Abstract: On the disc (5) carrying the hooks (7) are two concentric pipes (12, 14) for tensioning the tubular fabric and for inverting it at the conclusion of the formation of the article. To close the toe: the loops of half of the needles (3A) are loaded onto the corresponding hooks (7A) and a first non-run lip (21) is formed and released onto the hooks (7A); the needles (3B) of the other half of the needles are used to form a second non-run lip (23) which is then transferred to the fabric-free needles (3A) of the opposite half, which engage the fabric along the second non-run lip (21) is passed from the hooks (7A) to the needles (3A), and a third non-run lip (25) is formed.

Abstract: The highly stretchable, seamless sock conforms to the underlying portion of the body when donned so that there are no undesirable wrinkles or thicknesses in fabric (e.g., ribs, seams, etc) which might cause focal pressure on the foot or leg. The sock comprises a receptacle having an open upper end an opposite, closed toe end. The receptacle includes a toe section that projects from the toe end and is configured to receive the toes of the wearer, a leg section that is adjacent the leg end and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the leg of the wearer, a foot section extending between the leg section and toe section of the receptacle, and a heel section extending partly around the circumference of the receptacle between the foot and leg sections. These sections of the receptacle are knitted of a common high-stretch corespun yarn and are configured to cause the yarn to stretch when the sock is donned.

Abstract: A double layer sock is formed on a circular knitting machine so that the inner layer and the outer layer are connected by knit stitches adjacent the toe portion and the inner and outer layer wales adjacent such connection are aligned. A section of knit courses is formed beyond the connected toe portion of both the inner and outer layer as an inner guide segment, an inner clip, an outer guide segment, and an outer clip, with each guide segment formed at a lower stitch density than either the toe portion or the clip that border the guide segment.

Abstract: A warp knitted fabric having interlaced loops on the surface of the fabric. Each loop in each wale being interlaced with the loops on the adjacent wales. Such a fabric is suitable for use as part of a hook and loop attachment or fastening structure, although the fabric will find other uses and the invention is not limited to the use of the fabric as part of a hook and loop attachment. The loops on each wale are interlaced with the loops on each adjacent loops are formed from different yarns.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquid treatment of a textile web having at least one driven winding roller, onto which the textile web can be wound, and a basin located below the winding roller and extending over its length, which can be filled with treatment liquid, in which at least one deflection roller for the textile web is arranged. A guide roller which extends parallel to the axis of the winding roller over the width of the textile web, and rests against the fabric roll which forms on the winding roller, from the bottom, is provided, and has openings on its otherwise cylindrical circumference, which are arranged so as to avoid zones without openings which run in the circumference direction, and are uniformly distributed over the circumference.

Abstract: A horizontal axis clothes washing machine. A rotatable clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally oriented axis of rotation and has two longitudinally spaced-apart ends. The clothes basket is rotatably attached to a generally surrounding tub which is suspended from a generally surrounding cabinet. Each of a pair of balance rings has a circumferential interior cavity, is attached to the clothes basket near a corresponding one of the ends, and has a generally longitudinally extending axis generally coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation. Tubes connect the cavity of one of the balance rings with the cavity of the other of the balance rings.

Abstract: A container (10) for use in rinsing out dirt from a cleaning cloth comprises a compartment (12) adapted to hold water, means for providing fresh water, a structure (34) adapted to receive the cleaning cloth to be rinsed, and at least one nozzle (32) for supplying water free of dirt onto the cleaning cloth (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A lock cylinder having a housing (2) and mounted rotatably therein a lock member (4), and having a driving shaft (9) for driving the lock member (4) includes a central element (17) which in turn includes electrical conductors passing right through the driving shaft (9) and the lock member (4) in the form of an operative connection from one side of the cylinder to the other existing independently of operation of the lock member. The central element (17) in the form of a rigid body is connected non-rotatably at each end (17', 17") to a respective unit carrier (12, 18), especially for electronic units. The driving shaft (9) is arranged to be coupled via a coupling (K) with the lock member (4) in a position so that they rotate together.

