Abstract: A method of producing hinged-lid packets of cigarettes on a continuous automatic machine, whereby a blank is closed about a group of cigarettes, the blank having a longitudinal axis, a rear panel, first tabs connected to the rear panel, and second and third tabs connected to the first tabs; the method providing for feeding the blank continuously along a given path with the axis of the blank crosswise to the path; and folding the first tabs with respect to the rear panel so that the second and third tabs are so positioned as to be intercepted by fixed folding devices located along the path.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of food, especially raw meats. A scavenger feeding means feeds a chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A separating means separates the oxygen scavenger located at an exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. An adhesive application means applies adhesive to the oxygen scavenger which has been separated from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A conveyor means conveys the separated oxygen scavenger to a position which is adjacent to a film layer which is used to form an outer package of the modified atmosphere package so that the oxygen scavenger is attached to a surface of the film layer by the adhesive. The film layer is subsequently formed into the outer package so that the oxygen scavenger that is attached to the film layer is contained within the outer package.

Abstract: Bags (13) with welded edges (21) are created by means of a vertical tubular bagging machine (1). The bags (13) are flat on top and are relatively wide at the bottom. Only one edge-welding device (15) to create a top seam (30) is for this purpose provided on one side of the fill pipe (7). Two edge-welding devices (15) on the opposite side (29) of the fill pipe (7) are used to create two bottom seams (37) stabilizing the bag (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting structure of a bag packaging machine for the vertical forming, filling, and sealing of tubular bags.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collector for vacuum cleaners, designed to effectively remove solids, including microparticles, from dust-laden air, is disclosed. This dust collector has an openable cyclone dust collection casing 200, with an air inlet port 100 formed on the casing such that the port tangentially introduces dust-laden air into the casing while forming a cyclone of the air within the casing. An air exhaust port 302 is formed at the top end of the casing for discharging the air from the casing to the atmosphere. A dust collecting filter 350 is provided within the casing for filtering the air before the air is discharged from the casing to the atmosphere through the air exhaust port. A suction unit 320 is connected to the casing 200, and forms a pressurized air current within the casing. A dust collecting chamber 210 is defined within the casing 200 at a lower portion by a horizontal partition plate 250, and contains the solids and particles, removed from the air through a cyclone dust collecting process.

Abstract: A holding plate for the filter bag of a vacuum cleaner has a plug-in opening for attaching a pipe socket of the vacuum cleaner. A seal for sealing the holding plate against the pipe socket of the vacuum cleaner projects into the plug-in opening. In order to lock the holding plate on the pipe socket of the vacuum cleaner, at least one projection pressing the seal against the pipe socket of the vacuum cleaner and projecting into the plug-in opening is provided on the holding plate. In this way, the holding plate is retained on the pipe socket of the vacuum cleaner in a clamped seat.

Abstract: A filter including a housing with a bottom shell (11) and a cover (13) for receiving a filter element (10). The filter element has a seal (17) that is made of non-woven material and is also used as a filtering medium. The filter element is clamped in a slot (16) between clamping ribs (20) and clamping grooves (21). Manufacturing tolerances of the housing parts can thus be compensated over a wide range. This leads to improved economic efficiency in the manufacturing process, especially as regards the production of synthetic resin housings. In addition, the assembly and retaining forces acting between the parts of the housing can be reduced, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

Abstract: An air cleaner for an internal combustion engine facilitates is made compact and maintenance work for cleaning or replacing the cleaner element of the same. An air cleaner case (14) holding a cleaner element (13) is a three-part structure essentially consisting of a body (16) having opposite open ends and provided with an air inlet (40), a bottom wall (15) detachably joined to one of the opposite open ends of the body (16) and connected to the air intake passage of the carburetor (5), and a cover (17) detachably joined to the other open end of the body (16). The bottom wall (15), the body (16) and the cover (17) are fastened together by a stud bolt (25) and a fastening nut (37). The cover (17) has a concave part (44) defining a space for receiving the fastening nut (37) and provided with drain holes (50). When the air cleaner (4) is disposed above the carburetor (5), the drain holes (50) are positioned right above the fuel flow adjusting screws (11) of the carburetor (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprises plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of cooling tubes located within the CFB in a plurality of staggered rows. One embodiment employs a plurality of stacked, slip fit elements having apertures which accept the cooling tubes. The slip fit elements cooperate with one another to form a collecting channel, typically U-shaped, which separates particles from flue gases conveyed across the particle separators. Shiplap joints in between the individual slip fit elements prevent gas and solids from leaking therebetween and allow for thermal expansion. Alternatively, the impact type particle separators comprise cooling tubes connected to one another to form a unitary structure. Pin studs welded to the cooling tubes and covered with a coating of refractory; ceramic tiles; metal or ceramic spray coatings; metal or ceramic castings; weld overlay; and/or shields provide erosion resistance.

