Abstract: A refrigerant pipe unit for a room air-conditioner includes two refrigerant pipes laid through a piping hole in the building wall and interconnecting an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of the room air-conditioner for circulation of a refrigerant through the room air-conditioner. A stop valve is attached to at least one end of each of the refrigerant pipes for blocking flow of the refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. A maximum size of the stop valve which is measured in a radial direction about the central axis of each refrigerant pipe is designed such that the stop valve attached to the end of each refrigerant pipe can pass through the piping hole while the other refrigerant pipe is present inside the piping hole. Thus, the air-conditioner can be disassembled while the refrigerant is kept sealed within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit and the refrigerant pipe unit.

Abstract: An air conditioning installation is supplied with an activated carbon filter for cleaning the air to be supplied to the interior of a motor vehicle. A device is provided for cleaning the air filter and the air therein by heating, and air laden with by-products may be driven out of the filter by means of a cleaning airflow. The activated carbon is in physical contact with a temperatureregulated or temperature controlled heating device, with which the activated carbon and the air present in the filter can be heated, while the cleaning airflow flows through the filter.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling apparatus having a simple construction that enables the size of a cooling fan electric motor to be reduced without the need to increase the number of batteries provided for driving the motor. The cooling fan provides necessary cooling for an engine radiator and an air-conditioning system condenser by driving the motor at an input power lower than its rated power by a predetermined amount until the temperature of the engine cooling water reaches a predetermined temperature. If the water temperature rises above the predetermined temperature, the electric motor input power is increased to a level greater than its rated input power for a predetermined time period. As a result, cooling capacity can be increased and the water temperature can be lowered with a smaller motor when the water temperature has become abnormally high. Because the electric motor is normally driven at an input power lower than its rated input power, the life of the electric motor is increased.

Abstract: A bi-directional refrigerant metering and expansion valve. The bi-directional valve comprises a body; a short tube portion in the body, a heating inlet portion and a cooling inlet portion. The short tube portion includes a tubular portion having a short tube length, a short tube diameter, and a pre-selected short tube length to short tube diameter ratio and includes first and second ends interconnected by the tubular portion. The heating inlet portion is connected to the first end of the short tube portion, and includes a heating inlet chamfer having a first length and a first angle of a first magnitude. The cooling inlet portion is connected to the second end of the short tube portion, and includes a cooling inlet chamfer having a second length and a cooling inlet angle of a second magnitude. The second length is greater than the first length.

Abstract: A refrigerator damper control and lighting assembly is mounted to a top wall of a fresh food compartment. The housing includes dials which are accessible from the front of the housing to a user to control thermostat and to control a damper located on a rear wall of the refrigerator. The dial controlling the damper has a post onto which a connecting arm to the damper interconnects the damper with the dial so that rotation of the dial effectively operates the control of the damper. The dial has a peripheral flange that extends around only a portion of the circumference of the dial and is adapted to contact opposing sides of the connecting arm to thereby limit rotational movement of the dial and which in-turn limits opening and closing movement of the damper depending on direction of rotational movement of the dial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributing/collecting tank (distributor/header case) of aluminum or an aluminum alloy of an at least dual flow (double-flow) brazed evaporator of a motor vehicle air conditioning equipment, wherein the case comprises a tube bottom and a cap (28), which supplement each other at least in the direction of the narrow cross-section to the case, and in its longitudinal extension direction corresponding to the number of flows at least a longitudinal partition, wherein at least one case wall on the front side is formed by a separate end piece (62) being in close contact to each adjacent longitudinal partition and at least one case wall is provided with the refrigerant inlet (14).

