Abstract: During a passive initial stage, acoustic signals received by a receiving transducer array are recorded, and the corresponding electric signals are stored. To search for the possible presence of a sound source whose contribution to the signal recorded in the passive initial stage may be faint, window of each electric signal stored in the initial stage is time reversed and amplified to produce excitation signals which are applied to emitting transducers of an array corresponding to that of the receiving transducers. The acoustic echo signals received by the receiving transducers are recorded, and the corresponding electric signals are stored, and can be exploited to detect the possible presence of a reflecting sound source.

Abstract: The fouling state of a polymeric membrane within the high pressure housing of a spiral wound or a hollow fiber membrane module is determined. An ultra sonic transducer positioned with its emitting face in physical engagement with the outer surface of the housing is pulse energized by a pulser/receiver device. A membrane echo signal is detected by a receiver of the pulser/receiver device. A reference echo signal indicative of a fouled or an unfouled state of the membrane is compared to the echo signal to determine the membrane fouling state. The echo to reference comparing step can be based upon comparing amplitude domain signals, comparing time-domain signals, comparing combinations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals, and comparing transformations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals.

Abstract: A shoe for ultrasonically inspecting an area beneath the fillets of a crankshaft and the area adjacent each side of the fillets for flaws in the highly stressed fillet area, the shoe comprising a planar surface and a cylindrical surface disposed at a right angle thereto with a toroidal surface forming an smooth transition therebetween and mating with surfaces on the crankshaft, the shoe houses three transducer oriented toward the centerline of the cylindrical surface and disposed to generally form angles of 22.5.degree., 45.degree. and 67.5.degree. with the centerline of the cylindrical surface, the transducer oriented at 45.degree.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combined SAW sensor and a SPR sensor for evaluating an analyte, as well as a novel method for evaluating an analyte by utilizing a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor to determine the mass of the analyte and utilizing a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor to determine the permittivity of the analyte. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for evaluating an analyte. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a piezoelectric substrate, a SAW sensor disposed on the substrate, and a SPR sensor disposed on the substrate in close proximity to the SAW sensor. In another embodiment, the apparatus more broadly includes a SAW sensor and a SPR sensor coupled to the surface acoustic wave sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus the SAW sensor includes two interdigital transducers and a chemically sensitive film interposed between the two interdigital transducers.

Abstract: An internal entrapment system (10) for a door (12) movable by a repeatable force includes a force generating device (68) for transferring the door (12) between a first and a second position. A trolley arm (34) connected between the force generating device (68) and the door (12) is continually strained during movement of the door (12). A sensor (50) mounted on the trolley arm (34) generates a signal (54) representative of the strain applied to the trolley arm (34). A processor (72) receives the strain signal (54) for comparison to a predetermined threshold, when the strain signal (54) exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processor (72) at least stops the force generating device (68). A potentiometer (74) is coupled to the door (12) for determining a plurality of positional locations of the door (12) between the first and the second positions, wherein the processor (72) correlates the position of the door (12) with the strain signal (54) for use in comparison to the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tension prediction system and method comprises an accelerometer having an output signal responsive to vertical acceleration of the vehicle, a seat weight sensor having an output signal responsive to the force exerted by a mass resting on the seat, and a processor means for calculating seat belt tension. The processor is provided with a plurality of inputs operatively coupled to the accelerometer output and seat weight sensor output. Suitable programming is provided to instruct the processor to calculate the average mass resting on the vehicle seat and predict the force that should be exerted on the seat for a measured level of vertical acceleration assuming zero belt tension. The processor then compares the actual force measured by the seat weight sensor with the predicted force to determine seat belt tension thereby obviating the necessity of complex hardware in physical contact with the seat belt system.

Abstract: Performance-enhancing, reduced-area metalization adhesion areas in force-sensing transducers are described.