Abstract: A filter device for removing combustion gases and/or particulate matter from air comprises a cooling unit and filtering unit. The cooling unit has an inlet for receiving an air stream containing combustion gases and/or particulate matter, a cooling member for lowering the temperature of the air stream, a first outlet for discharge of a condensate, and a second outlet for discharge of the air stream containing uncondensed particulate matter. The filtering unit has an inlet for receiving the air stream containing uncondensed particulate matter from the second outlet of the cooling unit, the filtering unit having at least one filter barrier through which the air stream passes, the filter barrier being configured to catch at least a portion of the particulate matter in the air stream. The invention is also for a process for removing combustion gases and/or particulate matter from an air stream.

Abstract: A cartridge dust collector for maximizing the filtration of the air and removal of the pollutants and contaminants from the air stream. The cartridge dust collector comprising a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, and a transverse wall. The housing further comprising a chamber. Conical shaped dust collector cartridges are mounted in the chamber between the air inlet and the air outlet with each dust collector cartridge in alignment with an access opening in a side wall of the housing. Provided in the housing in alignment with each access opening are spaced apart slide rails. The dust collector cartridges comprising a conical shaped media pack and a head plate secured to the upper end. Each head plate is carried on the slide rails, with the slide rails being spaced apart sufficiently to receive the media pack there between. Interlocking means are provided on adjacent head plates so that the cartridges can be assembled and removed from the housing in groups, rather than individually.

Abstract: A manual fruit harvesting tool having a handle which carries a head. The head has a U-shaped member which is generally perpendicular to the handle. The U-shaped member has a long arm and a shorter arm connected by a bight. The user manipulates the head directing the fruit stem into the bight where the fruit may be severed by applying a sharp downward jerk motion to the pole.

Abstract: A forage harvester header includes a plurality of intake and mowing arrangements disposed side-by-side across the width of the header and adapted for being driven about respective upright axes. Located behind the intake and mowing arrangements and leading to a centrally located discharge channel is a transverse conveying channel having upright conveying drums associated therewith to aid in moving the harvested crop stalks toward the discharge channel. A table is provided across the top of the center two intake and mowing arrangements and mounted centrally in the table is a conveyor arrangement which operates to gather and deliver rearwardly any crop stalks which emerge from the transverse conveying channel and go across the table in the vicinity of the conveyor arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn (2) twist retention (1) on an open-end spinning machine comprising a part of a wall of a bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5) forming the inner side (501) of the bent section (50) of the bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5), this section of the wall of the bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5) on the yarn (2) twist retention member being provided with at least one yarn (2) twist retaining means. The yarn (2) twist retention means is made as a longitudinal groove (8) in a part of the wall of the bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5) forming the inner side (501) of the bent section (50) of the bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5), the walls (80) of the longitudinal groove (8) being situated symmetrically to each other along the longitudinal symmetry plane of the bent section (50) of the bent yarn (2) delivery channel (5).

Abstract: A metal article of manufacture including a tubular body portion and free-formed metal features on the tubular body portion. The free-formed metal features are formed of a layerwise deposition of a molten metal material in a predefined pattern to form the desired free-formed feature or construction.

Abstract: A plant (1) includes, an air distillation apparatus (4) having at least one outlet (25) for a nitrogen-rich fluid and an outlet (32) for a product to be delivered in the liquid state and a gas turbine unit (3) having a combustion chamber (17) and an electricity-generating turbine (18), the intake of which is connected to an outlet of the combustion chamber. An expander (13) for expanding a nitrogen-rich fluid in order to generate refrigerating power allowing the liquid product to be delivered, the air distillation apparatus being connected in parallel to the expander (13) and to the intake of an electricity-delivering turbine in order to feed them with at least one nitrogen-rich fluid. Control elements (41, 42) are provided for controlling the flow rates of the nitrogen-rich fluid streams sent to the expander (13) and to the electricity-generating turbine (18), respectively, and determination elements (40) for determining the electrical power to be generated by the electricity-generating turbine (18).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control system and a control method for servo valve which can stably continue to control a servo valve when a break occurs in servo coils of a servo valve having a plurality of servo coils.