Abstract: A process is disclosed to remove a high-volatility component, such as nitrogen, from a feed stream rich in methane to produce a product substantially free of the high-volatility component. The feed stream is expanded and fed to a phase separator which produces a vapor stream and a liquid stream. The vapor stream is enriched in the volatile component. The liquid stream, which is lean in the volatile component and rich in methane, is pumped to a higher pressure and heated to produce a pressurized liquefied product stream having a pressure sufficient for the product stream to be at or below its bubble point and having a temperature above about −112° C. (−170° F.).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a gas discharge type display panel makes it possible to manufacture an environmentally friendly substrate with high accuracy and yet at low cost. According to the manufacturing methods electrodes are formed on a back substrate by photolithography or printing, then a glass paste is printed to a height of approximately 10 &mgr;m-500 &mgr;m by printing. A barrier rib blanks are produced by rolling under pressure the glass paste by using a roller provided with grooves. The roller is heated in advance. The barrier rib blanks are sintered into the barrier ribs.

Abstract: A glass feeder which discharges parallel runners of molten glass which can be sheared into discrete gobs for processing in a glass container forming machine. The spout bowl has a neck portion at the bottom which includes a discharge passage. This passage is circular at the top where it communicates with the bottom surface of the spout bowl and oblong at the bottom where it communicates with a corresponding oblong opening in a bathtub shaped orifice ring. The orifice ring has a closed oblong shaped bottom smaller than the oblong opening and has a plurality of discharge holes defined along a straight line.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming fiber strands comprising a fiber forming device, a gathering shoe device and a winder device, the improvement comprising a gathering shoe device which includes at least one gathering shoe having an annular groove for receiving the fibers from the fiber forming device, the gathering shoe having a generally circular cross section at the annular groove and a diameter at the annular groove ranging from about 2.54 to about 6.35 mm. Another aspect of the present invention is a gathering shoe comprising a rod member having a longitudinal axis; and a groove extending circumferentially about the rod member, wherein the rod member has a diameter at the groove in the range of about 2.54 to about 6.35 mm.

Abstract: A method and device for knitting of hosiery eliminates disadvantages of the conventional techniques. With this method of knitting, the number of loop-formation steps are reduced and loop transfer does not depend on loop formation, both stops being performed simultaneously. Yarn pulling-out is replaced with pushing-out from the bobbin to the needle. Thus, the yarn is not over-stretched and the duration of the process of loop knitting is shortened. This method employs a device for knitting where the milled needle slots, loop-forming edges, the yarn pressing mechanism and the fabric straining mechanism have are not employed. This device instead comprises a needle fixing mechanism and a specific mechanism for taking back and pressing the yarn called a Chet Jack. The needle is set-in-motion, not by a knitting system or individual motors but by a mechanism of type herein called “gun” that employs electromagnetic, mechanical or pneumatic operation.

Abstract: A needle-selecting actuator (5) is surrounded by an intermediate ring (7) at the top, a lower ring (9) at the bottom, a needle cylinder (2) inside, and a cover (12) outside. A cylindrical chamber (13) is formed between the needle-selecting actuator (5) and the cover (12). The cover (12) is equipped with a ventilator fan (17) for feeding the air into the cylindrical chamber (13). The cylindrical chamber (13) has an opening (14, 15; 18) through which the air passes. The outside air is fed into the cylindrical chamber (13) through the means of ventilation/suction (17), and passes through said opening (14, 15; 18) to cool the needle cylinder (2) and its peripheral working components.

Abstract: A double knit circular knitting machine is provided having a first needle bed in which transfer needles are mounted and a second bed in which ordinary needles devoid of transfer function are mounted in a double density to that of the transfer needles for knitting a high density fabric in any one of several predetermined patterns. A method of knitting high density fabric is provided utilizing such transfer and ordinary needles to form courses of stitch loops and, as dictated by the pattern, to transfer stitch loops from selected transfer needles to correspondingly selected ordinary needles.

Abstract: A fabric with a patterned velvet on one face and a different patterned velour on the other is formed from a three dimensional fabric using a double bar knitting machine. Preferably, at least either the stitching or backing yarn within the fabrics is made with a bulk high enough so that after the three dimensional structure is knitted and split, the back can be napped to form the velour from such yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a continuous length of fabric extracted from a dyeing range. The apparatus includes a fabric receptacle for receiving the fabric from the dyeing range and a two-directional plaiting system for folding the fabric. In the preferred embodiment, a control system controls the speed and tension of the fabric to prevent tearing or sagging of the fabric during unloading. Also, a pulley and squeegee system receives the continuous fabric and extracting liquid from the fabric prior to folding. The pulley and squeegee system includes a first nip drive and a second nip drive, each of the drives including a pair of rollers spaced apart to allow the continuous fabric to feed through the nip drives to extract excess water from the fabric.

