Abstract: A linking apparatus and method for connecting two can making and processing machines. The linking arrangement includes a coupling arrangement synchronously connecting the respective drive arrangements for the two machines, and a transfer member for sequentially transferring can bodies between the two machines. The coupling arrangement includes a first gear drivingly connected to a first one of the machines, a second gear drivingly connected to a second one of the machines, and an intermediate gear interengagingly connected between the first and second gears. The transfer member includes a vacuum star-wheel driven by the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated side intrusion beam includes a beam body having a center portion heat treated and end portions not heat treated. The beam body is affixed to end brackets that couple the beam body to the automotive vehicle door. The method. for forming a side intrusion beam includes the steps of moving beam stock through a heater; controlling the heater to cycle between an on-state and an off-state with respect to predetermined portions of the length of the beam; quenching the beam stock; and, cutting the beam stock at untreated portions to form the beam body.

Abstract: A forming press for L-shaped and T-shaped workpieces includes first and second press members relatively movable toward and away from each other along a first direction, a first forming die carried by the first press member for engaging and deforming the workpiece to a desired shape when the press members are moved toward each other with the workpiece held therebetween, and a clamping assembly mounted on the second press member for clamping the leg of the workpiece to stabilize the workpiece during shaping thereof. The clamping assembly comprises at least one cam member fixed with respect to the second press member. The cam member defines a pair of spaced-apart cam surfaces oppositely inclined so as to form a channel that widens in the first direction toward the first press member. The clamping assembly further includes a pair of clamping members disposed within the channel so as to be movable along the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for heating workpieces that are to be warm forged into parts having integral portions of different configurations, such as reduced portions and upset portions. The corresponding portions of the workpieces are heated to different temperatures in a zone heating apparatus such that the reduced portion is formed before the upset portion is formed when the part is formed from the workpiece in a single forging stroke of a forging press. The zone heating apparatus may include spaced heating coil assemblies, each having a heating coil. Workpieces are pushed through the heating assemblies of the zone heating apparatus in steps, with one portion of each workpiece undergoing more heating cycles than the other portion.

Abstract: Crown twist forming teeth (14) are formed on the inside circumferential surface of a finishing die (13) with the thickness of each teeth being thinner in the middle part than toward both ends in the axial direction. The finishing die (13) is fitted for axial sliding in the axial direction in the axially central part of a die holder (11) through taper surfaces (12a, 13a) diminishing from its one end to the other. A half-finished work (35, 35′) with its outside circumferential surface having rough-formed twist teeth is brought into screw engagement with the finishing die (13). A first punch (25) for pressing the half-finished work (35, 35′) from one axial end toward the other, and a second punch (26) for pressing the finishing die (13) from one axial end toward the other are provided.

Abstract: A die finger and a crimping die comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced die fingers used in a crimping apparatus, wherein the die finger has an inner forming surface and an oppositely facing camming surface, and wherein at least one die finger having the inner forming surface includes at least one slot formed therein oriented along the longitudinal axis. Also included is a crimping apparatus utilizing the inventive die fingers, a method of crimping a ferrule with the inventive die fingers and a ferrule crimped by the inventive method.

Abstract: A crank press, wherein the power of an electric motor is transmitted to a crankshaft and a connecting rod connected thereto through a clutch to lower a slider and a brake coupled to the crankshaft slows down and stops the ascending slider at its top dead point at the end of each cycle, comprising (i) an oil-hydraulic pump/motor which engages the crankshaft through gears, (ii) an accumulator which is connected to the oil-hydraulic pump/motor by oil paths a, b and c, and (iii) first and second switching valves which switch the oil flow between an energy-absorbing mode to feed hydraulic oil to the accumulator through the oil-hydraulic pump/motor and an energy-releasing mode to feed hydraulic oil from the accumulator to the oil-hydraulic pump/motor.