Abstract: An apparatus that individualizes fibers within a feed stream without breaking the fibers. A first stage, having first pinch rollers, receives the feed stream and provides it to a second stage. The second stage receives the feed stream from the first stage, and provides a thinned stream to a third stage. Second stage apron belts draw the feed stream under tension from the first stage into the second stage. Second pinch rollers draw the feed stream under tension from the second stage apron belts and provide the thinned stream to the third stage. The third stage receives the thinned stream from the second stage and provides individualized fibers. Third stage apron belts draw the thinned stream under tension from the second stage into the third stage. Third pinch rollers draw the thinned stream under tension from the third stage apron belts and provide the individualized fibers.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device includes a cylinder and a displacement rod. The cylinder is fabricated rigid enough to minimize distortion of volume yet compliant enough to create a seal between itself and the surface of the displacement rod. The cylinder is constructed with a bore hole through its central portion running from end to end. The diameter of the bore hole is larger than the diameter of the displacement rod. The displacement rod is constructed of a rigid material. At least one end of the cylinder has a diameter reduced so the diameter of the bore hole and the diameter of the displacement rod are substantially the same to form a seal with each other. As the displacement rod is withdrawn from the bore hole, a sample is drawn into the bore hole. The volume of the sample drawn into the bore hole is a function of the volume of the displacement rod withdrawn from the bore hole. A cross hole, for venting undesired fluid such as gas bubbles or previous sample(s), is located on the displacement rod.

Abstract: A drive and actuation mechanism for a component insertion machine having a lead screw mounted to a housing by a ball nut and a spline nut so as to be movable longitudinally and rotationally. The lead screw has a hollow shaft in which a push rod is disposed. An arm support is mounted to the lead screw so as to move vertically with the lead screw. An actuation arm is connected at a first bearing point to the push rod and connected at a second bearing point to the arm support. The actuation arm is driven by a crank motor, which is connected to the actuation arm at a third bearing point, to move the push rod. The ball nut and spline nut are also driven by motors to move the lead screw vertically and rotationally.

Abstract: A compact adjustment mechanism that provides precision linear travel. The drive mechanism has a knob with a paddle at an inner end that is used to transfer torque. A drive screw has a plurality of grooves disposed around an outer diameter, a plurality of threads at an opposite end from the plurality of grooves, and a torque transfer leaf spring that receives the paddle. A drive housing has a bored hole into which the drive screw is disposed. A threaded hole is formed at an end of the bored hole distal from the knob that receives the plurality of threads of the drive screw. A ball spring plunger is disposed in a threaded hole on the side of the drive housing that mates with the plurality of grooves in the drive screw. The drive screw may have different configurations to implement linear straight movement, provide 90 degree linear movement, or drive a pivot lever.

Abstract: A guide sprocket assembly for use in combination with a non-driven, rotating tail shaft. The guide sprocket assembly includes a lock plate assembly securely fixed to the tail shaft for rotation along with the tail shaft. The lock plate assembly includes an annular sprocket groove that receives an annular guide sprocket having a plurality of projecting teeth spaced along its outer circumference. The guide sprocket is retained within the annular sprocket groove by a sprocket retainer. The combination of the guide sprocket and sprocket retainer are freely rotatable within the annular sprocket groove relative to the lock plate assembly. The teeth of the guide sprocket engage a drive chain, and the guide sprocket can rotate either in the direction of rotation of the tail shaft or in an opposite direction to properly align the individual links of the drive chain with the teeth formed on the guide sprocket.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a photoreceptor with an internal gear includes the internal gear in a photoreceptor drum, a pinion gear in engagement with the internal gear, and a cleaning unit and a developer unit which apply contact pressure onto the photoreceptor drum. The pinion gear is provided in such an area that a resulting force of the contact pressure respectively applied from the process elements does not cause a distortion of the photoreceptor drum which exceeds an axial backlash determined in initialization according to a distance between axes of the pinion gear and the internal gear. The described arrangement prevents interference between non-driving surfaces of the internal gear and the pinion gear. As a result, a smooth rotary motion of the photoreceptor drum can be ensured, thereby preventing an image defect caused by an unstable rotary motion of the photoreceptor drum.

