Abstract: A construction for mounting a pressure detector prevents the detector diaphragm from being strained by stress applied to the pressure detector as the detector is mounted in a fixture main body provided in a pipe line or the like, thereby keeping the output characteristics and temperature characteristics of the detector from greatly differing before and after the mounting. The pressure detector is constructed by combining and fastening together a diaphragm base having a diaphragm and a sensor base having a sensor element therein that is activated by displacement of the diaphragm base. The pressure detector, with a gasket placed thereunder, is disposed in a mounting hole of a fixture main body that is mounted in a pipe line. The pressure detector is air-tightly pressed and fastened by a presser member inserted from above in the mounting hole.

Abstract: A micromachined strain sensor can be incorporated in a sealed package with other microelectrical and micromechanical components, with the residual strain being monitored electronically from outside the package to allow strain to be monitored during production and during the life of the component. The strain sensor includes at least one microstructural beam member anchored to a substrate at one position and having a portion which is freed from the substrate during formation to displace as a result of the strain in the beam member. At least one electrically conductive displaceable tine is connected to the beam member to be displaced as it is freed. A mating electrically conductive tine is mounted to the substrate adjacent to the displaceable tine such that a capacitor is formed between the adjacent tines. A plurality of displaceable tines and mating tines may be formed to increase the overall capacitance of the device.

Abstract: A load sensor 10 is provided with an elastic conductive tube 21, and a first electrode member 22 and second electrode member 23 separated by a distance in the longitudinal direction. The load sensor 10 is further provided with an elongated insertion member 24 to be inserted into the elastic conductive tube 21, and envelope members 25, which are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction to enclose the insertion member 24, and together with the insertion member 24 are inserted into the tube 21 to separate the insertion member 24 from the tube 21. When the tube 21 is bent by the application of a load, the electrode members 22 and 23 contact the tube 21. The load is detected by determining whether the electrode members 22 and 23 have been rendered conductive via the tube 21. The sensitivity of the sensor 10 can be easily controlled by adjusting the interval between envelope members 25 and the thicknesses thereof.

Abstract: The oscillation frequency of a fluid jet in a fluidic oscillator is measured using a temperature sensor. The resistance of the temperature sensor varies as a function of the oscillation of frequency f0 of the jet. The method consists in feeding the temperature sensor with an AC voltage of frequency f, and then in determining the frequency components around the frequency 3×f in the output signal from the temperature sensor in order to determine the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet. The frequency components in the signal output by the temperature sensor are determined by measuring the measurement signal across the terminals of the temperature sensor, then by synchronously demodulating the measurement signal at the frequency 3×f, and finally by determining the frequency of the demodulated measurement signal, which frequency corresponds to the oscillation frequency f0 of the jet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid flow meter (50) measures the flow speed of a fluid by measuring the time, in each direction, for a sequence of ultrasonic pulses (55) to pass between two transducers (54A,54B) positioned in a measuring tube (52) in the fluid flow path. The second and subsequent transmit pulses of each sequence are caused to start by the arrival of its predecessor at the detector end of the measuring tube. A first transmit pulse calculates a delay (110) to a zero crossing which is used to identify a particular zero crossing at which the arrival of each pulse in the sequence is determined.

Abstract: A mass flow measurement and control device includes an enclosure with a Coriolis mass flowmeter situated therein. The Coriolis mass flowmeter has a flow-tube made of a high-purity plastic material, a driver coupled to the flow tube for vibrating the flow tube, and a pickoff coupled to the flow tube for sensing Coriolis deflections of the vibrating flow tube. A pinch valve includes an elastomeric tube made of a high-purity plastic material in fluid communication with the flow tube. An actuator with a ram operatively connected thereto is situated adjacent the elastomeric tube, and a reference surface is positioned generally opposite the ram such that the elastomeric tube is squeezable between the ram and the reference surface. A controller may also be provided, which receives an output signal from the Coriolis flowmeter and provides a control output signal to the pinch valve actuator in response to the flowmeter output signal and a setpoint signal.