Abstract: This jet engine comprises of a complete low bypass turbofan unit 1 including secondary fan unit 2 and engine core, ahead of which sits a larger diameter main fan unit 3 driven from the front of the secondary fan via a long drive shaft 4. A center portion of the main fan would feed the secondary fan via long central duct 5. The outer portion of the main fan would be ducted into a split exhaust plenum chamber 6. This chamber has thrust vectoring exhaust mechanisms 7 immediately attached to each side, and then each side then feeds a thrust splitter 10, and then feeds to variable area outer ducting 8, using double-hinged inner and outer doors 9. Both outer ducts would rejoin the central duct downstream in a second plenum chamber 11 just ahead of the secondary fan. Between this chamber and secondary fan would be an intercooler 12.

Abstract: Turbojet powerplant with at least one compressor (1), at least one combustion chamber (2), a high-pressure turbine (3) and a low-pressure turbine (4), characterised in that a heat exchanger (5) is arranged between the compressor (1) and the combustion chamber (2), in that at least one hot-gas line (6) branches off from an area downstream of the high-pressure turbine (3) and is connected to the heat exchanger (5), and in that at least one cold-gas line (7) connects the heat exchanger (5) with an area upstream of the low-pressure turbine (4).

Abstract: A method is described for preventing early degradation of an exhaust treatment device installed in a diesel powered vehicle, the treatment device having an active element located within a casing by means of a mat surrounding the active element. The method comprises temporarily operating the engine at an early stage following the installation of the exhaust treatment device in an alternative mode wherein the temperature of the exhaust treatment device is raised sufficiently to cause the mat surrounding the active element of the exhaust treatment device to pop.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle with at least one catalyst located in an exhaust passage for adsorbing oxygen contained within exhaust gases entering the catalyst, and an air/fuel ratio sensor located in the exhaust passage upstream of the catalyst for detecting an air/fuel ratio based on a percentage of oxygen contained within the exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust passage and entering the catalyst, an air/fuel ratio control system controls an air/fuel mixture ratio of the engine at as close to stoichiometric as possible, an air/fuel ratio control system calculates a quantity of oxygen stored in the catalyst on the basis of a deviation of the air/fuel ratio detected by the air/fuel ratio sensor from a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio to produce informational data indicative of a calculated value of the quantity of oxygen stored. The control system controls the air/fuel mixture ratio of the engine so that the calculated value of the quantity of oxygen stored is adjusted to a desired value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in combination with a rotary positive displacement fluid machine. The combination having a rotor eccentrically mounted in a casing with a plurality of vanes defining compartments within the casing which vary in volume as the rotor rotates. Each vane is connected to a linkage to cause the vane, during rotation of the rotor, to pivot radially outwardly such that the outermost extremity of each vane is constrained to follow closely the internal wall of the casing. The linkage being constrained to follow at least one track in a member rotatable upon the same axis as the casing. The machine being connected to an air inlet manifold of the engine, and to atmosphere, such that the rotor is driven by the pressure difference between ambient air and air at the inlet manifold. The machine also is operatively connected to an energy using device.

Abstract: In a proportional booster valve V, a primary reaction piston 37 and a secondary reaction piston 38 are provided between a control piston 23 which faces at one end thereof toward a control pressure chamber 25 into which hydraulic pressure outputted from a primary master cylinder is inputted a boost pressure chambers 44 connected to secondary master cylinders, the primary reaction piston 37 being adapted to transmit at all times to the control piston 23 a reaction force corresponding to hydraulic pressure of the boost pressure chamber 44, the secondary reaction piston 38 being adapted to transmit to the control piston 23 a reaction force corresponding to the hydraulic pressure of the boost pressure chamber 44 as the hydraulic pressure of the boost pressure chamber 44 exceeds a set hydraulic pressure

Abstract: A three stage lean burn combustion chamber (28) comprises a primary combustion zone (36), a secondary combustion zone (40) and a tertiary combustion zone (44). Each of the combustion zones (36,40,44) is supplied with premixed fuel and air by respective fuel and air mixing ducts (76,78,80,92). Secondary fuel injectors (106) and two secondary fuel manifolds (105A, 105B) supply fuel into different circumferential sectors, halves, of the secondary fuel and air mixing duct (80). The secondary fuel manifolds (105A, 105B) have secondary fuel valves (107A,107B) which supply a greater proportion of fuel to the secondary fuel manifold (105A) than the secondary fuel manifold (105B) so that there is circumferential biasing of fuel in the secondary combustion zone (40). This circumferential biasing of fuel in the secondary combustion zone (40) reduces the generation of harmful pressure oscillations in the combustion chamber (28).