Abstract: An improved top die raising and lowering guide mechanism for punching, pressing, and shearing machines having three hydraulic cylinder sets installed in a triangular configuration and, furthermore, three piston rod sets conjoined to an attachment mount to which is mounted a top die that is thereby guided during ascent and descent to execute punching, pressing, and shearing operations. The innovation of the present invention is that the top and bottom ends of the triangularly arranged three hydraulic cylinder sets are interconnected such that when a hydraulic system conveys hydraulic fluid to and from the top and bottom ends, the piston rods are simultaneously raised or lowered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for side impacting testing of motor vehicles at a sub-system level. By advancing a side impact barrier into the vehicle shell mounted on the fixture at a predetermined speed, full-scale crashworthiness for side impact collisions can be predicted, thereby significantly reducing development cost and time. The fixture includes a base for supporting the vehicle shell, a side portion for reinforcing a lateral side of the vehicle shell and protecting against deformation and a roll-over prevention structure. The fixture additionally includes a plurality of casters attached to the base.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio sensor for use in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine. The sensor has an outer and inner cover 12 and 13 for protection of lead wires 16, 18 and 19 to a detecting element 3 and a heater of the sensor, a rubber seal 2 for obtaining a seal between the covers and the lead wires and a water repellent filter 36 for obtaining a seal between the inner and outer covers 12 and 13, while keeping an air ventilation capability of the space inside the covers. For receiving the lead wires 16, 18 and 19, the seal 2 is formed with holes 20 such that the minimum thickness between the hole and an outer surface of the seal is 1 mm or more. A crimping of the outer cover 12 is done so that a deformation of the seal 2 in a range between 10 to 20% of the outer diameter is obtained.

Abstract: An effective laboratory method for developing complete capillary pressure curves involves directly measuring an oil/water saturation profile within a cylindrical porous rock core plug. The saturation profile, which includes a free water level, is established under a known pressure gradient induced by centrifuging and is measured using image mapping techniques. The free-water level is established at a desired position within the length of the core plug and provides a reference position of zero capillary pressure to facilitate measurement of both positive and negative capillary pressures.

Abstract: A method for measuring hydraulic conductivity of geological samples using a closed volume pumping system that ensures constant volume of test liquid within the sample and a shaped tube of mercury to provide a constant pressure difference across the sample to eliminate second order influences on the hydraulic conductivity measurement and to speed measurement.

Abstract: A leak detecting dye for use in heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems employing dyes, such as naphthalimide, perylene, coumarin, anthracene, phenanthracene, and thioxanthane. The dye is adsorbed onto a non-absorbent carrier which is then adapted for inclusion into various components of the system such as a filter drier, or a desiccant container which may be inserted into appropriate locations within the system.

Abstract: A system for measuring crude oil as it is transported from a storage tank to a transport vessel. The transport vehicle includes a fluid conveying line adapted to extend from the storage tank to the transport vessel. A pump is connected to the line to convey the oil from the tank to the vessel. A mass meter is disposed in the line. A microprocessor is electrically connected to and controls the mass meter so as to calculate the volume of liquid transferred from the storage tank to the transport vessel. A sample pot device is connected to the line and capable of taking an oil sample from the line that is representative of the entire amount of oil that is transferred.

Abstract: A viscometer having a fluid volume-displacer or driver, such as a speaker membrane, and a pressure sensor or detector, such as a microphone membrane, forming the inside surfaces of a cavity that is sealed from the ambient environment of the viscometer except for a controlled leak such as a capillary tube. An electrical signal from the sensor or detector is processed to indicate viscosity of the fluid in the cavity. Additionally determined from the viscosity are heating value, oxygen demand and other thermophysical properties of the fluid. Also, absolute pressure is derived after viscosity is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring the sorbate content in substrates, using a sensor with a measuring chamber. Said chamber contains a support medium whose partial pressure of sorbate is determined in order to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the first method, the temperature of the support medium is varied up to a value at which the partial pressure of sorbate in the measuring chamber no longer varies with the temperature of the support medium, and slightly over this value. This partial pressure of sorbate is then used to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the second method, the temperature of the support medium is kept essentially constant and the speed at which the partial pressure of sorbate of the support medium approaches the stable end value is determined.

Abstract: A method for improving images of surface features of a sample, constructed by a scanning probe microscope, includes constructing images of surface features of a sample with a scanning probe microscope; measuring a displacement of the sample that occurs during the constructing step; and correcting the images using the measured displacement. An apparatus for improving images of surface features of a sample, constructed by a scanning probe microscope, includes a vacuum chamber; a sample holder disposed in the vacuum chamber; at least one spring connected between the vacuum chamber and the sample holder; at least one magnet disposed in the vacuum chamber for damping vibrations of the sample holder; a probe and piezo tube assembly disposed in the vacuum chamber for scanning surface features of a sample; and an interferometer disposed in the vacuum chamber wherein the interferometer measures a distance between the sample and a point fixed with respect to the sample.