Abstract: A strain testing apparatus which places tensile forces on a sheet, a film, or the like samples in at least two axes and generally in a radial direction. The multi-axial strain testing apparatus comprises a clamping assembly having at least two clamping members, and a sample securing portion arranged in a substantially radial manner about a point. The multi-axial strain testing apparatus can advantageously be employed to test crack growth propagation and flex fatigue in rubber polymer and elastomer samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll (1) for measuring the flatness of a band (M) comprising a tubular body (12) with a cylindrical external face (11) and a number of sensors each consisting of a feeler (2) mounted in a housing (3) provided in a recess in the thickness of the tubular body (12) and closed by a protection wall (50) whose deformations are measured by the feeler (2). According to the invention, each housing (3) is closed by a hollow piece in the shape of a lid (5) comprising a bottom made of an elastically deformable thin wall (50) and a peripheral part in the form of a bushing (53) encased without any clearance in the housing (3) and forming an embedding foot for the thin wall (50).

Abstract: An improved tube inspection probe delivery system that supports a probe pusher that drives a cable connected to the probe through a flexible conduit into a tube for inspection. The probe pusher is mounted on an elevator that advances the probe pusher toward or retracts the probe pusher from the general direction of the tube as the probe is moved from tube to tube for inspection of a plurality of tubes, to maintain a substantially constant slack in the flexible conduit. The probe drive system includes a containment to control contamination that may be emitted from the tube during the inspection process.

Abstract: A pull cable system, includes a cable for transmitting a tensile force, a flexible tube for accommodating the cable, and a casing surrounding the tube for absorbing a pressure force. The casing is composed of a plurality of form-parts so joined to one another as to form a continuous axial passageway which is defined by an inside dimension. The form-parts are so configured that abutting end faces between successive form-parts have a complementary configuration to thereby enable a disposition of the casing along an arcuate path, with the tube being defined by an outside dimension corresponding to the inside dimension of the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced system and method for compensating for load imbalances of rotating members. An imbalance compensator may have a balancing ring wirelessly controlled by a ring controller. The balancing ring may have a housing containing a plurality of actuators configured to exert force against a compensation ring within the housing. The actuators may move the compensation ring with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft in a direction substantially opposite the direction of the imbalance. The actuators may directly contact the compensation ring, or may exert the force through the use of mechanical transfer devices that provide a selected mechanical advantage. Alternatively, a chamber containing a magnetic fluid may be used to provide a counterbalancing mass. Particles within the magnetic fluid maybe concentrated opposite the imbalance direction through the use of electromagnets or permanent magnets mounted on movable carts.

Abstract: A method to design a bi-center drill bit designed to drill out the cement and other material in the casing and then proceed to drill out the full gauge drilling diameter borehole with a diameter greater than the inside of the casing. The bi-center drill bit has a pilot section on the end of the bit body, an eccentric reamer section and a plurality of cutting elements on the pilot section. The design method comprises the steps of: defining a first center of rotation of the pilot section about the longitudinal axis, defining a radius of rotation R1 of the drill bit about the first center of rotation, defining a second center of rotation of the pilot section spaced apart from the first center of rotation by a distance D, defining a radius of rotation R2 of the drill bit about the second center of rotation, and setting the relationship between D, R1 and R2 such that R1 is less than the sum of R2 and D.

Abstract: A fastener starter tool includes a number of spring retention fingers for retaining a small part, or combination of parts. The tool has an inner housing, which holds the spring retention fingers, a hand grip, and an outer housing configured to slide over the inner housing and the spring retention fingers toward and away from the hand grip, exposing and opening, or respectively, covering and closing, the spring retention fingers. By sliding the outer housing toward (away from) the hand grip, a part can be released from (retained by) the tool. The tool may include replaceable inserts, for retaining parts, such as screws, and configured to limit the torque applied to the part, to prevent cross threading. The inner housing has means to transfer torque from the hand grip to the insert. The tool may include replaceable bits, the inner housing having means for transferring torque to the replaceable bit.

Abstract: A handle for hand tool, which handle includes an elongate handle body and at least two polygonal locating shanks provided on the handle body as to tool fasteners onto which commercially available inserts are fittable. The shanks include a first shank arranged on a first end face of the body coaxially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the handle body, and at least one further shank aligned at an angle and at a distance from the first shank in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of holes of fine diameter d in a brittle material at fine intervals &agr; includes the steps of forming at least two holes having a fine diameter d at intervals A in the brittle material through the use of punches. The intervals A are at least two times the fine interval &agr;. Holes are then subsequently punched between the previously punched holes at intervals A without removing the die punches used to form the previous holes. The distances between the previously punched holes and the subsequently punched holes measure at least the distance corresponding to the fine interval &agr;.