Abstract: Described herein is a temperature control system for cooling magnetic elements (14) in MRI apparatus (10). The control system comprises a wax (16) in contact with the elements (14) which is substantially maintained at its phase transition temperature between a solid state and a liquid state, but in a substantially solid state. A sensor (18) is immersed in the wax (16) and operates to provide a signal on the change of state of the wax (16). The sensor (18) is connected to a controller (20) which controls the operation of a heating element (26) also immersed in the wax (16) to control the temperature thereof. When the MRI apparatus is operational, heat is generated by the magnetic elements (14) is used to change the wax (16) to a liquid, this change being detected by the sensor (18) which sends signals to the controller (20) to turn off the heating element (26).

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit. The air conditioning apparatus is driven by an engine. The air conditioning apparatus includes a variable displacement compressor. An external information detector detects external information used for the air conditioning. An E/G-ECU controls the output of the power source. An A/C-ECU is connected to the E/G-ECU via a communication line. The A/C-ECU computes a target value of the displacement of the compressor based on the external information. The A/C-ECU sends the computed target value to the E/G-ECU. The E/G-ECU controls the displacement of the compressor based on the computed target value. This is capable of rapidly changing the discharge displacement in accordance with the driving condition of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level.

Abstract: A refrigerating unit capable of optimum operation with respect to load by finely changing the operating capacity in response to changes in load, and offering energy saving effects. The refrigerating unit has a scroll type inverter-driven compressor and scroll type constant-speed compressors; a pressure sensor installed on the suction side; a circuit for starting the inverter-driven compressor first; and a circuit for deciding the driving frequency of the compressor and the number of constant-speed compressors to operate, based on a suction pressure value detected by the pressure sensor after the compressor was started.

Abstract: An apparatus providing effective control of fluid temperature to achieve temperature control precision of ±0.1° F. at flow rates exceeding 5 gallons/minute includes a hot and a cold reservoir of process fluid maintained at their desired temperatures by a high-accuracy industrial chiller and an industrial heater, respectively. A three-way control valve mixes fluid from the reservoirs to produce a precisely controlled stream of process fluid delivered to the point of usage. Another flow control valve maintains system flow at a precise value.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system having a hot gas heater function, a valve device includes a solenoid valve for opening and closing a communication between a compressor and a condenser, a differential pressure valve opened by a pressure difference between a discharge side of the compressor and an inlet side of the condenser when the solenoid valve is closed for directly introducing gas refrigerant from the discharge side of the compressor into an evaporator, and a check valve for preventing refrigerant discharged from the compressor from flowing into the condenser when the solenoid valve is opened. In the valve device, at least the three valves are integrated by a housing member to construct an integrated member.

Abstract: A solar powered vapor compression refrigeration system is made practicable with thermal storage and novel control techniques. In one embodiment, the refrigeration system includes a photovoltaic panel, a variable speed compressor, an insulated enclosure, and a thermal reservoir. The photovoltaic (PV) panel converts sunlight into DC (direct current) electrical power. The DC electrical power drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant through a vapor compression refrigeration loop to extract heat from the insulated enclosure. The thermal reservoir is situated inside the insulated enclosure and includes a phase change material. As heat is extracted from the insulated enclosure, the phase change material is frozen, and thereafter is able to act as a heat sink to maintain the temperature of the insulated enclosure in the absence of sunlight. The conversion of solar power into stored thermal energy is optimized by a compressor control method that effectively maximizes the compressor's usage of available energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condensing heat exchanger comprising a condenser section containing a plurality of internal fins, on which water is condensed and a succeeding slurper section, in which the condensate is removed. The condenser section and the slurper section are connected by a capillary bridge comprising capillary spaces wherein the condensate formed on the fins is transported by means of capillary forces inside the slurper section.

Abstract: An air-conditioning unit comprises a compressor component for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser component for condensing the refrigerant, and an evaporator component for evaporating the refrigerant. At least two of the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator components is assembled integrally. This prevents with certainty leakage of the refrigerant that circulates through the air-conditioning unit.

