Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly comprising at least one thrust reverser element which, during normal use in association with a jet engine, is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and is so arranged as to experience an assisting load during movement of the element from the stowed position towards the deployed position, a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, and, a double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder device for moving said element between said stowed and deployed positions, said hydraulic piston and cylinder device having a first port through which hydraulic fluid under pressure from said source is admitted to one side of said device, said one side of the device being a high pressure side during operation of the device in a thrust reverser element deploy mode, to displace said element from its stowed position, a second port through which hydraulic fluid is displaced from a low pressure side of the device during operation in said deploy mode, a return line through which hydraulic flu

Abstract: A fan thrust reverser includes an outer louver door joined to an inner blocker door by a drive link in a bifold configuration. The louver door is stowed closed in the outer skin of a fan nacelle outside the blocker door stowed closed in the inner skin of the nacelle. An actuator deploys open the louver and blocker doors, with the louver door extending radially outwardly and the blocker door extending radially inwardly for reversing fan exhaust flow during thrust reverse operation.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rocket motor includes a soft plastic tube that extends up into the combustion chamber and is coupled to an oxidizer source. Ignition source wires extend through the tube and terminate at a first end at a location which is set back from the end of the tube, and have a second end coupled to an electric power supply. In operation, an oxidizer is introduced into the tube simultaneously with activation of the power supply. The set back portion of the plastic tube becomes fuel for the oxidizer and is consumed, introducing a fire plume into the combustion chamber. The tube introduces additional fuel distinct from the fuel grain or propellant which is in contact with the both the ignition source wires and oxidizer. In addition, the tube will not damage the nozzle as it is being blown of the rocket during the main propulsion phase.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises an elongated, preferably tubular outer housing (10), at least one combustion chamber (26, 28) provided therein and filled with a solid propellant (30; 30′), and at least one igniter unit (16, 18) generating ignition gas for igniting the solid propellant (30; 30′). The igniter unit (16, 18) is arranged laterally and externally on the outer housing (10) in such a way and, in relation to the outer housing (10), a preferably radial ignition transfer opening (50, 58) is provided in the outer housing so that ignition gas generated in the igniter unit (16, 18) flows into the interior of the outer housing (10) via the ignition transfer openings (50, 58).

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust mixer (50) including a passage (54) extending from an inlet (56) to an outlet (58) that is coincident with a centerline axis of mixer (50). Several ridges (68) are circumferentially disposed about the axis and each flare away from the centerline axis relative to a direction along the centerline axis from inlet (56) toward outlet (58). Ridges (68) each define a corresponding one of several inner channels (74) radially disposed about passage (54) that each intersect passage (54) between inlet (56) and outlet (58). Several outer channels (84) are also radially disposed about passage (54) and are each positioned between a corresponding pair of inner channels (74). Ridges are each shaped to turn inner channels (74 and outer channels (84) about the axis as ridges (68) extend along the indicated direction. Inner channels (74) diverge away from the axis and one another in this direction while outer channels (84) converge toward the axis and one another in this direction.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaust emission control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which comprises a cylinder suspend operation control section that provides control to suspend combustion of suspended cylinders selected from among a plurality of cylinders according to an operating state of the internal combustion engine, a first exhaust passage connected to the suspended cylinders, a second exhaust passage connected to operating cylinders other than the suspended cylinders, a second exhaust purifying catalyst disposed in the second exhaust passage, and a first exhaust purifying catalyst disposed in the first exhaust passage and having a higher capability to purify exhaust gas than the second exhaust purifying catalyst. It is therefore possible to prevent deterioration of exhaust gas even in the case where cylinders are partially suspended.