Abstract: A blade is used to cut through a film between the panes of laminated glass in the area of a gap produced in the laminated glass the blade is provided on a holding device and can move along the gap. The holding device includes swiveling carrier on which there is a holding part for the blade with a vertical adjustment capacity. The blade is first placed next to the gap on the top of the top pane of the laminated glass. The vertical alignment of the blade is ascertained with a rule for determining the thickness of the laminated glass. Then the holding device is adjusted by a motor such that the blade falls into the gap. When a sufficient immersion depth of the blade into the gap is ascertained via the rule, the film is cut.

Abstract: A punching mechanism has a plurality of predetermined standby positions where the punching mechanism is previously moved by move means and stands by based on size information in the width direction of a sheet material and punching execution information as to whether or not the sheet material is to be punched. The standby position corresponding to a sheet material of the maximum width that can be punched by the punching mechanism and the standby position applied when punching is not executed are set to substantially the same position.

Abstract: Manually operable apparatus for cutting gel or other sheet material comprises a cutting table and a longitudinally reciprocable traveling bridge mounting a transversely translatable cutter carriage supporting a cutter assembly for manually selective movement to any position on the cutting table. The cutter assembly is employed for making longitudinal as well as transverse cuts of the sheet material. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cutting guide that permits the use of a power saw in trimming roofing materials in the installation of those roofing materials. The cutting guide may be constructed as an accessory or as a contiguous roofing material cutting apparatus and generally comprises a mounting plate for coupling a power saw to the cutting guide, a post extending downwardly from the mounting plate in general alignment with a blade of the power saw, and a base that supports the power saw and cutting guide and which has at least one lateral edge that is arranged substantially parallel with the blade of the power saw at a predetermined offset distance therefrom. The cutting guide of the present invention may be readily configured to trim roofing materials such as shingles, membranes, shakes, or tiles in roof valleys, at ridges, and at the gable end of a roof.

Abstract: A compound miter saw has a unique locking system for locking the bevel angle support housing to the table assembly once the desired bevel angle has been set. The locking system includes a cam and a handle each with an angular cam surface. When the two cam surfaces are aligned, the support housing is free to pivot around a supporting shaft. When the handle is rotated on the shaft, the two cam surfaces are moved to a non-aligned position. This non-alignment of cam surfaces causes axial movement of the cam along the shaft which in turn forces the support housing against the table assembly to lock the support housing in the desired bevel angle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for neutralizing mines and obstacles that can quickly and efficiently clear a specified surf zone without human intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes firing tubes including a combustion chamber, a mechanism for supplying an aluminum fuel to the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the aluminum fuel within said combustion chamber to generate pressure waves. The firing tubes arranged in arrays located on sides of a main body of an autonomous vehicle. Activation of the firing tubes on a rear side of the main body is utilized in a preferred embodiment to propel the vehicle forward. Forward propagating pressure waves generated by firing tubes arranged on forward facing first and second sides of the main body are utilized to destroy mines and other obstructions located within a selected surf area.

Abstract: Turret (12) fitted with automatic canon and intended for a combat unit, said turret (12) comprising a turret housing (14) which is intended to be mounted on the outside of the combat unit and can rotate about a substantially vertical axis, and in which turret housing (14) there is a weapon holder (16) for pivotably supporting a canon about a horizontal axis, which canon has a barrel (20) projecting from the turret housing (14) and a rear part (22) with associated loading mechanism (24) situated inside the housing (14). At least one ammunition magazine (26, 28) is arranged to the side of the rear part (22) of the canon and has an outlet (29, 31) for the ammunition belt situated in such a way that the latter can be conveyed from a rear part of the magazine and guided forwards along an underside (33) of the magazine and thereafter curved through ca. 90° about an axis substantially at right angles to the plane of the belt for feeding the projectiles to the loading mechanism (24).