Abstract: A selection system for an automatic motor vehicle transmission has a selector element for selecting transmission adjustments (P, R, N, D) which can be manually adjusted. A toggle lever arrangement connected with the selector element acts transversely to the moving direction of a locking element. As a result, a manual force on the selector element cannot be transmitted or can only be transmitted in a highly reduced manner to the locking element. To reduce the overall size of the systems, the locking element is preferably an armature of a solenoid arranged parallel to the axes of rotation of the toggle lever arrangement.

Abstract: A brake lever device includes a grip part and a mounting arm extending transversely from the grip part wherein the mounting arm is pivotally connected to a body mounted to the handlebar. The mounting arm has a first slot with a pin movably extending therethrough which is connected to a bracket to which the cast lug barrel of the brake cable is fixedly connected. The mounting arm has a second slot with a sleeve movably extending therethrough and an adjusting bolt extends through the second slot and threadedly transversely extends through the sleeve. A connecting device connected between the pin and the sleeve. The second slot is oriented substantially in parallel with the direction of the tension force of the brake cable.

Abstract: A steering wheel rotating apparatus for physically handicapped persons includes a grip holder having a grip hole and an engaging member projectable from the inside surface of the grip hole. The grip holder is fixed to the steering wheel of an automobile. A rotary grip having a shaft with an insertion part is detachably received in the grip hole and a grip body part mounted on the shaft, and a switch unit having a switch case and switches is detachably fitted to the grip holder, so that a physically handicapped person may operate the steering wheel using the rotary grip and also operate the switches by the hand which is gripping the rotary grip. When a non-physically handicapped person is to operate the steering wheel, the rotary grip and the switch unit may be removed so as not to interfere with steering wheel operation.

Abstract: The invention is to a viscosity-type torsional vibration damper and a method of manufacturing such a damper, wherein the housing is constructed of thermoplastic plastic materials. A jacket element made of thermoplastic plastic material is placed around an annular element and a viscous damping fluid is then injected between the annular element and the thermoplastic plastic jacket element.

Abstract: A link assembly for a vehicle control system comprising a spacer molded of glass-filled nylon and a socket housing mounted on each end of the spacer, both socket housings also being molded of glass-filled nylon. Each housing comprises a male socket component and a female socket component which are mirror-image, identical to each other except for complementary male locator protrusions and female locator depressions formed in opposing relationship on mating faces of respective components. The components are ultrasonically welded together to capture opposite ends of the spacer and the ball ends of respective ball studs.

Abstract: A pedal crank drive for a bicycle, comprises a shaft (3) extending through a bearing housing (4), a chain wheel (8) having at least one gear rim (9), where the hub (7) of the chain wheel is rotatably mounted with respect to the shaft (3), and a power transmission spring (10) supported on the one hand on the shaft (3) and on the other hand on the hub (7) of the chain wheel (8) and disposed inside the bearing housing (4). The power transmission spring (10) consist of separate, individual spring elements (11) distributed around the periphery of the shaft (3) and each spring element is supported on the hub (7) of the chain wheel (8) and on the shaft (3).

Abstract: A saw chain sharpener for a chain saw and a chain saw having a sharpener in which the bottom surfaces of the cutting teeth of a conventional bottom sharpened saw chain are conveniently sharpened automatically by running the chain under power through the sharpener. The saw chain can be sharpened using the sharpener in a matter of typically twenty to thirty seconds without removing the chain from the chain bar. The sharpener is preferably adapted to be removably mounted to a bracket which is itself preferably removably disposed on the chain saw. The sharpener comprises a sharpening tooth disposed in a housing which is mounted on the chain bar. A top surface of the sharpening tooth frictionally engages bottom surfaces of the cutting teeth of the chain as the chain is run under power. A device for dispensing a sharpening compound to the sharpening tooth during sharpening may be disposed on the sharpener housing.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having three interconnected openings formed therein. A ratchet gear is disposed in the first opening which has an access opening to the bottom surface of the wrench. A pawl is pivotally disposed in the second opening. A lever member is pivotally disposed in the third opening. A detent mechanism is carried by the lever member to engage the pawl. A lever arm is connected to the lever member and movement of the lever arm moves the lever member and detent mechanism for forward and reverse ratcheting. A method of assembly of the wrench is disclosed.

