear mount face (14). The lock core (50) is slidably mounted within the core-receiving chamber (18) of the lock mount (10) and is movable between a projected position and a retracted position. The lock core (50) further includes a core body (52) and an outer core surface (49) defining a core boundary. The lock core (50) further includes a lock lug (75) coupled to the core body (52) and movable between a first lug position outside the core boundary and a second lug position within the core boundary and a travel limit stop (90) coupled to the core body (52) and movable between a first limit stop positioned outside the core boundary and a second limit stop positioned within the core boundary.

Abstract: A key operated switch is provided for disabling an automobile air bag passive restraint system. The two or four position switch includes a housing, a rotor, a plurality of rotationally actuated electrical switch elements, a key ejecting mechanism, and a positive positioning detent. The switch assembly is arranged such that a transverse surface of the rotor defining a key slot is accessible through the housing. The key slot allows an operating key to be manually inserted into the rotor. In or order to insert the key, however, the therein, a certain minimum amount of force must be applied to the key sufficient to overcome the key ejecting mechanism. In the absence of such minimum insertion force, the key ejecting mechanism will act expel the key from the rotor. Once inserted into the rotor, the key may be manually rotated which causes corresponding rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A new keyless door knob security device with stabilizer arm for preventing access to a keyhole of a door knob to prevent unauthorized access. The inventive device includes a central shaft that has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends. A claw ring has a plurality of claws extending outwardly from it and an aperture through it. The central shaft extends through the aperture of the claw ring. The claws are adapted for grasping the door knob. A cover is slidably positionable along the central shaft such that sliding the cover in a first direction presses the claws towards each other such that the claws grasp the door knob. Sliding the cover in a second direction permits the claws to move apart from each other. A locking mechanism permits selective locking of the cover in a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation.

Abstract: Latch assemblies are disclosed including a latch bolt mounted on a casing for relative movement between an extended latching position and a retracted release position, a first actuator operable from the inner side of the assembly to cause movement of the latch bolt to the release position, a lock operable from the inner side of the assembly to adopt an active condition thus render the first actuator inoperable, a second actuator operable from an outer side of the assembly to cause movement of the latch bolt to the release position, and a lock release responsive to operation of the second actuator to render the lock inactive.

Abstract: A bar deburring plant for cut to size round bars, comprising: a first roller feed path of cut bars towards an alignment element of one first end of said bars, a first transfer element of said bars, with said first aligned end, to a conveyor of said bars, which are spaced one after the other, said conveyor carries said first ends of said aligned bars under a brushing head, a second roller feed path of said cut bars going towards a second alignment element of the second end of said bars, a second transfer element of said bars, with said second aligned end, to a second conveyor of said bars, which are spaced one after the other, said conveyor carries said second ends of said aligned bars under a second brushing head.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a non-driving, rigid axle beam for use in a vehicle frame and suspension system includes the initial step of providing a tubular blank. The tubular blank is disposed within a die having cooperating die sections that define a cavity having a shape that corresponds with the desired shape of the non-driving axle beam. Next, pressurized fluid is provided within the tubular blank so as to deform the tubular blank into conformance with the die cavity. A steering knuckle can be pivotably connected to each end of the non-driving axle beam by securing a hollow cylindrical support to each end of the non-driving axle beam and pivotably connecting a steering knuckle to each end of the hollow cylindrical supports. The non-driving axle beam can be formed having any desired cross sectional shape, including circular, triangular, I-shaped, and oval.

Abstract: A refurbishing device (10) for a fish tape (12) comprising a base (14) and three studs (16). An assembly (18) is for attaching the studs (16) in equally spaced apart locations through the base (14), so that the studs (16) will extend from a bottom side (20) of the base (14). A handle (22) is also provided. An assemblage (24) is for securing the handle (22) to a top side (20) of the base (14) opposite from the studs (16). A person (28) can grasp the handle (22) with a first hand (30) and pull the coiled fish tape (12) between the studs (16) approximately three times with a second hand (32), thus reconditioning the fish tape (12) to like a new, straight and usable condition.

Abstract: A hot rolling train with a walking beam furnace, a reversing stand following the walking beam furnace and possibly shears and/or descaling devices, as well as a subsequent hot strip finish-rolling train for manufacturing thin, austenitically rolled hot strip is retrofitted with an equalizing furnace provided between the reversing stand and the hot strip finish-rolling train, wherein the equalizing furnace has a number of receiving locations for strips to be heated for equalizing the strip in order to ensure a total heating time for each preliminary strip which is a multiple of the rolling time and the hot strip finish-rolling train.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc brake backing plate with an edge hole which comprises the steps of first forming two substantially parallel grooves on the outer surface of the backing plate to define a raised section between the grooves. A channel is then formed within the raised section to define two ridges bounding the channel. Finally, the ridges are bent toward each other to define the hole.

Abstract: A forming press that can perform multiple actuations within a single forming press, and which can be done accurately and with reduced overall machine size requirements. A first component side of the forming press can comprise multiple forming components, each of which may be separately actuated with respect to the other. Likewise, a second component side of the forming press also comprises multiple forming components that are independently actuable. The actuators of the press, as well as the multiple forming components, may lie on the same center line of the first and second component sides. By this construction, side loading is practically eliminated so as to produce consistent high quality formed parts and to enhance tool life.

Abstract: A universal side impact auto puller for facilitating pulling of a door post back into proper position after an auto accident. The universal side impact auto puller includes a main member having three substantially planar faces, opposite sides of each face being integrally joined to a respective one of said three faces such that said faces form a triangular wall. A pair of adapters are provided for engaging cutouts in said faces for coupling the main member to a door post of a vehicle.