Abstract: A tire support device for automobile racing tires is a self contained unit which can be conveniently transported and used at a race track or other location for mounting the tire for enabling a person to conveniently and easily perform various procedures on the tire, such as measuring the circumference, run out, and wear of an automobile tire or for preparing the surface of the tire. The mount includes an elongated member for elevating the tire above the ground. The tire support device further includes a mount having a rotatable member for rotating the tire while supported by the mount. A motor can be connected to the rotatable member for rotating the tire and improving the efficiency of the process. A clutch attached to the motor and to the rotatable member enables the tire to be automatically or manually rotated. The mount may be pivotally attached to the base for enabling the tire to be positioned in either a horizontal or vertical position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the quality of a formation fluid sample by taking the sample at a time when the formation fluid composition contains the most favorable portion of hydrocarbons. This task is accomplished by determining in real-time, the composition of the fluid flowing into a downhole tool from the formation. This method determines the optical density of the fluid as the fluid flows through the tool. An optical spectrum is generated from the density measurement. The optical spectrum is compared to a composite spectrum generated from a database of known fluid samples. As a result of the comparisons, there is a determination of the derivations between corresponding features of the two spectra. Adjustments are made to the components of the composite spectrum until the deviations between the two spectra are at an acceptable minimum. Determinations of the fluid composition are made from the composition of the composite spectrum at the minimum deviation.

Abstract: A multiple pipeline orientation water meter that includes a water meter arrangement having a water meter and a pipe connector. The water meter body coacts with the pipe connector to permit proper installation of the water meter in various piping orientations.

Abstract: A system for point-level detection of material within a vessel includes a transmission line probe adapted to be mounted to a wall of the vessel so as to extend within the vessel for contact with material when the material reaches a preselected level within the vessel. Electronics are operatively coupled to one end of the probe for launching microwave energy along the probe. The electronics are responsive to a change in microwave energy reflected from the free end of the probe within the vessel when the material is in contact with the probe, employing time-domain reflectometry techniques, for indicating that the material is in contact with the probe. This change in reflected microwave energy may comprise a change in phase or, more preferably, a change in apparent length of the probe resulting from contact with material having a higher dielectric constant than that of air when air surrounds the probe.

Abstract: A capacitive filling level sensor has a first capacitive sensor element arranged close to a fluid whose filling level is to be detected, a second capacitive sensor element arranged close to a fluid whose filling level is to be detected, and a switched-capacitor measuring circuit, which is connected to the first and second capacitive sensor elements and which detects the capacitance values thereof. The switched-capacitor measuring circuit produces in response to the detected capacitance values a signal indicative of the filling level. The first capacitive sensor element and the second capacitive sensor element are each defined by two wires of a ribbon cable having at least five wires, the fifth wire extending between the wires which define the capacitive sensor elements, and being connected to ground.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld is described and which is utilized in combination with an automated movable welder which moves across a supporting surface, and wherein the inspection apparatus includes a coupling member mounted on the welder; a frame member mounted on the coupling member; an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the frame member and disposed in ultrasonic sound transmitting relation relative to the partially completed weld; and a drive assembly for adjusting the position of the ultrasonic sensor relative to the partially completed weld.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for measuring acceleration and sound pressure, the sensor comprising a first pressure sensitive film (2) for measuring pressure (P) and second pressure sensitive film (5) having a mass (6) disposed thereon for measuring acceleration (A). The films are arranged concentrically in the same plane, so that pressure and acceleration are measured at the same point, thereby avoiding a phase difference between the two measurements.

Abstract: A vibration sensing device including a strip bearing a pattern of markings. The strip is caused to slide back and forth in front of a sensor as the result of vibration or displacement of an object to which either the strip or the sensor is attached. By varying the spacing between the markings on strip, the direction and approximate speed of the motion can be sensed by the frequency of the signal generated by movement of the pattern past the sensor and its rate of change. The vibration sensing device can be made to sense out of balance (OOB) or vibratory motion of a piece of equipment such as a washing machine, motor engine or other device during use or transport.