Abstract: A lockable tie down strap used to secure various loads to a variety of support surfaces, such as a vehicle, a boat, a pallet, a shelf, a tray, a cage, or the like. The lockable tie down strap has one loose end that is secured in a key-operated locking member to prevent theft, and is preferably constructed of a tubular webbing with steel cables running through the body of the webbing to prevent cutting of the strap, and thereby more securely hold a load by the strap. The strap may also be provided with loose ends having openings or a hook at the ends, for use with a roof rack or a wire cage to hold equipment or a flexible load in position.

Abstract: A locking arrangement configured to secure portable equipment includes a tubular lock having a pair of locking arms projecting from a face of the lock body. Each locking arm has a shank portion and a wing portion, the wing portion extending from the end of the shank at a right angle thereto. Each wing has a substantially flat surface. The locking arms are disposed adjacent to one another, and in the unlocked configuration, the wings of both arms are in parallel opposition such that their flat surfaces substantially meet. In the locked configuration, the wings are parallel to each other but extend in opposite directions outside the envelope. This opposite orientation of the wing members prevents the lock from being withdrawn through the locking port. Moreover, if the two shanks are seated within a port whose dimensions closely match those defined by the shanks themselves, rotation of the lock will be substantially prevented.

Abstract: A quick release lock for a cover is provided. The cover may be a manhole cover for closing onto a manhole ring having a radially extended flange. The quick release lock mainly includes several angularly equal-spaced cross-shaped slots provided on the cover to communicate with through holes below them, and catch elements, push elements, and cotters in the same number as that of the cross-shaped slots. The catch element each is pivotally connected to and between two fixing plates provided at two opposite sides of each through hole. The cotter each is positioned in one cross-shaped slot and extended down into she through hole. The push element each is screwed on a bar portion of the cotter below the cover. When the cotter is depressed, the push element radially pushes the catch element outward to engage with a lower edge of the flange on the ring member and thereby firmly locks the cover to the ring member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting and/or turning of an automobile steering wheel which includes a pair of clam shell halves made of cut-resistant material for covering the steering wheel rim and an anti-rotation arm. The clam shells radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to limit access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim. Second and third layer motion detector, siren and lights all having a battery and a backup power source are housed in the center of the clam shells.

Abstract: A motorcycle lock includes a base, a locking device, a locking rod, a stop plate, a fix plate, a constrictor and a housing. The locking device consists of a base block, a slide block and a position plate. The stop plate hides the locking device located in the base to prevent the lock from being unlocked illegally, and the base with the housing is fixed on a front fork of a motorcycle by a constrictor. In locking, a push plate is swung 90 degrees to align it with the locking rod and push it rearward into a front wheel, in thus locking the wheel without using the key and hampering the front wheel from rotating. In unlocking a key is used to permit the locking rod to retreat to its original unlocked position by a spring.

Abstract: A tension control method for a rolling stock section located between a front roll stand and a rear roll stand of a rolling train, wherein a tensioning element with an actual adjusting force is adjusted relative to the rolling stock section, so that the rolling stock section is deflected by the tensioning element by an actual deflection; the actual adjusting force and the actual deflection are determined; and a tension existing between the front roll stand and the rear roll stand in the rolling stock section is adjusted such that the actual adjusting force approaches a desired adjusting force and/or the actual deflection approaches a desired deflection.