Abstract: A method for hot rolling and cold rolling metal strip to a finish strip thickness, profile and flatness in a series of rolling mills each having roll bending and roll crossing capabilities to effect a plurality of roll gap profiles. A control method utilizing mathematical models of the roll gap profiles and strip profile is used to select and set the roll bending and roll crossing to a preferred configuration based on secondary effects of possible combinations so as to produce finished metal strip having desired thickness, profile and flatness characteristics.

Abstract: A mill for producing axially symmetric parts which has a means (35, 36) for fixing the billet under process with a possibility of its rotating about its own axis, rolling rolls (1, 2, 3, 4), a working furnace (44) provided with openings for inserting the rolling rolls therein, and means for control and monitoring the billet processing conditions, comprising means for monitoring and changing the load applied to the rolling rolls and the billet under process, as well as means for establishing a specified temperature gradient in the individual portions of the billet. The mill is intended for producing wheels, disks, and other axially symmetric parts from superalloys.

Abstract: A piercing mill and cannon exchange method therefor which can automate exchange of a cannon and can cope with flexible production of a variety of differently-sized seamless steel tubes in small quantities. The piercing mill including means for pivoting a cannon holder which holds a cannon and means for sliding the cannon holder along a pass line, through combined above-mentioned means, the cannon holder is pivoted so as to come into alignment with the pass line, is slid along the pass line, and is clamped at a predetermined location. The cannon exchange is characterized in that a cannon holder which retains the cannon in the direction perpendicular to the pass line is pivoted so as to come into alignment with the pass line, is slid along the pass line, and is then clamped to the main frame of the piercing mill. Therefore, it become possible to automate exchange of a cannon in accordance with a changeover and to considerably reduce working hours.

Abstract: A roll supporting device for a rolling mill arrangement, supporting rolls rotatably to housings by double row roller bearings or multi-row roller bearings. On surfaces of bearing rings and rollers of the roller bearing are provided carbonitrided layers of 0.80% or greater in carbon content and of Rockwell hardness HRC 58 or greater. The carbonitrided layers are formed to contain residual austenite content of 25-30% by volume. By virtue of the carbonitrided layers, the strength against the surface-initiated type damage to the contact surfaces of the bearing rings and the rollers is improved, so that the enhancement of the life of the roll supporting device, especially the lives of the bearing portions thereof, can be achieved to contribute to the prolongation of inspection and maintenance periods and to the reduction of inspection and maintenance costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of working a band blade that is a so-called Thomson blade. In the invention, a band blade 1 is bent into a predetermined shape by a bending mechanism 7, the bent band blade is then forward fed, and a rear portion of a bent region Z of the band blade 1 is cut away by using a front band-blade cutting tool 2 which is placed in front of the bending mechanism 7. In the invention, in advance of bending of the band blade 1, a step of cutting the front end of the band blade 1 by using a rear band-blade cutting tool 2 which is placed in rear of the front band-blade cutting tool 2 may be conducted. After the front end of the band blade 1 is cut by using the rear band-blade cutting tool 2, the band blade 1 is forward fed, a bridge 14 is formed in the band blade 1 by using a bridge punching mechanism 8, and the band blade 1 is then forward fed to be bent into a predetermined shape by the bending mechanism 7.

Abstract: A clutch housing for use in a transmission is generally cylindrical or cup-shaped and has an open end. Axially-extending inner planar portions and outer planar portions are alternately disposed about the periphery of the clutch housing. Angular planar portions are disposed between the inner and outer planar portions and are continuous with the inner and outer planar portions. A retaining member is formed on each inner planar portion by lancing each inner planar portion and inwardly displacing a portion of the inner planar portion adjacent the lance. Preferably, the lance is arcuate in shape, with the arc centered toward the open end of the clutch housing. The displaced portion is formed into a retaining member, which has for its shape two generally planar, generally triangular sidewalls and a generally regular-trapezoidal wall. The trapezoidal wall has a long parallel edge and a short parallel edge.