Abstract: Presented is a gas operated, semi-automatic rifle having a shortened barrel. For actuating a receiver to provide the semi-automatic feature, the rifle has a gas system including a gas cylinder assembly attached to the barrel at a second angular position relative to the barrel. For linking the gas cylinder assembly with the receiver, an operating rod is provided having a charging arm engaging the receiver and a distal end located at a first angular position relative to the barrel. The gas cylinder assembly and the distal end are hence coextensive to each other, eliminating the length of the barrel otherwise necessary to position the gas cylinder assembly and the distal end in a linear relationship. To provide for interaction between the gas cylinder assembly and the operating rod, an abutment block is attached to the operating rod and positioned at the second angular location.

Abstract: A rotational power input is converted into a linearly oscillating power output through the use of counter-rotating nested eccentrics. The outer eccentric is connected to an input end of a connecting rod, which is in turn connected at an output end thereof to a piston of a piston pump. The piston is constrained to translational movement along an axis D. Drive gears are rotationally fixed to each of the eccentrics and geared to each other through an intermediate pinion having a rotational axis B. An angular position &bgr; of the pinion axis B relative to the axis D determines the output oscillation stroke length and flow rate of the pump. An actuator is geared to a pinion bracket that holds the pinion. The actuator can be actuated on-the-fly to alter the angle &bgr; and pumping rate of the pump.

Abstract: A hybrid of the pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for combining pneumatically powered actuation with incompressible and controllable hydraulic damping in order to achieve smooth displacement, rapid stopping and steady and accurate positioning of the hybrid actuator in which hydraulic damping of a pneumatic actuator is obtained through utilizing positive-displacement hydraulic actuator means with zero volumetric differential.

Abstract: A self-heating urn (10) is provided with a warmer packs (18) which are rapidly heated during the brewing process and then gradually release their heat to the brewed beverage within the urn after it is removed from the brewing location to a serving location at which electrical powered for heating is not available. The warmer pack (18) are formed of ceramic materials, high density liquids, PCM's or the like which are capable of being rapidly heated during the brewing process but then gradually release their heat to the beverage in the urn. Alternatively, the warmer packs (18) are removably mounted within a compartment (68) within the self-heating urn (10) and are heated apart from the brewing process and then inserted into the self-heating urn (10) when it is moved to a serving location.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for brewing a beverage from a dry beverage medium contained in a disposable cartridge, the cartridge is initially pierced and vented by a tubular outlet probe, and then pierced by a tubular inlet probe. Heated liquid is admitted to the cartridge interior via the inlet probe for combination with the beverage medium to produce a beverage, and the beverage is extracted from the cartridge via the outlet probe.

Abstract: A crank operated device for cutting, shaving, mincing, grinding, and squeezing foods has an outer housing element with a first disc element positioned therein. An inner shaft element is slidably positioned within the outer housing element and has a crank shaft secured thereto. The inner shaft element has one or more positioning tracks or channels for positioning a cutting disc within the inner shaft element. A control mechanism for controlling the depth of a cut stroke of the inner shaft element is secured to the inner shaft element, and a handle is secured to the inner shaft element. The first disc element and the cutting disc may be in various configurations and cutting styles, such as a plurality of spaced apertures, various grate configurations, spaced cutting edges, cones, squares, and the like.

Abstract: Calender that includes a stand, an upper roll, a lower roll, and at least two center rolls arranged between the upper and the lower rolls. The calender also includes at least two cylinders, where the at least two center rolls are supported on the stand by the at least two cylinders. Each of the at least two cylinders include a discharge path that is controlled over more than ¾ of a piston stroke for lowering the at least two center rolls.

Abstract: A mechanical press having a variable drive arrangement. The press includes a link drive which drives a crankshaft. The drive altering mechanism includes an adjustment device which changes the position of the link drive, thereby altering the drive mechanism of the mechanical press and the corresponding velocity curve of the press slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a die stamping method and to a device for performing the method. The problem of the invention is to reduce the production of waste during die stamping. This is brought about in that on supplying the foil web to the stamping station a sensor means monitors whether there is a defect therein. If a defect is detected, the foil web supply to the stamping station is controlled in such a way that the defect is conveyed through the stamping station between two stamping operations. Thus, the defect does not arrive in the stamping or printing area of the stamping station, so that no waste is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stencil for applying make-up to an area of the body, such as the hair or skin. The stencil includes a flexible sheet bearing a pattern that is to be reproduced on a convex surface, and of which one region, located near a peripheral edge, is attached to a rigid frame in the form of an annular element, the flexible sheet being mounted on the rigid frame in such a way as to form a dome inside the frame.