Abstract: A flatness control apparatus for controlling the flatness of a strip in a hot rolling mill, wherein a strip width meter measures center line error values of the strip. The center line error values are the offsets of the center of the strip from the center of the hot rolling mill line and are positive if the center of the strip is offset toward a drive side of the mill. A flatness meter, installed on the delivery side of the mill, measures flatness of the strip at positions specified by the flatness control apparatus. Based on the center line error values and the flatness measurements, the flatness control apparatus calculates adjustments to be made to a work roll bending apparatus on a final stand in the mill in order to control strip flatness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a dome from a substantially round blank having a surface area smaller than the surface area of the dome. The method includes the steps of shear forming the blank to form a deformed blank, spin stretching the deformed blank in selected areas along its circumference to form a stretched blank, inside spinning the stretched blank into a rough dome, final dome spinning the rough dome into the finished dome, and flange spinning the dome.

Abstract: A machine for the forming of the body member of two-piece metal cans uses a carrier upon which are mounted six or more pairs of ram assemblies. The rams are driven by cam action on a fixed track and the rams each carry a pair of wheels which ride on the track. Each of the rams is rectangular in cross-section, to counteract centrifugal force, and is an aluminum alloy coated with a Teflon-ceramic coating so that the ram is light in weight and does not require a liquid lubricant.

Abstract: A tool kit for forming a double flare on the end of deformable tubing includes a jig or bar assembly for holding the tubing, a combination gauge and tube forming anvil or adapter and a cone and yoke assembly. The gauge and tube forming anvil includes a lateral flange which is used to set the amount of extension of tubing from the bar assembly prior to deformation of the tubing by the adapter or anvil.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operational condition of a machine is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing acoustical measurements are provided having some and preferably all of the following features: (1) the system is operated under near-field conditions; (2) the piezoelement or piezoelements used in the system are (a) mechanically and electrically damped and (b) efficiently electrically coupled to the signal processing components of the system; (3) each piezoelement used in the system includes an acoustical transformer for coupling the element to a gaseous test medium; (4) speed of sound is determined from the time difference between two detections of an acoustical pulse at a receiver; (5) cross-correlation techniques are employed to detect the acoustical pulse at the receiver; (6) fast Fourier transform techniques are used to implement the cross-correlation techniques; and (7) stray path signals through the body of the acoustic sensor are removed from detected signals prior to signal analysis.

Abstract: A friction testing machine and method for measuring friction characteristics between a test sample and a friction surface. The machine and method are particularly suited for measuring the coefficient of friction between a rubber specimen or a tread element and different friction surfaces at different sliding velocities, contact pressures and orientations. A preferred embodiment of machine is self-contained and portable, configured for easy and quick changing of the friction surface, and provides for rotating the test sample about an axis normal to the sliding surface and the direction of movement of the sample relative to the friction surface. In general, a friction test machine according to the invention comprises a sample holder configured to hold a sample in frictional engagement with a friction surface, and a motion device for effecting relative movement between the friction surface and sample holder in a first direction.

Abstract: A device for testing the take off speed of a thrust bearing in a disk drive spindle motor is disclosed. The device has a stationary torsion transducer that is used to support a drive shaft of the spindle motor. A load motor located adjacent to the transducer rotates the motor about the shaft while applying a radial load to the spindle motor through a belt. The load motor is attached to a linear stage which generates selected radial loads. In one version, the device also uses a ring magnet to attract the housing of spindle motor. The magnetic attraction imposes an axial force on the spindle motor and an equal reactive load on the thrust bearing. The axial load is such that the take off speed for the thrust bearing is much greater than that for the journal bearings. Under these conditions, the friction torque is dominated by the thrust bearing so that an accurate assessment of its quality may be assessed. As an alternative to the magnet, air jets may be used to apply a similar axial load to the thrust bearing.

Abstract: An engine in which an elapsed time Ta(i) of 30° crank angle near top dead center of the compression stroke and an elapsed time Tb(i) of 30° crank angle near 90° after top dead center of the compression stroke are found. The difference DTa(i) of the elapsed times Ta(i) in a 720° crank angle range is found for the first cylinder and the second cylinder where combustion is performed after the first cylinder. The assumed elapsed time Tb′(i) assuming that there is no torque fluctuation is calculated from the difference of elapsed times DTa(i) of the first cylinder and the second cylinder and the assumed elapsed time Tb′(i) is used to calculate the amount of torque fluctuation.