Abstract: In the case of a mounting plate (1) which features at least one mounting aperture (2) for screwing in a screw (5), the thickness of the mounting plate (1) determines the strength of the connection between the screw (5) screwed into the mounting aperture (2) and the mounting plate (1). To increase the strength of such a screw connection, in the area of at least one mounting aperture (2), the material thickness of the mounting plate (1) is increased by pressing in at least one recess (3) which is placed preferably in a ring-shape around the mounting aperture (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modeling dynamic effects on a gyroscope. The dynamic effects are represented by a dynamic effects function. The gyroscope is placed in an oven. A test controller, coupled to the oven, controls the oven to modify the temperature of the gyroscope according to a predetermined temperature function, measures an actual temperature value of the test oven and a gyroscope drift value at predetermined time intervals during the predetermined temperature function, and calculates coefficients of the dynamic effects function as a function of the actual temperature and gyroscope drift values at the predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A measuring sensor for measuring a fluid includes a longitudinally extending housing having first and second ends and having an inlet opening at the first end for the fluid to be measured, and a sensor chip provided in the housing. The sensor chip has a sensor element provided towards the inlet opening and at least one electrically conducting contact provided towards the second end of the housing. The electrically conducting contact is connected to the exterior by a metal jacket lead having an outer metal tube, at least one internal conductor, and a mineral material for electrically insulating the at least one conductor, the outer metal tubing connected in a fluid-tight manner to the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing a sample fluid. The apparatus includes a dilutor having a port coupled to a first port of a flow through pressure transducer and to a bleed valve. A second port of the flow through pressure transducer is coupled to a first port of a sample probe. The flow through pressure transducer provides transducer signals to a detector circuit. In response to the transducer signals provided thereto, the detector detects the occurrence or non-occurrence of a plurality of different events. The dilutor is operational to aspirate and dispense fluids such as air or liquid samples in order to provide accurate aspiration and dispensation of a sample fluid.

Abstract: A fuel vapor leak detection assembly (10) having a pressure sensor (20) which is adapted to be selectively and operatively positioned within a fuel fill vent hose (22) in a non-on-board refueling vapor recovery system and which detects fuel vapor leaks. The pressure sensor (20) includes a generally rectangular housing portion (44) and a terminal portion (42) which communicatively connects the sensor (20) to a controller. A conventional pressure sensing device (56) is contained within housing portion (44). Sensor (20) further includes two opposed, generally hollow vent line connection ends or portions (46), (48) which connect to vent hose (22). Portions (44), (46), and (48) cooperatively form a generally cylindrical pressure sensing passageway (54) in which pressure sensing device (56) resides, thereby allowing the device (56) to accurately sense and measure the value or amount of fuel vapor pressure traveling through passageway (54).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a sample solution which comprises an input tube for transporting a sample solution flow towards a splitter for diverting input flow into two distinct flow streams where three capillary tubes are located in the two flow streams placed downstream from the flow splitter, where each flow stream has one or two capillary tubes, a delay volume, and a flow through transducer having hydraulic connections placed in one stream or in two streams used for measuring the pressure difference across the capillary tubes; where the method of using such viscometer can enhance the viscometer output by effecting compensation for non-linearity and different fluidic properties in pressure transducers to provide viscometer detector outputs independent of both low and high frequency flow components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing structural integrity of a building material. Examples are given for testing the structural integrity of substrate behind synthetic stucco and stucco. The tester has an exposed elongated pointed tip that reciprocates within a casing that is electrically insulated from the pointed tip for safety. The pointed tip has a pointed end with an inclusive angle of sixty degrees. A spring forcibly opposes movement of the pointed tip into the casing, and a scale on the casing shows the maximum force exerted by the spring to the pointed tip. As the pointed tip is pushed through Exterior Insulation and Finish System ("EIFS") synthetic stucco to the substrate sheathing therebehind, an indicator shows the force applied by the pointed tip to the substrate sheathing.