Abstract: Adjustable pliers having a pair of handles, each handle having ajaw portion, an intermediate portion and a hand-grip portion. The handles intersect each other and are pivotally mounted to each other so that movement of the hand-grip portions in one direction will move the jaw portions in the same direction. A slide extends from one of the intermediate portions and a slot is in the other intermediate portion. The slide extends into the slot and is slidable along the slot. The slide has a jaw portion extending therefrom. A lock assembly is provided on the handle members to lock the two position.

Abstract: A shielded spike tool for removing and installing spike elements from sports shoes, the shielded spike tool including a tool head with an engagement structure extending from a first surface thereof, and a shank extending from a second surface thereof, opposite the engagement structure. A shield is carried by the shank and encircles the tool head. The shield is movable along the shank between an extended position and a retracted position, with a biasing structure urging the shield into the extended position.

Abstract: A machine tool, such a lathe, is described that includes a machine base and four base columns supporting a horizontal roof-shaped upper section. Horizontally guided Y-carriages and Z-carriages are suspended from an underside of the upper section. A horizontal working spindle is suspended from the Z-carriages. An X-carriage is arranged and vertically guided on the lower section of the machine stand.

Abstract: A method and unit for processing sheet material, whereby the sheet material is processed between two rollers rotating about respective substantially parallel axes and cooperating mutually according to a given law of interaction depending on the spatial relationship of the two rollers; the spatial relationship being adjusted, in use, instant by instant and in accordance with the given law of interaction by adjusting the position of the axes of the two rollers by varying an electromagnetic field acting on an actuating body made of electromagnetically strictive material and interposed between the two rollers.

Abstract: An adjustable rip fence for a machine tool has a fence which is movable with respect to the cutting tool due to a rack and pinion. The rail assembly supporting the fence include a pair of stationary rails which are secure to the machine tool. A movable rail telescopically engages each stationary rail and the movement of each rail is accomplished by the rotation of a pair of pinion gears each of which engages a respective rack on the movable rails. The simultaneous rotation of the pinion gears is the result of both pinion gears being secured to a common pinion shaft which is rotatably secured to the machine tool. The telescoping nature of the rails allows for adjustment of the fence beyond the working surface of the machine tool. A pair of scales is disposed on one of the movable rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shearing system. The shearing system includes a die assembly having linear bearings and guide rails for guiding movement of the upper die shoe. Gas springs return the die shoe to the open position.

Abstract: A training device for a combat vehicle with a heavy weapon, especially an armored howitzer. A shorter practice barrel replaces the weapon's regular barrel, but has the same sort of attachments at its inner end as the regular barrel has for fastening it to accommodations in the vehicle. A magazine at the outer end of the practice barrel accommodates rammed practice shells, which are decelerated and forwarded to magazine shafts offside the axis of the barrel. Practice shells of essentially the same weight and dimensions as regular shells and an impact absorber at the front for accepting the impact of a brake, are accommodated in the magazine. An accessory device for removing the practice shells from the magazine comprises a framework that travels on rollers and is provided with a platform for operating personnel and with a hydraulic lift that accepts used practice shells from the magazine and lowers them to the ground.

Abstract: A bulletproof blanket for use with law enforcement vehicles, including a plurality of envelopes containing panels. Each of the panels is fabricated of a lightweight material. Each of the envelopes containing panels has a short lower horizontal edge, an upper edge, and long vertical side edges therebetween. A plurality of flexible connector straps are vertically positioned between adjacent edges of the envelopes. Each of the straps has a first edge coupled to an envelope adjacent one edge and a second edge coupled to an adjacent envelope. In this manner the envelopes containing panels may be positioned in an essentially vertical plane when deployed for operation and use. The envelopes containing panels may also be positioned in a stacked parallel planar array, accordion style, for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A negative pressure booster equipped with an electromagnetic auxiliary control means can introduce air into an operation chamber in correspondence with normal braking and urgent braking by a single valve element which is simple in structure and provides good response. A valve element is supported for to-and-fro movement within a prescribed stroke in the input member and spring-biased to the side of the retraction limit. A solenoid and fixed core of an electromagnetic auxiliary control means is fixed to the valve cylinder coupled with booster pistons. A movable core opposite to the fixed core is coupled with the valve element. When the solenoid is excited while the input member advances, the movable core is operated so that the advancement quantity (communication opening degree between the operation chambers and air) of the valve element for the valve cylinder exceeds that of the valve element operated by the input member.