Abstract: Three or more frequency components are used as deformation waveforms to perturb a sample during spectroscopic measurement. Simultaneously measuring more than one frequency allows for multiplexing. Further, many frequencies insure that the optimal perturbation frequencies for a particular measurement are present. The multiplex advantage of a particular spectroscopic instrument may accrue simultaneously with a multiplex advantage in the characterization of the time dependence of the sample response.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing angled strand connections in a miniature electrical device includes a test tool movable simultaneously along two mutually perpendicular axes and perpendicular to the strand direction. The tool measures breaking force along one axis only, the breaking force in the direction of tool movement being calculated by reference to the angle of tool movement. The method gives rapid testing of successive strands with good operator view.

Abstract: A chain wear indicator measures the wear in a chain to determine if the chain needs to be replaced. The chain wear indicator includes a body portion with a first end, a second end and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side of the body portion measures a first predetermined amount of wear in the chain, while the second side of the body portion determines if a new chain is defective. Alternatively, the second side of the body portion measures a second predetermined amount of wear in the chain. Each side of the body portion has three protrusions. The first protrusion extends from the first end of the body portion and has a first roller engaging surface facing in a first direction. The second protrusion extends from the middle of the body portion and has a second roller engaging surface facing in a second direction which is substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A shear test fixture and method determines the shear strength of a honeycomb having elongated cells extending between two ends filled with a filler material with a load applied to one end relative to the other end introducing shear stress without introducing compression or tension stress for improved shear strength testing.

Abstract: The electrode assembly (3, 3′, 3″) avoids the reduction of the insulation resistance of electrodes (4, 4′, 41″) by a suitable design. The assembly is part of an electromagnetic flow sensor comprising a tube (1, 1′, 1″) made of a metallic, nonferromagnetic material. The tube has an insulating liner (2, 2′, 2″); an external surface (11) of the tube is untreated. Each electrode (4, 4′, 4″) has a head (41, 41′, 41″) and a shank (42, 42′, 42″) provided with a thread (43) and having a smaller diameter than the head. The electrode is fitted in hole (12) of the tube wall by means of an insulating body (5, 5′, 5″). The body has a disk-shaped portion (51, 51′, 51″) and a tubular extension (52, 52′, 52″) fitting the hole. A cylindrical part (6, 6′, 6″) is made of an insulating, hydrophobic material and has a bottom (61) and a wall portion (62).

Abstract: A transit time ultrasonic fluid flow sensor is configured as a self contained modular unit that does not rely on acoustic transmissions through or reflected by a pipe for operation. A highly efficient transducer assembly transmits and receives signals which are well isolated from each other and which enables simplification of the supporting electronics. Continuous wave transmission and reception of the acoustic signals, and provision for acoustic path and electronic drifts enable the sensors to be physically small and yet to exhibit high sensitivity and measurement precision. Some versions of the apparatus sense flow along two orthogonal axes. In addition, electrolytic cleaning is provided for some versions of the sensor.

Abstract: A driver is provided for a Coriolis flow meter having a flow tube adapted to vibrate at a predetermined resonance frequency to determine mass flow rate of a fluid passing therethrough. The driver includes a coil, a ferromagnetic core disposed coaxially within the coil, and a spring adapted to resiliently fasten the ferromagnetic core and the coil to one another. The coil is adapted for being rigidly disposed on the flow tube and the ferromagnetic core is adapted to oscillate within the coil in response to excitation of the coil. The spring serves to guide and dampen the oscillations of the ferromagnetic core relative to the coil so that the driver is free from attachment to a non-moving object. A pivotable and/or flexible restraint may be provided to maintain the core along a curved path to centripetally accelerate the core.

Abstract: A redundant linkage and sensor assembly which includes a sensor that enables indication of the magnitude and direction of forces applied to the linkage, while maintaining full mechanical strength and function of the linkage. The linkage includes an inner first tube and an outer second tube arranged to move in telescoping fashion, a spring being connected between the outer tube and the inner tube. Within the outer tube the inner tube is connected to a stop assembly also connected to the outer tube, which stop assembly limits movement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube to a selected range. A position sensor is also connected between the two tubes within the second tube to provide a signal indicative of relative movement. Whereby the axial forces on the linkage are monitored as the signal from the position sensor is related to movement in a known way and movement is related to applied force through the spring in a known way.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that creates and delivers diluted representative samples of a processed medium, flowing as a process stream in a conduit, for the analysis by a particle measurement instrument. The device includes an extraction conduit that includes a probe end extending into the process stream. The probe end includes a pitot-like opening adapted to receive therein a portion of the processed medium. A diluent delivery conduit is housed substantially within and in coaxial alignment with the extraction conduit, forming a sample delivery passage therebetween. The diluent delivery conduit is arranged to emit a stream of diluent into the processed medium entering the probe end creating diluted representative samples of the processed medium. The diluted representative samples flow through the sample delivery passage to a sampling chamber of the particle measurement instrument, where they are analyzed.