Abstract: A method for detection of misfiring of an internal combustion engine, wherein the torque of the internal combustion engine is measured with the aid of a torque sensor mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and wherein a torque signal is sampled speed-synchronously with the aid of a sensor. A digital filtering of the torque signal is carried out with a digital filter with a finite impulse response which blocks or damps a selection of integer or half-integer multiples of the speed of the internal combustion engine. The selection of speed multiples is substantially dependent on the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: To measure the signal of a yaw rate sensor and/or a transverse accelerometer, the present invention discloses taking into account the rotational speeds of a respectively selected wheel pair for calculating the yaw velocity and/or transverse acceleration of a vehicle. In this respect, the selected wheel pair should comprise one wheel on the left-hand side of the vehicle and one wheel on the right-hand side of the vehicle, and the wheels should not have excessive slip.

Abstract: To prevent a detecting electric wire (20) of a brake pad from moving, a stopper member (12) is provided in a holder (10). Two wires (22) extending a wire holder, are made to intersect close to the posterior of a stopper (12), and are maintained in this intersecting state by a cable tie (13). The stopper member (12) engages the intersecting portion (23) of the wire (20) in a posterior direction, thereby preventing the wire (20) from moving in an anterior direction even under a strong pulling force from the rotor R.

Abstract: For collecting data from a water well, down-hole sensors are housed in modules. The modules are arranged to be screwed together in-line to form a vertical string. Mechanically, the modules are secured to each other only by the screw connection. Data is transmitted to the surface on a 2-wire cable, there being no other electrical connection between the modules and the surface. The modules are connected in multi-drop configuration to the 2-wire cable. Data is transmitted using time-division multiplexing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to a device for the determination of the adhesion tendency of cotton by using cotton samples, whereby the sample taken from the material to be tested is opened down to the individual fiber as in the spinning process, and the fibers thus obtained are deposited on a testing surface under the influence of a certain centrifugal force in the form of a fiber ring. Following complete feeding of the sample, the deposited fiber ring is removed and the quantity of the fibers remaining caught on the testing surface is counted.

Abstract: A device for switching an electrical signal as a function of wind speed that includes a wind vane, a shaft, an actuation unit, an electrical switch, and a reset unit. The shaft is attached to the wind vane such that the wind acting on the wind vane causes the shaft to rotate in a first rotational direction. The shaft has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth shaft position. The electrical switch has a first and a second switch position. The actuation unit, which has an actuation unit biasing element, is capable of engaging the shaft and the electrical switch. The actuation unit supplies a first actuation resistance to shaft rotation at the first shaft position and switches the electrical switch from a first to a second switch position at the second shaft position. The reset unit, which has a reset unit biasing element, is capable of engaging the shaft and supplies a first reset resistance to shaft rotation at the third shaft position.

Abstract: In a headlight integral with a speedometer the rigidity of the headlight case is ensured while making the headlight water and dust-proof. A meter hole is formed in the upper surface of a headlight case which constitutes a headlight, a speedometer is inserted into the meter hole from above and is secured to the headlight case through a meter stay in the interior of the headlight case. In addition, a meter cord and bulb cord are put together and extend between the exterior and the interior through a wiring hole formed in the rear portion of the headlight case.

Abstract: A detector has first and second excitation beams extending along X-axis and Y-axis directions. These beams are fixed to a substrate via an intersecting portion. Mass portions are disposed at free ends of the beams. Sensing electrodes are disposed at the central portions of the mass portions to face the mass portions. By electrostatic force generated between the excitation electrodes and the mass portions, two mass portions vibrate in the Y-axis direction, while the remaining two mass portions vibrate in the X-axis direction. When an angular velocity .OMEGA..sub.x acts about the X axis, Z-axis Coriolis forces F.sub.1a and F.sub.1b act on the mass portions that are vibrating in the Y-axis direction. When an angular velocity .OMEGA..sub.y acts about the Y axis, Z-axis Coriolis forces F.sub.2a and F.sub.2b act on the mass portions that are vibrating in the X-axis direction. These vibrations are detected by the sensing electrodes in order to detect the angular velocities .OMEGA..sub.x and .OMEGA..sub.y.