Abstract: A brake reaction which occurs as a brake booster is actuated is prevented from being transmitted to a brake pedal, and instead pseudoction reaction imparting means 41 is provided to transmit a pseudo-reaction to the brake pedal. A valve body 5 and a power piston 3 are capable of relative movement in the axial direction, and are normally urged away from each other by a spring 8. The valve body 5 is normally urged forward by a spring 42 which is disposed within the variable pressure chamber B. This arrangement allows a variation in the advancing stroke of the brake pedal to be suppressed small if a variation occurs in the magnitude of a negative pressure which is introduced into a constant pressure chamber A as the brake booster is actuated, thus providing an improved brake feeling experienced by a driver.

Abstract: A hydraulic shutoff device in the end positions of a servo cylinder is provided to prevent direct hard contact between the working piston (31) and the limit stops (47, 48) under working pressure and to enable withdrawal from end positions with hydraulic assistance. Idler pistons (32, 33) with limited displaceability are located on the working piston (31) and act as a seal, fitting tightly against the sealing edges (34, 35) of the working piston. The sealing edges (34, 35) control a bypass channel (36) located in the working piston (31). A spring (41) is inserted between the idler pistons (32, 33) in a chamber (40) which can be pressurized. When the working piston (31) comes into contact, for instance, with the limit stop (48) of the bush (43), the collar (45) knocks one idler piston (33) away from the sealing edge (35). Junction with the chamber (40) occurs through the bypass channel (36), whereupon the working pressure pushes the idler piston (32) back against the spring (41) away from its sealing edge (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston pump (10) with a piston (20) axially displaceable in a bush (12). In order to keep the piston (20) captive in the bush (12), the invention proposes that an annular loss-prevention means (90), with conically protruding spring tongues (96), be inserted in the manner of a snap connection into a V-shaped groove (80) in the bush (12), whose spring tongues (96) resiliently press a groove side (98) of a groove (34) made in the piston (40) into the groove (34), engaging it from behind, when the piston (20) is introduced into the bush (12). (FIG.

Abstract: A fluid control system including a control valve providing a simple, easy to use regeneration capability in association with a pump, a tank, and a double acting actuator having a first actuating chamber and a second actuating chamber. The control valve has a first actuating chamber port connected to the first actuating chamber, a second actuating chamber port connected to the second actuating chamber, a tank port connected to the tank, a first pump port and a second pump port. The control valve includes a connecting passage connecting the first pump port and the second pump port to the pump, and is operable in a first position to allow fluid flow from the pump through the first pump port and the first actuating chamber port to the first actuating chamber and fluid flow from the second actuating chamber through the second actuating chamber port and the tank port to the tank.

Abstract: A four-piece oil seal is disclosed that includes a resilient expander spacer having an axial top edge, an axial bottom edge and an axial intermediate portion therebetween. The axial intermediate portion of the resilient expander spacer includes a plurality of intermittent radially outwardly extending tab pairs that define circumferential slots. A first rail contacts the axial top edge of the expander spacer. A second rail is disposed within the slots formed in the radially extending tabs. A third rail contacts the axial bottom edge of the expander spacer. Preferably, the radially extending tabs are in the form of intermittent U-shaped ridges and include spacer lugs located at a bridge portion therebetween. The ridges form center openings in the expander spacer while the spacer lugs maintain separation between adjacent rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to an espresso machine, wherein water in the boiler (1) is superheated and kept at a temperature above 100.degree. C. for producing steam to be supplied to a dispenser nozzle (10), which superheated water is mixed with cold water at a mixing station (12), to obtain hot water having a temperature below 100.degree. C., supplied to the coffee brewing unit (13) and to the dispenser nozzle (10). According to the invention, the coffee brewing unit (13) is attached to the lower side of the boiler (1) and is connected to the mixing station (12) by means of a feed pipe (14), which is at least partly housed in the boiler (1). In the pipe (4) for feeding cold water to the boiler (1), a non return valve (16) is provided, which opens in the direction of flow into the boiler and is situated downstream from the branch point of the pipe (11) for feeding cold water to the mixing station (12).