Abstract: A leaf spring test apparatus, generally comprising a frame constructed and arranged to support a first end and a second end of a leaf spring, a force applicator disposed on the frame for applying a force to a predetermined area of the leaf spring, a force measurement gauge connected to the force applicator to gauge the amount of force applied to the leaf spring by the force applicator, and a distance measurement gauge connected to the leaf spring to gauge movement of the leaf spring upon the application of force by the force applicator to the leaf spring. A method for testing and measuring the spring rate of leaf springs, comprising the steps of installing a leaf spring on a leaf spring test apparatus, zeroing a leaf spring test apparatus, pumping a jack on the leaf spring test apparatus to raise the leaf spring a desired distance, and reading a force measurement gauge.

Abstract: A fluid level measuring device for measuring a fluid filling level in a container contains a float disposed in the container and a magnet disposed in the container. The magnet is coupled to the float in terms of movement and, in the event of a change in the fluid filling level, executes a movement that corresponds to a change in fluid level. A magnetic field sensor is disposed in a zone of influence of a magnetic field generated by the magnet and outputs an electrical signal which is representative of a height of the fluid level.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope comprises a vibrator having a base part and provided with cantilever vibrating arms having vibrating free end parts, elastic vibration isolator having first and second elastic members pressed against the opposite surfaces of the base part of the vibrator, a vibrator holding case holding the elastic vibration isolator holding the vibrator by its base part, and a wiring board to which the vibrator holding case holding the elastic vibration isolator combined with the vibrator is attached. The base part of the vibrator is held firmly between the first and the second elastic members of the elastic vibration isolator, and the elastic vibration isolator thus holding the vibrator is compressed in the vibrator holding case.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor has a ring-shaped movable electrode connected to an anchor part via beams and a fixed electrode facing the ring-shaped movable electrode defining a specific interval, which are disposed on a substrate. The movable electrode is displaced by acceleration approximately in parallel to the substrate and contacts the fixed electrode, so that the acceleration is detected. The fixed electrode is divided into a detecting fixed electrode for contacting the movable electrode and a sensitivity controlling fixed electrode insulated from the detecting fixed electrode. Accordingly, potential differences between the movable electrode and the detecting fixed electrode and between the movable electrode and the sensitivity controlling fixed electrode are independently controlled to control sensitivity of acceleration.

Abstract: Modal frequencies of known good sample parts (SN) are analyzed to determine a pattern which will identify acceptable material and dimensional variations. The data obtained by analysis is then archived. Production parts are then measured at the modal frequencies and the production parts are accepted or rejected after pattern analysis of each part by comparing the production part with response to the pattern identified as acceptable for material and dimensional variations. Production part data is archived for future testing. This procedure is repeated throughout the lifetime of a part, and may be used on parts which are part of an assembly, including other unmeasured parts.

Abstract: A fluid testing arrangement includes an adaptor/connector 16 which couples to a service pipe 11 to allow fluid passage to continue from the main pipe 10. A catheter 18 is passed through the supplementary connection 17 and through the bore of the adaptor into the service pipe 11 until it reaches the main pipe tee connector 12. A logger 20 senses and measures the fluid pressure in effect, at the main pipe without the need to excavate.

Abstract: A tool for verifying the wetting of a “Hollow D” gasket adhesive sealing a panel, door or cabinet frame substrate and the like, including a pair of substantially symmetrical gripping surfaces having upper portions fastened together to receive a force gauge for measuring the upwards pulling on the gasket, and also having lower portions with inwardly facing extensions of a thickness equal to or less than that of the adhesive carrier for grasping the gasket when in place, and with a spacing between the facing extensions equal to or greater than the width of the adhesive carrier of the gasket.