Abstract: A vibration gyroscope 10 includes a vibrator 12. The vibrator 12 has a vibration member 14 formed in a regular triangular prism shape. On side faces of the vibration member 14, piezoelectric elements 16a, 16b and 16c are formed. Two of the piezoelectric elements 16a and 16b are connected to resistors 26 and 28, respectively. Between the other feedback piezoelectric element 16c and these resistors, an oscillation circuit 30 is connected. A signal having a phase opposite to that of the signal output from the feedback piezoelectric element 16c is input to the vibration member 14 serving as a grounding terminal by a phase inverter 34. The signals output from the two piezoelectric elements 16a and 16b are input to a differential circuit 36. The differential circuit 36 is connected to a synchronous detection circuit 38 and connected to a smoothing circuit 40 and a DC amplifier 42 in series.

Abstract: The invention is a vibratory rotation sensor comprising a housing, a resonator attached to the housing, first and second sets of electrodes, and a signal processor. One set of electrodes are attached to the housing and the other set of electrodes are attached to the resonator, the first set opposing the second set. Each set consists of one or more electrodes. The signal processor has one or more input ports capacitively connected to one or more of the first set of electrodes, the signal processor extracting from the signals appearing at the one or more input ports one or more double-frequency sinusoids having frequencies of twice the frequency of oscillation of the resonator.

Abstract: A semiconductor acceleration sensor comprises a cantilever structure formed from a semiconductor wafer and having a first surface for receiving an acceleration force, a second surface disposed generally orthogonal to the first surface, and strain sensing portions disposed on the second surface. A supporting body supports the cantilever structure. A plurality of bridge circuits are disposed on the second surface of the rectangular parallelepiped shaped structure. Each of the bridge circuits has a plurality of the strain sensing portions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling the length of a reinforcing geogrid for earthen structures to be determined even when the geogrid is buried. The preferred geogrid body comprises a plurality of spaced apart, elongated spans that are regularly intersected by similar, elongated, transverse spans. Voids defined between intersecting body spans facilitate the attachment of the geogrid to retaining walls, or other wall or earthen structures. A test line, preferably an electrically conducive wire, is molded into the geogrid body. The length of this conductor is electrically calculated and displayed to determine the length of the buried geogrid. Preferably an electrical pulse is generated and applied to the geogrid and a return echo is thereafter detected. The time difference between the pulse application and the return echo is electrically sampled and correlated to the conductor length. In alternative embodiments either sonic or light energy is applied to the test line for measurements.

Abstract: A method for inspecting welds uses a single EMAT tranducer operated in pulse-echo mode that sends and receives Rayleigh waves to detect defects in a weld between sheet plates of dissimilar thicknesses.

Abstract: The invention is about the process of determining the vibration of rotor (1) of a rotary machine, by elimination of interference noise signals B, in which is acquired and digitized a signal S emitted by at least one sensor C of the displacement of the rotor (1) of the rotary machine when said rotor is rotating under its normal operating conditions, then is subtracted from it a reference signal B of the same type that has been determined in advance. This process is characterized in that the reference signal B has been acquired at a speed .OMEGA..sub.b of rotor (1) rotation lower than the operating speed .OMEGA. and such that the signals emitted by at least two sensors (C1, C2) of the displacement of the rotor (1), offset at an angle in the same plane perpendicularly to the symmetry axis (A) of said rotor, are nearly identical, ignoring time offset. The invention also concerns the devices designed to implement such a process.

Abstract: A novel method for measurement of dynamic water break resistance capable of predicting a degree of paper-cutting at the time of an offset printing and an apparatus for carrying out this method are provided. Both ends of a specimen paper having a size of short-side of from 3 to 15 mm and a long-side of from 120 to 320 mm are kept by a fixed chuck and a movable chuck positioned with a fixed spun length on a measurement table; from 1 to 30 .mu.l of water is attached from a device unit for automatically attaching water onto a central portion of the specimen paper; after the attachment of water, a load is rapidly applied from the both ends of the specimen paper to measure a tensile strength of the specimen paper at the time of attachment of water; and a tensile strength of the specimen paper at the time of drying, i.e.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter using ultrasonic pulses transmitted within a pipe containing flowing fluid determines values, including flow rate or fluid velocity of the flowing fluid. The ultrasonic flowmeter transmits trains of ultrasonic pulses having velocity components either in the upstream or downstream direction. The ultrasonic flowmeter includes the transducer placed downstream external to the pipe and a transducer placed upstream external to the pipe. Time measurements are made to determine a time, T.sub.U, required for a pulse train to travel from the downstream transducer to the upstream transducer and the time, T.sub.D, required for a pulse train to travel from the upstream transducer to the downstream transducer. The ultrasonic flowmeter is configured to have consistent triggering of the pulses of the pulse train to reduce error. Also, the electronics are simplified to allow for lower timing resolution requirements. Once T.sub.U and T.sub.

Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispensing system for dispensing different grade fuels stored in several reservoir tanks. Several fuel delivery conduits deliver a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. Plural ultrasonic metering orifices are mounted in a single housing with shared electronic circuitry, and use sing-around measurement to measure flow. Each of the meters has a volume of about 50 cubic centimeters and a flow rate of about 10 gallons per minute. The housing is connected to the conduits to permit measurement of fuel flow through each meter.

Abstract: A mass flow meter for flowing media that works on the Coriolis Principle includes at least one oscillating Coriolis line carrying the flowing medium and at least one housing holding the Coriolis line, and attachments to the housing. The mass flow meter is characterized by the fact that at least some of the attachments are connected to the housing via means of oscillation decoupling.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A pipette for transferring liquid samples includes a body having a handle and a base. A piston assembly is axially movable in the body. A movable lower stop is placed in the path of the piston assembly to stop the piston to limit the length of an intake stroke and is withdrawn from the path to permit axial overtravel during a discharge stroke. The lower stop is positively controlled by a manually operated mechanism including a stop control push button at the top of the handle in front of a piston push button. A mechanism for ejecting a tip from the base includes a lever at the top of the handle providing a mechanical advantage when pressed at either end. In an alternate embodiment, a dual spring overtravel arrangement is used, with the piston return spring telescoped within the overtravel spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining flowability of a powder by sensing powder avalanching includes a sample drum having a generally cylindrical sample chamber for holding a powder sample, a support frame including a drum shaft for supporting the sample drum for rotation, a drive motor and a drive mechanism coupled between the drive motor and the drum shaft such that the drum rotates when the drive motor is energized. The apparatus further includes an avalanche sensor for sensing avalanching of the powder sample within the sample chamber as the sample drum rotates. The avalanche sensor may be implemented as a backlash sensor for sensing intermittent reverse angular displacement of the sample drum caused by avalanching of the powder sample. A torque loading sensor may also be used to sense avalanching of the powder sample. A controlled gas may be circulated through the sample chamber by a gas conditioning system. The gas in the sample chamber can be measured and/or controlled.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for bicycle including a support shaft with an interior created by a hollow shaft having a long hole drilled thereinto, and fixed grooves formed on its outer surface at regular intervals; a movable casing mounted on the support shaft; a fixation ball attached to the inside of the movable casing to mate with the fixed grooves; a pin inserted into the movable casing to pass through the long hole; a speed-change wire connected to the pin; a coil spring loaded between one side of the movable casing and a clamping bolt; a plurality of rotary balls seated in an outer groove of the movable casing to slightly protrude from the outer groove so that the rotary balls rotate along a thread bottom formed on an inner surface of a revolving body; a plurality of needle bearings provided to an outer surface of the revolving body; a friction band provided to the outside of the needle bearings, and having one side fixed to a rotating axle; and a weight provided to the friction band's other side and expo

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing, a spindle rotatable in both directions, a threaded nut driving a piston rod, and a motor capable of driving the spindle through a transmission, a disengagement unit being arranged in the transmission for interrupting the connection between the motor and the spindle in case of operational failure, such as overloading of the spindle, the disengagement unit comprising brake means adjustable with respect to the actuator housing to cooperate with coupling means for control of the rotational speed of the spindle when this is disengaged from the motor. The linear actuator provides an emergency function ensuring that the linear actuator and the carried load are not damaged by overloading of the actuator.