Abstract: A composite wastewater sampler includes a flow-through-chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port with a path between them that gradually increases in depth and width and then decreases in width. It is shaped to cause fluid to: (1) flow from the inlet port; (2) drop to a lower level of flow within the flow-through-chamber; (3) gradually adjust in cross-sectional shape to the outlet port; and (4) flow back into a wastewater pipe. A sampling nozzle extends into the flow-through-chamber adjacent to the inlet port and within the path of the downwardly flowing wastewater so that wastewater exiting the port contacts the nozzle and flows downwardly across it.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic parts loading device comprising a head unit on which a operating means, such as a loading mechanism for loading electronic parts on a printed circuit board or an adhesive spread mechanism for spreading adhesive on a place of the printed circuit board where the electronic parts are to be mounted, is mounted; driving means for moving the operating means toward or away from the printed circuit board; measuring means for measuring a distance from the head unit to a loading place of the printed circuit board, the measuring means being mounted on the head unit; and control means for optimally controlling the movement of the operating means in response to data measured by the measuring means whenever the operating means performs a working.

Abstract: A system for subterranean termite detection, concentration and suppression is provided by deploying quasi-subterranean food masses configured in three functional forms tailored to each phase of a comprehensive program to detect, concentrate and suppress subterranean termite colonies. The detectors have subterranean ingress/egress ports leading into lateral passageways connected to one or more vertical cavities joined to a signal port in the dorsal surface of the detector. Subterranean termites seal the signal port with soil detritus, producing a distinctive visual change in the dorsal surface of the detector. This alerts a human observer to the presence of the termites. Concentrators, installed near sealed detectors, have substantially greater food mass and are capable of aggregating large quantities of termites, signaling the presence of termites in them via a dorsal signal array. Alternate embodiments of the concentrators have a central cavity to receive a removable feeder.

Abstract: A tool (20) is provided for mounting in and testing a fixture (12) used for mounting a device, such as a disk drive, having an arm which is movable to selected locations by an actuator. The tool has a movable member (25) which is movable to mimic movement of an arm of such a device mounted in the fixture (12). Movement of the tool (20) in the fixture (12) as a reaction to movement of the movable member (25) is measured and compared with a standard to enable the fixture to be passed or failed.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a machine bench 1, an external pressure linear bearing assembly 2 and a slide body 3 mounted on the machine bench 1 through the bearing assembly 2 for reciprocating movement relative to the machine bench. The positioning apparatus has a frictional reciprocating drive mechanism 4 for reciprocatingly driving the slide body 3 which is provided and includes a main shaft 5 adapted to be rotated, and a plurality of rollers 9 disposed around the main shaft 5 and inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the main shaft 5. Each roller 9 is pressed relative to the main shaft 5 by a pressing member 15. The slide 3 and a rail 20 are made of ceramics. Magnets 41 are provided on the slide body 3 for developing forces of magnetic attraction between magnetizable members 42, provided on the machine bench 1, and the slide body 3.

Abstract: An electric actuator comprises a main actuator body 12, a driving unit 16, a feed screw shaft 32 for transmitting rotary driving force of a rotary driving source 14, a displacement member 40 for externally fitting and surrounding the feed screw shaft 32 to make displacement along the axial direction in accordance with the engaging action between a male thread 36 and a female thread 42, sensor attachment long grooves 24a, 24b provided at side surface portions of the main actuator body 12, and sensors 25 installed at predetermined portions in the sensor attachment long grooves 24a, 24b.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism, in particular for seat adjusters in automotive vehicles, includes a drive member having a toothing and being movable in either of two mutually opposite directions. An actuating member is provided with two claws movably mounted on the actuating member such that, when the actuating member is moved out of a neutral position into one of two directions along the toothing of the drive member, one of the claws meshes with the toothing and the other claw is lifted away from the toothing by a guide contour. A switching member is movable along the toothing and is arranged to be entrained by the movement of the actuating member and to cancel the meshing engagement between the one claw and the toothing when the actuating member returns towards the neutral position.