Abstract: A hydraulic driving unit is provided with a directional control valve 23 and directional control valve 24 for controlling a boom cylinder 6 and arm cylinder 7, both of which are driven by pressure oil delivered from a main hydraulic pump, respectively, a boom control device 25 for selectively controlling the directional control valve 23 and an arm control device 26 for selectively controlling the directional control valve 24, and is mounted on a hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: A compact construction vehicle includes a pump drive system including an engine having a flywheel. A first pump assembly is coupled directly to the flywheel such that a rotation rate of the first pump assembly is the same as a rotation rate of the flywheel. A power transfer system is coupled directly to the flywheel and provides a rotation rate which is different than the rotation rate of the flywheel. A second pump assembly is coupled to the power transfer system such that a rotation rate of the second pump assembly is the same as the rotation rate of the power transfer system. One of the first and second pump assemblies provides power for travel of the compact construction vehicle, while the other of the first and second pump assemblies provides power for a work group of the compact construction vehicle.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator comprising a body (1) connected through an arm (5) with an activating member (15), the body (1) being arranged for rotation around a pivot (2) and connected to a first wire (9) and a second wire (10) of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol and to a biasing means such as a tension spring (6) such that heating and therefore shortening of the wire (10) rotates the body (1) counter-clockwise such that the tension spring (6) is in its cocked position while heating (shortening) of the wire (9) and cooling (lengthening) of the wire (10) to the position shown in 10a rotates the body (1) clockwise past a balance point for the tension spring (16) whereafter the body (1) rotates further clockwise under the influence of the tension spring (6), thereby exerting a relatively powerful actuation of the activating member (15), the whole cyclus being repeated by heating wire (10) causing it to shorten and rotate the body (1) counter-clockwise until the spring (6) is cocked again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit, comprising an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft; an exhaust line; an exhaust gas turbine which is acted on by the exhaust gas line, which is arranged downstream of the internal combustion engine and has the purpose of transmitting a positive torque to the crankshaft in the traction mode; a hydrodynamic unit which is arranged downstream of the exhaust gas turbine and has two turbine blades which form a torus-shaped working chamber; the hydrodynamic unit has a drive connection to the drive train; and a parking brake is provided for securing the primary turbine wheel of the exhaust gas turbine.

Abstract: A transformer (57) using exhaust gas heat as a heat source is provided at a fuel supply system (5) of a gas engine (1), wherein the transformer (57) causes a transformational reaction (H2+CO2→CO+H2O) between hydrogen and carbon dioxide, thus changing the composition of the fuel, and this fuel with a changed composition is supplied to a combustion chamber. Furthermore, water vapor is produced by an exhaust heat boiler (52) using exhaust gas heat as a heat source, and this water vapor is supplied to a fuel supply system. Further still, a hydrogen separating device (56) is provided that separates and extracts hydrogen from a fuel, and the fuel is supplied to a combustion chamber after hydrogen is separated and extracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heat-producing plant having a chamber (2) for burning chlorine-containing fuels and a channel (3) connected with said chamber, in which a plurality of consecutive heat-transferring devices (5, 5′, 5″) are located, which can heated by hot flue gas which flows through the channel in the direction from the combustion chamber (2) towards an outlet (4). The flue gas is conditioned by addition of a sulphur-containing additive that is injected into the flue gas downstream a combustion zone and upstream that heat-transferring device (5) being the first to be hit by the flue gas. By means of the additive, alkaline chlorides in the flue gas is sulphated, with the aim of reducing chlorine-induced corrosion of the heat-transferring devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust heat recovery system that recovers exhaust heat that is generated by an electrical power generator for use in supplying hot water and air conditioning, and has as an object of providing an exhaust heat recovery system that realizes reduced costs and has a high energy efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system provides a heat exchanger HEX1 for exhaust heat recovery that heats heating medium by heat exchange between exhaust gas generated at the power generator and heating medium that is circulated and used in a predetermined facility. In addition, the exhaust heat recovery system comprises a tank 13 that temporarily stores the heating medium, and an open-air pipe 41 that releases the contents of the tank13.

Abstract: Method of Cogeneration of Heat and Power where Electricity Generating Device(s)—EGD—exhaust gases are used as oxidiser in high temperature heat needs. This invention concerns a new method of applying cogeneration of heat and power in cases where generation of high temperature—up to 1500° C. or more—heat is needed locally in multiple positions. This method is characterised by the use of the EGD—Electricity Generating Device—exhaust gases—e.g. the exhaust gases of a turbine set—as oxidiser for the combustion of additional fuel in the kilns and the furnaces of high temperature industries—e.g. ceramics, heavy clay, glass, steel/metal, cement industry etc.—after exhaust gases have been increased their temperature in a heat exchanging process by cooling the processed material or the exhaust gases produced in the kiln or the furnace, eliminating the air which is usually used as oxidiser medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with an electronic heat pump including a plurality of narrow channels defined between adjacent walls. The channel heights are between 0 mm and 10 m to ensure thermal resistance is below 0.1° C./W for a 40 mm heat exchange width. The acceptable geometry for the channels is described by one or more variables, including the minimum number of channels and the minimum wall thickness for a given channel width. These variables control the surface area of the boundary of the channels in direct contact with the fluid and the cross-sectional area available for transmission of heat by conduction up the walls of the channels.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled storage system has a compartment with a front wall containing a first heat exchanger, a heat pump for transferring heat to or removing heat from the first heat exchanger and a removable, portable container nested in the compartment such that a second heat exchanger provided in a front wall of the container is in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger. By controlling the operation of the heat pump, the insides of the container can be cooled or heated as desired.