Abstract: The device for metering the volume of gas flowing in a pipe, downstream from an expander-regulator, comprises in succession a flow straightener, a velocity-measuring flowmeter, and a silent flowrate limiter. The straightener comprises a support ring in which there are mounted a first perforated plate having holes distributed over its surface, together with a first porous plate and a spacer in the form of an annulus co-operating with the first perforated plate. The limiter comprises an upstream web defining a second perforated plate perforated by a defined number of calibrated holes, the total flow section thereof being much less than the total flow section of the first perforated plate, a second perforated plate, and a downstream web defining a third perforated plate having holes of total flow section that is much greater than the total flow section of the second perforated plate of the upstream web.

Abstract: A pipetting system with a pipetting device and at least one pipette tip releasably fastenable thereon, at least one fastening element on the pipetting device, on which the pipette tip is fastened, an ejection means on the pipetting device, which has an axially movable ejection element for releasing the pipette tip from the fastening element with an axial movement of the ejection element and a drive means for driving the axial movement of the ejection element, and a pull-means gear, push-means gear or linkage gear which transmits an essentially axial drive movement of the drive means into an axial movement of the ejection element and with which the ejection element at least on releasing the pipette tip from the fastening element is axially movable over a smaller distance than the essentially axial drive movement covers and an ejection force exceeding the force for the essentially axial drive movement can be exerted onto the pipette tip.

Abstract: A system and method for field fluid sampling and analyzing dissolved gases in electrical equipment fluids is described. The system includes a disposable vial which is sealed with a self-sealing stopper. Fluid to be analyzed is inserted into the vial by a hollow needle. Also described is apparatus for evacuating and sealing the vial and apparatus for introducing fluid from electrical equipment into the vial.

Abstract: A apparatus for studying the effects of steady and transient flow fields on a sample. The apparatus includes: (a) a flow chamber through which a sample can flow comprising a port arranged to accommodate an analytical probe for measuring the properties of the sample as it moves through the flow chamber; (b) a temperature-controlled thermal reservoir that houses the flow chamber; (c) a sample reservoir comprising a chamber in communication with the flow chamber; (d) a displacement piston arranged to apply pressure, upon activation, to a sample residing in the chamber of the sample reservoir to force the sample into the flow chamber; and (e) an actuator arranged to apply pressure to the displacement piston to activate the displacement piston.

Abstract: In a drive mechanism for a windshield wiper, a switch disk for realizing a park position switch is supported so as to be independently rotatable relative to an output gear of a gear unit. The output gear and the switch disk are coupled with each other via a coupling device, with the coupling device acting as an engaging device carrying the switch disk along, in one direction of rotation only. In order to lower an axial dimension of the gear unit, the disk is rotatably supported on a sleeve, through which an output shaft extends so that the end of the shaft can support itself directly on a housing lid.

Abstract: A simple device producing both action effect and electronic effect includes a housing, an elastic driving mechanism and an electronic control circuit with a vibration sensor. The elastic driving mechanism has an elastic member, a transmitting shaft, a power input device, an eccentric action member. The electronic cir-control circuit has a circuit board, the vibration sensor, a battery and a function device. The elastic member stores and releases energy, and a changed energy is produced in the storing and releasing process. The eccentric member is connected to the output shaft of the elastic driving mechanism and rotated by the changed energy to produce vibration or jumping phenomenon. Then the vibration sensor senses the vibration phenomenon and triggers a signal of changing its own condition and starts the electronic circuit to produce function to let the function device perform preset action or function.

Abstract: A spindle drive unit includes a spindle having a spindle axis and an external circumferential surface and a nut embracing the spindle and being in threaded engagement with the spindle. In an axial end portion of the nut a wiper assembly is removably fixed to the nut. The wiper assembly has at least one sealing ring in wiping engagement with the external circumferential surface of the spindle. The wiper assembly is removably connected to an adapter in a rotationally fixed manner, the adapter in turn being directly and removably connected to the nut in an axially and rotationally fixed manner. The use of the adapter enables the wiper assemblies of various constructions or with different numbers of sealing rings to be attached to a conventional nut.