Abstract: Box for refrigeration unit, the box being formed from a moulded, hollow walled, plastics shell. The walls of the shell are filled with an insulating material. Some components of a refrigeration unit, including an evaporator, are provided within the box, other components, including a compressor, are provided outside the shell. The box can be used as a plug box for a refrigeration unit.

Abstract: Efficient apparatus and methods are disclosed for interfacing active thermal stores, or cooling loops, to a secondary water loop for decreasing the temperature of an airflow by providing a continuously regenerating water loop that directs chilled water onto a thermally conductive heat exchanger, said loop further comprising supplying water for the loop by collecting water from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a scroll compressor that can switch between an internal high-pressure operation and an internal low-pressure operation, in order to provide proper back pressure for an orbiting scroll during either operation, a back pressure chamber of the orbiting scroll is divided by means of a first and a second thrust rings into a first back pressure chamber in communication with a driving chamber and an independent second back pressure chamber, and the pressure in the second back pressure chamber is set at discharge pressure or suction pressure depending on an operation mode.

Abstract: An automatic ice maker of the open-cell type including a housing composed of a pair of spaced side wall panels and front and rear wall panels jointed at their opposite ends to the side wall panels, a water storage tank mounted to the bottom of the housing, a sprinkler mounted within the bottom portion of the housing and having a plurality of nozzles for spouting upward ice making water supplied from the water storage tank, a cooling pipe mounted within an ice making chamber formed in an upper portion of the housing, a plurality of ice making cell casings horizontally mounted in the ice making chamber and located above the nozzles of the sprinkler to be supplied with the ice making chamber spouted therefrom and to be cooled by refrigerant supplied into the cooling pipe, and an ice chute in the form of a lattice placed in a forwardly inclined condition between the sprinkler and the ice making cell casings to permit the ice making water spouted into the cell casings therethrough from the nozzles of the sprinkler

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a controlled temperature environment for an extended period of time. The apparatus comprises a thermal chamber for holding a heat exchange substance, the heat exchange substance having a reservoir temperature, and one or more storage chambers for holding a storage specimen, wherein the storage chambers are in thermal communication with the thermal chamber through one or more insulation element, such that when the thermal chamber is holding a heat exchange substance, each of the storage chambers maintain a range of predetermined storage temperature that is between the reservoir temperature and the ambient temperature.

Abstract: To provide a temperature adjustment apparatus that can reduce the amount of evaporation of a medium without using a closed type container. A temperature adjustment apparatus 24 is composed of a container 26 that contains PFC 42 for heat exchange, a circulation path 28 of the PFC 42 that passes through an electrode 20 of a plasma processing apparatus 10, and a pump 30. A liquid layer 40 that separates from the PFC 42 is formed in an upper layer of the PFC 42 that is contained in the container 26. As a result, the PFC 42 does not directly contact the atmosphere and therefore the amount of evaporation of the PFC 42 into the atmosphere is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Adherable body jewelry includes a body ornament having a non-planar area and a non-soluble adhesive pad having opposite adhesive surfaces. One surface is conformable to the non-planar area of the body ornament and the other is independently conformable to a non-planar human body region so as to securely adhere the body ornament to a person's body. In a preferred form, the jewelry provides adherable navel jewelry with the body ornament being a gem-studded globe and the adhesive pad being disk-shaped. The invention also provides a kit including a multi-chamber case for storing the ornament separate from a plurality of adhesive pads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting gems in jewelry through the use of screws. More particularly, precious gems are set in a cavity of a jewelry piece comprising gems holes, screw holes and grooved slots. Gems are positioned in the cavity with four gems surrounding each gem hole. A screw is used to secure the gems in the cavity of the jewelry. The present invention may be implemented in jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, lockets and the like.

Abstract: The method of making a curved glass-ceramic panel by bending a green glass panel to be ceramicized avoids formation of stresses in the bending zone. The method includes performing the bending process in a heated chamber at a temperature of from 10° C. to 50° C. above a transformation temperature of the green glass panel to be bent; providing a forming body acting as a workpiece support (3) with a geometric shape according to a bend geometry of the glass-ceramic panel and tempering the forming body at the temperature of the heated chamber; bringing the forming body into effective mechanical contact with the green glass panel in a bending zone of the green glass panel to form a curved green glass panel and ceramicizing the curved green glass panel to form the curved glass-ceramic panel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a base material for an optical fiber, includes steps of: holding a bar material by a support member; and adjusting to reduce a difference between an axis of the bar material and a rotational axis of the support member. Furthermore, an optical fiber base material grasping apparatus for holding a bar material having an axis, includes: a support member having a center axis, the support member being rotatable around the center axis; and an adjusting mechanism for reducing a difference between the axis of the bar material and the central axis of the support member.