Abstract: A pressure control device of a cargo tank (1) for supplying the BOG of the stored liquefied natural gas producing inside the cargo tank to a incineration treating system (6) through compressors so as to control a pressure in the cargo tank (1), wherein a re-liquefying device (5) is disposed on the downstream side of the first and second compressors (3, 4), i.e.

Abstract: An air conditioner control system and method uses a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The system allows a remote control operator to control a plurality of air conditioners through the PSTN by providing receiving modules connected to the air conditioners which have unique IDs assigned thereto and which all use same telephone line. In an electronic device, a control program is driven to control and monitor the air conditioners. A transmitting module connected to the electronic device converts and codes a control command signal into a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal, and transmits the DTMF signal through the PSTN to a receiving module connected to a corresponding air conditioner, so that the air conditioner can be remotely controlled.

Abstract: An electronic control for the operation of a beverage dispenser of the refrigerated ice bank type is shown. The control provides for reliable determinations of when ice production is needed and when it is not needed. A microprocessor receives information from an ice bank probe and from a temperature probe located within the ice bank. Data collected by the microprocessor from both the ice bank probe and the temperature probe is used to determine if the ice bank is either insufficient in size and should be increased or is of sufficient size such that the compressor can be turned off. A carbonator level probe is also shown and connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An automatic control system of the invention comprises a plurality of liquid chillers, a principal controller, and a plurality of secondary controllers respectively connected to the liquid chillers and the principal controller. The automatic control system stores a British Thermal Unit (BTU) table that includes a predetermined high load limit parameter and a predetermined low load limit parameter varying according to the number of liquid chillers in operation. The principal controller compares an actual load of the currently operating liquid chillers with the high and/or low load limit parameter to determine an adequate number of liquid chillers that have to be operated. By evaluating the number of liquid chillers currently operating, the principal controller then determines whether liquid chillers have to be switched on or switched off through the secondary controllers.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus 110 comprises a primary refrigerant circulating circuit which allows a primary refrigerant CW1 whose temperature is adjusted by a heat exchanger 138 to circulate through an electrode to adjust a temperature of the electrode, a secondary refrigerant circulating circuit which supplies a secondary refrigerant CW2 to the heat exchanger to adjust the temperature of the primary refrigerant, and a freezing circuit 140 which has a first heat exchanger 141 interposed in the secondary refrigerant circulating circuit and which adjust a temperature of the secondary refrigerant by a tertiary refrigerant. The temperature of the primary refrigerant is adjusted by the secondary refrigerant without adjusting the temperature using the freezing circuit. When a temperature of the primary refrigerant is set higher than that of the secondary refrigerant, the temperature of the primary refrigerant can be adjusted only by the secondary refrigerant.

Abstract: An air-conditioner is operated under one mode selected from among three modes, i.e., a cooling mode, a heating mode and an air-mixing mode. Conditioned air temperature is controlled by changing a cooling ability in the cooling mode, a heating ability in the heating mode, and a position of an air-mixing door in the air-mixing mode. When the operating mode is switched to the cooling mode or to the heating mode from another mode, the position of the air-mixing door is gradually changed to prevent an abrupt temperature drop or rise until a difference between a target temperature and an actual temperature becomes smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A controller for an expansion valve of a refrigeration system for cooling a medium is configured to include, in the generation of a control signal, a measure of the evaporation temperature (T0) of the refrigerant in an evaporator and a measure of a property of the cooled medium, preferably without influence from a measure of the superheat temperature (SH) of the refrigerant. The controller comprises a PI-element for integrating and for producing a control signal for the expansion valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, the PI-element being arranged in an inner control loop, a reference for which is produced by an outer control loop. The controller allows for fast response to disturbances and/or fast response of the medium temperature when the operating conditions of the refrigeration system are changed and/or fast response during start-up of the refrigeration system and maintains stable operation conditions with low, but positive superheating and a stable evaporation pressure.