Abstract: The invention concerns a permanent filter for the preparation of tea in pots or cups, consisting of a filter housing with an upper, ring shaped rim (1) and a fluid permeable straining fabric (3). The special feature of the invention consists in the fact that provision is made in the upper rim (1) for one or more openings (5) for receiving a tab (7) of a lid (6).

Abstract: A machine for the automatic production of kebabs from a container whose side faces are slotted and filled with layers of meat and/or vegetables. The machine comprises at least a container insertion station, a station in which the container is skewered with sticks, a cutting station engaging with the container slots, for cutting the skewered layers of meat and/or vegetables, and a station in which the container containing the different skewered and cut layers of meat and/or vegetables is unloaded. The machine of the present invention also includes a supporting member having peripheral arrangements for the loading and centering of at least one container, the supporting member being fixed to rotary drive means in order to present the container or containers in succession to each of the stations arranged in a circular manner about the member.

Abstract: A rice washing apparatus which can wash rice in a short time with a high degree of efficiency, and which can prevent occurrence of fragmentation of the rice, is composed of a rice washing tank formed of a cylindrical body, having a lower part in an inverted conical shape, and formed in its lower end with a rice discharge port, a water discharge pipe connected to a side of the lower part of the rice washing tank, a hollow valve rod adapted to be moved up and down in the rice washing tank, and provided in the lower part thereof with a rice discharge valve for opening and closing the rice discharge port, a hollow rotary shaft through which the valve rod is extended, and an agitating member 10 mounted to the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An end cover for detachable connection on the end of a cylindrical shaped food roll. The end cover has an end plate with an external side that displays information such as advertising or marketing indicia. A retaining member extends from the end plate and forms an interference fit with the external surface of the food roll when the end cover is installed onto the food roll.

Abstract: A squeezing cycle with a relatively short first stage in which the fruit is loaded, and a longer second squeezing stage involving a relatively slow chamber volume reduction movement is disclosed. The machine possesses for the movable cup an operating mechanism including two wheels of equal diameter, of which the first wheel is fixed and the other wheel is driven and is engaged with the first wheel in such a manner as to roll along its pitch circle. The machine also includes a motor-driven member for gyrating the axis of the driven wheel by causing this to roll about the fixed wheel, and a crank mechanism connecting the driven wheel to the movable cup and having a crankpin which is carried by the driven wheel and has its center at a distance from the axis of the driven wheel which is less than or equal to the radius of the pitch circle of the driven wheel.

Abstract: A stencil printer system includes a stencil printer unit. The printer unit is provided with a master making system which makes a stencil master on the basis of an image read out from an original, a printing system which makes copies of the original by transferring ink to printing sheets through the stencil master, an original conveyor which conveys originals placed in a predetermined position to the master making system one by one, and an original detector which detects whether an original exists in the predetermined position. A post handling unit including a sorter and a stapler is connected to the printer unit. A first mode setting key is manually operable to set the printer unit to a continuous printing mode in which the printer unit repeats making a master and printing copies of the original so long as the original detector detects existence of an original in the predetermined position.

Abstract: In a web anti-wrap device for a web printing press, anti-wrap means is disposed between printing cylinders and a processing device which is positioned downstream of the printing cylinders in the printing press, to prevent a broken web from wrapping around the printing cylinders. Guide means is provided for guiding the anti-wrap means for movement between a first position in which the anti-wrap means fulfills the function to prevent the broken web from wrapping, and a second position in which the anti-wrap means is moved away from the first position to create a working space between the anti-wrap means and the printing cylinders or between the anti-wrap means and the processing device.