Abstract: In a vehicle wherein a supplementary speed change mechanism (12; 112) having selectively operable two fluid-operated clutches (29F, 29R; 129L, 129H) and a main speed change mechanism (15; 18) having selectively operable plural fluid-operated clutches (36, 37, 38; 45, 46, 47) are connected in series, and wherein fluid pressure applied to the clutches of supplementary speed change mechanism is once reduced in response to the shifting operation of main speed change mechanism, a flow control valve (50) is connected to an output flow path (49) of a pump (49) for dividing its inflow into a constant flow and a surplus flow. A flow divider valve (52; 52A) is provided for dividing the constant flow into two flows of a constant ratio one of which is supplied to the clutches of main speed change mechanism and the other of which is supplied to the clutches of supplementary speed change mechanism. The surplus flow is used as lubricant supplied to the clutches of supplementary speed change mechanism.

Abstract: A slewing ring brake for use in heavy machinery including earthworking machinery. The slewing ring brake includes a slewing ring with a tooth system and a support member which is mounted in a manner to allow rotary movement of the support member relative to the slewing ring. The slewing ring brake also includes a brake block displaceably mounted on the support member, the brake block being displaceable between a braking position and a freewheeling position. In the braking position, the brake block engages with the tooth system thereby preventing rotary movement of the support member relative to the slewing ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot having multi-joint arms movable in a horizontal plane, which is mechanically compact as well as small sized and operated with high precision and a minimum output of drive sources, substantially comprising a robot body (1), a cylindrical mount (2) movable vertically of the robot body through a guide means (3) and a slider means (4), a vertical threaded shaft (6) rotatably journaled in the robot body and operatively connected to the cylindrical mount, the vertical threaded shaft being rotated by a first drive motor (5) to vertically move the cylindrical mount therealong, a first arm (9) having one end operatively connected to the cylindrical mount so as to be turningly moved in a horizontal plane by a second drive motor (12), a second arm (10) having one end operatively connected to the opposite end of the first arm so as to be turningly moved in a horizontal plane by a third drive motor (17), and a control R shaft (11) rotatably mounted on a free end of the second arm so as to be rotated b

Abstract: A bicycle brake cable system has a brake cable coupling arrangement in which a plurality of branches are provided from a single brake lever force application lug. Splitting of the brake cable is performed within the structure of a brake barrel adjuster. The barrel adjuster is provided with a cylindrical cavity that receives a rotatable coupler therewithin. The interface ends of the force transmission cable segments are terminated in the coupler, which is free to rotate relative to the barrel adjuster. As a consequence, the barrel adjuster may be threadably advanced to either increase or decrease brake tension by rotation relative to its threaded connection to the brake lever assembly body. By providing a coupler that is rotatable relative to the barrel adjuster, the barrel adjuster can be rotated in both directions to increase or reduce brake tension.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for engaging a first control cable connected to a first bicycle shift control device and for engaging a second control cable connected to a second bicycle shift control device. The indicator includes a housing; a handlebar attachment member for attaching the housing to a handlebar; a first intermediate member; a first coupling member coupled to the first intermediate member for coupling the first intermediate member for movement with the first control cable; and a separate first indicating member viewable from outside the housing, wherein the first indicating member engages the first intermediate member so that movement of the first intermediate member causes movement of the first indicating member.

Abstract: A bulbous rotatable gripping surface for a derailleur-type bicycle gear shifting system is formed of a resilient material with axially extending and angularly alternating ridges and base regions. The bulbous shape extending along the handlebar axis provides an increased diameter that naturally conforms to the longer middle finger of a rider's hand relative to the shorter adjoining index and ring fingers, to aid in the transmission of torque. The ridges and base regions are angularly spaced such that they fit naturally into the crooks of the rider's hand. The ridges, likewise, provide a larger diameter to aid in the transmission of torque and to protrude above any mud which may have collected thereon. To further enhance the torque transmission capabilities of the grip, the gripping surface is provided with a pattern of nubs.