Abstract: In an air conditioner for a hybrid vehicle, an air conditioning unit performs air-conditioning operation by electrical power supplied from a battery. When a residual charging degree of the battery becomes equal to or lower than a target degree, an electrical motor generator is driven by a vehicle engine so that the battery is charged through the electrical motor generator. Further, when a rotation speed of the engine is lower than a predetermined speed or when a power generation efficiency due to the engine is lower than a predetermined efficiency, air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioning unit is set lower, so that a consumption power of the air conditioner is restricted. Accordingly, the frequency for starting the engine only for charging the battery can be reduced.

Abstract: A first, optional second, optional third air conditioning systems employing air condensers and/or water condensers, coupled to a water source are disclosed. The water source includes a water to air heat exchanger, which is not coupled to nor provides cooling to either a habitable interior space or an attic.

Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having an exterior and an interior, the interior comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a back area and a front viewing area at least partially defining a display space. A cooling element cools air within the display space. A first air outlet on the display case guides the cool air across the front viewing area along a first path. A second air outlet on the display case guides warm air across the viewing area along a second path wherein the second air outlet comprises an opening from the exterior to the interior of the display case. An air mover communicates with the cooling element directing air to the first air outlet.

Abstract: A process and the required apparatus for air conditioning the interior of a structure located within a harsh desert like exterior environment. The air conditioning system is particularly effective at times when the exterior temperature is in excess of approximately 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the exterior relative humidity is less than approximately 35 to 40 percent. A tube and shell heat exchanger wherein the shell side is wet and the tube side is dry is employed to air condition the interior of the structure. In the operation of the air conditioner, a mass of distributed water, for example, a spray, is established on the wet shell side, and a flow of ambient air is passed through the wet shell side to form a resulting stream of moist air. A flow of ambient air is passed through the dry tube side and a resulting stream of dry cooled air is recovered. The streams of moist and cooled air are combined and the resulting stream of combined air is discharged into the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling at least one fluid includes separable cold plate and dispenser units. The cold plate unit includes a coolant system, a fluid system and a metallic unit. The coolant system defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion. The cold plate portion of the coolant system has a primary inlet manifold and a primary outlet manifold, and the tower portion has a secondary inlet manifold and a secondary outlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a first plurality of coolant line segments connecting the primary and secondary inlet manifolds and a second plurality of coolant line segments connecting the secondary and primary outlet manifolds. The fluid system also defines a cold plate portion and a tower portion, the portions being in heat exchange relationship with the coolant system. The metallic unit includes unitary cold plate and tower portions which respectively incorporate the cold plate and tower portions of the coolant system and fluid system.

Abstract: A hot water heater with a built in refrigerant heat recovery system is provided. A thermosyphon and coriolus force powered refrigeration heat recovery unit is integrated into the tank of a conventional gas or electric hot water heater. The heat recovery unit is placed beneath the outer skin of the hot water heater to decrease the number of exterior connections and increase the ease of installation. The use of the coriolus effect increases the flow rate and thus the efficiency of the heat transfer system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated shell system mounted in the race vehicle which holds a bottle of fluid within the shell. Another embodiment is directed to an insulated pouch mounted in the race vehicle which has a collapsible fluid bladder, a gas bladder and a gel pack within the pouch. Each embodiment has tubing which connects to a valve near the driver's mouth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a liquid delivery system for a race vehicle to provide the driver of the race vehicle with readily available cool fluids are disclosed. One embodiment is directed to an insulated bag mounted in the race vehicle having a collapsible fluid bladder and a gel pack within the bag. Tubing connects the bladder to a valve for the driver to drink from. Preferably, a pump is coupled to the tubing to move fluid through the system.

Abstract: An adjustable, removable shelving system for separating items stored in a cooler from ice or water in the cooler, including:

Abstract: The present invention is intended to remove foreign matter such as worn powder in a refrigerating cycle and enhance the reliability in a refrigerating cycle using, in particular, HFC refrigerant. In the invention, accordingly, a coil shaped connection piping is provided in at least front portion or rear portion of a throttling unit, a fine pipe is connected to a lower portion of the connection piping, and a collector for collecting foreign matter in the refrigerating cycle is coupled to this fine pipe. Foreign matter in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force, and is collected in the collector. Moreover, the foreign matter collecting effect is enhanced by disposing a magnetic piece in the collector.