Abstract: A transmission (1) comprising a gear assembly for transmitting a rotary motion from a driving shaft (2) to a driven shaft (3), with variable gear ratio, the two shafts (2 and 3) not being coaxial. This transmission consists in: a gear-wheel (4) axially split into two half-gear-wheels (5 and 6) one (5) axially mobile relative to the other (6) and also relative to one of the shafts (3) supporting them, the two half-gear-wheels (5 and 6) being fixed in rotation relative to this shaft (3); a plate (7), integral with the other shaft (2), comprising, on at least one of its surfaces, several gear teeth, concentric (8 to 11) with this shaft (2), cooperating with the gear-wheel (4); and elements for axially displacing the two half-gear-wheels (5 and 6) to alter the geared concentric tooth (8 to 11), thereby shifting the gear ratio. The invention is preferably applicable to land vehicles.

Abstract: A surface micromachined Counter-Meshing Gears (CMG) discrimination device which functions as a mechanically coded lock. Each of two CMG has a first portion of its perimeter devoted to continuous driving teeth that mesh with respective pinion gears. Each EMG also has a second portion of its perimeter devoted to regularly spaced discrimination gear teeth that extend outwardly on at least one of three levels of the CMG. The discrimination gear teeth are designed so as to pass each other without interference only if the correct sequence of partial rotations of the CMG occurs in response to a coded series of rotations from the pinion gears. A 24 bit code is normally input to unlock the device. Once unlocked, the device provides a path for an energy or information signal to pass through the device. The device is designed to immediately lock up if any portion of the 24 bit code is incorrect.

Abstract: A stage apparatus comprises a pedestal, an X axis guide bar which is fixed on the pedestal, an X stage which is movable along an upper surface of the pedestal and the guide bar, and a Y stage which is placed over the X state and movable along the pedestal in a direction of the Y axis. Vacuum-pre-loadable static pressure air bearings, in which pressures of vacuum ports are independently controllable, are provided on a surface of the X stage opposing to the pedestal and on another surface of the X stage opposing to the X axis guide bar. By using the stage apparatus, the electric power consumption of driving means for movable units can be reduced, the amount of heat generation can be reduced, and the bearing gap can be adjusted highly accurately after assembling.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a housing (16) and a pedal arm (14) pivotally connected to the housing (16) with a first end supporting a pedal pad (12) and a second end forming a pedal pivot arm (26). The pedal pivot arm (26) has at least one cam lobe (38) extending therefrom and the housing (16) has a cylindrical collar portion (30) recessed in the housing (16) for receiving and retaining at least one coil spring (24). The interaction of the spring (24) between the pedal pivot arm (26) and the collar portion (30) generates a hysteresis effect. The collar portion (30) has a notch (32) extending through the side wall of the housing (16). The coil spring (24) has a first distal end (34) seated in the notch (32) and a second distal end (36) that is in bias contact with the cam lobe (38).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the level adjustment and/or arching adjustment of a flexibly resilient support element (4) for the lordosic vertebrae of a sitting person, and which is fitted in the fame (1) of a back rest of a seat, each apparatus comprising a gear mechanism (12) including a worm (14), a worm gear (15), a pinion (16) and a tooth element as well as a drive means. According to the invention the gear mechanism is directly connected to the drive means in such a manner that the rigid drive shaft (13) thereof carries the worm (14) engaging into the worm gear (15), the pinion (16) being fixed axially in the work gear (15) in tooth engagement with a gear wheel (17) in a plane parallel to the worm gear (15).

Abstract: A gearshift knob cover for removably attaching to the knob of a floor-mounted gearshift lever with an upper portion fitted snugly over the gearshift knob; and a lower portion connected to the upper portion wrapping around the shaft of a gearshift lever to hold the gearshift knob cover in place.The upper portion has a soft leather outer covering and an inner backing filled between with padding, typically foam rubber. The lower portion is also typically made of soft leather.Both the upper portion and the lower portion are provided with openings for gearshift buttons.The lower portion is provided both with snaps to hold the gearshift knob cover in place and with pockets for pens, pencils, cigarette packages, etc.