Abstract: A folder system includes an adjustable-lap folder for folding signatures so-as to define folded signatures, an optical sensor for measuring a presence of the fold&ed signatures, and a controller connected to the rotary blade folder and the optical sensor for determining a lap of the folded signatures. Also provided is a method for folding signatures comprising folding signatures in a folder so as to define folded signatures, and measuring with an optical sensor the edges of the folded signatures so as to determine a lap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a continuous medium printing apparatus for performing printing on both sides of a continuous medium. The continuous medium printing apparatus comprises: a conveyance system; a printing section; a feed-force adjustment section disposed on a downstream side of the conveying path from the printing section; and a feed-force control section. The conveyance system has a pair of conveyor rollers disposed on a downstream side of the conveying path from the printing section so that they are opposite to each other with the continuous medium therebetween, feed force being applied to the continuous medium by rotating the pair of conveyor rollers with said continuous medium clamped therebetween. The feed-force adjustment section varies said feed force by adjusting pressure of said pair of conveyor rollers with respect to the continuous medium.

Abstract: A sheet offset printing method and a sheet offset printing press includes altering flow relationships in an interior of a housing of a sheet delivery of a sheet-fed printing machine to prevent uncontrolled spread of powder in the housing by extracting powder-laden air from the housing and/or feeding air into the housing from outside at a point along a return belt of a sheet conveying device. Air currents are channeled inside the housing by feeding air not laden with powder into the housing and/or leading the air into an air flow path along the return belt downstream of the point with respect to a return belt motion direction to transport the unladen air toward a printing unit by a drag effect of the return belt and/or impeding/blocking a supply of powder-charged air from around a conveyor belt of the sheet-conveyor or a powder-scattering device into a flow path along the return belt.

Abstract: A device for processing of printing defects detected in a printing machine which in a first phase delivers a printed support. The printing defects (20, 21, 22) on the support (1) are detected in a detection station. A database connected to the detection station can simultaneously store information relating to each detected printing defect. The processing device connected to the database can, in a second phase, process the stored information in order to evaluate the quality of overall printing of the printed support and can use various possible scenarios, even before the support (1) is cut in a third phase, to define all those portions (23) of the support which should be removed in order to improve the final quality of the printed product within the limit of a restriction in the number of portions which it has been agreed to cut out.

Abstract: A method for controlling a chill roll system in a web printing press includes calculating, based on a web inlet temperature of a web entering a first chill roll of the chill roll system, a dew point temperature of an ink solvent vapor of ink printed on the web is calculated. The inlet coolant temperature of coolant entering the first chill roll is set to temperature value near the calculated dew point temperature. Using a heat transfer model, the flow rate of the coolant through the first chill roll needed to maintain a temperature rise of the coolant through the first chill roll below a predetermined value is determined. The method prevents post-chill marking by sufficiently cooling the web, and sets chill roll temperature profiles to avoid solvent condensation on chill roll surfaces and thereby avoid condensate marking.

Abstract: A sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a feed unit, a printing unit, a delivery unit, and a printing quality control unit. The feed unit feeds sheet-like objects one by one. The printing unit performs printing on the sheet-like objects supplied from the feed unit. The delivery unit delivers the sheet-like objects printed by the printing unit. The printing quality control unit is provided on the delivery unit to adjust an amount of ink to be used for printing on the sheet-like objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a shaped charge for destroying land mines and unexploded ordnance utilizes one or more pins secured to a shaped charge. In one embodiment, an outer body made of molded rubber has one or more flanges with holes for receiving the pins. By manipulating the legs of the pins, the shaped charge is positioned in proximity to the “target.” The tips of the pins may be forced into the surface surrounding the target, or by bending the legs of the pins to rest on the surrounding surface. A detonator, such as a blasting cap, may be secured to the shaped charge through an opening in the outer body, or through a clip attached to the shaped charge. The opening in the outer body is deformabale to accommodate various diameter detonators. The clip has a flange that the detonator is seated against to at ensure proper placement.

Abstract: A bounding anti-armor/anti-vehicle mine attacks and destroys multiple targets simultaneously at the targets” closest point of approach. This is accomplished by utilizing multiple asymmetric explosively forged penetrators (EFPs) on a warhead that is capable of producing multiple armor penetrating kills horizontally in 360 degrees. The warhead comprises, for example, 16 curved copper or non-ferrous EFP metal plates arranged parallel to the central axis of the mine. The warhead is initiated either centrally or from either end, depending on the type of target being attacked.