Abstract: An air-conditioner includes a compressor, a radiator, an evaporator, an ejector, and a separator. The compressor compresses refrigerant and variably controls an amount of the refrigerant. The radiator cools high-pressure refrigerant. The evaporator cools air blowing into a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The ejector having a nozzle jets the refrigerant at high speed. The separator separates the refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. An opening degree of a throttle of the nozzle in the ejector becomes larger so as to increase a cooling performance of the air-conditioner when the amount of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is smaller than a maximum amount of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle has a refrigeration system with an ejector pump for ejecting fluid heated by a first heating element. The fluid is ejected at high speed to circulate the refrigerant and induce an entrainment effect. A radiator cools the refrigerant ejected from said ejector pump and an evaporator evaporates the refrigerant to generate refrigerating capacity. A first refrigerant circuit has a heat recovery circuit for exchanging heat between the first heating element and the refrigerant, ejecting the refrigerant and taking heat from the first heating element into the radiator via the heat recovery circuit with the use of the ejector pump, making the radiator dissipate the heat of the refrigerant, separating the refrigerant into gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant by a gas-liquid separator, and making the gas-phase refrigerant return to the heat recovery circuit. A second refrigerant circuit decompresses the liquid-phase refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerating or heat pump system includes an evaporator (23), a compressor (20), an air-cooled heat rejecting heat exchanger (21) and an expansion device (22) being connected in a closed circuit and operating in a trans critical vapor compression cycle. The heat rejecting heat exchanger (21) is cooled by natural upwards circulation/convention of air. In a preferred embodiment the heat rejecting exchanger (21) is built into an air flow conduit or shell (11) to improve the natural air circulation by obtaining a chimney effect.

Abstract: Multi-stage vacuum distilling, cooling, and freezing processes for solution separation and seawater desalination are implemented through multi-stage vacuum distilling, cooling, and freezing systems. The systems are set to their initial state for implementing constant temperature distilling process, drain-to-vacuum and freezing process, transferring of a specific solution, and recycling of a hot circulating solution, so as to separate the specific solution. In the multi-stage cooling process, vacuum evaporation cooling is utilized to cool the solution in order to supply the low-temperature solution needed in the multi-stage vacuum freezing process. Vapors produced in the multi-stage vacuum distilling and cooling systems provide condensation heat needed to melt ice crystals produced in the multi-stage vacuum freezing system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an installation for refrigerating gas mixtures, for cryogenic separation of a pressurised gas (1) constituents. The method comprises a refrigerating cycle wherein a fluid (13) is separated in a separator tank (B2) into a less volatile fraction (4), for producing refrigeration at a relatively high first temperature in an exchanger (E1), and into a more volatile second fraction (5) for producing refrigeration at a relatively low temperature in an exchanger (E2). The heated and expanded fractions (4, 5) are brought together then compressed in a compressor (K1). A fraction (26) derived from said compressor (K1) is cooled to supply the fraction (13).

Abstract: In a process for separation of air by cryogenic distillation integrated with an associated process, air is separated in a separation unit (1), fluid is sent from the separation unit to an associated process, steam (3) is derived from the associated process, at least part of the steam is used in the separation unit and at least one fluid stream (11) is sent from the air separation unit to the atmosphere, at least when the steam is used in the air separation unit.

Abstract: A display element has a luminescent body formed on a glass substrate, a glass cap with the rim bonded to the rim of the glass substrate, and a sealing layer of frit formed on the bonding region between the glass substrate and the glass cap. In encapsulating, the display element is placed between a pedestal an a pressing plate, and then a high-power laser beam is provided to penetrate the glass cap to focus on the sealing layer, resulting in sintering frit. Also, pressure is applied to the pedestal and the pressing plate.

Abstract: An optical-fiber-drawing method, employed during the manufacturing of an optical fiber from an optical-fiber perform, includes: a step of heating an end of the optical fiber preform to thereby melt and draw the end of the optical-fiber preform; a first spin-forming step, in which a predetermined spin is given to the optical-fiber preform in a predetermined direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which the optical-fiber preform is drawn; and, a second spin-forming step, in which the optical-fiber preform is further twisted according to a predetermined spin function.