Abstract: A printing cylinder assembly adapted to be removably supported on a hydraulically operable mandrel having means to hydraulically apply radially outward forces is disclosed. The printing cylinder assembly has a generally cylindrical coated printing cylinder having two open end portions, and a generally annular sleeve positioned within each end portion and in shrink fit relation therewith. Each annular sleeve has a generally annular groove therein and at a location which corresponds to the general location of application of the radially outward forces when the cylinder is positioned on the mandrel. Radially outward forces are hydraulically developed by the mandrels and are transmitted to the cylinder through the annular sleeves to retain the cylinder and the mandrel as an integral unit. The grooved portion of each annular sleeve defines two adjacent annular stepped portions wherein the grooved portion has a greater flexibility in the radial direction than the adjacent stepped portions.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate comprises a plate body with a plurality of predetermined breaking points formed therein. The breaking points extend from a leading end to a trailing end of the printing plate. The predetermined breaking points define edges of sub-plates, each carrying an image which corresponds to a newspaper page of a newspaper to be printed with the lithographic printing plate. The printing plate can be mounted on the plate cylinder of a lithographic rotary printing press as one piece and can afterwards be broken up at the predetermined breaking points, in order to exchange one of the sub-plates against another sub-plate for a new print job, in case of an edition change.

Abstract: A device (14) for production of printing forms is integrated into a control desk (4) which has operating and display elements (20, 21) for the control of operating processes of a printing press (2, 3). The device can be used in print shops in which production of printing forms and printing itself are closely linked on the basis of operation sequences.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflating the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) includes a passage (68) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (46) into the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) also has a burst disk (44) which blocks the passage (68). An actuatable source (90) of laser light, when actuated, emits laser light which impinges on the burst disk (44) to cause the burst disk to rupture and release the inflation fluid from the chamber (46).

Abstract: The present invention is a multidisk shell and wad for use in a multidisk shell. The wad consists of a wad base, a cushioning section attached at a first end to a top section of the wad base, and at least three alignment arms attached to a second end of the cushioning section. The cushioning section is interposed between the projectile mass and the wad base. The preferred cushioning section comprises a hollow outer cylinder and at least one inner cylinder of polymeric plastic material. Thus, there are at least two concentric cylinders providing the cushioning between the disks and the expanding propellant charge. These at least two concentric cylinders and are attached at first ends to the top side of the wad base. The wad has at least three spatially separated alignment arms having proximal ends and distal ends for maintaining the alignment of projectiles as they travel through the gun barrel.

Abstract: An accumulator mechanism for stopping a carrier on an inverted power and free conveyor system when it approaches a stopped preceding carrier. A pivot arm on a leading trolley for each carrier has a retractable trolley dog which is normally driven by a chain dog projecting from a drive chain. The accumulator mechanism includes an actuator lever which is pivoted to mounting plates and carries a cam roller that acts in a cam slot formed in a pivot plate. When the actuating lever is pivoted due to contacting a preceding carrier, the cam roller acts within the contour of the slot to pivotally displace the pivot plate. The pivot plate then pulls a lift link upwardly to pull on the pivot arm and retract the trolley dog from the chain dog. The slot is arranged to effect lost motion of the cam roller in the slot to accommodate over travel.

Abstract: The installation comprises a roadway having at least some segments provided with longitudinal reference marking (10) for a nominal path, and vehicles (18) each carrying an assembly providing guidance by controlling a steering axle, having a module for forming an image of the road ahead of the vehicle (18) and for processing the image of the marking, and an optical guidance module calculating the orientation to be given to the wheels of the steering axle to follow the nominal path, and a steering servo-motor controlled by the guidance module. At at least certain segments of the road carry lateral guides (14, 16) and the vehicles, whose front axles at least are steering axles, are provided on each axle with vertical-axis guide wheels (24) designed to press against the guides (14, 16) in the event of the vehicle departing excessively from a nominal path on the road.