Abstract: A shotgun adapter is provided for firing a shotgun cartridge having a shotgun bore which is larger than the cartridge. The adapter is a generally hollow tubular member having a cylindrical tapered outer wall and an inner wall concentric with the outer wall, with the inner wall being uniquely tapered to specified degrees depending on the shell gauge to be used.

Abstract: A roller coaster ride comprising a carriage adapted for travel along a track in a predetermined direction and a plurality of seats interconnected to and positioned exteriorly from the carriage. The seats are capable of 360 degree rotation about a longitudinal axis which extends perpendicular to the direction of travel. The seats may further be spaced apart from the carriage in a downward direction by a central arm and perpendicular to said direction of travel.

Abstract: An improved cableway system for providing a track over which a vehicle traverses is disclosed. The improved system includes a catenary cable system and a pair of track cable systems. The track cable systems are hung from the catenary cable system and support tracks over which a vehicle traverses. A plurality of hangers is employed to suspend the track cable systems from the catenary cable system. A plurality of pylons support the catenary and track cable systems. A pylon includes a base pylon, a lower saddle, and an upper saddle. The lower saddle is pivotally mounted to the base pylon and supports the track cable systems. Preferred embodiments of the lower saddle include apparatuses that dampen the application of loads to the pylon by the vehicle traversing the system. The upper saddle is supported by the base pylon and supports the catenary cable system while providing for deflection of the catenary cable system in response to forces applied to the cableway system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a re-configurable or adaptive manufacturing pallet that conforms to the shape of an object. The pallet comprises a frame that includes a matrix of displaceable object contacts points, such as a matrix of vertically displaceable fine rods or pins, that is laid over the object to form a cradle that conforms to the shape of the object; and a locking mechanism to lock the object contact points in a fixed position relative to each other in order to form a nest or cradle for holding the object in position during a manufacturing or assembly operation.

Abstract: A mechanical overload member apparatus for use with a planter apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame, cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the overload member linked within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary force on the member and, when the secondary force exceeds a threshold force, the overload member failing and thereby rendering the linkage path non-rigid.

Abstract: A watercraft has a laterally extendable deck or room extension that is extended by sliding along guides or bearings. The deck or room extension can be extended using a motor, gear pinion and rack arrangement, a hand crank arrangement, a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, or a linear motor arrangement. A keel ballast can be utilized to counterbalance the eccentric load caused by the overhanging deck or room extension.

Abstract: A marine towed array has a plurality of tow bodies of positive buoyancy each containing a marine acoustic source, such as a vibrator source. Each tow body uses a reel containing an electro-mechanical tow cable connecting the sources, whereby reeling and unreeling of the cable, controlled from a towing ship, changes the spacing of the tow bodies. One of the tow bodies at an end of the array is attachable to the towing ship.

Abstract: Spaced cambered wedges having flow diverting surfaces thereon are deployed from retracted positions within the smooth surfaced sides of a marine vessel hull undergoing water travel above a high speed, under which air ventilated cavities are established by the deployed wedges along the sides of the hull, imposing drag on the hull sides of a substantially reduced magnitude as compared to that otherwise imposed directly by the water alone.

Abstract: A protective fairing encloses the head and torso of a SCUBA diver wearing diving equipment, with clearance throughout. A viewing shell section of the fairing covering the diver head is attached to a torso covering shell section to form a hydrodynamic shape facilitating forward underwater movement by reducing drag. Such torso shell section has vent holes formed therein to prevent water displacement within the fairing by air and is provided with buoyancy distributing weights to neutralize the effect of positive buoyancy during forward movement through seawater.

Abstract: In a pointer-type instrument (1) having a pointer with a pointer shaft (5) that deflects a pointer vane (2), power is supplied to a light source (3), which is connected to the pointer for rotation in common, by a flexible, spiral film (11) provided with conductor tracks (12, 13). For this purpose, the pointer shaft (5) has an enlargement (9), which supports the film (11) and secures it against sliding off axially. As a result, the film (11) can be made particularly thin, thereby making it possible to reduce the driving torque required to deflect the pointer shaft (5).