Abstract: A double-clad optical fiber includes a core, a multimode inner cladding disposed about the core, and a second cladding layer disposed about the inner cladding. The core includes an active material for absorbing pump radiation received by the inner cladding. The multimode inner cladding includes truncated regions including a first material, where the first material has an index of refraction that is different than the material of the inner cladding that surrounds said truncated regions, for promoting the scattering of pump radiation propagating in the multimode inner cladding for increasing the absorption of the pump radiation by the active material of the core. The truncated regions can include voids that are empty or that comprise a gas. Particles can be distributed in a soot and/or voids formed in the soot, where the soot can be deposited via Outside Vapor Deposition for forming the truncated regions in an optical fiber drawn from a preform.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a fiberglass binder comprising an aqueous solution of a polycarboxy polymer, a polyol and at least 30 weight percent of a filler material, preferably clay. The clay filler material is generally present in the aqueous solution as a suspension of particles having an average size of 3 &mgr;m or less. The clay filler extended fiberglass binder of the present invention is more cost effective without significantly altering the appearance or function of the binder.

Abstract: A piston press in which hydraulic lines (32) of a hydraulic cylinder (19) move a ram plate (21) up and down with relatively large diameters, and in which use is made of a hydraulic pump (33) with a continuously adjustable delivery flow, in particular with constant output regulation, making it possible to move the ram plate (21) more quickly in the unloaded or less loaded state, by which means the operating time is shortened considerably as compared with known piston presses (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fleshing, stretching and drying leather or similar flat materials such as skins and furs. The device consists of movable lamellae which can be extended from the center outwards and which under vacuum and the cooperation of a pressing device provides a smooth, gliding heatable contact surface on which the stretched and fixed piece of leather is simultaneously dried thereby minimizing any frictional forces encountered when stretching leather in a vacuum. Moisture is evacuated through channels, raised areas, perforations in one of the lamellae thereby improving the stretching effect and uniformity of the stretched leather across its entire surface without wrinkling.

Abstract: This lockable latch with catch for use with briefcase type fireproof safes allows the user to carry the safe by its handle (briefcase style) without the lid being locked to the body. It has both a latch and a catch that can pivot or move away from their engagement positions in a plane parallel to, and within, the body of the safe. A release button pivots the latch away from its engagement position and thereby unlatches the latch. Alternatively, a locking member can be interposed so as to prevent the latch from pivoting away from its position of engagement with the catch when the safe is locked. When the locking member is engaged and the latch is thereby locked into engagement position, the ability of the catch to temporarily pivot or move out of the way of the latch still allows the safe lid to snap shut.

Abstract: To endow such a device, of the type with a bolt (1) actuated by a key (2), with a high level of tamper-proofing and security without compromising its simplicity and reliability, the device includes two bolt-guiding members (3, 4) carried by one of the two elements, and the bolt includes a key-inserting aperture (114), two guiding ramps (112, 113) cooperating with the guiding members, and a third guiding ramp (115) cooperating with the key (2) when the latter is inserted into the aperture (114), in order to selectively actuate the bolt (1) from a locking position to an unlocking position, and vice versa, by rotation of the key.

Abstract: A steering lock mechanism having an actuator communicating with a lock bolt is provided allowing for more space in the vicinity where a steering wheel is supported by an upper steering shaft. Additionally, a bolt engaging device is supported adjacent a lower end of the upper steering shaft in a position to engage a lock bolt such that any torque forces transmitted through the bolt engaging device will not cause damage to either the device or other components of the steering column. The actuator is rotated about an axis from a first position to a second position to cause the lock bolt communicating with the actuator to advance towards the lower end of the upper steering shaft from a locked position to an unlocked position, respectively.

Abstract: An electrically-operated steering lock device which is prevented from malfunctions of protrusion blocking means that blocks protrusion of a lock shaft of a solenoid or the like even if a current is passed through the protrusion blocking means during a running of the vehicle. The electrically-operated steering lock device, having a lock shaft which is movable between a protrusion position where a steering shaft is locked and a retreat position where the steering shaft is unlocked, and lock shaft moving means coupled to an electric motor and serving for moving the lock shaft, is further provided with protrusion blocking means which is electrically driven and which, when the lock shaft is placed at a retreat position, engages with an engagement portion formed in the lock shaft to block protrusion of the lock shaft, and holding means for holding the protrusion blocking means to a position where protrusion of the lock shaft is blocked.