Abstract: An optical waveguide substrate, which has less particles or concave pits caused by Oxidation Induced Stacking Fault on the quartz film when oxidizing the surface of the silicon substrate relatively thickly and forming on its surface a quartz film to become an optical waveguide, is manufactured. The making method of the optical waveguide substrate comprises a step of exposing a silicon substrate to an atmosphere of oxidizing gas while heating to form a quartz film on the surface thereof for an optical waveguide, characterized in that a density of Oxygen contained in said silicon substrate is 24 ppma at maximum.

Abstract: A latch needle includes a shank; a hook formed at an end of the shank and having a hook tip; and a latch pivotally supported by the shank and cooperating with the hook. The latch has a closed state and a reverse state. In the closed state the hook and the latch together define a closed trapping space and in the reverse state the hook defines an open trapping space constituted essentially by an inner hook space. The latch includes an inner contour facing the trapping space in the closed state, a free end lying on the hook in the closed state and a stepped portion formed on the inner latch contour and adjoining the free latch end.

Abstract: In a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention, a drum 5 is inclined so that the opening 5a of the drum 5 is angled slightly upward. In the extracting process, a balancing operation is performed where the drum 5 is rotated at a speed lower than a speed where the centrifugal force and the gravitational force acting on the laundry are balanced, whereby the laundry in the drum 5 is moved toward the rear end and gathered there. Thus, even when there is an eccentric load due to an uneven distribution of the laundry around the rotation axis, it is highly probable that the position of the eccentric load along the axial direction is in the rear end of the drum 5. In this state, since the distance between the eccentric load and a bearing member 10 for supporting the drum 5 by a cantilevered structure is small, the shakingmovement of the drum 5 is relatively small, and the load working on the bearing member 10 is also small.

Abstract: A washer-dryer has an improved efficiency of drying; namely, the drying time is shortened and the unevenness of drying is alleviated. Furthermore, vibration during operations, especially during spin-drying, is reduced. An inner tub of approximately cylindrical shape rotating around a substantially vertical axis and for receiving a wash load is housed in an outer tub. The inner tub is provided with freely rotatable agitating means at the bottom part for agitating the wash load. A motor rotates the inner tub or the agitating means. The air to be supplied through a hot air supply channel into the inner tub is heated by heating means, which air is advanced by a drying air blower into the inner tub. Control means controls each of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying processes by controlling respective operations of the motor, the heating means, the drying air blower, etc.

Abstract: A method for controlling flatness of a strip (1) of rolled material rolled to a first flatness target and coiled and that is subsequently uncoiled, and a system which employs the method. Measurements of the flatness of the strip (1) during rolling are compared to both the first flatness target and to a second flatness target, a Mill Flatness Target 2. A flatness target for each of one or more subsequent processes, a Post Rolling Flatness Target (PRFT) and a measured flatness error is used to adapt a control signal for a mill stand (5) to control and regulate the flatness of subsequent production of rolled material of the same specification. The adaption may be made using different statistical techniques including fuzzy logic and neuro-fuzzy logic control methods. In the preferred embodiment, flatness measurements after decoiling are also fed forward to at least one subsequent process 12 and used to adapt control signals to regulate flatness of the current strip in the subsequent process 12.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing leadthroughs on hollow profiles acted upon by a high fluidic pressure in an internal high-pressure forming tool. Dome-like secondary shaped elements are formed outwards in a radial direction from this hollow profile by the fluid pressurizing. The secondary shaped elements are then reverse drawn into the interior of the hollow profile by a punch while held at the prevailing internal high pressure, whereupon, to open the leadthrough, a punched slug is cut out of the base of the reverse-drawn secondary shaped element by the punch. To ensure the process reliability when producing the leadthrough even in the case of a hollow-profile material having low formability and to retain the strength of the hollow profile in the transition region to the leadthrough, in each case a secondary shaped element is formed out of the hollow profile at two opposite locations.