Abstract: A plurality of balls 3 are disposed for rolling and circulation in a spiral calculation passage defined between a spiral screw groove surface 1a formed on the outer periphery of a screw shaft 1 and a spiral screw groove surface 2a formed on the inner periphery of a ball nut 2. The opposite ends of the ball nut are each formed with a seal mounting portion 2b, in which a seal member 4 made of solid lubricating composition is mounted, sealing off the ball nut 2. The ball nut 2 has lubricating grease G sealed therein.

Abstract: A gearing system which includes a pair of conjugate gears. The tooth profile of the first gear lies entirely within the pitch circle of the first gear, and the tooth profile of the mating gear lies entirely outside the pitch circle of the mating gear. The profile of the first gear is fully or partially concave, and the tooth profile of the mating gear is fully or partially convex. The profiles of the conjugate gear pair may have constant, or nearly constant, relative curvature. Alternatively, due to the shape of the profiles, constant, or nearly constant, contact stress results when the gears are in mesh.

Abstract: A manually controlled operating lever for a vehicle operator's platform has an electrical actuation transducer for transmitting control signals to a working function as a function of the pivoting of the lever and/or as a function of the actuation of at least one actuation element arranged on the lever. In order to avoid an undesired release of working functions, a manually operated activating element is mounted near a hand grip of the lever, and is coupled to a switching element which operates to activate the actuation transducer for the transmission of control signals as a function of actuation of the activating element.

Abstract: An industrial robot is provided which has a compact and of low height body operable within an operating range not exceed the height of the robot during operation, and yet is able to secure a wide operating range of the near front side of the robot. The robot has a fixed base, a rotary base mounted on the fixed base rotatably around a vertical swing axis, a first arm mounted on the rotary base rotatably around a horizontal first rotational axis, a second arm mounted on the first arm rotatably around a horizontal second rotational axis and a wrist mounted on the distal end of the second arm rotatably around a longitudinal axis thereof. The first arm is made operable to hang down in a position where the axis of the first arm is perpendicular to the installation surface of the robot and outwardly offset from the outer surface of the fixed base, the operating range of the first arm which interfere with the fixed base is made so small and the operating range of the front side of the robot is much enlarged.

Abstract: In a rack guide disposed in a casing of a rack and pinion type steering system for slidably supporting a rack bar having rack teeth which engage with a pinion rotatably supported in the casing, the area for bearing the load of the rack bar can be fixed. A slide bearing member 21 has a three-layered structure consisting of a backing metal 22 made of bronze, a sintered alloy layer 23 and a synthetic resin layer 24, the surface of the synthetic resin layer 24 comprising sliding-contact surface portions 25, 26 formed intermittently with the center thereof at the center of curvature “O” of a circular outer peripheral surface of a rack bar 16 and with a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature R0 of the same, and the remaining surface portions 27 to 29 formed in other positions than the sliding-contact surface portions 25, 26 so as to be more dented than the sliding-contact surface portions 25, 26.

Abstract: A quick-action fastening system for actuating systems, preferably for motor vehicles, and a spring of the quick-action fastening system. The quick-action fastening system has a spring arranged between a fastening plate and the end part of a cable sheathing. The spring braces the end part directly against the actuating plate and has regions by which it secures the end part on the fastening plate radially and axially and prevents the actuating plate from being withdrawn.

Abstract: A Bowden cable for transmitting tensile forces is composed of an exterior flexible Bowden cable casing and an interior pulling element guided in sections within the Bowden cable casing. At least one end of the Bowden cable casing is fastened in the longitudinal direction on a receiving device of a stationary holding member. The Bowden cable casing can be mounted on and demounted from the receiving device with low force expenditures and in a simple and rapid manner. The casing is also securely fixed in the fastening position. An injection-molded-on end piece is provided on the end of the Bowden cable casing to be fastened. This end piece can be pushed into a receiving device of the holding member extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the Bowden cable casing and is fixed in the axial direction in this receiving device by at least one resilient supporting arm constructed on the end piece.

Abstract: A vehicle for separating a pedal lever (14) pivotable about a spindle (5) from the structure of a motor vehicle, in which the support (21) acting especially as a pressure pipe between the pedal lever (14) and a braking force amplifier (3) has a deformable rod section.